Things to do in Abu Dhabi - The ADR Week - 16 November - 22 November
From quiz and paella evenings, to art fairs, maritime celebrations, a family day with creative activities - here are our pick of things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.
Monday 16 November
Quiz night at Easy Tiger Bar
Head to Easy Tiger for a quiz night hosted by Charles Cutforth and Charlie Day. Get those thinking caps on and be ready for a few surprises, with unexpected questions, plenty of laughs, and prizes up for grabs. The questions might be naughty or nice, but the food menu has wings, dynamite shrimp and truffle fries either way. Gather your quiz crew and see if you've got what it takes to claim the bragging rights.
Where: Easy Tiger, Al Ain Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi Corniche
When: Monday, 16 November 2026
Time: 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm
More info here
Tuesday 17 November
Paella Tuesdays at Tiki Pacifico
Grab your crew and head over to Tiki Pacifico at Al Bandar this Tuesday for unlimited paella. If you haven't tried it before - paella is a traditional Spanish rice dish, usually cooked with saffron and a mix of seafood, meat or vegetables. There’s an option to add selected free-flowing beverages for AED 99 for ladies and AED 149 for gents.
Where: Tiki Pacifico, Al Bandar
When: Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Price: AED 129
Book your table here
More info here
Wednesday 18 November
NOMAD Abu Dhabi
It's finally time to see Abu Dhabi's old airport in a new light! NOMAD returns to Terminal 1 this week for its second edition, with more than 50 exhibitors showcasing collectable design, contemporary art, jewellery, and craft. The former departure lounge and boarding tunnels will be filled with gallery presentations, special installations, talks, and workshops.
While you’re there, head to the pop-up restaurant by ERTH Abu Dhabi, check out a special project featuring the YANGWANG U9 hypercar, and an art installation by South African artist Robin Rhode. The fair runs until Sunday, 22 November.
Find out more about this year's fair here.
Where: Terminal 1, Old Abu Dhabi International Airport, Ad Diyafah Street
When: 18 to 22 November 2026
Time: 1pm to 9pm from 19 to 21 November; 1pm to 8pm on 22 November.
Previews on 18 November are by invitation only.
More info here
Thursday 19 November
Independent Schools Show
If you're on the hunt for the right school for your child, the Independent Schools Show is taking place in Abu Dhabi this Thursday. Head over to meet admissions directors from leading UK boarding schools, speak to education experts, and get advice on everything from choosing a school and navigating admissions to preparing your child for life at a British boarding school. There's also a keynote session covering British boarding education, UK and international curricula, and university pathways.
Where: African Lounge, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday, 19 November 2026
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Price: Free for families (registration required)
Register here
Frieze Abu Dhabi
Art lovers, it's time to Frieze your calendar! The coveted art exhibition makes its debut in Abu Dhabi at Manarat Al Saadiyat on 19 November. Over four days you'll get to explore more than 80 galleries from 37 countries and regions. Browse contemporary and modern art, discover solo presentations by regional and international artists, and check out Frieze Masters, which brings together rare objects and artefacts dating back to antiquity.
There's also Frieze Sculpture, talks, guided tours and a wider Frieze Week programme featuring museum visits and artist conversations across Abu Dhabi.
Find out everything you need to know about the inaugural edition here.
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat
When: Thursday, 19 November to Sunday, 22 November 2026
Price: From AED 36.75
Book your spot here
More info here
For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here
Friday 20 November
Maritime Heritage Festival
Abu Dhabi's story has always been closely tied to the sea, and the Maritime Heritage Festival is a chance to explore that history. Returning for its fifth edition, the 10-day festival takes you back to the days when fishing, pearl diving, and trading shaped life along the coast. You'll find a recreated coastal setting with traditional crafts, maritime stories, and activities for the whole family.
There's plenty to see and try, including traditional Emirati games, family workshops, maritime reenactments, live performances, Fann Al Soot sessions and an immersive dhow experience. You can also browse maritime-inspired retail experiences and catch the Traditional Maritime Operetta.
The festival runs until Sunday, 29 November, so you can drop by any day until then and catch the celebrations.
Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche
When: Friday, 20 November to Sunday, 29 November 2026
Time: 4pm to midnight (Friday to Sunday); 4pm to 11pm (Monday to Thursday)
Price: From AED 12
Book your tickets here
More info here
Saturday 21 November
The Unbecoming Circle at Swing Studio
When was the last time you took a moment to focus on yourself? You can do just that this Saturday at The Unbecoming Circle: The Woman Behind the Name. Led by Akua, this two-hour session invites you to look beyond the roles and labels that shape your everyday life. Through a series of thoughtful prompts, you'll reflect on questions such as what you've been giving to others that you need to give back to yourself, what you're trying to fix that isn't yours to fix, and what you're holding on to at the cost of your peace. You'll also hear other women's stories and have a chance to share your own in an open, supportive setting.
Where: Swing Studio, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Time: 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Price: AED 250
Book your spot here
More info here
Family Day at 421 Arts Campus
At 421 Family Day this Saturday, there’s art, storytelling, sensory play, and a few carnival treats thrown in for good measure.
Kids can make their own musical instruments, turn wooden spoons and craft sticks into characters for a shadow theatre, experiment with clay, and explore sensory play with water, shells and Moon Sand. There's also a chance to create a paper island, join a collaborative storytelling session with artist Alice Visentin, or pick a book from the Arabic and English reading corner.
The day kicks off with a tour of the Archipelago of Whispers exhibition, led by curators Deniz Kirkali and Elham Puriya Mehr. And when it's time for a snack break, there'll be popcorn, slushies, and cotton candy, with lunch provided, too.
Where: 421 Arts Campus, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 21 November 2026
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Price: Free
Register here
More info here
Sunday 22 November
Basics of Oil Painting at Cultural Foundation
Give oil painting a go at Al Marsam Al Hor, where artist Amjad Gharezeddin leads a hands-on workshop for beginners and those with a bit more experience. You'll work with oil paints to explore colour, texture and light, learning different techniques as you create your own canvas inspired by observation and imagination. You can book a single session or sign up for all four.
Where: Al Marsam Al Hor, Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
When: Sunday, 22 November 2026
Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Price: AED 165 per session or AED 525 for four sessions
Book your spot here
