It’s safe to say November and December are the busiest months in Abu Dhabi. That being said, January is a lovely month in the Emirate with cooler weather. Enjoying the outdoors and fewer tourists overall is ideal since schools are back early in the month!
We’ve been searching for the offers and best January events in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re celebrating Orthodox Christmas or looking for something cultured, we’ve covered all the bases this January.
Vivacious Brunch, Saturdays
Dive into the vibrant and lively Vivacious brunch experience at VOGO Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa.
Feast on over 350 mouthwatering dishes crafted by the skilled chefs, and savor made-to-order specialties at live cooking stations. Not to mention international cuisine, whatever you are feeling like you are sure to find it at this incredible brunch.
Vivacious Brunch has a family-friendly vibe with a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages, complete with a dedicated play area to keep the young ones entertained. It’s the perfect recipe for an amazing weekend gathering you won’t want to miss!
Whilst the kids are playing, enjoy live entertainment or keep cool with the free pool access.
Timings: Saturday 1-4 pm
Price: 249 AED for soft package, 359 AED for house beverages 559 AED for bubble
Winterfest at Ferrari World, Ends January 7th
If you’ve missed the festivities or just can’t get enough, there is still a chance to catch Winterfest at Ferrari World until January 7th.
Winterfest offers live entertainment and attractions, including an ice-skating spectacle, acrobatic performances, a snow playground, and more.
The festivities feature various shows, including Winterfest On Ice, a lighting projection show at Enzo’s House, a Festiva live band on Italian Street, and activities like the Gingerbread Factory, Ladder Balance Act, Hand Balance Act, and a Snow Playground in the Green Zone.
Tickets are available for AED 345 for a single day or AED 395 with a meal voucher, and UAE residents can enjoy a special offer of 4 tickets for the price of 3 at AED 1,035.
Wolfis Individual Time Trial, January 7th
Wolfi’s Individual Time Trial on January 7th at Hudayriyat Island includes a 13.75km race for riders 15 years and above, and a 6.8km race for juniors aged 8 to 14.
The time trial, also known as the “race of truth,” is a solo race against the clock, with starting times at equal intervals.
Drafting is not allowed, and the rider with the fastest time is declared the winner. Event check-in starts at 6:30 am, with suggested starting windows for different groups.
Finishers receive a Finisher Medal, and age group medals are awarded if three or more participants are in a specific age group.
You can find more info about this event here.
Asian Night Brunch On Saturdays, Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi introduces an Asian Night Brunch at Khayal every Saturday from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, featuring an unlimited buffet with sushi, customizable stir-fry, dim sum, Thai street eats, and Asian-inspired desserts.
Guests can enhance the experience with a house beverages package priced at AED350. For reservations or inquiries, contact 02 201 4131 or email diningalforsan@marriott.com.
Sunday Roast Carving Buffet At Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
There is no better way to finish the weekend than to have a scrumptious roast at Appaloosa Sports Bar. Savour British roast platters, including beef brisket, chicken and pork.
Enjoy free-flowing food between 1 pm and 4 pm every Sunday. Spend time with friends and loved ones at a relaxed pace. Indulge in all the sides, such as Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, mashed potatoes, onion gravy, cauliflower gratin and glazed parsnips.
The price per person is AED 119, including free-flowing food and one house beverage. For reservations or inquiries, contact 02 201 4131 or email diningalforsan@marriott.com.
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Abu Dhabi Flea Market, January 14th
Join the Abu Dhabi Fleamarket, the capital’s largest monthly second-hand event. Buy or sell pre-loved items, including clothes, electronics, baby & kids items, books, toys, and more.
The upcoming Abu Dhabi Indoor Flea Market will occur on January 14, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Fotouh Al Khair Mall (Marks & Spencer) on Abu Dhabi Airport Road/Hamdan.
Sheikh Zayed Festival, throughout January
The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi is an evolving celebration of culture and tradition from November to March each year.
It has grown into one of the most significant events on the Abu Dhabi calendar, seamlessly blending technological advancements with deep-rooted culture and traditional showcases.
The festival showcases over 20,000 individuals participating in many activities and 750 performances across different zones.
Sheikh Zayed Festival is well-known for its iconic Emirates Fountain, light shows, international pavilions representing various countries, weekly fireworks displays, and fascinating drone shows.
With a nominal entry fee and extended hours on weekends and public holidays, the festival offers a unique experience in understanding the UAE’s rich heritage and culture while enjoying delicious Emirati cuisine and a variety of activities for all ages.
Read more details on the Sheikh Zayed Festival here.
Orthodox Christmas Brunch, January 7th
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas Day with a joyful feast at Catch, St. Regis, overlooking Marina Peninsula and the Arabian Gulf.
Enjoy a 4-course sharing menu on Sunday, January 7, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Prices range from AED 400 to AED 850 per person, including various beverages. For reservations and information, call +971 2 694 4553 or email.
