Dates not yet confirmed. The organiser has not announced this edition. The dates below follow the festival's usual pattern and are our best estimate; check the official site before booking around them.
Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction fills Madinat Zayed, in Abu Dhabi's western region, each October with date auctions, honey and cooking contests; the 2025 edition offered 173 prizes.
Dates and details checked October 2, 2026 by Elliot Marsh against the organiser's site.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi around 17 to 26 October 2026, dates pre-filled. Prices and availability open on the partner site.
Al Dhafra Dates Festival and Auction runs 17 to 26 October. These are the food tours and tastings in Abu Dhabi to book for the days around it; most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
3 hours
Experience an unforgettable New Year's Eve on the water, This 3-hour cruise aboard a traditional Arabian Dhow features a luxurious festive buffet dinner with unlimited...
4 - 4.5 hours
Sunrise desert safari with pickup from your location and drive into the desert for a special Camel ride, Dune bashing, sandboarding, scenic photo stop, continental bre...
Private tour · 3 hours
Escape to a private island at night for a beach BBQ, bonfire, music, stargazing, and swimming under the moonlight with a relaxing tropical atmosphere.
Address: Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi
30 Oct to 14 Mar
Sheikh Zayed Festival
Heritage Village food stalls, national pavilions, an Emirati traditional cuisine contest, Al Wathba Boulevard restaurants
17-26 Feb 2027
Ramadan Festival on the Abu Dhabi Corniche
Food trucks, traditional Ramadan drinks, suhoor dishes, a Ramadan souq
6-8 Oct
Global Food Week
Food and agriculture trade show: producers, food technology, hospitality, a honey symposium
13-15 Nov
Taste of Abu Dhabi
Pop-up dishes from 16 Abu Dhabi restaurants, chef workshops, pasta and barbecue classes
21-23 Nov
MICHELIN Guide Food Festival Abu Dhabi
Dishes from Michelin Guide restaurants in Abu Dhabi and abroad, masterclasses, a producers' market
14-23 Jul 2027
Liwa Dates Festival
Emirati dates and rutab, farmers' competitions, date products
