< Previousslug 10 MONTH 2025 TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM Harry Potter in Concert September Harry Potter in Concert is returning to Abu Dhabi Accio tickets The official Harry Potter Film Concert Series is flying back into the capital with The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, conjuring up the magic live, performing every note of John Williams’ unforgettable score while the films play in high definition on a whopping 40-foot screen. Expect goosebumps, nostalgia and maybe a few happy tears. O From Dhs120. Sat Sep 6 and Sun Sep 7, 7.30pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae, platinumlist.net, harrypotterinconcert.com. Check out a new exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire The new season kicks off in glorious style with a deep dive into the mighty Mamluk Sultanate – a dynasty that ruled swathes of the Islamic world for over 250 years. Think Egypt, the Levant, parts of Turkey and Saudi Arabia’s holy sites – all under one powerful banner. Expect intricate craftsmanship, epic diplomacy and a visual journey through a golden age of Islamic art. Centrepieces include the Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus and the jaw-dropping Baptistery of Saint Louis. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from Paris’ Musée du Louvre and Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own collection. O From Dhs65. Sep 17-Jan 25. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae. Have a lil dip at night The Ilios night swim Now there’s even more reason to swing by as Ilios is turning up the charm with a new Friday experience that’s too tempting to miss. This weekly event includes access to the beach club’s temperature-controlled pool and unlimited selected drinks for three hours. Nice. O Dhs125 (soft drinks), Dhs145 (house drinks). Every Fri 4-7pm. Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriat Island, @ilios.abudhabi (02 419 8508). Café del Mar – Noches del Mar Swap your weekday blues for deep house grooves at Café del Mar Abu Dhabi. Noches del Mar is your cue to dive into the week with a night swim like no other. For Dhs299, enjoy three hours of free-flowing drinks while soaking up infinity pool vibes, Yas Bay skyline views and a live DJ spinning smooth, sultry beats. Whether you’re poolside or in the water, this is how midweek nights were meant to be. O Dhs299 (free-flow drinks). Mon, Tue & Thu, 8pm-11pm. Café del Mar, Yas Bay Waterfront, cafedelmarabudhabi.com. Café del Mar IliosTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM MONTH 2025 3 Summer’s really just about two things: sun-kissed pool days and cool staycations. That’s it. That’s the post. If you’re thinking the same, then it might be time to pack your Rimowa and check into InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Picture sun-soaked lounging, lazy dips in the pool and waking up to sparkling sea views. Tempted? You should be. The hotel’s all-inclusive staycation offer makes it easier to block out dates on your calendar this summer. Starting from Dhs564 per night, you’ll get breakfast, lunch and dinner all sorted, plus access to three outdoor pools, a private beach and a kids’ pool complete with slides. There are also plenty of activities lined up for the little ones, so the grown-ups can fully switch off while the kids stay entertained. Food is, of course, also a big draw. You’ll be well-fed from morning to evening with international buffets and à la carte options served with a smile. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, hearty Italian, or vibrant Pan-Asian plates, there’s plenty to Partner content tuck into across seven signature restaurants. If you’re after something extra special, you can always upgrade to the Premium All-Inclusive Package, which unlocks Dine Around access and lets you explore all the hotel’s award-winning restaurants with lots of added benefits. In between your foodie journey, check out the pool or the private beach. Both are calm Cool down with InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s all-inclusive seaside retreat The Arabian Sea is calling and peaceful enough that a long stroll here with a book in tow will make you feel like you’re the main character in a romcom. There’s even a fully kitted-out health club if you’re keen to keep your routine going while away. When you’re ready to venture out, Abu Dhabi’s best bits are right on your doorstep. From the architectural marvel that is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the multisensory journey at teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi to the creative spaces of Louvre Abu Dhabi and the family-friendly fun of Yas Island, you’re perfectly placed to explore the capital without the hassle of long drives. This summer, how about pausing the daily grind and giving yourself that break? Go on, treat yourself. O From Dhs564. