It’s almost October in Abu Dhabi, which means the summer is cooling off but our thirst for fun things to do is nowhere near finished. If you’re looking for incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this October, look no further than this list.

We’ve got unmissable gigs and concerts happening in October 2022, top new restaurants you need to try, sporting activities and all the nights out you could ask for.

October in Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be one of the best months yet.

Looking to eat out? Head here for all the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

For the very best bars and lounges to check out, click here.

Love to keep active? Jog over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.

Don’t forget about the arts either. Click here for the best of Abu Dhabi culture.

Ready for a new month in the capital? Let’s dive in to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October.

October 1

Brunch at Shang Palace

Looking for one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October? The Sichuan Brunch at Shang Palace will be arriving at Shangri-La soon, and will be showcasing bold authentic flavours from the Chinese province. With a menu designed by Chef Qiguo Su, you can expect a Peking duck station and a range of steamed, pan-fried and deep-fried dishes with a hot and spicy Sichuan twist.
Dhs198 (soft), Dhs298 (house spirits, grape and hop package). Sun 12pm-3pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, shangri-la.com (02 509 8555).

Oktoberfest at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Until October 9, you can get a range of German snacks on the Dolphin Lawn at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Head there from Sunday to Thursday between 4pm and 11pm or Friday and Saturday from noon to 11pm and you can enjoy a German snack with draught German hops. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Abu Dhabi this October.
Click here for the best golf clubs in Abu Dhabi.
Until Oct 9. Sun-Thu, 4pm-11pm. Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island (02 499 8100).

Pinktober at UVA Wine Bar & Lounge

October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, and there are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi this October to support the worthy cause. At UVA Wine Bar & Lounge there will be a pink-themed drinks menu, and all profits will be donated to local breast cancer charities.
Prices vary. Oct 1-Oct 31. 4pm-8pm. Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City, marriottalforsanlife.com (02 201 4131).

8th Hour at W Abu Dhabi

Had a hard month? We get it. Luckily, the W Abu Dhabi is launching a brand new night for the season for those who want to kick back and relax, and it’s one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. Head over to WET Deck from Sunday to Monday for a relaxing evening to ogle over the best views of Yas Marina Circuit from 5pm to 11pm.
From Dhs25 for select beverages. Sun-Fri 5pm-11pm. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. wabudhabidining.com (02 656 0000).

Afrodaze at W Abu Dhabi

Big fan of Afrobeats? One of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October is dance. Join DJ Flippside at W Abu Dhabi’s WET Deck every Saturday from 9pm to 1am. Ladies benefit from four hours of free flow for Dhs199 and gents for Dhs129. Dance the night away to all the freshest Afrobeats against the picturesque view of Yas Island.
Dhs199 (ladies), Dhs129 (gents). Every Sat, 9pm-1am. W Lounge, W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island. wabudhabidining.com (02 656 0000).

Taste of the Caribbean Yacht Party

Now in its second instalment, Taste of the Caribbean is back with a celebration of Trinidad as the island turned 60 this year. This is poised to be one of the most fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. In collaboration with Jamaican restaurant Kingston 21 and Pepperpot Pals and sets from DJ Lennox, J R The Superstar and DJ LPN, this boat party promises to be lit.
Dhs280 (early bird). Dhs350 (regular). Sat Oct 1. 9pm. Marina Mall, Corniche. kingston21.ae (02 546 8500).

Pilates at Bodytree Studio

Want a physique that will make even Lori Harvey jealous? This is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. Bodytree studio offers dance, yoga, and fitness classes that will sure whip you into shape. Pilates is a great way to build your core, increase strength and improve overall health. There are also private classes available.
Bodytree Studio, Khalidiyah, bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).

Yoga at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

From October 1, Bodytree fitness studio is hosting its Immersive Flow Sessions Under The Dome yoga sessions to help calm the mind and find inner peace in one of the capital’s most serene locations. Through yoga, sound healing, Pranayama and meditation, you’ll be able to find inner peace in these sessions. Each class costs Dhs100, and your ticket also gives you access to the galleries and exhibitions too. What a perfect way to spend a day, right?
Dhs100. Louvre Abu Dhabi, bodytreestudio.com (02 443 4448).

October 5

Take a masterclass with Ravi Coltrane

Into your jazz? Then you won’t want to a miss this masterclass with famous saxophonist John Coltrane’s son, Ravi. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. A talented Grammy-nominated musician in his own right, Ravi arrives in Abu Dhabi to provide a masterclass in the structures of modern and contemporary jazz for budding musicians in the capital.
Free. Wed Oct 5. 6.30pm-9pm. The Arts Centre NYU Abu Dhabi. nyuad-artscenter.org.

October 6

NBA at Etihad Arena

This month sees two pre-season NBA games to Abu Dhabi on October 6 and October 8, marking the first ever NBA games in the UAE. Head to the Etihad Arena to watch the Atlanta Hawks go head-to-head with the Milwaukee Bucks. Tickets are still on sale and start from Dhs205. This is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October.
From Dhs205. Oct 6-8. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae (02 496 8000).

