Across Abu Dhabi in October, there are many exciting events as the city enters the cooler period.
From fantastic brunches to Halloween celebrations, which Abu Dhabi does in style. There is lots going on.
October is busy, with boat races, incredible performances on the ice at Etihad Arena, and plenty of sporting events.
It’s a great time to hit the beach and head outdoors again after the hot summer months. If you are a tourist wondering what to expect, check out this post about the weather in Abu Dhabi in October.
Let’s dive in and look at what’s happening in the capital this month!
October Abu Dhabi Events & Offers
Sorso Ladies Night, Every Wednesday
Sorso, nestled in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, offers a sophisticated setting for Ladies’ Night every Wednesday.
Gather your friends mid-week, where for just AED 111, you can enjoy a two-hour experience of free-flowing house beverages, including wine, beer, and selected cocktails.
Complement your drinks with a plate of bar snacks or a beautifully presented étagère of treats, all served right to your table. From 5 pm to 12:30 am, it’s the perfect escape to unwind and catch up with friends.
To book, call +971 2-8188203- 8203 or reserve a table here.
Spritz At The Ritz Every Friday
Start your weekend right with Friday Spritz at The Ritz with all the nostalgic vibes. Enjoy a three-hour experience with classic and signature Spritz cocktails and free-flowing house beverages like wine and beer.
Set in the chic ambience of Sorso, the evening includes a delicious antipasti plate or bar snacks to pair with your drinks.
Available every Friday from 5 pm to 12:30 am, this is a must-try for anyone looking to kick off the weekend in style. The price is AED 185.
To book, call +971 2-8188203- 8203 or reserve a table here.
Taste Of Vienna At Andaz
This October, Andaz Lounge at the iconic Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi presents #TasteOfVienna, a unique collaboration with renowned pastry chef Alexander Bitz from Andaz Vienna Am Belvedere.
Café hoppers and dessert lovers can indulge in an exclusive menu featuring authentic Viennese pastries and signature coffees. Set in the lounge’s trendy and artsy atmosphere, this limited edition offering is a unique fusion of culture and culinary craftsmanship, available daily from 8 am to 10 pm.
For more information and reservations, please contact +971 507656435 or visit the website.
Themed Cocktail Masterclass at 18 Degrees Bar & Terrace
Cocktail enthusiasts, get ready to shake things up! The 18 Degrees Bar & Terrace is launching a themed Cocktail Masterclass Series led by Head Mixologist Dana.
Whether a novice or a cocktail connoisseur, this hands-on experience will teach you the art of mixology, from crafting classic cocktails to Zodiac-inspired creations.
Enjoy insider tips, premium ingredients, and a fun atmosphere every Saturday and Sunday from 5 pm, followed by a delicious 3-course meal and a souvenir to take home.
Visit the website or contact +971 50 765 6435 to reserve your spot.
Brunch Ensoleillé
If you’re looking for a perfect way to spend Saturday, Brunch Ensoleillé at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is the place to be!
From 1 PM to 4 PM, this laid-back brunch offers an international buffet with something for everyone. Kick back by the pool, enjoy the stunning Corniche views, and let a live duo serenade you with your favourite tunes.
It’s a great way to enjoy your weekend for AED 285 per person. For an additional AED 155, you can go for the house beverage package or make it a champagne day for AED 425 with free-flow bubbly.
The best part? Pool access is included, so you can take a dip while soaking up the atmosphere. For reservations, call +971 (0)2 813 7777, WhatsApp them at +971 56 997 7409, or head to the booking page.
Art For Awareness, Pinktober
In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is launching an Art for Awareness initiative this October. The event invites guests and the local community to reflect on the cause through the power of art.
The highlight is a collection of portraits created by Dalal Atallah, a talented hotel employee.
The artwork, all themed in shades of pink, is a tribute to the strength and resilience of those affected by breast cancer. The portraits are displayed in the lobby, surrounded by a beautiful flower arrangement.
Visitors are encouraged to stop by, view the art, and participate in raising awareness for this important cause throughout October. For more information, see here.
NBA Abu Dhabi Games, October 4th
Basketball fans, prepare for an unforgettable weekend at the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, which will bring excitement to Yas Island’s Etihad Arena on October 4th and 6th.
Witness the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, face off against the 2024 NBA Champions, the Boston Celtics, in this thrilling global showdown.
There’s A Monster in Your Show, Oct 4th & 5th
The beloved “Who’s in Your Book?” series by Tom Fletcher comes to life in Abu Dhabi with the UAE premiere of There’s A Monster in Your Show at the Cultural Foundation.