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, @interconad (02 5999 330). New attractions 12 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM12 22222222222222222 SUMMSUMMUMUMSUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMSUMMSUMMSUMSUMMMMMMMMMSUMMMMMSUMMSUMMMSUMMSU MSUMMMS MMMSSUU MUUUUUUUER 2EER 2ERER 2ER 2ER ER 2ER 2ERER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ER 2ERER 2ER 2ER 2ERER 2ER 2R 2222ER 22R 22ER 2ER 222R 222222222222222222222222222202020000220202020202525025025502500020220222022225220250250202000022250220200200020025250000022 TIMTIMTIMTIMTIMMIMIIII EOEOEOEOEOEOEEOEOUOEOEOUOOOOUTOUTOUTOUTUTEOOOOUOEOOOOUEOUEOUOOOOOUOOUEEOOEEOUOUOUOUUOUE UUU ABUDABUDABUDABUDABUABUABUBUBUBUUUUUABUDABUDBUDDDABUBUBUBUUBUBBBBUUUUUUABBBBUUBUBBUBUBUBUBUUBBUDBBUDBBUBBUUBBBUBBUDDBBUDDBUUU HABIABIHABIHAHAHABHAHHHHHH.COM.COM.CO.COMCOCOMOMMMMCOM.COMCOMMCOMOOMMMMMMMMC MMM Disney Abu Dhabi New attractions TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 13 Saadiyat Cultural District to the massive Disney announcement no one saw coming, we have the ultimate guide to all the new attractions coming to the city. So sit tight, because we’re in for a wild ride. Disney Abu Dhabi Opening date: predicted 2030-2032 Grab your Mickey ears and start practising your “Hakuna matata” because something seriously magical is coming to Yas Island – and it’s not a mirage. The Walt Disney Company has officially announced that it’s bringing a full-scale theme park resort to Abu Dhabi, and it’s already shaping up to be a regional game-changer. This isn’t just another Disneyland. It’s Disney’s first-ever park in the Middle East and only the seventh destination worldwide, which puts Abu Dhabi in the same chat as Orlando, Paris and Tokyo – not too shabby. So, what can we expect? For starters, location, location, location – the new park is landing on Yas Island, already home to blockbuster attractions like Ferrari World, SeaWorld and Warner Bros. World. With Disney joining the party, Yas is quickly becoming the entertainment capital of the capital. Think of it as a theme park dream team and Disney is the star player. But this won’t be just about rehashing old fairytales. Disney Abu Dhabi is being billed as the most technologically advanced Disney park ever created. According to Disney Experiences chairman Josh D’Amaro, the project will “push the boundaries of Y ou can sense it in the air, but most importantly, you can see it from the multiple cranes and construction sites. Abu Dhabi is going through a transformation like no other, adding even more attractions to its already impressive arsenal. It’s all part of the Tourism Strategy 2030, which aims to boost the number of annual tourists visiting the capital to 39.3 million by 2030. To put things into perspective, the capital received 3.2 million international overnight visitors in 2024, which was already a 28 per cent year-on-year increase – but that number is about to rise, and fast. Enter all the new attractions. Even if you live in the capital, it’s easy to lose track with so many announcements. But fear not, because we’ve been keeping score. From the much-awaited completion of the The Abu Dhabi Disney Abu Dhabi M BOOM You may be losing count of all the new attractions coming to the city, but we haven’t. By Mariana Cerqueira14 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM theme park design”, blending next-gen tech, visionary architecture and even a reimagined castle that leans more towards Frozen than Sleeping Beauty. And here’s where it gets really interesting – this isn’t a copy-paste Disneyland. Disney Abu Dhabi will celebrate Emirati culture and heritage, weaving local stories into the rides, architecture and overall design. Expect sand dunes, souks and pearl divers mingling with Mickey and Moana. It’s a true fusion of storytelling styles and we’re here for it. Beyond the thrills and fairy dust, the project is also tipped to deliver a serious economic boost to the capital. Thousands of jobs will be created across the hospitality and tourism sectors, and the surrounding areas of Yas Island are already seeing property values start to rise. Own a villa nearby? Consider yourself lucky – this is the Disney effect in full swing. Tourism-wise, it’s a slam dunk. With Abu Dhabi becoming the newest go-to destination for families across the UAE, GCC, India and Africa, the park is expected to lure in millions of visitors. Why endure a 15-hour flight to Disneyland California when the magic is arriving in your backyard? The only catch? You’ll need to wait a few years. The park is still in the early design phase, with a projected opening date set for sometime between 2030 and 2032. But when it arrives, it’s promising to combine indoor comfort and outdoor spectacle in a way that lets you beat the heat and still feel the breeze. Plus, it’ll sit right by the water – and may even feature a castle that brings the sea right into the story. So hold onto your mouse ears – because the magic is about to get very, very real. O Opening date TBA. Yas Island. Guggenheim Opening date: TBA We’ve waited. And waited. And… well, waited some more. But now, after years of watching the cranes swing over Saadiyat Island like slow-motion ballet dancers, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is