Concerts, musicals, foodie deals and so many things to do this October in Abu Dhabi
Take That, Backstreet Boys and so much more is on this month! You’re never short of things to do in Abu Dhabi, and this October is no different.
From dazzling concerts to tantalising food, unbeatable deals and more – there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Take your pick and enjoy!
ALL THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI THIS OCTOBER
FOODIE THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI
Taste the Race
Can’t wait for the F1 races to come to town? Thanks to W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, you’re in for a little taste of the excitement! Inspired by the world’s most iconic racetracks, Taste The Race is a unique dining experience promising a thrilling gastronomic adventure at Garage perfect for foodies and racing enthusiasts.
For bookings, call 02 656 0000
Win big!
Yas Bay Waterfront and Yas Marina have just the thing to make your summer even sweeter. With ‘100 Days of Summer’, your meals could turn into marvellous rewards! Running until 19 October 2024, you can win big and all you need to do is indulge in your favourite cuisines. Check it out.
Summer Afternoon Tea
Indulge in the epitome of sophistication with a delightful Summer Afternoon Tea at Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Guests can immerse themselves in the exquisite world of Tchaba Tea, with a tea sommelier guiding them through a curated pairing selection that complements homemade finger sandwiches and pastries with the perfect artisanal tea blends.
Brunchin’ around
What’s a things to do in Abu Dhabi round-up without some amazing brunches? From family brunches to evening brunches, the UAE capital has it all to keep the weekend delicious. Check out our list featuring the best of best in town.
Sundowners and happy hours!
From trendy bars with stunning skyline views to cosy laid-back pubs, Abu Dhabi has a happy hour to suit every taste and mood. Discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets and must-visit venues with our ultimate list of happy hours and sundowners!
Goddess Night
Every Wednesday, Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi
Experience a wonderful Goddess Night where you get to indulge in exclusive beverage specials, delicious bites, and dance to beats by the exceptional resident DJ. It’s the perfect way to unwind on hump day.
BOGO Food Deals
Tuesdays, 6.30pm to 10.30pm
Get ready for a culinary voyage through Arabia every Tuesday at Sahha’s ‘Arabic Night’! Feast on live-grilled specialities, rich Lamb Ouzi, and oven-baked Musakhan chicken. Finish off with a selection of traditional Middle Eastern desserts for a night celebrating the vibrant flavours of the Middle East!
Cheese, Grape, & Live Jazz Night
Thursdays, 7pm to 11pm
An eternal favourite on our weekly round-up of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi! The ambience of lush, red curtains is the perfect backdrop at Jazz Bar while you sway to the soulful rhythms of live jazz. Savour French cheese and charcuterie boards, expertly paired with glasses of the finest grapes.
FAMILY THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI
The Smash Mobile
Big fan of The Smash Room? Got some pent-up stress to release? Either way, the newly launched Smash Mobile is just what you need! Straight to your doorstep, the van can accommodate anywhere between three to eight people at a time and is divided into two zones inside.
BOUNCE
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Recently opened, BOUNCE Khalifa City is where fun’s at. With over 25 activities, the all-new ‘Drop Zone’ featuring nine slides and the X-Run, the ultimate 36m obstacle course, floating a mind-bending seven metres above ground and a miniBOUNCE section for kids, it’s the ultimate weekend hang!
You might also like: The full list of concerts to look forward to in Abu Dhabi in 2024
Museum day out
Whether you’re an explorer, art enthusiast or history buff, it’s always fun to ditch the typical midweek soirees in favour of exploring the UAE’s vibrant museum scene. You can expect the variety of museums across the country to offer unique and enriching experiences.
Pool day passes
The summer heat might be relenting at last, making it the perfect time to dive into luxury with some of the best pool day offers in Abu Dhabi across an abundance of stunning hotels ready to welcome you throughout the city.
Arts Workshops at Manarat Al Saadiyat
28 September – 12 October
On 28 September, join Aysha Al Hermani for a quick and engaging one-hour workshop on How to Create a Zine. You’ll brainstorm, design, and create a self-published creative booklet without the need for a stapler!
For more information, visit Department of Culture and Tourism
StuDIYo Lab
Located in Abu Dhabi Mall, StuDIYo Lab is offering kids a unique stone carving programme for young creators. Children will engage in the creative process of carving Soapstone under the guidance of experienced instructors. They will learn to file, shape, and polish their stones, turning them into imaginative designs such as orcas, seals and more!
For further information, visit StuDIYo Labs
EVENTS, FESTIVALS AND MORE
Movie night
1 October
NYUAD Arts Center presents the story of Dana, an Emirati woman who moves to Dalma Island upon inheriting a decrepit house from her recently deceased father. Dates, timings, tickets and all you need to know about a screening of the film accompanied by a live conversation with Emirati filmmaker Humaid Alsuwaidi.
