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Time Out Abu Dhabi

Your guide to the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this June

June in Abu Dhabi is many things: hot, humid and the perfect excuse to fill your calendar with seriously cool things to do indoors (and the odd al fresco soirée if you're brave). Whether you're craving world-class concerts, A-list premieres, indie film vibes, or a festive Christmas-in-June brunch (yes, really), the capital is rolling out a lineup of unforgettable happenings this month. We're talking Hans Zimmer live at Etihad Arena, Brad Pitt's F1 film premiering where it was actually filmed and ABBA bangers booming from Mamma Mia! the musical. There's also a sleek jazz-and-chess night at the Louvre, a themed brunch with a Greek island buzz and Pete Davidson cracking jokes in his UAE debut. Oh and in case you missed it, Eid Al Adha brings a four-day holiday – perfect for a staycation, fireworks, or feasting your way around Yas Bay. Here's your ultimate guide to what's hot in Abu Dhabi this June – and we're not just talking about the weather. Best things to do in June in Abu Dhabi Get mesmerised at a Hans Zimmer concert The film score maestro, who was already due to make an Abu Dhabi performance on May 31, has officially added a second show at Etihad Arena – and it's happening the very next day, on June 1. The German composer is basically Hollywood royalty at this point, having scored some of the most emotionally charged, spine-tingling soundtracks of all time. Think Inception, Interstellar, Gladiator, Dune, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Lion King… honestly, it's a playlist of pure goosebumps. And yes, he's bringing it all to Yas Island with a full live orchestra. From Dhs399. May 31 and June 1. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Try a film festival Clear your calendars and prepare to lean into the art of storytelling, because CineMAS 2025 is back and it's bringing serious indie film energy to Manarat Al Saadiyat. Running from May 26 to June 1, this weeklong festival of independent cinema isn't just about watching movies – it's about sparking conversations, honouring heritage, unpacking identities and maybe even rethinking your place in the world. From Dhs30. Mon May 26 to Sun June 1. Manarat Al Saadiyat. …And then tuck into a movie-inspired menu Dinner and a movie? How about dinner as the movie? A whimsical new dining experience is rolling into Abu Dhabi and it's bringing the big screen to your plate. Running alongside this year's CineMAS festival at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Taparelle has teamed up with Dine-W/Me and CineMAS to launch Le Cartoon – a nostalgic, movie-inspired dinner series that's straight out of an animated dream sequence. There are just 15 seats per slot, so make sure you book ahead to secure your spot. Dhs200 per person. Mon May 26-Sun June 1. 7pm-8pm; 8.15pm-9.15pm; 9.30pm-10.30pm; 10.45pm-11.45pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, @taparellerestaurant (02 657 5832). Head to a Korean contemporary art exhibition Contemporary Art from Korea: 1960s to Today lands in the capital from May 16 to June 30, offering a deep dive into Korea's radical art movements and their legacy of experimentation, hybridity, and bold expression. Curated by Kyung-Hwan Yeo and Maya El Khalil, and designed by acclaimed studio Formafantasma, the show features standout works from the Seoul Museum of Art's collection. Expect layered media, sensory installations, and a journey that moves from the personal to the planetary – touching on identity, gender, tradition, technology, urbanisation, and the environment. Until Jun 30. Manarat AL Saadiyat. Celebrate Eid Al Adha Starting the month off with a bang are all the festivities for Eid Al Adha. Having already been confirmed by the UAE government, we will have four days off to mark Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha in Abu Dhabi – between June 5 and June 8. 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 celebration. 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. 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. Here's your ultimate guide to making this Eid Al Adha one for the books Take the kiddies to Disney Jr. Live DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR: COSTUME PALOOZA – Disney Junior Live On Tour: Costume PaloozaÓ Friends and Family event at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside on Thursday, September 1st. (Disney/Phil McCarten) PETER PARKER, MILES MORALES, GWEN STACY Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let's Play! is heading to Abu Dhabi for the very first time, and it's landing just in time for Eid weekend. From June 6 to 8, Etihad Arena on Yas Island will be packed with giggles, dancing, and all the Disney Jr. magic you could wish for. Join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Ariel, Ginny and Bitsy, the SuperKitties, Puppy Dog Pals, and Marvel's Spidey and his Amazing Friends for a high-energy, interactive show where your kids can sing, cheer, and dance along with their favourite characters. From Dhs95. June 6-8. