Looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend? Start with brunches, beach clubs, cocktails and a little culture
The weekend is looking good, Abu Dhabi. From cocktail nights and beachside dinners to brunches, live music and a silent film screening under the lights, there is plenty happening across the capital over the next few days. Whether you are in the mood for a long lunch, a laid-back dinner or simply looking for new things to do, this list has you covered. Here are some of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Sip Palomas at Perlage
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Ahead of World Paloma Day, Perlage at Flamingo Room by tashas is hosting a one-night-only cocktail collaboration with SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi and Library Bar at The Abu Dhabi EDITION. Expect four creative takes on the classic Paloma, live DJ sets and a stylish crowd at one of the city’s chicest bars. The cocktails range from bright and citrusy to bold and complex, making this an easy pick for a fun Thursday night out.
Location: Perlage, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Time: Thursday, May 21, 8pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs45 per cocktail
Contact: 058 288 8164
Book a Mediterranean dinner at Sophia
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Sophia Abu Dhabi is hosting a refined five-course Mediterranean pairing dinner centred around one of Chile’s most celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons. Set inside The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the evening promises elegant plates, expertly paired wines and a polished atmosphere that feels ideal for date night. If your perfect evening starts with excellent food and ends with dessert and wine by the sea, this one deserves a reservation.
Location: Sophia Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Time: Thursday, May 21 from 7pm
Cost: Dhs450 per person
Contact: 02 498 8443
Catch a silent film screening at Taparelle
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Taparelle continues its run of artsy evenings this month with the closing event of CineMAS 2026. On Sunday night, the restaurant hosts a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid, accompanied by a live DJ performance by Amin Fari. Set inside Manarat Al Saadiyat, the venue combines cinema, music, food and culture in a way that feels very Saadiyat right now. Arrive hungry because the French-Italian menu is worth sticking around for too.
Location: Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Time: Sunday, May 24, 8pm to 9pm
Cost: From Dhs30
Contact: Tickets via Abu Dhabi Culture
Visit the new tashas café in Al Ain
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The newly opened tashas in Al Ain takes inspiration from the calm, earthy surroundings of the garden city. The interiors are warm and understated, with handmade finishes, soft tones and natural textures throughout. On the menu, you will find all the classics regulars love, including the Brioche French Toast, Chicken Prego and the famous St Francis breakfast tortilla. It is well worth the drive if you have been looking for an excuse to escape the city for a few hours.
Location: tashas Al Ain, Al Mu’tarid Lifestyle Centre
Time: Daily, 8am to 12am.
Cost: À la carte
Contact: 02 517 6944
Spend Saturday brunching at Glo
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Glo’s family-friendly brunch brings together a generous buffet, live DJ entertainment and saxophone performances in a polished outdoor setting. The atmosphere is lively without feeling chaotic, making it ideal for families and groups looking for an easy Saturday afternoon plan. Good food, music and sunshine still make a winning combination in Abu Dhabi.
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
Time: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Soft package Dhs290, alcohol package Dhs390, champagne package Dhs490
Contact: 02 813 5550
Try the Gardens of Babylon brunch at Sofra bld
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Sofra bld’s popular Gardens of Babylon brunch is back for the season. Inspired by the Hanging Gardens, the experience combines an enormous buffet, live entertainment and flowing drinks in a grand setting inside Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. It is the sort of brunch where you arrive hungry and leave several hours later wondering where the afternoon went.
Location: Sofra bld, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Time: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: From Dhs378 per person
Contact: 02 509 8888
Fire up Friday night at Roots Bar & Kitchen
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Friday nights at Yas Acres Golf & Country Club come with smoky barbecue flavours and a relaxed outdoor setting at Roots Bar & Kitchen. The Grill and Chill experience includes live cooking stations, barbecue favourites and a fresh salad buffet for Dhs99 per person. Casual, family-friendly and easy on the wallet, it is one of those simple Friday plans that just works.
Location: Roots Bar & Kitchen, Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Time: Fridays, 7pm to 10pm
Cost: Dhs99 per person
Contact: 050 757 4808
Dine your way through Mamsha Al Saadiyat
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Mamsha Al Saadiyat’s Dine & Vibe series turns the beachfront promenade into a live music crawl every weekend until May 24. Restaurants including NIRI, Antonia, Black Tap, Society and TING IRIE are hosting live performances ranging from jazz to acoustic sets and international pop. The best part is wandering between venues, listening to music and deciding where to stop for dinner next. Abu Dhabi evenings do not get much better than this.
Location: Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Time: Every weekend until May 24
Cost: Free entry, dining charged separately
Contact: @mamshaalsaadiyatdestination
Make Saturday brunch a beach day at West Bay Lounge
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If your ideal Saturday includes long lunches and sea views, West Bay Lounge has you covered. The Bay Brunch brings a generous share-style menu inspired by coastal flavours, created by Chef de Cuisine Jose Maria and designed for slow afternoons by the water. Expect fresh ingredients, relaxed vibes and the kind of setting that makes it very easy to stay longer than planned. Throughout May, brunch guests also get complimentary beach and pool access, which means you can arrive early, claim a sun lounger and turn brunch into a full-day escape.
Location: West Bay Lounge, Abu Dhabi
Time: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs289 with soft drinks, optional two-hour unlimited drinks package for Dhs129 extra
Contact: 054 586 4442
Celebrate a world-first win at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
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Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has officially been named the best theme park in the world, becoming the first attraction in the Middle East to win the prestigious Liseberg Applause Award. If you needed an excuse to plan a Yas Island day out, this is it. Spend the weekend racing through Gotham City, hanging out with Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo, and escaping the heat inside one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest indoor attractions. With rides, live entertainment and themed lands for all ages, it easily earns a spot on this weekend’s list of fu things to do.
Location: Warner Bros. World, Yas Island Abu Dhabi
Time: Daily, 11am to 8pm
Cost: from Dhs345
Contact: 600 511115
