Abu Dhabi events: 10 activities for families, culture lovers and foodies from October 26 to November 1

Family-friendly fun

Little bookworms can join a free afternoon of stories, colouring and crafts at Kinokuniya Abu Dhabi, inspired by Eric Carle’s classic children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The session is designed for children aged two to five, and spaces are limited. It takes place on Monday, October 26 at 4pm at Kinokuniya in The Galleria Al Maryah. To reserve a spot, contact 0563659093 via WhatsApp. Admission is free.

Every Tuesday, the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi hosts free workshops for children aged 14 and under, turning a shopping trip into an activity-filled afternoon. The sessions run from 4pm to 9pm and include crafts, painting and enriching activities. Entry is free, but a minimum spend of Dhs150 at the mall on the day is required.

Khalidiyah Mall’s Gem Quest offers a family-friendly activation featuring gem mining, a Lockup puzzle challenge and a pixel art wall. It runs daily until Sunday, November 1, and is free with a minimum spend of Dhs50 at the mall.

Culture and heritage

Al Ain’s Traditional Handicrafts Festival returns to Souq Al Qattara for its 12th edition, bringing together artisans, local families and designers to celebrate the UAE’s cultural traditions. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, explore workshops, and enjoy performances and games while learning about skills passed down through generations. The festival runs daily until Wednesday, November 11, with hours from 4pm to 11pm on weekdays and 4pm to midnight on weekends. Entry is free.

At Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island, the exhibition ‘Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean’ takes visitors on a journey through 1,000 years of maritime history. It explores sea routes connecting Africa and Asia, tracing the movement of spices, ideas and cultures. Stories of navigation, shipwrecks and historic treasures are on display. Museum entry costs Dhs70; check the museum’s current exhibition schedule for timings.

Art lovers can visit 421 Arts Campus to see ‘Revelation’, an immersive installation by Emirati artist Juma Alhaj. The campus also offers an extensive library for readers and ‘Art in Play’ sessions for children. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm. Admission details are available from the venue; contact @421.online.

Evening out and dining

Swap the usual after-work routine for live horse racing at Abu Dhabi Turf Club in Al Mushrif. ‘Sunset at the Turf’ combines racing with garden views, making it a spot for drinks or dinner with friends. Selected Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm. General admission starts at Dhs10; Premier Admission from Dhs80. Book online.

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is offering a limited-time ‘Taste of Shangri-La’ menu featuring traditional Chinese cuisine. Dishes include handcrafted dim sum, braised E Fu noodles with lobster and cheese, wok-fried scallops in XO sauce, and black pepper Wagyu beef. A five-course menu with tea or wine pairing is available, alongside a vegetarian menu. The menu runs daily from 6pm to 10.30pm until October 31. For reservations, call 02 509 8555.

Tuesdays are for tacos in Abu Dhabi, with a range of deals across the capital for a midweek Mexican-inspired meal. Options suit different budgets, from casual bites to restaurant dinners. A guide to Taco Tuesday deals is available to help decide where to go.

Berenjak Abu Dhabi in Al Bateen offers an Iranian feast inspired by traditional eateries in Tehran. The menu includes mezze, warm bread, slow-cooked stews, kebabs and tahdig, the crispy rice dish. It is open Monday to Thursday from noon to 4pm and 6pm to 11.30pm; Friday and Saturday from noon to 12.30am; and Sunday from noon to 11.30pm. A meal for two costs around Dhs250. Contact 02 643 3776 or @berenjak.uae.