Things you might have missed in Abu Dhabi: What’s new this week

From getting on court to tapping into your creative side (or even your dining spend), here are three fresh things happening in the capital right now

Get Into Padel at 321 Sports

If padel has been on your radar, this is your moment. 321 Sports is doubling down on making the sport more accessible, with new coaching programmes, tournaments, and social evenings designed for every level.

Beginners can ease in with structured coaching, while more experienced players can sharpen their game through competitive formats like the Open C Category Tournament. If you’re just in it for the social side, the weekly evening sessions are where the community really comes alive.

On the practical side, flexible pricing and new ‘Power Hours’ mean you can now book outdoor courts from just AED 75 per hour during the day.

When: Ongoing

Social Nights: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9pm

Price: From AED 75 per hour (off-peak outdoor)

Booking: Playtomic app

Contact: 056 998 6141

Join Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s Youth Creative Programme

If you’re between 18 and 25 and looking to tap into your creative side, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has just opened applications for its “Contemporary Makers” programme.

Running across spring, summer and autumn, the initiative focuses on hands-on, artist-led learning. The first cohort kicks off with ceramics, offering participants a chance to explore creativity while connecting art, society, and modern culture.

When: Spring cohort runs 13 April to 4 June 2026

Time: Thursdays, 5pm to 7pm

Where: MAKE Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District

Price: Free

Apply: Online registration required

Get Up to 100% Cashback When Dining with SoSocial

Dining out just got a little more interesting. SoSocial has launched in Abu Dhabi with a strong focus on community-driven dining and instant rewards.

The platform lets you split bills seamlessly while unlocking cashback offers across participating venues. For April, they’re going big, with up to 100% cashback available at selected spots across the city.

It’s all part of a shift towards more value-driven, social dining experiences, and one to watch if you eat out regularly.

Offer: Up to 100% cashback (April campaign)

Where: Participating venues across Abu Dhabi

Download: App Store / Google Play

Young creatives wanted for UAE AI Film Challenge

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is inviting students across the UAE to take part in a short film competition exploring how AI could shape the next 20 years.

Open to high school and university students, it’s a chance to get creative, build a standout project, and even secure internships and training opportunities.

Deadline: 8 June 2026

Who: Grades 10–12 + university students

Output: 3-minute short film