Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week - 14 September - 20 September
There’s a mix of things to do in Abu Dhabi this week, from catching the first-ever Euroleague Basketball SuperCup to exploring the book fair, watching Peking Opera, or bedazzling your own drink. Here’s our pick of where to head to.
Monday 14 September
Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Head to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is on until Friday, 18 September. The 35th edition brings together exhibitors from 95 countries, with around 1,500 events taking place across the week.
You can explore everything from cultural and educational experiences to musical performances and podcasts. While you’re there, you can also check out the new Poetry Nights programme, with readings, literary conversations, and discussions with poets from across the Arab world.
The Balkans are this year’s Guest of Honour, while Al Khalil ibn Ahmad Al Farahidi is the Focus Personality and Don Quixote is the Book of the World.
Zayed National Museum will be at stand AT15, if you’re interested in exploring UAE history and heritage through interactive experiences and stories from the museum’s collection.
Where: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
When: Monday, 14 September 2026; running until Friday, 18 September 2026
More info here
Tuesday 15 September
Free workouts at Yas Marina Circuit
Get moving at Yas Marina Circuit with TrainYAS, where you can walk, run, or cycle around the North Circuit for free.
There are two sessions on Tuesday. Start your day with TrainAM, a cycling-only session from 6:00 am to 8:00 am, or head there in the evening for TrainYAS Ladies, a women-only session open to walkers, runners, and cyclists, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Make the most of the track while you can, before preparations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ramp up ahead of December. There are also sessions running throughout September, so check the full schedule if you want to head down on another day this month.
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
When: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 6:00 am - 8:00 am and 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Price: Free, registration required
Wednesday 16 September
Bedazzle your drink at Space Cafe
Fancy giving your drink a little sparkle? Pop over to Space Cafe, purchase a cold drink, and you can customise it for free. You’ll get a sheet of colourful gems to decorate your cup with, you can then take home your own bedazzled creation.
The offer is running until 30 September, so you’ve got a couple of weeks to try it out.
Where: Space Cafe, Al Qana
When: Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Price: Free with one cold drink
More info here
Thursday 17 September
Peking Opera at Cultural Foundation
Head to Cultural Foundation for an Opera performance by the China National Peking Opera Company.
You’ll see the art form’s elaborate costumes, expressive movements, singing, and storytelling come together on stage. The performers use stylised movements, gestures, and facial expressions to tell stories, with traditional music adding to the performance. It’s a chance to see this centuries-old Chinese art form live in Abu Dhabi.
Where: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
When: Thursday, 17 September 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Price: From AED 150
Book your spot here
For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here
Friday 18 September
Flag football for kids at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub
The 2026 NFL season is kicking off, and the kids can join in with an afternoon of flag football at Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub. The session is for kids aged six to 14 and their families.
They’ll get to try NFL Combine-inspired drills, skill challenges, and interactive games, all led by UAE coaches trained by the Washington Commanders. There’s a chance to test their football skills, have a go at different challenges, with prizes up for grabs.
Snacks and refreshments will also be on hand throughout the event to keep them fuelled between drills and games.
Where: Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub, Khalifa City
When: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Price: Free, Registration required
More info here
Euroleague Basketball SuperCup Abu Dhabi 2026
You can watch the first-ever Euroleague Basketball SuperCup coming to Etihad Arena. The tournament takes place over two days, with four clubs taking to the court, including Dubai Basketball, Olympiacos Piraeus, Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul, and Real Madrid.
The action kicks off on Friday, with Olympiacos Piraeus taking on Fenerbahce Tarfin Istanbul at 6pm, followed by Dubai Basketball against Real Madrid at 9pm. The tournament wraps up on Saturday with the third-place game and the first-ever SuperCup final.
We’ve got the full lowdown on the teams, timings, and ticket prices here.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Price: From AED 66
Book your spot here
Paint and Sip at Atlon Bar & Bistro
Head to Atlon Bar & Bistro for a paint-and-sip session hosted by Charlie. Pick up your brush, paint your own canvas, and enjoy free-flowing drinks throughout, plus bites on the side.
It’s the SAFFA Pre-Heritage Day Edition, ahead of South Africa’s Heritage Day on 24 September.
Where: Atlon Bar & Bistro, Souq Qaryat Al Beri
When: Friday, 18 September 2026
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Price: AED 199, pre-registration required
More info here
Saturday 19 September
Al Dhafra Run at Zayed City
Race into the weekend with the Al Dhafra Run in Zayed City this Saturday. Choose from 1 km, 3 km, or go for 5 km to test your pace and stamina over the full distance.
There’s a family 1km, too, so you can run together with your clan, while the youth 1km is open to ages four to 17. The 3km and 5km are open to ages nine and above, so older kids can join in too.
Where: Zayed City, Al Dhafra
When: Saturday, 19 September 2026
Time: 5:30 pm
Price: AED 50
Book your spot here
Sunday 20 September
End the week making your own mosaic lamp
Stars & Bananaz Art Studio is hosting a mosaic lamp workshop with Twama, where you can decorate your own lamp and take it home.
If you’ve wandered through the souks and markets, you’ve probably spotted those colourful mosaic lamps. Now you can make one yourself, picking the glass pieces and putting your own design together before lighting it up.
Where: Stars & Bananaz Art Studio, Al Rahah - Al Zeina
When: Sunday, 20 September 2026
Time: 4:00 pm
More info here
