Best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend (13-14 December, 2025)

The second weekend of December 2025 in Abu Dhabi feels festive and energetic.

On Saturday, 13 December, a crisp morning around 26 °C is ideal for outdoor races, with the day staying sunny; by evening it cools slightly. Sunday, 14 December may see patchy rain and temperatures around 24 °C, so pack a light jacket and check for showers.

Major events include holiday markets, concerts, marathons and conferences. Roads around Zayed Sports City and the Corniche will be busy due to the marathon and the Mother of the Nation (MOTN) festival, while Yas Island hosts winter festivals and motorsport. Plan for extra traffic and allow time for parking.
Below is a detailed plan divided by day and time.

• Things to do in Dubai this weekend
• Things to do in Sharjah this weekend

Saturday Morning — 13 December

ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon

The emirate’s largest running event returns with several race distances (42.2 km, 10 km, 5 km and 2.5 km) starting at 5:45 AM from Zayed Sports City. The scenic course winds past Capital Gate, ADNOC Headquarters, the Corniche and Qasr Al Hosn before finishing back at the stadium. Entry fees range from AED 65–175 and registration closes early. Arrive by 5 AM to collect race packs and avoid road closures. Spectators can gather along Sheikh Zayed Road or the Corniche. Expect road closures and limited parking around the stadium; take a taxi or use Park and Ride facilities.

Breakfast with Santa at Market Kitchen

Kick off the holiday spirit with a family breakfast at Market Kitchen (Le Royal Méridien). From 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM on 13–14 December, children can enjoy festive treats, carols, storytelling and a photo opportunity with Santa. Prices are around AED 75–125 for upstairs seats and AED 100–150 for the ground floor. Reservations are essential; arrive early to find parking at the hotel.

Ars Nova Napoli Masterclass

The Italian folk ensemble Ars Nova Napoli hosts a free 10:00 AM–12:00 PM masterclass at the Italian Cultural Institute as part of their UAE tour. Learn about traditional southern Italian music from skilled musicians, then explore the institute’s cultural library. Spaces are limited but free; this workshop suits music lovers and students.

ICSAH Conference — Social Science, Arts & Humanities

Academics and researchers gather at a central conference venue (often at a hotel on Saadiyat Island) for the International Conference on Social Science, Arts and Humanities (ICSAH). Sessions run all day on 13–14 December. Delegate fees vary (around AED 400–600), and onsite registration opens at 8 AM. Smart casual attire is recommended; attendees should pre-print badges to speed entry.

Saturday Midday — 13 December

MOTN (Mother of the Nation) Festival

The lively MOTN festival on the Abu Dhabi Corniche opens daily from 4:00 PM – 11:30 PM through 4 January. Wander through art installations, global street food, carnival rides and performance stages. General admission tickets start around AED 25; VIP passes cost more. Arrive mid-afternoon to enjoy sunset views before the evening crowds. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ zone; couples can linger at waterfront lounges.

Yas Winter Fest

At Yas Gateway Park North, the region’s biggest outdoor winter festival runs 12–21 December from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Expect snow zones, carnival rides, live music, an artisan market and a giant festive tree. Tickets start at about AED 25; children under two enter free. Wear comfy shoes and a light jacket for evening breezes. Parking is plentiful but can fill up on weekend nights.

Arabian Days Festival

Celebrating the Arabic language at Manarat Al Saadiyat, this festival from 13–15 December features artistic performances, film screenings, storytelling sessions and workshops. The theme “Arabic is the Vibe” brings stars such as Fouad Abdelwahed, Rahma Riadh and the band Cairokee. Doors open 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; entry is free but seating is limited. Arrive early for panel discussions or the CNN Arabic storytelling bootcamp.

Liwa Village

Part of the Liwa International Festival, Liwa Village in Al Dhafra opens on 12 December and continues until early January. The village welcomes visitors 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM with themed zones, cultural shows, camel rides and market stalls. Entry fees start around AED 30 and there’s a two-hour drive each way from Abu Dhabi. Plan a full afternoon outing; road trips through the desert require a fuel stop and plenty of water.

Sheikh Zayed Festival

One of the UAE’s largest cultural events, the festival at Al Wathba runs daily 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM from 1 November 2025 to 22 March 2026. This year’s theme “Hayyakum” welcomes visitors to heritage pavilions, camel races, fireworks and nightly parades. Entry is about AED 5–10; ride tickets cost extra. Wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for food stalls.

