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 May 11

Watch 9 To 5: The Musical

Love the classic film starring Dolly Parton? Check out this musical produced by Abu Dhabi Choral Group based on the 1980 flick about three lady office workers who don’t get mad, they get even, when it comes to their sexist, bigoted male boss.
May 11 to 12, 15, 18 to 19
Folklore Theatre, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7.30pm, Fri 2pm and 7.30pm, Dhs100 (in advance), Dhs110 (on the door). Taxi: Al Wahda Mall. platinumlist.net
Head to a free music festival

Tapestry Of Sound takes place on Saadiyat Island all weekend, featuring Irish folk music, plus a performance from Dubai-based singer songwriter Adam Baluch. Visitors to the festival can use a two-for-one offer at Fanr restaurant while there.
May 11 to 13
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur to Fri, timings vary, free. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. artsnetuae.com
Visit a family festival
The capital’s first-ever family fair and expo, Children And Parents World, takes place at Adnec this weekend. It’s split into zones such as education, health and well-being plus mother leadership and entrepreneurship. There’s health check ups available, a fashion show, painting events, workshops, karaoke, food tasting sessions and more.
May 11 to 13
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Thur to Sat, 3.30pm to 10.30pm, prices TBC. Tel: (02) 6746748. Taxi: Adnec. cpw.ae
Be a Chic Lady

A four-day event promoting anything and everything related to Arabic fashion and beauty. Expect runway shows, exhibits from international designers showing off the latest abayas, jewellery and more.
May 11 to 14
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Thur to Sun, 11am to 4pm, prices TBC. Taxi: Adnec. chicladyuae.com

Friday May 12

Street food on Yas

Head to Yas Island today and tomorrow for Street Food Market – think restaurant pop-ups, live entertainment and activities for kids. The event is hosted by Street Food Market DXB.
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat, noon to midnight, free entry. Taxi: du Forum. facebook.com/streetfoodmarketdxb
Go drifting

Abu Dhabi’s F1 track is hosting a drifting event tonight, for drivers who love to slide their motors sideways. Don’t want to drive? You cna pop along as a spectator as well.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 6pm to midnight, Dhs450. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit, entrance 20. Tel: (800) 927. yasmarinacircuit.com
See romantic robots at Kid Koala’s Nufonia Must Fall

Kid Koala is a Montreal-based scratch DJ and the man behind graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall. It’s a futuristic story of a robot who falls in love. This adaptation uses puppets to tell the tale.
May 11 and 12
NYU, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 8pm, Fri 4pm, free (prior registration required). Taxi: NYU. nyuad-artscenter.org
New Coya brunch

You’ll find ceviche, grilled skewers and Chilean sea bass on the brunch menu at the city’s latest Peruvian restaurant.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs278 to Dhs548. Tel: (04) 3169600. coyarestaurant.com
New dishes at Bu!

Mexican head chef Humberto Canales has debuted a new, streamlined menu at pan-Latin restaurant Bu!. There’s 20 new dishes to try ranging from ceviches and tiraditos topped with caviar and truffles to main courses such as lomo al trapo (beef tenderloin covered in cloth and cooked over charcoals).
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed noon to 3pm, 6pm to 2am, Thur and Fri noon to 3am. Tel: (02) 6668066. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall . butrinity.com

Saturday May 13

See The Creative Act
Admire more than 25 works of art by 18 artists (the pieces will eventually be displayed in Guggenheim Abu Dhabi).
Until July 29
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
Freeze away fat at the Palace

You can now freeze fat cells instead of trying to burn them off in the gym. Cool shaping (also known as cyrolipoysis) uses a vacuum, an LED, massage and cryo technology. It’s claimed the procedure eliminates cells through your natural metabolism. The spa recommends the treatments be done in conjunction with 3-MAX (another high-tech fat blasting session).
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 11pm, Dhs695, Dhs3,475 for six sessions. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. emiratespalace.ae
Try an Uber-style yacht service in the capital

There’s a new boat rental service in town called CharterClick – and the concept is a bit like Uber, except it’s for yachts. You can hire a selection of boats including the Prince Of The Sea, It’s a four-sail yacht that can achieve up to 10 knots, no electricity needed. There’s a swinging chair (pictured) and the boat fits 90 people so is perfect for big parties. It embarks at Emirates Palace and What’s On has teamed up with CharterClick to offer you guys a five per cent discount when booking your boat over the next month. Be sure to enter the promo code WHATSONAD, valid until the end of May.
CharterClick.com