Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week | The ADR Week: 18 - 24 May

There’s plenty happening around the capital this week, and we’ve put together a few things worth adding to your calendar. From poolside ladies days and taco nights, to film screenings, sunset rides and live music - there's plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi over the next few days.

Monday 18 May 

Poolside Mondays for the ladies at Café del Mar Abu Dhabi

Ladies, this one's for you!

You can now spend your Monday afternoon at Café del Mar with 3 complimentary drinks and a tapas platter while you relax by the pool. You got plenty of options from sushi and fruit platters to warm pita and tzatziki, all served as part of the setup until sunset.

Where: Café del Mar Beach Club, Yas Bay

When: Monday, 18 May 2026

Time: 12 noon until sunset

Price: AED 120

Book your spot: https://www.sevenrooms.com/experiences/cafedelmarabudhabibeachclub/monday-ladies-day-6549222141149184 

Tuesday 19 May 

Barbossa’s unlimited taco Tuesday

Craving tacos? You can head to Barbossa on Tuesday and you’ll get unlimited tacos served straight to your table, with margaritas to go with it. 

Where: Barbossa, Yas Bay Waterfront

When: Tuesday, 19 May 2026

Price: AED 130 (non-alcoholic package) | AED 180 (tacos + free-flow margaritas, alcoholic package)

Wednesday 20 May 

CineMAS, The Alternative Film Fest returns to Manarat Al Saadiyat

If you're interested in a mid-week dose of cinema, head to Manarat Al Saadiyat where CineMAS, The Alternative Film Fest 2026 is taking place from 18 to 24 May. It’s a full week of screenings, conversations, and local storytelling. 

This Wednesday is all about a curated selection of short films by UAE filmmakers from the past 12 years, presented in collaboration with Arab Film Studio. You can watch stories that move between humour, family, identity, memory, and everyday life, all through the lens of local filmmakers shaping the UAE’s contemporary film scene.

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat

When: Wednesday, 20 May 2026

Time: 7 pm to 9 pm

For more details: https://manaratalsaadiyat.ae/media/2026/5/14/unvng3zs_cinemas-film-lineup-full-programme.pdf  

Thursday 21 May

Ladies Night at CLYMB returns

CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi is bringing back its Ladies Night, giving you access to indoor skydiving and climbing in a private area.

Once you’re in you’ll get the option to experience a 2-minute flight in the indoor skydiving chamber or take on a 60-minute climbing session across three walls. There’s also a combo option if you want both in one go, solo or with friends.

It runs every 2nd Thursday of the month until 12 November 2026, with an all-female instructor team guiding the sessions throughout, so even if you are a first-time flyer, you can try it out comfortably.

Where: CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

When: Thursday, 21 May 2026

Price: From AED 120 (climbing / half-day pass) or AED 235 (skydiving)

For booking and more details: https://www.clymbabudhabi.com/en/events/ladies-night 

Friday 22 May

Sunset Spin Social at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

If a sunset spin ride sounds like your kind of thing, head to Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on Friday and you’ll get to ride outdoors while catching the sunset, with waterfront views.

The evening starts with a high-energy spin session, and then you’ll refuel with an exclusive Lebanese-style dinner at Mazaj Bab Al Bahr by the water.

Just a little heads up, bikes are limited, so book in advance. 

Where: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

When: Friday, 22 May 2026

Time: 6 pm - 8 pm

Price: AED 250 per person

Book your spot: https://thebridgehub.com/event/sunset-spin-ride-dinner/

Free live music at Yas Bay Waterfront this Friday

Yas Bay Waterfront is hosting free live music performances all month long as part of UAE in Harmony, bringing traditional Arabic sounds to Arena Plaza every weekend.

UAE in Harmony is pegged as a bit like busking around the city. Musicians pop up in parks, promenades, malls, hotels and cultural spots, so the whole place feels like one big stage.

This Friday, Bassam Trabelsi on the ney and Sherine Mohamed on the oud will be performing live by the waterfront. So if you’re heading to Yas Bay, you’ll probably catch the music during an evening stroll.

Where: Arena Plaza, Yas Bay Waterfront

When: Friday, 22 May 2026

Time: 8 pm - 11 pm

Price: Free entry

Saturday 23 May

One Run is taking over Hudayriyat Island this Saturday

Fancy a run this weekend? Head to Hudayriyat Island on Saturday where Abu Dhabi Sports Council is hosting “One Run”, with race categories ranging from 1km and 5km all the way to a half marathon. So there’s a distance to suit all types of runners.

If you are there as a cheerleader and not taking part in the race, there’ll still be activation activities by Active Abu Dhabi happening around the venue, including interactive team challenges and a kayak rowing challenge.

When: Saturday, 23 May 2026

Where: Abu Dhabi Cycles Club, Hudayriyat Island

Time: 5 pm onwards

Price: From AED 50 (run categories) 

Book your spot here: https://adsc.gov.ae/events/one-run/ 

Sunday 24 May

Sunday Wet Brunch at Yas Beach

Sunday at Yas Island now means you can spend your afternoon relaxing by the beach with a three-course menu on the side. While you’re there, you also get unlimited selected beverages from 1 pm to 4 pm.

Oh and if you’re in the mood for some grooves, there’s even a live DJ starting from 4 pm.

Where: ILA by Yas Beach

When: Sunday, 24 May 2026

Time: 1 pm

Price: Packages from AED 320

Book your spot: +971 56 242 0435