Saturday Evening — 13 December

Cairokee Concert

As part of Arabian Days, Egyptian rock band Cairokee performs at Manarat Al Saadiyat around 4:00 PM. The show features hits like Sout El Horeya and Samet Kalam; entry is free but limited. Arrive by 3:30 PM to secure a good spot, and bring a folding chair or blanket.

Omaima Taleb at Layali Al Wathba

Tunisia’s soul singer Omaima Taleb headlines the open-air theatre at the Sheikh Zayed Festival on Saturday night at 8:00 PM. Expect Middle Eastern ballads and upbeat pop songs in a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets are usually included with festival admission; VIP seats cost extra. Parking fills quickly, so use shuttle buses from the main car park.

Ars Nova Napoli Concert on Jubail Island

Following the morning masterclass, the group gives a free outdoor concert at the Manar Art Festival on Jubail Island starting 7:30 PM. Enjoy Italian folk melodies under the stars and explore light installations from the Manar Abu Dhabi festival. Bring a picnic mat; entry is free.

Mobile Developers Week – Opening Events

Tech enthusiasts can join the opening sessions of Mobile Developers Week at the Abu Dhabi Energy Centre. The three-day conference runs 13–15 December and features over 3,000 developers across Android, iOS, AI and gaming tracks; all-access passes cost around AED 367. Saturday evening includes registration, keynote talks and a networking reception. Bring your laptop and business cards; expect a smart-casual dress code.

Manar Abu Dhabi Light Festival

After dark, wander through Manar Abu Dhabi, a free light art festival illuminating Jubail Island and other waterfronts from 15 November – 4 January. Installations range from glowing mangroves to interactive sculptures. The best time to visit is between sunset and 10 PM; bring a jacket and comfortable walking shoes.

Sunday Morning — 14 December

Winter at Yas Bay Waterfront

Yas Bay’s Winter Market runs mid-day to midnight with crafts stalls, live music and street food. On Sunday, the tree-lighting ceremony is at 7 PM, with Santa meet-and-greet from 5 PM–9 PM. Entry is free; bring cash for artisan gifts. Families can also watch the Cirque parade (cirque artists in glowing costumes) that strolls the waterfront.

Winterfest at Ferrari World

Ferrari World’s Winterfest continues through 11 January with shows like Gio’s Winter Wishes, tree-lighting ceremonies, dance flash mobs, violin performances and a snow playground. The park opens 12 PM – 8 PM; tickets start around AED 345. Expect indoor rides plus festive entertainment. Book online to avoid queues.

Warner Bros. World Winter Spectacular

Nearby, Warner Bros. World™ transforms into a Winter Spectacular featuring live shows like Bah, Humduck!, Daffy’s dance parties and meet-and-greets with Batman, The Flintstones and Scooby-Doo. Events run from 6 December – 11 January with performances throughout the afternoon and evening. Admission is around AED 295; kids under three enter free.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s SeaWonder Celebrations

For marine lovers, SeaWorld Yas Island hosts SeaWonder Celebrations, featuring marine-themed holiday decor, a glowing parade and animal presentations. Shows run hourly throughout the day; entry costs about AED 375. Reserve dolphin experiences in advance. <iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps?q=SeaWorld+Abu+Dhabi&output=embed” width=”100%” height=”450″ style=”border:0;” allowfullscreen=”” loading=”lazy” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade”></iframe>

Liwa Village Cultural Day

If you missed it Saturday, drive out to Liwa Village for desert experiences like falconry shows, dune buggies and live Emirati music. The village opens at 4 PM; allow two hours each way from the city.

Sunday Evening — 14 December

Mahmoud Al Turky Concert at MOTN

Iraqi pop star Mahmoud Al Turky takes the stage at the MOTN festival on the Corniche at 8:30 PM. Tickets are about AED 35 for general admission and AED 150 for VIP. Seats are unreserved, so arrive early. The show is family-friendly and features hits like Hathal ‘Uk Hayati and Kashfek Anni.