Candlelit Concert, Anantara Eastern Mangroves & Emirates Palace, 7th & 13th of January
The globally acclaimed Candlelight Concerts series debuts Abu Dhabi, offering live classical renditions under candlelight’s enchantment.
This month, there will be three different dates, on the 15th, 16th and 24th of September, with tributes to Coldplay, Beethoven and Taylor Swift, respectively. All shows last 65 minutes and promise an immersive experience.
Tickets for the shows, starting at Dhs 150, are available for Ludovico Einaudi and Coldplay tributes.
Georgian National Ballet Sukhishvili, January 12th & 13th
The Sukhishvili Georgian National Dance Company, known as “The Flying Georgian”, is renowned for its unique leaping abilities. This 70-member ensemble performs Georgian folk dances and theatricals with live folk music.
Established in 1945, they’ve set records at La Scala in Milan and received recognition on Broadway in the United States.
The group has influenced fashion and performed globally, and this will be their first Abu Dhabi performance.
Purchase tickets here to one of the best January events in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi, Sail Grand Prix, 13th & 14th Of January
SailGP kicks off the 2024 season with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix on January 13-14. The event promises two days of intense racing at Mina Zayed, featuring F50 racing boats.
Global music superstars Take That will perform on January 13. The weekend schedule includes athlete meet and greets, fitness challenges, exclusive photo spots, street food markets, and immersive exhibitions.
Find out more about Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix
Letters Of Lights, The Louvre, Ends 14th of January
Perhaps one of the most poignant exhibitions in current times is the Letter Of Lights at The Louvre. It brings together historic religious manuscripts from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Curated by Laurent Héricher and Souraya Noujaim, it highlights the common roots and deep reverence for written scriptures in these monotheistic religions.
The showcased manuscripts range from ancient Dead Sea Scrolls to contemporary wonders like the Nano Bible, emphasizing shared traditions and histories.
The exhibition, promoting cultural interconnections, features over 240 objects, including artworks by renowned artists.
Ataya Exhibition 2024, January 15th -20th
The Ataya Exhibition 2024 in Abu Dhabi is an annual event showcasing the best in women’s fashion, jewellery, accessories, and home furniture.
Held at ADNEC Marina Hall from January 15 to 20, 2024, between 3 pm and 10 pm, the exhibition features exhibitors and producers from the UAE and worldwide.
Notably, the exhibition has a 13-year history of supporting humanitarian and charitable initiatives.
This year’s focus is on Gaza, with the “Hand in Hand with Tarahum — For Gaza campaign” launched by the UAE to aid our brothers in Palestine. Ticket purchases will support humanitarian aid.
Hamilton, Etihad Arena, January 17th onward
The award-winning musical “Hamilton” is set to make its Middle Eastern debut at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena from January 17 to February 4, 2024.
This groundbreaking production, which has received accolades such as the Pulitzer Prize, features a unique blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway in its score.
“Hamilton” tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, a key figure in American history, and has had a significant impact on culture, politics, and education.
The musical is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography, with Lin-Manuel Miranda as the book’s creator, music, and lyrics.
Al Hosn Festival, January 19th to 28
The Al Hosn Festival, held annually at Abu Dhabi’s historic site, Qasr Al Hosn, is a celebration of the Emirate’s heritage.
Visitors can experience Emirati traditions, including hospitality, food, dress, customs, performances, and crafts.
The festival offers souks, children’s workshops, food and beverage stalls, traditional shows, musical performances, art exhibits, and interactive activities. From January 19-28, 2024, the event opens at 4:00 PM, with the last entry at 10:30 PM and closure at 11:00 PM.
Abu Dhabi Art Gateway, Ends January 21st
The annual Gateway exhibition, curated this year by Venetia Porter, focuses on Emirati artist Hashel Al Lamki. Titled “Maqam,” after Al Lamki’s Al Ain neighbourhood, the exhibition provides a journey through the artist’s evolution.
Like the melodic compositions of maqam in music, it weaves past and current works, offering insight into Al Lamki’s artistic odyssey. The interplay between natural landscapes and human intervention emerges as a central theme.
The exhibition runs until January 21, 2024, at Hall S, Manarat Al Saadiyat, with opening hours from 2 pm to 9 pm during the fair and 10 am to 8 pm after the fair.
The Ballet of China, 26th & 27th of January
The National Ballet of China offers a creative twist on Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet, The Nutcracker. Founded in 1959, the company boasts artists trained in the Russian tradition.
The ballet begins with a vibrant scene at a Beijing temple fair, setting the stage for New Year celebrations with masks and lanterns.
The journey unfolds through fairy lands, including the Kingdom of the Crane and the Porcelain Kingdom, featuring monsters, little tigers, and captivating dances such as the Dance of Fans and Dance of Spinning Tops.
The performance concludes with a dazzling Dance of Gold Ingots and an exhilarating explosion of firecrackers.
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