Need an ideal weekend getaway? Here’s everything you would want!
Abu Dhabi is full of free entertainment, thrilling events and memorable moments that will make this week very special. With various things to do in Abu Dhabi, there are attractions, from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. There are various types of cuisines offered in these offers, such as Emirati Cuisine, Indian Cuisine, Japanese Cuisine, Thai Cuisine, Lebanese Cuisine, and Italian Cuisine.
Food lovers can enjoy themselves in the top restaurants in Abu Dhabi. The latest and most popular destinations, such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island and Al Raha Beach, are swarmed with activities, whereas the mangroves have hidden treasures that provide serene retreats.
These handpicked events are guaranteed as the top things to do in Abu Dhabi this week, the top offers, and places to visit that can give both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience.
Free things to do
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic attractions, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, stands as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. This grand mosque has the largest marble mosaic flooring in the world and the golden leaf spires, which form a magnificent sight. The entrance of the mosque is lit at night, which is adjusted to the lunar cycle and gives a magical effect with the moon. The lighting is cool white even on a full moon, which shifts to dark blue when the moon is in its waning phase. It is absolutely free, and visitors can walk through this architectural marvel, which is ideal during visits to Abu Dhabi, as it does not strain the wallet.
Heritage Village
Live the traditional Emirati lifestyle at Heritage Village, which is an adorable, family-friendly place that presents the pre-modern culture of the UAE. Situated in Marina Mall Island, this is a simulated village with an old-world souk, a traditional mosque, and a desert camp. See professional craftsmen at work making pottery, glass blowing, and weaving on antique looms. You can see how to work with metal, pottery and spinning at the workshops at the Emirates Heritage Club. You can shop for dried herbs, homemade soaps, and special gifts for your family at home.
Abrahamic Family House
An interfaith complex that allows people of any background to meet, discover, and think together. The Abrahamic Family House is used to enhance the knowledge of our humanity through dialogue, knowledge sharing and faith implementations. The timings are 10 AM-5 PM on Monday, on Thursday 10 AM-11:30 AM and 2 PM-5 PM on weekends. It is a wonderful place to visit as it has guided tours that are to be booked in advance that introduce one to other religious practices and coexistence in the world we live in today.
Jubail Mangrove Park
Jubail Mangrove Park is the first self-sufficient educational nature park in Abu Dhabi. This is a mangrove habitat that safeguards the coastline, and it sustains amazing biodiversity. Take a walk down the winding boardwalk along the mangrove-shimmering sands, or take a picturesque electric car tour beginning with free to AED 40. In case any adventure lovers come, they can experience kayaking (AED 110-150), electric dragon boat tours or special night glow kayaking (underwater LED lights). Sunrise yoga and full moon yoga are additional to this natural paradise, and they bring an element of wellness.
Brunches / Lunches
99 Sushi Bar
Savour Japanese Cuisine in an extraordinary manner with the 10-course menu of 99 Sushi Bar that costs Dhs199. This exquisitely designed dining experience highlights the best sushi, culinary and traditional Japanese cuisines in a contemporary environment. It sells this lunch special Monday to Friday between noon and 2:15 pm, and the value of an authentic Japanese eatery is incredible. Every dish is carefully cooked by experienced chefs with fresh products and traditional recipes. It would be ideal during business lunches or special occasions as a perfect brunch in Abu Dhabi, serving high-quality food at an affordable cost.
Barbossa at Yas Bay Waterfront
Mediterranean cuisines at Barbossa, situated at the gorgeous Yas Bay Waterfront, where the view of the water is breathtaking, is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this week. There are various dining offers, either a 3-course meal, Dhs80, or an upgrade to a 4-course meal, Dhs99, Monday-Friday, 12-4 pm. This seafood restaurant is characterised by fresh seafood, grill dishes, and the Mediterranean classics served in a very cosy but sophisticated setting. The long lunch timing makes it ideal to spend free time having a panoramic view of the bay. Barbossa combines excellent value with quality cuisine, making it a top choice for brunches in Abu Dhabi.
Bushra by Buddha-Bar
Have an advanced meal at Bushra by Buddha-Bar, consisting of two remarkable lunch packages. Select two courses and a soft drink meal, Dhs109 or a three-course meal with a grape or sparkling drink, Dhs129. This restaurant is available on Monday to Friday between 1 pm and 5 pm and is based on Asian fusion food with a classy atmosphere. The menu will include innovative meals based on Asian cuisine and contemporary culinary methods. The cool interior and quality service ensure that Bushra is ideal for business meetings, romantic lunches, or special occasions in Abu Dhabi.
Staycation
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island Holiday Package
This beachfront resort is ideal for things to do in Abu Dhabi this week and is the best place to spend the Saudi National Day with up to 26% discounts. Included in the inclusive package are the Turkish hospitality, elegant luxury, and unlimited entertainment. Visitors have access to internationally recognised restaurants, luxurious poolside lounges, beachfront bars and the famous Anjana Spa. The resort has tailored experiences such as panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, sports club activities, and live performances which attract couples, families and solo travellers. Minimum 2-night stay with non-refundable terms of booking.
Yas Island Complete Experience
Transform your staycation in Abu Dhabi into an action-packed adventure at Yas Island. The Kids Go Free package offers unbelievable value with no charges on accommodation, access to the theme parks and dining for kids. Board the best hotels or exclusive Otolo Homes and experience the best theme parks in the world, such as Ferrari World with record-breaking rides, Yas Waterworld with splash zones, Warriors World with heroic rides and Sea World with marvels of the sea. CYMB indoor adventures, Yas Bay dining experiences with incredible marina views are also provided on the island to make the entire staycation complete.
