Abu Dhabi Moments: Free Cultural Festivals

A range of recreational, cultural, sports and other activities are to be spread over the city’s islands until the end of this year in celebration of cultural diversity.

Abu Dhabi Moments

Abu Dhabi Moments initiative, a part of the Abu Dhabi Accelerated Development Programme Ghadan 21 aims to enhance community spirit and build a strong sense of community through a range of free activities for Abu Dhabi residents.

Diversity was taken into consideration for these events as there are citizens of many nationalities and different cultures living in Abu Dhabi. Events include art, music, sport, food and retail. This initiative creates a chance to celebrate the diverse community in Abu Dhabi.

The activations areas will be: Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Bateen, Al Hudayriat Island, and downtown Abu Dhabi.

For more details, visit www.abudhabimoments.ae or download the Abu Dhabi Moments app, where you can register to create personal profile, gain access to exclusive event details across the five districts and view the full calendar of events.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

17 -19 October | Reem Central Park

Spectacular community event with kite-making workshops, professional kite flying performances, kids’ workshops, entertainment, barbeques and lots more activities for all ages.

From educational sessions to hands-on arts and crafts, children of all ages will find a way to connect with the joy of kite-making and kite-flying. A soft-play area, as well as exciting games and races will keep the kids entertained.

Live-cooking barbecue stations will allow DIY-ers to grill their own fresh meal, with a variety of uncooked food packages available to purchase on-site. For those preferring ready-made BBQ meals, there will also be ready-to-eat mouth-watering barbecue options alongside.

21 October | Active Walk Nights | Weekly, on Mondays, 7pm – 8pm | Al Bateen

Whether you prefer to amble, stroll or power walk, this weekly walking club is for you! Find your pace, lose pounds and gain friends in your Abu Dhabi community with Active Walk Nights. A non-competitive walking club that’s suitable for all ages, a perfect way to embrace active living.

Set off on a 30-minute guided walk with the group, getting to know your community while you burn some calories, definitely one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. Cool down with 15 minutes each of stretching exercises and meditation afterwards. Yoga mats and water bottles will be distributed by the instructor.

25 – 27 October | Diwali Night Market | 6pm-12am daily | Capital Park

Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the entire Abu Dhabi community! This Diwali weekend, immerse yourself in the beauty of Indian culture at the Capital Park. Browse a variety of regional crafts and cuisines in a Diwali Market set amidst floating lanterns, colourful bunting and live music.

Discover a range of Indian street food options or gather around the main stage to enjoy a traditional performance. Also featuring a kids’ corner with plenty of engaging workshops for the little ones. This is a family festival you don’t want to miss!

1 – 2 November | Sports Festival | 2pm-10pm | Al Bahar, Corniche

Sports Festival lands in Abu Dhabi packed with all types of activities suitable for all fitness levels and age groups. An opportunity to try new challenges, meet people in your community and enjoy active days out with friends and family. A new concept of fitness in Abu Dhabi.

Sports Festival in Corniche brings bootcamp sessions, fitness classes and wellness seminars programmed all weekend long. For those with a competitive spirit, don’t miss a day and join our Sports Festival competition to win exciting prizes.

Bring the little ones along as plenty of kids activities and entertainment will also be provided.

2 November | Flower Market | 10am – 3pm | Marsa Al Bateen Marina 

Stroll through rows and rows of fresh flowers, beautifully arranged by professional florists. Stop to smell the gardenias, admire the orchids or pick your favourite shade of the dahlias. This monthly pop-up fresh flower market is an all-round delightful sensory experience!

The capital’s most renowned flower shops will showcase the industry’s latest trends, products and skills at the Flower Market. Ever fancied yourself a career as a florist? Get behind the scenes of this artistic profession with workshops, demos and lessons led by the top florists of Abu Dhabi. Try your hand at flower arrangement, get tips on plant care, browse the beautiful stalls or simply drop by to enjoy the weekend vibe – complete with music and the smell of fresh flowers!

4 November | Cycling Club | 6pm-8pm | Hudayriat Island

A weekly cycling session suitable for all ages to get outside and enjoy some cycling in a safe, fun, non-competitive environment. A perfect opportunity to get together with friends and family, stay fit and active, meet like-minded people and watch the beautiful sunset over the Abu Dhabi skyline.

If you have ever enjoyed cycling, Abu Dhabi has a beautiful cycling track with a sea-view, that you absolutely have to try. To join the weekly Cycling Club Al Hudayriyat, become a registered Abu Dhabi Moments member and arrive early on Monday evening to the Hudayriyat Cycle Track.

Stop at the information booth, show your registration email and collect your bike. Up to a 100 free bicycles are allocated for registered members, and you can also rent a bike or bring your own. You will be given a quick brief about the cycling code of conduct on the track, as well as some tips for beginners, and then you’re ready to go!

