Visitors Can Sample Dishes at Restaurant Pop-Ups and Watch Celebrity Chefs Showcase Their Culinary Skills.
Struggling to choose where to dine in Abu Dhabi? Picture having 16 restaurants in one location, without the hassle of driving across the city, making multiple reservations or limiting yourself to a single restaurant.
That’s the concept behind Taste of Abu Dhabi, which returns from November 13 to 15 for three days packed with food, culinary workshops, live music and entertainment for the whole family.
Taking place at Gateway Park North on Yas Island, the festival returns for its fourth edition in partnership with BMW Abu Dhabi Motors. Visitors can sample dishes from restaurant pop-ups, see celebrity chefs demonstrate their skills, pick up cooking tips and enjoy an upgraded children’s play area.
Here’s everything you need to know before visiting.
Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026: At a Glance
- Dates: Friday, November 13, to Sunday, November 15
- Location: Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Timings: 2pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday; 2pm to 10pm on Sunday
- Tickets: Advance general admission starts at Dh80
- Children: Free entry for those under 12
- Highlights: Restaurant pop-ups, celebrity chefs, cooking workshops, live music, a children’s zone, and food and beverage stalls.
1. Explore 16 Restaurants Under One Roof
Think of Taste of Abu Dhabi as a culinary tour that eliminates the need to travel between restaurants. The festival brings together a selection of restaurant pop-ups serving smaller tasting portions, giving visitors the freedom to sample several dishes, return to their favourites or discover new dining spots.
Each participating restaurant is expected to serve between three and five tasting dishes. Although the complete menus have yet to be announced, the confirmed line-up includes:
- Soraya
- Marcella
- Beetza by ERTH
- Ergon by ERTH
- Tanjun by 99
- Almayass
- Oak Room
- Desert Lotus
- The Directors Club
- Lento
- Paradiso
- Ting Irie
- Pincode
- Villa Toscana at St. Regis
- The Ramen Bar
With a variety of dining concepts available, visitors can spend the afternoon sampling different cuisines or enjoy a few dishes before settling down for the festival’s live entertainment.
The event will also feature several licensed lounges, which will be accessible to guests aged 21 and above.
2. Meet the Celebrity Chefs
Looking to take home some culinary inspiration along with your festival memories? Taste of Abu Dhabi’s chef programme features three well-known culinary personalities, with workshops and live demonstrations designed to help visitors discover new techniques and ideas for their own kitchens.
Gino D’Acampo
Italian chef and television personality Gino D’Acampo is known for his Italian cuisine and engaging on-screen presence. Festivalgoers can look forward to culinary inspiration and practical cooking ideas from the popular chef.
Rachel Allen
Irish chef and food writer Rachel Allen is known for her approachable cooking style. Her sessions will offer home cooks ideas and techniques to build their confidence and improve their kitchen skills.
Thomas Straker
Chef and restaurateur Thomas Straker rose to prominence through his social media series All Things Butter, which showcases creative ways to use flavoured butter in cooking. His appearance will give visitors an opportunity to explore how this versatile ingredient can add depth and flavour to different dishes.
Adding to the culinary programme, the Keeta FirePit will host live-fire cooking and barbecue demonstrations throughout the festival weekend.
Good to know: Culinary workshops are included with festival admission, but visitors must register for individual sessions in advance. Places are limited, so arrive early if you have a particular demonstration on your must-see list.
3. Visiting With Children? Discover the Candy Land Kids Zone
Families can look forward to an upgraded children’s experience at this year’s festival, with the introduction of the new Candy Land Kids Zone.
The dedicated area will feature rides, arts and crafts, and a range of activities designed to keep younger visitors entertained while adults explore the food stalls and culinary attractions.
There’s also good news for families planning a visit: children under 12 can enter the festival free of charge.
4. Enjoy Live Music and Evening Entertainment
Food is only part of the experience at Taste of Abu Dhabi. The three-day event will feature an updated entertainment programme, bringing together musicians, live performers and DJs.
Among the scheduled performers is Emirati soul singer Hamdan Al Abri, who will bring his distinctive musical style to the festival. Dubai-based rock band Tone Deaf will also take to the stage, offering a contrasting sound for music fans.
Visitors can make a full day of their trip by arriving in the afternoon to explore the restaurants and attend cooking workshops before staying on for the evening performances.
5. Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026: Ticket Prices and Packages
Visitors can choose from three main ticket categories, depending on whether they want standard admission, food and beverage vouchers or additional VIP benefits.
General Admission — Dh80 in advance
The package includes:
- One-day festival admission
- Access to culinary workshops, subject to availability
Taster Package — Dh185 in advance
The package includes:
- One-day festival admission
- Two food vouchers
- Two beverage vouchers
- Access to culinary workshops, subject to availability
VIP Package — Dh350 in advance
The package includes:
- One-day festival admission
- Fast-track entry
- Three food vouchers
- Four beverage vouchers
- Access to the VIP Lounge
- Access to culinary workshops, subject to availability
Attending With Colleagues?
Groups of 10 or more can consider the Friday Work Social packages, starting at Dh160 per person. These packages include food and beverage vouchers along with access to the VIP Lounge.
Advance ticket prices are available until November 12 or until tickets sell out. Visitors should check the official booking page for the latest prices and availability before making a purchase.
6. How to Get to Taste of Abu Dhabi
The festival will be held at Gateway Park North on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Visitors can reach the venue by car, taxi or public transport.
By car: Drive to Gateway Park North on Yas Island and follow the event parking signs. Free parking is available around the venue, although spaces closest to the festival may fill up during peak periods.
By taxi or ride-hailing service: Visitors can book an Abu Dhabi taxi or use services such as Careem and Uber. Set the destination to Gateway Park North, Yas Island.
By public bus: Yas Island’s transport information lists bus route 102 from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. Check the Darbi app for the latest schedules and onward travel options before leaving.
Drivers should allow additional time for parking and walking to the festival entrance. Guests planning to visit the licensed lounges may prefer to arrange a taxi or another safe way to return home.
7. Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
- Purchase tickets early: Advance rates are available until November 12, subject to availability.
- Register for chef sessions in advance: Workshops have limited capacity, so secure your place early if a particular demonstration interests you.
- Sample a variety of dishes: The tasting portions allow you to explore several restaurants without committing to a full meal at one venue.
- Plan activities for children: Visit the Candy Land Kids Zone and check out the family-friendly attractions.
- Stay for the entertainment: Allow enough time to enjoy the live music and performances after exploring the food stalls.
Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026: Essential Information
- Dates: November 13–15, 2026
- Venue: Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Opening hours: 2pm to midnight on Friday and Saturday; 2pm to 10pm on Sunday
- Advance tickets: Starting at Dh80
- Children under 12: Free entry
With international food, celebrity chef appearances, family activities and live entertainment, Taste of Abu Dhabi offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of culinary and cultural attractions in one place.
