Time Out Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi foodies, this is a big one. Time Out Market Abu Dhabi is officially getting ready to open its doors at Saadiyat Grove on Saadiyat Island – and we now know a whole lot more about what’s coming. The new Market will bring together some of the capital’s top chefs, restaurateurs and home-grown concepts alongside drinks, live entertainment and cultural experiences, all under one very sizeable roof. And when we say sizeable, we mean it.

Abu Dhabi is about to get an incredible new luxury destination. Aldar has unveiled Saadiyat Grove: a brand new experiential retail, dining and wellness destination. And it looks absolutely incredible. The development will bring more than 100 global brands to the area, including 20 regional first openings. Location wise, it’s pretty perfect: Saadiyat Grove is between the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the soon-to-open Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

Etihad is having a moment. The UAE’s national carrier have announced a flurry of new changes that are set to level-up the way you travel to, from and around Abu Dhabi. The updates promise to shake up everything from what you do before you board to where you stay when you land. And with a hefty investment going into new aircraft and their already excellent passenger experience, there’s plenty to get excited about.

A massive new multi-billion dirham Dubai road project spanning approximately 80km is set to be built between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. The newly approved Dhs3.5 billion project will include 72 bridges, 17 tunnels and 45 stormwater drainage culverts and ease traffic at key landmarks in the city.

There’s a level of pressure that comes with being the younger sibling of a restaurant as well-regarded as Mika. Not only is the European stalwart a firm Abu Dhabi favourite, it’s also a former winner of the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards’ Restaurant of the Year in 2025. No pressure then, Marcella. Thankfully, chef Mario Loi’s second Abu Dhabi venture doesn’t seem remotely fazed by its overachieving older sister. Instead, Marcella is confidently doing its own thing.

If you’re always on the hunt for beautiful new cafés in Abu Dhabi, there’s a fresh opening that deserves a place on your must-visit list. Knead Bakery has officially opened its newest location at Abu Dhabi Royal Equestrian Arts, also known as ADREA, on Jubail Island. And honestly, this might be one of the city’s most unique bakery settings yet.

The next name has been confirmed for the star-studded Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concert lineup and you’re going to like this one. Taking to the stage on Friday December 4, Alex Warren will be the first of two performances scheduled for the evening. Hosted at Etihad Live on Yas Island, ticket holders to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be able to see the American star live as he performs some of his biggest tracks.

Getting to the airport could one day mean hopping on a train rather than calling a taxi. A new partnership between Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail could pave the way for seamless air-and-rail journeys across the UAE – including a potential connection to Zayed International Airport. Etihad Airways and Etihad Rail have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore ways of connecting the UAE’s national railway network with air travel.

Visit Abu Dhabi culture pavilion at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Among the Pavilion’s highlights is a fascinating selection of publications exploring Abu Dhabi’s architecture, art, history and heritage, with two titles in particular worth seeking out. First up is Archives of Tomorrow: Abu Dhabi’s Modern Heritage, a forthcoming photographic volume documenting the historical and heritage character of the capital’s architecture and buildings.

Dinner at TeTTo is like being a guest at someone’s very good dinner party – only you don’t have to volunteer to do the washing up.