Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week - 7 September - 13 September

The capital’s calendar is looking busy this week, with plenty going on. From free movie screenings and dance workshops to live shows, pop culture events, and family-friendly activities, there’s so much to get up to. Here’s our pick of things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.

Monday 7 September

Free film screening at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Grab your movie buddy and head over to Manarat Al Saadiyat this Monday to catch HAPPYEND (2024). It’s a Japanese coming-of-age drama about two best friends navigating their final year of school as tensions start to build around them.

Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat

When: Monday, 7 September 2026

Time: 7:30 pm

More info here

Tuesday 8 September

Rave-inspired choreography at NYU Abu Dhabi

Test your stamina, intensity and musicality at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi with Choreographing the Club. You’ll learn high-energy choreography inspired by rave and social dance, breaking down the moves beat by beat before putting them together through improvisation and movement.

Where: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

When: Tuesday, 8 September 2026

Time: 6:30 pm

More info here

Wednesday 9 September

Build with LEGO® at Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

Travel back in time 13.8 billion years at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi’s special LEGO-themed exhibition. You’ll get to explore Earth’s history, wildlife and the cosmos through interactive LEGO® builds, plus trails and workshops to try along the way.

There’s also a Guinness World Records™ attempt as part of the experience, where the community will come together to build a record-breaking LEGO® model inspired by Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, the four-tusked elephant that once roamed Abu Dhabi.

For a glimpse of what you can expect, watch this reel.

Where: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District

When: Wednesday, 9 September 2026; Running until 8 November 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm 

Thursday 10 September

Bubble Planet Al Ain

Take a trip to Al Ain and head to Bubble Planet. You can explore more than 10 themed rooms, jump into a giant bubble ball pit, try virtual reality and wander through spaces filled with bubbles, and lights.

Make sure to snap a few photos along the way, there are plenty of spots to choose from. 

We’ve had a sneak peek of Bubble Planet, before it opened. Check out our reel here.

Where: Al Ain Bubble Planet, Al Ain Square 

When: Thursday, 10 September, Running until 7 November 2026

Time: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Price: From AED 65

Book your spot here

Friday 11 September

Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC)

Get your pop culture fix at MEFCC this weekend. Browse comics and collectibles, meet comic creators, check out cosplay, try your hand at gaming and catch panels and performances across ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

There’s also a cool lineup of stars to meet, including John Cena, Simu Liu, Mackenyu, Pom Klementieff and Arden Cho. If you’re into comics, you can also meet creators including Jim Cheung, Ken Lashley and Martin Simmonds.

Where: ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi

When: Friday, 11 September 2026; running until Sunday 13 September 2026

Price: From AED 160

More info here

PAW Patrol Live! at Etihad Arena

Take the kids to see Ryder and the PAW Patrol pups live on stage at Etihad Arena. In “Heroes Unite”, the gang has to stop Mayor Humdinger’s Robo Dog clones, rescue Robo Dog and get back to Adventure Bay before time runs out.

There’ll be music, dancing, plenty of action and a chance for little fans to join in. You can also book a limited number of V.I.P. (Very Important Pup) experiences, which include a post-show photo with the PAW Patrol characters.

Where: Etihad Arena

When: Friday, 11 September 2026, running until Sunday 13 September 2026

Price: From AED 95

Book your spot here

Saturday 12 September

Open day at Zayed Sports City

Get moving at Zayed Sports City’s Open Day this Saturday, with plenty of activities to try. You can have a go at tennis, padel and pickleball, and join fitness sessions. There’ll also be loads of family activities and entertainment.

And for the petrolheads, there’ll be around 150 automotive collectibles to check out, from classic motors to some seriously cool cars.

Where: Zayed Sports City, Outdoor Pitches and Courts

When: Saturday, 12 September 2026

Time: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Register here

Sunday 13 September

Tatreez Circle with Joanna Barakat at  421 Arts Campus

Spend your Sunday working on a tatreez piece (traditional Palestinian hand embroidery) at 421 Arts Campus. Led by Palestinian artist Joanna Barakat, the Tatreez Circle is a chance to sit down with other makers, work on your stitching and pick up new tips and techniques along the way.

You’ll need to bring your own embroidery project and supplies, and a basic understanding of tatreez is recommended. 

Where: The Practice Lab, 421 Arts Campus

When: Sunday, 13 September 2026

Time: 11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Register your interest here