December in Abu Dhabi means an endless number of things to do – and we’re here to help you navigate the best of the festivities!
From concerts to numerous winter festivals, marathons and more, there’s no dearth of events to cater to every mood, age and vibe.
Take a look and book your spots, have a lovely weekend!
10+ things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla
Witness one of the cultural highlights of the year as Arabic Opera: Antar & Abla takes the stage at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi.
Blending music through poetry, spectacular stage design, and spellbinding performances, this landmark production celebrates Arab heritage. This spectacular production unites original music by Maestro Maroun Al-Rahi and a live symphonic performance by the Lanzhou Symphony Orchestra, celebrated for its Silk Road–inspired repertoire.
Details:
Date: 9-14 December 2025
Time: TBA
Price: Starting AED 180. For tickets, visit Platinumlist
Third Al Yasat Festival
The sails are coming on, and it’s time to deep dive into the UAE’s culture once more! Coming back bigger than ever is the third Al Yasat Festival – and it’s too exciting to miss.
To ensure maximum access to visitors, you can choose from 12 to 14 December and 19 to 21 December. The festival will present 24 maritime, sporting, beach, and heritage competitions, with total prizes exceeding a whopping AED 7 million.
Details:
Date: 12-14, 19-21 December 2025
Location: Al Sila Waterfront
Liwa Village and Liwa International Festival
Get ready to step into Abu Dhabi’s most anticipated winter spectacle. LIWA International Festival transforms the iconic Moreeb Dune into a living arena of culture, motorsports, adventure, and unforgettable desert nights.
It is a celebration where the UAE’s spirit meets world-class entertainment across 23 days of pure energy. Adding to the excitement, Liwa Village opens as the festival’s vibrant heartbeat, offering themed zones, attractions, live experiences, and family activities that elevate every moment in Liwa.
Details:
Date: Starting 12 December 2025
Timings: 4 pm to 12 am
Yas Winter Fest
Get ready – it’s about to get snowy in Abu Dhabi. That’s right, the most adorable Yas Winter Fest is making its grand return, and you know it’s just what the festive season calls for!
Running for 10 days at Yas Gateway Park, get ready to enjoy everything from Santa to the most decadent hot chocolate. There’s live entertainment, a Snow Zone for kids, movie screenings, and so much more on the agenda.
Details:
Date: 12-21 December 2025
Price: From AED 25
Website: Visit Yas Winter Fest
ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon
One of the most exciting outings on the sports calendar in the capital, the ADNOC Abu Dhabi marathon is easily one of the most rewarding things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi.
Sporting a 42.195 km route, you can either lace up those trainers and give it a go, or be one of the thousands of people on the side cheering on the runners. There’s even a 10km and 5km race for those looking to get started.
Details:
Date: 13 December 2025
Price: From AED 90
Website: Visit ADNOC
Geminids Meteor Shower
Ready to witness the skies light up – but this time with the stars themselves? Mark your calendars for another spectacular display of the Geminids Meteor Shower!
The same will be visible in Abu Dhabi skies on Saturday, December 13 and Sunday, December 14. You can usually see up to 120 meteors per hour in clear skies. However, this year we might encounter a full moon as well, which might limit some visibility. Still one of the most anticipated things to do this weekend in town!
Fear not – we’ve found the best places in town and nearby to catch them all!
MOTN (Mother of the Nation Festival)
MOTN returns to the Abu Dhabi Corniche with its signature blend of entertainment, gastronomy, immersive zones, live shows, and family-friendly experiences.
This year’s edition spans the festive season, offering everything from pop-up dining concepts and shopping pavilions to global performers and themed installations. With activities for all ages, it’s one of the capital’s most anticipated annual festivals – perfect for celebrating winter outdoors.
Details:
Date: 10 December 2025 – 4 January 2026
Price: From AED 25
Website: Visit MOTN
Winter camps in Abu Dhabi
It’s that time of the year again when parents scout for the finest winter camps in Abu Dhabi to keep their little ones engaged during the December school break.
As always, Abu Dhabi hosts a variety of winter camps tailored to cater to every child’s interests, whether it’s a specific sport, a mix of activities, or something more artistic.
These camps offer an excellent chance for kids to explore existing passions or discover new interests.
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
Candlelight concerts are always a favourite in the UAE, and this one’s no different. Get ready to witness the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island.
Discover the music of Queen and The Beatles under the gentle glow of candlelight. Late arrivals are not permitted, so be sure to get there at least 45 minutes prior to the start, as doors close 5 minutes before! It’s definitely one of the more ethereal musical December events in Abu Dhabi – don’t miss out.
Details:
Date: 12 December 2025
Price: From AED 200
Website: Visit Fever
Arabian Days Festival
Launched in 2023, Arabian Days Festival is an award-winning annual cultural initiative organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre- Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Arabic language and its ever-evolving identity.
Bringing together language, art, music, literature, and technology, the festival is one of the more immersive December events in Abu Dhabi that highlights the beauty of Arabic and its power to inspire creativity and connection across generations.
Details:
Date: 13-15 December 2025
Price: From AED 95
Website: Visit Platinumlist
Manar Abu Dhabi
Ready to witness gorgeous installations and art light up the capital? This year is bringing together 15 Emirati and international artists and collectives from 10 countries.
The exhibition will feature 23 site-specific light sculptures, projections and immersive installations that celebrate creativity and highlight Abu Dhabi’s diverse landscapes. Here’s your ultimate guide to checking out all the gorgeous art across the capital.
Sheikh Zayed Festival
As always, this year too, the Sheikh Zayed Festival is coming back with a huge variety of new cultural and entertainment events for the whole family to enjoy.
Explore fun, exciting settings that feature international music concerts, rare opportunities to learn about wildlife, a selection of amazing culinary experiences from all over the world, fun competitions and much, much more.
