With Halloween in Abu Dhabi just around the corner, there are many spooky activities for kids, exciting brunches, and haunted parties.
Halloween is officially on October 31st. However, it seems as though most countries that celebrate make a month of it!
Halloween has evolved into a worldwide event with roots in the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain. There has been a growth in Halloween celebrations among expat communities in the United Arab Emirates over the past few years.
Around this time of year, Abu Dhabi weather starts getting cooler. So if you are in the Emirate for a visit, check out some of the places you could visit.
Watch for Halloween in Abu Dhabi events during the last weekend of October. Here are some of the best events to make this ‘spooktacular’ season even more fun!
*We’re in the middle of a blog refresh, so some information might still be catching up! Thanks for hanging in there while we give everything a little update to provide you with the most accurate information.
Halloween in Abu Dhabi
1. Buffet and Bewitched Brews at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
For those looking to enjoy Halloween with a touch of luxury, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi has two fantastic options. On 31st October, Sahha restaurant will host a special Halloween-themed buffet.
Set on their open-air terrace, the evening offers a unique atmosphere under the night sky, with a range of themed dishes that capture the fun of Halloween. Sahhas talented chefs have curated a culinary experience, where intricate designs and thrilling dishes capture the spooky spirit of Halloween.
Timings: October 31st 2024, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Bookings: Call +97125101234, or email dineatgrandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com
For those looking for a more relaxed celebration, Lexx will be offering ‘Bewitched Brews’, a curated selection of themed cocktails mixed by expert bartenders. The stunning lighting and outdoor terrace combine for an intimate night out this Halloween in Abu Dhabi.
Timings: October 31st 2024, 5 pm to 2 am
Bookings: Call +97125101234, or email dineatgrandhyattabudhabi@hyatt.com
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner or a night out with friends, the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi is one of the best places to celebrate Halloween in Abu Dhabi.
Location: West Corniche Corniche Road Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
2. Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for one of the best Halloween events in Abu Dhabi for the kids, Warner Bros World Is a good starting point with this years Spooktober!
Get ready for a spooktacular experience at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi this Halloween season, running from October 5th to November 3rd!
This family-friendly event promises wicked fun times for all ages. With over 60 spooky characters, frightful rides, and immersive experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
In 2024, brace yourselves for a thrilling addition: Scooby-Doo and the Mystery INC. Gang will take the stage for live entertainment on the Warner Bros. Live Stage!
Whether you opt for a Single Day Ticket, a Single Day Ticket with a meal voucher, or the fantastic 4 Tickets at the Price of 3 offer exclusively for UAE residents, you’re in for a treat.
Cartoon Junction comes alive with Trickety Treat adventures, Daffy’s Spooky Dance Party, and a chance to meet your favourite cartoon characters in their Halloween best.
Don’t forget to Trickety Treat yourself with a special bag and map for a sweet day out this Halloween.
Plus, meet Batman, Bat Girl and The Black Canary, who are all dressed up for some spooky snapshots.
Indulge in wickedly delicious Spooktober-themed creations to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Purchase tickets here to Warner Bros World.
Timings: October 5th to November 3rd
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
3. Halloween Brunch Ensoleillé At Grills@Chill’O
Celebrate the spookiest day of the year with your loved ones at Grills@Chill’O.
Join in on a ghoulishly good time featuring special welcome beverages from the chillingly creative cocktail station to satisfy your thirst.
Surrounded by eerie decorations, indulge in a buffet inspired by Halloween while enjoying live musical performances by the live duo performance
Pool access is also available!
Date: October 26th, 1 pm – 4 pm
Packages:
- AED 285 per person
- Add AED 155 for free-flow house beverages, inclusive of sparkling wine
- Add AED 425 for free-flow Champagne (Pommery champagne)
Reservations: call +971 2 813 7777 or WhatsApp at +971 56 997 7409.
4. Coopers Halloween Party
Halloween is always fun in Abu Dhabi with brunch, parties and celebrations. Coopers in Park Rotana is holding its very own Halloween ‘Back From the Dead’ party on the 1st of November from 7 pm onwards.
