It’s September, and you know what that means: the summer is cooling off, but our thirst for adventures in the capital is nowhere near finished. If you’re looking for incredible things to do, look no further than this list.
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.
September 1
Join the UAE arts scene at Warehouse 421
Ready to engage with some seriously cool art? The Institute for Emerging Art and Warehouse 421 are launching the Artistic Development Exhibition Programme this fall, which promises to encourage UAE-based early and mid-career artists and help build Abu Dhabi’s artistic community. You can expect to find exciting solo exhibitions, sustained dialogues with artists, and an exciting public engagement programme.
Sep 1-Jan 31. Warehouse 421, Port Zayed, warehouse421.ae.
September 2
Watch Shang-Chi Legend of the Ten Rings in Cinemas
Shang-Chi Legend of the Ten Rings is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics featuring Shang-Chi. The hero is the master of unarmed weaponry-based Kung Fu, and is forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organisation. The film is set to release to UAE cinemas on Thursday September 2 and is the first Marvel film with an east-Asian lead character.
Sep 2.
September 3
See a Disney on Ice show at Etihad Arena
It’s time for some skating fun, with Disney On Ice coming to Abu Dhabi in September. Go on an adventure with the Find Your Hero experience, which promises to be entertaining from start to finish. From voyaging unchartered territories with Moana and Maui to diving under the sea with Ariel and Sebastien, it’s time to pluck up every ounce of bravery and see this escapade at the Etihad Arena. It’s the first confirmed theatre show for Abu Dhabi in 2021, with organisers promising more announcements in the coming months. We’re on the edge of our seats.
From Dhs195. Thu Sep 2-Sat Sep 11. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae.
September 4
Go for the last Kabayan Night at Yas Waterworld
If you haven’t been yet, this is not one to be missed. Head to this world-famous waterpark for a Filipino-themed night with live bands, DJs and entertainment with five hours of after-dark access to rides, slides and attractions. Tickets start at Dhs75 with an additional Filipino themed buffet for Dhs45. You can also enjoy 30 percent off at the retail shop. Sounds like a splash.
Dhs75. Until Sep 4, 6pm-11pm. Yas Water World, Yas Island. yaswaterworld.com/en/themed-experiences/kabayan-nights (02 414 2000).
September 5
Check out stunning sand sculptures at Al Wathba
The summer heat is starting to wind down (thank goodness) which makes it a great time to get back outside. Out in the desert at Al Wathba’s fossil dunes you can explore a collection of twisting, wind-swept towers of rock. It’s a unique place, and budding photographers will love the shadows and shapes created at sunrise and sunset. Just make sure you’re careful, the structures are delicate.
Off the E30, behind Al Dhafrah Air Base, co-ordinates: 24.192078, 54.584732.
September 6
Visit the Korean Cultural Centre
Curious about Korean culture? Head to the Khalifa Park area to learn about Korea at the Korean Cultural Center. You can check out some cool exhibits and learn about a range of classes including language and cooking that take place at the centre. We’re getting Korean barbeque afterwards.
Ministries Complex, near Khalifa Park. Sun-Thu 9am-6pm. uae.korean-culture.org.
September 7
A Hint of Hope exhibition closing tomorrow at Al Qattara (Al Ain)
Fancy a trip to Al Ain to see some awesome art? Al Qattara Arts Centre is putting on a group art exhibition under the theme of happiness. Wednesday September 8 is your last chance to see the artworks, so be sure to head to Al Qattara before then. The arts centre is open from 8am to 8pm from Saturday to Thursday and is closed on Fridays.
Free. Until Sep 8. Al Qattara Arts Centre (03 711 8225).
September 8
Walk through the Cultural Foundation
Famous for its awesome art classes, the Cultural Foundation is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi and is the perfect free spot to learn more about UAE heritage. This hub has been around since its launch in 1981 and offers a diverse public programme that includes workshops, artist-guided tours, live painting, masterclasses and even live music.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-7pm, Wed 2pm-7pm. Qasr Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae (02 657 6348).
September 9
Have a pool day at Lillet Pool Bar
Soak up the sun at one of the three Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers pools or the private beach and you can enjoy a range of light bites and speciality drinks with Dhs150 redeemable food and beverage credit. Sip and graze at Lillet Pool Bar or from the comfort of your sun lounger.
Dhs160 (Sun-Thu); Dhs210 (Fri-Sat). From Sep 1. Daily, 12pm-7pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5555).
September 10
Supper club brunch at Stratos
There’s no denying, the view at Stratos is incredible. When you step inside and take in the spectacular view of downtown Abu Dhabi from 26 storeys up, you’re suddenly reminded how vibrant our great city is. The good vibes keep going with the Supper Club Brunch, which happens on Friday evenings and has enough food to make you feel like you’re going to burst. Featuring a buzzing atmosphere, jazz music, and those all-important views, you’ll never want to leave this spot.
Dhs395. Fri 6pm-midnight. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (02 695 0490).
For the full list of brunches in Abu Dhabi click here.
