We’re back in the office daydreaming about what to do as soon as we clock out and peel out of here. There are loads of awesome things to do in Abu Dhabi, and we can’t wait to get started.
Interest piqued? Ready for a new week? Here are ten terrific things to do that will make your week incredible.
Want to eat out? Head here for all the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
For top bars you need to see, click here.
If keeping active is more up your street, head over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.
Don’t forget about the arts. Click here for the best of Abu Dhabi culture.
Chill out at the Zayed Sports City skating rink
Looking for sub-zero levels of cool? Head to Zayed Sports City, where every skating level is welcome (no shame in gripping that handrail tight, folks). This is still quite literally the best place to cool off in the capital. A perfect way to beat the heat, just be prepared for the odd bump and bruise when taking a slip.
Open Sun-Wed noon-5pm and 6.30pm-6.15pm, Thu noon-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 10.15am-10.30pm. Zayed Sports City, zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
Dine in the dark at Bab al Qasr on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Have you ever eaten in pitch darkness? We’re talking feel your way around the table and don an apron so you don’t ruin your clothes kind of darkness. That’s right, dining in the dark has arrived in Abu Dhabi. Bab Al Qasr Hotel in Al Bateen is launching a dark dining experience on Wednesday September 15 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. The experience will be open to diners 12 years and older, and requires a reservation in advance. What are you waiting for? Get booking.
Dhs249. Mon-Fri, 8pm-10pm. Starting Sep 15. Bab Al Qasr, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi (056 992 2078).
Go for ladies night at Iris Yas Island
With breathtaking views, awesome drinks and stellar bites, Iris Yas Island is a great spot to get the gals together for ladies’ night at Yas Marina. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the marina, ladies can sip on unlimited house drinks for Dhs150 from 8pm until midnight every Wednesday. For an additional Dhs50, ladies can extend the offer and avail of drinks all night long. We’re so there.
Dhs150 (house). Wed 8pm-midnight. Yas Marina, Yas Island. (055 160 56 36).
Have breakfast at Brunch & Cake
Love insta-worthy dishes? If there’s one star on the Instagram scene in Abu Dhabi lately, it’s Brunch & Cake. Enter this spot in bad form and you’ll have your mood instantly changed with uplifting colours, a comfy layout, and quirky features to make you smile. Even better news: Brunch & Cake definitely doesn’t disappoint on the plate either. 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).
You might also like: Check out the top new restaurants in the capital here
Take a road trip to Spot N’ima in Al Ain
If you love to grab a meal through the glorious window of a food truck, you’re going to adore what’s happening in Al Ain. Spot Ni’ma, a sprawling food truck rest stop, is open now at Jebel Hafeet. It covers 13,900 sq m and includes 15 different food carts plus a mini mart. You’ll get incredible mountainside views along with tonnes of food options. That certainly sounds like how we love to roll.
Sun-Tue 1pm-midnight; Wed-Sat 10am-2am. Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain lookforspot.com.
Taste the raclette and grape night at Warehouse
Do you love cheese? How about raclette? Head to Warehouse on Wednesdays and you’ll get unlimited raclette cheese with condiments for two hours and a glass of selected grape for Dhs120 per person. You can also add wagyu cold cuts for Dhs25 per serving. More cheese please.
Dhs120. Wed 4pm-midnight. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Rawdah (02 307 5551).
Try the anniversary buffet theme night at Café 302
Café 302 is one of our favourite places for breakfast downtown. This month it is offering a themed buffet brunch for just Dhs99 on Wednesdays. Sample Mediterranean fare from the cultures and traditions of Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East in this warm, casual, and friendly atmosphere.
Dhs99 (soft) 6pm-10pm. Fatima Bint Mubarak Street rotana.com/almahaarjaanbyrotana (02 610 6666).
Unlimited pizza at Dino’s Pizza Night
Get unlimited pizzas at Dino’s with a choice of six toppings served with a sharing antipasto platter, cappuccino zuppa, and Dino’s signature tiramisu. Spend Dhs140 with soft beverages, or upgrade to Dhs165 and get two house beverages too. Unlimited pizza? Those are two of our favourite words.
Dhs140 (soft); Dhs165 (two house drinks); Tues, Sat 6pm-11pm. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Rawdah (02 307 5551).
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).
Watch Shang-Chi Legend of the Ten Rings in Cinemas
Looking for a brand new film to watch in cinemas? Shang-Chi Legend of the Ten Rings is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics featuring Shang-Chi: the master of unarmed weaponry-based Kung Fu. He’s forced to confront his past after being drawn into the Ten Rings organisation. It is the first Marvel film with an east-Asian lead character.
Sep 2.
For more awesome things to do in Abu Dhabi in September, click here.
