Al Wathba Racetrack
20 August 2011 - 19 February 2012; Thu and Fri only

Al Wathba Camel Race Festival, held in April, is a major camel racing event held in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi with the esteemed presence of the rulers of the UAE.

The annual event, held at Al Wathba Race Track which has modern viewing facilities, is aimed at reviving the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
May 2012

With 482 exhibitors from 42 countries at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is becoming the largest bookstore in the region. Book worms participate in discussions, meet authors and watch European poetry and literature performances.

Although the fair caters to the Arabic speaking world, it also attracts many international publishers, as almost three quarters of the population in the United Arab Emirates are foreigners and predominantly English speakers. Click here for more information.

The Big Boys Toys Super Show
9 February to 11 February 2012

The Big Boys Toys Super Show takes over the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, showcasing the most desirable gizmos money can buy. Gadget freaks can watch live demos and get hands-on with technology even James Bond doesn't have yet.

The exhibition is divided into a variety of zones. Drive features high-performance vehicles and fast cars. Ride covers everything on two wheels. Off Road is for lovers of 4x4s, quad bikes, dune buggies and other off-road vehicled. Marine showcases fast boats and lounge boats.

Red Bull Air Race World Series: Abu Dhabi
March 2012

The Red Bull Air Race Series stages spectacular stunt-flying competitions across the world. Fearless pilots race at speeds of up to 400 km/h through low-level inflatable "air gates".

Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival
March - April 2012

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Festival is a two week injection of art, education, culture and creativity to the heart of the Emirate. Catch ballets, Arabian contemporary classical music, art exhibitions, workshops and educational programs scattered across the city.

Make sure you get your ticket early (they usually go on sale in January after the programme is released), as many of the shows sell out as 9000 people and 500 artists descend upon the city to celebrate the arts.

WOMAD Abu Dhabi
July 2012

Musically adventurous, WOMAD returns to Abu Dhabi's Corniche with performers from more than 35 countries. Igniting the rhythm are the ever-popular drum-based groups, although many other forms of music are represented along with dance, visual arts and family-orientated events.

In between performances, visit the Taste The World pavilion, where artists cook up staple dishes from their native countries, or the Desert Cultures in Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, highlighting the culture and heritage of the Arab Emirates. 

Adrenaline Sports Live
October 2012

Held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Adrenaline Sports Live is the region's only festival for adrenaline-fuelled sports and holidays. It includes water, land, urban and air activities, competitions, demos and plenty of sports trials to get involved in.

The event also includes the much-awaited Barbican Turbo, the noisy, action-packed custom car show that includes custom cars, modified cars, car tuning, bikes and motorsports.

Abu Dhabi Film Festival
October 2012

Supporting film culture, the Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF) showcases works by Arab film-makers alongside those by major talents of world cinema. It also offers room for debate on current production issues at locations including Abu Dhabi's Emirates Palace Hotel.

Click here for more information.

Formula One: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
November 2012

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, at the Yas Marina Circuit, is the final race of the Formula One season. Watch cars race at 200mph around the floodlit track.

Built at a cost of more than US$1bn, the Yas Marina Circuit opened in 2009 and is one of the top state-of-the-art circuits on the racing scene. Rising out of the sands of the Arabian desert, it is a truly atmospheric setting to watch Formula One motor racing.

Click here for more information.

Abu Dhabi Art
November 2012

Abu Dhabi Art (formerly known as artparis-AbuDhabi) is a contemporary art fair aiming to stimulate dialogue between east and west. Over 15,000 visitors are expected and 22 countries represented in this massive show in the cultural district of Saadiyat Island.

Click here for more information.

International Fine Art & Antiques Fair
November 2012

The International Fine Art and Antiques Fair, held at Abu Dhabi's recently-opened exhibition centre, offers visitors the opportunity to see and buy some of the world's most exquisite and rare antiques and pieces of fine art. It is attended by top collectors and dealers from across the world.

Expect paintings, from Bruegel to Monet, and other masterpieces that reflect 5000 years of excellence in the world of applied art, as well as a programme of seminars by leading experts, exhibitions and other entertainment.

Click here for more information.

Al Dhafra Festival
November 2012

Held in Zayed City, the annual Al Dhafra Festival celebrates local customs, including singing shows, handicrafts and photography competitions and, best of all, a camel beauty pageant. A closing ceremony celebrates the best animal.

A panel of experts from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia judges the camel contest, which focuses on two specific races - the Asayel (pedigree) and Majahim (dark-skinned) camels, and it is open to anyone owning a disease-free animal. 

Click here for more information.