Five Abu Dhabi weekend ideas — LEGO, brunch & free heritage

ABU DHABI PLANNER · THE WEEKEND EDIT

Here is your shortlist for Friday 11–Sunday 13 September 2026 — from Comic Con and LEGO builds to a free heritage stop.

ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi · 11–13 September 2026

Make Friday evening your after-work escape into comics, cosplay and gaming, or give Sunday to Artist Alley and the tabletop zone. Choose a few things you actually want to see rather than trying to cover every hall; set a separate spending limit for collectibles and celebrity extras.

When: Friday 11 September, 3–11pm; Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, noon–11pm.
Cost: Friday or Sunday standard one-day passes AED 160 online. Ages 6 and under free; ages 7–11 AED 50 per day, bought onsite only. Celebrity photographs and autographs cost extra.
Know before you go: Checked 11 September: Friday and Sunday still available; Saturday, VIP and three-day passes sold out, including at the door. Book your adult ticket before travelling; bring age ID for children. Prices and availability can change.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi · Saadiyat Island

Dinosaurs, animals and space, rebuilt in LEGO bricks. This hands-on exhibition brings collaborative builds, trails and workshops into the museum: a good pick for curious children and the adults building alongside them.

When: Friday 11–Sunday 13 September, 10am–8.30pm; last entry 7.45pm. Exhibition runs 29 August–8 November 2026.
Cost: LEGO SHOWS is included with museum admission: adults AED 70; UAE nationals and residents AED 49 with the currently advertised Summer Offer; under-18s free.
Know before you go: Bring a valid Emirates ID for the resident rate. Children aged 12 and under must stay with an adult. The Immersive Theatre costs extra; do not add other discounts to the AED 49 rate.

Southern Sun Abu Dhabi · Al Zahiya

For a Saturday built around lunch: live-cooked premium meats, a buffet and an unhurried three-hour sitting. Pick the soft-drinks package if you want the food without the extras.

When: Saturday 12 September, 1–4pm.
Cost: AED 304 soft package; AED 404 house; AED 550 champagne. Published prices include applicable taxes and service charges.
Know before you go: Booking is essential. Ask the venue about children’s pricing.

Al Hosn · Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street

Swap another mall lap for a look at Emirati craft traditions. The House of Artisans and surrounding landscape are a genuinely free adult outing — without needing to buy a fort ticket.

When: Friday 11 September, 2–8pm; Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September, 9am–8pm.
Cost: AED 0 for House of Artisans and landscape admission. Qasr Al Hosn fort, special workshops and events are excluded.
Booking: Use the official visit and ticketing page below; paid activities are separate.

Al Rawdah · An affordable adult plan

Give the marble courtyards, floral details and grand scale an afternoon of their own. Choose a daytime visitor slot rather than the separately booked Sura night experience.

When: Saturday 12 or Sunday 13 September. Official booking hours: 9am–8.30pm; a 4–5pm visit is our suggested window, subject to your booked slot.
Cost: The official booking service currently quotes AED 5 for Emirates ID holders and AED 10 for tourists. Confirm the amount when booking.
Know before you go: Pre-book an access pass. Wear long, loose, ankle-length clothing; women must wear a headscarf. Bring your Emirates ID if using the ID-holder rate.

Details checked against official venue sources on 11 September 2026. Times, prices and availability can change; confirm with the venue before travelling.

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