September 11
Scale new heights at CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Touch the sky (or get pretty darn close) at CLYMB Abu Dhabi. This activity is a physical test like few others, giving climbers the chance to see just how high they can go. There’s a huge range of walls to get familiar with, including the 43m SUMMYT, which boasts the record of being the world’s largest indoor wall of its kind. Strap in and get going — just be sure you don’t look down.
Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Break a sweat at these HIIT classes – read more here.
September 12
Try Brunch & Cake
If there’s one darling on the Instagram scene in Abu Dhabi lately, it’s Brunch & Cake in Al Bateen. Put simply, you can enter in bad form and have your mood instantly changed with uplifting colours, a comfy layout, and quirky features to make you smile (the goldfish pond is a favourite). But there’s no point having a pretty place if the food doesn’t deliver. Good news, then, that Brunch & Cake doesn’t disappoint on the plate. And that’s not just because every dish is enormous, seemingly portioned for two. Everything we’ve tried here has met the mark (or exceeded it).
Open Sun-Wed 10am-1am, Thu-Sat 10am-2am. Unlicensed. Al Bateen Marina (800 4726362).
Check out the top new restaurants in the capital here.
September 13
Break a sweat at F45
Ready for the workout of your life? It’s rare to find a full body workout that will stretch every muscle in just 45 minutes, but at F45 that’s exactly what you’ll get. This fitness sensation from Australia promises (and delivers) an intense workout to burn all your stress away. The perfect mix of HIIT and circuit training, F45 uses both cardio and resistance sessions (or a combo of the two) to build your strength and endurance. Best of all, you’ll be part of a team, meaning you’ll be spurred on by your fellow fitness seekers as well as your coach.
Prices vary. Open Sun-Wed 5.30am-8pm, Thu 5.30am-7pm, Fri 6am-11.30pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm. Zayed Sports City Main Football Stadium, Ramp 40, f45training.ae/zayedsportscity/home (056 332 3113).
Find the best sporting things to do indoors here.
September 14
Cheese & Grape night at La Cava
La Cava’s grape and cheese night is one of our favourites. Head to the cool basement venue at Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island any night between Monday and Saturday and you’ll find out why. You’ll find 15 different types of grape paired with a selection of cheeses and cold cuts served directly to your table. Enjoy two hours of unlimited grape and cheese with prices starting from Dhs209 per person or Dhs309 for premium grape, and you can also add on an additional hour for Dhs99. How much cheese can we eat? The limit does not exist…
Dhs209 (standard package — two hours), Dhs309 (premium package – two-hours), Dhs99 (per additional hour). Mon-Sat 7pm-9pm. Ongoing. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Read all about our favourite cheese and grape nights here.
September 15
Try a new night out at the pool with Cove Beach Abu Dhabi
We don’t need any excuse to check out a cool new venue this fall, though we’ll take one anyway. This trendy beach club has a daily pool day deal that’s Dhs200 for a sunbed during the week and Dhs300 on weekends, and the full amount is redeemable on food and drinks, so it’s a bargainous way to visit a new hotspot.
Sun-Thu 11am-sunset: Dhs200 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B); Fri-Sat 11am-sunset: Dhs300 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B). Ongoing. Makers District, Reem Island, covebeachabudhabi.com (056 398 7895).
September 16
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Have you been to Social?
We have to admit: this is one of the most unusually placed restaurants we’ve been to in the capital, but for some reason, it really works. And you might expect such a small and quirky place to focus more on experience than cuisine, but not so. The food is great too.
Unlicensed. Sat-Wed noon-midnight; Thu-Fri noon-1am. socialuae.com (02 309 0080).
For the full Time Out Abu Dhabi review click here.
September 17
Russell Peters
Ready to have a right bubble? Russell Peters, a darling on the Netflix comedy scene (we’re talking Almost Famous and Notorious), is making his first trip back to the UAE stage for one night in Abu Dhabi this fall. Peters is known for his witty observations on race and culture, and Rolling Stone named him as one of the best 50 comics of all time. You can expect to have more than a few giggles at this comedy gig coming to Abu Dhabi on Friday September 17.
From Dhs195. Fri Sep 17, 8.30pm. Etihad Area, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae.
September 18
Engage with some theatre at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Theatre for One: We Are Here (Nairobi Edition) is happening on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays between Wednesday September 15 and Sunday September 26. This digital theatrical experience brings together one actor and one audience member with a series of six new micro plays. Be sure to book your ticket in advance.
Free. New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island nyuad-artscenter.org (02 628 6868).
September 19
Ladies buy a glass of bubbly and get a bottle for free at Stars N Bars
The Real Housewives of Abu Dhabi? Now that’s a show we would all watch. But until that becomes a thing (we’re waiting) we’ll enjoy The Real Housewives of Abu Dhabi at Star N Bars. Every Sunday, if you buy a glass of bubbly, you get the bottle free (remember to book). This is one for the ladies.
Buy a glass of bubbly, get the bottle free. Sun 7pm-9pm. Yas Island, Yas Marina (02 565 0101).
September 20
Dine in the dark at Bab Al Qasr Hotel
Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Al Bateen has launched a dark dining experience at its restaurant Fresh Basil. The experience will go from 8pm to 10pm from Mondays to Fridays. It will set you back Dhs249 per person for a three-course set menu that can be customised to any diet. Servers will don night-vision goggles to help them navigate in the dark. Sounds like a foodie adventure.
