Everything you need to know about visiting Abu Dhabi in November
Take me back to October | Jump forward to December
As the summer heat and humidity dissipates, Abu Dhabi enjoys a wonderful mild November. The cooler weather brings with it a noticeably more vibrant atmosphere as the city moves outdoors and begins to welcome many international visitors looking for some winter sun.
Abu Dhabi Weather in November
The average maximum daytime temperature in November is 29.5°C (85°F), although some days can still reach 37.4°C (99.3°F). Nights are balmy, with average lows of 24.2°C (75.6°F). Most days are sunny, although there may be some misty starts.
November is arguably the best time to visit the beach in Abu Dhabi. Cooler temperatures make sunbathing and playing in the sand much more comfortable, and average sea temperatures of around 28.5°C (83.3°F) make for a refreshing swim!
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 November 2023
There’s quite simply loads going on in Abu Dhabi this November, as well as the annual Flag Day celebrations, there are a whole host of cultural and sporting events for you to experience!
Please note that, the Al Hosn Green Pass has been abolished in the UAE. This means there are no longer any restrictions on public spaces and events in Abu Dhabi; vaccines are not mandatory, nor is PCR testing or wearing masks.
We are still updating this monthly guide to Abu Dhabi events for 2023 – dates and details below may still reference 2022
Cultural & Heritage Events
- Flag Day – Held every year on the 3rd of November, Emiratis take great pride and honour in displaying their National Flag. The flag represents justice, peace, tolerance, power and moderation. Homes and businesses will unfurl their flags on this day, and throughout November until National Day on 2nd December, you will see the city blanketed in red, green, white & black.
- As part of the UAE National Day Celebrations, NYU arts center will present ‘Hekayah -The Story’, which brings together poets, singers, musicians and storytellers in a one-of-a-kind event that showcases the diversity of the UAE.
- The Al Dhafra festival will be in full swing this month with a variety of events celebrating Bedouin culture. These include horse racing, falconry, camel milking competition, and camel beauty contest. The festival runs from October 28th 2023, until January 2024, in the desert, around a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi City. The exact schedule for 2023 TBC; for more details, click here.
- The Sheikh Zayed festival kicks off at Al Wathba this month. Running from the 17th of November 2023 to the 17th March 2024, this festival celebrates the culture and diversity of the UAE as well as the legacy of the nation’s founder.
- You can also check out the handicraft festival at Souq Al Qattara in Al Ain this month. The festival runs from the 1st until the 20th of November and celebrates traditional crafts and local artisans.
- The House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn is offering a variety of craft workshops, including printmaking on tote bags and candle making throughout November for more details, call +971 2 6976400.
- The Al Hosn Festival usually takes place in November or December and celebrates the UAE’s Heritage, craftsmanship, and art. The festival also showcases contemporary culture and provides a platform for artistic experimentation and engagement.
Sporting Events
- The WBA World Light Heavyweight Championship fight between Bivol and Ramirez will take place at the Etihad Arena on Saturday 5th November. There are sure to be some fireworks with these two in the ring!
- The checkered flags go up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 17th, with the season’s final race on November 20th.
- Cricket fans, get ready! Abu Dhabi T10 will begin on the 23rd of November at Zayed Cricket Stadium and will run until the 4th of December.
- The Football World Cup is taking place in Qatar between the 20th of November and the 18th of December 2022. Many fans are choosing the UAE as a base due and opting to fly into Doha for specific matches. Abu Dhabi is expected to be even busier than normal as a result. A dedicated Fanzone at Yas Links will see games being displayed on big screens, for those who’d rather enjoy the games from afar.
Theatrical Events
- Undoubtedly the biggest theatrical event of the year, Disney’s ‘The Lion King’ will make its Middle Eastern debut at the Etihad Arena. Running from November 16th to December 10th 2022, audiences are sure to be mesmerized by one of the West End’s favourite theatrical experiences.
- Families can enjoy a stage adaptation of Steven Lee’s picture book ’I spy with my little eye’ at Theatre by Erth on the 12th and 13th November.
- Magic Phil will keep little ones entertained on his festive-themed ‘Starlight Safari’ at Theatre By Erth on the 26th November. It promises to be a fun show full of surprises and a heartfelt Christmas message.
Live Music
- There will be Hype at the W Hotel, Yas Island on the 5th November as Claptone, Joris Voorn and the Mambo Brothers headline Abu Dhabi’s best electronic music festival.
