Cooler weather is finally arriving in Abu Dhabi, and the capital's weekend calendar for October 23 to 25 is packed with new openings, one-off events and outdoor experiences that make the most of it. Whether you're based in the UAE or plotting a quick city break, there's a lot happening.
Thrill-seekers can head to Ferrari World on Yas Island, where the Roof Walk Experience has returned for its sixth season. It's exactly what it sounds like: a guided walk across the theme park's giant red roof, passing the world's largest Ferrari logo, with views over the island. It runs until April 30, 2027, costs from Dhs85 as a park add-on (Dhs125 standalone), and is open to ages eight to 65, with height, weight and weather limits.
Prefer a slower start? Nalu at Surf Abu Dhabi has launched Saturday wellness mornings from 8am — an hour of outdoor yoga and sound healing followed by a waterfront breakfast, all for Dhs250. On the other end of the energy scale, Five Iron Golf has just opened at Yas Bay, mixing golf and F1 simulators with a licensed bar and kitchen. An hour of simulator rental runs Dhs250, and it's open daily from early morning until late.
Food and drink options are strong this weekend. Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi's rooftop AT25 hosts its weekly BBQ Night on Friday from 6.30pm to 10.30pm — Dhs199 gets you unlimited grills (lamb chops, prawns, squid, satay) plus free-flowing drinks. Cocktail fans should book ahead for the one-night takeover at Library Bar in The Abu EDITION by Shingo Gokan, fresh off winning the Roku Industry Icon Award at The World's 50 Best Bars 2026, from 7pm to 11pm Friday.
Culture is covered too. Manarat Al Saadiyat is running a free experimental photography workshop on Friday afternoon (3pm to 6pm), part of its Spectrum Parallel Programme — camera-less photography, image transfer and digital image-making, with onsite registration. Over at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's Zayed Theatre, Sima Dance Company performs Kaynuna at 8pm Friday, a five-chapter contemporary dance work about AI developing survival instincts, told with lasers and projection mapping. Tickets are Dhs75. Families with young kids can try the Little Chefs Masterclass at Verso, Dhs95 per child.
And if you want your weekend steps to count for something, Miral's Run For Impact takes place Sunday morning at Yas Bay Waterfront, with 3km, 5km and 10km routes. Registration is Dhs50 and proceeds support research into the endangered Arabian Sand Cat, with Al Ain Zoo hosting wildlife-themed family activities from 6am.
The takeaway: Abu Dhabi's winter season is kicking off, and this weekend is a good snapshot of what the city does well — theme park adrenaline, rooftop dining, wellness by the water and genuinely interesting culture, often at reasonable prices. If you're visiting, base yourself on Yas Island for the theme park, golf simulators and the run; Saadiyat for the arts scene.
