Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week: 8 - 14 June

We’ve mapped out the capital’s latest lineup so you can skip the endless scrolling and get straight to the best spots. From classical performances and immersive heritage tours to high-energy indoor challenges and retro throwback nights, here is your guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi this week.

Monday 8 June 

An Evening with Maestro Xu Zhong

The UAE National Orchestra is welcoming Maestro Xu Zhong, one of China’s most distinguished conductors and pianists, to the stage at NYU Abu Dhabi. This is a rare chance to hear world-class global talent right here in the capital, featuring live solos from the Orchestre de Paris' Eric Picard on cello and UAENO’s own concertmaster Nicolas Koeckert on violin.

You’ll also hear a unique musical mix, kicking off with the Dance of the Yao People performing a blend of Eastern and Western traditions, alongside a rendition of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

Where: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi

When: Monday, 8 June 2026

Time: Doors open at 7:30 pm, Show starts at 8:00 pm

Price: From AED 100

Book your seat here 

Tuesday 9 June 

A Dive Into Pearling Tour 

Step back in time and discover the UAE’s deep seafaring history. This immersive tour at the Zayed National Museum shares the raw, human stories of traditional pearl diving. Learn how crews prepared for months at sea, the intense teamwork between the divers and rope-pullers, and the survival skills that shaped the country. 

When: Tuesday, 9 June 2026 (Running until 24 June, 2026)

Where: Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Cultural District

Time: 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm

Tickets: From AED 40

Book your spot here 

Wednesday 10 June 

A mid-week retro night at Tiki Pacifico

Every Wednesday night, the Tiki Pacifico goes full retro, with classic décor, a disco ball, and a live DJ spinning the best hits from the 80s and 90s. You can catch the waterfront views, listen to some familiar tracks, and try their signature tiki cocktails or Polynesian fusion bites.

Where: Tiki Pacifico, Al Bandar

When: Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Time: 7 pm onwards

Reserve your table here

Thursday 11 June  

Mandé Maqamāt Live Jam 

West African percussionist Yahael Camara Onono is leading a live, spontaneous jam session. You can catch deep West African djembe grooves mixing with traditional Arabic melodies and soulful oud strings. The musicians are basically using the night to play around with how the sounds of both regions connect. 

There’s also a casual sit-down panel discussion the night before, if

you want to hear local indie artists talk about the reality of making a living as a musician today - you can book that here

Where: The Black Box, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center

When: Thursday, 11 June 2026

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 7:30 PM

Price: From 52.50 AED

Book your spot here

Friday 12 June 

Maya Plisetskaya 100th Anniversary Gala

A special gala concert marking the 100th anniversary of Maya Plisetskayaone of the greatest ballerinas to ever grace the stage - is taking place at the Cultural Foundation Theatre Abu Dhabi . You can expect to see incredible soloists from world-famous venues like the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres bringing her most iconic pieces to life, including Swan Lake and Don Quixote.

Where: Cultural Foundation Theatre, Abu Dhabi

When: Friday, June 12 2026

Time: 8:00 pm

Price: From 250 AED

Book your spot here 

Saturday 13 June 

The Indoor Spartan City Challenge 

Want to crush a fitness challenge without dealing with the outdoor heat? The Spartan City race takes over the Etihad Arena this Saturday. 

You can take on a fast-paced 3km course packed with 15 intense obstacles built to test your strength and agility. You might choose to tackle the 3K Open solo, or turn it into a family affair since there's a dedicated Kids Race too. Plus, you can walk away with a unique medal, a classic finisher T-shirt, and some serious bragging rights.

Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi

When: Saturday, 13 June 2026

Time: Arrive 90 minutes before your specific wave start time for registration, packet pickup, and warm-up

Price: From AED 250 (3K Open Race) | From AED 110 (1-3K Kids Race) 

Sunday 14 June  

Free Silent Book Club Meetup 

Tired of reading alone? Head over to Pearl Lounge at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi for a morning of completely uninterrupted reading.

Just bring whatever you’re currently flipping through - a paperback, an e-reader, or a comic book. You can grab a coffee, share your current read with fellow book lovers if you feel like it, and then settle into a full hour of quiet, sustained reading. Once the hour is up, you can stick around to chat, or simply head out. 

Where: Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi

When: Sunday, 14 June 2026

Time: 10 am

Price: Free

Check them out here