Nine cultural events to look forward to in Abu Dhabi before the end of 2026

In the final months of 2026, Abu Dhabi's cultural scene is set to be packed with exciting events. The Middle East Film and Comic Con returns to Adnec for its 14th edition, drawing a crowd over 46,000 visitors last year. Celebrities like John Cena and Mackenyu will be in attendance, alongside cosplay, gaming tournaments, and notable comic creators.

Louvre Abu Dhabi presents 'Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean' from October 14 to February 14. This exhibition explores 1,000 years of maritime trade between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and South and South-East Asia. Visitors can expect to see artifacts related to spices, textiles, ceramics and more from ancient times to the 17th century.

The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial returns in October, this time with installations spread across Al Ain and Abu Dhabi. The theme is 'Home: A Glossary for a Communal Sense of Place', exploring the concept of home through communities and shared experiences. The 2026-27 edition is curated by Elvira Dyangani Ose.

The Abu Dhabi Festival unveils 'Children's Biennale' at Umm Al Emarat Park between November 6 and December 6. This is the Arab world's first outdoor children's art biennale, with nine artists participating to create interactive works using touch, sound, movement and light.

Art Here 2026: Confluences opens at Louvre Abu Dhabi from November 11 to February 28. Featuring contemporary artists from the Gulf Co-operation Council and India, this exhibition explores centuries of migration, trade and cultural exchange across the Indian Ocean. The Richard Mille Art Prize is presented alongside the show.

Frieze Abu Dhabi makes its debut at Manarat Al Saadiyat from November 19 to 22. This marks the start of the fair's international network, which includes London, New York, Los Angeles and Seoul. The inaugural event will bring together galleries from the Middle East and abroad.

Louvre Abu Dhabi's 'Living Legacies: Protecting Heritage, Building Hope' opens on November 25 and runs through April 25. Organized with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage, this exhibition focuses on cultural heritage preservation during conflict and other crises. It features loans from international institutions and Aliph partners, along with projections and personal testimonies.

Al Thuraya expands to Al Ain from November 27 to December 6, with cultural, creative and entrepreneurial exhibitions, interactive activities and projects. This marks the first time the event will take place in Al Ain, expanding its reach across the emirate.

Finally, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi opens on December 11 in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Designed by Frank Gehry, this new museum will focus on modern and contemporary art, with a collection exploring developments from around 1960 onwards through global histories.