What's on in Abu Dhabi this week
Free and paid events across culture, family, music, sport, food and the outdoors. Every entry links to the official source so you can confirm times before you travel.
Updated
This week
- MusicTicketed, varies by performance
Abu Dhabi Festival, autumn programme
The autumn leg of the 23rd Abu Dhabi Festival opened with the UAE National Orchestra at Etihad Arena and closes at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Hans Zimmer plays on 13 November.
- Dates
- 10 Oct - 19 Dec 2026
- Venue
- Etihad Arena, Emirates Palace, Louvre Abu Dhabi and other venues
- Price
- Ticketed, varies by performance
- MusicTicketed, varies by show
Abu Dhabi Comedy Season
A run of international comedy shows announced for October and November, with more dates still to be added. Check the venue for the current line-up.
- Dates
- 1 Oct - 30 Nov 2026
- Venue
- Etihad Arena
- Price
- Ticketed, varies by show
- CultureFrom AED 63
Louvre Abu Dhabi permanent galleries
The universal museum's twelve chapters of world art, under Jean Nouvel's rain-of-light dome. Free for under-18s and members.
- Dates
- Ongoing, Tuesday to Sunday
- Venue
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Price
- From AED 63
- CultureFrom AED 30
Qasr Al Hosn heritage tours
Abu Dhabi's oldest stone building, with guided tours through the watchtower, inner palace and House of Artisans craft demonstrations.
- Dates
- Ongoing, daily
- Venue
- Qasr Al Hosn
- Price
- From AED 30
- OutdoorsFree
Corniche Beach evenings
Blue Flag beach with a free public stretch, an eight-kilometre promenade and cycle track that comes alive after sunset.
- Dates
- Ongoing, daily until late
- Venue
- Corniche Beach
- Price
- Free public sections
- SportFree
Yas Marina Circuit TrackFit and Yas Cycles
Run, ride or skate the Formula 1 track on free community nights. Bring your own bike or hire one on site.
- Dates
- Ongoing, selected weeknights
- Venue
- Yas Marina Circuit
- Price
- Free with registration
- CultureFree
Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibitions
Rotating art and design exhibitions, artist talks and workshops in the Saadiyat cultural quarter.
- Dates
- Ongoing, daily
- Venue
- Manarat Al Saadiyat
- Price
- Most exhibitions free
- FoodFree
Mina Zayed fish and fruit markets
The city's working markets for fish, dates, fruit and carpets. Go early, eat grilled hammour at the port cafés.
- Dates
- Ongoing, daily from early morning
- Venue
- Mina Zayed
- Price
- Free entry
Planning something of your own? Browse our desert experiences or read the answers section.