7-8 November | Drive-In Cinema | 8pm | Hudayriat Island

Experience the classic, 1960s style of entertainment in Abu Dhabi, at the capital’s first ever Drive-In Cinema. Park your car, grab some delicious food and enjoy the latest blockbusters, all from the comfort of your seats. A cosy, family-friendly event that will make for a truly memorable evening.

Imagine a giant, open-air cinema where everyone’s got the best seats. Movie-goers of all ages can enjoy their favourite blockbuster from the comfort of their own cars. Two movie screenings each night, at 8 PM and midnight on Thursday and Friday will ensure that everyone’s interests are catered to. In proper Abu Dhabi style, food can be ordered right from your seat or you can even walk to one of the many food trucks parked up in the village. Front-row seating will also be available for guests as another option to enjoy the movie under the stars. With a variety of food options and a family-friendly selection of hits, simply pack your family or friends in to the car and head to Hudayriyat Island.

13 November | Constellation Night | 6-8pm | Hudayriat Island

Lose yourself in the beauty of the night sky, lying on the cool sands of Hudayriyat Beach. Spot the brightest star, look for planets through a telescope and navigate your way around galaxies. Constellation Night is a family-friendly event for anyone who loves astronomy and stargazing in Abu Dhabi.

Gather your family and friends and head to the Constellation Night tent on Hudayriyat Island, for the most engaging evening activities in Abu Dhabi. Let the little ones’ imaginations soar through the variety of interesting space-inspired activities. They’ll learn about everything from meteors and meteorites to planets and galaxies.

Attend an engaging talk by astronomy experts and then look through the telescopes to spot the marvels of Milky Way. A bonfire will add warmth to this family-friendly event as the Abu Dhabi community unites under the stars to share good times and a love for astronomy!

14-16 November | Tea & Coffee Festival | 4pm – 12am daily | Marsa Al Bateen Marina

 Calling all tea and coffee lovers to Al Bateen! Savour the aroma of freshly ground coffee beans and tea leaves, watch Abu Dhabi’s top baristas competing to be the best!  See the Marasy Marina transformed into an open-air roastery, featuring a variety of activities, from live latte art to experimental coffee stations. Free to attend.

Taste the best made by the best. The live latte art competition will pit the most talented coffeemakers in the capital against each other for a unique spectacle. Enjoy finest selection of delicious beans and leaves, workshops and activities in Abu Dhabi under one roof. You can sample the selection of delicious beans and leaves, participate in  workshops, try your hand at one of the experimental stations or simply kick back and enjoy the live entertainment with friends and family!

23 November | Symphony in the Park | 2pm-10pm | Umm Al Emarat Park

Wondering what to do in Abu Dhabi on a breezy autumn evening? Roll out your blanket, grab a picnic basket and relax to beautiful live music at Symphony in the Park. Join us with friends and family, before the Grand Prix weekend kicks off, for a unique cultural experience not to be missed.

Symphony in the Park brings a renowned, international orchestra to perform to the diverse Abu Dhabi community in a uniquely casual setting.  Purchase pre-arranged picnic baskets with a variety of food options, or choose from one of the delicious food stalls. Your favorite kids activities in Abu Dhabi are happening here. Children of all ages will have fun and make new friends as they play giant versions of Jenga, Connect 4 and Snakes & Ladders at the park.

6-7 December | StrEAT Feast | 4pm-11pm | Electra Park

Where the best of global street food comes to Downtown Abu Dhabi. Mouth-watering food, fabulous fun, awesome entertainment, StrEAT Feast takes place over 2 days at Electra Park with live cooking stations and much more. Don’t miss our food eating contest to challenge even the mightiest of stomachs!

StrEAT Feast combines the best of the world’s street food with great entertainment, right at the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi. Explore unique flavours and exotic cuisines through a spice market, cooking competitions, workshops, food-eating contests and live-cooking stations. Roaming entertainers and street artists will complete the lively, global street scene. The most demanded food festival has just landed!

12 – 21 December | Winter Fest | 2pm-10pm | Formal Park, Corniche

Set in an enchanting festive atmosphere, Winter Fest is a celebration of all the things that make this season the most magical time of the year. Gather your loved ones and enjoy the variety of winter-themed activities in Abu Dhabi, at this beautiful wonderland on the Corniche!

A winter wonderland just waiting for you and your loved ones to discover! Enjoy arts and crafts, games, entertainment, market stalls, carol singers, performers, a giant Christmas tree and even an ice rink! What better way to get you in the festive spirit than with a celebration of all things winter and wonder, on the Abu Dhabi Corniche?

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Yalla Editors