Thursday: arrival and press events
Tuesday 26 OctoberPress conferences and open workouts are free to attend. The rest of the day is open.
- Half-dayMangrove kayak
- EatAl Fanar
UFC Abu Dhabi fight week 2027 in Abu Dhabi: weekend guide and things to do
28 to 30 October 2027 · ExpectedAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Fans arrive in Abu Dhabi on Thursday for a Saturday fight. Press events and weigh-ins take an hour or two: this guide covers the rest of fight week.
Know before you go
- UFC has held events in Abu Dhabi most autumns as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week; confirm the date when announced.
Airport to Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Zayed International (AUH) is 15 minutes from Yas Island and 30 minutes from the city. Dubai airport is 1 hour 15 minutes away.
On Yas Bay; taxis and hotel shuttles from Yas Island and the city.
Public transport directions to Etihad Arena, Yas Island
Where to stay by budget
| Budget | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Downtown Abu Dhabi | City hotels 30 minutes from Yas. |
| Mid-range | Yas Island | Walk to the circuit and parks. |
| Splurge | Saadiyat Island | Beach resorts near the Louvre. |
Three hotels we would book
- Budget: Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate
- Mid-range: Yas Island Rotana
- Splurge: W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
Day plans for the free hours
Built around the usual fight week schedule for 28 to 30 October 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Friday: weigh-ins
Wednesday 27 OctoberCeremonial weigh-ins are in the afternoon. Use the morning.
- Full dayYas Waterworld
Fight night
Thursday 28 OctoberPrelims start in the late afternoon. Sleep in and eat a big lunch.
- Easy outingSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour
- EatYas Bay Waterfront
Sunday: recovery
Sunday 31 OctoberBrunch and one easy outing before the flight.
- Rain or heat backupLouvre Abu Dhabi
- EatMina Fish Market
Family-friendly picks
Half day · Family · Low walking
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour
Free entry; tours add transport and context.
- SeaWorld Yas Island.
- Warner Bros World.
Evening and day-trip tours
After dark
- Yas Bay and Yasalam concerts.
7 tours worth booking for UFC Abu Dhabi fight week
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Yas Waterworld | Full day | Families |
| Mangrove kayak | Half day | Families |
| Dubai day trip | Full day | Everyone |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour | Half day | Families, Tired legs |
| Ferrari World | Full day | Families |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi | Half day | Bad weather |
| Desert safari with dinner | Evening | Families, Night owls |
Where to eat
Rainy-day backups
- Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Qasr Al Watan.
Getting around on event days
- Free race-day shuttles on Yas; Uber and taxis elsewhere.
- Uber and Careem work across the Gulf and are the easiest way around.
- Dress modestly in malls, souks and religious sites; beach clubs and hotels are relaxed.
- Check current travel advisories for the region before travelling and keep bookings flexible.
Day trips from Abu Dhabi
- Dubai: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Al Ain: 1.5 hours
Bringing a group?
Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for UFC Abu Dhabi fight week.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is UFC Abu Dhabi fight week 2027?
The next edition is 28 to 30 October 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to Etihad Arena, Yas Island?
Zayed International (AUH) is 15 minutes from Yas Island and 30 minutes from the city. Dubai airport is 1 hour 15 minutes away. On Yas Bay; taxis and hotel shuttles from Yas Island and the city.
Where should I stay for UFC Abu Dhabi fight week?
For most visitors the best base is Yas Island: Walk to the circuit and parks.
What else can we do around UFC Abu Dhabi fight week?
Good short outings in Abu Dhabi include Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Mangrove kayak. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.
What is there for kids and families near UFC Abu Dhabi fight week?
Family-friendly picks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour, Ferrari World, Desert safari with dinner. SeaWorld Yas Island.
How far is Etihad Arena, Yas Island from Abu Dhabi centre?
About 23 km in a straight line. On Yas Bay; taxis and hotel shuttles from Yas Island and the city.
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