`

Because most of us, NYU Abu Dhabi students, associate Abu Dhabi with studying, work, and more work, staying in Abu Dhabi for any break feels a bit unusual. Having almost unlimited free time around town may even feel a bit daunting: where do you even begin to explore? And now that quite a few people have vacated campus and will not be returning at least until the start of J-Term, the task of heading out in town might feel just like work. AD Secrets is here to help you navigate all the UAE capital offers to the residents in the coming month of festivities!

*BUBBLE PLANET at Manarat Al Saadiyat * Immersive bubble experiences are all the rave now, and Abu Dhabi just got its own! Head over to Manarat Al Saadiyat for interactive activities that combine cutting-edge technology and whimsical installations. Running from Dec. 22 to Feb. 15, 2025, BUBBLE PLANET will be there for you to explore for 65 AED.

Winter Wonderland at Al Maryah Island Run while it lasts! The Winter Wonderland experience at Al Maryah Island will be open until Dec. 31 and will offer shows and performances, film screenings, snack spots, and more, tailored to delight all winter enthusiasts.

Miami Vibes Festival in Umm Al Emarat Park The name says only a bit of what the Miami Vibes Festival is about. Foodies, this should definitely make it on your bucket list for this winter, as the fest promises to surprise its visitors with special treats. All fashion and photography aficionados will also have a grand time. The festival will be open from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3, 2025, and entry is 10 AED.

Mother of the Nation Festival at the Corniche The grand finale of this traveling festival is not to be missed. Head over to the Abu Dhabi corniche until Dec. 31, to catch this favorite local fest.

Liwa Festival at Al Dhafra All adventurous souls should head over to Liwa Village for this one-of-a-kind motorsport experience! Dune bashing over a 300-meter-tall dune? Check. Drag racing and Monster Trucks? Check. Emirati culture immersive experiences? Double check. You can bring your friends and family to impress them at the Liwa Festival until Jan. 4, 2025.

The Sheikh Zayed Festival Abu Dhabi’s crown-pearl festival, the Sheikh Zayed Festival, is back in town until Feb. 28, 2025. One of UAE’s biggest cultural festivals promises over 6000 cultural experiences and 1000 performances, with representatives from over 27 countries, so there will definitely be something for every visitor to love.

This New Year’s Eve, Abu Dhabi will be all aglow from the fireworks shows. Here are the top free spots to welcome the new year.

The Corniche The Corniche has to be the top choice: fairly close to the NYUAD campus, in the heart of town, open to the public, it has it all. If you are spending NYE in Abu Dhabi, then you should take the party to Abu Dhabi’s favorite promenade!

Hudayriat Island Yet another amazing spot for catching the fireworks, Hudayriat Island will also have food trucks, festive activities, and amazing photo spots available for all celebrating NYE there.

Yas Bay Waterfront This waterfront promenade offers amazing views of the Abu Dhabi skyline as well as its own fireworks show for NYE, so be sure to head out there early to save the best seats! Celebrations there start at 9 p.m. on Dec. 31.