Dhs249. Mon-Fri, 8pm-10pm. Starting Sep 15. Bab Al Qasr, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi (056 992 2078).
September 21
Have dinner at Graphos Social Kitchen
The Yas Bay development is another space we’ve had our eye on for a while when it comes to the new restaurants in Abu Dhabi, and Graphos Social Kitchen is one of the places we can’t wait to check out. Located at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, this spot is an all-day restaurant with international dishes in an East to West menu that looks as exciting as the development itself. You can go for the buffet and wander through different live cooking stations, or try the à la carte menu. Whatever you’re eating, we’re sure we’ll see you at this casual new restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island (02 208 6900).
September 22
Step into the ring at PUNCH
We think Muhammad Ali would have appreciated this flashy boxing boutique studio in Zayed Sports City. PUNCH studio lets you get your punches in with flashing lights and motivational music in a slick and stylish setting. The studio offers two classes: PUNCHHIIT, a mix of boxing with high-intensity interval training; and PUNCHARD, which is about your technique. You can also buy boxing merch.
Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30-11.30am, Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
Click here for our favourite boxing studios in Abu Dhabi.
September 23
Have a staycation at The Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Want a staycation that is bursting with super offers? Hit up The Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. You’ll get a night in a deluxe guestroom with breakfast and dinner for two guests for Dhs700 – and kids under 12 stay for free. Plump for the Dhs800 bed and breakfast junior suite, and you will get breakfast for two plus 50 percent off a second room for friends or family. Interest piqued? If you choose the bed, breakfast and brunch superior guestroom package for Dhs995, you’ll get a free brunch in Nahaam for two, free brekkie and a house beverage. The deal also includes early check-in at noon, 20 percent discount off on Conrad Spa treatments, 20 percent discount on food and beverages and private beach access with up to 30 percent discount on water sports. What are you waiting for?
Prices vary. Until Sep 30. Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5888).
September 24
VaKaVa Latin Sharing Brunch
VaKaVa went away for a little while, but its back and we’re ready for brunch. Head to Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad towers and you’ll be greeted with a colourful array of test-tube drinks before you’ve even sat down. Dishes come from acclaimed chef Richard Sandoval, so you know you’re in for a treat with this one too – as food isn’t playing second fiddle at this fun-packed Friday brunch. The vibe is upbeat (you’ll have to book in advance for this one) and the food is accompanied by more than a smile or two. If you love energetic vibes, quality food, and eating until you could burst, it’s worth making a date at this capital superstar.
Dhs295 (soft drinks) Dhs495 (house). Fri 2pm-7pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5666).
September 25
Try the Cooper’s Dining deal
Looking for some fun and good food? This popular Abu Dhabi hangout is offering visitors a combo deal of a food platter and bucket of beverages for two people for Dhs215. What a way to wind down.
From Dhs215. Sat-Thu 4pm-8pm. Ongoing. Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3325).
September 26
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Spin at the new CRANK fitness studio
One of the most popular fitness studios in Dubai, CRANK, has arrived in Abu Dhabi and its 45-minute classes are fast, loud and the flashing lights will have your body dancing on that bike. Can you feel the adrenaline kicking in yet? You can expect to find party vibes with a state-of-the-art nightclub sound system and lights, while for ladies looking for a bit of privacy, there are ladies-only classes to check out too.
Prices and packages vary. Open daily 7am-10pm. Sheikha Fatima Park, Al Bateen, crank-fit.com/abu-dhabi-schedule (02 878 4331).
September 27
Engage with culture at ADIHEX
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) is back for its 18th edition in September. The event is the Middle East and Africa’s largest annual event dedicated to the sectors of hunting, equestrian and the promotion and preservation of local heritage. There will be equestrian and falconry exhibitions, veterinary products and services, hunting and camping equipment for sale, and even a saluki beauty contest. Woof.
Sep 27-Oct 3. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, adihex.com.
September 28
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Have a staycation at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
This stylish hotel has a hot summer deal, and it’s family-friendly, too. Rates start from Dhs650 per night and with every two adults staying, two kids under the age of 12 can stay for free. The super summer deal also includes a half-board meal throughout your stay and you can take your pick from a set menu for either lunch or dinner.
From Dhs650. Ongoing. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, www.wabudhabiyasisland.com (02 656 0000).
September 29
Take a road trip up Jebel Hafeet
Abu Dhabi’s highest mountain, Jebel Hafeet, towers 1,249m above sea level. Drive all the way to the top along the winding roads and you’ll be in for incredible views over the area. UNESCO World Heritage site Jebel Hafeet Desert Park lies at the bottom and is home to neolithic tombs, which you can explore with a guided hike.
Al Ain. GPS: 24.057282695913543, 55.777984907167365.
September 30
Try the all you can eat business lunch at Dai Pai Dong
Did someone say all you-can-eat? We’re sold already. Dai Pai Dong is offering as many dumplings as you can eat for Dhs118 at this trendy restaurant in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. How much dim sum can you manage?
Dhs118. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588).
