Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in April
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Please note we are continuously updating this page given the circumstances surrounding the Iran War, events may change at short notice
April is a transition month, weather-wise, for Abu Dhabi. Mild, pleasant days at the start of the month, usually coinciding with local and European school holidays, turning into hot days approaching summery highs by the end of the month.
There is usually a lot going on around town in April as many outdoor events such as markets, al fresco breakfasts, brunches, and bars squeeze out the last of outdoor weather before life moves indoors, usually around the start of May.
However, in 2026, things are bound to feel a lot different.
The important message to reiterate, whether you are local or stopping through this month, is that the city (and indeed the whole country) is still very much open for business., albeit events are still being postponed and cancelled.
Follow any safety alerts issued by the UAE authorities and be aware last minute cancellations may need to be made. Follow MOIUAE as a reliable government source of information.
Abu Dhabi Weather in April
Abu Dhabi’s average daytime maximum temperature in April is 31.4°C (88.5°F), with highs up to 43°C (109.4°F) and average overnight lows of 24.6°C (76.3°F). Rainy weather this year has led to much lower-than-usual temperatures in early April 2026.
In April, you should expect an average sea temperature of 25.2°C (77.4°F). The month starts with minimum sea temperatures of around 22.7°C (74.9°F), rising to a very pleasant 27.7°C (79.9°F) by the month’s end.
Make no mistake, no matter what time of year you visit Abu Dhabi, you will still want a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses – you can find our full packing list tips for Abu Dhabi here.
Weather information sourced from the National Centre of Meteorology Climate Report 2003-2019 for Abu Dhabi Corniche and seatemperature.org
Abu Dhabi Special Events in April 2026
Cultural Events in Abu Dhabi in April
- Easter in Abu Dhabi, although not formally marked as a holiday in the UAE, is widely celebrated in the retail and hospitality industry (Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026 for Catholics and Sunday, April 12, 2026, for Orthodox) – church services and events across the city
Festivals and Exhibitions
- DAZ Festival outdoor adventure will continue to take place from 3-12 April 2026 at Al Jahili Park in Al Ain
- Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al Wathba has extended its season until Sunday, 5 April 2026, offering free entry to all.
Sports and Entertainment
- Yas Waterworld will open its new extension to the public on 4 April 2026 – enjoy the UAE’s tallest water slide, free-fall tube races, and a new pool lounge.
- Catch the last two race meets of the season at Abu Dhabi Turf Club with Vitamin C Day on 4 April and Velora Season Finale on 11 April 2026
- The Laughter Factory will be in town on 12 April 2026 to bring some much-needed laughs at The Club
- YMC Official, Yas Marina Circuit is hosting the ‘One Flag, One Walk, One Community‘ event on Wednesday, 15 April 2026 – free entry (see also their complete schedule of open events at the track for April)
- Abu Dhabi 360, in conjunction with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, is hosting a special event, ‘Run for the Nation‘, open to families and all fitness levels, on 18 April 2026: a 5km fun run starting at Wahat Al Karama – free entry
- The Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra and Choir will be putting on their first jazz concert of the year Sunday, 29 April, at the Cultural Foundation
- ‘The Voice of Egypt’ Angham Live comes to the stage for a special event on Saturday, 25 April 2026 – Space 42 Arena
- Rashed Al Majid takes the stage at Etihad Arena on 30 April 2026, bringing us his classic Arabic tunes.
Cancelled & Postponed Events from April 2026
Most events involving large crowd gatherings have been cancelled due to the ongoing regional conflict. Please note the new dates for the following events:
- Middle East Film and Comic Con has moved to 11-13 September 2026 at ADNEC
- Abu Dhabi International Book Fair postponed to 13 -18 September 2026 ADNEC
- Christina Aguilera has had her concert at Etihad Arena postponed to 25 September 2026
- Off Limits Festival at Etihad Park has been postponed to 21 November 2026
- Tarkan Live at Etihad Arena has been postponed to 27 November 2026
- BRED Abu Dhabi Neoculture Festival on Yas Island postponed with new date TBC
- Hyperbound Kpop Fest on 18 April 2026 has been cancelled. Await news if there will be a reschedule.
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in April 2026
April, when it’s really starting to warm up, is a great time of year to consider some water and poolside activities. We suggest that in April, you mix things up by staying indoors during the peak of the day and spending the early mornings and evenings outside to take advantage of the mild nighttime temperatures. Why not try:
- Kayak or walk the boardwalk at Jubail Mangrove Park, followed by a morning touring the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Take a guided speed boat tour around Abu Dhabi’s extensive coastline—there are Yas Marina options and tours that leave from the Emirates Palace Marina.
- Enjoy a day trip to relax on the stunning little Al Maya Island.
- Tour the incredible Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and enjoy the Diya Experience as well as the new Light and Peace museum.
- Enjoy the new Saadiyat Cultural District Museum Pass and see three world-class museums in one destination.
- Stroll the Corniche in the evening, or even better, hire a bike or a scooter from the central Corniche plaza to get the most of Abu Dhabi’s 8km long beach frontage.
- Visit Qasr Al Watan to see the country’s Presidential Palace in action.
Day Trips from Abu Dhabi in April 2026
- April is a great time to squeeze in a bit of camping before the outdoor season ends. If you don’t have access to your own tent, why not head to Sir Bani Yas Island to enjoy this stunning nature reserve (an overnight stay at one of the beachfront villas is highly recommended!) or try one of these purpose-built glamping sites in Abu Dhabi.
- Try the refreshing Al Ain Oasis on a day trip to the Garden City, Al Ain.
- It’s still pleasant enough in the evenings to enjoy a desert safari, admire the sparkling dunes at sunset, followed by a traditional Bedouin experience under the stars.
Abu Dhabi with Kids in April 2026
The kids will no doubt be happy sitting poolside in April, so staying at one of the lovely city resort hotels with a kids’ club will be an absolute winner at this time of year. We love the family-friendly facilities at:
- Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island – Ultra All-Inclusive
- Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi
- The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
April is the perfect time of year to enjoy the outdoor rides and attractions of Yas Waterworld, followed by cooling off at SeaWorld, Warner Bros World or Ferrari World, all giving a welcome and secure indoor reprieve from the heat!
Enjoy the attractions on Hudayriyat Island, including the Circuit X high ropes park, BMX track, skate park, and splash park, all of which are open into the evening to beat the midday heat. Soak up the nighttime atmosphere of the Marsana area, packed full of restaurants, cafes, and food trucks right by the beach.
Check out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi every month here
Before you go… Important things to consider when planning a trip to Abu Dhabi
- Pop into our essential planning information page; it includes everything you need to know about getting around Abu Dhabi, a handy guide on what to pack and top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Start planning your itinerary around the 60+ top places to visit in Abu Dhabi.
- Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance!
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi.
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