Gulf 12 Hours Finale

Return to Yas Marina Circuit at 7 PM to watch the final four-hour segment of the Gulf 12 Hours. After the late-afternoon lull, teams resume racing under floodlights. Enjoy free access to the pit lane during the break and catch fireworks at the finish. Dress warmly as it may feel cooler by the water.

Mobile Developers Week – Night Sessions

The second day of Mobile Developers Week offers hackathons and late-night coding challenges at the Energy Centre. Expect sessions on AI and gaming, plus networking mixers.

MOTN Fireworks & Drone Show

Stay at the Corniche for MOTN’s closing fireworks and drone spectacle around 10 PM. The display dances over the Arabian Gulf and is free to watch from any point along the waterfront.

Alternative Ideas

Hearty Breakfast at The Breakfast Club

If you’d rather skip the marathon, head to The Breakfast Club in Al Muneera. Their all-day breakfast includes shakshuka, pancakes and fresh juices; expect to spend around AED 60 per person. It opens 7 AM – 3 PM and offers indoor and outdoor seating (family-friendly). Reservations not required.

Specialty Coffee at % Arabica

Sip a single-origin flat white at % Arabica in The Galleria. Pair it with a cinnamon bun or a matcha croissant. The café is busiest late morning; expect a cup for AED 25–30. It’s perfect for a quick break between shopping or events.

Lunch or Dinner at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

For a luxurious meal, try Hakkasan at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Signature dishes like Peking duck and dim sum cost around AED 350 per person. The elegant dining room suits couples and business dinners; there’s an outdoor terrace for cooler evenings. Reservations are essential.

Family Water Activity – Yas Beach Day

Spend a relaxed afternoon at Yas Beach. Entrance fees are around AED 60 for adults and AED 30 for children. Rent paddleboards or kayaks from AED 50–80 per hour; lifeguards monitor the area. Arrive early to secure a sunbed.

Nature & Sport – Mangrove Kayaking at Jubail Mangrove Park

Explore Abu Dhabi’s natural side with a two-hour kayak tour through Jubail Mangrove Park. Guided paddles cost about AED 95 per adult and depart hourly from 7 AM – 5 PM. The route is gentle and suitable for beginners; wear quick-drying clothes and bring sunscreen.

Culture & Art – Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts “Art Here 2025” with outdoor sculptures and installations from regional and international artists. The museum opens 10 AM – 8 PM, and a standard ticket costs AED 63. Expect to spend two hours exploring galleries and the Dome’s reflections. <iframe src=”https://www.google.com/maps?q=Louvre+Abu+Dhabi&output=embed” width=”100%” height=”450″ style=”border:0;” allowfullscreen=”” loading=”lazy” referrerpolicy=”no-referrer-when-downgrade”></iframe>

Cinema – VOX Cinemas Yas Mall

Catch a new release such as “Dust Bunny”, “Wildcat” or “A Line of Fire,” all opening on 11 December. Screenings at VOX Cinemas in Yas Mall typically run 1 PM, 4 PM, 7 PM and 10 PM. Tickets cost around AED 40–50; upgrade to GOLD for reclining seats and meal service.

Other Ideas

• Qasr Al Hosn Heritage Site: Explore Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building and watch traditional craft demonstrations. Entry around AED 30.
• Reem Mall’s Snow Abu Dhabi: Play in sub-zero temperatures at the indoor snow park, open 10 AM – 10 PM; tickets approx. AED 215.
• CLYMB Abu Dhabi: Try indoor rock climbing or skydiving for AED 215–265. Sessions last 60–90 minutes and are adrenaline-filled.
• Abu Dhabi Mall Winter Village: From 12 December – 5 January, the mall hosts a free winter village with Santa’s grotto, crafts and live shows.

Weather, Traffic & Parking Tips

The weekend forecast predicts sunshine on Saturday (26 °C high, 23 °C low) and patchy rain on Sunday (24 °C high, 23 °C low). Pack sunscreen, hats and a light raincoat. December evenings can be breezy; a cardigan or hoodie is useful.

Traffic will be heavy near Zayed Sports City and along the Corniche on Saturday morning due to the marathon; expect lane closures until midday. Use public transport, taxis or ride-share apps and allow extra time for parking at major venues like Yas Island. Many events offer shuttle buses from designated car parks. Buying tickets in advance often grants faster entry and reserved parking. Book concerts and festival tickets early to avoid disappointment.