All the FREE things you can do at Taste of Abu Dhabi this weekend

From cooking with celebrity chefs and making your own pasta to coffee workshops, live music, and activities for the kids, there's plenty to get stuck into at Taste of Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Taking place from 13–15 November at Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Taste of Abu Dhabi is back for three days of food, entertainment, and hands-on experiences.

And while there's plenty of food to tempt you, your festival ticket also gives you access to a whole host of FREE activities. Whether you're a budding chef, a coffee lover, or looking for something to keep the kids entertained, here's what you can enjoy without spending anything extra.

Cook alongside celebrity chefs

Ever fancied cooking with a celebrity chef? Well, here's your chance!

You can roll up your sleeves and join FREE cook-along sessions with the likes of Thomas Straker, Gino D'Acampo, and Rachel Allen.

Head to the Keeta FirePit, Taste Cook School, or Chef's Hub, where you can pick up a few tricks from the professionals and put your own cooking skills to the test.

Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the schedule and get there early.

Learn how to make the perfect coffee

If you take your coffee seriously, make sure you stop by the SHOT chalet.

You can join a FREE hands-on barista workshop, learn how to make your favourite brews, and pick up a few expert tips to impress your friends back home.

Make your own fresh pasta

Fancy giving pasta-making a go? Head over to Jo's KITSCHEN chalet, where you can learn how to make fresh pasta from scratch.

It's a fun, hands-on experience, and you might even discover a new skill - and again completely FREE

Shake things up with 0.0% mixology

You don't need alcohol to make a great cocktail, and Drink Dry is here to show you how.

On Saturday and Sunday, you can join FREE expert-led tasting masterclasses featuring premium 0.0% beers, wines, sangrias, and cocktails.

You'll get to explore alcohol-free alternatives and pick up some mixing and serving tips along the way.

Get behind the wheel of a BMW or MINI

If you're a bit of a car enthusiast, you can check out the latest BMW and MINI models with Abu Dhabi Motors and even take one for a spin.

Simply head to the BMW or MINI stands, collect a Test Drive wristband, and register for your chance to get behind the wheel in the dedicated test-drive zone.

Keep the kids busy with scavenger hunts and cookie decorating

Bringing the kids along? There's plenty to keep them entertained, too.

Your little ones can take part in a FREE scavenger hunt with Kidzapp, completing activities around the festival before heading back to the Kidzapp chalet to collect a prize.

And if they've got a sweet tooth, they can also get creative with complimentary cookie-decorating activities.

Enjoy live music all weekend

Once you've had your fill of food and workshops, you can sit back and enjoy some live entertainment.

There'll be bands and DJs performing throughout the three-day festival, so you can grab a bite, find a spot, and soak up the atmosphere.

The full entertainment line-up is available on the Taste of Abu Dhabi website.

How much are tickets?

With so many experiences included in your ticket, Taste of Abu Dhabi is a great option for a weekend out with friends or the family.

And here's another bonus: kids under 12 get in FREE.

If you're planning to go, it's worth booking ahead, as advance ticket prices are only available until Thursday, 12 November, subject to availability.

General Admission – AED 80 (AED 90 on the door)

You get one-day entry and access to all the culinary workshops, subject to availability and on a first-come, first-served basis.

Taster Package – AED 185 (AED 199 on the door)

You get one-day entry, two food vouchers, two drink vouchers, and access to culinary workshops.

VIP Package – AED 350 (AED 375 on the door)

You get one-day entry, fast-track access, three food vouchers, four drink vouchers, VIP Lounge access, and access to culinary workshops.

Where: Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

When: Friday 13 to Sunday 15 November 2026

Tickets: From AED 80, with free entry for children under 12

Bookings and full schedules: www.tasteofabudhabifestival.com