● Abu Dhabi weather & best time to visit ● UAE visa on arrival — check your eligibility ● Hotel directory: 30 landmark stays profiled ● New: interactive map of the whole site
DEPT · NEWS

News & updates

New openings, expansions and announcements that actually affect a trip to Abu Dhabi — not site-maintenance notes.

New stories added as things happen.

🚆
NEWS · TRANSPORT

Etihad Rail Dubai Link Opens 30 September

Abu Dhabi–Dubai passenger rail starts 30 September. Check the 57-minute journey, station locations, Metro connection and fare caveat before you travel.

🏢
NEWS · PROPERTY & BUILDING SAFETY

Occupancy Certificate Deadline: 16 September

Property owners and real estate operators have until 16 September to apply or renew. Here’s the six-month rectification rule, Tawtheeq impact and fine risk.

🏛️
NEWS · MUSEUMS & SAADIYAT

Member September: One Membership, Three Saadiyat Museums

Eligible active members get complimentary general admission across Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi until 30 September, with 30% off new memberships.

🏀
NEWS · SPORT & YAS ISLAND

EuroLeague Basketball SuperCup: Teams, Schedule & Tickets

Real Madrid, Olympiacos, Fenerbahce and Dubai Basketball play at Etihad Arena on 18–19 September, with two games each day and tickets currently from AED 66.

🧱
NEWS · FAMILY & MUSEUMS

LEGO Natural Brickstory: Dates, Tickets & Record Build

The world-first LEGO SHOWS exhibition runs at Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi through 8 November, with hands-on zones and a Guinness record attempt.

🏛
NEWS · MUSEUMS & CULTURE

Zayed National Museum Archaeology Programme: Tours & Workshops

September and October bring archaeology tours, hands-on workshops and access sessions, including fixed programmes on 19 and 27 September.

🚗
NEWS · PARKING

Abu Dhabi’s New Parking Zone Signs Are Not Active Yet

New area-coded signs are for a future update. Q Mobility says current Mawaqif prices, payment methods and rules remain unchanged for now.

🚗
NEWS · ROADS & DRIVING

Abu Dhabi E311 Speed Limit Drops to 100km/h From 14 September

A specified E311 section falls from 120km/h to 100km/h in both directions from Monday. Check the affected stretch, a separate E11 lane closure and what drivers should do.

⚡
NEWS · YAS ISLAND

Harry Potter Expands Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Diagon Alley, Hogwarts and the Forbidden Forest are planned across about 63,000 sqm, with construction targeted for 2029. Here’s what is confirmed — and what is not.

🛩
NEWS · AIRPORTS

Zayed Airport Baggage Maintenance: Arrive 3.5 Hours Early

Terminal A's primary baggage system is under nightly 11pm–5am maintenance. Check the airport's 3.5-hour arrival advice, possible manual check-in delays and remote check-in options.

📚
NEWS · RESIDENT LIFE

Free Arabic Classes in Abu Dhabi 2026: How to Register

Abu Dhabi residents can apply for free online Arabic study through Zayed House for Islamic Culture and TAMM. Check eligibility, enrolment steps and the current course-structure caveat.

🏄
NEWS · SURFING

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro 2026 Cancelled

The WSL has removed the planned November Championship Tour stop. See the date changes, cancellation reason and what travellers with Abu Dhabi plans should check now.

🐾
NEWS · FAMILY EVENTS

PAW Patrol Live Abu Dhabi: Final Day 13 September

PAW Patrol Live! “Heroes Unite” finishes at Etihad Arena on Sunday. Check ticket bands, child rules, strollers, bags, digital tickets and arrival planning.

🐎
NEWS · CULTURE

Furusiyya Abu Dhabi 2026: Tonight Sold Out, Next Shows 14 Nov & 12 Dec

ADREA opens its new season with Furusiyya on Jubail Island. Tonight is sold out; official booking also lists 14 November and 12 December at 7pm.

💪
NEWS · EVENTS

All-Star Sumo Abu Dhabi 2026: 26 September, Ticket Status & Visitor Guide

Nine elite wrestlers, 36 bouts and a UAE sporting first at Space42 Arena. Check doors, start time, live ticket status, parking and the best way to plan the night.

🎫
NEWS · EVENTS

MEFCC 2026 Final Day: Sunday Tickets, John Cena & Visitor Guide

MEFCC ends Sunday 13 September at ADNEC. Check final-day hours, ticket status, celebrity sessions, parking, buses and practical planning before you go.

🖥
NEWS · TECHNOLOGY

Abu Dhabi’s 5GW AI Campus Plan Is Reportedly Being Redesigned

Reuters says the giant UAE–US AI Campus is being reworked for greater resilience after regional attacks. Here’s what is confirmed, what is reported, and why locals should care.

🎾
NEWS · EVENTS

Zayed Sports City Open Day 2026: Free Family Sports on 12 September

Try racquet sports and fitness, see 150+ automotive collectibles and enjoy family entertainment — with one important official timing discrepancy to check before you go.

📚
NEWS · EVENTS

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2026 Starts 13 September

Six days at ADNEC with around 1,500 events, exhibitors from 95 countries, family programmes, poetry, talks and cultural performances.

📲
NEWS · NEW ATTRACTIONS

Disneyland Abu Dhabi Confirmed for Yas Island

Disney and Miral have confirmed the Yas Island site for the Middle East's first Disney theme park resort.

🎨
NEWS · NEW ATTRACTIONS

teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi Opens on Saadiyat Island

A 17,000 sq m immersive art museum from teamLab has opened in the Saadiyat Cultural District.

🏛️
NEWS · NEW ATTRACTIONS

Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Open on Saadiyat

Two more major museums have joined the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the Saadiyat Cultural District.

🎨
NEWS · UPCOMING

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Set to Open in Late 2026

Set to be the largest museum in the global Guggenheim network, on track to open on Saadiyat Island in late 2026.

🌊
NEWS · PARK UPDATES

Yas Waterworld Adds Eight New Slides in Latest Expansion

Eight new slides, two jumping platforms and a lounging pool, taking the park past 70 experiences.

⭐
NEWS · RECOGNITION

Abu Dhabi Named Among BBC Travel's Best Destinations for 2026

BBC Travel has named Abu Dhabi among its best places to visit for 2026, citing its cultural expansion.

New news pages added weekly

This department is growing every update. Have a request for what we cover next?

Suggest a page

Partner links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

We only link to brands we actually use and trust: