Best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend (22-23 November, 2025)
The last weekend of November promises mild weather and a celebratory mood in Abu Dhabi. Forecasts show sunny skies with daytime highs around 27 °C on Saturday and 26 °C on Sunday, with hardly any rain. That means it’s perfect for exploring outdoor festivals, cultural exhibitions and music concerts without worrying about getting wet. The cool evenings invite strolls along the Corniche or Yas Bay, and the city buzzes with new openings and world-class performances.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun, culinary experiences, fitness challenges or artistic inspiration, there’s an activity suited to you. Remember that traffic can build up near major venues on Yas Island and Al Wathba due to weekend events, so allow extra travel time or consider taxis or the newly extended bus routes. With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive guide to make your weekend memorable.
Saturday Morning — A day of art and nature
Abu Dhabi Art Fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat
From Wednesday through Sunday this week, the Abu Dhabi Art Fair transforms Manarat Al Saadiyat into a hub of contemporary and modern art. Doors open at 2 PM every day and close at 9 PM, so Saturday morning is perfect for arriving early and beating the afternoon crowd. Admission is free and grants access to exhibitions featuring works by over 140 galleries from around 35 countries. Rare highlights include viewing Shakespeare’s First Folio, a 1623 edition valued at more than AED 21 million, and installations by international collective teamLab. It’s suitable for families and art lovers; children will enjoy interactive digital displays. Expect to spend 2–3 hours wandering the galleries. Parking is available at Manarat Al Saadiyat, but it fills quickly; taxis or ride-shares are recommended. Dress comfortably and carry a light jacket for the air-conditioned halls.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Opening
Make history by visiting the newly opened Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The museum opens its doors to the public on Saturday, 22 November, offering immersive exhibitions on Arabia’s geological and ecological heritage. Expect interactive fossils, dinosaur displays and scientific collections curated in partnership with global research institutions. Doors open at 10 AM, and early visitors can enjoy guided tours without large crowds. Tickets are expected to start around AED 60 for adults; children under 12 can often enter for free (check onsite). Plan 2–3 hours. The museum has a café for refreshments and a gift shop. Families should bring hats and water for outdoor courtyards. Parking is available at the Cultural District, but consider taxis to avoid congestion.
Jubail Mangrove Park Kayak Tour
For a nature break, head to Jubail Mangrove Park on Al Jubail Island. Guided kayak tours weave through mangrove channels teeming with marine life. Tours depart at around 9 AM and last 1.5 hours. Prices are approximately AED 120 per adult and AED 60 per child; booking ahead is advised, and life jackets are provided. It’s family-friendly but requires moderate paddling. Bring sunscreen, a hat and water shoes. The park has limited parking; arrive early.
Saturday Midday — Food and family fun
Michelin Guide Food Festival
The capital’s culinary scene shines at the Michelin Guide Food Festival, running Friday through Sunday at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. On Saturday from 4 PM to 11 :30 PM, more than twenty Michelin-recognised restaurants offer tasting menus, live cooking demonstrations and chef collaborations. Early-bird general admission tickets start around AED 85, with standard tickets from AED 100. Families can enjoy a kids’ zone and local producers’ market. Allocate 2–4 hours to sample dishes; comfortable footwear is recommended. Parking is available but valet services may be busy; consider ride-shares.
Mansour Festival
Families looking for outdoor fun should head to Yas Gateway Park North for the Mansour Festival, running 20–23 November from 4 PM to 11 PM. The festival features live shows, immersive workshops, horse and camel rides, parades and spectacular drone and fireworks displays. Tickets start from AED 55, with activities suitable for children and adults. Arrive early for easy parking; plan 2–3 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and carry some cash for food stalls. Expect increased traffic around Yas Island, so allow extra travel time.
Lunch at Market at EDITION
Located in Al Bateen, Market at EDITION serves locally sourced dishes and has a chic weekend lunch menu. Expect creative salads, wood-fired pizza and fresh juices. Lunch for two runs around AED 200–250. Seating is comfortable for families and couples, and reservations are recommended.
