Abu Dhabi's weekend may have shifted to Saturday-Sunday years ago, but the Sunday brunch tradition is going stronger than ever. A new round-up highlights seven tables across the capital, from Yas Island to Hudayriyat, where the weekend stretches into a long, lazy final afternoon. Here's what's on offer.
For Cantonese fans, Dai Pai Dong at Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island remains the benchmark. Its Yum Cha Brunch runs Sundays from 1pm to 4pm, moving from light salads and soups into a dim sum parade — steamed shrimp, beef short rib — with Canton roasted duck and a live BBQ station for mains. Packages start at Dhs298 soft drinks, Dhs398 house beverages and Dhs528 premium. The same kitchen also runs a Saturday brunch called Wok-Hei if Sunday doesn't fit your schedule.
Over on Hudayriyat Island, Ilios at Surf Abu Dhabi brings Greek island flavour to the beach, with chargrilled seafood, slow-cooked meats and a generous mezze spread, Sundays 1pm to 4pm from Dhs325 soft or Dhs450 house. Families, meanwhile, have an obvious pick at Kai Beach on Saadiyat Island: the Family Table Brunch (12.30pm to 4pm) includes a lemonade bar for kids, sharing plates of mussels, prawns and beef tenderloin, and bundled beach access so the afternoon can roll straight into swimming. It starts at Dhs250 soft, with 50% off children aged five to 11.
If you'd rather pretend you're on the Côte d'Azur, La Petite Maison at The Galleria Al Maryah opens with a viennoiserie basket before tartines and eggs carry things to 4.30pm — packages from Dhs390 soft to Dhs640 Champagne, with children's menus at Dhs195. Italian options come thick and fast too: Dino's Bistro Italiano at Pearl Rotana runs Saturday and Sunday brunches from noon with cheese and antipasti stations, starting at an affordable Dhs220 (under-fours eat free); and Paradiso at Yas Bay Waterfront serves Mediterranean plates with marina views on both weekend days from Dhs250, topping out at Dhs450 for the sparkling package.
Rounding out the list is something a bit different: Sontaya at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort serves a Himalayan Brunch each Sunday (1pm to 4pm), spanning kebabs, aromatic curries and wok-fired street food from the Ganges to the Mekong. Packages run Dhs295 soft, Dhs395 house and Dhs495 sparkling.
Why it matters: Abu Dhabi brunches aren't just meals — they're an institution, often the anchor of a whole day out, and many of these include beach or pool access. Whether you're a resident plotting a regular weekend ritual or a visitor squeezing in one big Sunday before flying home, there's a spread here for nearly every budget, from Dhs220 to Dhs640 a head, and every mood from family-friendly to Champagne-soaked. Booking ahead is wise, especially for beachfront spots in cooler months.
