The Abu Dhabi heat can get annoying. But that doesn’t mean pressing pause on fun. Between world-first attractions, creative workshops, immersive animal encounters and indoor adventures, August is packed with experiences worth leaving the air conditioning for. So if you’re looking to step out of your air-conditioned room, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities in the city for every budget.
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1. Free Art Exhibitions At Bassam Freiha Art Foundation (FREE)
Looking for a cultural escape without spending a Dirham? The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in the Saadiyat Cultural District is showcasing a series of impressive exhibitions throughout August. And best of all, it’s all completely free to visit! Some of the highlights include Before the Silence Breaks by French artist Philip Ducap, an exhibition exploring the beauty and power of the ocean. Visitors can also enjoy complimentary workshops, talks and family-friendly activities.
- Operating Hours: Check with the venue before visiting
- Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
- Price: FREE
- For more information, visit the website
2. Join The Beyond Le Fifth Walk And Run Club (FREE)
Kick-start your weekend with an indoor walk or run at Yas Mall. Hosted alongside a community fitness group, these free sessions welcome walkers, joggers and runners of all fitness levels. In addition to getting your steps in, participants can win giveaways from popular brands and meet fellow fitness enthusiasts. Registration is required before attending.
- Operating Hours: Saturday, August 15 & 29 | 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
- Location: Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Price: FREE
- For more information, visit the website
3. Discover Emirati Coffee Traditions At Zayed National Museum (AED 35)
Experience one of the UAE’s most treasured traditions through an interactive Arabic coffee workshop at Studio Al Thuraya. Here, participants will learn about Emirati hospitality while using a traditional menhas (mortar and pestle) to grind fragrant ingredients, then blend their own customised Arabic coffee to take home. A museum admission ticket is required to attend.
- Operating Hours: Wednesdays & Fridays until Thursday, August 28
- Location: Studio Al Thuraya, Zayed National Museum, Abu Dhabi
- Price: From AED 35 (museum entry required)
- For more information, visit the website
4. Experience Yas Gaming Festival (From AED 50 Spend)
For gamers, comic fans and esports enthusiasts, you don’t want to miss Yas Gaming Festival this August. Visitors can test the latest PlayStation, Xbox and PC games, compete in esports tournaments, challenge friends to arcade classics and watch exciting cosplay competitions! Entry is complimentary with a minimum spend of AED 50 at Yas Mall.
- Operating Hours: Thursday – Sunday, July 31 – Saturday, August 9 | Monday – Thursday, 10 AM – 10 PM | Friday – Sunday: 10 AM – Midnight
- Location: Town Square, Yas Mall, Yas Island
- Price: Free with AED 50 minimum spend
- For more information, visit the website
5. Explore Emirates Park Zoo After Dark (AED 85)
This is your chance to see the animal kingdom from a completely different perspective with Emirates Park Zoo’s new evening experience. Guests can wander along illuminated trails, encounter nocturnal wildlife, and enjoy activities such as elephant feeding, big-cat experiences, African drumming, and more. If you’re worried about the heat affecting your trip, indoor air-conditioned spaces are also available throughout the evening.
- Operating Hours: Daily throughout August | From 7 PM
- Location: Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi
- Price: AED 85
- For more information, visit the website
6. Work Out Beneath Dinosaurs At Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Swap your regular gym session for an unforgettable workout surrounded by prehistoric giants. Held beneath the museum’s towering dinosaur displays, this micro-former class combines high-intensity, low-impact movements that focus on core strength, balance and endurance. As spaces are limited, advance booking is essential.
- Operating Hours: Sunday, August 17 | 7 PM – 8 PM & 8 PM – 9 PM
- Location: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District
- Price: Varies on the class
- For more information, visit the website
7. Paint Surrounded By Hundreds Of Butterflies (AED 240)
Get creative inside a tropical butterfly sanctuary during Brushes & Butterflies – an immersive painting experience hosted by FoscArt. The guided workshop takes place among free-flying butterflies and includes all painting materials, plus entry to explore The Butterfly Gardens after the session ends.
- Operating Hours: Every Thursday in August | 8 AM – 10 AM
- Location: The Butterfly Gardens, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi
- Price: AED 240 per person
- For more information, visit the website
8. Master Italian Cooking At Antonia’s Workshops (From AED 302)
Whether you’re learning to make fresh pasta from scratch or perfecting authentic Roman-style pizza, Antonia’s cooking workshops offer a delicious way to spend the day. Adults can choose between beginner and advanced classes, and the little chefs can enjoy dedicated junior pizza-making sessions.
- Operating Hours: Various dates throughout August
- Location: Antonia, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- Price: From AED 302
- For more information, visit the website
9. Ride The New Kryptonite Collider At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (AED 345)
If roller coasters are your choice of adrenaline, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi has just introduced another reason to visit. The all-new Kryptonite Collider throws riders into high-speed spins inspired by Lex Luthor’s latest DC Comics experiment! Once you’ve caught your breath, explore the park’s other indoor rides, attractions and themed lands.
- Operating Hours: Daily | 11 AM – 8 PM
- Location: Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island
- Price: AED 345 (Day Pass)
- For more information, visit the website
10. Watch A Movie Inside A 1920s-Inspired Private Members’ Club
Step inside one of Abu Dhabi’s most unique cinema experiences before it closes to the public! Cinemacity Starlight’s elegant 1927 private members’ club combines vintage interiors with a luxury cinema, complete with table service and an Italian dining menu. Visitors currently have a rare opportunity to experience the exclusive space before public access comes to an end.
- Operating Hours: Membership application now open
- Location: Marina Mall, Corniche, Abu Dhabi
- Price: Price depends on membership status
- For more information, visit the website
Once again, August is proving that staying indoors doesn’t have to be boring. With exciting activities like butterfly painting sessions, immersive museum experiences, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the month. Whichever adventure makes it onto your calendar, don’t forget to keep reading Gulf Buzz for all the latest events happening across the UAE.
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