News you might have missed in Abu Dhabi | 5 August 2026

From festivals and concerts to dining deals and cultural experiences, here's our roundup of the latest news and updates from across Abu Dhabi.

Yas Gaming Festival

Yas Gaming Festival is back at Yas Mall with PlayStation, Xbox, PC gaming, Nintendo Switch, racing simulators, arcade games, air hockey and more. You can also jump into gaming tournaments or dress up as your favourite gaming, anime, comic or movie character for the cosplay competition on 8 August. 

To join in, simply spend AED 50 at the mall, register at the Gaming Arena with your receipt, and you'll get a wristband for access.

Curious what it's like? Catch our reel for a sneak peek.

Where: Ground Floor, Town Square, Yas Mall

When: Running until Sunday, 9 August 2026

Time: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sun-Thu), 10:00 am to midnight (Fri-Sat)

More info here

Al Wathba Dates Festival

The first-ever Al Wathba Dates Festival is taking place until 9 August, celebrating the UAE's long connection with date palms through agricultural competitions, cultural activities and more. Head down to see some of the UAE's finest dates and local produce on show, as farmers and growers compete across 18 categories. A total of 240 prizes worth AED 5.677 million are up for grabs, including 10 rutab (fresh date) beauty contests. 

Where: Sheikh Zayed Summer Festival, Al Wathba

When: Until Sunday, 9 August 2026 

Half price at Fifth Street Cafe

Head to Fifth Street Cafe for 50% off the a la carte menu, running until 30 September. Try their CY Angus Burger with beef bacon, gherkins and onion rings, or the Eggs Benedict. There's also a pasta selection, with sauces like arrabbiata, pesto and quattro formaggi to choose from. 

Where: Fifth Street Cafe, Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center

When: Available until 30 September 2026

More info here

Harat Al Hosn at Al Ain Museum

Planning a trip to Al Ain? Add Harat Al Hosn: A Landscape of Memory to your list. The exhibition tells the story of the old neighbourhood that once stood around the museum, through mud bricks that still have the fingerprints of the people who made them, old coins, pottery, and everyday household items that once belonged to the community.

When: Running until the end of August

More info here

Ruby, Esseily, and Pousi live at Etihad Arena

If songs like Hetta Tanya, Doum Doum and Ah Ya Donia are already on your playlist, this one's for you. Ruby, Mahmoud El Esseily and Pousi will perform at Etihad Arena on 28 August. You’ll hear a mix of Egyptian pop, shaabi and crowd favourites all in one night. 

Where: Etihad Arena

When: Friday, 28 August 2026 

Time: Doors open 7:30 pm 

Price: From AED 125 

Book your spot here 

Power Slap at Space42 Arena

Power Slap returns to Space42 Arena on 23 October for its third Abu Dhabi event as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week. The full fight card, including the main event, will be announced in the coming weeks. Can't make it to the arena? You can stream it live for free on Power Slap's YouTube channel.

Where: Space42 Arena, Yas Island

When: Friday, 23 October 2026

Book your spot here 

More direct flights to India from Abu Dhabi

Thinking of making a trip to India? Air India Express has launched new direct flights to Navi Mumbai, Indore and Lucknow. You’ll also be able to fly direct to Guwahati from 7 August. 

Book your flight here