The evening is set to be filled with live entertainment featuring The International Playboys and DJ Brent Anthony and some fantastic offers.
Not to mention, Coopers have concocted specially themed Halloween cocktails available.
Make sure to attend dressed in your spookiest costume for a FREE drink to keep the spooky spirits high. Plus, there’s a special grand prize for the night’s best-dressed guest.
For additional details or reservations, please call Cooper’s 02-657 3325.
5. B.I.G Brunch Goes Spooky at W Abu Dhabi
For a unique Halloween experience, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is hosting a spooky edition of its popular B.I.G Brunch at Garage restaurant on October 26th. The venue will be decked out with eerie decorations and hauntingly good music, making it a perfect spot for a Halloween celebration.
Expect a menu of creatively spooky dishes and expertly mixed Halloween cocktails. Running from 1 pm to 4 pm, this brunch offers an exciting range of cuisines and a fun-filled atmosphere.
The soft drinks package is priced at AED 320, the house beverage package AED 420, and for something extra, the Sparkling package is AED 589.
B.I.G Brunch is always a good time and the Spooky edition is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends or family this Halloween in Abu Dhabi.
Reservations: +971 2 656 0000
Location: W Abu Dhabi Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
6. Pumpkin Brunch, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Embrace your inner pumpkin enthusiast on Saturday, November 2nd, from 1 pm to 4 pm, as Fairmont Bab Al Bahr unveils an enchanting Halloween Brunch that revolves around the mesmerizing world of pumpkins!
Prepare for a delightful celebration featuring Pumpkin Pie and expertly crafted desserts to pay tribute to the mighty pumpkin.
While you indulge in these treats, you’ll find the enchanting allure of pumpkins in various shades surrounding you, adorning every nook and cranny of the venue, casting an eerie, atmospheric glow on your dining experience.
This is a perfect, family-friendly event promising a spooktacular time for all. Kids can enjoy incredible Halloween creations, so don’t forget to have them wear their Halloween costumes to really get into the fun!
Pricing:
- AED 295 for soft beverages + 125 AED for house beverages or add 300 AED for french bubbles
- Kids aged 6 to 12 receive a 50% discount, and those under six can join for free.
7. Masquerade Ball At Coya
For a stylish Halloween celebration, the COYA Masquerade Ball offers an elegant twist on spooky festivities. Held at the Peruvian epicentre of Abu Dhabi, COYA Restaurant, guests are invited to don their best masks and immerse themselves in a night of mystery and glamour.
The evening promises a vibrant mix of live music, themed cocktails, and delicious Peruvian and Latin American-inspired cuisine. With its chic décor and lively atmosphere, this event is perfect for those looking for a sophisticated Halloween experience.
Dress in your most creative Halloween attire and mask and book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Timing: Thursday, October 31st 2024
Location: Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
8. Full Moon Halloween Kayak Tour
Book your spot to kayak during the full moon around The Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi for some active and spooky fun. Grab your buddies and go kayaking, why not dress up while you are there?
Book here to avoid missing out on the full moon dates for one of the best activities to do on Halloween in Abu Dhabi.
Best Dates for the full moon: October 30th to November 1st
Location: Lourve, Easter Mangroves-Abu Dhabi
9. Bounce
Enjoy a spook-tactic day Bounce-After Dark in Abu Dhabi this Halloween. Featuring DJ’s freestyle dancing and more, it is set to be a fun evening from 8 pm until midnight.
Make sure to don a versatile Halloween outfit so you can bounce the night away in comfort!
Date: Dates to be confirmed for Halloween 2024
Price: 100 AED
Location: Ground Floor – Marina Mall – Al Marina – Abu Dhabi
10. Halloween Week at Central
Central Abu Dhabi is hosting an exciting Halloween Week from Friday 25th to Wednesday 31st of October, with plenty of themed events for all to enjoy. One highlight will be the Brunch on Saturday, October 26th, where the best-dressed ghoul or goblin will be crowned at 4 pm.
