It’s finally Thursday – are you ready for the weekend? We’re sprinting out of the office and into the weekend. It’s time to switch off and fill your days with fun things to do.

But… what are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend?

If you’re wondering what you should do this weekend, don’t stress. There are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi right now, and we’ve gathered the best of them to help you make the most of your days off.

Whether you’re looking for a great night out, a brilliant brunch, delicious dining or amazing activity, you’re covered this weekend.

For more fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, click here.

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

Consider yourself a fitness fanatic? Jog on over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.

Culture is calling. Check out all the best in the arts scene here.

It’s Halloween weekend, are you ready for the spookiest night of the year? For all the latest on Halloween click here.

Your weekend is sorted. What are you waiting for?

Thursday

Celebrate Oktoberfest with a Bavarian folk festival at Brauhaus

Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi is wrapping up, and Brauhaus is bringing the Bavarian vibes this weekend. One of the city’s favourite German establishments: Brauhaus, has a hoppy selection of drinks and a platter of German dishes. The event goes until Friday November 5 at the gorgeous Beach Rotana with deutsche musical entertainment from Pech Band, who are flying into Abu Dhabi from Germany for the event. Chef Pedro will prepare crispy schnitzels, currywurst and the famous “Hops Flight” drink.
For more Oktoberfest celebrations in Abu Dhabi click here.
Oct 28 to Nov 5. Sun-Wed 4pm-1am, Thu 4pm-2am, Fri 12.30pm-2am, Sat 12.30pm-1am. Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9011).

Eat Italian food at Antonia

Love Italian food? Looking for a little bit of Rome in Abu Dhabi? … Who could say no? Brand-new pizza restaurant Antonia is open now at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, and promises to deliver the streets of Rome to the Arabian Gulf with “a touch of Nonna’s love.” The restaurant was created with Italian authenticity and modern refinement in mind, so says the team. And it brings glamorousretro vibes just a step away from the gorgeous Soul Beach.
Read more about Antonia opening here.
Open daily, noon-11pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 667 2554).

Get fit with FUEL weekend at W Abu Dhabi

Are you ready for Abu Dhabi Showdown week? If UFC has inspired you to take your fitness to the next level, you’re going to want to get this event on your radar. W Hotels is bringing FUEL weekend to the capital for the very first time at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, to combine the popular DETOX. RETOX. REPEAT. weekend with UFC 267. The fitness-fanatic weekend will go from Thursday October 28 to Sunday October 31, and has a four-day itinerary packed with punches, club-style spin classes, deliciously healthy plates, pool parties and fight night celebrations.
Click here for more about this massive fitness event happening this weekend.
From Dhs3,700. Oct 28-31. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island www.marriott.com/offers/ultimate-fuel-weekend-detox-retox-repeat-off-32036?propertycode=auhwh (02 656 0000).

Friday

Chow down at Halloween brunch at Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi

Looking to have some serious eats for brunch this Halloween? Everyone knows that Yas Marina is one of the best spots for a party in Abu Dhabi, and Stars N Bars is an easy choice when it comes to having a fright-night out. This Halloween you can eat to your heart’s content at a six-hour American Horror brunch happening on Friday October 29 from 1pm to 7pm. The three-hour brunch is followed by a three-hour drunch. There’s a Dhs2,000 cash prize for the best dressed, so you’d better start planning your costume now.
For where to buy a costume in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs299. Oct 29 1pm-7pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).

Admire the sparklers at the Jewellery and Watch Show

Looking for a new piece to add to your jewellery collection? Whether you’re shopping or just dreaming about sparkling gems, the Jewellery and Watch Show (JWS) at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) will provide plenty to look at with 140 brands from across the world represented. There’s a special section to highlight UAE jewellery designers. Registration is free.
For the best places to buy an engagement ring in Abu Dhabi click here.
Oct 26-30 3pm-10pm. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Capital Centre.

Coffee at Forever Rose Café

Do you have your camera (phone) ready? There’s a brand new Forever Rose Café in town and the whole city can’t get enough. The highly Instagrammable 2D monochrome design eatery has opened its second location in Abu Dhabi, with ultra-cool interiors and sweet treats on offer.
Click here to read more about the new Forever Rose Café.
Open Sat-Wed 9am-10pm, Thu-Fri 9am-midnight. Yas Mall, Yas West (050 210 0139).

Go dune bashing in Liwa Desert

Even as long-term UAE residents, we at Time Out never tire of taking our visiting loved ones for a dune bash in the Liwa Desert.
For more extreme sports in the UAE click here.
Prices vary. desertsafariuae.ae.

Visit Monster Village at Al Maryah Island

Ready to celebrate fright night with the kiddos? This Halloween Al Maryah Island is transforming into a Monster Village with loads of games and activities to try. Kids and big kids are invited to wear their spookiest Halloween costumes to the Monster Village, where you can paint pumpkins, decorate pots and make silly eye slime. There will also be wand and mask-making activities, and a mummy wrap.
For more about the spooktacular village click here.
Oct 28-29 4.30pm-10.30pm. The Lawn, Al Maryah Island (02 493 7400).

Saturday

Attend a spooky Halloween pool party at Cove Beach Abu Dhabi

It’s Halloween weekend, and we’ve never been more excited for spooky season. Looking to visit a haunted beach club this Halloween 2021? Cove Beach Abu Dhabi is adding a Halloween twist to its iconic Saturday party, Garden of Cove, on Saturday October 30. Get lost in the mystic garden and let the techno beats creep into your senses. There will be some succulent treats and drinks for Dhs299. Arrive in your spookiest costume or match with your partner to win something special, since Cove Beach Abu Dhabi will be holding its best costume and best-dressed couple costume contest this year. Boo!
For more Halloween parties click here.
Dhs299. Sat Oct 30 1pm-5pm. Makers District, Reem Island (056 398 7895).

The Hakkasan terrace has reopened

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, the award-winning Cantonese restaurant, has reopened its terrace to welcome in the incredible weather we’ve been experiencing lately. The terrace overlooks the grounds of Emirates Palace, with a bar area and bespoke mixed drinks menu plus laid-back cabanas and a small eats menu. Feeling hungry? Dishes include the grilled local snapper, pan-fried rib eye in Mongolian sauce, dim sum platter, mala Wagyu short rib, lychee lobster and more. Heart eyes for Hakkasan.
Click here for everything you need to know about Hakkasan.
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7739).

Taste the new Growth of the UAE menu

The UAE is celebrating its milestone 50th anniversary this year, and there’s a new menu at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers to help you celebrate in style. The Emirati-inspired dishes have been curated by Hilton’s chefs and focus on farm-to-table menus. Let’s go.
For more about the Growth of the UAE menu, click here.
Until Dec 5, 2021 (Growth of the UAE menu). Open Sun, Sat-Thu noon-11pm; Fri 12.30pm-4pm, 8pm–11pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Al Bateen, hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/dining (02 811 5666).