With the summer simmering down and rains hitting the weather chart, August is the perfect time to take those much-needed moments to relax and enjoy before the waddling days ahead. Whether it means going out for movies, catching a concert, going for a rejuvenating run or two or attending interactive workshops, trust that we have got you covered. We have compiled a roundup of the best events and things to do in Abu Dhabi, just in time for August 2026.
Neon underwater painting for all ages
Something amazing has come to the beautiful aquarium. If you’ve been meaning to pick up a brush and just paint some nature, this is your chance. A stunning (and guided) glow-in-the-dark experience has come to Abu Dhabi. This neon underwater painting session makes fluorescent colours come to life under UV lights. Immerse yourself in the wonders beneath the waves and enjoy the complimentary aquarium entry that comes with your tickets. Only 12 people per session are allowed, so grab your spot fast!
Are you ready to compete in a TV-style game show? Quiz Room Abu Dhabi is the perfect challenge for competitive trivia nuts. If you’ve ever shouted answers at your television during game shows, then this is your moment to shine. Head over to Al Wahda City Walk to show off your skills. Book a Music Quiz, The Mole Quiz or a Standard Quiz and shoot your shot.
The only way to guarantee your shot at trivia glory is get your tickets now, and claim the title of “Quiz Room Champion.”
Explore the traditions of falconry and equestrian sports
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition showcases the profound traditions of falconry, equestrian sports, and desert hunting alongside modern outdoor sports and safari gear. Visitors can explore thousands of exhibits featuring world-class firearms, archery equipment, intricate local arts and crafts, and luxury camping accessories.
The interactive event offers live arena shows, prestigious beauty contests for falcons and Arabian horses, and incredible heritage displays. Families and outdoor enthusiasts will absolutely love the immersive cultural village, traditional food stalls, and various educational workshops.
Sonu Nigam is bringing his The Revolution Tour to Abu Dhabi. This marks his first ever major standalone arena show in the UAE capital. The legendary playback singer is set to deliver a massive performance spanning his 30-year musical career, featuring timeless romantic ballads and high-energy dance numbers.
Get your tickets here.
Paint among the butterflies
For a relaxed session surrounded by nature, the Brushes and Butterflies session is perfect. Every Thursday in August, this session lets you spend your mornings with colour, creativity and beautiful butterflies. Expect hundreds of the fluttering insects to dot your vision during the guided workshop. Your ticket includes free admission to the Butterfly Garden. With just 12 seats open per session, run to book yours!
Spectate the Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2026
The Ju-Jitsu World Championship 2026 is an extraordinary showcase of martial arts. It brings together over a thousand top-tier athletes from around the world to compete for international glory. Organised by the esteemed Ju-Jitsu International Federation, this highly anticipated tournament spans nine days and features fierce competitors across multiple age groups, including youth, adult, and masters divisions.
One of the world’s biggest live celebrations of the King of Pop is heading to the UAE this summer. This Is Michael is led by acclaimed performer Lenny Jay and featuring an international cast of dancers, singers and live musicians. The spectacular production brings Michael Jackson’s greatest hits and legendary stage presence back to life in an electrifying live experience.
At the centre of the show is Lenny Jay, whose extraordinary vocal, physical and choreographic resemblance to Michael Jackson is remarkable. The production recreates the magic of Michael Jackson’s legendary concerts through live vocals, choreography, iconic costumes and a full-scale stage production featuring more than 20 songs and multiple costume changes across a two-hour live show.
Get your tickets here.
Catch four free family movie nights at Louvre Abu Dhabi this August! For a budget-friendly evening out, Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting free, family-friendly movie screenings every Saturday in August at 6PM in its Auditorium, featuring Wall‑E, Ratatouille, Bambi and The Lion King. Seats are free but must be booked in advance.
A Filipino concert experience is coming to Etihad Arena for the first time ever. With crazy energy and a live production that is off the charts, the Get Get Aw SB Girls concert will rock the stage. This is a one-night-only event from Filipino’s talent to Abu Dhabi’s stage. Expect high-energy performances and dynamic choreography and beautiful singing.
Secure your tickets here.
Head to Art in Scents at Louvre Abu Dhabi
You can now enter Louvre Abu Dhabi and be completely immersed in scents. This 90-minute guided experience is in collaboration with Givaudan and it transformed Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent repertoire into a sensory journey.
Ten bespoke fragrances take the lead with the Art in Scents book central to the journey. Each page has a unique fragrance that is embedded using micro-encapsulation technology. It draws another layer to the collection at the museum and sucks you into the art unapologetically.
Sing along with CoComelon
The ultimate family adventure is here. CoComelon – the famous children’s nursery rhyme brand – is taking over Etihad Arena. Bring your kids (or teenagers – they are known to like them) along for this one. Join JJ and friends, with a special appearance by Blippi, for an interactive musical journey. Think dance, surprises and your favourite nursery rhyme hits that you can’t seem to shake out of your head!