finally nearing its grand debut. While the opening date is still under wraps, the building is set to be completed by the end of 2025. The long-anticipated cultural titan will be the biggest Guggenheim museum in the world (12 times bigger than the one in New York), sprawling across 42,000 square metres. That’s a lot of art – and a lot of gallery space to get lost in. Let’s start with the architecture. Because, naturally, you can’t mention a Guggenheim without swooning a little over the building itself. This one is the work of legendary architect Frank Gehry (you know, the man behind the Guggenheim Bilbao), and it’s as bonkers-brilliant as you’d expect. Inspired by traditional Emirati wind towers, the building fuses Gehry’s signature curves with cultural nods to the UAE’s landscape, creating an unmissable icon in the making. And inside? Well, if you thought the outside was impressive, just you wait. Expect a mix of gallery clusters of different heights and shapes, plus a centre for art and tech, a kids’ educational zone, conservation labs, a library, and archives. No biggie. But this isn’t just about blockbuster architecture or name-dropping Guggenheim – this is a museum with purpose. The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to showcase an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, with a special focus on West Asia, North Africa and South Asia (WANASA, if you’re GuggenheimNew attractions TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 15 in the know). There’ll be big-name pieces, rising stars, and bold, cross-cultural dialogues that spark fresh perspectives. It’s not just a static collection either. Over 500 works have already been acquired over the last 15 years, and new commissions from both regional and international artists will be created specifically for the museum. Add to that a packed programme of rotating exhibitions and educational initiatives, and you’ve got yourself a world-class cultural powerhouse in the making. While Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be operated by the famed Guggenheim Foundation (alongside their museums in New York, Venice and Bilbao), it’s owned by Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company – marking a serious investment in the capital’s creative future. O Opening date TBA. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island. Harry Potter Themed Land Opening date: TBA Wizards, witches and muggles, get ready to board the Hogwarts Express from the desert. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is bringing Middle East’s very first Harry Potter- themed land to Yas Island and yes, it’s going to be as magical as it sounds. The park – already famous for its climate-controlled, fully indoor setup – is conjuring up a whole new land dedicated to J.K. Rowling’s beloved Wizarding World. That’s right: you’ll soon be able to stroll down Diagon Alley, sip a frothy butter drink in Hogsmeade and maybe even catch a glimpse of Hogwarts Castle, all without leaving the city. A collaboration between Miral (the masterminds behind much of Yas Island’s epic growth) and Warner Bros. Discovery, this enchanted expansion will be the latest jewel in Abu Dhabi’s entertainment crown. Expect intricate set pieces, themed dining spots, magical merchandise and – if we’re lucky – a few surprise encounters with Hippogriffs, house elves and maybe even He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. The new magic world joins Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi’s other six incredible lands, including Gotham City, Metropolis and Bedrock. Whether you’re a Gryffindor with a thirst for heroics, a Ravenclaw on a trivia quest, or just really, really into chocolate frogs, there’s going to be something here for every type of Potterhead. So, grab your cloaks and polish your wands because when this opens, it’s going to be a must-visit, whether you’re eight or eighty. O Opening date TBA. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island . Harry Potter Themed Land GuggenheimNew attractions 16 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Natural History Museum Natural History MuseumNew attractions TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 17 Natural History Museum Opening date: TBA Calling all curious minds, fossil fanatics and stargazers – the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is officially landing in the city, and it promises to be one of the capital’s most exciting cultural attractions yet. Set in the ever-evolving Saadiyat Cultural District, this mega-museum will whisk you through 13.8 billion years of Earth’s epic story. From prehistoric predators to alien stardust, this place is going to be anything but boring. One of the stars of the show? Meet “Stan”, the 67-million-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton that’s among the most complete and best-preserved in the world. He’s fierce, fossilised, and no doubt about to become Abu Dhabi’s most Instagrammed resident. But dinos are just the beginning. The museum will also showcase the legendary Murchison Meteorite, which crash-landed in Australia over four decades ago and casually carries pre-solar grains that are seven billion years old. That’s older than our entire solar system – talk about perspective. