News you might have missed in Abu Dhabi | 20 May 2026

There’s plenty of announcements across the capital lately, and here’s our quick round-up of it all, from new exhibitions and creative opportunities to menu launches, limited-edition drops, and summer travel perks.

The UAE just got it's own running shoe

New Balance have designed a limited-edition of their iconic 1080, inspired the communities in the UAE and featuring the colours of the UAE flag. 

The exclusive 1080v15 reflects New Balance’s “Run Your Way” philosophy - a belief in movement that is personal, inclusive and on your own terms, and will be available at New Balance stores in Abu Dhabi from Friday 22 May, 

Where: Yas Mall, Marina Mall, The Galleria Al Maryah Island

When: Available from Friday, 22 May 2026

Price: AED 899 

A new menu drop at Wagamama UAE

There’s something new on the menu if you usually find yourself going for a Japanese-inspired bowl. 

The menu has expanded into pan-Asian comfort food, and if you're craving something tangy and warm, you can try out their Shrimp Tom Yum with a coconut lemongrass broth. For something creamy and filling you can go for the Coconut Curry Udon. 

Sides include smashed cucumber and prawn crackers. While new drinks include iced teas and summer coolers like Berry Blast, Raspberry Fizz, Pineapple Coconut Cooler, and Wild Blossom Ginger Mint.

Prices and details here: https://www.wagamama.ae/our-menu?category=new-menu-items 

tashas is now in Al Ain

Al Ain-ers! There's no need to travel to the city anymore for your fix of South African, tashas.

If you love their fresh made-from-scratch food, the Al Ain spot has all the usual favourites on the menu, like the St Francis tortilla, Brioche French Toast, and the Salmon Teriyaki - and who else loves the corn salad? - We do! The restaurant itself will have the same relaxed and calm feel too.

Where: Al Ain, Al Mu'tarid Lifestyle Centre (Unit 4 & 5)

When: Daily 8am - 11pm

Menu details: https://www.tashascafe.com/locations/abu-dhabi/al-ain/ 

The UAE is Beautiful photo exhibition at the Cultural Foundation

The Cultural Foundation is hosting a new photography exhibition titled UAE is Beautiful with a different perspective of life in the country.

It features works by UAE-based photographers led by artist Khalid Al Hammadi, inspired by the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: President of the UAE: “The UAE is beautiful; the UAE is a role model.”

The exhibition will showcase a piece of UAE’s history, modern life and the shared experiences that shape the country.

While you’re there, don’t miss the interactive element where you can submit your own photographs capturing what you love most about the UAE through a dedicated Emirates Post box inside the exhibition. 

Where: Cultural Foundation 

When: Running until 14 July 2026

Price: Free entry

More details here: https://culturalfoundation.ae/en/event/the-uae-is-beautiful

For more things to do in Abu Dhabi, click here

Become a newsreader with CNN Academy Abu Dhabi

Bring out the journalist and storyteller in you as CNN Academy is partnering with the Creative Media Authority to run its annual cohort for the sixth year running..

You can expect to get hands-on newsroom experience by trained CNN newsroom teams and guest speakers, where you’ll get to experience real storytelling and production exercises.

If you’re selected, you’ll move forward into Simulation Week, and get the chance to step into a live breaking-news environment alongside international participants and CNN professionals.

There’s also a returning career fair, giving you direct access to recruiters and media industry partners.

Applications are open for those aged 18 and above and close on 14 June 2026.

The course is tuition-free. All you have to do is commit to attending all the workshops and training sessions.

Where: CNN Academy, Abu Dhabi

When: Cohort 1: 21 - 25 September 2026; Cohort 2: 5 - 9 October 2026

Price: Free

More details here: https://www.cma.gov.ae/cnn-academy

Etihad Airways is offering bonus miles and extra baggage perks ahead of Eid

From 19 May to 16 August, if you use Etihad’s City Check-In or Home Check-In services through the Morafiq app or website, you’ll get 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles along with an extra 3kg baggage allowance.

The check-In locations include Cruise Terminal 1, Mussafah, Madinat Zayed, and Lulu Hypermarket in Al Ain, letting you check in and drop bags up to 24 hours before departure instead of doing it at the airport.

If you’d rather skip the airport queues completely, the home check-in option lets you check in from your home, hotel, or office, including baggage collection and boarding pass delivery.

There’s also an extra 3kg baggage allowance if you check in at Zayed International Airport during selected off-peak timings:

• 9:30am to 11:30am

• 2:30pm to 6:30pm

• 9:30pm to 11:30pm

• 2:30am to 6:30am

  
  

Plus if you are in the capital for a stopover this summer, the Abu Dhabi Pass also comes with discounts across attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, along with selected Yas Island experiences and a complimentary SIM or eSIM.

More details here: https://www.etihad.com/en-ae/manage/check-in/home-check-in 

Luxury shopping rewards return to Abu Dhabi malls this Eid

You'll be able to earn up to 10% back this Eid Al Adha as the Darna Rewards luxury shopping campaign expands beyond The Galleria Al Maryah Island to include Yas Mall and Al Jimi Mall for the first time.

Running from 18 to 31 May, shoppers who spend AED 5,000 or more across participating luxury brands can unlock rewards through the Darna Rewards app, with up to AED 30,000 back available.

To take part, you must have a valid and active Darna Rewards account linked to a UAE phone number and be over 18 years old.

More info and participating brands can be found via the Darna Rewards app and Aldar’s website.