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. Try your hand at chess at a super suave jazz night Love the sound of jazz, a bit of friendly competition and a venue dripping in artistic vibes? Then clear your schedule for Saturday June 7 because Chess Night at Marta is back – and it's cooler than ever. Tucked away in the heart of Louvre Abu Dhabi (yes, that Louvre), Marta is hosting the final Chess Night of the season and it's shaping up to be the most sophisticated soirée in the capital. Think: smooth jazz, sleek moves across the board and an atmosphere straight out of a speakeasy. Dhs250 (ladies), Dhs400 (gents). Sat Jun 7, 8pm-1am. Marta, Louvre Abu Dhabi. (052 280 5885). Watch Jesse Cook live Guitar wizard Jesse Cook is bringing his world-famous flamenco fusion to the capital for one night only, and it promises to be pure musical magic. Hot off a European tour that wowed crowds in London, Munich, and Vienna, the Canadian maestro is landing at the Cultural Foundation for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, soul, and serious fingerstyle finesse. Dhs150. Sat Jun 14 8pm. Cultural Foundation, Al Hisn. info@ (02 657 6348). Watch Mamma Mia! live on stage Calling all dancing queens (and kings) – this June, it's time to don your platform boots and embrace the glitter because Mamma Mia! is hitting the stage at Etihad Arena, Yas Island. From Wednesday June 11 to Sunday June 22, the global phenomenon will bring ABBA's iconic hits to life in a show-stopping production that has captivated audiences for nearly 25 years. With over 65 million viewers worldwide, 50 productions, and translations into 16 languages, Mamma Mia! is a certified musical marvel – and now, it's Abu Dhabi's turn to join the party. From Dhs125. Wed Jun 11-Sun Jun 22. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. @etihadarena (0600 511 115). …And if that's not enough, you can head to a Mamma Mia!-themed brunch For two weekends only – June 13-15 and June 20-22 – a pre-show event called Bites & Bubbles will be warming things up before the evening performances at Mamma Mia! kick off. Think Mediterranean nibbles, a splash of sparkle and the kind of upbeat buzz you'd expect at a party on a Greek island (just swap Santorini for Yas Island). Dhs250 per person (groups of 4+), Dhs280 per person (single ticket). Mamma Mia! tickets from Dhs125 (weekdays) and Dhs200 (weekends). June 13-15 and June 20-22 (Fridays & Saturdays only). Etihad Arena, Yas Island. Head to a Christmas brunch (yes, really) Think you have to wait until December for roast turkey, stuffing and a side of Mariah Carey? Think again. Abu Dhabi's Coopers is throwing the calendar out the window with its gloriously unhinged – and undeniably brilliant – Alternative X-Mas Brunch, happening not once but twice this June. Mark your diaries for June 21 and 22, when Santa swaps snow for sand dunes and your favourite festive beats get a sunny remix. Yes, it's Christmas. Yes, it's summer. And yes, there will be gravy. Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs379 (premium beverages). June 21-22, Cooper's, Park Rotana. @coopersabudhabi. Catch Brad Pitt's film premiering in Abu Dhabi Okay, this is one you can't actually attend (unless you get an invite, lucky you) but good to know so you can do some celeb spotting. Brad Pitt's high-octane F1 The Movie is officially making its regional premiere in Abu Dhabi on June 25, and it's a full-throttle moment for the capital. Why? Because not only will the city be rolling out the red carpet for Hollywood royalty, it's also the place where key scenes of the movie were filmed – from high-speed drama at Yas Marina Circuit to high-stakes moments at Zayed International Airport and twofour54 Studios. The premiere takes place a day before the film's official Middle East release – so expect flashing cameras, fast cars, and maybe even a glimpse of Brad himself. Giggle with Pete Davidson Pete Davidson is making his way to the UAE for the first time ever and it's going to be one seriously unmissable night of comedy. The Saturday Night Live legend, stand-up icon and all-around comedic wild card is set to take over Etihad Arena on June 25, as part of this year's Abu Dhabi Comedy Season. From Dhs295. Wed June 25, 8pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Bay. Hear Dave Chappelle's cracking jokes If you thought last year's set from Dave Chappelle was something special, buckle up. The comedy kingpin is coming back to Etihad Arena on Thursday June 27, for a show that's about to go down in Abu Dhabi's stand-up history books. Last year, Chappelle kicked off the first-ever Abu Dhabi Comedy Week with a sold-out performance that drew over 14,000 fans – the largest comedy show the region's ever seen. Now, he's set to top it. From Dhs275. Thu Jun 27. Etihad Arena, Yas Island. More going on in Abu Dhabi You can now get a robotaxi from Zayed International Airport Trips to the airport just got an upgrade Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 20 incredibly fun ways to explore Abu Dhabi after dark The city is at its most fascinating once the sun goes down