When it comes to holidays in Abu Dhabi, the events calendar is popping off like fireworks on New Year's Eve. Think high-speed thrills, cultural chills and everything in between - all housed in the buzzing city. Keep your eyes peeled for these annual showstoppers:

• Al Ain Air Championship (January) - a high-flying event where you can watch daredevil pilots perform aerobatics and jaw-dropping stunts in the skies over Al Ain

• Abu Dhabi Festival (March) - a month-long festival celebrating all things culture and creativity, with everything from classical music and opera to contemporary dance and visual art

• Mother of the Nation Festival (March) - a vibrant festival celebrating Emirati women and all their achievements, with live music and family-friendly activities right along the beachfront

• Abu Dhabi International Jazz Festival (April - May) - a week-long celebration of all things jazz, with famous performers, dancers and Latin musicians taking to the stage

• Liwa Date Festival (July) - you're gonna want to head to the Liwa Oasis for this iconic festival celebrating the region's fave fruit, with contests, tastings and traditional Emirati performances - it's as sweet as it gets!

• Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (October) - welcome to the world of luxury yachts, super boats and watersports - the perfect event for sea-lovers and anyone who likes to daydream about the boujee life (guilty)

• Taste of Abu Dhabi (November) - buckle up foodies, because this event brings together the city's best restaurants and chefs to showcase delish food with cooking demos, tastings and live entertainment

• Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (November) - watch thrilling races with world-class drivers at the Yas Marina Circuit, alongside concerts from international superstars

• Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival (November - December) - a deep-dive into the Emirate heritage and culture, featuring traditional crafts, music and dance in honour of the UAE's founding father - Sheikh Zayed

• Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival (December) - forget January sales, Abu Dhabi's all about December sales, with the Department of Culture and Tourism holding this shopping festival every year across hundreds of malls, and discounts as high as 75% off!

Nightlife in Abu Dhabi is a proper mix of swanky lounges, rooftop bars and beach clubs where the beats are as hot as the weather. Whether you’re up for dancing the night away or chilling with a fancy mocktail, don’t miss out on these top nightlife spots:

• MAD on Yas Island - the biggest indoor nightclub in the UAE, hosting international DJs, jaw-dropping light shows and a dancefloor that's always packed

• Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi - a chic beachfront bar at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, decked out with swanky décor, chilled beats from the DJ, and delish drinks

• Hemingway's - a cosy pub located at the Radisson Blu, dishing out refreshing pints and proper pub grub, with live sports on the big screens

• Rush - this place is the only nightclub in the world to straddle an F1 racetrack, with bangin' tunes, sleek vibes and a buzzing party atmosphere

• Ray's Bar - you'll find this epic bar on the 62nd floor of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, serving up swanky cocktails, stylish vibes and jaw-dropping views

• McGettigan's AUH - an Irish pub with a proper good atmosphere, offering live music, delish pub food and pints on tap

• Stars 'N' Bars - a lively sports bar on Yas Island that has a bit of everything - live music, DJ sets, arcade games and big screens for catching your fave sports

Feasting in Abu Dhabi is like one big fat flavour fiesta. Think succulent meats, aromatic spices and sweet treats that’ll have your taste buds singing. If you find yourself browsing the menu while you're out there, keep an eye out for these tasty classics:

• Shawarma - the UAE's answer to a sandwich, with juicy marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb), wrapped in soft flatbread and stuffed with pickles, garlic sauce and veggies. We're drooling.

• Machboos - a flavour-packed rice dish similar to biryani, made with tender meat, fragrant spices and dried lime for the ultimate comfort food

• Harees - a traditional dish made with wheat and meat, slow-cooked to a creamy consistency

• Balaleet - a brekkie dish that combines sweet and savoury in the best possible way, think vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, cardamom and saffron, and topped off with a fried egg. Don't knock it 'til you try it!

• Luqaimat - sweet, doughy dumplings (we're already sold) that are fried until golden and drizzled with either date syrup or honey

• Esh Asarya - one of Abu Dhabi's most famous desserts, made with sweet pieces of bread smothered in cream and served with chopped pistachios. It's like the Arabian answer to bread and butter pudding!

The city serves up everything from old-school Emirati kitchens to celeb-chef hotspots, so you’re never far from a foodie moment. Here are some top spots to add to your must-eat list on your Abu Dhabi holidays:

• Al Fanar Restaurant & Café – step back in time for authentic Emirati dishes in a vintage setting. Perfect for trying machboos or harees.

• Zuma – Japanese fine dining in the heart of the city. Sushi, robata grills, and sleek vibes.

• Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi – upscale Indian dining at Emirates Palace. Expect gourmet curries, artistic plating, and serious wow-factor.

• COYA Abu Dhabi – Peruvian flavours with a Middle Eastern twist, plus one of the city’s best Pisco Sours. Trendy, buzzy, and perfect for couples or friends.

• Bentley Kitchen – a European brasserie with chic interiors and hearty bites, from wagyu sliders to truffle pasta. Casual but classy.