7 cultural things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend (October 16–18, 2026)
Abu Dhabi is giving the sofa some serious competition this weekend, and not just because the weather is finally making plans outside sound sensible again. From Japanese animation and an oud-led orchestral encounter to Indian folk dancing and a wonderfully nostalgic cassette-tape workshop, the capital’s cultural calendar is packed. There are also museum activities for children who consider sitting…
This weekend in Abu Dhabi, there's a diverse lineup of cultural events to choose from. On Friday, October 16, the UAE National Orchestra and composer Richard Dubugnon perform a special concert, "Harmony Start," at the Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. The program features an oud and cello duet, exploring the interaction between Arabic and Western musical traditions.
Anime fans can head to the Cultural Foundation for Anime Film Week, running from October 16 to 18. The week includes screenings of beloved anime films such as Ponyo, Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service, and One Piece Film: Red. Anime Memories concert on Saturday at 8pm features live renditions of popular anime themes.
For a hands-on activity, visit 421 Arts Campus on October 17 from noon to 4pm to participate in the Interventions on Memory and Musical Ephemera workshop. Here, you can transform favorite songs into keepsake cassette tape zines using writing, collage, and pressed botanicals. The workshop is free, but museum admission is required.
Louvre Abu Dhabi invites families to create their own Snakes and Ladders board game inspired by the museum's collection on October 17 from 11am to 2pm. This interactive session is included with museum admission.
Animal lovers can enjoy LEGO Shows Natural Brickstory at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi from Friday to Sunday. The exhibits showcase various themes including dinosaurs, minerals, plants, animals, and space, along with LEGO rocket making and collaborative builds. A Guinness World Records attempt will also take place to construct the world's largest LEGO-brick prehistoric mammal.
For a unique indoor experience, visit Bubble Planet in Al Ain. This attraction features 11 rooms filled with oversized balloons, optical illusions, glowing landscapes, and a pink ball pit. Additionally, there's a hot-air-balloon simulator and VR experiences. Visitors should plan for 60-90 minutes of time at the attraction, located at Al Ain Square.
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