It’s time for weekend vibes in Abu Dhabi once again
With winter settling in, slowly but surely, spending a day out and about this weekend in Abu Dhabi is a no-brainer. Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to do with friends, step into neo-culture at BREDx or enjoy a day out with the family at Taste of Abu Dhabi, here are nine of the best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Head to BREDx 2026
For one-weekend-only, BREDx is taking over Yas Island’s Etihad Live for a festival dripped-out in neo-culture, homegrown talent, delicious food and more. The line-up features international names including Central Cee and Bryson Tiller, alongside regional and UAE talent such as Lege-Cy, Shkoon, Bu Kolthoum, Zaid Khaled, Nasser and Nadine El Roubi. Nooriyah and AYA System also join the programme, with hip-hop, R&B and electronic music across the festival.
When: November 13 and 14
Where: Etihad Live, Abu Dhabi
Price: From Dhs195, tickets here
Eat your way through Taste of Abu Dhabi
Taste of Abu Dhabi is back for another weekend of food, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly entertainment. The three-day festival brings together restaurants, food brands and celebrity chefs, with visitors able to sample dishes, take part in cooking classes and explore new restaurant concepts ahead of their Abu Dhabi openings. Expect plenty of food-focused activities, entertainment and opportunities to discover something new across the festival grounds.
When: November 13 to 15
Where: Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: From Dhs80 per day, tickets here
Take a tour of Hans Zimmer’s most iconic soundtracks live
Film music fans have a date with Hans Zimmer this weekend. The multiple Oscar and Grammy Award-winning composer brings his The Next Level show to Abu Dhabi, featuring music from some of cinema’s most recognisable films. Expect scores from Dune, Interstellar, The Lion King, F1 The Movie and The Dark Knight, accompanied by immersive visuals and a live musical performance.
When: November 13
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Price: From Dhs245. Tickets via Etihad Arena.
Test out your Harry Potter knowledge at DNA Board Games Café
Potterheads, it’s time to put your Hogwarts knowledge to the test. DNA Board Games Cafe is hosting the third instalment of its Harry Potter Trivia Night, with questions inspired by Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Gather your fellow fans and see who knows their magic best. Each ticket includes one drink.
When: November 14, 8pm
Where: Eat Play DNA, Abu Dhabi
Price: Dhs60 per person, including one drink. Advance booking required. Call 054 339 4595 to book
Get creative at 421’s Public Studio
Spend your Saturday exploring different art forms at The Public Studio. Try natural dyeing, photograph embroidery, collage, linoleum printing and image transfers onto found materials. There’s also an outdoor Quiet Art Corner for drawing and painting. No previous experience is needed, and lunch is provided.
When: November 14, 11am to 2pm
Where: 421, MiZA, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free entry. Registration required, here.
Visit the Guggenheim pop-up at Yas Mall
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is bringing a three-day pop-up programme to Yas Mall, centred on artist El Anatsui and his work Earth’s Skin (2009). The programme includes conversations exploring the artist’s life and practice, a hands-on workshop inspired by his use of everyday materials, and an interactive quiz. On November 14, visitors can join visual artist Ameena Imran for Weaving the Everyday, creating linked metal compositions using recycled aluminium bottle caps.
When: November 13 to 15
Where: Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free
Try somewhere new to eat in Abu Dhabi
Fancy switching up your usual dinner plans? Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has welcomed a fresh selection of restaurants and cafés worth adding to your list. From new croissant spots to elegant Italian restaurants, there are plenty of places to discover across the capital. Whether you’re planning a leisurely breakfast, a coffee catch-up or dinner somewhere different, these eight new openings are worth checking out. Check out what to order at the new spots here.
Explore Art Here 2026 at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s annual contemporary art exhibition returns for its sixth edition, this year exploring the connections between India and the Gulf. Titled Confluences, the exhibition brings together six newly commissioned works by artists from India and the GCC.
When: November 11, 2026 to February 28, 2027
Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Price: Dhs70
See Sculpture, Form & Memory at MiZa
An exhibition dedicated to Egyptian modernist sculptor Mahmoud Moussa arrives in Abu Dhabi this week. Curated by Maha Al Mansoori, Sculpture, Form & Memory brings more than 10 works by the late artist to Region Concept Space at MiZa. The exhibition explores the relationship between material, memory and expression, offering visitors an opportunity to discover the work of an important figure in Arab modernist sculpture.
When: November 11 to 15, 10am to 10pm
Where: Region Concept Space, MiZa, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free entry
