News you might have missed in Abu Dhabi | 2 September 2026

A few Abu Dhabi updates may have slipped under your radar this week. From the return of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to new triathlon routes, networking events, and a Careem cashback offer, here’s what you might have missed. 

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

Bookworms, mark your calendars! The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is back from 13 to 18 September 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for its 35th edition.

This year’s theme is Turn the Page, Read the World, and there’ll be plenty to browse. You can check out cultural and educational experiences, catch musical performances and podcasts, and explore a programme of around 1,500 events featuring exhibitors from 95 countries.

There’s also a new Poetry Nights programme, featuring poetry readings, literary conversations and discussions with poets from across the Arab world.

The Balkans will be the Guest of Honour this year, while Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi has been named the Focus Personality and Don Quixote the Book of the World.

More info here

World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi

The World Triathlon Multisport Championships Abu Dhabi race routes have been announced, so you can start getting familiar with what’s ahead when the championships take over Hudayriyat Island from 13 to 22 November 2026.

Six disciplines, one island and some pretty varied routes. Swim in the waters around Hudayriyat, cycle and run along the coast, tackle mountain bike trails and cross the iconic Hudayriyat Bridge.

And if you’re not competing, you can still head down to watch the action. The 10-day event will have a Championship Village with community activities, entertainment and live concerts, plus races for children aged four to 15.

More info here

Ryse & Thryve at The Abu Dhabi EDITION

A women’s networking event hosted by Ryse & Thryve is coming to Market at The Abu Dhabi EDITION on 12 September. It’s the second edition of the event, giving you a chance to meet women from different backgrounds, chat, and share stories.

There’ll be guest speakers and a mindfulness session, and you can bring along a favourite quote to share with the group if you fancy joining in. You’ll also have an all-you-can-eat spread, with juices, tea, coffee and matcha included.

When: Saturday, 12 September 2026

Where: Market at The Abu Dhabi EDITION

Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Price: AED 200 - Spaces are limited

Book your spot here

Careem cashback with a twist

Got a food delivery order planned this week? You could get some of your money back in Careem credit, even if you order through another food delivery app.

From 1 to 7 September, food orders made through delivery apps in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will qualify for 20% cashback, whether you order through Careem or another platform. If you order through another app, just send a screenshot of your order to @careemuae on Instagram, along with the phone number linked to your Careem account. 

You’ll get 20% back in your Careem wallet within 24 hours, capped at AED 30. You can then use the credit on any Careem service, including rides and groceries. Orders placed directly through Careem qualify automatically.

Just keep in mind that you can only submit one bill during the offer period.

Find them on instagram here

Etihad has added new routes from Abu Dhabi

Etihad has made a few changes to its Abu Dhabi network, with new routes and additional flights being added. Salalah, Tashkent and Kabul have already seen updates, while Gothenburg, Bucharest and several African cities are set to join the network later this year. 

There are also new partnerships making it easier to connect to more cities once you land, including destinations across Romania and Eastern Europe. 

See the full list of new routes, dates and destinations you can fly to here.