Looking for fresh ways to fill the week? Abu Dhabi is serving up plenty of reasons to get out and explore, from family-friendly adventures and after-dark entertainment to laid-back dining plans and seasonal summer experiences.
Whether you’re planning an evening out, a weekend catch-up or something fun with the kids, this weekly edit brings together some of the best things happening across the capital. Expect limited-time events, standout offers and plenty of inspiration for the days ahead.
Things to Do in Abu Dhabi This Week
Free Movie Night at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Movie night is getting a magical Disney twist at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Every Saturday for the next few weeks, the museum is screening much-loved animated classics for free, making it an easy family plan for the weekend.
This Saturday, 1 August, settle in for WALL-E (2008), showing in the auditorium from 6pm. Round up the kids, grab your seats and enjoy a feel-good evening at one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic cultural spots. Advance booking is required through Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Greek Flavours at Ilios
Greek island flavours have landed at Ilios on Hudayriyat Island, where a fresh new menu is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to Abu Dhabi this season.
One of the highlights is the restaurant’s market-style Catch of the Day display, where diners can choose their preferred fish before the kitchen recommends the best way to prepare it, whether that’s over charcoal or baked in a traditional salt crust.
The new menu also features standout dishes such as kritharaki thalassinon and salt-crust seabass wrapped in Greek vine leaves. For something a little different, the sushi counter blends Japanese techniques with Mediterranean flavours, adding an unexpected twist to the experience.
Dhiyafa: Creating an Emirati Coffee Blend
Discover the rituals behind Emirati hospitality at Zayed National Museum’s Dhiyafa: Creating an Emirati Coffee Blend workshop.
Running every Wednesday and Friday until 28 August, the hands-on session invites participants into Studio Al Thuraya to grind traditional ingredients using a mortar and pestle before creating their own signature Arabic coffee blend to take home.
Sessions run from 4 pm to 5 pm, with prices starting from AED 35. It’s a great pick for anyone looking to try something creative while learning more about one of the UAE’s most treasured traditions. Advance booking is available through Zayed National Museum.
Beach Day at Hilton Abu Dhabi
Turn an ordinary day into a mini staycation with Hilton Abu Dhabi’s beach day offer. Guests can check into a day-use room from 8 am to 6 pm, then spend the day switching between the pool, private beach, Kids Club and Splash Pad.
There are plenty of extra perks too, including 20 per cent off food and drinks and a generous 50 per cent discount on spa treatments. Whether you’re planning a family day out or simply need a few hours to relax and recharge, this is an easy way to enjoy a resort-style escape without booking an overnight stay. Visit the hotel website for bookings and full details.
Shezad Dawood: Skin of Dreams
Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi has an ongoing free exhibition, ‘Shezad Dawood: Skin of Dreams’. The exhibition invites visitors into Dawood’s rich mind.
Over 40 displayed artworks draw on diverse references from history, literature, architecture, music, science and technology. These include paintings, sculptures, monumental film installations, and interactive virtual reality experiences. The exhibition is ideal for kids above six years of age and runs till mid-September.
Summer Glow Neon Padel Experience
Space42 Arena is offering a unique neon padel pop-up experience in August. Starting from Saturday, 01 August, players can enjoy an exciting game on fully air-conditioned neon courts with glow gear, music, and an electric atmosphere that makes for a full-fledged social night.
Daily sessions are available throughout August, and packages start from AED 245 per court, with morning and evening sessions available until Monday, 31 August. Morning sessions are available from 8 am to 4 pm, while evening sessions can be booked from 4 pm to 10 pm. Book a session on Platinumlist.
Al-Qomra Photography Meet-Ups
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply love capturing the world around you, the Al-Qomra Photography meet-ups offer a creative space to connect, learn and get inspired.
Hosted by MAS Photography Studio, the bi-weekly programme brings together hands-on workshops, relaxed meet-up sessions and photowalks, usually taking place from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Photography Studio in Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Register through Manarat Al Saadiyat to receive updates on upcoming meet-ups, programmes and weekly agendas.
Harat Al Hosn Exhibition
The Harat Al Hosn Exhibition at Al Ain Museum runs till September 2026, encapsulating Harat Al Hosn, a vibrant neighbourhood near the eastern edges of the Al Ain Oasis.
Visitors can explore works and installations depicting courtyards, palm trees, and daily life in the area. Through photographs, oral histories, and immersive displays, the exhibition honours the community that shaped Al Ain’s identity and helped define the story of the museum’s grounds.
With so much happening across Abu Dhabi, there’s never a shortage of ways to fill up a week. These experiences are a great way to make the most of this week, whether it’s ticking off another item from a bucket list or a desire to do something different. Keep this guide handy and discover the latest events, dining experiences and attractions as they unfold.
Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events, and updates in the capital and beyond.
