The capital is bursting at the seams with cool activities to refresh your spirit on your days off. From meeting new people with shared interests to trying out a new breakfast spot, these are all the fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

Artists assemble, the amazing community Sketchouts is open to everyone in Abu Dhabi with weekly meet ups on Saturday. Whether your into charcoal sketching or just want a space to enjoy a weekend doodle, head to Bach Café in Al Bateen on October 10 from 5pm onwards. You can bring your own art materials if you’d like, but the Sketchouts team has plenty for you to use as well.

When: Saturday, October 10 | 5pm onwards
Where: Bach Café, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Price: Free to enter, average spend of Dhs50 for two for orders at the café
Contact: @ae.sketchouts

If you’re looking for a new fluffy bestie to join your adventures in Abu Dhabi, this adoption event by Microchipped.ae and Flooff Middle East at Rosewood Abu Dhabi is the perfect morning for you. Animal welfare advocates, volunteers, guests, residents and prospective pet owners will come together for an afternoon dedicated to responsible adoption and animal welfare awareness. The adoption event is fairytale themed and promises to be a magical morning in Abu Dhabi.

When: Sunday, October 11
Where: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Price: Free entry
Contact: @microchipped.ae

From tiramisu-flavoured French toast to Shakshuka on a seasoned croissant and sweetcorn and polenta pancakes, the new drop to WatchHouse’s breakfast menu is the perfect excuse to head out for a morning meal in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Settle in for a tasty start to your day.

When: weekends: 9am to midnight
Where: The Arcades at Al Khail Square, Al Karamah Street, Abu Dhabi.
Price: Average of Dhs150 for two.
Contact: @watchhouse_ae

Oktoberfest season has arrived and Abu Dhabi is serving up everything from overflowing steins and Bavarian bites to live music and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re after a traditional tent experience, a buzzing beer garden, or a casual spot with pretzels and games, here’s where to join the celebrations. Check out 9 of the best deals in Abu Dhabi this weekend and all month long, here.

A top choice for older kids (though eight to 11-year-olds are welcome under adult supervision), spend the one of the last weekend’s of summer in cells filled with challenges. That’s fun at Prison Island, where you and your pals must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to break free. There are more than 20 individual cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. This isn’t your traditional escape room, with unexpected tasks behind every door, Prison Island in Abu Dhabi Mall is the perfect indoor activity. Prison Island is also running a 20% discount on all 2- and 3-hour passes through the month of October to participants wearing a pink ribbon in honour of Pinktober. 

When: Open daily, Friday and Saturday 10am to 12am, Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm.
Where: Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiya
Price: Packages from Dhs125
Contact: @prisonisland.ae | 058 819 9176

Abu Dhabi Festival kicks off on October 10 at Etihad Arena, with the UAE National Orchestra performing under acclaimed conductor François López-Ferrer. The opening concert will also feature pianist David Khrikuli, marking the beginning of this year’s festival programme.

When: October 10, 2026
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: From Dhs225

A cooking or mixology class is a fun activity, but doing so within the walls of Ferrari World is definitely a new kind of flex. From crafting signature mocktails to learning how to make hand cooked pasta from scratch, these new experiences are one to make a weekend you’ll never forget. Join Chef Giuseppe for a two-hour cooking class focused on traditional Italian pasta-making. Learn how to prepare fresh pasta from scratch, from filling and shaping to assembly, before mastering a classic pesto. There’s also a little surprise in store for participants. If learning how to make a refreshing drink is more your speed, the mixology masterclass session covers beverage pairings and cocktail-making techniques, with a Q&A at the end.

When: From 3pm
Price: Dhs1,300 for mixology | Dhs1,500 for Master Cooking Class experience
Minimum booking: Four guests
Contact: Call 600511115 or email contact@yasconcierge.com to book

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