News you might have missed in Abu Dhabi | 19 August 2026
- Shweta Srikanth
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
From three new celebrity names joining MEFCC and a new lunar light experience, to cancelled gigs and healthier hotel restaurant menus, here are some of the latest updates and things to do in Abu Dhabi you might have missed.
Three more stars join the MEFCC lineup
If Mantis, Rumi or Usopp ring a bell, you’ll know these three. The actors behind the Guardians of the Galaxy, KPop Demon Hunters and One Piece characters, Pom Klementieff, Arden Cho and Jacob Romero, are heading to MEFCC at ADNEC Centre from 11 to 13 September.
At MEFCC, you can browse rare collectibles, check out the artwork in Artist Alley, compete in the Gaming Arena, catch live performances in Festival Plaza and, of course, show off your best cosplay.
Where: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
When: 11 to 13 September 2026
Price: From AED 160
Book your tickets here
OFFLIMITS and Christina Aguilera's Abu Dhabi shows are officially off
Some disappointing gig news this week in the capital. OFFLIMITS 2026 has been cancelled, with organisers confirming that all tickets will be refunded automatically through the platform they were purchased from. The festival could return in 2027, though, so it might not be goodbye for good.
And if you had Christina Aguilera’s Etihad Arena show in your calendar, that’s been cancelled too. The singer was due to perform on 25 September at Yas Island, but no reason has been given and there’s currently no new date. The show had already been moved once from its original April date.
Tickets will be refunded through the original payment method.
Read, write or create at Threadify
Need a couple of hours away from your phone? Threadify’s first gathering is all about making time for the things you’ve been meaning to get around to. Bring a book, journal, sketchbook or any creative project, settle in with a coffee and snack, and spend some quiet time focusing on it. There’ll also be a chance to chat with other attendees and share what you’ve been reading, making or thinking about.
Where: A Cafe & Roastery, Qasr Al Hosn
When: Sunday, 23 August 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 12.30 pm
Price: AED 89 (includes one hot beverage and a snack)
Book your spot here
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque's new monthly lunar light show
There’s a new five-minute light experience to catch at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Moon Has a Story… Told by Light follows the Hijri lunar cycle, with the mosque’s exterior lighting changing from deep blue at the start of the month to brighter white as the moon reaches its full phase.
The experience takes place at the beginning of every Hijri month, with more than 840 lighting units and 22 towers used to create the display.
Book your visit here
Palace in Motion
Have you seen Qasr Al Watan lit up at night? The Palace in Motion show uses light and sound to tell the story of the UAE’s journey across three acts, all taking place in front of the main palace.
The ticket gives you access to the show only, while a general admission ticket includes entry to the palace alongside the show.
Where: Qasr Al Watan
Price: From AED12
Book your visit here
More healthy options on hotel restaurant menus
You’ll soon have more healthy options to choose at Abu Dhabi restaurants. New rules require hotel restaurants and eligible tourism-licensed food outlets to include at least one healthy option in every adult menu category, including mains, appetisers, sides and desserts.
Children’s menus will see an even bigger change, with at least half of the listed dishes required to meet Abu Dhabi’s SEHHI healthy food standards. Look out for the SEHHI logo when ordering.
The rules came into effect on 1 July, with restaurants given until 1 October 2026 to fully comply.
Ma'an opens applications for its second cycle
Run a social enterprise or non-profit in Abu Dhabi? You could apply for funding through the Authority of Social Contribution - Ma’an’s latest funding programme. The second cycle is open to eligible non-profit organisations, NGOs, social enterprises and private sector businesses with social impact objectives, with funding available to help develop social initiatives, build organisational capacity and support projects addressing community needs.
Applications are open until 30 September, and Ma’an will also hold an online workshop on 9 September explaining how to apply and answering questions about the process.
Apply here
Deadline: 30 September 2026
Online workshop: 9 September 2026
