Best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend (15-16 November, 2025)
Abu Dhabi’s mid-November weather is sublime, with daytime temperatures around 27 °C and breezy evenings. The dry season means clear skies and almost no rain, so you can enjoy both outdoor festivals and long walks along the Corniche without worrying about showers. Pack light layers, a hat and sun block for daytime activities, but bring a jumper for air-conditioned venues and cool nights. This weekend coincides with major festivals and a big concert, so plan ahead for traffic on Yas Island.
Saturday morning — Taste of Abu Dhabi & Yas Island fun
Taste of Abu Dhabi — food festival
Taste of Abu Dhabi returns to Gateway Park North on Yas Island from Friday to Sunday. Over 15 of the city’s top restaurants set up pop-ups, there are celebrity-chef demos, live bands and family zones. Gates open around noon and the party continues until late evening; arrive early to beat crowds. Standard entry is about AED 80, with “Taster” and VIP packages at AED 175–299 that include food and drinks. Kids under 12 enter free and there’s a dedicated play area, making this event ideal for families and foodies. Expect heavy traffic on Sheikh Khalifa Highway heading into Yas Island during lunchtime; using ride-sharing or taking the Yas Express shuttle can save parking stress.
Yas Waterworld
If you’d rather start your day splashing, head to Yas Waterworld. The water park is open 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM and offers more than 40 rides, from the exhilarating Dawwama water coaster to the looping Liwa Loop. General admission is about AED 270 and includes free parking; towels and lockers are extra. Bring swimwear and sun protection, and consider a Quick Pass to skip lines. Ride-sharing apps or the free Yas Express shuttle connect Yas Waterworld with other attractions and hotels on the island.
Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi (JWS 2025)
Art and luxury lovers can explore the Jewellery & Watch Show at ADNEC. Under the theme “Treasuring Heritage, Inspiring Elegance,” regional and international designers showcase intricate pieces. The exhibition runs 12–16 November in Halls 1-3 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, open 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Entry is free upon registration. Parking at ADNEC gets busy during big exhibitions; arrive by 3 PM or use taxis.
Saturday midday — Science shows, jiu-jitsu and brunch
Science Museum Live at Cultural Foundation
For an educational break, catch Science Museum Live at the Cultural Foundation auditorium. London’s Science Museum brings interactive demonstrations and experiments designed for children aged two and up. Saturday performances are at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Tickets start from AED 150. Arrive 30 minutes early to explore the foundation’s gift shop and art exhibits. Book seats in advance as weekend shows tend to sell out.
Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The world’s largest jiu-jitsu competition continues at Mubadala Arena. The championship hosts around 10 000 athletes from 130 countries. 13–15 November features kids’ and juniors’ bouts, while 16 November kicks off the youth categories. Doors open at 10:00 AM and admission is free for spectators. Grab seats near the mats and cheer on rising talent. Allow extra travel time around Zayed Sports City, as parking lots fill up during tournaments.
Al Hudayriyat Women’s Cycling Series
On Sunday 16 November, Al Hudayriyat Island hosts the third race of the Women’s Cycling Series. Riders of all levels are welcome to join a scenic coastal course. Registration opens at 7:00 AM with the race starting at 8:00 AM; bikes can be rented on site. Participation costs about AED 65 and includes refreshments. Cyclists should carry water and wear helmets; spectators can enjoy food trucks along the track.
Saturday evening — Concerts, art and circus
Travis Scott — Circus Maximus World Tour
Hip-hop superstar Travis Scott brings his Circus Maximus World Tour to Etihad Park on Saturday night. The show kicks off around 7:00 PM and promises spectacular visuals and high-energy performances. Tickets start from AED 495. Arrive by 5 PM to enjoy pre-concert entertainment and to allow time for security checks. Expect heavy congestion on Yas Island; using public buses or car-pooling is strongly advised.
Manar Abu Dhabi — The Light Compass
Beginning 15 November, this city-wide art festival transforms Abu Dhabi’s coastlines and islands with 23 illuminated installations by global and local artists. Stroll along the Corniche, Jubail Island or Al Ain and discover interactive sculptures, glowing mangroves and projections that invite reflection. The artworks are illuminated from 6 PM until midnight, and entry is free. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera — the installations are spread out, and some paths are on sand or boardwalks.
Fontana Water Circus
The Fontana water circus pitches its tent beside Marina Mall starting 13 November, offering aquatic acrobatics, aerial acts and choreographed fountains. Shows on Saturday are at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM and last about two hours. Tickets range from AED 150 for bronze seats to AED 350 for VIP. The big top can get chilly from water sprays, so bring a light jacket.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
Head to Al Wathba for the opening weeks of the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, which runs 1 November 2025 – 22 March 2026. The sprawling grounds host over 4 000 cultural events, 750 shows and 20 000 participants. Wander through country pavilions, watch camel races, and sample Emirati and international cuisine. Gates open 4:00 PM and fireworks light up the desert sky at 9:00 PM. Entry is about AED 5; parking is free. Wear comfortable shoes and a light jacket for the cool desert evening.
Sunday morning — Racing, immersive pop-ups & theme parks
Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL)
Experience a glimpse into the future at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League at Yas Marina Circuit on 15 November. AI-controlled race cars compete on a full circuit at speeds exceeding 300 km/h. Qualifying laps start around 10:00 AM and the final race is at 2:00 PM. Spectator entry is free but requires pre-registration; paddock tours cost about AED 50. Ear protection is recommended — even driverless cars are loud.
