Our picks: 9 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
What’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 5
Go to the ballet
The Ballet Grand Gala is making a pit stop in Abu Dhabi for the very first time this year. Featuring dancers from the Paris Opera National Ballet, including lead dancer and étoile Dorothee Gilbert, the performance will feature a selection of classical and contemporary works.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs300 to Dhs800. Tel: (04) 3666546. Taxi: Emirates Palace. facebook.com/BalletGalaDubai
Check out a dance festival
The Abu Dhabi International Dance festival returns to the capital. This three-day event includes workshops from international instructors and “dance till you drop” parties for guests to show off their moves. Expect a variety of dance styles including salsa, hip-hop, afro rumba, cha cha and more.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 to Dhs749, until January 7. Tel: (050) 4422360. Taxi: Adnec. adidf.com
See some Crimean art
Check out some funky artwork at the Realism: Two Angles exhibition at the N2N Gallery that features works of art from Crimean artists Katrina Spirtus and Andrey Dudchenko.
Nation Towers, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, closed Fridays, free. Tel: (02) 6659858. Taxi: Nation Galleria mall. facebook.com/N2NGallery
Friday January 6
Spend the day at the spa
Heavenly Spa at the Westin is offering guests this month a choice of three 30-minute treatments for Dhs400 so you can pick and choose what you need. Options include foot and ankle massage, head massage, booster facial, silky smooth scrub or a back, neck and shoulder massage. Terms and conditions apply.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs400. Tel: (02) 6169999. Taxi: The Westin. westinabudhabigolfresort.com
Last day to see Liwa Sports Festival
Watch brave souls try to conquer the Tel Moreeb dune at the Liwa Sports Festival. The nine-day festival will feature drag races, freestyle drifting, bike races, motocross challenges and even host a classic cars competition in the Liwa Desert.
Moreeb Dune, Liwa, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Tel: (02) 8840400. Taxi: Moreeb Dune, Liwa Desert. agsc.ae
Eat brunch
The brunch at Giornotte is so big they give you a map as you enter to ensure you don’t miss out on anything. The seafood is a highlight, as is the cheese room.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs495 with bubbles. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Saturday January 7
Celebrate Orthodox Christmas
It may not be December, but that doesn’t mean Christmas is over. Celebrate Orthodox Crimbo at St Regis Saadiyat with a buffet lunch that’ll feature Eastern European, Russian and Greek cuisine.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs170 per person. Tel: (02) 4988443. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat. oleaabudhabi.com
Exercise at the park
Head to Umm Al Emarat Park for iTrainSaturday. This free community run/walk at the park will see you get out in the fresh air and exercise. Residents are encouraged to bring their families along.
Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, 8.30am, Dhs5 entry fee. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. premieronline.com
Eat Tuscan food
The St Regis Abu Dhabi’s Italian restaurant Villa Toscana is taking inspiration from Tuscany for its new Saturday afternoon brunch. On the menu at the simply named Tuscan Brunch you’ll find black ink chittarrucci pasta lobster ragu and cherry tomatoes, grilled octopus with confit potatoes, pink peppercorn and parsley, plus handmade artichoke and ricotta ravioli with warm artichokes, artichoke sauce and truffle butter.
St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs160 to Dhs370. Tel: (02) 6944553. Taxi: St Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com