TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 3 Inside 6 Things to do 12 The new Abu Dhabi megaprojects 52 Best ice cream spots 60 Staycation deals 70 Food 76 Nightlife 70 Sports & outdoors 82 The last word Features & Regulars On the co ver: Pho tograph y: Aasiy a Jagadeesh. Illustrations b y Crisel Cutinho Winner, winner ... fab dinner. We ate our way through the city to give you the official Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards 2025 winners – and the line-up is truly chef’s kiss Page 18 Mika4 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Time Out Abu Dhabi PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Geneva, London, Mumbai & Riyadh ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Chief Content Officer Holly Sands Time Out Abu Dhabi Editorial Head of Content McKenna Grant (maternity leave) Editor Mariana Cerqueira +971 2 245 0083 | mariana.cerqueira@itp.com Deputy Editor Lone Summers +971 2 245 0084 | lone.summers@itp.com Social Media Editor Tana van Heerden +971 2 245 0086 | tana.vanheerden@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño +971 4 444 3591 | jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad +971 4 444 3657 | rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Events & Marketing Head of Events Eleanor Ashton Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga events@itp.com Art Senior Designer Gillian Fletcher Junior Designer Celine Iskandar-Elhachem Junior Assistant Crisel Cutinho Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Production Production Manager Anand Sundaram +971 4 444 3424 | anand.sundaram@itp.com Distribution & Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira +971 4 444 3669 | avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai +971 4 444 3236 | rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Chief Commercial Officer Sally Whittam +971 4 444 334/+971 56 104 0567 | sally.whittam@itp.com Advertising Director Mitchell Rowlands +971 58 214 3987 | mitchell.rowlands@itp.com Commercial Manager Mark Burger +971 58 208 3409 | mark.burger@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published under the authority of and in collaboration with Time Out Group Limited London UK. Printed for sale in AGCC and Egypt only. The name and logo of Time Out are used under licence of Time Out Group Limited London UK. Published by ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC © 2025 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK. If I asked you to describe your perfect city, what would you say? For me, it comes down to three things. A burgeoning cultural scene. Enough restaurants where I can enjoy all the cuisines under the sun. A dash of that vibrant energy that makes you feel like something great is always around the corner. It won’t come as a surprise that this is exactly how I would sum up Abu Dhabi. Living in the capital feels like you’re always playing a (very fun) guessing game of what’s next. From what will be an iconic cultural district to the new Disney theme park, Abu Dhabi has so many new attractions up its sleeve that we could literally fill an entire issue with all of them. And while it can be hard to keep up with the evergrowing list, one thing’s for sure – this city will keep you guessing, in the best way possible. facebook.com/timeoutabudhabi youtube.com/timeoutgcc timeoutabudhabi timeoutabudhabi timeoutabudhabi Ed’s pick I’m cooling down with the city’s best scoops on pg 46 – anything chocolate and I’m sold.. Hello Mariana Cerqueira Editorslug 6 MONTH 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Things Let’s get loud Jennifer Lopez is coming back for round two The global icon is bringing her Up All Night tour to Etihad Arena on Yas Island on Tuesday July 29. And if you’ve ever seen J.Lo live, you know you’re in for a glittering, high-octane spectacle of epic proportions. This marks her first major tour since 2019’s It’s My Party and Abu Dhabi is the only stop in the Middle East. Yep, it’s a pretty big deal. O From Dhs295. Tue Jul 29, 7pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae. July Get ready to rumble UFC Fight Night is coming back Fight fans, get ready. UFC is making its grand return for another adrenaline-fuelled showdown on Saturday July 26 at Etihad Arena. That’s right, the Octagon is back and it promises to be an all-out fight. O From Dhs295. Sat Jul 26, 5.30pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae. Jennifer Lopez UFCslug ITC Franklin Gothic st - Heavy - 11pt TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 7 to do Have a giggle with Bill Burr Teehee The mastermind behind the Monday Morning Podcast and a string of hit stand- up specials, Bill Burr is known for his unapologetically sharp humour and is not one to miss. O From Dhs275. Sat Jul 12, 6pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae, ticketmaster.ae. Liwa Date Festival 2025 It’s festival time Get a real taste of tradition this summer as the Liwa Date Festival returns. Held in the heart of Al Dhafra, this beloved event is all about the iconic date palm – and it’s packed with flavour, culture and community spirit. Expect date competitions, traditional souks, falconry shows, live auctions, poetry recitals, workshops and storytelling. O Free entry. Mon Jul 14–Sun Jul 27, 10am-8.30pm. Liwa City, Al Dhafra (050 443 0003). Have a