Try some of the delicious Halloween-themed treats, such as Graveyard Salad, Monster Meatball Sliders, and the famous Monster Shakes Boo-Nana. Not to mention the bowling lanes and arcade, which is an awesome activity for all the family, will be spooktacular!
Make a reservation and take the whole family, you won’t be disappointed!
Dates: Friday 25th October to Wednesday 31st October 2024
Location: Yas Bay Waterfront – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
11. Snow Abu Dhabi – Spooktacular
For a unique Halloween experience in Abu Dhabi, UAE, check out the “Not-So-Spooky Fun in the Snow” event. From 26 October to 02 November, Snow Abu Dhabi is offering unlimited access to their Snow Park, along with magic shows, treasure hunts, and arts & crafts activities for kids.
Young ones can also enjoy a complimentary cupcake and hot chocolate as part of the Spooktacular Pass. It’s a perfect way to celebrate the spooky season while enjoying some winter-themed fun.
Dates: 26th of October to 2nd of November
Pricing: AED 200 per person. See the website for full details.
Location: Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi
12. Enchanted Forest, Al Maryah Island South Plaza
Enchanted Forest at Al Maryah Island South Plaza offers fun for the whole family this Halloween. The Lawn (near the Galleria entrance) will be transformed into a family-friendly spooky event on the 25th and 26th of October.
Children of all ages should wear their most enchanting Halloween costumes for a chance to win vouchers for The Galleria. Get ready to bust out your best moves in the Monster Mash, or show off your top zombie impressions, and don’t forget to freeze when the music cuts!
The children can have fun making potions and get their faces painted. Not to mention thrilling carnival games like Zombie Eye Toss, Skeleton Maze and much more.
This family-friendly event promises two days of fun with themed decorations and interactive experiences. Kids can join in for some exciting pumpkin decorating, face painting, and treasure hunts, while the entire family can enjoy the lively atmosphere.
There’s also a trick-or-treat trail for the little ones to explore and plenty of opportunities for those Halloween costume photos. The Enchanted Forest will be a magical space where children can immerse themselves in creative activities, making it the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season.
The event is outdoors, making it an ideal spot to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s autumn weather while getting into the Halloween spirit.
Dates & Timings: 25th – 26th October 2024 from 4 pm to 10 pm
Location: The Lawn, Outside The Galleria Al Maryah Island entrance – Abu Dhabi Global Market Square
13. Prison Island
An exciting Halloween activity in Abu Dhabi, suitable for various groups, including families with kids 8+, friends, and teams, is Prison Island. Prison Island offers Halloween fun all year round.
It offers 26 unique cells with 20 teams able to participate simultaneously, accommodating 2 to 6 players per team.
There are also party rooms available. The experience includes challenges and teamwork, making it an ideal choice for team-building, educational outings, or birthday celebrations.
To ensure your spot and avoid waiting, it’s advisable to make a reservation. Prison Island provides an adventurous experience for people of all ages to collaborate, solve puzzles, and collect points.
14. BlackOut Horror Escape Game Room
Visiting Abu Dhabi’s biggest horror and escape game set in a villa is a perfect way to celebrate Halloween. BlackOut Horror Escape Room also offers Halloween fun all year round.
There is a little something for everyone at BlackOut Escape Game Room. It is packed with thrills and adventures, with only 60 minutes to escape.
Guests can choose from five different environments, all equally terrifying! The Circus, Hotel 666, Exorcism, Dungeon or Psychiatric.
We warn you the escape rooms aren’t for the faint-hearted. It is filled with a genuinely creepy atmosphere where you will feel like someone’s always watching.
It has gained its reputation as being the biggest and scariest escape room in the Middle East, perfect for Halloween.
For more information on BlackOut Escape Game Room.