Stranger Things: The Experience
Fans of the hit series can step into Hawkins when Stranger Things: The Experience opens on Yas Island. From Thursday to Friday the interactive adventure runs 4:00 PM – 9:40 PM, Saturday 2:00 PM – 9:40 PM and Sunday 12:00 PM – 7:40 PM, with entry every 20 minutes. Tickets start at AED 75 and include the hour-long mission followed by a retro 1980s-style fair. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult; some scenes include flashing lights.
Yas Theme Parks
If you missed them on Saturday, plan a full day at one of Yas Island’s world-class theme parks:
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi — an indoor, fully air-conditioned park with six themed lands and 29 rides. Open 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM with tickets from AED 345. Wear comfortable shoes and use the fast-track pass to maximise rides.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi — the region’s first marine-life theme park, open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (last entry 7 PM). Tickets are AED 375 for adults and AED 295 for children. Dress warmly for the chilly polar exhibits and plan at least five hours to see everything.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi — home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. The park is open 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM and general entry is about AED 345. Loose items aren’t allowed on major rides; use complimentary lockers.
Sunday afternoon — Heritage and markets
Louvre Abu Dhabi & Qasr Al Watan
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring culture. Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts international exhibitions alongside its iconic permanent collection under the domed roof. Regular hours are 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM with last entry at 6:30 PM; tickets are AED 63 for adults. Continue to Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace open 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM with admissions around AED 65. Modest attire is required at both sites, and you should allocate at least two hours for each.
Traditional Souk at Qasr Al Hosn
For crafts and souvenirs, wander through the souk next to Qasr Al Hosn. Artisans demonstrate palm-frond weaving, Sadu embroidery and pottery. Open 10 AM – 7 PM, entry is free. Parking is limited; consider taking a taxi or walking from nearby car parks.
Sunday evening — Circus, festival and markets
Fontana Circus — encore
If you didn’t catch it on Saturday, enjoy the late-show of the Fontana circus at 8:00 PM. Water acrobatics and aerial performers close the weekend on a high note. Book premium seats (AED 250–350) for a central view of the aquatic stage.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
Return to the heritage festival for night-time fireworks, camel races and the thrilling weekly drone show at 9 PM. Weekends are busiest; arrive before sunset to find parking near the main entrance.
Alternative ideas
Hearty Breakfast at Jones the Grocer, Al Mamoura
Fuel your day with a farm-to-table breakfast at Jones the Grocer. Their ricotta pancakes and truffle scrambled eggs are local favourites, and breakfast is served 8 AM – 12 PM. Expect to pay about AED 60 per person, and reserve a table for weekend mornings. Parking fills quickly; arrive early or call ahead.
Art House Café — coffee & sketches
For a relaxed caffeine fix, stop at Art House Café in Al Bateen. The cosy space doubles as a gallery; you can doodle on your cup or admire local artworks. Signature drinks like rose latte and pistachio cappuccino cost around AED 25, and homemade cakes are worth a try. Afternoons around 3 PM are busiest; mornings are quieter.
Lunch or Dinner at Al Fanr Restaurant
Located at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Al Fanr serves Emirati classics like lamb machboos and shorbat adas (lentil soup). Main courses are AED 70–100 per person and there’s a kids’ menu. The shaded terrace overlooks landscaped gardens, and high chairs are available. Evenings can be breezy; bring a light sweater.
Kayaking in the Eastern Mangroves
Discover Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests on a guided kayak tour. Operators at the Eastern Mangroves launch tours every hour between 6 AM and 5 PM, and prices start around AED 160 per person. You’ll paddle through calm channels, spot herons and crabs, and learn about conservation. Wear water shoes and bring a dry bag; tides can be strong.
Cycling on Al Wathba Camel Track
Cycle around the 8-kilometre Al Wathba camel-race track, a favourite among locals. Bike rentals start at AED 40 per hour, and the flat loop is great for beginners. Go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid midday heat. Bring water and a helmet; there’s no shade along the track.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Studio Workshops
Join a hands-on art workshop at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Art Studio. Sessions vary from pottery to print-making and last about two hours, costing AED 100–150. Pre-registration is essential, and workshops are suitable for adults and older children. Afterwards, visit the museum’s galleries and take in the sunset from the promenade.
Cinema — VOX Cinemas at Yas Mall
Catch a movie at VOX Cinemas in Yas Mall. Upcoming releases like the action-comedy “Badlands” and the family adventure “Playdate” are expected to screen across the weekend. Afternoon sessions typically start around 1:00–4:00 PM, with evening shows running 6:00–10:00 PM. Ticket prices range from AED 35 for standard seats to AED 60 for premium reclining chairs. Book online to secure your preferred time and avoid queues.
Desert Glamping at Al Khatim Desert
For an off-city escape, spend Saturday night glamping in the Al Khatim desert, halfway between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Camps offer Bedouin-style tents, camel rides, henna painting and barbecue dinners for around AED 350–500 per person. Temperatures drop sharply after sunset; pack warm layers and closed-toe shoes.
Closing tips
The mid-November forecast promises warm days and cool nights, but desert evenings can feel chilly so pack layers. Traffic around Yas Island and Al Wathba will be heavy because of large events; use the Yas Express shuttle, public buses or taxis to avoid parking hassles. Many events require tickets in advance; check availability and prices as they may fluctuate. Make reservations early for concerts and festivals, and allow extra travel time around major venues.
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