It’s a brand new week, and we’re jumping right into it with some truly fantastic things to do in Abu Dhabi this week. Are you ready? From delicious new dining experiences to the best sporting activities, the capital is bursting with fun activities to try.
Ready for this to be the best week yet?
Whether you’re looking for a brilliant brunch, spot-on dining, a fab night out or incredible activity, you’re covered with all the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
For more fab things to do in Abu Dhabi this week, click here.
Looking to have a meal on the town or sip the city’s best drinks? Here are the top places for food and drink in Abu Dhabi.
Jog over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.
Get into the arts. For everything cultural click here.
It’s nearly Diwali, and we have all the best ways to celebrate the Festival of Lights. Click here for all the best things to do for 2021 Diwali in Abu Dhabi.
That’s your week sorted. Ready for some fun?
Bring on the autumnal vibes at Montauk
Named after the luxe beach resort in New York state, this cool Al Bateen eatery has made an instant impact on the Abu Dhabi dining scene. A lot of that is down to dishes like this slow-roasted pumpkin risotto. The autumnal shades are matched with flavour of sweet paprika and gooey cheese amid the carnaroli rice. Far tastier than a jack-o’-lantern.
For more autumnal dishes to try in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs65. Opposite Al Bateen Park Plaza, Al Bateen, instagram.com/montaukabudhabi (02 546 6255).
Celebrate Halloween with this shake at Black Tap
Do you love Halloween candy? What about milkshakes? In celebration of Halloween 2021, Black Tap has launched the limited-edition Black Tap Halloween CrazyShake. It’s available at all locations, including Abu Dhabi’s Mamsha Al Saadiyat outpost until October 31. The colossal chocolate shake features candy corn, a chocolate “spiderweb” cupcake, whipped cream, orange rock candy and a orange and white twist pop. Don’t forget the vanilla frosted rim.
For more last-minute Halloween activities in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs67. Oct 24-31. Various locations including Mamsha Al Saadiyat, blacktap.com (02 446 5128).
Check out the new exhibition at Cultural Foundation
Experience Mars is a new exhibition at Cultural Foundation that’s designed to celebrate the UAE’s exploration of space. Get on your space suit because this experience is taking you out of this world. Experience Mars offers innovative methods to engage with knowledge, stimulate creativity and inspire a young generation to aspire beyond the stars. It’s an immersive experience, rich with interactive technologies and tactile adventures.
To learn more about the UAE’s mission to Mars, click here.
Until Feb 22. Cultural Foundation, Al Hisn (02 657 6348).
Cook your own BBQ at Dai Pai Dong
Looking for an al fresco dining experience to love? There’s a new outdoorsy Chinese street-style BBQ at the Dai Pai Dong terrace. There you’ll find a selection of meat, seafood and vegetables brought straight to your table, which you grill yourself. A variety of packages are available. Gluten-free or vegetarian options are also possible.
Dhs198 (food) Dhs263 (unlimited hops). Wed 6pm-11.30pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588).
Dine with lions at Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is reopening some of its most popular activities and adventures after suspending them as part of precautionary measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Activities include having dinner with the lions, watching birds of prey fly through sky, cheetah races and walks with lemurs. Check out the dinner with the lions experience, where you can get up close and personal with the king of the jungle. The experience is available daily from 9am to 8pm, and requires a prepaid booking 48 hours in advance.
Read more about the newly reopened attractions at Al Ain Zoo here.
Dhs32 (adults) Dhs10.5 (kids 3-12). Open daily, 9am-6pm. Nahyan the First street, Al Ain www.alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Go horse riding in the desert at Baniyas Equestrian Center
Whether you’re a regular rider or complete beginner, you can travel through the beautiful Abu Dhabi dunes on horseback with Baniyas Equestrian Center. There are several different types of desert ride on offer – so whatever level of rider you are, you’ll find something to suit your skills. Beginners can start off with a 30- to 45-minute dune ride, riding over sand dunes with an experienced team of instructors. If you’re more confident in the saddle, intermediate riders can go on a one-hour or 90-minute bush trail or beach ride. Experienced riders can enjoy a wildlife ride around Sir Bani Yas wildlife park, where you’ll see everything from gazelle to giraffes. You can also sign up for lessons if you want to brush up your skills.
For more places to try desert riding in the UAE click here.
Al Nahda East 13 (050 823 2900).
Have an out of this world avo toast at Brunch & Cake
Love avocado toast? Of course you do. As with every dish at Abu Dhabi’s gorgeous venue, Brunch & Cake, this is one that was designed to be photographed. The sliced avocado comes lovingly shaped like a rose, served on an English muffin with two organic poached eggs, slow-cooked tender beef and chimichurri hollandaise.
For more avocado toasts you need to try in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs79. Open daily 9am-10.30pm. Al Bateen Marina, brunchandcake.com (02 575 4880).
Kayak through the Eastern Mangroves
It’s easy to see why the Eastern Mangroves are such a popular destination for kayaking. The natural beauty of the park is clear to see even from dry land, but getting in the thick of it comes with our strong recommendation. And that’s best achieved via kayak. Get as close as you possibly can to the living ecosystem while paddling through the dense shrubbery. Guides are on hand to provide info on the local ecosystem, its significance and more.
For more water-based activities in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, seahawk.ae and noukhada.ae.
Participate in World Vegan Day at CocoAsia
Monday November 1 is World Vegan Fay, and we’re planning to celebrate the best way we know how – with dessert. Wondering where to start? Head to CocoAsia. Specialising in pan-Asian cuisine and healthy bowls, this friendly little eatery does a mean vegan coconut ice cream that is the perfect palate cleanser for its crispy tofu salads and dreamy vegetable pad Thai. Made in-house, it comes served in an authentic wooden bowl that will transport you direct to Bali.
For ten tasty vegan desserts in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Open daily 11:30am-10:30am. 3rd Street, Al Khalidiya, cocoasia.ae (02 622 5554).
Start celebrating Diwali at Punjab Grill
Making plans for Diwali 2021 in Abu Dhabi or Dubai? Punjab Grill is offering a special Diwali menu devoted to classic Indian dishes with culinary twists. The themed Diwali menu will be available for two weeks, from Wednesday October 27 to Wednesday November 10.
For more things to do for Diwali in Abu Dhabi 2021, click here.
Open daily 12.30pm-midnight. Wed Oct 27 to Wed Nov 10 (Diwali menu). The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, instagram.com/punjabgrillabudhabi (02 449 9839).
