7 brilliant winter festivals coming back to Abu Dhabi
Winter in Abu Dhabi is just around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited for the return of these 7 festivals.
Being out and about in Abu Dhabi for the winter is one of the best ways to enjoy the city. From delicious food to live music and tons of fun activations and activities, these are when the 7 outdoor festivals we’re most excited for are making their comeback.
*Join the What’s On Lock-In at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi for a weekend of family fun on October 3 and 4*
Liwa International Festival
Expect desert adventures, motorsports, heritage experiences and family entertainment. This desert winter festival is one of the highlights of the year in Abu Dhabi. From some of the coolest cars scaling mountain-high dunes to hundreds of food activations, this month-long festival is one you have to add to your bucket list.
When: December 11 to January 3, 2027
Where: Tal Moreeb, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
For the culture-lovers, look out for Abu Dhabi Festival
Abu Dhabi Festival is returning this autumn with a packed programme of music, dance, opera and cultural performances, bringing some major international names to the capital alongside Emirati artists.
The 23rd edition begins on October 10 and runs through December 19, with performances taking place at venues including Etihad Arena, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Cultural Foundation and Zayed National Museum.
Opening by UAE National Orchestra
When: October 10, 2026
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: From Dhs225
Get lost in urban youth culture at BREDx
BRED Abu Dhabi has unveiled a two-day BREDx festival on November 13 and 14, with Central Cee and Bryson Tiller headlining. The neo-cultural experience will celebrate art, music, sports, fashion, and community collaboration in a high-energy cultural drop. Kicking off on November 13 with an opening party the event will then see two major global artists take the stage on November 14.
When: November 13 and 14
Where: BREDx at Etihad Live Abu Dhabi
Price: Tickets for BREDx are now on sale, with prices starting at Dhs195.
Have the tastiest time of your life at Taste of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s tastiest food festival returns on November 13–15 2026. Start prepping your appetites now, as the weekend-long festival offers the city’s foodies unforgettable meals, celebrity-led cooking classes, and access to exclusive ingredients from around the world.
When: Friday – Sunday, November 13–15 2026
Where: Gateway Park North, Yas Island
Price: Early bird tickets on sale now at Dhs60 | Kids under 12 go free
Contact: @tasteofabudhabifestival
A world of wonder at M.O.T.N
M.O.T.N, the city’s favourite playground ends with weekend. There are rides, games, workshops, live shows and a food line-up that makes decision-making very hard. Take the family, your appetite and comfy shoes.
Dates: Al Dhafra: November 28 to December 2 | Al Ain: November 28 to December 2 | Abu Dhabi: December 9 to January 3 2027
Price: Tickets from Dhs35 (as per last year’s ticketing)
Explore Miami Vibes District
Miami Vibes brings colour, flavour and a whole lot of fun to Umm Al Emarat Park. Think playful pop ups, photo friendly corners and a food line up worth arriving hungry for. It is buzzy, vibrant and very Instagrammable.
Where: Umm Al Emarat Park
Opening: October 16, 4pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs15 for adults, Dhs10 for kids, plus Dhs10 park entry (prices as per last year’s ticketing)
Contact: @miamivibes.ae
True Abu Dhabi energy at Zayed Festival
If Abu Dhabi knows how to do one thing, it’s scale. Sheikh Zayed Festival is back and it’s unapologetically massive. We’re talking thousands of performances, global cultural showcases, fireworks, drone shows and enough food stalls to require a strategy. You don’t rush this one. You wander, snack, watch and repeat.
Opening: October 30
Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Cost: Dhs10 (As per last year’s ticket pricing)
Contact: 800 555
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