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Mecanoo, the building itself is something to marvel at. Think rocky outcrops, greenery-covered rooftops, and water features that blend seamlessly into the natural landscape of Saadiyat. It’s giving Jurassic Park meets futuristic desert oasis, and we’re here for it. This Natural History Museum won’t just be about staring at ancient relics in glass boxes. It’s designed to be interactive, educational and wildly inspiring. Through immersive galleries and cutting-edge storytelling, visitors will journey from Earth’s fiery formation to the ecosystems of today and even glimpse into what the future might hold. There’s a strong sustainability and conservation message running through it Nobu New hotels Mondrian Known for its spectacular (and photo-friendly) interiors, the new opening is the brand’s first hotel in the UAE. Located Downtown along the canal, you’ll get Reem Island and Al Maryah Island views from the 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments. There’s also a spa, a kids club, a gym, a roof deck pool and a chic crystal-clear lagoon, with ocean views and an infinity pool design. Dreamy. O Opening in 2025. Downtown Abu Dhabi. Nobu The Nobu brand is landing in Abu Dhabi with a restaurant, branded residents and… a hotel. Located on Saadiyat Island, we’re expecting the five-star luxury vibes that’s made Nobu a celebrity favourite. O Opening TBA. Saadiyat Island.New attractions 18 SUMMER 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM everyone away in 2023?) are bringing their magic over to Abu Dhabi with our very own Sphere. Pretty cool, right? We don’t yet know where it will be built but rest assured it’s going to be in a prime location for an insane line-up of concerts, shows and events, all housed in a mega venue that looks straight out of the future. We’re talking jaw-dropping visuals, mind- melting sound and immersive experiences that’ll leave you saying, “How did they even do that?” With its massive 20,000-seat capacity, the Abu Dhabi Sphere is set to be the place to be for unforgettable entertainment (in case you can’t tell, we’re a little bit excited about it). While the exact opening date is still under wraps, we can definitely already feel the buzz. O Opening date and location TBA. all, aimed at igniting a lifelong passion for the planet in younger generations. What sets this museum apart? It’s the first of its kind in the region to tell the story of Earth’s natural history through an Arabian lens, with a spotlight on the local flora, fauna and geological wonders of the region. Alongside exhibitions, the museum will house a full-fledged scientific research and teaching institute, diving deep into palaeontology, zoology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences. O Opening date TBA. Saadiyat Cultural Disctrict, Saadiyat Island. Sphere Abu Dhabi Opening date: TBA The masterminds behind the legendary Sphere in Las Vegas (you know, that insane 20,000-seat, next-gen venue that blew Sphere Abu DhabiNew attractions TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM SUMMER 2025 19 Island life Fahid Island Set to open in 2029, Fahid Island will feature a beach club, a five-star resort, 4.6km of beaches and Berm Park, a 10km wellness and fitness corridor with running tracks and three cycling routes. It will have Abu Dhabi’s answer to LA’s Rodeo Drive – Coral Drive – a shopping destination meant to be walked, not driven through. No shops have been announced yet but we’re expecting a high-low mix of big names. Jubail Island Nestled between Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Jubail Island is Abu Dhabi’s serene sanctuary where luxury meets nature. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, this eco-conscious development boasts six distinct villages, offering a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired villas, waterfront apartments, and townhouses, all designed to complement the island’s lush mangroves and tranquil beaches. Residents will enjoy access to private marinas, cycling tracks, wellness centres and community hubs, fostering a lifestyle centred on wellbeing and connection to nature. With its commitment to sustainability and community living, Jubail Island redefines upscale coastal living in the UAE capital. Ramham Island This 400-hectare island is set to feature 1,800 standalone villas, 900 marina residences, a luxury hotel and a retail promenade, all designed to provide residents with a resort-style lifestyle. Located between Saadiyat and Yas Islands, Ramhan Island will also boast pristine beaches, mangrove forests and serene bays. With amenities like a world-class marina, wellness centre and gourmet dining options, Ramhan Island is poised to become a premier destination for those seeking an exclusive and tranquil living experience. “Coral Drive will be Abu Dhabi’s answer to LA’s Rodeo Drive” Coral DriveNext >