What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2027 in Abu Dhabi

The What's On Abu Dhabi Awards 2027 celebrate achievements across the United Arab Emirates capital's restaurant, hospitality, leisure and entertainment industries. Scheduled for April 8, 2027, the annual ceremony recognises businesses and professionals whose venues and experiences attract support from Abu Dhabi consumers.

The awards programme includes 41 public-voted categories and four Editor's Choice honours. It brings together professionals from the UAE's food and beverage, tourism, hospitality and entertainment sectors.

What Is the Purpose of the What's On Abu Dhabi Awards?

The awards recognise popular dining establishments, entertainment experiences, hospitality venues and industry professionals operating in Abu Dhabi.

Through consumer voting, the programme gives customers a role in recognising establishments they enjoy visiting. A separate expert judging panel selects four Editor's Choice recipients.

The event also creates a gathering point for restaurant groups, hotel operators, chefs and other hospitality professionals working in the UAE.

Which Industries Do the Awards Recognise?

The programme covers a broad range of hospitality and leisure businesses, from independent restaurants and specialty coffee venues to luxury hotels and entertainment attractions.

Industry Area Examples of Award Categories Restaurants Casual dining, fine dining, international cuisines, brunches Food and Beverage Cafés, specialty coffee, breakfast, pizzerias, business lunches Hospitality Beach hotels, luxury staycations, pool and beach experiences Entertainment Concerts, festivals, attractions and sporting events Nightlife Bars, beach bars, restaurant bars, happy hours and sports bars Industry Recognition Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and other Editor's Choice honours

What Has Changed for the 2027 Awards?

The 2027 programme introduces six additional categories, expanding recognition for different types of dining and nightlife experiences.

• Favourite Beach Bar
• Favourite Restaurant Bar
• Favourite Happy Hour
• Favourite Business Lunch: Hotel
• Favourite Pizzeria
• Favourite Speciality Coffee

These additions bring the number of public-voted awards to 41. Four additional distinctions recognise selected restaurants, chefs and emerging businesses through the Editor's Choice programme.

How Does the Awards Registration Process Work?

Businesses seeking recognition can submit entries in eligible categories through the official What's On Abu Dhabi Awards registration programme.

The organiser publishes a registration guide outlining the awards framework. Restaurant operators, hotels, attractions and other interested businesses should review the category descriptions and submission requirements before entering.

The process for entering an award category differs from registering to attend the ceremony. Individuals who wish to attend the presentation event must follow its separate admission arrangements.

How Are Winners Chosen?

Consumers determine the winners in the public-voted categories. The programme allows the public to express preferences for restaurants, hospitality establishments and leisure experiences across Abu Dhabi.

Four Editor's Choice distinctions follow an expert-panel selection process:

• What's On Chef of the Year
• What's On Homegrown Restaurant of the Year
• What's On Newcomer of the Year
• What's On Restaurant of the Year

Businesses do not need to register separately for consideration in these four Editor's Choice categories.

Why Is the Event Relevant to International Hospitality Professionals?

Abu Dhabi has a hospitality market serving residents and visitors from different countries. Its dining and leisure industries include international restaurant concepts, hotels, entertainment operators and independent businesses.

The What's On Abu Dhabi Awards provide an opportunity to observe consumer preferences and recognise businesses operating within this market.

For hospitality professionals visiting the UAE, the ceremony can also offer exposure to the capital's restaurant, hotel and entertainment industries, although participation does not guarantee business partnerships or professional opportunities.

Where Is the Awards Ceremony Taking Place?

The event takes place in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The published listing specifies April 8, 2027, with doors opening at 7:00 PM.

The specific ceremony venue has not been identified in the published location information. International participants should confirm the final address before arranging transport or accommodation.

What Should International Attendees Know Before Travelling?

Visitors travelling from outside the United Arab Emirates should confirm both their eligibility to enter the country and the awards ceremony's admission conditions.

• Passport: Carry a valid travel document that meets UAE entry requirements.
• Visa: Check whether nationality-specific visa arrangements apply.
• Event admission: Obtain the registration or admission documentation required by the organiser.
• Accommodation: Choose accommodation after confirming the event venue and transport arrangements.
• Local transport: Consider taxis, authorised transfers or available public transport connections.
• Dress code: Review the official ceremony instructions before selecting attire.

Participation in the awards does not provide any automatic entitlement to a UAE visa, work authorisation or residency permit.

Who May Find the Awards Relevant?

The event primarily serves businesses and professionals involved in the UAE's hospitality and entertainment industries.

• International and UAE-based restaurant operators
• Hotel and resort management professionals
• Chefs and culinary entrepreneurs
• Hospitality industry investors and business owners
• Food and beverage marketing professionals
• Entertainment and leisure venue operators
• Tourism and destination management professionals

Attendance may be particularly relevant to professionals interested in the business environment and consumer preferences of Abu Dhabi's hospitality market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the What's On Abu Dhabi Awards programme limited to restaurants?

No. The awards recognise restaurants alongside hotels, attractions, leisure experiences, nightlife venues and entertainment activities.

Can an international hospitality company enter the awards?

Businesses operating eligible establishments in Abu Dhabi may review the registration requirements. International ownership alone does not establish eligibility, so applicants should consult the official category rules.

Is public voting involved in selecting the winners?

Yes. Consumers vote across the public-voted categories, while an expert judging panel selects the four Editor's Choice awards.

Does registration guarantee an award?

No. Submitting an entry does not guarantee nomination, selection or recognition. Winners depend on the applicable voting or judging process.

Can overseas professionals attend the awards ceremony?

Overseas professionals may attend if they satisfy the organiser's admission conditions and applicable UAE entry requirements.

Is this an official government awards programme?

No. The What's On Abu Dhabi Awards are an industry recognition programme organised by What's On. They should not be confused with the separate Abu Dhabi Awards programme recognising community contributions.