9 amazing things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi: Sept 25 to 27
Abu Dhabi has a lot going on this weekend, here’s 9 of our top recommendations.
This weekend is packed with amazingly fun things to do in Abu Dhabi. From new cultural experiences to art workshops by the Guggenheim and beautiful dinner experiences, here’s everything that needs to be on your radar for the weekend.
*Join the What’s On Lock-In at Intercontinental Abu Dhabi for a weekend of family fun on October 3 and 4*
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at Shangri-La
Head to Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri on September 25 for an evening celebrating the traditions of China’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Expect festive food at Shang Palace, a Gongfu Tea Ceremony, Bian Lian face-changing performances and traditional fan dances. The evening ends with a lantern-release ceremony by the infinity pool, making for a particularly atmospheric way to mark the harvest moon.
With two dining options: a dim sum lunch from noon to 3pm, or a special Mid-Autumn dinner from 6pm to 11pm – Shang Palace has a brilliant new way to enjoying Chinese culture through a meal. Shangri-La is also hosting a lantern release from 8pm to 9pm.
When: Friday, September 25 | 12pm to 11pm
Where: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Price: From Dhs168 for the dim sum lunch; dinner from Dhs278; lantern release included for dining guests
Contact: Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
Bring the kids to make their own optical illusion art
Give your little artist something different to work on at this hands-on workshop at Milestone Cafe. Designed for children aged seven to 13, the two-hour session explores shapes, colour, perception and optical illusions, with all art materials provided. There’s even a doughnut included to fuel their creativity.
When: Sunday, September 27 | 11am to 1pm
Where: Milestone Cafe, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dhs99
Contact: @artandpause_uae
Try a breakfast sandwich at The B Club
If a slow morning is more your speed, make your way to The B Club. The intimate café pairs contemporary artwork and plenty of greenery with a carefully considered drinks menu, including matcha sourced through an exclusive regional partnership with a small farm in Kyoto. Grab a breakfast sandwich and a coffee, then settle in for an unhurried start to the weekend.
When: Saturday, September 26 | From 7.30am
Where: The B Club, Abu Dhabi
Price: From Dhs42
Contact: @thebclubad
Spend an evening dancing at Yas Waterworld’s Kabayan Night
Yas Waterworld is bringing back Kabayan Night on September 27, with Filipino singer-songwriter Dionela headlining an evening of live music and entertainment. Alongside singers and DJs, expect a street-dance parade, roaming performers, themed photo opportunities and Filipino street food.
Your ticket also gets you access to the waterpark’s 70-plus rides, slides and experiences, including the new Lost City expansion. There’s free transport on selected routes across the UAE, too.
When: Sunday, September 27 | 4.30pm to 10pm
Where: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
Price: From Dhs125
Connect with Abu Dhabi’s community at Jalsa
Jalsa brings together emerging Abu Dhabi talent for an evening of live performances, spoken word and contemporary culture. The community-focused artist collective, co-founded by Hamad Alshamsi, Abdullah Alshamsi and Preston D’Costa, offers a platform for local talent and creative voices.
When: Saturday, September 27 | 6pm
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free | Limited registration, first come first served
Contact: @harmonyabudhabi
Visit the RUKN pop-up at Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace
One of the UAE’s favourite coffee houses has collaborated with Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace for a limited-edition pop up opening on Friday, 25 September. Expect rare tea pours, Arabic coffee, and signature infusions alongside traditional Arabic breakfast items and curated sweets. The concept’s theme ‘Woven Council’ blends travel and Emirati heritage in a stunning activation.
When: September 25 – October 30
Where: Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace
Contact: @houseofrukn | @mo_emiratespalace
Ease into the weekend with a Mediterranean feast
Villa Sélène’s new Friday night concept, Oumsia, is all about sharing plates, candlelight and views across the Arabian Gulf and Yas Links Golf Club. The unlimited Mediterranean menu features dishes including fig carpaccio, stracciatella with confit heirloom tomatoes, crispy halloumi fries, tagliata di manzo and cardamom tiramisu, accompanied by live piano.
When: Every Friday | 6pm to 9pm
Where: Villa Sélène, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dhs240 per person; Dhs390 for two; Dhs960 for five, with the fifth guest dining complimentary
Contact: 054 990 4246
Make an afternoon of it at Isabel Mayfair
Afternoon tea gets a Mayfair-style makeover at Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi. The experience for two comes loaded with sweet treats including lemon meringue tartlets, Paris-Brest, pistachio madeleines, macarons and candy rolls. Each guest can also pick one coffee, tea or signature mocktail. It’s a suitably indulgent excuse to catch up over a few hours.
When: Daily | 3pm to 6pm, with the last reservation at 5.30pm
Where: Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi, The Galleria
Price: Dhs200 per set for two
Contact: 02 562 0045 | @isabelabudhabi
Add your voice to a growing Abu Dhabi archive
What would you say if a phone booth asked you a question about your life in Abu Dhabi? That’s the premise behind Network of Answers, an interactive artwork by Agatha Gothe-Snape, a Guggenheim Abu Dhabi-commissioned artist. Visitors can respond to a series of questions, with their reflections helping create a collective archive of voices and memories from the city. No registration is required.
When: September 25–27, 2pm to 7pm
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free, no registration required