For tickets, visit PlatinumList
NBA Appreciation Day
5 October
The unique fan experience will feature appearances by Celtics and Nuggets players and NBA legends, musical performances, a skills challenge and three-point contest featuring Celtics and Nuggets players, performances by Celtics mascot Lucky the Leprechaun and more!
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
2 Chainz
5 October
Get ready for a slam dunk of a time because four-time NBA champ Shaquille O’Neal is set to headline Fan Appreciation Day! And for music lovers, 2 Chainz will take the stage at Etihad Arena on 5 October. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait around!
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
Claude Cozens Trio
5 October
Jazz lovers, get ready for an unforgettable night in October as the Claude Cozens Trio, known for their eclectic fusion of South African jazz and traditional sounds, is reuniting for the first time in over a decade.
For tickets, visit PlatinumList
NBA stars at Etihad Arena
4-6 October
Basketball fans in the region will be happy to hear that two of the NBA’s most famous teams will be heading to Abu Dhabi this October for a pre-season face-off like no other.
Etihad Arena is set to welcome 17-time NBA champions Boston Celtics and 2023 NBA Champions Denver Nuggets for a basketball extravaganza between 4 to 6 October.
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
ODE – Odeya Nini
9 October
Odeya Nini presents a mesmerising interdisciplinary solo vocal performance, blending voice, movement, and sound to create an immersive experience. Her powerful, ethereal vocals explore the boundaries of human expression, leaving audiences captivated by the emotional depth and artistry.
For tickets, visit PlatinumList
La Lezione di Teatro and The Acting Class
11 October
This is a show about the joy in theatre and a comic tribute to Italians’ theatrical talent for connecting to anyone, transcending language barriers. Here’s all you need to know about the fabulous evening coming to The Black Box at NYU Abu Dhabi.
For tickets, visit PlatinumList
Swan Lake on Ice
11-12 October
Swan Lake on Ice is a breathtaking drama production that brings Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet to life on a frozen stage. Combining the elegance of ballet with the thrill of ice skating, this performance features stunning choreography and intricate ice dance routines, set against a magical backdrop.
For tickets, visit Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation
Disney on Ice
16-20 October
Produced by Feld Entertainment Inc., this show is all about creating memories that’ll last a lifetime. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy are on a quest to uncover Mickey’s top memory. Using Mickey’s “Mouse Pad,” fans can join in and dive into Disney stories, sharing epic moments.
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
Man City ‘Champions 4-In-A-Row Trophy Tour’
19-20 October
The Man City Four in a Row Tour is an exciting event celebrating Manchester City’s historic achievement. Fans can look forward to exclusive events, match screenings, and a unique experience at the City Football Academy.
Backstreet Boys
23 October
Fans can look forward to a night of musical mastery as one of the biggest boy bands in recent history returns once again for a jaw-dropping show in the UAE capital. Following their record-breaking sell-out performance at the Etihad Arena in May 2023, the Backstreet Boys are back by popular demand and fans can expect an unforgettable night filled with their greatest hits.
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
Animenia at Manarat Al Saadiyat
23-27 October
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Animenia is a vibrant celebration of anime, manga, and Japanese culture. Anime enthusiasts can expect colourful displays, fantastical characters, and lively cosplay, with a dedicated Animenia stage for costume-clad visitors to strut their stuff.
For tickets, visit Ticketmaster
All Living Beings Film Festival
25-27 October
From classic films of renowned directors Ken Loach (UK) and John Abraham (India) to recent films from all over the world, the festival asks simply, how can we learn from all living beings, and what new perspectives do all beings generously offer?
For tickets, visit NYUAD Arts Center
Swan Lake Moscow Ballet la Classique
25-26 October
Abu Dhabi is set to host an enchanting performance of the world-renowned ballet, Swan Lake, presented by the illustrious Moscow Ballet La Classique. Running from 26-29 October, this spectacular event promises to captivate audiences with its exquisite choreography, stunning costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s unforgettable score.
Take That
25 October
Take that, for good news! One of Britain’s greatest-ever boy bands is returning to Abu Dhabi in October as Gary, Mark and Howard better known as the iconic band Take That will perform at Etihad Park in October. The band are regular visitors to Abu Dhabi and performed as recently as last January to a massive crowd.
Abu Dhabi Showdown Week
26 October
The capital is gearing up to host UFC 308, the much-anticipated championship event set to take place at Etihad Arena. In collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), UFC promises an exhilarating week-long celebration, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, starting from the 19th UFC event in the emirate.
For tickets, visit Etihad Arena
FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi
26-27 October
The Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) is hosting the FIBA 3×3 World Tour Abu Dhabi at a specially built arena along the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The best 3×3 ballers on the planet – including recent Paris Olympic medalists – will compete for vital points, podium glory and of course – bragging rights.
Matt Rife
27 October
Abu Dhabi is coming alive with the sounds of music, comedy, sports and everything in between! Prepare yourself for a night of non-stop laughs and outrageous humour as Live Nation Middle East is all set to bring the UAE globally renowned comedian and actor Matt Rife.
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