Here’s how to make the most of the month ahead.
It’s the start of a new month, which means it’s time to fill up your cultural calendar. As spring arrives, the capital comes alive. April is packed with excitement as the new month rolls in, featuring a variety of sporting events and culinary experiences. Plus, there are concerts and cultural events. Here are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in April.
Wednesday 1 April
Get an instant glow at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
Treat yourself to an Instant Glow facial at the luxurious spa in Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The Instant Glow Advanced facials brighten your skin and leave you feeling refreshed. Book a 75-minute session or longer and get a free 30-minute back, neck, and shoulder massage. It’s a perfect way to relax and feel pampered in Abu Dhabi. Available daily, from 10am to 9pm. AED 1,100 per person.
GO: Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for more information.
Thursday 2 April
Grab a sandwich from Barbassi
From the team behind the FACT award-winning Marmellata, Barbassi has found its home in Abu Dhabi’s creative M39 zone. The packed spot keeps things simple — and seriously good — with a tight edit of focaccia sandwiches and desirable desserts. Highlights include the Bassi Boom, a decadent stack of veal ham, cheese and piccalilli, and the Bangga, where spicy beef meets apricot jam and Calabrian chilli for a hit of sweet heat. Pair your sandwich with a speciality coffee and settle into the minimalist, industrial-cool space.
GO: Follow @barbassiboom on Instagram for more information.
Friday 3 April
Stay at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
Pairing its landmark West Corniche address with sweeping Gulf views, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers features a private beach, three outdoor pools and access to the Observation Deck at 300. With an impressive breadth of more than 12 restaurants and bars, from Li Beirut and Ray’s Bar to the FACT award-winning José by Pizarro and SUSHISAMBA Abu Dhabi, plus a superb spa with 13 treatment rooms, a hammam suite and wellness facilities. It feels slick, elevated and unmistakably Abu Dhabi. The current staycation offer includes flexible cancellation and daily complimentary breakfast and dinner. Bring the family along: kids up to 18 stay free, and a museum ticket to Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, or the Zayed National Museum is included for stays of two nights or more until 5 April 2026.
GO: Visit www.hilton.com for more information.
Saturday 4 April
Make a splash at Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld has expanded with 11 new slides and attractions, bringing the total count to over 70. With the UAE’s highest water slide, Matamir Drop, you’re guaranteed to satisfy your adrenaline rush in the most epic way possible. With jumping platforms, relaxing pools and much more, it’s the best place to be for all ages and a fun Saturday out.
GO: Visit www.yaswaterworld.com for more information.
Sunday 5 April
Enjoy a Quiet Morning at Zayed National Museum
Enjoy a calm visit to Zayed National Museum and experience the exhibits at a slower pace. Great for those with sensory sensitivities, it’s a peaceful way to explore the museum, appreciate Emirati history, and enjoy a cultural outing.
GO: Visit https://zayednationalmuseum.ae for more information.
Monday 6 April
Dine at NIRI Restaurant & Bar
Winning Restaurant of the Year for three years in a row at the FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi, NIRI Restaurant & Bar is led by a trifecta of talent: Managing Director Imad Obeid, Head Chef and sushi master Yasuyuki Takemoto, and Chef Omaka Orubu. Probably the most elevated dining concept in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, it offers instant appeal from the moment you enter the stylish, minimalist interior. Make like FACT’s Editor-in-Chief, and order the clams, scallops or the wagyu tataki.
GO: Visit www.nirirestaurant.com for more information.
Tuesday 7 April
Explore the Abrahamic Family House
Visit the Abrahamic Family House, which brings together a mosque, a church, and a synagogue under one roof, representing the peaceful coexistence of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Not only can you admire the surroundings and the beautiful architecture, but you can also soak in the teachings of each religion.
GO: Visit www.abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae for more information.
Wednesday 8 April
Book a spa day at Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Press pause and discover a sanctuary of serenity with a retreat crafted to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul. Indulge in a massage or facial of your choice and let the worries slip away. With a plethora of treatments on offer in a beautiful setting, you’re guaranteed to have a relaxing mid-week treat.
GO: Visit www.rosewoodhotels.com for more information.
Thursday 9 April
Head to the Dar Al Zain Festival in Al Ain
The Dar Al Zain Festival at Al Jahili Park brings nature, fun, and culture together. Families can enjoy carnival rides, zip lines, climbing walls, and kids’ play areas, while adults explore street food, local markets, and live music. It’s a great way to spend a day outdoors.
GO: Visit www.dazfestival.ae for more information.
Friday 10 April
Stay at Erth Abu Dhabi
ERTH Abu Dhabi feels unlike any other stay in the capital, pairing Emirati heritage with resort-scale facilities on the Khor Al Maqta waterfront. That strong sense of place is reflected in its story, rooted in Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, to its Blue Flag-certified private beach, garden-facing suites and expansive wellness offering. Dining spans Emirati and international flavours at Al Rimal, modern Greek dishes at Ergon Deli & Café, and poolside bites at Asrah, while wellness is a major draw thanks to the Etizan Fitness complex and Valmont Spa. The current staycation offer includes 30% off rooms and suites.