Explore ‘The UAE is beautiful’ photography exhibition
Check out ‘The UAE is Beautiful,’ a photography exhibition featuring lead artist Khalid Al Hammadi, the group exhibition brings together works by UAE-based photographers, inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: “The UAE is beautiful; the UAE is a role model.” Through each lens, the exhibition captures the country’s richness, diversity, and the human stories that shape its identity.
Move your body at this neon padel experience
Abu Dhabi’s only glow-in-the-dark padel experience is lighting up Space42 Arena this August. Step onto fully air-conditioned neon courts with glow gear, music, and an electric atmosphere made for friends, families, birthdays, corporate groups, and unforgettable summer nights.
Play under vibrant neon lights, gear up for the glow, and experience padel in a way Abu Dhabi has never seen before. With daily sessions available throughout August, this limited-time pop-up is set to be one of the city’s most talked-about summer experiences.
Laugh out loud at The Laughter Factory
Prepare for an evening of non-stop hilarity with The Laughter Factory Premium Comedy Club’s special August 2026 Tour. Known as the Middle East’s longest-running and most successful comedy night, this event brings a stellar line-up of international stand-up comedians directly from the stages of London’s West End, the Edinburgh Fringe, and American television. It is an unmissable event for anyone looking to enjoy incredible laughs and premium entertainment.
Vibe to Egyptian music by Ruby, Esseily, Pousi
Ruby, Mahmoud El Esseily, and Pousi come together at Abu Dhabi for an exceptional night of Egyptian music. Expect familiar sounds, lively rhythms, and plenty of moments to sing and dance along. Ruby is known for songs such as “Hetta Tanya,” “Leh Beydary Keda,” “Enta Aref Leeh,” and “Alby Plastic,” with catchy rhythms and choruses that have become firm audience favourites. Mahmoud El Esseily moves between upbeat rhythms and heartfelt melodies in songs like “Helm Baeed,” “Doum Doum,” and “Ya Nas.” Pousi is known for her powerful voice and shaabi sound, heard in songs such as “Ah Ya Donia,” “Oyouno Hatdamaa,” and “We Nensa Ele Kan.”
Run indoors, beneath the ocean waves
Enjoy a fun adventure run that will take you from One Ocean through all the different realms of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. Run past sea otters at Arctic and sea lions at Rocky Point, discover the world of Micro-Ocean, watch divers within Endless Ocean and be careful not to get splashed by the dolphins in Tropical Ocean.
Participants will have the choice of 2.5km, 5km or 10km runs through the air conditioned comfort of the mesmerizing Underwater World. Entry fee includes an event t-shirt as well as a finishers’ medal for all participants.
Catch the 2026 Perseids under a new moon in Abu Dhabi — up to 150 meteors per hour! For a late-night (or early-morning) adventure this August, the 2026 Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight on August 12–13 in Abu Dhabi, with the best viewing window between 3am and 6am local time under the new moon. Seek out dark-sky sites such as Al Awir desert or Hatta for optimal visibility of up to 150 meteors per hour, visible to the naked eye.
Work up a sweat at Abu Dhabi Summer Sports
Finding creative ways to stay indoors stops here. Summer in Abu Dhabi comes with one of the city’s biggest indoor sports events – the Abu Dhabi Summer Sports 2026. Expect 52 courts and activity zones where you can indulge in any sport – from football to basketball, archery to judo, chess to obstacle races. There will be camps for children aged 4 to 16, women-only sports programmes, activities for senior citizens and sports sessions for People of Determination.
With something for everyone, you gotta book your slot before it sells out!
Participate in the ladies-only run at Ferrari World
A part of the Emirati Women’s Day, the Ladies Run is back for its third edition. Held under the iconic Red Roof at Ferrari World Yas Island, this exclusive ladies-only event celebrates girls and women. Choose from one of three race distances (10K, 5K, 2.5K) to match your fitness level. A custom event t-shirt and a finishers’ medal will make it feel worth it.
Explore culture and free cinema screenings
Immerse yourself deeply in the incredibly vibrant local arts and culture scene at Manarat Al Saadiyat during their spectacular summer Art & Cinema Space. Throughout August, the venue hosts a fantastic series of free, independent film screenings, interactive contemporary art exhibitions, and hands-on creative workshops for all ages.
Film screenings are strictly on a first-come, first served basis so head early.
Window shop and enjoy at Terminal: The Spot
Your weekend plans have been cleared for take-off. Head to Terminal: The Spot and immerse yourself into this third space! Find local brands, creative workshops, music, great food and community, all in one place. Whether you’re coming to discover something new, catch up with friends, or simply soak up the atmosphere, they’ve got your weekend covered.
