Things to do in Abu Dhabi: 8 Best Weekday Plans

Plan a weekday escape with eight tested things to do in Abu Dhabi, including a Dhs98 business lunch, a Dhs200 beach day pass and museum tickets from Dhs70 to match half-day or full-day plans. This list prioritises practicality, clear AED prices and locations to make booking and timing simple.

These selections span Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Wathba and Saadiyat Island and balance quick work breaks, family-friendly outings and slower cultural mornings. Each entry lists hours, contact numbers and an estimated price so you can pick activities that fit a two-hour lunch window or a whole afternoon.

We highlight what to expect, who each activity suits and how to book efficiently. If you are exploring neighbourhoods like Saadiyat Cultural District or Al Qana, this guide pairs each experience with concrete AED figures and practical tips so you can make the most of your time in Abu Dhabi.

Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is a refined business lunch option, offering efficient two-course and three-course menus priced at Dhs98 and Dhs138 respectively, served typically between 12pm and 2:30pm to suit a focused work break or a client meeting.

The restaurant pairs classic French technique with approachable portions so you leave satisfied but not sluggish; a two-course at Dhs98 makes this practical for corporate budgets while a three-course at Dhs138 is appropriate for client entertaining. The dining room is polished without feeling formal, and service is tuned for timely lunches. Reservations are recommended for midday tables—call (02) 509 8555 to confirm availability.

For commuting professionals, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri sits close to the Corniche and is easily reached from Al Maryah Island or downtown Abu Dhabi within 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. If you need privacy for a meeting, request a quieter table on booking; for shorter lunches, tell staff your time constraint so courses are paced to finish within 60 to 90 minutes.

The Bayshore Beach Club at InterContinental Abu Dhabi provides a relaxed day-pass escape with calm waters and a food-and-drink credit returned on your bill, typically priced at Dhs200 per person and available between 8am and 8pm for a full-day experience.

A Dhs200 day pass gives you access to straw huts, loungers and the pool area plus a food-and-drink credit that reduces out-of-pocket spending; the set-up is ideal for a weekday reset without the weekend crowds. The club’s environment is intentionally low-key: kids’ ice cream stations, shaded areas and comfortable service make it a practical family option, while proximity to the Corniche and central Abu Dhabi means a short drive from city hotels.

Book ahead via the club’s booking line (056) 630 8216 to secure a lounger on busy days; weekday availability is generally high but popular dates and public holidays sell out. Consider arriving before 10am for calm sea conditions and to use the credit across lunch and refreshments.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba is an evening festival with food stalls, live performances and roaming acts running roughly from 4pm to midnight, where you can expect street food prices starting from around Dhs15 per snack at food stalls.

This festival blends traditional Emirati elements with family-friendly entertainment, making it suitable for casual strolls, sampling local and regional foods and catching free outdoor performances; larger ticketed events within the festival may carry separate fees but many zones offer free entry. The atmosphere is lively in the evenings as lights and performances rotate across stages, so visiting between 6pm and 10pm captures the busiest programming.

Plan transport ahead as Al Wathba is outside central Abu Dhabi; taxis and ride-hailing services are reliable but expect peak-time waits. Bring small cash for food stalls that may accept only card for higher purchases, and wear comfortable shoes for wandering between stages and stalls over a two- to four-hour window.

• Evening performances and roaming acts
• Food stalls and regional cuisine
• Mix of free zones and ticketed shows

Bingo and Buffet at The Club Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is a boisterous, social dinner event with adult tickets priced at Dhs75, juniors 13 to 17 at Dhs35 and children under 12 at Dhs25, combining food and competitive bingo for a lively family-or-friends night out.

The event emphasises interaction and entertainment rather than formal dining; attendees sit down to a buffet while rounds of bingo run across the evening with prizes and announcements creating a festive atmosphere. For Dhs75 adult tickets you get the buffet and game entry, which makes this cost-effective for groups and families seeking an active evening that lasts two to three hours. Booking in advance is recommended to secure tables for larger groups.

