Abu Dhabi City Municipality is hosting the Pet Lovers’ Gathering 2026 at Al Shamkha Square from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27. The free event will run from 5 pm to 9 pm each day and does not require advance registration. Pet owners, families and other animal lovers can attend activities including pet adoption, pet registration, awareness workshops, entertainment shows and interactive activities.
- Location: Al Shamkha Square, Abu Dhabi
- Organiser: Abu Dhabi City Municipality
- Dates: September 25–27, 2026
- Timings: 5 pm–9 pm daily
- Entry: Free
- Who can attend: Pet owners, families and the wider community
- Activities: Pet adoption, pet registration, awareness workshops, entertainment and interactive activities
- Advance registration: Not required
Looking for a pet-friendly event in Abu Dhabi this weekend? Abu Dhabi City Municipality is hosting a free Pet Lovers’ Gathering at Al Shamkha Square from September 25 to 27, 2026. The three-day event will run from 5 pm to 9 pm each evening, with no advance registration needed. Visitors can explore pet adoption opportunities, access pet registration services and take part in awareness, entertainment and interactive activities. The gathering is open to the wider community, not only people who already own pets.
When is the Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers’ Gathering 2026?
The Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers’ Gathering will take place from Friday, September 25, to Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has set the daily timings from 5 pm to 9 pm. The event will be held at Al Shamkha Square in Abu Dhabi.
Entry is free, and visitors do not need to complete advance registration to attend.
The municipality has announced the event as a three-day community gathering focused on pets, responsible ownership and interaction. A detailed hour-by-hour schedule for individual activities has not been disclosed in the available official announcement.
What activities are planned at the Abu Dhabi pet event?
The Pet Lovers’ Gathering will bring together several activities for pet owners and animal lovers.
Pet adoption will be available at the event for visitors who are considering welcoming an animal into their home. The gathering will also provide pet registration services, giving existing owners an opportunity to address their registration needs while attending.
Other announced activities include:
- Pet adoption
- Pet registration
- Awareness workshops
- Entertainment shows
- Interactive community activities
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has not released a complete timetable showing when each workshop or entertainment activity will take place. Visitors should therefore avoid relying on unofficial schedules unless they are confirmed by the municipality.
Can you register your pet at the Abu Dhabi gathering?
Yes. Pet registration is one of the services announced by Abu Dhabi City Municipality for the gathering.
The service is linked to Abu Dhabi’s wider Animal Ownership System, which is managed under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).
DMT has established the system for registering cats and dogs and linking animals with their owners. The system supports the identification of pets and helps maintain information connected with their ownership, health and welfare.
The municipality’s decision to include registration at a public event gives existing owners another opportunity to access the service.
However, pet owners should check the latest requirements before visiting if they specifically intend to register an animal. The available event announcement does not provide a complete list of documents required for on-site registration.
How does pet registration work in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi’s pet registration system is part of the emirate’s wider framework for responsible animal ownership.
DMT has encouraged owners of cats and dogs to register their animals and has highlighted microchipping, vaccinations and regular veterinary care as important elements of responsible ownership.
The registration system is also connected to Abu Dhabi’s digital government services through TAMM, while veterinary facilities are involved in the registration process.
For residents, the system provides a formal record connecting a registered pet to its owner. This can be particularly important when keeping ownership and animal health information organised.
The exact service requirements can change, so residents should rely on the latest information from DMT or TAMM rather than older registration guidance shared online.
What should people know before adopting a pet?
People interested in adoption should consider the responsibilities involved before making a decision.
Adopting an animal means taking responsibility for its ongoing care, including suitable food, accommodation, veterinary treatment and general welfare. The new owner also assumes responsibility for meeting applicable animal ownership requirements once the adoption is completed.
The event can be a useful place to learn more about adoption, but prospective owners should make sure they are prepared for a long-term commitment rather than treating adoption as a casual weekend activity.
The municipality has confirmed that adoption will be part of the gathering, but specific animals available for adoption and individual adoption conditions have not been disclosed in the event information currently available.
The gathering gives Abu Dhabi residents access to several pet-related services and activities in one location.
For existing pet owners, on-site registration can provide a convenient opportunity to check their animals’ registration status. For people considering adoption, the event provides a chance to explore the process and learn more before taking an animal home.
It also supports Abu Dhabi’s broader efforts around organised pet ownership. Through the Animal Ownership System, DMT has promoted the registration and identification of cats and dogs alongside responsible care practices.
For families and animal lovers, the event also offers a free evening activity in Al Shamkha.
With the gathering taking place over three consecutive evenings, residents have multiple opportunities to visit between September 25 and 27.
FAQs
Is the Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers’ Gathering free?
Yes. Entry to the Pet Lovers’ Gathering at Al Shamkha Square is free, according to Abu Dhabi City Municipality.
Do I need to register before attending the pet event?
No. Advance registration is not required to attend the gathering. Pet registration offered as an event service is separate from registering to attend the event.
Where is the Abu Dhabi Pet Lovers’ Gathering being held?
The event will take place at Al Shamkha Square in Abu Dhabi.
What time does the Abu Dhabi pet event start?
The gathering will run from 5 pm to 9 pm from September 25 to 27, 2026.
Can I adopt a pet at the event?
Yes. Pet adoption is among the activities announced by Abu Dhabi City Municipality. However, the municipality has not publicly disclosed a complete list of animals available or detailed adoption conditions in the event information currently available.
Can I register my cat or dog at the event?
Yes. Pet registration is included among the services available at the gathering. Owners who need to complete registration should check the latest requirements with the relevant Abu Dhabi authority before attending.
Abu Dhabi’s Pet Lovers’ Gathering will bring free pet-focused activities and services to Al Shamkha Square from September 25 to 27, 2026. With pet adoption, registration, awareness workshops and entertainment planned from 5 pm to 9 pm, the event offers something for existing owners as well as people simply interested in animals.
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