Things to do this weekend
What’s On has a full list of all the things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, including workshops, deals, sports, entertainment and new openings.
It’s the start of the weekend, folks! But if you’re not sure what you’re doing yet, don’t worry. What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.
THURSDAY, November 19
Check out the newly launched Yas Beach
Put on your flip-flops and go to opening party of the newly revamped Yas Beach. There will be a new beach lounge area with DJ booth, infinity pool and five private chalets. Serbian DJ Marko Nastic will be on the decks during the night.
Yas Beach, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, doors open at 7pm, entrance is free. Tel: (056) 2420435. Taxi: Yas Beach. yasbeach.ae
Check out rare manga and anime artwork
Etihad Modern Art Gallery will be showcasing rare works of art from prolific Japanese artists Leiji Matsumoto and Osamu Tezuka. Iconic anime and manga characters such as Astro Boy and Kimba The White Lion will be on display. Until November 30
Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, free. Tel: (02) 6210145. Taxi: Al Bateen Mall. etihadmodernart.com
Go to Abu Dhabi Art
This festival, which aims to bring together the world’s most innovative galleries and artists, has a roster that reads like a who’s who of modern and contemporary art and design. It’s not just exhibitions on offer – there are live performance, talks and immersive art experiences too. The event will run until Saturday, November 21.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Saadiyat Cultural District. abudhabiart.ae
Eat good French food
Michelin star guest chef Mathieu Xavier will serve Provençale dishes at Le Beaujolais restaurant until November 30.
Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs62 to Dhs145. Tel: (02) 6333555.Taxi: Mercure Centre Hotel. accorhotels.com
FRIDAY, November 20
Check out luxury toys
Luxury watches, off-roading vehicles and super yachts will all make an appearance at the Big Boys Toy exhibition at Adnec. The luxury lifestyle show has more than 200 exhibitors signed up and will feature ten lifestyle categories including aviation, marine vehicles, off-roading adventures, fashion and digital gadgets. There’ll also be interactive experiences such as the ‘Super Car Test Drive Pit,’ which is open to those with a valid driving licence, aged 21 and over. The show runs until Saturday, November 21.
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, Dhs50 to Dhs40,000. Tel: (04) 3214747. Taxi: Adnec. bigboystoysuae.com
Go check out Yasmena Cycles
Head over to Yasmena Cycles to help celebrate the grand opening of this bicycle shop. There’ll be face painting and balloon modellers for the kids as well as storewide discounts and special prizes to be won. Guests who bring along their bikes will also be able to get a free safety check. Events last until Saturday, November 21.
Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, noon to 5pm. Tel: (050) 4800825. Taxi: Al Zeina, Unit C. yascycles.com
Eat fusion food for brunch
Check out the recently re-launched Chino Latino brunch at Asia de Cuba. With music by in-house band Cuba Libre, the sharing menu will feature a selection of tapas and dishes such as plantain crusted snapper, seven spice roast chicken and Thai coconut lemongrass sorbet.
Nation Riviera, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs325 to Dhs525. Tel: (02) 6993333. Taxi: Opposite St Regis, Corniche. asiadecuba.com
Watch Mötley Crüe rock out
US rockers Mötley Crüe will perform tonight as part of their farewell tour. Their one-off gig at the du Arena will be one of the last chances to see Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars and Vince Neil rock out together. Expect a range of their most famous singles including “Girls, Girls, Girls,” and “Home Sweet Home.”
du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs195. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: du Arena. ticketmaster.ae, thinkflash.ae
Listen to old school hip-hop
Head to the Splash Garden terrace in Aloft Abu Dhabi for their outdoor Hip Hop Rewind party. Think plenty of old school hip-hop and R&B hits all night live. There will also be live performances by DJ Udia, Major Flow, Blak Wolf, Daffy Nawaf, Sleepy and DJ Slim.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, Dhs100 entrance after 9pm, free entrance before 9pm. Tel: (02) 6545115. Taxi: Adnec. aloftabudhabi.com
SATURDAY, November 21
Celebrate Loy Krathong at Sontaya
Celebrate the Thai festival of Loy Krathong with a five-course dinner at Sontaya. The special menu, which will be on offer until November 28, includes dishes such as the Full Moon Night, a shredded prawn salad with organic egg, spicy caviar, prawn dust and lime dressing with fresh Thai herbs and the Tantalizing Boat which includes grilled octopus, crispy tofu skin crab roll, toasted eringi mushroom and spicy tamarind sauce. For dessert try the Elegance of Flowers, a jasmine ice parfait with butterfly pea flower sorbet, crispy rice berry, smoked merengue and flowers.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs300 per person. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat. stregissaadiyatisland.com
Learn about science
The Abu Dhabi Science Festival is still in full swing with activities and events taking place until Sunday, November 22. Kids can take a voyage into outer space, dig up a dinosaur, drill for oil or create their own LED kite and more at the fifth edition of the award-winning festival.
Mushrif Central Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Dhs5. Taxi: Mushrif Central Park. abudhabisciencefestival.ae
Check out the new cultural hub Warehouse421
The capital’s newest cultural destination bursts onto the scene this weekend with a three-day celebration of all things artistic, from international musical performances to design workshops based around an Explore Your World theme. Going forward, Warehouse421 will serve as Mina Zayed’s main gallery, with a host of upcoming contemporary art exhibits.
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Taxi: Warehouse421 next to COOP in Mina Zayed. warehouse421.ae
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this programme is a celebration of the country’s cultural inheritance. From traditional craft workshops to auctions and exhibitions, it’s a great way for expats and visitors alike to learn about the emirates’ history. The festival will go on until December 12.
Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Wathba, near the camel race track. zayedfestival.com