9 Events coming to Abu Dhabi in November
November has a busy line-up in Abu Dhabi, with food festivals, live music, comedy shows, and major sporting events on the calendar. Here are nine events happening across the city.
Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship
Golf lovers, the Abu Dhabi Aldar Championship is back at Yas Links from 5 to 8 November, with Rory McIlroy, Aaron Rai, and Jon Rahm among the big names taking to the course.
You can spend the day following the action on the course, or take a break at the Championship Village for food, games, prizes, and live entertainment. Going with the family? There's plenty to keep the day interesting off the course, too.
General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, while Bar on Nine offers a viewing deck overlooking the ninth green and an AED 100 food and beverage voucher.
Where: Yas Links, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday, 5 November 2026; Running until Sunday, 8 November 2026
Price: Free general admission on Thursday and Friday; paid options available for other days and upgraded experiences
Book your tickets here
Taste of Abu Dhabi
Three days of good food, cooking sessions, and live music are coming to Yas Island as Taste of Abu Dhabi returns from 13 to 15 November. This year's line-up includes chefs Gino D’Acampo, Thomas Straker, and Rachel Allen, alongside cooking demonstrations, workshops and live entertainment.
You can work your way through dishes from 16 Abu Dhabi restaurants, including Oak Room, Almayass, 99 | Tanjun and La Broche by Bocuse. There are also pasta-making and coffee workshops, a kids' zone with rides and activities, and plenty of live music to keep you busy between meals.
There's quite a bit more to the programme, including the full restaurant line-up and menus.
Use our code ADRXTOAD25 to get 25% off your tickets
Check out our guide with everything you need to know about Taste of Abu Dhabi here
Where: Gateway Park North, Yas Island
When: Friday, 13 November to Sunday, 15 November 2026
Price: From AED 80
Get your tickets here
BREDx Abu Dhabi
BREDx is bringing two days of urban music, fashion, art, food and sport to Etihad Live on 13 and 14 November. The festival is a limited-edition event from the team behind BRED Abu Dhabi, celebrating contemporary street culture and the people shaping it.
Day one kicks off with a photography exhibition and book launch, followed by an opening party featuring Syrian rapper Bu Kolthoum, Jordanian-Palestinian artist Zaid Khaled and international DJs.
On Saturday, catch R&B star Bryson Tiller and British rapper Central Cee on the main stage, alongside Egyptian pop artist Nasser on the Amp Stage.
There's plenty to explore between performances, too. Browse the concept store featuring more than 30 local and regional brands, with exclusive BREDx merchandise and limited-edition drops. Check out the food line-up, which includes homegrown favourites, international festival-only collaborations, a BBQ and new food concepts. Basketball fans can also catch UAE streetball talent competing in the Red Bull Half Court 3-on-3 finals.
Where: Etihad Live, Yas Island
When: Friday, 13 November and Saturday, 14 November 2026
Get your tickets here
Real American Freestyle (RAF) Abu Dhabi
Real American Freestyle (RAF) is making its Middle East debut at Etihad Arena this November, bringing a line-up of well-known wrestling and MMA names to Abu Dhabi for one night.
The headline match sees UAE-based UFC champion Khamzat Chimaev take on Colby Covington for the RAF Cruiserweight Crossover Championship. You'll also spot some familiar names on the card, including Arman Tsarukyan, Henry Cejudo, Umar Nurmagomedov, Urijah Faber, and Zabit Magomedsharipov.
Unlike the wrestling shows you might have watched on TV, RAF focuses on competitive freestyle wrestling, with athletes going head-to-head on the mat. If you follow UFC or combat sports, this is one to add to your November calendar.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Time: 6:30 pm
Get your tickets here
Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Sheikh Zayed Festival returns to Al Wathba, with a 135-day programme of cultural events, live performances, sports, and family activities running until 13 March.
Start with the Heritage Village, UAE Civilisation pavilions, and Popular Souq, where you can browse handicrafts, watch traditional performances, and learn more about Emirati history and culture.
At the international pavilions, you can browse displays of art, customs and products, and try traditional food from participating countries. For something more action-packed, there's an amusement park with new rides and virtual reality experiences, along with laser shows, the Al Wathba Floating Market, and the Rare Species Reserve. You'll also find performances at the Fountain Theatre, sports activities, and a food court serving Emirati and Gulf dishes, international cuisine, and food truck favourites.
Where: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
When: Friday, 30 October 2026 - Saturday, 13 March 2027
Price: AED 10; Kids under 3 go free
Time: 4:00 pm to midnight on weekdays; until 1:00 am on weekends and public holidays
Book your tickets here
For more events in Abu Dhabi click here
Mo Amer
Mo Amer is bringing a new stand-up hour to Etihad Arena this November. Born in Kuwait to Palestinian parents, the comedian often draws on his own experiences of growing up between cultures, navigating immigration and finding a place to call home. His comedy mixes personal stories with sharp observations about everyday life, with plenty of material drawn from his own experiences.
We caught up with Mo on The ADR Chat, where he talked about shifting gears with his new material and how excited he is to be back in Abu Dhabi. Listen to the conversation here
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Friday, 6 November 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: From AED 325
Book your spot here
Maz Jobrani
One last Abu Dhabi show with Maz Jobrani! The comedian is heading back to Etihad Arena this November, bringing his stand-up to the city for the final time. You’ll hear everything from cultural misunderstandings and family expectations, to the everyday chaos of living between two worlds, along with fresh material and plenty of crowd work.
If you've caught his comedy before, you’ll know what you're in for. If not, this is your chance to see him live before he wraps up his Abu Dhabi run.
We caught up with Maz on The ADR Chat to talk about the show and his return to the city. Listen to the conversation here
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday, 7 November 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: From AED 275
Book your spot here
SailGP Grand Final
SailGP is returning to Abu Dhabi for the final races of its 2026 season, with the Grand Final taking place at Emirates Palace for the first time. The 13 competing teams will race their F50 catamarans across the water at speeds of more than 100km/h, with the season title and a USD 2 million prize on the line.
You can watch the races from the Waterfront Grandstand, opt for the Premium Waterfront Grandstand for a closer view, or book the VELA Beach Club experience, which includes live music, DJ sets, food, and drinks. With the championship coming down to its final two races, there's plenty at stake on the water.
Where: Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
When: 28 - 29 November 2026
Get your tickets here
NOMAD Abu Dhabi
The old Abu Dhabi airport terminal is getting another outing as an exhibition space, with NOMAD returning for its second edition from 18 to 22 November. If you remember the building's distinctive green-tiled funnel, you'll know it's quite a setting for a fair. This year, more than 50 exhibitors will fill the former terminal with contemporary art, collectable design, jewellery, and craft.
You can browse work from galleries including Nilufar, Gallery FUMI, and Galerie Gastou, or check out the public programme, which includes an installation by artist Robin Rhode at Terminal 1. The former departure lounge will also host the NOMAD Hub, with food, conversations and gatherings taking place at ERTH.
For a closer look at the galleries, exhibitions, and what's on during the fair, read our full guide to NOMAD Abu Dhabi 2026 here.
Where: Terminal 1, Old Abu Dhabi International Airport, Ad Diyafah Street
When: 18 to 22 November 2026
Opening hours: 1pm to 9pm from 19 to 21 November; 1pm to 8pm on 22 November.Previews on 18 November are by invitation only.
More info here
