The very best things to do for Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi

Time Out Abu Dhabi

2 days ago

Eid Al Adha is coming in hot – and so is Abu Dhabi's festive line-up.
Whether you're plotting a poolside BBQ, eyeing up a luxe hotel escape, or just chasing the best lamb shoulder in town, the capital's got something for every kind of celebrator.
Yas Island is pulling out all the stops with stay-and-play deals, theme park thrills and fireworks lighting up Yas Bay. Meanwhile, beachside brunches are bringing the beats (and the bite), with live DJs, Churrasco platters and views that deserve a Boomerang.
Fancy something a little more low-key? Think mezze under the stars, chocolate-laced afternoon teas or sunset vibes at the Grand Hyatt.
There are also plenty of staycation deals with perks like free theme park tickets, buffet blowouts and kids-stay-free offers – so you can splash, snooze and feast all in one go.
So whether you're in it for the vibes, the views, or just the vine leaves, here's your ultimate guide to making this Eid Al Adha one for the books.
The best things to do in Abu Dhabi over Eid Al Adha
Chill out at Al Raha Beach Resort
Celebrate Eid with poolside BBQs, chocolate afternoon teas, Arabic nights and a festive brunch at Sevilla (Dhs190) — plus staycation deals where kids stay, dine and play free.
Weekly highlights include:
Family Lunch (Sat & Sun, Dhs170)
Roast Tuesdays & Arabic Nights (Tue & Thu, Dhs190)
BBQ by the Pool (Sat & Sun evenings)
Chocolate Afternoon Tea (Daily, Dhs160 for two)
Happy Hour at Black Pearl (12pm–7pm)
Staycation offers include Yas Island access and day passes from Dhs200.
Al Raha Beach Resort & Spa. danathotels.com/alrahabeach, [e-mail] (050 899 5873).
Head to an Eid al-Adha mezze night
Middle Eastern flavours? Check. A pick-your-own mezze menu? Double check. Pearl Lounge is dialling up the elegance this Eid with a curated tasting experience where you get to pick six standout dishes for just Dhs129. Think classics like vibrant tabbouleh and next-level lamb chops with eggplant purée.
Dhs129 per person. First three days of Eid, 7pm-midnight. Pearl Lounge, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi (02 510 1234).
Try an Eid mega brunch
Big appetite? Bigger vibes? Tiki Pacifico is going all out this Eid with not one, but two mega brunches – and they're bringing the beats, the bites and the beachside fireworks. Happening on both Saturday and Sunday, this tropical party packs in Churrasco platters, starters, desserts and plenty of flowing drinks.
Expect DJs, live drummers, dancers and even a jazz band to keep you grooving long after the last bite. Oh – and did we mention there's a killer fireworks view? Say less.
Dhs199 (soft), Dhs299 (house), Dhs399 (premium), Dhs99 kids (5-12). Sat Jun 7 & Sun Jun 8, 1pm-5pm. Tiki Pacifico, Al Bandar (02 552 5955).
Have a mini Eid escape
Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi is pulling out all the stops this Eid Al Adha with a sun-soaked staycation packed with family perks, a jam-packed kids' programme and one seriously festive brunch.
Book a half-board stay from Thursday June 6 to Monday June 10 and you'll score a 20 percent room discount, one Yas Island theme park ticket per paying adult, 20 percent off the Eid brunch at Terra Mare and access to the Rixy Kids Club's action-packed Eid line-up (think: yoga, slime labs, pool parties, treasure hunts and nightly discos). Room-only and walk-in guests can join the Eid brunch fun from Dhs299.
And that brunch? It's a family-friendly feast with a buffet-style spread of Eid specials, DJ beats and unlimited good vibes. All this, with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and four pools to cool off in. Sold.
Dhs150 (kids 6–12), Dhs299 (soft drinks), Dhs399 (grape & bubbly), included for all-inclusive guests, 20 percent off for half-board guests. Brunch: First day of Eid, 11am–3pm. Valid on stays from Jun 6-10. Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. [e-mail], rixos.com (02 498 0000).