GO: Visit https://erth.ae for more information.
Saturday 11 April
Have brunch at Olea
Located within The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Olea promises refined Mediterranean dining with stunning views with its The Ritual Brunch. Expect a laid-back yet elevated weekend brunch that’s all about good food, good company, and a breathtaking setting. For food, you can indulge in Mediterranean dishes while bringing in global flavours. The spread features Turkish Testi Kebab, Moroccan Tagine, and a Salt-Baked Whole Seabass Fillet, among many other options. There are live stations, a sushi counter, and an asado grill where chefs cook up flame-grilled dishes right in front of you. With salads and delightful desserts, you’re guaranteed to have a wholesome experience at Olea. Available on Saturdays, from 1pm to 4pm. AED 375 per person.
GO: Visit www.oleaabudhabi.com for more information.
Sunday 12 April
Watch Jon Batiste live
Jon Batiste, a Grammy and Oscar-winning musician, will be heading to Abu Dhabi to perform an intimate live concert at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. Blending jazz and classical tunes, each performance tells a story. It’s a chance to enjoy music in a personal and unique way.
GO: Visit www.abudhabifestival.ae for more information.
Monday 13 April
Indulge in seafood at Ryba
Ryba brings a proudly homegrown seafood concept to Souq Al Mina, just steps from the fish market at Zayed Port, where Chef Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi channels Emirati heritage through local catch and globally minded technique. The space is modern and grown-up, with airy interiors, subdued lighting, an open cooking station and a generous outdoor terrace overlooking Mina Zayed. The menu focuses on generously plated seafood, with highlights from the charcoal grill, especially the locally caught hammour. Other signature dishes include Ryba Seabass, Ryba Soup with blue crab, mussels and calamari, plus the Chocolate Pâte à Choux for dessert.
GO: Follow @ryba.ae on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 14 April
Journey through time at the Natural History Museum
Journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. This institution showcases the story of our planet, from the Big Bang to the rise of biodiversity. Exhibits include Stan, which is a T-rex skeleton, a life-size blue whale, and the ancient Murchison Meteorite. With immersive displays, this museum is a treasure trove of science, wonder, and discovery.
GO: Visit www.abudhabiculture.ae for more information.
Wednesday, 15 April
Release your stress
Shake off all those midweek blues at The Smash Room. This concept lets you smash glassware, printers, and even washing machines in a controlled and safe environment, giving you a chance to let loose and have some fun.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 16 April
Watch a movie at the new Cinemacity Starlight
Located in Marina Mall, Cinemacity Starlight brings a twist to how you watch movies. With a luxurious setting, your experience won’t just be what you watch on screen, but also how you’re treated like royalty, with a gourmet menu served right to your seat.
GO: Visit www.cinemacity.ae for more information.
Friday 17 April
Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is one of the capital’s slickest city stays, pairing waterfront views with direct access to the lifestyle energy of Al Maryah Island. Its appeal lies in the balance of business polish and leisure substance, from six restaurants and lounges, including Café Milano, Crust, Al Meylas, and the FACT award-winning Butcher & Still, to The Pearl Spa and Wellness, a pool terrace, and separate men’s and women’s fitness centres. It feels sophisticated, seamless and unmistakably Abu Dhabi. The Find Your Pace staycation offer gives 15% off stays of two nights or more.
GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com for more information.
Saturday 18 April
Dance the night away at Hyperound K‑Fest Abu Dhabi
Hyperound K‑Fest is a one‑day K‑pop music festival taking place at Etihad Arena on Yas Island. This event brings together some of the biggest names in K‑pop for live performances and choreography fans love. The lineup includes popular acts like ENHYPEN, Ten, FIFTY FIFTY, Dabin.kr and ARTMS, making it one memorable show.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Sunday 19 April
Scale thrilling new heights
Located in Yas Mall, CLYMB Abu Dhabi offers heart-pounding experiences that will leave you buzzing with excitement. Test your climbing skills on the five different walls of the climbing arena, or take on the ultimate challenge of scaling The Summit, a towering 141-foot wall. And if that’s not enough, brace yourself for the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber, where you can experience the thrill of skydiving in a controlled environment.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 20 April
Visit 3Fils for a fun lunch
3Fils brings its cult Dubai energy to Al Bateen Marina, taking over a three-level space at The Abu Dhabi EDITION with minimal, modern interiors, an open kitchen and a come-as-you-are atmosphere. The homegrown restaurant is rooted in contemporary Japanese cooking, with broader Asian influences, and is delivered with the precision and playfulness that made the original a regional favourite. Signature plates from Chef Jhovani Manalo include Wagyu Sando, Otoro Tuna Nigiri, Gyu Grab, Chargrilled Baby Chicken and the much-loved Karak Ice Cream.
GO: Visit https://3fils.com for more information.
Tuesday 21 April
Enjoy an evening with the Verdi Opera Gala
Celebrate Italian opera at the Verdi Opera Gala at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. The Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra will perform classics like La Traviata and Otello, with vocals by Maria Agresta and Giorgio Berrugi. This evening is perfect for music lovers who enjoy world-class orchestral performances.
