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 swings into action, the capital comes alive. May 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 May.
Friday 1 May
Relax at FACT’s Spa of the Year 2026
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi feels built for top honours, which is why it is poised to be named FACT’s Spa of the Year in Abu Dhabi for 2026. What sets it apart is its sense of place. Rather than offering generic luxury, the sanctuary draws on Moroccan influences, Oriental healing traditions and Arabesque therapies to create something far more distinctive. The royal hammam is the defining experience, while nine private treatment suites, steam and sauna facilities, and the wider palace setting elevate every visit into a full ritual of escape. In a crowded field, this is the rare spa that feels both grand and genuinely transportive.
Where: The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 11am to 11pm
Contact: www.mandarinoriental.com
Saturday 2 May
Visit The National Aquarium
Get ready to be amazed as you discover the incredible marine life that calls this place home. It’s like stepping into a real-life adventure from Finding Nemo or The Little Mermaid. With its jaw-dropping exhibits, interactive displays and mind-blowing aquatic experiences, this place will have you swimming with excitement. From colourful coral reefs to majestic sea turtles, you’ll encounter a whole cast of fascinating creatures along the way.
Where: The National Aquarium, Al Qana, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Price: AED 100
Contact: https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Sunday 3 May
Take a Mediterranean escape to Mika
Spend your Sunday enjoying a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired brunch at Mika. The concept changes, highlighting different countries through food and culture, starting with Egypt. Expect a curated menu, storytelling elements, and a laid-back setting perfect for catching up with friends or family over good food. Available on Sunday, from 12pm to 4pm. AED 250 per person.
Where: Mika, Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Sundays from 12pm to 4pm
Price: AED 250 per person
Contact: https://mika.ae
Monday 4 May
Work by the beach at Saadiyat Beach Club
Upgrade your workday by swapping your desk for a beachfront cabana. This experience at this FACT award-winning beach club includes Wi-Fi, charging stations, and light refreshments, plus a choice of breakfast or lunch. It’s designed for remote workers who want a calm, comfortable space while enjoying fresh air and sea views throughout the day. Available from Monday to Thursday, from 10am onwards. AED 699 per person.
Where: Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Monday to Thursday, from 10am
Price: AED 699 per person
Contact: www.saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Tuesday 5 May
Start your morning with breakfast at Taparelle
Taparelle’s new breakfast menu blends French-Italian flair with customisable options — including a build-your-own breakfast. Choose from croissants, baguettes, veal cold cuts, salmon, pommes darphin, eggs, and more, all served with a fresh juice or expertly brewed coffee. Available daily from 8am to 11.30am.
Where: Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Available daily from 8am to 11.30am
Contact: www.taparelle.com
Wednesday 6 May
Enjoy a night brunch at Zuma Abu Dhabi
Make your midweek plans more exciting with Zuma’s night brunch. Enjoy a sharing-style menu featuring sushi, starters, and signature mains, along with free-flowing drinks. A live DJ keeps the energy going, creating a lively atmosphere that feels more like a night out than a traditional dinner. Available on Wednesdays, from 9pm onwards.
Where: Zuma, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Wednesdays from 9pm
Price: AED 395 (soft beverages), AED 495 (house beverages) and AED 645 (premium beverages)
Contact: www.zumarestaurant.com
Thursday 7 May
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.
Where: Barbassi, MIZA, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 11am to 2pm
Contact: @barbassiboom
Friday 8 May
Get away for the weekend
Plan an exclusive getaway to Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa and stay in one of the suites or villas. This comes with your own private Jacuzzis, pools, and the open desert, promising a truly magical weekend escape — away from the madness of city life.
Where: Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Al Wathba South, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.marriott.com
Saturday 9 May
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.
Where: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 11am to 7pm
Price: Tickets from AED 295
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Sunday 10 May
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.
Where: Cinemacity Starlight, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.cinemacity.ae
Monday 11 May
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.
Where: Abrahamic Family House, Al Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.abrahamicfamilyhouse.ae
Tuesday 12 May
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.
Where: Natural History Museum, Al Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 6:30pm
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Wednesday 13 May
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.
Where: Teamlab Phenomena, Al Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 6:30pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Thursday 14 May
Watch Cats The Musical at Etihad Arena
Don’t miss the chance to see one of the world’s most famous musicals, Cats, live. Known for its memorable music and impressive choreography, the show has entertained audiences globally for decades. It’s a great evening out for both theatre lovers and first-time viewers.
Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 14 to 24 May 2026
Contact: http://platinumlist.net
Friday 15 May
Stay at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers
For the perfect weekend getaway, look no further than Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. With stunning city and Gulf views, luxurious accommodations, and world-class amenities, it’s the ultimate destination for relaxation and indulgence. From award-winning restaurants such as Li Beirut, Nahaam and Jose by Pizarro, to a full spa with 13 treatment rooms, every aspect of your stay is designed to exceed your expectations.
Where: Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.hilton.com
Saturday 16 May
Visit Zayed National Museum
Zayed National Museum opens on Eid Al Etihad as a landmark dedicated to the UAE’s history, culture and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. With more than 3,000 artefacts, immersive galleries and falcon-wing architectural design, the museum offers a rich narrative of the nation’s journey.
Where: Zayed National Museum, Al Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 8pm
Contact: https://zayednationalmuseum.ae
Sunday 17 May
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.
Where: CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 12pm to 9pm
Contact: https://platinumlist.net
Monday 18 May
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. Named ‘Best City Spa’ at the FACT Spa & Wellness Awards UAE 2026, Sense, A Rosewood Spa, stands out for blending understated luxury with treatments rooted in local healing traditions. Signature highlights include the Sense Signature Massage with heated rosewood sticks and Arabian frankincense and oudh, as well as the hammam chamber rituals that add a distinctly regional touch.
Where: Sense A Rosewood Spa, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 11am to 10pm
Contact: www.rosewoodhotels.com
Tuesday 19 May
Enjoy breakfast at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Start your morning with a generous breakfast spread featuring international, Arabic, and Asian dishes as part of the Mimosa Morning Club. The experience includes free-flowing mimosas and access to the beach and pool afterwards. Perfect for a slow morning that turns into a relaxing day by the water. Available from 6am to 10.30am. AED 142 per person.
Where: Sofra bld, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
When: Available daily from 6am to 10.30am
Price: AED 142 per person
Contact: www.shangri-la.com
Wednesday 20 May
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.
Where: Ryba, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 12pm to midnight
Contact: @ryba.ae
Thursday 21 May
Dine at FACT’s Restaurant of the Year
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.
Where: NIRI Restaurant & Bar, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 12pm to 11pm
Contact: www.nirirestaurant.com
Friday 22 May
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.
Where: The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.editionhotels.com
Saturday 23 May
Visit 3Fils for 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.
Where: 3Fils Abu Dhabi, The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://3fils.com
Sunday 24 May
Try the new menu at Cyan Brasserie
Perched 18 floors above Abu Dhabi inside Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, Cyan Brasserie has unveiled an evolved menu rooted in seasonality, storytelling and refinement. The new offering brings together Western culinary traditions and Middle Eastern flavours, with dishes ranging from Onion Soup and Za’atar Minestrone to Grilled Prawns, Steak au Poivre and Lamb Chops. Desserts draw on regional notes such as baklava and rose, while the playful Andaz Atypicals showcase the restaurant’s creative spirit. Cyan Brasserie has also introduced Table d’Introduction, a five-course tasting experience designed to guide guests through the menu against panoramic skyline views.
Where: Cyan Brasserie, Andaz Capital Gate, Rawdah, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 7am to 11pm
Contact: www.hyattrestaurants.com
Monday 25 May
Indulge in a lunch at Mare Mare
Combine work and dining with this Italian-inspired business lunch by the beach at Mare Mare. Enjoy a two- or three-course meal in a calm outdoor setting, with access to a workspace before or after. You can also add wellness options like yoga or Pilates to end your day feeling refreshed. Available daily. AED 200 onwards.
Where: Mare Mare, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 12pm to 10:30pm
Price: AED 200
Contact: www.jumeirah.com
Tuesday 26 May
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.
Where: Snow Abu Dhabi, Reem Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 10pm
Contact: https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net
Wednesday 27 May
Escape to Anantara Santorini for Eid
Discover a peaceful, adults-only getaway inspired by the Greek islands. Set along a quiet beachfront, this Eid Al Adha retreat is ideal for couples looking to unwind. Enjoy discounts on dining and spa treatments, all with flexible booking options.
Where: Anantara Santorini Retreat, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.anantara.com
Thursday 28 May
Grab a slice at ‘Za ‘Za Slice
Za Za Slice has brought its cult New York-style artisanal pizza to the capital, 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.
Where: Za Za Slice, Al Qana, Abu Dhabi
When: Open daily from 10am to 1am
Contact: @zazaslice
Friday 29 May
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.
Where: Erth Abu Dhabi, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://erth.ae
Saturday 30 May
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.
Where: Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Contact: www.fourseasons.com
Sunday 31 May
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.
Where: The Smash Room, Nahil Building, Al Rawdah, Abu Dhabi
Contact: https://platinumlist.net