Have a staycation with the kiddies
Yas Island is bringing the energy with its iconic Stay & Play package – and it's got all the fun without any of the planning stress.
From Wednesday June 5 to Sunday June 9, you can book a night from Dhs999 (yes, including breakfast) and score theme park tickets for two adults and two kids – one ticket each to any of Yas Island's big four: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World or SeaWorld Yas Island.
You'll also get access to Yas Beach, plus a free Yas Express shuttle to whisk you around the island like a VIP. When hunger hits, take your pick from Mediterranean plates at Pappas Taverna, R&B-fuelled steak at Brooklyn Chop House, or post-park feasting at Garage with its five kitchen concepts under one roof. Even better? Guests get 20 percent off dining and spa treatments during their stay.
From Dhs999 per night (incl. breakfast & theme park access for 2 adults + 2 kids). Jun 5–9. W Abu Dhabi. [e-mail] ,marriott.com (02 656 0000 / 050 642 0893).
Grab an Eid Al Adha dinner buffet
Big feast energy incoming! Sahha's bringing a proper spread to the table this Eid Al Adha, serving up a buffet packed with all your traditional faves. We're talking sizzling grills, a stellar seafood station and mezze galore – all laid out in the warm, inviting surroundings of this all-day dining hotspot. It's the kind of place where you can gather the whole crew, pile your plate high and go back for seconds (and thirds).
Dhs240 per person. First three days of Eid, 6.30pm–10.30pm. Sahha, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi (02 510 1234).
Have a fancy staycay
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is bringing all the luxe vibes with its Stay, Dine & Play offer – think two nights of serious comfort, top-tier dining, and a side of theme park thrills.
Book a two-night escape on a half-board basis and you'll dine across some of the hotel's award-winning restaurants, then hit the rides with a complimentary theme park ticket per person. Choose from Yas Island's star-studded lineup: Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World or SeaWorld Yas Island.
Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).
Tuck into a buy-one-get-one-free feast
Credit: Punjab Grills
Eid eats just got a royal upgrade. Punjab Grill at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal is serving up a decadent three-course set menu for Dhs350 per person – and if you pre-book, it's buy one, get one free. That's two luxe feasts for the price of one, available all through the Eid Al Adha holidays.
Expect sharing-style starters, a sizzling kebab platter, indulgent mains (hello, Butter Chicken and Moplah Prawn Curry) and traditional sweets to finish. Want to go all out? Add Hyderabadi Haleem for Dhs50 or the mighty Raan-e-Sikandari for just Dhs99.
Punjab Grill, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. From Dhs350 per person. [e-mail], punjabgrill.me (050 668 3054).
Get a Rixos x teamLab Eid combo
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is levelling up your summer staycation. Book a minimum two-night stay and you'll get complimentary tickets to teamLab Phenomena.
It's all happening on the pristine shores of Saadiyat. Spend your day wandering through 17,000 square metres of interactive, otherworldly art, then head back to the five-star beachfront resort for mixed drinks, global cuisine and signature Turkish pampering at the Anjana Spa. Kids? Sorted – with a Rixy Kids Club, Aqua Park and nightly entertainment.
The offer is valid until September 30, but bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. Go on – blend beachfront bliss with boundary-pushing art.
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island. Minimum two-night stay. Valid until Sep 30. [e-mail], rixos.com.
Go wild with a free stay at Emirates Park Zoo & Resort
Emirates Park Zoo
Here's a day trip that turns into an unforgettable family staycation. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort is offering a limited-time deal – buy four Explorer Tickets (Dhs119 each) and score a complimentary overnight stay at the resort!
That means you can spend the day meeting over 1,700 animals – from giraffes to sea lions – and then snooze just steps away from the action with wild views and creature comforts.