Events
Mid-Autumn Festival
Abu Dhabi Mid-Autumn Festival on September 27 is a wonderful time to have a taste of traditional moon cake, lanterns and cultural performances. This Abu Dhabi celebration is an activity that the families and communities unite to celebrate the harvest moon in the traditional Chinese practices and good taste festival foods. Watch folk music, dancing shows, and get the opportunity to know about the meaning of this old-time festival. Several hotels and cultural centres in Abu Dhabi will become the venue of special dinners with mooncakes, tea ceremonies, and spectacular lantern decorations to showcase a magical atmosphere for all ages.
The Laughter Factory
You can get an opportunity to attend the funny comedy shows of the Laughter Factory up until September 20. It is a well-known comedy show that welcomes foreign comedians to Abu Dhabi city to spend the night laughing and having fun. What is going on in the Abu Dhabi comedy scene is made lively by the professional stand-up comedians who provide fresh jokes, witty remarks and interactive comedy that entertain the audience the whole evening. The ideal place to go on date night, with friends, or any other person who wants to be entertained with quality comedy in a cool, laid-back environment with delicious food and drinks.
DP World Asia Cup 2025 – Abu Dhabi
Have the best game of cricket at the DP World Asia Cup 2025 in Abu Dhabi, with matches all through the week. On September 18, at 6.30 PM, Sri Lanka plays against Afghanistan, and India plays against Oman on the 19th of September, at 6.30 PM. The tournament goes on with a qualifier stage game with A2 vs B1 on September 23 at 6:30 PM. The event is a high-profile cricket tournament that unites the best teams in Asia to play exciting matches in Abu Dhabi.
Concerts
Tamer Ashour Live Concert
On September 28, you can hear one of the most romantic voices in Arabic music at Space42 Arena. Tamer Ashour introduces almost 20 years of emotional acts and soulful ballads to Abu Dhabi. The concert will be filled with emotional songs and classic tunes because of famous hits as Haygely Mawgou3, Oloilo Samah, and Khaleny Fe Hodnak. The doors open up at 7 PM and the show begins at 9 PM. Beginning at $83.60, the event is unforgettable in terms of romance and music. The location can be reached with ease by car, public transport or taxi with different routes.
Wael Kfoury Concert – King of Romance
On September 27, at Space42 Arena, don’t miss the King of Romance, Wael Kfoury, live. This is a favourite Arab artist who has entertained people with emotional performance and the voice of eternity for more than 25 years. Arabic classics comprise Law Hobna Ghalta, Khodnie Leek, and Hekm El Alb, which characterise the Arabic romantic music of all the generations. Prices begin with $111.93 per ticket, and the doors will be opened at 7 PM, and the show will start at 9 PM.
Nightlife
Hidden Bar at Rosewood Hotels
Discover sophisticated nightlife in Abu Dhabi at this intimate sanctuary featuring an unrivalled collection and house-infused drinks. Master mixologists create custom cocktails to your preferences, either standard or boldly fashionable. Open Sunday-Thursday 5 PM-3 AM and Friday-Saturday 5 PM-4 AM, and sundowners and hors d’oeuvres every day 5 PM-7 PM. The culinary accompaniments of the elegant drinking experience are the culinary masterpieces of Chef Liborio, starting with enticing bites on the menu and the divine desserts. The establishment provides a tasting daily from 6 PM to 10 PM, and it will be an order of the day mix-up of old-fashioned sophistication and modern-day innovation to present a tasting experience.
Al Raha Beach Sunset Experiences
Finish off your day by watching beautiful sunsets in Al Raha Beach, where the World Wellness Weekend will feature sunset yoga and meditation on the beach. The beachfront site offers a calm alternative to the conventional nightlife in Abu Dhabi, ideal for individuals who want to relax in the evening. The bars and lounges in the resort provide classy beverages, which have panoramic scenes to provide a high-end evening relaxation. Al Raha Beach is the right place to have a memorable evening, whether it is participating in group wellness or spending time unwinding near the water.
Yas Marina Waterfront Dining
Discover the lively dining and entertainment experience at Yas Marina with restaurants and glamorous bars, and breathtaking views of the yachts. Evenings are filled with live music, outdoor restaurants and high-end cocktail bars in the marina. The nighttime activities in Abu Dhabi include different sources of entertainment, such as the beachfront casual bars and the high-end dining experiences. The special environment provided in the marina is a blend of luxury yachting culture and convenient seafood, and thus, it is the right place to enjoy romantic dinners or family gatherings, or a night out with friends in the scenic waterfront environment. One of the most recommended things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.
It has been unbelievably diverse this week with free entertainment, staycations, the highest quality concerts, and bustling nightlife. In terms of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the Yas Island adventures, as things to do in Abu Dhabi this week, it depends on their budget and interests. Spend your ideal weekend in this great city with cultural adventure, good meals, and entertainment that will remain unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free activities in Abu Dhabi this week?
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Heritage Village, Jubail Mangrove Park, and have a good time at Abrahamic Family House are some of the free things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.
What are the best deals to spend on a staycation in Abu Dhabi?
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is providing 26% discounts during the Saudi National Day week, and Yas Island has a Kids Go Free package, where children stay, play, and eat free with paying adults in the leading hotels and theme parks.
What are the concerts in Abu Dhabi this weekend?
Tamer Ashour plays on September 28 and Wael Kfoury plays on September 27, both at Space42 Arena.
What are some of the wellness activities in Abu Dhabi this week?
Yes! World Wellness Weekend will be on Al Raha Beach Resort on 19-21 September with free yoga, meditation, sound healing, spa access, and wellness-oriented special offers.
What are the best places to spend a night in Abu Dhabi?
The Hidden Bar at Rosewood offers advanced gin cocktails, Space42 arena offers live music, Al Raha beach offers sunset experiences, and Yas Marina offers a view of the water and nighttime entertainment.
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