Saturday Evening — Music and entertainment
Dream Concert K-Pop Festival
The highlight of Saturday night is the Dream Concert, making its Middle East debut at Etihad Park on Yas Island. The festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with performances by ATEEZ, Red Velvet (Seulgi and Joy), Miyeon of I-DLE, TripleS, All(H)Ours and others. Gates open at 3 PM, and the festival runs until 1 AM. General admission starts from about AED 375, while premium golden-circle tickets cost around AED 875. Arrive early to enjoy food trucks and merchandise stalls. Note that bags are subject to search and the event is open to ages five and above. Traffic leaving Yas Island after midnight can be heavy; plan rides accordingly.
Beetlejuice The Musical
For theatre lovers, Tim Burton’s cult classic comes to life in Beetlejuice The Musical at Etihad Arena from 20–30 November. Saturday shows start at 6 :30 PM, and the PG-13 rating makes it a fun night for teens and adults. The story follows Lydia Deetz and her encounter with a mischievous ghost. Tickets begin around AED 145; expect to pay more for prime seating. Plan for a two-hour show with a 20-minute intermission. Parking at Etihad Arena is ample but can fill quickly during events; arriving an hour early is wise.
Dinner at Yas Bay
After the concert or musical, enjoy dinner at Yas Bay Waterfront. Restaurants like Asia Asia and The Trilogy serve Asian fusion and Mediterranean dishes with outdoor seating. An average meal costs around AED 250 per person. Some venues feature live music and waterfront views. Reservations recommended.
Sunday Morning — Sport and culture
Hudayriyat Island Open Masters Games Community Cycling Race
On Sunday morning, cyclists of all levels can join the Masters Games Community Cycling Race at Hudayriyat Cycle Track. Race pack collection opens at 4 :30 PM, with race start times from 5 PM to 5 :30 PM depending on distance. Distances include 70 km, 54 km, 40 km and 28 km, and registration costs AED 105 per participant. Finishers receive medals and there are age-group podium awards. The event is open to riders aged 30 and above, but spectators of all ages can cheer along the track. Wear a helmet and bring water; road closures in Hudayriyat may delay traffic.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
Spend your Sunday afternoon at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba. Running from 1 November 2025 to 22 March 2026, it hosts over 4 000 cultural events, 750 public shows and 20 000 participants from 22 countries. The festival celebrates Emirati heritage with pavilions, parades, rare animal exhibits and culinary experiences. Opening hours are 4 PM to midnight on weekdays, extending to 1 AM on weekends. Entry fees start at AED 5–10; many shows are free. It’s ideal for families and features a heritage village and fireworks. Wear comfortable shoes and bring cash for local markets. Expect heavy traffic on the Al Wathba road during festival evenings.
Fontana Water Circus
For a mid-day spectacle, visit Fontana at Marina Mall, a water-based circus show running from 13 November onwards. Performers combine aerial feats, acrobatics and special effects in a purpose-built aqua theatre. Shows on Sunday typically start at noon and 3 PM. Tickets start around AED 90. The mall has ample parking, and the show is suitable for all ages. Arrive 30 minutes early for seating.
Sunday Afternoon — Heritage and relaxation
Mansour Festival Final Day
If you missed it on Saturday, the Mansour Festival continues on Sunday evening. Take in the camel rides and drone show one last time. The programme culminates with a fireworks finale around 10 :30 PM. Consider arriving after 5 PM for cooler weather.
Abu Dhabi Art Fair and Folio Exhibit
Return to Manarat Al Saadiyat to catch any sections you missed and to view Shakespeare’s First Folio one last time. Late afternoon is quieter and allows for a leisurely stroll through the galleries.