GO: Visit www.abudhabifestival.ae for more information.
Wednesday, 22 April
Chill at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr pool
Get ready for a day of relaxation and pure bliss with the exciting pool day pass at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Step into a world of tranquillity as you unwind and soak up the sun in the beautiful pool area. Whether you prefer to lounge by the poolside or take a refreshing dip, the resort offers a private sandy beach with an Olympic-length pool and postcard-worthy views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the creek. The setting feels sleek yet family-friendly, making it ideal for both laid-back sunseekers and those after a full resort-style reset. Available daily, from 8am to sunset. AED 150 on weekdays (fully redeemable on food and beverages) or AED 200 on weekends (fully redeemable on food and beverages).
GO: Visit www.fairmont.com for more information.
Thursday 23 April
Head to BRED Abu Dhabi
At BRED Abu Dhabi, you’ll get a chance to witness hip‑hop duo Clipse and hitmaker Mustard taking the Arena stage at Yas Marina Circuit. Clipse brings their lyricism and classic rap energy, while Mustard delivers high‑energy beats and modern hip‑hop sounds. This night sets the tone for the festival by celebrating music and culture in Abu Dhabi.
GO: Visit https://bredabudhabi.com for more information.
Friday 24 April
Book an escape to The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Easily one of the capital’s chicest stays, The Abu Dhabi EDITION brings boutique polish to Al Bateen Marina with 198 rooms, marina views and a mood that feels more design-led than traditional city hotel. Oak Room delivers its signature steakhouse energy, Alba Terrace adds Mediterranean ease, Market at EDITION focuses on fresh, health-conscious fare, and Library Bar keeps evenings suitably sleek. Wellness is equally strong, thanks to two pools, a 24-hour gym and The EDITION Spa with yoga and customised treatments. UAE residents’ rates start from AED 817 per night.
GO: Visit www.editionhotels.com for more information.
Saturday 25 April
Watch a documentary on Picasso
Watch a documentary about Pablo Picasso’s early years at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Learn about his childhood, his time in Malaga, Barcelona, and Paris, and how he created famous works like Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. It’s an inspiring experience for art lovers, giving insight into the life of one of history’s greatest artists.
GO: Visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae for more information.
Sunday 26 April
Chill out at Snow Abu Dhabi
Prepare to chill out in the coolest place in town at Snow Abu Dhabi. It’s your ticket to escaping the scorching summer heat and stepping into a winter wonderland right in the middle of the desert. Get your snow gear ready, because this indoor snow park, located in Reem Mall, is packed with thrilling activities that will make you feel like you’re on top of the world. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a snowboarding newbie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Monday 27 April
Grab a slice at ‘Za ‘Za Slice
Za Za Slice has brought its cult New York-style artisanal pizza to Abu Dhabi, opening at Al Qana with the same cool, unfussy energy that made it a hit in Dubai. The décor leans into a classic urban slice-shop aesthetic, with a casual, walk-in-only setup that keeps the focus firmly on the food. Expect oversized slices, thin and crispy crusts, and bold toppings that go beyond the basics. Signature picks include House Margherita, The Pepp, Tricolore, Tartufo and The Red with stracciatella and hot honey, while the Tres Leches Cake makes a strong case for dessert.
GO: Follow @zazaslice on Instagram for more information.
Tuesday 28 April
Relax at The Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Escape the everyday with an elevated sensory journey at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, where the Exquisite Spa in the Sky experience invites you and your partner to relax. This ritual begins with a 90-minute customised massage, followed by exclusive access to a private Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room in the Abu Dhabi Suite, the world’s highest-suspended suite. After your treatment, indulge in a refined three-course meal served in the Grand Majlis, while additional touches such as a handcrafted Fleurs de velours rose bouquet and a VIP limousine ride to and from your location complete this luxurious escape. AED 5500 per couple.
GO: Visit www.stregisspaabudhabi.com for more information.
Wednesday 29 April
Explore teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi
Spanning a massive 17,000 square meters, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is an immersive space where interacting with the artwork is positively encouraged. Guests step into a world of creativity and innovation, surrounded by massive, ever-evolving exhibits that blur the boundaries between perception and reality. In Massless Suns and Dark Suns, spheres of light and darkness converge to challenge the way we see the world. A simple touch ignites a radiant glow, triggering a ripple effect that spreads across the space. Expanding on this interplay, the Levitation Void introduces a suspended presence—an energy-born void that defies gravity.
GO: Visit https://platinumlist.net for more information.
Thursday 30 April
Take in the beach views at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Escape the ordinary and embrace a day of sun-soaked bliss at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island. Step into a world of breathtaking beauty as you soak up the sun on the glorious beach or indulge in the luxurious beachfront pool. So leave your worries behind and dive into a day of pure enjoyment. Available daily, from 9am to 8pm. AED 375 for adults (with AED 200 redeemable on food and beverages) and AED 125 for children (with AED 50 redeemable on food and beverages).
GO: Visit www.jumeirah.com for more information.