- Yas Links is set for another busy weekend on the 11th and 12th November as One Republic and CAS hit the stage at the Amplified Music Festival.
- John Legend will headline at the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Grand Festival with a performance on the 12th November. Iraqi-Saudi singer and composer Majid Al-Muhandis and Egyptian composer, pianist and conductor Omar Khairat will also be performing.
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticket holders can enjoy four concerts included in their ticket fee. Swedish House Mafia will get everyone dancing on the 18th November, whereas KendrIck Lamar will bring an altogether different vibe on the 19th. The acts performing on the 17th and 20th have been announced as British rapper Dave and the massively successful rock band Def Leppard. RnB superstar Usher has also been announced as a bonus act on the 17th as well as performing at White Nightclub along with Ferg on the 19th.
- The world’s biggest selling classical artist Andrea Bocelli will be serenading the audience at Etihad Park (formerly the Du Arena) on November the 24th.
Exhibitions
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi will be celebrating its 5th anniversary this autumn with its ‘Grand Festival’ from the 11th -13th November. Special exhibitions include ’Impressionism: Pathways to Modernity’ which will run until the 5th February 2023.
- The Abu Dhabi art fair will run from the 16th-20th November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. There will be numerous exhibitions from local and international artists as well as workshops for the general public.
- The Abu Dhabi International Boat show could have you sailing off into the sunset at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition centre (ADNEC) between the 24th and 27th of November.
- And for any oil and gas professionals wanting to know how we will ‘meet the energy needs of tomorrow’, ADIPEC will be running from October 31st – November 3rd also at ADNEC.
Suggested Abu Dhabi Activities in November
November is the perfect month for seeing and experiencing more of the Abu Dhabi desert.
- We highly recommend visitors book, at the very least, an evening desert safari, if not a full overnight experience in the desert, to enjoy Bedouin hospitality and appreciate the vast rolling dunes of the Emirate at its best.
- Qasr al Watan has opened its doors to the public once more to explore the vast Great Hall and the surrounding grounds of the country’s Presidential Palace, an absolutely stunning modern architectural masterpiece. There are audio guides in a variety of languages and now a guide exclusively for kids. Come in the evening at weekends to see the spectacular Palace in Motion sound and light show projected onto the palace walls.
- Qasr al Hosn – the story of the city is a wonderful tour through the city’s oldest building, fully restored. An important educational experience for Abu Dhabi residents and visitors alike.
- Kayaking at the Louvre – as if visiting one of the world’s most spectacular modern museums isn’t enough, how about kayaking below the unique domed roof in a fascinating 60-minute tour?
- Take to the tracks! There are several bike tracks to enjoy in Abu Dhabi, perfect as the weather cools. So why not rent a bike at TrainYas open night on the Grand Prix circuit (outside of Grand Prix week) or try the new TrailX MTB for mountain biking on Al Hudayriyat?
Day trips from Abu Dhabi in November
There is no better time to explore the historic oasis city of Al Ain. Here you can experience many of the UAE’s most intriguing cultural attractions, including:
- Al Ain Oasis
- The Jebel Hafit Tombs – now part of the newly reopened Jebel Hafit Desert Park
- The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre – part of the Al Ain Zoo
- Al Jahili Fort & the Wilfred Thesiger photography exhibit
Abu Dhabi with Kids in November 2023
November brings with it a great range of indoor and outdoor opportunities for kids, why not try:
- Enjoy the fast and furious action at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi -with the introduction of two new attractions plus the exciting new family zone; there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, from tots to teens
- Jubail Mangrove Park – the little ones especially will love the boardwalk through the mangroves at either low tide to see the life in the mad flats beneath, or come at high tide to experience the natural beauty, or even go on a kayak-guided tour through the mangroves, an incredible nature experience close to town
- Enjoy one of Abu Dhabi’s family-friendly luxury beach clubs – we have a great selection to choose from here, including those which are most suited to families.
- The newly opened extension to the leisure facilities at Al Hudayriyat Island is a must-visit! Stay at the glamping tents at Bab al Nojoum, test your skills and endurance at the OCR Park or find plenty for kids to enjoy at Circuit X, from BMX Bikes to High Rope Courses. The beachfront here is also free to use, and there’s a great selection of food trucks.
Check out the best things to do in Abu Dhabi every month here
Before you go… Important things to consider 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 as well as top tips for first-timers on the dos and don’ts, laws, and customs in the UAE.
- Find the latest Abu Dhabi COVID-19 Guidance here.
- Discover the best places to stay in Abu Dhabi, or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:
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