Things to do in Abu Dhabi: The ADR Week | 23 February - 1 March 2026

Shihan Mahfuz
2 hours ago
3 min read

Ramadan Kareem from the ADR Team! We’ve put together a round-up of the best heritage festivals, sporting finales, and cultural evenings you can experience over the first week of the Holy Month.

Monday, 23 February

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Ramadan Tournament

If you’re looking to get active or just soak in a high-energy community atmosphere, the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Ramadan Tournament kicks off today. Running for 23 days at the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba, this massive event features competitions across 15 different sports, including football, padel, 3x3 basketball, and jiu-jitsu. Whether you're competing or just cheering from the sidelines, there are daily draws and a staggering AED 10 million prize pool up for grabs.

When: From 23 February

Where: Al Wathba (Sheikh Zayed Festival)

For bookings and further information visit https://zayedfestival.ae/en

Tuesday, 24 February

Conference of the Birds Talk

For a deeply reflective and intellectual evening, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting a groundbreaking talk on Farid al-Din Attar’s 12th-century masterpiece, "The Conference of the Birds". Discover how this timeless Persian allegory, where birds seek a king only to find divinity within themselves, became a global symbol for the human quest for meaning. Led by academic experts, it’s a beautifully contemplative outing perfectly suited for the Holy Month.

When: 24 February, 9:00 PM

Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi

For bookings and further information visit https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/whats-on

Wednesday, 25 February

Echoes of Time: Ibn Arabi World Premiere

For a deeply intellectual and spiritual evening, make your way to the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center. The newly formed UAE National Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Ahmed Farag, will perform the world premiere of "Echoes of Time: Ibn Arabi." This unique composition fuses a Western orchestral core with classical Arabic instruments like the Oud, Qanun, and Nay to interpret the philosophy of the Andalusian mystic Ibn Arabi. It's a "deep listening" experience that requires audience silence and immersion, making it the perfect reflective outing for Ramadan.

When: 25 February, 9:30 PM

Where: The Red Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center

For bookings and further information visit https://publicprograms.nyuad.nyu.edu/en/the-arts-center/events/2026/february/uaeno-echoes-of-time-ibn-arabi.html

Thursday, 26 February

Layali Ramadan by Saadiyat Nights

Elevate your pre-dawn meal at the return of Layali Ramadan by Saadiyat Nights. This sophisticated open-air Suhoor experience on Saadiyat Island combines comfort, tradition, and understated elegance. Gather with friends and family in majlis-style lounges under the stars, enjoy live cultural entertainment, and a curated culinary program anchored by the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

When: Opens daily from 9:00 PM – 3:00 AM

Where: Saadiyat Island

For bookings and further information visit https://www.saadiyatisland.ae/events/saadiyat-nights/

Friday, 27 February

Lammat Ramadan on the Corniche

End the week with a vibrant coastal celebration at the grand opening of Lammat Ramadan on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. This urban activation beautifully juxtaposes heritage elements like lantern-lit walkways and Arish palm structures against the glittering backdrop of the modern skyline. Expect high-tech light installations integrated with traditional calligraphy stations, plus a wide array of fusion food trucks catering to the capital’s cosmopolitan demographic. It's the ultimate weekend gathering spot for family and friends.

When: 27 February, 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM

Where: Abu Dhabi Corniche

Price: AED 20

For bookings and further information visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/104978/lammat-ramadan-abu-dhabi

Saturday, 28 February

Browse creative Ramadan experiences at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Ramadan at Manarat Al Saadiyat unfolds across several activations in late February and early March. Visitors can explore Mirbad, a curated pop up with businesses selling clothing, lifestyle, food and jewellery products, from 25 February to 1 March, followed by Ramadan Arcade from 6 to 16 March, where art, design, interactive installations, and retail come together in a social, creative setting designed for evening exploration.

When: From 25 February (9:00 PM – 2:00 AM)

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

For bookings and further information visit https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/events

Sunday, 1 March

Echoes of Fez and Festival Finales

Wrap up your weekend with an exquisite Ramadan Concert at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. "Echoes of Fez" features Moroccan vocalist Noureddine Tahiri performing Andalusian devotional music in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation. Sunday also marks your last chance to experience the regional Ramadan Festivals in Al Ain (ADNEC outdoor plaza) and Al Dhafra (Madinat Zayed Park) before they officially close for the season, as well as the final day of the Mirbad market at Manarat Al Saadiyat.

When: 1 March

Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi

Price: AED 20 for Festivals

For bookings and further information visit https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/whats-on;