Cost: AED 220 per person
Timings: Friday – Sunday 10 am to 12 am, Monday 1 pm to 12 am, Wednesday – Thursday 12 pm – 12 am
Location: Al Rihab Tower – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
15. Spooktacular Glow In The Dark Nights At Circuit X
Al Hudayriyat Island’s adventure park invites guests to experience its SPOOKTACULAR glow-in-the-dark events at Ropes Park.
A spooky collection of creatures awaits you at scary heights, zipline, climb, and Free Fall amidst ominous music and glowing lights.
Trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed decorations, glow sticks, and more will delight the kids.
Dates: 31st of October to 2nd of November
Timings: 7 pm to 10 pm
Location: Al Hudayriyat Island, Circuit X Park, Abu Dhabi
If you are looking for Dubai Halloween events click here.
Halloween Cakes & Decorations
FNP.ae has curated mouthwatering Halloween cakes for those with a sweet tooth. This scrumptious confections with spooky designs are sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Also available exclusively for Halloween are FNP’s Treat Boxes which are filled with an assortment of candies, chocolates, and treats. These boxes are perfect for sharing the spirit of Halloween with family and friends.
Transform any space into a haunted mansion with FNP’s Halloween decor. From spooky pumpkins and
hauntingly beautiful flower arrangements to eerie candleholders and ghoulish wreaths.
FNP’s Halloween decor collection has everything you need to create a chillingly eerie ambience for any Halloween party.
All products within the Halloween Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Halloween celebrated in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is an international city with a large expat community, so Halloween is celebrated widely.
There are spooktacular decorations in Abu Dhabi’s hotels and malls, as well as special menus and parties at local restaurants and bars.
What are the best stores to buy Halloween costumes in Abu Dhabi?
Whatever your Halloween costume is going to be, you’ll need to hit the shops to put together a great outfit.
These top Halloween costume stores can help you find the most suitable costume.
Posters
Posters are the perfect place to find an outfit for Halloween. All types of costumes and make-up sets are available at this store. You can also place an order online.
Party Centre
The Party Centre at Al Wahda Mall and Al Raha Mall is a great place to find Halloween decor, costumes, and other Halloween accessories. If you’re looking for costumes in any category, stop by one of their stores or browse online.
Party Zone
Whether you’re looking for make-up, terrifying masks, adult/kids costumes, colourful wigs or other Halloween accessories, there’s something for everyone at Party Zone.
Mystique Costumes
Despite the shop’s location in Dubai, you can order your Halloween costume online and have it delivered to Abu Dhabi.
At Mystique Costumes, you’ll find everything from fake blood to funky wigs and Halloween make-up.
While costumes at Mystique Costumes are more on the expensive side, they can vary depending on what you choose, the outcome is well worth your time and effort.
Shopping for Halloween doesn’t have to be an expensive affair. You can also be artistic and use items from around your home.
Halloween Ideas at Home With The Family
Whether it’s pumpkin-decorating contests, scary movie marathons, or scavenger hunts, there are so many activities your family can do together for Halloween. Find out what we think are the best Halloween activities for your little ones.
Pumpkin Decorating
Pumpkin decorating is a helpful activity for fine motor skill development. Paint or carve pumpkins with your family and friends!
It would be worthwhile to save the seeds and innards for later use, such as toasting pumpkin seeds or baking pumpkin bread.
Having kids plan and run their own haunted house can be a lot of fun. Allow kids to create their own “spooky” experience by setting rules about props, using equipment and clearing up afterwards.
Let the kids plan their route and layout spooky elements along the way.
Haunted Houses
In case the thought of constructing a haunted house scares your child, you can create a Fall fun house where pumpkins, scarecrows, and other Fall-themed decorations are displayed.
Lantern Making
Lantern making is a fun craft idea and a great party decoration. Take some brown or white paper lunch bags and cut fun designs and shapes. Fill the bottom of the bag with sand and place a battery-operated candle on top.
Scavenger Hunts
Children can have a great time on a scavenger hunt. Make up a scavenger hunt for your kids. Hide and leave clues so the kids can find you.
