Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week: 27 July - 2 August

Abu Dhabi’s calendar is packed with things to do this week, from creative workshops and immersive experiences to live entertainment, dining and wellness activities. Here’s our pick of what’s happening across the capital from 27 July to 2 August. 

Monday 27 July

Sewing with Jaklin AlMaher

The Cultural Foundation is hosting a sewing workshop with instructor Jaklin AlMaher. The session covers the basics of pattern-making, including taking measurements, creating core cuts and adapting designs, before moving on to sewing techniques using fabric, sewing machines and ready-to-use garments. Materials are included, so you can simply turn up and get started. 

Where: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi

When: Monday, 27 July

Time: 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Price: AED 200 per session or AED 630 for four sessions, including materials

Book your spot here

Tuesday 28 July

Virtual Reality experience at Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Quantum Dome Project at Louvre Abu Dhabi lets you travel through Imperial Rome, Medieval Baghdad and Mughal India in a 30-minute shared VR experience. Inspired by artefacts from the museum’s collection, you’ll explore places such as the House of Wisdom in Medieval Baghdad, where a manuscript page from De Materia Medica reveals the work of scholars who studied medicine, nature and the cosmos. 

Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Lower Forum

When: Tuesday, 28 July 2026; running until 31 December, 2026

Time: 10.30 am to 7:00 pm (last entry 6.30pm)

Price: AED 40 for adults, AED 20 for children under 18 (museum admission sold separately) Book your spot here

Wednesday 29 July 

Greek cuisine at Ilios

Ilios on Hudayriyat Island is serving up a menu inspired by the Aegean, with dishes including Kritharaki Thalassinon, a seafood orzo dish, Salt-Crust Seabass Wrapped in Greek Vine Leaves, and Tyropita made with barrel-aged feta and handmade phyllo pastry. 

There’s also a Catch of the Day experience, where you can pick your fish from the seafood display and choose how you’d like it prepared, along with a sushi counter featuring Mediterranean seafood with Japanese techniques. 

Where: Ilios Restaurant, Surf Abu Dhabi

When: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

More info here

Thursday 30 July 

Wagwan - Arabic comedy show at Ting Irie

Head to Ting Irie for an evening of laughter and Arabic stand-up comedy, with Jamaican-inspired vibes. The lineup features Filipino bilingual comedian Ahmad Kasid, Emirati comedian Ahmed Saif, known for his sharp observations and crowd work, and Ali Bin Swelah, whose comedy draws on everyday experiences and social observations. You’ll also get two drinks and plantain chips included with your ticket.

Where: Ting Irie Restaurant, Mamsha Al Saadiyat

When: Thursday, 30 July 2026

Time: Doors open at 7:30 pm

Price: AED 95 + 5% VAT

More info here

Friday 31 July

Yoga at The National Aquarium

Start your weekend with a yoga session surrounded by marine life at The National Aquarium. It's a guided session of gentle stretches and breathing exercises aimed at helping you align your body, breath and mind. You’ll be practising with the underwater world around you, which sounds pretty cool.

Where: The National Aquarium, Al Qana

When: Friday, 31 July 2026

Price: AED 185

Time: 7:00 am - 8:00 am

Book your spot here

Saturday 1 August

Summer Glow Neon Padel Experience at Space42 Arena

Grab your racket and head to Space42 Arena for a glow-in-the-dark padel session.

The courts light up in neon colours while you play. There’s also glow gear and music to add to the atmosphere. 

Where: Space42 Arena

When: Saturday, 1 August 2026, Running until 31 August 2026

Price: From 245 AED

Book your spot here

Sunday 2 August

Mazaj Sunday Brunch at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Pop over to Mazaj at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr for a relaxed Lebanese brunch this Sunday. The sharing-style menu features favourites like Hummus Beiruty, Fattoush, Batata Harra, Cheese Rolls and a Mixed Grill platter with Shish Tawouk, Lahem Meshwi and Adana Kabab.

There’s also live music, views over the water, pool and beach access included, if you want to stay a little longer after brunch. 

Where: Mazaj, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

When: Sunday, 2 August 2026

Time: 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Price: AED 185 (soft drinks package) | AED 295 (beverage package with alcoholic selections)

Book your table here