This high-energy, 55-minute musical is filled with original music and interactive moments, perfect for introducing young audiences to live theatre.
Catch the fun as Little Monster and his friends create a magical show about books and friendship on stage.
Mammeyat Weldy in Abu Dhabi, Oct 4th & 5th
The comedy play at Abu Dhabi National Theater follows the humorous adventures of Abu Morgan and his friend Abu Saqr as they plan a trip to Cairo, with a detour to Sharm El-Sheikh.
Along the way, Abu Morgan visits his son in Cairo and gets caught up in lighthearted, amusing situations, promising a fun and engaging experience for the audience.
Mantra Dandiya Utsav, Oct 5th to 7th
Mantra Dandiya Utsav is bringing the vibrant spirit of Navaratri to life at Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi! Join the celebration with India’s Garba Queen, Shital Thakor, and her electrifying 10-piece live band, mesmerizing dance performances and top DJs.
At this grand cultural extravaganza, enjoy the lively atmosphere with music, dance, delicious food, and fun activities for kids.
Swan Lake On Ice At Cultural Foundation, Oct 11th & 12th
Experience the magic of Swan Lake on Ice at the Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi, performed by the world-renowned Imperial Ice Stars.
With Tchaikovsky’s timeless music, thrilling choreography by ice director Tony Mercer, and dazzling costumes, this adrenaline-packed production is set to be incredible.
Check out tickets to Swan Lake on Ice here.
Stick Man Live on Stage, Oct 11th & 12th
Stick Man Live on Stage is coming to Theatre by Erth, Abu Dhabi, with performances on Friday, October 11th, and Saturday, October 12th.
Straight from London’s West End, this award-winning adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved Stick Man promises a heartwarming, funny, and original adventure.
It’s a delightful treat for the whole family, packed with puppetry, songs, live music, and funky moves.
Check out tickets here to Stickman.
La Lezione Teatro, Oct 11th
La Lezione di Teatro, The Acting Class, comes to The Black Box at The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, offering a comic tribute to Italian talent for connecting with audiences across language barriers.
This 45-minute play, performed partly in English and partly in Italian, humorously explores the art of acting. It uses theatre’s universal language to entertain all, whether they speak Italian, English, or neither.
Disney On Ice 2024, Oct 16 to 20th
Disney On Ice 2024—Let’s Celebrate! will be at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, from Wednesday, October 16th, to Sunday, October 20th.
Join Mickey, Mirabel, Moana, Anna, Elsa, and more as your favourite Disney stories come to life on the ice!
In this unforgettable celebration for the whole family, enjoy a magical experience with beloved characters, thrilling performances, and iconic songs.
Abu Dhabi Dragon Boat Race, 0ct 19 & 20th
Mark your calendar for October 19th, when Abu Dhabi’s Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri hosts an exciting day of water sports featuring SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) races and thrilling Dragon Boat competitions.
This event serves as a test for the upcoming ICF SUP World Championship 2025, with both long-distance (3km) and technical (500-600m) SUP races for various age groups.
Spectators and participants can enjoy a day of competitive action, ending with a beach party and BBQ in the evening. It’s the perfect combination of sport and celebration, making it a must-attend event for water sports enthusiasts in the region.
Animenia, October 23 – 27th
Anime enthusiasts are in for a treat this October. Animenia Abu Dhabi will take over Manarat Al Saadiyat from October 23 to 27, offering an immersive celebration of all things anime.
Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and event agency BRAG, the festival will bring fans into the world of Neo-Tokyo with live performances, appearances from iconic anime characters, and meet-and-greets with renowned anime directors, voice actors, and manga artists.
Highlights include a thrilling cosplay competition with a staggering AED 400,000 prize pool, J-Pop concerts, and a gaming hub featuring Esports and VR zones. Tickets start at AED 65 and are available here.
Backstreet Boys DNA Tour, Oct 23rd
After a record-breaking, sold-out show at Etihad Arena in May 2023, the Backstreet Boys return to Abu Dhabi this October for their DNA World Tour.
Fans can expect a night of nostalgia and high-energy performances featuring their biggest hits like “Everybody” and “I Want It That Way.” While Kevin Richardson will be absent due to scheduling conflicts, Nick Carter, Howie Dorough, AJ McLean, and Brian Littrell promise to deliver the whole Backstreet Boys experience.
Take That In Abu Dhabi, Oct 25th
Get ready for a one-night spectacle with iconic British pop band Take That at Etihad Park, Abu Dhabi, on Friday, 25th October 2024.
