It’s (almost) a brand new month in Abu Dhabi and there are some cool things to do in the capital. We’ve rounded them all up so you can make the most of it. It might be the shortest month of the year, but there’s no shortage of fun events and activities.
So, what are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in February? From Lunar New Year celebrations to international art exhibitions, you’re going to have your fill of culture this month. February is also the month of love so there are plenty of Valentine’s Day events to take your sweetheart to. And there are sporty things to do and brilliant dishes to eat, as per usual in Abu Dhabi.
February 1
Check out this new Thai spot downtown
San Thai Diner is is open from noon to midnight daily and does free home delivery when you order over the phone. It’s located on Hamdan Street, next to Mister Baker, and is a cozy spot for authentic Thai dishes. Yum.
Click here to find out more about the opening.
Open daily, noon-midnight. Tourist Club Area (02 622 1620).
See the new exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Ready to see some cool history? Oui, oui. The Versailles and the World exhibition is opening at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and will go until Saturday June 4. The exhibition tells the story of Versailles and the French royal court.
To find out more about the exhibition click here
Wed Jan 26-Sun June 4, Saadiyat Island.louvreabudhabi.ae.
February 3
Attend a session at the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
Every year we look forward to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, which brings incredible authors, artists and creators from around the world for the biggest celebration of stories in the Middle East. The festival goes from Thursday February 3 to Saturday February 12 in Al Habtoor City. Don’t feel like making the trip to Dubai? You can also get the digital pass.
Click here to find out how to attend the festival virtually.
Thu Feb 3- Sun Feb 13. Al Habtoor City emirateslitfest.com.
See a comedy show in Abu Dhabi with Laughter Factory
If you’re in need of a laugh, this show promises to make you giggle. The Laughter Factory is hosting a performance by UK comedy troupe: The Noise Next Door in Abu Dhabi on Thursday February 3. Tickets are Dhs160 and the show is strictly for those 18 and older.
To find out more about the event click here
Dhs160. Thu Feb 3, 8.30pm. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park. thelaughterfactory.com.
February 4
Check out contemporary art at the RAK Fine Arts Festival
The Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival (RAKFAF) is a celebration of contemporary art in the UAE. The festival is taking place from Friday February 4 to Thursday March 31 and it’s bringing 150 artists from 45 countries to the emirate. The festival is located at Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village home, and is a large-scale outdoor exhibition.
Find out more about the event here.
Fri Feb 4-Thu Mar 31. rakfinearts.ae.
February 5
Lunar New Year Saturday Brunch at Nahaam
Rock up to Nahaam on Saturday February 5 to celebrate Lunar New Year with a themed Saturday brunch. The venue will be transformed with Chinese-themed décor and there will be live entertainment.
For all the latest about brunch in Abu Dhabi, click here
Dhs370 (soft), Dhs495 (house), Dhs625 (premium grape), Dhs695 (bubbles). Sat Feb 5 12.30pm-4pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
February 7
Eat and shop at this new spot: The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse Restaurant is open now at Yas Bay Waterfront, and this cool concept is so much more than a restaurant. It’s is a versatile space is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it doubles as a boutique shopping spot.
Click here to find out about the The Lighthouse coming to the capital.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat-Sun 8am-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 236 7831).
February 11
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with this CrazyShake at Black Tap
Want to share a shake with your sweetheart this Valentine’s Day? The red velvet cake batter shake features a vanilla frosted rim with red and white sprinkles, a slice of red velvet cake from Magnolia Bakery placed on top along with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle on top. Dreamy.
For all the best places to eat at Mamsha, click here.
Dhs62. Fri Feb 11-Mon Feb14. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 446 5128).
Dance at Desert Groove in Ras Al Khaimah
Groove on the Grass is returning to the UAE with a new name and a new location in a new emirate. The dance festival is now called Desert Groove and is being held at Dunes Resort in Ras Al Khaimah instead of its usual location in Dubai. The festival goes from Friday February 11 to Sunday February 13, and the music is on from 4pm to 4am.
Get all of the details on Desert Groove here
Fri Feb 11- Sun Feb 13. Dunes Resort, Ras Al Khaimah @grooveonthegrass.
February 12
Lindt Brunch for Valentine’s Day
Love chocolate? (We know the answer.) Nahaam is bringing together a feast with Lindt chocolates, international dishes and free-flowing bevvies. What better way to say “I love you”? Kids can join the chocolate-making classes.
For a viral chocolate dish to try in Abu Dhabi click here
Dhs370 (soft), Dhs495 (house), Dhs625 (premium grape), Dhs695 (bubbles). Feb 12, 12.30pm-4pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
February 13
Eat your way through Lunar New Year at Hakkasan
Hungry for something lush this Lunar New Year? Hakkasan Abu Dhabi is celebrating the Year of the Tiger with a special set menu and a tiger-inspired mixed drink from Friday January 31 to Sunday February 13 from 6pm to 11.30pm. The menu is Dhs488 per person with a minimum of two guests.
Click here to find out more about Hakkasan’s special Chinese New Year menu.
Dhs488. Mon Jan 31-Sun Feb 13, 6pm-11.30pm. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Corniche hakkasan@emiratespalace.ae (02 690 7739).
Valentine’s set menu at VaKaVa
Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Latin American flavours from VaKaVa. The trendy restaurant is serving up a special four-course sharing menu on Sunday February 13 from 7pm onwards for Dhs380 per person. Yum.
For romantic date night ideas in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs380. Thu Feb 13, 7pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666).
February 15
Go back to the ’90s with this exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat
If you love arts, culture, all things ’90s and UAE history, you’re likely going to be into the upcoming exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Zemanna is a multi-room exhibition that explores life in the UAE.
Find out more about the immersive exhibition here.
Dhs45. Mon Jan 17-Mon June 13. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/theater/14517/zemanna?ref=list.
February 16
Taste the new vegan menu at Brunch & Cake
Impossible burgers, vegan poke bowls, impossible Bolognese … should we go on? Whether you’re a full-fledged vegan, veggie, or just want to cut back on your meat consumption, Brunch & Cake should have you covered with its all-new vegan menu.
To read Time Out’s review of Brunch & Cake click here
From Wed Jan 26. brunchandcake.com/en/
February 17
Zip line across this new wave pool downtown
This latest opening is making a splash. Now you can climb, zip and swim at Adventure Park, featuring the only wave pool and lazy river in downtown Abu Dhabi, plus a zip-line and climbing park.
To read more about the opening click here.
Dhs50 (zip-line or ropes course), Dhs75 (both). Daily, 10am-6pm. West Bay Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 692 4375).
For the very latest on all of the things happened in Abu Dhabi, click here.
