The Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers Gathering will bring free pet activities to Al Shamkha Square from 25 to 27 September, with pet owners and their animals welcome each evening from 5pm to 9pm.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality is hosting the three-day event, which does not require advance registration. Entry is free, making it a straightforward weekend option for residents who want to take their pets out without committing to a full day around the city.
Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers Gathering dates, times and location
The event runs from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September 2026 at Al Shamkha Square in Abu Dhabi. It will open from 5pm to 9pm each day, according to Gulf News’ event report.
There is no published hour-by-hour programme yet, so visitors should expect the advertised activities rather than plan around a specific show time. The evening schedule also avoids the worst of the daytime heat, although pets will still need water and a sensible amount of patience.
Pet adoption and registration will be available on site
The gathering will include pet adoption, awareness workshops, entertainment shows and interactive activities. The programme is aimed at the wider community as well as existing pet owners, so visitors do not need to arrive with an animal to take part.
Pet registration will also be available at the event. Abu Dhabi’s TAMM government services platform is used for local government services, while the Animal Ownership System supports the registration of cats and dogs for identification, health records and welfare tracking. Gulf News reports that owners normally need an Emirates ID, UAE Pass and proof of ownership such as a pet passport when completing registration through a veterinary clinic.
For adopters, the legal responsibility for an animal transfers once the adoption is completed. Anyone considering adoption should be ready for the longer-term care, costs and paperwork rather than treating the weekend as a quick way to acquire a pet.
If you are making a full weekend of local attractions, our guide to Dubai Safari Park’s Season 8 opening covers a separate animal-focused outing, though it is not part of this Abu Dhabi event.
Image: AFP via Gulf News; used as contextual artwork.
Is the Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers Gathering free to attend?
Yes. Entry is free and visitors do not need to register in advance.
Can I register my pet at the event?
Pet registration will be available on site, alongside adoption, awareness workshops and entertainment activities.
Where is the Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers Gathering held?
It is held at Al Shamkha Square in Abu Dhabi from 5pm to 9pm between 25 and 27 September 2026.
