Whether you want to spend quality time with the family, learn more about societies’ pressing issues, or explore Abu Dhabi, there’s a lot of activities for you!
Yalla rounds up the top things to do for families to enjoy in Abu Dhabi. What’s more? We’re bringing you 2 competitions for a chance to win amazing prizes!
Below are just a few of the best events and activities so check out our Events Diary for a full listing of all of the top family events in the capital.
Abu Dhabi Classics
From the most famed singers in the Arab World and acclaimed classical artists, to rising stars and a celebration of the 250th birth anniversary of the legendary Beethoven, there are plenty of reasons to attend the 9th edition of Abu Dhabi Classics. Don’t miss the last three performances of the Abu Dhabi Classics season 9!
5 FEBRUARY, EMIRATES PALACE, Hamburg Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven’s 9th Symphony
6 FEBRUARY, 8PM, CULTURAL FOUNDATION, Saltana with Sanaa Nabil
7 FEBRUARY, 8PM, DU ARENA, Magida El Roumi
Weekends at Qasr Al Hosn
An event for every individual and family visiting Abu Dhabi! Shop at retailers from Abu Dhabi’s old souq. Discover Abu Dhabi’s history. Experience traditional performances and craft demonstrations. Taste authentic Emirati delicacies.
Alternating weekends until 25 April – 4 PM to 10 PM, Free admission!
Cartography
Learn about migration stories of refugee youth through a stunning theatrical performance premiering in the Middle East. Created in collaboration with artist Kaneza Schaal and writer Christopher Myers, co-commissioned by the NYUAD Arts Center.
6 – 15 February, The Black Box
Inspire Your Inner Climate Superhero
Cinephiles and climate change activists alike will find a screening suited to them this February when the inaugural Al Sidr Environmental Film Festival organised by Zayed University and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi comes to town.
The three-day event will feature a curated selection of acclaimed films highlighting pressing environmental issues, from climate change to issues such as single-use plastics, e-waste and food waste.
6 – 8 February 2020 | FREE ENTRY | Manarat Al Saadiyat
Jubail Mangrove Park
Did you know? Jubail Mangrove Park is now open for visitors! Bring the brood and enjoy a stroll at this new attraction that will bring you close to nature.
Open daily from 8am to 6.30pm
Amar Kanwar – The Sovereign Forest
The Sovereign Forest is an ongoing multimedia installation that is a creative response to crime, politics, human rights, and ecological crisis. For over 10 years, Amar Kanwar has documented the political and environmental conflict in the resource-rich state of Odisha. In this exhibition, we are encouraged to shift our perspectives and to ask ourselves how we encounter the world around us.
until 30 May 2020 | Open daily 12-8pm, except Sundays | NYUAD Art Gallery
A Costume Adventure at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Discover Louvre Abu Dhabi’s art collection through immersive multimedia, sensory and physical experiences through an immersive game, ‘A Costume Adventure’ at the Children’s Museum. The adventure includes multiple stages, each presenting a unique challenge for children aged 4 – 10 to complete through interactive digital displays.
Open through 31 May
Top events to watch out for...
Yas Pet Festival
Truly a date to look furr-ward to, the Abu Dhabi’s paww-some annual Pet Festival returns to Yas Island, where two-legged humans and their four-legged friends will unite for the city’s biggest animal-themed extravaganza!
Free Entry!
14 February, du Arena
Hay Festival Abu Dhabi
Hay Festival Abu Dhabi will bring writers and readers together at Manarat al Saadiyat for four days of conversation and debate, story-telling and workshops, music, film, comedy and performance. Events will be in Arabic and English, Hindi, Malayalam, French and Filipino and free to anyone under 25 and/or in full time education.
25-28 February, Manarat Al Saadiyat
Explore an Oasis of Fun
Looking for more fun things to do outside the city? Al Ain should be at the top of your list with UNESCO Heritage sites, Al Ain zoo, Wadi Adventure, Cultural events and more.
We recommend visiting Al Ain Oasis on weekends to enjoy a hub of interactive activities and popular attractions. ‘Weekends at the Oasis’ treats visitors to a market showcasing locally grown farm products, traditional oasis-inspired handicrafts, Emirati cooking demonstrations, fun games, horse riding and bicycle tours, an educational workshop on Falaj, and arts & crafts workshops for all ages!
There is much to see and do in Al Ain and Yalla lists everything you need to know.
It's Competition Time!
Win a Golden Ticket for Two at Hay Festival Abu Dhabi
Win a Golden ticket to Hay Festival Abu Dhabi inclusive of five pairs of free tickets to all the events. Grab the chance to get exclusive access to talks by Syrian poet Adonis; Winner of the Man Booker International Prize 2019, Jokha Alharthi; and many more!
Competition ends on 15 February 2020
WIN! A Family Day Out at Aventura Park
Conquer the longest series of thrilling treetop ziplines in the region and leap across the great 25-meter Tarzan jump! Climb, swing or take part in fun activities such as Nature Walk, an obstacle course, bootcamps, running club, and more.
Competition ends on 29 February 2020