With chart-topping hits like Pray, Back For Good, and Greatest Day, this legendary band is bringing their electrifying This Life On Tour to the UAE’s capital.
Abu Dhabi Jiu Jitsu Championships, Oct 25th
Mark your calendars for October 25, 2024, as the Abu Dhabi Extreme Championship (ADXC) returns to the UAE capital for its 6th edition.
This high-octane event will feature elite grapplers worldwide, promising thrilling matchups and intense competition.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan of combat sports or just looking for some edge-of-your-seat action, ADXC is set to deliver.
Merci Charles Concert By Hayk Petrossyan, Oct 26th
Hayk Petrosyan’s “Merci Charles” project, a tribute to the legendary Charles Aznavour, uniquely blends jazz with Aznavour’s timeless songs.
Following its success across Armenia, the project embarks on a global “Tour D’amour” in 2024, with performances in Europe and the UAE, including Dubai on October 25th and Abu Dhabi on October 26th.
Live Nation Middle East, Matt Riffe, Oct 27th
Live Nation Middle East presents Matt Rife: ProbleMATTic at Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi! Don’t miss an unforgettable night of laughs as American comedy sensation Matt Rife makes his Middle East debut.
Doors open at 18:00, and the show starts at 19:30, so arrive early to settle in for a hilarious evening.
UFC Showdown Commences Oct 26th
Get ready for ABU DHABI SHOWDOWN WEEK 2024, featuring UFC 308, on Saturday, 26th October, at Etihad Arena! UFC, the world’s leading mixed martial arts organization, returns to Abu Dhabi for this highly anticipated championship event.
Alongside the action-packed fight, enjoy a week of city-wide events, exclusive shows, hotel promotions, and star-studded experiences during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.
The Traditional Handicraft Festival, Oct 29th onwards
From October 29 to November 17, 2024, the Traditional Handicrafts Festival returns to Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain, offering insight into the rich heritage of Emirati craftsmanship.
Visitors can watch artisans create traditional crafts such as palm frond weaving, pottery, and the intricate Sadu and Talli.
The festival blends culture and creativity with live folk performances, cultural programs, and musical concerts organized by Bait Al Oud.
Perfect for families, the event will also feature special programming for ladies, courtesy of Al Qattara Arts Center. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse in the authentic artistry and traditions of the UAE.
Diwali Celebrations
Abu Dhabi is lighting up for Diwali with exciting events and experiences. Here’s what you can look forward to:
Shop and Win at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
From October 31 to November 3, 2024, The Mall and The Souk at WTC Abu Dhabi are hosting a Diwali-themed weekend filled with entertainment. Shoppers who spend AED 200 or more will get a chance to win bars of gold daily.
Diwali at Four Seasons Hotel
Celebrate Diwali at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi from October 27 to November 3, 2024. Al Meylas will have Diwali Afternoon Tea with a delightful spread of festive treats, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
For a more elevated experience, head to Eclipse at Four Seasons for their exclusive Diwali Special Menu. From 4 PM to 10 PM, you can enjoy a unique culinary journey with stunning city views. Enjoy cocktails, music, and an innovative menu designed to honour the spirit of the Festival of Lights in a chic, lounge-style setting.
To find more interesting Diwali events, keep an eye on this page, which we will update as information is released.
Halloween At Grant Hyatt, October 31st
Halloween is always big in Abu Dhabi, with Al Maryah Island and Yas Island hosting family festivities. Grand Hyatt also has a couple of special events.
Halloween Buffet at Sahha
This Halloween, prepare for an enchanting evening under the stars at Sahha, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi. On the night of October 31st, the open-air terrace transforms into a magical Halloween setting, illuminated by the haunted glow of the night sky.
Guests can indulge in a spectacular buffet from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, where the chefs have conjured up culinary masterpieces, each crafted with a nod to the spooky spirit of the holiday.
To experience this unique Halloween treat, reservations can be made by calling +97125101234 or visiting the dining page at Hyatt Restaurants.
Bewitched Evening at Lexx
As the evening deepens, the bewitching hours come alive at Lexx, where a coven of expert bartenders mixes up spellbinding Halloween-themed cocktails.
This special menu, available from 5:00 PM until 2:00 AM on October 31st, features a selection of the finest witches’ brews, each one more compelling than the last.
Join the festivities at Lexx for an unforgettable night of themed drinks in a vibrant atmosphere. Book your spot by calling +97125101234 or checking out the dining page at Hyatt Restaurants.