Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week - 31 August - 6 September

There’s so much happening around the capital this week. From an interactive art installation and a new menu, to live music, creative sessions and a pre-loved market - here are a few things to add to your plans.

Monday 31 August

Human in the Loop at 421Online

421 for Human in the Loop, is an interactive installation where you’ll need to rely on your ears to find a hidden algorithm.

The space is filled with hanging ropes, and pulling each one triggers a different glitch-like sound. Listen carefully and follow the clues as you move around to work out which rope is hiding the algorithm.

Find it, and you’ll hear a distinct sound telling you you’ve got it right, before the algorithm moves and the game starts again. It’s part art installation, part game, and definitely not your usual gallery visit.

Where: 421 Arts Campus, Mina Zayed

When: Monday, 31 August 2026

Time: 1-hour session

Book your spot here

Tuesday 1 September

New Menu at Dragon’s Tooth

Dragon’s Tooth has a new food and drinks menu, with Cantonese-inspired dishes including caviar duck, lobster balls with black truffle, wok-fried Wagyu beef and soya-roasted black cod.

There’s also a new Chinese Zodiac Cocktail Collection, with ten cocktails and two mocktails inspired by the twelve zodiac animals. Try the Dragon, made with sake, cucumber and elderflower, or the Snake, which mixes baijiu with dragon fruit and lychee.

Where: Dragon’s Tooth, The Galleria Al Maryah Island

When: Tuesday, 1 September 2026

More info here

Wednesday 2 September

Open Studio at Cultural Foundation

If you enjoy painting, sketching or just making things, head to Cultural Foundation’s Open Studio and spend a few hours working on your own art.

It’s a drop-in session, so bring your art supplies and whatever you’re working on, then use the studio space to experiment, practise or finally get around to that piece you’ve been putting off. 

Where: Al Marsam Al Hor, Cultural Foundation

When: Wednesday, 2 September 2026 onwards

Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Price: From AED 30

Book your spot here

Thursday 3 September

Tandoor and Roast at Olea Abu Dhabi

Olea is mixing things up on Thursday nights with a dinner that brings Indian tandoor favourites and British roast classics to the same table. Look out for smoky kebabs, roast meats, pies and other familiar favourites.

Where: Olea, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

When: Thursday, 3 September 2026

Time: 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Price: AED 275

More info here

For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here

Friday 4 September

Kayak around Louvre Abu Dhabi

You’ve probably seen Louvre Abu Dhabi from the galleries, but have you seen it from the water? Hop into a kayak and paddle around the museum while seeing more about its architecture from a completely different angle.

No kayaking experience is needed, and you’ll get a safety and paddle briefing before setting off. Kids aged six to 12 can join with a parent or guardian. 

Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island

When: Friday, 4 September 2026

Price: AED 126

Book your spot here

Saturday 5 September

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Fanfaraï at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

Head to The Red Theater this Saturday for a night of brass, funk and jazz. New Orleans’ Grammy Award-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band is on the line-up, alongside Fanfaraï, a French North African group bringing North African, Afro-Cuban, Latin and jazz sounds to the stage. 

Where: The Red Theater, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday, 5 September 2026

Time: Doors 7:00 pm, show starts 7:30 pm

Price: From AED 78.75

Book your spot here

Sunday 6 September

One Day Choir

Have you ever sung with a room full of strangers? One Day Choir brings everyone together to learn one song, with some games and icebreakers along the way before you split into smaller groups to learn your part. Then, everyone comes back together for a final sing-through.

There are no auditions and no singing experience needed, and it's designed to have fun and bring the community together. The final performance is recorded too, giving you something to take home from the session.

Where: The Club, Abu Dhabi

When: Sunday, 6 September 2026

More info on the schedule here

Join the community here

Sunday Preloved Market

Swing Studio at Al Zeina will host a preloved market this Sunday, with a mixturemix of pre-loved clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and more.

There’ll be plenty to look through, whether you’re after a wardrobe update or a few bits for your home.

Where: Swing Studio, Al Zeina

When: Sunday, 6 September 2026

Time: 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

More info here