Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week - 19 October - 25 October
From creative workshops and a children’s film festival, to Oktoberfest, live comedy, and two big fight nights, here’s our pick of things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.
Monday 19 October
Art of the Sketchbook for teens at Manarat Al Saadiyat
For teens who are always doodling in the margins or filling notebooks with ideas - Art of the Sketchbook at Manarat Al Saadiyat is a three-day workshop worth checking out. They’ll explore how to use a sketchbook to develop ideas, collect inspiration and express themselves through art.
The sessions run from Monday to Wednesday, giving them three afternoons to experiment with their own style and fill a few pages along the way.
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat
When: Monday 19 October - Wednesday 21 October 2026
Time: 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm
Price: AED 225 for all three sessions
Ages: 13 - 17 years
Book your spot here
More info here
Tuesday 20 October
Roof Walk Experience at Ferrari World Yas Island
You’ve probably seen Ferrari World Yas Island’s iconic red roof from the ground, but have you ever thought about walking across it? The Roof Walk Experience is back for another season, giving you a chance to climb up and take in views of Yas Island from above, including a closer look at the world’s largest Ferrari logo. Don't forget to snap a few photos along the way.
You can book it as an add-on to your theme park visit, or go for the standalone experience if you’d rather skip the rides.
Where: Ferrari World Yas Island, Yas Island
When: Tuesday 20 October, 2026; Running until 30 April 2027
Price: From AED 85
Book your spot here
Wednesday 21 October
SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi: A Children and Youth Film Festival
A cinema trip with the kids is on the cards this week, with SCHLiNGEL Abu Dhabi bringing four days of films for younger audiences to the Cultural Foundation. The festival explores themes of friendship, family, identity, nature and self-confidence through stories about young characters finding their way in the world.
Wednesday’s screening is Butterfly Heart, a story about Jozabas, a boy who spends most of his time surrounded by insects and butterflies, until a new girl in the neighbourhood strikes up a friendship with him and helps him step out of his shell.
Can’t make Wednesday? There’s another screening of Butterfly Heart on Friday, while Saturday’s line-up includes a selection of short films at 11am, Akiko, the Flying Monkey at 4pm and Rock My Heart at 7pm.
Where: Cultural Complex, Cultural Foundation
When: Wednesday 21 October; Running until Saturday 24 October 2026
Price: From AED 25
Book your tickets here
Thursday 22 October
A Writing Practice with Sarah Afaneh at 421 Arts Campus
If you’ve been meaning to get back into writing or want to try something new, A Writing Practice at 421 Arts Campus is a chance to put pen to paper, play with ideas, and connect with other writers. Led by artist Sarah Afaneh, the programme runs a series of sessions with poetry readings and writing exercises to help you explore different forms and find your own way with words.
The session focuses on ekphrastic poetry, which is all about turning art into words. You’ll look at an artwork and explore the memories, feelings, and ideas it brings up, then use them as inspiration for your own writing. There’s also time to share your work and hear what others have written. You don’t need any previous writing experience to join, and the session is open to anyone aged 18 and above.
Where: 421 Arts Campus, Mina Zayed
When: Thursday 22 October 2026
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Language: English and Arabic
Register your interest here
For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here
Friday 23 October
Oktoberfest at Belgian Café Abu Dhabi
Oktoberfest is back at Belgian Café Abu Dhabi, with hearty Bavarian food, cold bevvies, and live music at Marina Garden. The line-up includes DJs, and live bands, so there’ll be music playing throughout the festival. Food options on the special Oktoberfest menu include halal and non-halal items. Grab your friends and head over this Friday night for food, drinks, and live entertainment, or drop by over the weekend, as the festival runs until 25 October.
Where: Marina Garden, Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi
When: Friday 23 October 2026; running until Sunday 25 October 2026
Book your spot here
More info here
Power Slap 25 at Space42 Arena
Brace yourself for a night of hard hits, knockout finishes, and high-stakes match-ups as Power Slap returns to Abu Dhabi. Taking place during Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, the fight night’s headline bout sees Da Hawaiian Hitman face Dumpling in a rematch for the Super Heavyweight Title.
Indian striker Jujhar Singh is also back in the capital, nearly a year after becoming the first Indian fighter to win at a Power Slap event in Abu Dhabi. He’ll face undefeated British heavyweight Louis Robinson, who has won both of his previous bouts by knockout.
Where: Space42 Arena, Yas Island
When: Friday 23 October 2026
Book your spot here
Saturday 24 October
UFC 333 at Etihad Arena
Two title fights are on the cards at UFC 333 this Saturday, as Abu Dhabi Showdown Week brings another major night of MMA to Yas Island. Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski will defend his title against undefeated contender Movsar Evloev, while bantamweight champion Petr Yan faces former champion Merab Dvalishvili for the third time.
The event takes place at Etihad Arena, with fan experiences and fighter appearances also lined up across Abu Dhabi for Showdown Week.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Saturday 24 October 2026
Book your spot here
Sunday 25 October
Russel Peters live at Etihad Arena
Head over to Etihad Arena this Sunday for a night of laughs with Russell Peters. The comedian is bringing his sharp takes on family, relationships and cultural differences back to Abu Dhabi, with plenty of quick-fire jokes and spontaneous crowd interactions along the way. He’s known for turning everyday situations into comedy, often drawing on cultural quirks and the things that happen in our own families. If you’ve watched his stand-up specials Outsourced or Deported, you’ll be familiar with his no-filter style.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island
When: Sunday, 25 October 2026
Price: From AED 275
Book your spot here