If you prefer quieter evenings, aim for earlier seating when the room is less boisterous; for an energetic crowd, later seatings after 8pm tend to be louder. For reservations and event schedules contact The Club Abu Dhabi at (02) 673 1111.

• Buffet plus bingo rounds
• Family-friendly pricing tiers
• Typically 2 to 3 hours duration

Episodes Easter Afternoon Tea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental runs from 2pm to 5pm and offers seasonal pastries and savouries with prices typically beginning from around Dhs195 per person for the seasonal menu.

The Easter-themed afternoon tea refreshes classic pastries and light savouries with seasonal decorations and playful touches, ideal for relaxed social afternoons or mother-and-child outings; the service window between 2pm and 5pm makes it a perfect post-lunch activity or a slow afternoon meeting. Seating tends to be relaxed, encouraging lingering conversations, with options for additional tea blends or champagne supplements at extra cost.

Reserve ahead by calling (02) 690 9000, especially during holiday periods when themed afternoons draw locals and visitors. If you need a quieter table, request a corner or a seating away from the main atrium; party bookings can often be accommodated with advance notice and a minimum spend.

• Seasonal pastries and light savouries
• Playful Easter-themed presentation
• Tea service with optional supplements

Zayed National Museum on Saadiyat Island is a contemplative cultural visit open 10am to 8pm, with adult tickets priced at Dhs70 and concessions such as UAE university students and employed teachers at Dhs35, presenting the UAE narrative through the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed.

The museum’s galleries combine immersive displays, photography and artefacts that trace the country’s transformation from desert communities to a modern nation; a Dhs70 adult ticket gives access to the core exhibitions and timed entry helps manage visitor flow, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Audio guides and occasional special exhibitions may carry additional fees; check the museum’s official line at 600 565566 for current offers and guided tour schedules.

Allow 90 minutes to two hours for a full walk-through of the permanent galleries and temporary installations. Saadiyat Cultural District also includes adjacent sites such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and performing arts venues, so consider a half-day itinerary combining the museum with nearby cultural stops and lunch on Saadiyat Island.

• Permanent galleries on UAE history
• Audio guides and timed entry
• Nearby cultural venues on Saadiyat

Adrenark Adventure at Al Qana is a high-energy indoor park offering rope courses, trampolines and obstacle zones, open from 10am to 10pm with entry prices starting from Dhs141 depending on the activity package you choose.

This venue suits families with energetic children and groups seeking active outings; pricing from Dhs141 typically covers standard sessions while themed packages and birthday options increase the per-person cost. Safety briefings and age or height restrictions apply on certain attractions, and staff supervision levels vary per zone so book specific times for younger children to ensure available assistance.

For party bookings and group discounts, contact Adrenark directly at (02) 418 6620; weekday sessions are often less crowded than weekends and allow more flexibility for free play or structured courses. Wear grip socks or purchase them on site to meet safety requirements, and arrive 15 minutes early for registration and waiver completion.

• Rope courses, trampolines and obstacle zones
• Suitable for families and group bookings
• Safety briefings and equipment required

Conrad Spa at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers offers a full spa-day experience with massages, pool and beach access priced Dhs550 on weekdays and Dhs650 at weekends, available between 10am and 10pm and ideal for slow afternoons or recovery days.

The weekday Dhs550 rate provides a signature massage and access to the spa facilities and pools, while the Dhs650 weekend tariff reflects higher demand and includes similar amenities; treatments such as couples’ packages or premium massages are additional. The setting provides sea views from the Etihad Towers complex and a calm environment where you can extend the visit by the pool or ordering light meals.

Book directly with Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers at (02) 811 5858 to secure preferred time slots and ask about weekday discounts or midweek package upgrades. Arrive early to use the steam and sauna facilities, and check cancellation policies which typically require 24-hour notice for full refunds.

• Signature massages and pool access
• Sea views from Etihad Towers
• Advance booking recommended

These eight Abu Dhabi experiences cover quick business lunches, easy beach days, family favourites and reflective museum visits with clear AED pricing and practical booking details to help you plan weekday or half-day outings efficiently. Use the listed contacts and timing tips to match each activity to the time you have available.

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