In the UAE, Father’s Day falls on June 21. For the dad who asks for little, the right gift may not be something to keep, but an experience to remember. That could mean taking the wheel on an F1 track, indulging in a private cigar tasting, or checking into a spa for some long overdue stress relief. Whether you’ll be celebrating as a family or gifting him a moment to enjoy in peace, here are five luxury experiences in Abu Dhabi that will make him feel seen and celebrated.
Let him take the wheel at Yas Marina Circuit
Of all the ways to mark Father’s Day in Abu Dhabi, few are as high-octane as an afternoon at Yas Marina Circuit. Built to host the final race of the Formula 1 calendar, it’s one of the most technically advanced tracks in the world – and it’s one he can drive himself. For the car-devoted dad who prefers action to observation, the circuit offers a chance to get behind the wheel of a roaring Aston Martin GT4, or push his limits in a single-seat Formula Yas 3000. With professional instructors on hand, he’ll get a full briefing and lap analysis – no prior track experience required, just a valid licence and a willingness to put the pedal down.
Part of what makes the experience so memorable is the setting itself. The track stretches across the water’s edge, with sweeping views and dramatic floodlights that recreate the atmosphere of race night. For families coming to watch, there are elevated viewing decks and behind-the-scenes tours that give a glimpse into the circuit’s inner workings.
To make a full weekend of it, check into the W Hotel Abu Dhabi – the only hotel in the world built directly over an F1 racetrack. This lively, design-led hotel is the ideal spot to come back down to earth after a high-adrenaline day behind the wheel – whether with a deep-tissue massage at the award-winning AWAY Spa, or a laid-back dinner at Brooklyn Chop House.
Treat him to a rare whisky and cigar evening
For the father who prefers a more subtle, downtempo celebration, a cigar and whisky evening brings ceremony without fuss. Abu Dhabi has a handful of excellent lounges that specialise in both – low-lit, well-stocked, and designed for slowing down. At La Cava at Rosewood Abu Dhabi, the experience is about depth and detail. Tucked below the lobby, this atmospheric cellar-style lounge draws together a walk-in humidor, a vault-like wine room and shelves of aged spirits. The cigar selection includes Cuban and Dominican staples, while the drinks list leans into old-world whiskies and cognacs that range from the expected to the exceptional. Private tastings with a sommelier can be arranged for a truly personalised experience.
Over on the shores of Saadiyat, The St. Regis Bar has the feel of a private member’s club – all dark woods and red leather chesterfields. The cigar menu is built around Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta classics, while the cognac shelf includes Louis XIII, Hennessy Paradis, and lesser-known houses like Delamain. Quiet and grounded in good taste, it’s a gift that asks for little more than time.
A spa day, designed for him
A spa day may not be the default gift for most dads, which is exactly what makes it a good one – particularly for those who rarely pause. Abu Dhabi has no shortage of renowned spas, but a few stand out for their craft and calm. One of the city’s finest is in Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental – an otherworldly, marble-draped escape inspired by the magic and mystique of Morocco. Treatments range from deep-tissue massages to a traditional Turkish hammam, but the standout is the ice cave: a sculptural chamber designed for hot-cold contrast therapy.
Over on the Al Bateen waterfront, The EDITION Spa takes a more contemporary approach. Minimalist and quietly masculine, it favours high-impact bodywork over pampering. The treatment menu runs from volcanic stone massages to sports therapy, delivered with the kind of precision that might just make him a repeat guest.
A Father’s Day feast, done properly
Few dads will be disappointed with a dinner done well. A number of Abu Dhabi’s best restaurants will be marking the occasion this year, including Ray’s Grill – a Michelin Guide American steakhouse on the 63rd floor of Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. On June 15, the restaurant will host its ‘Tribute To Dad’ dinner, centred around a showstopping Chateaubriand, carved tableside and served with a bottle of wine. It’s a one-night-only affair, best enjoyed slowly with the city glittering below.
A more relaxed celebration awaits at Hunter & Barrel on Yas Bay. Known for its open-flame cooking and barrel-aged drinks, the restaurant is serving a Father’s Day steak menu anchored by serious cuts and signature smoke. The first forty guests to book also receive a personalised steak knife, a small but thoughtful detail that suits the tone.
For the father who prefers fine dining over flame, Erth is just the spot. Set in the Qasr Al Hosn historic district, this Michelin-starred restaurant reinterprets traditional Emirati cuisine through a distinctly modern lens. With Abu Dhabi’s oldest structure beyond the window, it’s a dinner that welcomes presence over performance – a fitting and memorable way to honour the occasion.
A made-to-measure suit experience
When dinner won’t do, and he’s laughed off the spa idea, a made-to-measure suit fitting is among the most deliberate and personal gifts. More of a ritual than a garment – fabric is selected with care, shoulders sculpted to fit, and every button sewn with intention. Among Abu Dhabi’s most distinguished tailors is Ascots & Chapels, a London staple now thriving in The Galleria. This Savile Row-born house offers fully customised suiting with sharp silhouettes, strong shoulders, and a service that’s both personal and discreet. Here, he’ll find hundreds of fabrics to choose from, including English worsteds, Italian flannels, and lightweight blends suited for desert climates.
For a more contemporary, eco-conscious take, Benjamin Siggers brings sustainability into the equation. This Dubai-based tailor – available by appointment in Abu Dhabi – crafts minimalist suits using organic, traceable fabrics and natural dyes, proving that responsibility and refinement don’t have to be opposites.
Whether it’s his first custom suit or one to add to his collection, the experience is as much the gift as the end result: slow, considered and lasting.
