From Anime and Orchestral Performances to Dandiya Nights and Interactive Art, Abu Dhabi Offers a Packed Cultural Weekend.
Abu Dhabi is offering plenty of reasons to step out this weekend, with a vibrant selection of cultural events taking place across the capital from October 16 to 18.
From Japanese anime screenings and orchestral performances to traditional Indian dance celebrations and creative workshops inspired by cassette tapes, the city’s entertainment calendar promises something for every interest.
Families can also explore interactive museum activities designed for younger visitors, while a trip to Al Ain offers the chance to experience an immersive attraction filled with bubbles.
Whether you’re interested in live music, artistic experiences, family-friendly outings or spending time with friends, here are some cultural highlights worth adding to your weekend plans.
Experience a Fusion of Musical Traditions at Harmony
Begin your Friday evening with a performance that brings Arabic and Western classical music together.
The UAE National Orchestra’s Harmony concert will feature renowned oud musician Naseer Shamma alongside composer Richard Dubugnon in a programme celebrating the connection between two distinct musical traditions.
A major highlight will be the world premiere of Dubugnon’s Double Concerto for Ney and Cello, featuring Rami Ourabi on the ney and Sary Khalifé on the cello.
The performance promises an engaging musical exchange, combining traditional instruments with contemporary orchestral compositions.
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026
Time: 8pm, with doors opening at 7.30pm
Venue: The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi
Celebrate Japanese Animation at Anime Film Week
Anime enthusiasts can look forward to a weekend of Japanese cinema and live music at Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation.
Anime Film Week brings a selection of acclaimed animated films to the big screen, offering audiences everything from heartwarming family adventures to action-packed stories.
Friday’s programme begins with Ponyo at 4pm, followed by Attack on Titan: The Last Attack at 7pm.
On Saturday, audiences can enjoy Hayao Miyazaki’s fantasy adventure Laputa: Castle in the Sky at 3pm.
Sunday’s screenings feature Kiki’s Delivery Service at 3pm and One Piece Film: Red at 7pm.
All films will be screened in Japanese, with subtitle availability varying depending on the title.
The celebrations also extend beyond cinema. Saturday evening will feature the Anime Memories concert at 8pm, bringing popular anime soundtracks to life through live musical performances.
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Venue: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Special event: Anime Memories concert, Saturday at 8pm
Dates: October 16–18, 2026
Venue: Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi
Transform Your Favourite Song Into a Personal Keepsake
Rediscover the charm of cassette tapes through a creative workshop that combines music, memories and artistic expression.
At 421 Arts Campus, artist Nada Almosa will lead Interventions on Memory and Musical Ephemera, an interactive session encouraging participants to transform personal memories into meaningful works of art.
During the workshop, attendees will create an eight-fold miniature zine designed to fit inside a cassette case, turning a familiar object from the past into a personalised keepsake.
Participants are encouraged to bring family photographs and memorabilia associated with analogue music, which they can incorporate into their creations.
Through creative writing, guided memory exercises, collage-making and the use of pressed botanical materials, attendees will explore how songs can preserve meaningful moments and personal experiences.
No previous artistic experience is necessary, making the workshop accessible to beginners and creative enthusiasts alike.
Lunch and an artist’s kit to take home are included in the experience.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: Noon to 4pm
Venue: 421 Arts Campus, Abu Dhabi
Explore Snakes and Ladders Through Art at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Families looking for an educational and entertaining weekend activity can visit Louvre Abu Dhabi for an interactive art-making experience inspired by the classic board game Snakes and Ladders.
The museum’s family workshops combine an introduction to its collection with practical creative activities designed to encourage children’s imagination.
Participants will begin by examining selected objects displayed in the museum before moving on to the hands-on portion of the session.
This weekend’s theme invites children to explore the pathways, rules and design of Snakes and Ladders before creating their own personalised game boards.
The activity offers families an opportunity to combine cultural discovery with creativity while giving children an engaging alternative to screen-based entertainment.
Participation in the workshop is free, although visitors must purchase museum admission.
Dates: October 17–18, 2026
Saturday session: 11am to 2pm
Venue: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Celebrate Navratri With Music and Dandiya Dancing
Abu Dhabi residents can celebrate the festive spirit of Navratri at Tanishq Presents Red Dot Dandiya Beatz 2026, a lively cultural gathering taking place on Hudayriyat Island.
The six-hour event will bring together traditional Indian dance, music and community celebrations at 321 Sports Football.
Visitors can participate in dandiya dancing, enjoy DJ entertainment and watch live performances throughout the evening.
The programme will also feature competitions and vegetarian food stalls, creating a festive atmosphere for families and groups of friends.
Those unfamiliar with dandiya are welcome to join, making the celebration suitable for both experienced dancers and first-time participants.
Children younger than ten can attend free of charge.
For easier access, organisers will provide a shuttle service transporting visitors from the Hudayriyat parking area to the event entrance.
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 6pm to midnight
Venue: 321 Sports Football, Hudayriyat Island
Build a Prehistoric Record-Breaker
Families and LEGO enthusiasts can enjoy an interactive experience at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi through LEGO SHOWS Natural Brickstory, an exhibition combining creativity, science and prehistoric discoveries.
The attraction features themed zones exploring dinosaurs, minerals, plants, animals and outer space, allowing visitors to discover the natural world through imaginative LEGO activities.
Children and adults can build their own LEGO rockets, participate in collaborative construction projects and create models inspired by objects and exhibits from the museum’s collection.
One of the event’s biggest highlights is an ambitious Guinness World Records attempt to construct the world’s largest prehistoric mammal made from LEGO bricks.
Visitors will have the opportunity to contribute to the project, becoming part of a collective effort to create a potentially record-breaking structure.
The experience combines hands-on entertainment with educational activities, making it an appealing weekend option for families interested in science, history and creative building.
Dates: Until November 8, 2026
Opening hours: Friday to Sunday, 10am to 8.30pm
Venue: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
Admission: Included with the museum entry ticket
Explore a World of Bubbles at Bubble Planet in Al Ain
Families seeking an unusual weekend adventure can head to Al Ain for Bubble Planet, an immersive attraction featuring colourful installations, interactive environments and playful optical illusions.
Located at Al Ain Square, the experience takes visitors through 11 themed rooms filled with oversized balloons, illuminated landscapes and imaginative visual effects.
Among the highlights is a large pink ball pit, offering visitors a playful space to explore and enjoy.
The attraction also features a hot-air-balloon simulator and virtual reality experiences, adding another dimension to the interactive journey.
Designed to engage visitors of different ages, Bubble Planet combines sensory entertainment with imaginative installations, making it an option for families and groups looking for something different.
Visitors should allow approximately 60 to 90 minutes to explore the attraction.
However, those travelling from Abu Dhabi city should plan additional time for the journey, as the venue is located in Al Ain.
Dates: Until November 7, 2026
Friday hours: 2pm to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday hours: 11am to 7pm
Venue: Al Ain Square, Al Ain
