Abu Dhabi is a city that never sleeps. Whether you like spending your weekends in movie theatres, or prefer a little more niche experience, we have rounded up 13 things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, from free back-to-school events to testing your wits at quiz rooms. Whether you’re planning to reconnect with the arts or sing along in choirs, we’ve got something special for everyone! Take a break and read along about things you must do in Abu Dhabi this weekend (September 4 to September 6, 2026)!
Sing The Cranberries with strangers
Ready to unleash your inner rockstar but don’t have time for weekly rehearsals? The viral community singing sensation, One Day Choir, is officially launching its very first Abu Dhabi session this weekend. This is your chance to join fellow music lovers to learn, practice, and perform a spine-tingling custom choral arrangement of The Cranberries’ iconic hit, “Dreams”.
You don’t need any prior experience. Just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to be swept up in the magic of hundreds of voices blending together in harmony.
for 7 to 18 players
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.”
Watch The Dirty Dozen Brass Band live
Get ready for an explosive night of genre-bending brass as two world-renowned bands collide on one stage! This weekend, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi brings you the legendary, Grammy-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band and the high-octane French-North African collective, Fanfaraï.
Whether you are a die-hard jazz enthusiast or just looking for an unforgettable night of high-energy live music, this performance guarantees to get you moving.
Sweat in out at Primal Summer Series
for a team of 3
Ready to test your limits and sweat it out this weekend? The highly anticipated Primal Summer Series has officially landed in the capital, teaming up with Vogue Fitness for a high-intensity functional fitness showdown!
Gather your squad for this thrilling team-of-three competition. Expect electric energy, grueling workouts, and a massive community vibe. It is the perfect opportunity to push your physical boundaries, cheer on the capital’s top athletes, or just soak in the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere.
Grab your crew and get ready to leave it all on the gym floor!
Mama Tribe’s Welcome Back to Abu Dhabi
Mama Tribe UAE is hosting a free community pop-up in collaboration with Organic Foods & Cafe this weekend. This full-day experience is designed to inspire, energize, and connect—whether you are a Mama Tribe member, attending with your family, or simply curious to explore the circle. Expect wellness activations, interactive play sessions, insightful talks and a curated selection of local brands.
Get in touch with your creative side again at this needle felt workshop
Turn wool into wonder at Needle Felting Workshop. In this hands-on, nature-inspired workshop, families craft their own one-of-a-kind creation to take home, a playful way to spark creativity and a closer look at the natural world. Happening every weekend, this workshop is for people of all ages and determinations.
Register for the workshop at the ticketing desk. You can find all information for the needle felting workshop here.
Padel and kayak at the beautiful museum
This weekend, you can paddle your way around the Louvre Abu Dhabi with a completely new vantage point. Perfect for all skill levels, these 60-minute guided tours offer an unforgettable blend of world-class architecture and outdoor wellness. Choose your vibe: a breathtaking sunrise glide, a glowing sunset session, or an enchanting night paddle under the stars.
No prior kayaking experience is needed—just bring your sense of adventure and prepare for the ultimate weekend photo op!
Make jewellery with your own hands
This programme focuses on the design of high‑quality jewellery, in terms of both concept and perception. The jewellery design course is tailored for ambitious designers aspiring to redefine modern jewellery trends. In addition, designers will be introduced to a range of raw materials such as pearls, steel, crystals, stones, and other essential materials used in jewellery making.
Celebrate Janmashtami
with pre-registration
Immerse yourself in spirituality and culture this weekend as the stunning BAPS Hindu Mandir hosts its grand Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. The festivities kick off on Friday evening with devotional music and a spectacular Annakut Darshan. Over the weekend, bring the whole family for an immersive cultural experience featuring hourly Aartis and special storytelling sessions designed to introduce children to the inspiring life of Krishna.
While entry to the Mandir and the event is completely free, you must pre-register online via their official website before arriving.
Learn the basics of comics and illustrations
Learn the basics of visual narrative from designing and evolving characters to mastering story pacing and character journeys. Then, move on to technical composition by creating immersive backgrounds, managing spatial layout, and learning how to “cut the act” through strategic panel transitions. This course is the foundation of your journey into the world of sequential art and professional illustration.
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.
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.
Learn the basics of Arabic calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of the written word. It is known in Arabic as ‘khatt’, from the word meaning ‘line’. Originally a tool for communication, with time, it began to be used in architecture, decoration and in other elements of design. In this course you’ll learn the techniques of basic lettering by completing a series of writing exercises to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for this striking art form.