Dhs119 (Explorer Ticket). Daily, 9am-9pm until May 31. Emirates Park Zoo & Resort, (02 506 9000 / 056 992 1484).
Have an Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Eid celebration
The iconic beachfront resort is serving up a luxe stay package with breakfast and your choice of lunch or dinner at Vendôme, plus a surprise in-room amenity on Eid day. It's all for two adults and two kids – perfect for a posh family escape.
Little ones can run wild at the whimsical three-storey Kids' Palace (yes, with a giant slide), while adults unwind with water sports, serene spa sessions and dining at Talea, modern Americana at Broadway, or Lebanese feasting at Lebanese Terrace (Dhs350 Eid set menu). Up for a splurge? Don't miss the theatrical Supper Club Dinner at Strawfire (Dhs550).
From Dhs2,260 per night. June 6-9. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi. [e-mail], @mo_emiratespalace (02 690 9000).
Swing into Eid at The Galleria
(Credit: The Galleria Al Maryah Island)
From May 30 to June 8, The Galleria Al Maryah Island is turning up the festive vibes with up to 80 percent off at over 100 top-tier fashion, beauty and home brands – plus the return of its mega-fun Swing & Win game.
Spend Dhs500 and you'll get to take a swing on the special mini-golf course (yes, right in the mall). Drop Dhs1,500 and your chances to score big prizes get even better. Expect lush turf, competitive energy and the kind of envy-inducing rewards that make this worth a trip – or two.
May 30–June 8. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. thegalleria.ae, @TheGalleriaUAE.
Celebrate under the stars
Credit: Instagram @derwandi.uae
Looking for a night that hits all the right notes? Derwandi Abu Dhabi is turning up the charm this Eid Al-Adha with a one-night-only performance by beloved Lebanese singer Ayman Zbib. Expect soulful tunes, authentic Lebanese vibes, and a set menu starting.
It's all happening on Friday June 6 from 10pm, so get ready for a night of music, mezze, and memories under the stars.
From Dhs250. Friday June 6, 10pm. Derwandi, Abu Dhabi (02 639 0023).
Tuck into a huge lamb shoulder
This Eid, swap the usual for something spectacular – AVLU Greek and Turkish Restaurant at Yas Mall is serving up a showstopper of a dish that's perfect for three. Their slow-cooked lamb shoulder, marinated in traditional Aegean herbs and spices, is tender, flavourful, and made for sharing.
Dhs349 (serves 3). From noon-11.30pm daily during Eid. AVLU Yas Mall. avlurestaurant.com, (058 552 858).
Get lost in a whole range of Yas Island Eid fun
Eid on Yas Island? Yes, please. The capital's ultimate playground is bringing the heat (and cool-downs) with dazzling fireworks, cultural vibes and the return of the Kids Go Free offer – just in time for the Eid break. Here's what's popping.
Fireworks
Catch nightly fireworks lighting up the skies over Yas Bay at 9pm during the first three nights of Eid.
Kids go free
From June 1 to September 30, up to two kids under 12 can stay, play and eat for free with every two paying adults. Yes, that includes free entry to Yas's mega theme parks – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World and SeaWorld – plus meals at select restaurants and hotel stays. Bargain of the summer? We think so.
Culture
From June 6 to 10, Ferrari World revs up the festivities with henna, calligraphy, Arabic coffee and Eidiyaa giveaways – plus that little ride called Formula Rossa. Over at Yas Waterworld, the park goes traditional with lantern-lit walkways, falcon shows and sweet treats.
Family-friendly festivities
Warner Bros. World is going all out with clay crafting, Ayallah dancing and character meet-and-greets (we see you, Bugs Bunny). Meanwhile, SeaWorld blends marine magic with Eid traditions – majlis setups, sand art and Arabic hospitality included.
Go big at CLYMB
Think Eid with a side of adrenaline. From June 6 to 10, enjoy giveaways, cultural shows and high-flying fun inside the world's tallest indoor climbing wall and skydiving chamber.
yasisland.com.
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