The Best Halloween Movies For Kids
Here’s our list of Halloween movies for kids so that you don’t have to search through the Internet for something fun.
So wear your costumes, grab some snacks and sit back. As a matter of fact, most of these movies tend to be funny rather than creepy.
- Hocus Pocus- 1993
- CASPER the Friendly Ghost- 1995
- Harry Potter (Movie series)
- Monsters, Inc.- 2001
- Scooby Doo- 2002
- The Haunted Mansion- 2003
- Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride- 2005
- Monster House- 2006
- Coraline- 2009
- The Dog Who Saved Halloween- 2011
- Hotel Transylvania- 2012
- Frankenweenie- 2012
- Paranorman- 2012
- Toy story of terror- 2013
- Goosebumps- 2015
- Ghostbusters- 2016
- Gnome Alone- 2017
- Escape from Mr.Lemoncello’s Library- 2017
- The house with a Clock in its walls- 2018
- Super Monsters Save Halloween- 2018
- The Addams Family- 2019
- Scary stories to tell in the dark- 2019
- Scoob!- 2020
- Bigfoot Family- 2020
- Monster Family 2- 2021
- Muppets Haunted Mansion- 2021
- Under Wraps- 2021
What is Halloween?
All Hallows Eve, or Halloween, is a holiday celebrated on October 31, the evening before All Saints’ (or All Hallows’) Day.
In Western Christianity, Allhallowtide begins the day before All Saints’ Day, which lasts three days and concludes with All Souls Day.
The observance of Halloween is largely nonreligious in much of Europe and North America.
Origins of Halloween
The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic Festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). 2,000 years ago, the Celts, mostly living in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and Northern France celebrated their New Year on November 1st.
In the past, this day marked the harvest and the beginning of the dark cold winter. It was believed by the Celts that the boundary between the living and the dead blurred on the night before the New Year.
On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain when it was believed the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
History of Trick-or-Treating
Taking after European traditions, Americans began dressing up in costumes and asking for food and money from house to house. As a result, this practice eventually became the trick-or-treat tradition we know today.
It was in the late 1800s that Halloween began to shift from a night of ghosts, pranks and witchcraft to a day of community and neighbourhood gatherings.
Halloween parties for children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the holiday around the turn of the century. It was a time for games, food of the season and festive costumes at the parties.
Parents refrained from displaying anything “frightening” or “grotesque” during Halloween celebrations.
It was because of these efforts Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the turn of the twentieth century.
History of Halloween Parties
As Halloween evolved into a secular holiday in the 1920s and 1930s, its main attractions were parades and town’ Halloween parties.
Despite many schools and communities best efforts, vandalism plagued some celebrations in many communities during this time.
As the 1950s approached, town leaders had successfully limited vandalism and Halloween was becoming a holiday mostly for the young.
Because of the high number of children during the fifties baby boom, parties were held in classrooms and homes rather than town civic centres.
It was also during these decades trick-or-treating was revived. Halloween was a relatively inexpensive way for communities to celebrate together.
By providing small treats to the neighbourhood children, families could also prevent tricks from being played on them.
As a result, a new American tradition was born and it has continued to flourish. Halloween is now the second most popular commercial holiday in the country, after Christmas, spending an estimated $6 billion each year.
Halloween, The Movie
The box office success of scary Halloween movies has a long history. There are a number of classic Halloween movies, including the “Halloween” franchise, based on the 1978 original film directed by John Carpenter and starring Donald Pleasance, Nick Castle, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Tony Moran.
The story of Halloween revolves around a young boy named Michael Myers who murders his 17-year-old sister and is sent to jail, only to escape over Halloween night and look for his old home and a new target.
The direct sequel to the original “Halloween” was released in 2018. Halloween Kills, the twelfth instalment in the franchise, was released in 2021.
With its spooky soundtrack, “Halloween” is considered a classic horror film that inspired other iconic “slasher films” like “Scream,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Friday the 13.” Families can enjoy Halloween movies like “Hocus Pocus,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” “Beetlejuice” and “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
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