Go watch Bandit at the cinema

This is based on the true story of “The Flying Bandit” who successfully got away with 59 bank and jewellery heists. Robert Whiteman (played by Josh Duhamel), a career criminal, escapes from prison and crosses the border into Canada where she assumes a new identity. Love twists and turns, and lots of action? Head to the cinema. That’s one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October.
Rated 18+. Vox Cinemas.

October 8

Check out Abu Dhabi Culinary Season

Are you a foodie? Then you’ll love the return of Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Season. This month sees all of the capital’s café’s and restaurants, featuring a diverse schedule of culinary experiences, range of cuisines, styles and price points. This is poised to be one of the most delicious things to do in Abu Dhabi this October.
inabudhabi.ae

October 12

Disney on Ice at Etihad Arena

Gather up the gang and grab your mouse ears, because Disney on Ice Abu Dhabi is returning to Etihad Arena. The show will run between Wednesday October 12 to Sunday October 16. Ticket prices start from Dhs84 for bronze tickets, and up to Dhs1,050 for royal seats… if you’re fancy.
From Dhs84. Wed Oct 12-Sun Oct 16. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, DisneyOnIceME.com.

Watch Halloween Ends at the cinema

For spooky season, what’s better than dressing up in costume and going to watch a scary film at the cinema? The story follows Laurie, who is living with her granddaughter Allyson, who is finishing writing her memoir. Four years after the events of Halloween Kills, Michael Myers hasn’t been seen since…until now.
Rated 18+. Vox Cinemas.

October 20

Watch blockbuster Black Adam at the cinema

Looking for more things to do in Abu Dhabi this October? Head to the cinemas and watch Black Adam. Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods – and imprisoned just as quickly – Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.
Rated 18+. Vox Cinemas.

October 22

UFC 280 Oliveira vs Makhachev fight at Etihad Arena

Fan of mixed martial arts? This is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. Watch Oliveira and Makhachev battle it out for the UFC 280 title at Etihad Arena. There are loads of ticket packages available, including VIP packages, plus package ranks from bronze (Dhs395) to VVIP (Dhs7,995).
From Dhs395. Sat, Oct 22. 5.30pm onwards. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae (02 496 8000).

October 21

Oktoberfest at Appaloosa

From October 21 to October 30, head over to Marriott Al Forsan to indulge in traditional Oktoberfest a la carte menu food on weekdays. Plus, on weekends you can feast on the live BBQ station for just Dhs99 per person, and dance to the special Oktoberfest live band performing Bavarian music. Plus, there will also be a special Oktoberfest drinks menu available.
From Dhs99 per person. 7pm-midnight. Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City, marriottalforsanlife.com (02 201 4131).

October 26

Enjoy Halloween at La Terrazza

Fancy a family-fun Halloween night? This is one of the most spooky things to do in Abu Dhabi this October. Head over to La Terrazza at Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort for special Halloween-themed buffet, and face painting activities for the kids and adults for an extra Dhs69. Family fun? We think so.
Dhs149 (soft package), Dhs199 (house package), Dhs75 (kids aged 6-12). Oct 26. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche, radissonhotels.com (02 681 1900).

October 28

See Liam Gallagher, Kaiser Chiefs and Clean Bandit at Club Social

Are you excited for a superb showcase of Battle of the Bands? Head to Yas Island for a mega three-day event you won’t want to miss. Club Social returns to Abu Dhabi for its third edition, which will take place at Yas Links on Friday October 28 to Sunday October 30. Plus, for an extra Dhs25 person, you can get access to the Battle of the Bands event, showcasing emerging UAE talent. Music to our ears.
From Dhs125. Fri Oct 28-Sun Oct 30. Yas Links Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, clubsocial.ae (02 404 3000).

October 29

Halloween Brunch at Khayal

Is there anything more fun than heading out during Spooky season? Luckily, Khayal is celebrating Halloween with an exciting Spooky season themed brunch. Come dressed in your spookiest costume and participate in the best dressed competition to be in with a chance of winning a bottle of bubbly.
Dhs279 (soft), Dhs400 (house). Sat, Oct 29. 1pm-4pm. Marriott Al Forsan, Khalifa City, marriottalforsanlife.com (02 201 4131).

A.R. Rahman Live in Concert at Etihad Arena

Jai Ho! Looking for one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this October? The two-time Academy Award winner A.R Rahman will be joined by his ensemble of singers and musicians to perform songs from all his classic movies for the first time in the capital. With a blend of visual effects and state of the art technology, this promises to be a magical experience for anyone who appreciates great music and talent.
From Dhs80. Sat Oct 29. 7.30pm-10pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae (02 496 8000).

Looking for more in Abu Dhabi?

Your guide to all the brunches in Abu Dhabi
All the options across the capital.
Read more here.

Wireless Festival 2023 is finally coming to Abu Dhabi
Can you guess who could be headlining?
Read more here.

The best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi
Brats, hops, pretzels and all things Bavarian.
Read more here.