Halloween has quietly become a big deal in Abu Dhabi, and the 2026 line-up for families is one of the strongest yet. From mall trick-or-treat hunts to a zoo with fire-dancers, there's something for every age — including a rare supervised event aimed squarely at teenagers. Here's what's happening and how to make the most of it.
Start at Reem Mall, where a Halloween weekend runs until 1 November with crafts, face painting, games and photo set-ups across Levels 1 and 2. The main draw is the Trick-or-Treat Hunt on 31 October (2pm-8pm): kids follow a Halloween map around participating stores, collect stamps and trade them for sweets. You'll need Dhs200 of shopping receipts — or Dhs400 from Carrefour — and registration happens on Level 1 near The Bear House. Budget for a bit of retail as your entry ticket.
If your kids are past the craft-table stage, Central at Yas Bay is doing something unusual: an alcohol-free, fully supervised teen brunch for 12 to 15-year-olds on Friday 30 October, 3pm-6pm. For Dhs200 per teen, it includes a live DJ, bowling, unlimited soft drinks, Halloween bites and Dhs100 of arcade credit, with a dedicated event area at neighbouring Lock, Stock & Barrel hosting musical bingo. Parents get an information pack covering check-in, collection and a consent form — book ahead, as a first-of-its-kind event like this will likely fill up.
A few easy wins cost nothing at all. Wagamama is running a costume challenge across all its Abu Dhabi locations until 31 October: turn up dressed up and you could win a free side, main or dessert. Over at Yas Mall, anyone in costume on Saturday 31 October can collect a free candy pack from Swedish Candy on the Lower Ground Floor, while stocks last. And Al Seef Village Mall hosts a free trick-or-treat trail on 31 October from 10am to 10pm, with adventure maps, sweet surprises and plenty of costume-watching — call 02 448 8886 for details.
For a full day out, Emirates Park Zoo is running a spooky programme from 30 October to 1 November. Tickets are Dhs170 with a buy-two-get-one-free deal, covering zoo entry, an animal presentation, a magic show and a fire-bending performance. It's the priciest option on the list but easily the fullest day, especially with younger children.
Cap the season at Sheikha Fatima Park on Saturday 31 October from 4pm: an evening of costumes, treats, giveaways and activities (with Lush chipping in some surprises), finishing with a family screening of The Addams Family. Bring a blanket and make an evening of it — it's the most relaxed of the bunch and works well for mixed ages.
Why it matters: these events are spread across the city — Yas Island, Al Reem, central parks — so families visiting for a late-October half-term break can build a proper Halloween-themed day without spending much. Several are free or under Dhs200, and most need nothing more than a costume and turn-up-and-go energy. The trick is timing: the hunts and freebies on 31 October happen once, so check dates before you plan.