trippy time at teamLab Abu Dhabi’s coolest new spot teamLab Phenomena opened in April and it’s a mesmerising collection of organised chaos that should be at the tippity top of your list. It’s the idea that art, environment and audience are constantly in conversation so no two visits will feel the same. Touch something and it might ripple. Walk one way and a wave of colour could follow. Whether you’re going solo or dragging along the entire family, there’s something about the space that pulls everyone in. O Dhs150 (adults), Dhs50 (kids). Open Sun-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, teamlababudhabi.com, @teamlab_phenomena (600 56 55 66). Louvre Abu Dhabi Get the kids to the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s space camp It’s time to get spacey This immersive summer camp isn’t just about stars and space suits – it’s designed to teach aspiring young astronauts (aged five to 12) life skills like teamwork, focus and leadership through interactive art and space-themed challenges. Running in three waves across July and early August, each three-hour workshop blends art, fitness, cultural engagement and critical thinking to build confident, curious mini-explorers ready to conquer any galaxy (or group project). O Dhs400. Tue-Fri, Jul 1-4, Jul 8-11, or Jul 29-Aug 1. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 56 55 66).slug 8 MONTH 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Vroom vroom It’s the Arenacross World Tour Finals Ready for some stunts? With the world’s best motocross riders flying in to battle for the championship, you can expect three hours of explosive action and edge-of- your-seat thrills. The finals are set to be one of the wildest, high-octane events Abu Dhabi’s ever seen and that’s not all – every ticket unlocks access to athlete meet-and- greets and autograph sessions. And for the superfans? There’s an epic pre-show track walk where you can step onto the track, meet riders at the start gate and catch a private FMX show. Plus, you’ll be entered to win a 2025 Husqvarna TC 85 19/16 motocross bike – a seriously cool prize for budding racers. O From Dhs95. Sat Jul 5, 3pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae, ticketmaster.ae. Limp Bizkit August It’s time to Break Stuff Limp Bizkit are coming to town for a huge concert Nu-metal fans, it’s time to dust off your backwards caps and cargo pants – Limp Bizkit are heading to Abu Dhabi for one loud, rebellious night of rock chaos. The legendary rap-rock band is set to tear up Etihad Arena and we’re already feeling the nostalgia hit hard. Yes, Fred Durst and the gang are making their long-awaited return to the UAE thanks to Live Nation Middle East, in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral. O From Dhs395. Tue Aug 12, 8pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae, livenation.me. Motocrossslug ITC Franklin Gothic st - Heavy - 11pt TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 9 Things to do In the comments What’s got you talking on Instagram... Air-conditioned walkways “It’s such a classy city ” @holly.d93 “Need this in all over uae now” @tjpemayun@tjpemayun Got a tip? Email Tana for the latest hello@ timeoutabudhabi.com timeoutabudhabi Take your workout inside Head to Abu Dhabi Summer Sports Back for its fourth and biggest edition yet, Abu Dhabi Summer Sports is the largest indoor summer sports event of its kind in the region – and it’s just as massive as it sounds. A huge playground for sports lovers of all ages, expect everything from football, basketball and padel to badminton, table tennis, volleyball, tennis and even chess. O From Dhs50. Open daily, Jun 5-Aug 21, 6am-1am. ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, adsummersports.ae. No job is too big, and no pup is too small Paw Patrol is coming to Abu Dhabi Grab your pirate hats and get ready to set sail – PAW Patrol Live “The Great Pirate Adventure” is docking at Yas Island. Yep, the mighty animated pups are back and they’re bringing a swashbuckling stage show packed with adventure, music and treasure-hunting fun. Little ones (and let’s be honest, big kids too) can join Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Skye and the whole crew as they dive into an epic pirate quest to save Adventure Bay’s Pirate Day celebrations. O From Dhs95. August 29-31, Fri 5.30pm-7pm; Sat 11am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-4pm, 6pm-7.30pm; Sun 11am-12.30pm, 2.30pm-4pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae, platinumlist.net. Take the kids to the new Leo & Loona at Dalma Mall It’s play time Say hello to the playground of playgrounds. With seriously cool zip lines, racing tracks, flower shops and a sprinkle of moonlight magic, Leo & Loona have officially flung open the gates to their newest fantasy-filled family attraction at Dalma Mall. And trust us, it’s way more than just a kids’ park. This immersive play city is designed for discovery – think multimedia rooms, themed party spaces (hello candy clouds), toddler-safe zones and even glowing ramps that double as backdrops for bedtime stories. Plus, adults can stay topped up at the restaurant serving international cuisine. O From Dhs139. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-12am. Leo & Loona, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, leoloona.ae. Paw PatrolNext >