Evening one
Monday 15 FebruaryAfter the show floor closes: dinner and a short evening outing.
- EveningDesert safari with dinner
- EatYas Bay Waterfront
IDEX 2027: what to do in Abu Dhabi after hours
15 to 19 February 2027 · ExpectedAbu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
IDEX keeps attendees on the show floor all day and leaves the evenings, the day after and partners' days free. This guide covers dinners that need booking, evening outings, a companion day and the day after in Abu Dhabi.
Airport to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
Zayed International (AUH) is 15 minutes from Yas Island and 30 minutes from the city. Dubai airport is 1 hour 15 minutes away.
Taxis from the city.
Public transport directions to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi
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 show week schedule for 15 to 19 February 2027. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.
Evening two
Tuesday 16 FebruaryTeam dinner night. Book early: every group in town wants the same tables.
- EatMina Fish Market
- After darkYas Bay and Yasalam concerts.
Companion day
Tuesday 16 FebruaryFor partners who came along and do not have a badge.
- Full dayDubai day trip
The day after the show
Saturday 20 FebruaryPush the flight back a day. A full free day costs little and the city empties out.
- Half-dayMangrove kayak
- EatAl Fanar
- FreeQasr Al Watan exterior.
Team outing
For corporate groups of 10 to 40: private tours and tastings book out first.
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 IDEX
| Tour | Length | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Yas Waterworld | Full day | Families |
| 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 IDEX.
Plan a group tripQuestions people ask
When is IDEX 2027?
The next edition is 15 to 19 February 2027, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.
How do I get from the airport to ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi?
Zayed International (AUH) is 15 minutes from Yas Island and 30 minutes from the city. Dubai airport is 1 hour 15 minutes away. Taxis from the city.
Where should I stay for IDEX?
For most visitors the best base is Yas Island: Walk to the circuit and parks.
What can we do between sessions at IDEX?
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 IDEX?
Family-friendly picks: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour, Ferrari World, Desert safari with dinner. SeaWorld Yas Island.
How far is ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from Abu Dhabi centre?
About 7 km in a straight line. Taxis from the city.
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