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 February 9
Go to a business lunch
Eat a three-course lunch for Dhs90 that includes guacamole, fish tacos, lamb empanadas and more at Bu!
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs, noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 3048179. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. butrinity.com
Look at art
Check out this photography exhibit by Yiannis Roussakis that’s inspired by his recent trip to the rural villages of Ladakh, India.
Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 6210145. Taxi: opposite Al Bateen Mall. etihadmodernart.com
Check out the Love Food Festival
Hosted at the Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club from February 9 to 11, this food truck festival will include local UAE vendors alongside UK and US trucks as well as guest Singaporean restaurateurs.
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Dhs45 per person, children under 12 years free, Thurs 5pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 2pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. facebook.com/lovefoodfest
Friday February 10
Go glamping
Luxury resort Qasr Al Sarab will be hosting a full-moon camping trip/party this month that will see guests pitch tents in the Liwa desert and enjoy a barbecue dinner. Guests must bring their own camping gear and be over the age of 21 to attend.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, from Dhs350 to Dhs1,999. Tel: (02) 8862088. Taxi: Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa. qasralsarab.anantara.com
Fight Night
Watch top mixed martial artists from around the world pummel each other at this Hard Knox fight night. Fighting styles will range from Muay Thai, K1 to MMA.
Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, tickets Dhs200, Dhs250 on the door. Tel: (02) 4496524. Taxi: Near Khalifa Park. cobrafitnessuae.com
Celebrate Ireland
The Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort is celebrating the Emerald Island with a two-day Irish brew festival on Thursday and Friday. Hosted at The Beachcomber, there’ll be plenty of Irish beers on offer, live music and a play area for the kids. While entry is free, guests can pay Dhs120 for an unlimited buffet that will feature bangers and mash, Guinness stew, cottage pie, fish and chips, apple tart and sticky toffee pudding.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Thurs 6pm onwards, Fri 12.30pm onwards, free entry. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Corniche Hospital. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Saturday February 11
Red Bull Air Race
The 2017 season opener will see daredevil pilots fly over the waters of the Corniche at speeds of up to 370 kilometres per hour.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, Feb 10 and 11, Dhs399 to Dhs3,800. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. redbullairrace.com
Go to an afternoon tea inspired by China
Learn the delicate art of making tea the Chinese way at Alba in the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Gong Fu Cha, which translates to “tea with great skill,” is a 20-minute ceremony that features Oolong tea and will see guests learn about the process and history behind brewing tea in China. Prior reservations are required.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 for two guests. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
See fast cars
Head to the Yas Marina Circuit to see local and international motor racing competitions including Formula 4 UAE, the Porsche GT3 Cup, Radical Middle East Cup and the next round of Yas Marina Circuit’s single-make championship TRD 86 Cup. The Belgian Café will be serving up brunch in the Paddock suites on Friday and Saturday.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Friday and Saturday, Dhs25 for general admission, brunch from 11am to 5.30pm, Dhs250 to Dhs350. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com