Tea at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Café
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is nearby and open until 8 PM. Enjoy a light lunch or tea at their waterfront café after exploring the museum’s collection of global art. Entrance is around AED 60; children under 13 enter free. A taxi from Saadiyat to the Louvre takes five minutes.
Sunday Evening — Theatre or film
Beetlejuice The Musical
The Sunday evening performance at Etihad Arena offers another chance to see the high-energy musical adaptation. Sunday shows start at 6 :30 PM; tickets are still available from AED 145. Arrive early to explore the promenade outside the arena.
Cinema at VOX Yas Mall
For a relaxed finish, head to VOX Cinemas in Yas Mall. Current blockbusters include action adventures and family animations. Matinee showings around 4 PM cost about AED 45 per ticket, while evening screenings from 7 PM to 9 PM run slightly higher. The cinema offers reclining seats and gourmet popcorn. Parking at Yas Mall is ample, but weekend evenings can be busy.
Alternative Ideas
Breakfast at Turf
Turf in Al Bateen serves a breezy seaside breakfast with avocado toast, acai bowls and specialty coffees. Breakfast runs from 8 AM to noon, and a meal costs around AED 60 per person. Reservations aren’t usually needed, but go early on weekends for outdoor seating.
Coffee at The Third Place Café
For an afternoon caffeine fix, The Third Place Café near the Corniche offers specialty lattes and pastries. It’s cosy for solo visitors or small groups and usually quiet between 2 PM and 4 PM. Expect to spend about AED 25–35 on a coffee and dessert.
Dinner at Beirut Sur Mer
Beirut Sur Mer on Saadiyat Island serves Lebanese mezze and fresh seafood with views of Saadiyat Beach. A dinner for two averages AED 300. The restaurant is lively but accommodates children and offers outdoor seating. Make reservations for Saturday evening.
Family Water Activity at Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld remains a top choice for families. The waterpark opens at 10 AM and closes around 6 PM, with over 40 slides and rides. Admission is approximately AED 270 for adults and AED 220 for children. Bring swimwear and flip-flops, and remember that locker rentals are extra.
Nature/Sport: Kayaking in Eastern Mangroves
If you prefer a calmer paddle, Eastern Mangroves National Park offers guided kayak tours through serene waterways. Tours last one hour, cost about AED 90 per person, and depart hourly from 8 AM. Suitable for beginners and children.
Culture/Art: Qasr Al Hosn and Cultural Foundation
Explore the city’s history at Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. The fort and adjacent Cultural Foundation host exhibitions and workshops for AED 30. Plan 1–2 hours; dress modestly and carry water.
Cinema: Vox Cinema at Nation Towers
If you’re closer to the Corniche, VOX Cinemas in Nation Towers screens the latest films. Afternoon shows (around 1 PM and 4 PM) are quieter, while evening shows (7 PM onwards) fill up quickly. Tickets cost about AED 40–50.
Spa Day at Anantara Eastern Mangroves
For relaxation, book a spa treatment at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves. Weekend specials include a 90-minute massage and access to the pool for around AED 450. Appointments fill up fast, so book early.
Desert Day Trip to Al Ain
If you’re up for a day trip, head to Al Ain (about 90 minutes’ drive) to visit the Al Ain Oasis and Jebel Hafeet. Guided desert safaris start at AED 350 per person, including dune bashing and a barbecue dinner.
Weather and Travel Tips
The weekend is forecast to be sunny with highs around 27 °C on Saturday and 26 °C on Sunday and minimal chance of rain. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket for cooler indoor venues. Book tickets early for concerts, festivals and the food fair, as popular slots sell out quickly. Traffic is heaviest around Yas Island and Al Wathba during event hours; use public transport, taxis or ride-share services where possible. Parking at major venues fills up fast, so allow extra time. Most outdoor events have stroller-friendly paths, but consider bringing a carrier for crowded areas. Prices and timings may change, so check organisers’ updates before setting off. Have a wonderful weekend exploring Abu Dhabi!
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