Abu Dhabi’s three-day food festival returns to Yas Island from November 13 to 15, with 16 restaurant pop-ups, celebrity chef workshops, live music and family activities.
ABU DHABI — Food lovers planning a November outing can put Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026 on their calendars, with the festival scheduled to run from November 13 to 15 at Gateway Park North on Yas Island. The programme combines restaurant tasting menus, cooking sessions with internationally known chefs, live performances and activities for children.
The event will bring together 16 restaurant pop-ups, giving visitors an opportunity to sample dishes from several Abu Dhabi dining destinations in one place. Organisers are also planning interactive cooking experiences, barbecue demonstrations and a revamped children’s area.
For residents deciding how much to budget, advance general-admission tickets are listed at AED 80. Packages with food and drink vouchers and VIP access are also available, although visitors should check the official booking page for current availability and prices before purchasing.
Which chefs are appearing at Taste of Abu Dhabi?
The announced headline chefs include Italian chef and television personality Gino D’Acampo, Irish chef and food writer Rachel Allen, and British chef and restaurateur Thomas Straker, known for his All Things Butter content.
Their appearances form part of a programme designed to bring professional cooking techniques to festival visitors through demonstrations and hands-on workshops. The event’s culinary programme also includes other guest chefs and live-fire cooking activities at the Keeta FirePit.
Workshop access is included with festival admission, according to the published information. However, places are subject to availability, and registration arrangements may vary by session. Visitors hoping to attend a particular chef’s demonstration should check the schedule and arrive early rather than assume that a ticket guarantees a place in every workshop.
16 restaurants bring Abu Dhabi dining together
The restaurant pop-ups are a central part of the festival. Participating names listed for the 2026 edition include:
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Soraya and Marcella
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Beetza by ERTH and Ergon by ERTH
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Tanjun by 99 and Almayass
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Oak Room and Desert Lotus
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The Directors Club and Lento
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Paradiso and Ting Irie
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Pincode, Villa Toscana at St. Regis and The Ramen Bar
The published list currently names 15 restaurants, although the festival advertises 16 participating outlets. The complete list should therefore be confirmed with organisers before publication of a final restaurant directory.
Each restaurant is expected to offer a selection of tasting dishes, allowing guests to explore different cuisines and dining concepts without travelling between separate venues. Full menus and individual dish prices should be checked as further details become available.
Live music and a new children’s zone
Food is only part of the programme. The festival’s entertainment schedule is set to include live music and DJs throughout the three days.
Emirati soul singer Hamdan Al Abri and Dubai rock band Tone Deaf are among the announced performers, adding local music talent to the event’s wider entertainment line-up.
Families can also look forward to the revamped Candy Land Kids Zone, which is expected to offer activities such as rides and arts and crafts. Children under 12 are eligible for free entry, according to the festival’s published ticket information.
Parents should check the latest event details before travelling, particularly if they are planning around specific children’s activities or performances.
Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026 ticket prices
The festival’s published advance ticket options include the following packages:
| Ticket type | Advance price | Main inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| General admission | AED 80 | One-day entry and access to culinary workshops |
| Taster package | AED 185 | One-day entry, two food vouchers and two drink vouchers |
| VIP package | AED 350 | One-day entry, fast-track entry, three food vouchers, four drink vouchers and VIP Lounge access |
| Friday Team Social | From AED 160 per person | Group package for 10 or more, with entry and selected food, drink and lounge benefits |
Prices and availability can change, so the official booking page should be treated as the final reference before payment. The organiser states that tickets are non-refundable.
Visitors should also remember that food and drink vouchers apply to specified festival outlets and are not a substitute for checking the prices of everything they intend to buy.
Where is the festival, and how can visitors get there?
Taste of Abu Dhabi will take place at Gateway Park North, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from November 13 to 15, 2026. The official Abu Dhabi tourism events listing gives the daily schedule as 2pm to 11.30pm.
The organisers say free parking is available around the venue but recommend considering taxis or public transport during busy periods, when nearby parking areas may fill up.
Visitors should plan their journey ahead of time, particularly if they intend to arrive for an early workshop or stay for evening entertainment. The event’s exact transport arrangements and any updated access guidance should be checked closer to the date.
What visitors should know before arriving
A few practical details may help avoid surprises:
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Payment: The festival is listed as cashless, with debit and credit cards accepted at restaurants, bars and artisan vendors.
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Outside food and drinks: These are not permitted, and bags may be checked at entry.
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Re-entry: Tickets do not permit visitors to leave and return to the festival.
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Food allergies: Menus are expected to identify common allergens, but the organiser warns that cross-contamination remains possible. Visitors with serious allergies should speak directly with food vendors.
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Accessibility: The official FAQ warns that the grassy venue terrain and lack of ramps may make the event unsuitable for wheelchair users. People of Determination can check the organiser’s stated entry arrangements before visiting.
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Alcohol: Licensed outlets are planned for guests aged 21 and above, who may be required to show identification.
These conditions are published in the festival’s visitor information and should be reviewed before departure.
For UAE residents, the event offers a way to combine restaurant discoveries, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment in one destination over a November weekend. Checking ticket inclusions, workshop availability and travel arrangements in advance will help visitors choose the package that best fits their plans.
Q1. When is Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026?
Taste of Abu Dhabi is scheduled for November 13–15, 2026.
Q2. Where will Taste of Abu Dhabi take place?
The festival will take place at Gateway Park North on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
Q3. How much are Taste of Abu Dhabi tickets?
Published advance prices start at AED 80 for general admission. Taster and VIP packages are listed at AED 185 and AED 350 respectively. Check the official ticketing page for current availability.
Q4. Which celebrity chefs will attend Taste of Abu Dhabi 2026?
The announced headline chefs include Gino D’Acampo, Rachel Allen and Thomas Straker. Visitors should check the official programme for session timings and any updates.
Q5. Are children allowed at Taste of Abu Dhabi?
Yes. The festival includes a children’s activity zone, and children under 12 are listed as eligible for free entry.
Q6. Are cooking workshops included in the ticket price?
The published ticket information includes access to culinary workshops. Individual sessions are subject to availability, so admission does not necessarily guarantee a place in every workshop.
Q7. Is parking available at Taste of Abu Dhabi?
The organisers say free parking is available around the venue, although spaces may become limited during peak periods. Taxis and public transport are also worth considering.
Q8. Where can visitors buy Taste of Abu Dhabi tickets?
Tickets are available through the official festival website, which directs visitors to its ticketing partner, Platinumlist. Check the current package details and terms before completing a booking.
