Our picks: 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend

01What’s On has a full list of all the things to do for the weekend in Abu Dhabi, 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 January 26

Check out the Bride Show Abu Dhabi

Planning a trip down the aisle? Then visit the twentieth edition of Bride Show Abu Dhabi. The exhibition features a little bit of everything including the latest bridal fashion trends, photography, catering and beauty treatments to get you ready for your big day. There will also be fashion shows, live demos and beauty talks as well as express beauty and spa treatments to try.

Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 11pm, tickets from Dhs25 to Dhs150, until Jan 28. Tel: (02) 4446900. Taxi: Halls 7, 8 and 9, Adnec. thebrideshow.com/abudhabi

Visit a twilight bazaar

Hosted on the last Thursday of every month, shopaholics can check out this brand new alfresco night market at Al Seef Village Mall. The pop-up will feature quirky homegrown brands from the region including handmade handbags from Mia & Me, holiday-inspired fashions from Child of the Tropics, accessory line Shawleez and educational toys from Journey Toys.

Mamsha Al Seef, Al Seef, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 10pm. Taxi: Next to Al Seef Mall. andalus.ae/mamsha-al-seef

Go to the spa

Head to Remède Spa in the St Regis Abu Dhabi for a 45-minute full body exfoliation that uses a combination of lemongrass, bergamot and mint oils to slough away dead skin. Meant to improve circulation and revive skin, the treatment will end with an application of body lotion infused with tropical citrus extracts and floral essential oils.

St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm daily, Dhs310. Tel: (02) 6944444. Taxi: St Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com

Friday January 27

See some fireworks

Celebrate Chinese New Year at the Galleria on Al Maryah Island. There’ll be roaming performers including dancers, meditating monks, acrobats and more. Also on offer are workshops, cooking demos and a live Chinese drumming performance. Don’t miss the fireworks display at 9pm tonight either.

The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria, Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae

Conquer the stairs

This month you can race up the stairs of the Etihad Towers at the very first Climb to Abu Dhabi “vertical marathon.” There’s family categories that see you race up 32 floors (that’s 720 steps) or a pro category with 82 floors (and 1,617 steps).

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 8.30am, Dhs125 to Dhs175. Taxi: Etihad Towers. premieronline.com

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster

Just in case you thought New Year celebrations were over, think again. Pan-Asian restaurant Li Jiang is ushering in the Chinese New Year with a two-day celebration that will have you eating from a special four-course set menu. Created in honour of the Year of the Rooster, the menu will include a salad, selection of dim sum and golden prawns, followed by mains such as wok fried hammour fillet and Hong Kong soya chicken.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs250 per person, Jan 27 and 28. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com

Saturday January 28

Go to a flea market 

Whether you’re after bargains or looking to clean out your house, the charity flea market at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort is back. Featuring over 90 exhibitors, you can pick up (or off-load) some pre-loved goods including DVDs, toys, clothing and homewares all for a good cause. All proceeds from the table rentals fees will go to a children’s charity.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche East, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 2pm, table rentals Dhs285, free entry. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com 

Try free fitness classes at Beach Rotana

This family fitness day at the Beach Rotana will include complimentary sessions for kid’s ballet, taekwondo, tennis, spinning and more. There’ll also be fitness pros on hands to offer tips and tricks on how to have a healthy lifestyle.

Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 6pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 6979302. Taxi: Beach Rotana. rotana.com

Celebrate Chinese New Year

Expect to see an iconic dim sum trolley being wheeled throughout Dai Pai Dong for this Chinese New Year themed dim sum brunch. The Saturday feast features a selection of dim sum, roast meats and desserts.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, Dhs195 to Dhs295. Tel: (02) 8135552. Taxi: Rosewood, Al Maryah Island. rosewoodhotels.com

Go to a pop up shop

La Loupe is hosting a one-day pop up shop at Eastern Mangroves Promenade. Featuring over 50 homegrown vendors and brands from the UAE, the event will also have food stalls, bouncy castle, artwork and more.

La Loupe Pop-up, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 6pm, free entrance. Tel: (056) 1031631. Taxi: The Collection at St Regis Saadiyat. facebook.com/laloupeauh