Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week - 28 September - 4 October
There are loads of things to do in Abu Dhabi this week. Watch a film, get creative, attend a yoga session, or get a free coffee.
Monday 28 September
Film screening at NYUAD
Start the week watching a film at The Arts Center. Cotton Queen is a Sudanese film that follows Nafisa, a teenager growing up in a cotton-farming village with her grandmother, Al-Sit.
Her world changes when a businessman arrives with plans for a new development project and genetically engineered cotton, putting the future of the village’s fields at stake. The film is directed by Sudanese filmmaker Suzannah Mirghani.
Where: The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
When: Monday, 28 September 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Price: From AED 15.75
Book your spot here
Tuesday 29 September
Get creative at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Head to Manarat Al Saadiyat this Tuesday to try your hand at drawing from real life. This week’s Painting and Drawing session is focused on observational drawing. So you’ll be looking at the shapes, details, and proportions of what’s in front of you and putting them down on paper. The session is open to anyone aged 13 and above, and you don’t need to stick to one medium throughout.
Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat
When: Tuesday, 29 September 2026
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Age: 13+
More info here
Book your spot: Call +971 2 657 5807 or email masartstudio@dctabudhabi.ae
Wednesday 30 September
Croissants, Coffee & Creativity at Taparelle
If you’re into art, you can check out an artwork by Emirati artist Noor Al Suwaidi while you’re at Taparelle for breakfast. The piece is on display at the restaurant until the end of September.
There’s an AED 65 build-your-own breakfast package, with freshly baked breads, eggs, Scottish salmon, French veal cold cuts, and more. Pick what you want on your plate, grab a coffee, and take your time over breakfast.
Where: Taparelle, Saadiyat Island
When: Wednesday, 30 September
Time: 8:00 am to 11:30 am
Price: AED 65 per person
Book your spot: Call 02 657 5832 or email info@taparelle.com
Thursday 1 October
Free Coffee at Vapiano
It’s International Coffee Day, and your coffee is on the house this Thursday when you have brekkie at Vapiano.
The restaurant recently introduced its first breakfast menu in the UAE, with shakshuka served on Vapiano’s sourdough pizza base, croissants, omelettes, House Granola Acai Bowls, Mango Chia Pots, and a selection of coffees and other morning drinks.
While you wait, you can watch the chefs cook your order from scratch at the live station.
Where: Vapiano
When: Thursday, 1 October 2026; Offer available from (28 September - 1 October)
More info here
For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here
Friday 2 October
The Memory Cup at Zayed National Museum
Got a memory you’d like to hold on to? At The Memory Cup workshop, you’ll shape your own cup from air-dry clay, then decorate it with drawings, symbols, patterns, or words inspired by a person, place, or moment that means something to you.
The workshop takes inspiration from an ancient cup in the museum’s collection, which features falaj illustrations, and looks at how everyday objects can carry stories and memories.
Where: Zayed National Museum, Al Liwan
When: Friday, 2 October 2026
Time: 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Price: Free, with a museum entry ticket required
More info here
Saturday 3 October
Yoga and sound healing at Nalu
ADSN is hosting a morning of yoga and sound healing at Nalu restaurant, Surf Abu Dhabi. You can stretch, move, and switch off whilst listening to the sound of the waves.
After yoga, head over to Nalu restaurant for breakfast and a chance to chat with the rest of the group. Choose from two eggs, egg Florentine, huevos rancheros, granola, yoghurt, or an acai bowl, plus coffee, tea, or fresh juice.
Bring your yoga mat and arrive by 7:50 am for the 8:00 am start. Book ahead as spots are limited.
Where: Nalu restaurant, Surf Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Time: 8:00 am to 9:00 am
Price: AED 250
Book your spot here
Little Big Stories at MiZa HQ
MiZa HQ is back with Little Big Stories this Saturday, a series for kids aged five to eight that brings together stories, chats, and creative activities.
This week’s session starts with “I Am More Than” by LeBron James, a story about seeing beyond what others might see in you and recognising your own strengths and dreams.
The kids can arrive from 2:30 pm and explore the interactive stations before the group reading starts at 3:00pm.
After the story, they’ll chat about what makes them who they are, including the strengths and dreams they carry within. Then, at 3:30 pm, they’ll decorate a mirror and create a self-portrait using their own “I am…” statements to take home.
Where: MiZa HQ, Abu Dhabi
When: Saturday, 3 October 2026
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Price: Free, registration required
Register here
More info here
Sunday 4 October
La Vie en Rosé Brunch at LPM Abu Dhabi
End the week at La Petite Maison with La Vie en Rosé, a Riviera-inspired brunch at The Galleria. The menu starts with starters to share, including burrata and tomato toast, smoked salmon rolls, garlic prawns, confit eggplant, and quinoa tabbouleh, followed by a choice of main, side, and dessert.
For mains, you can pick from torched salmon with olives and almonds, herb-marinated chicken, tomato and eggplant risotto, paccheri pasta, or grilled sirloin. Desserts include chocolate and hazelnut tart, French toast, strawberry granita, and orange cake.
There are three drinks packages to choose from, including a non-alcoholic option with mocktails, coffee, juices, and soft drinks.
If you prefer to sit on the terrace, you’ll have bougainvillea, olive trees, bright artwork, and pops of colour around you.
Where: La Petite Maison, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
When: Sunday, 4 October 2026
Book your spot here
