What’s On has a full list of all the things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, including brunch, deals, sports, entertainment, new openings.


You know that moment on a Thursday afternoon when your work buddy asks what you’re doing this weekend and your mind goes blank? Well worry no more, friends, because What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.

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THURSDAY

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
December 2 is the 43rd National Day here in the UAE, and if you want to learn more about Emirati culture and the country you now call home, then head to Al Wathba in the Western Region for the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The event includes exhibitions and entertainment that document the history of the country, from its origins in 1971 to its modern-day achievements.

Al Wathba Race Track, Al Wathba, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, until Dec 9. Taxi: Camel Track, Al Wathba. cra.ae


Celebrate Thanksgiving
Enjoy this American celebration at 55&5th, the Grill in the St. Regis Saadiyat Island with a special five-course menu offering traditional favourites.

St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs550. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat Island. stregis.com

turkey


Snap it up (LAST CHANCE)
Formula 1 fanatics can check out an exhibition of exclusive photographs taken during F1 races at Park Rotana. Photographer John Toscano has spent over 30 years taking images of the events and will be displaying a selection of images that are also available for sale.

Park Rotana, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com


Ladies’ Night
It’s ladies’ night every Thursday in Stills Bar. Women can enjoy free selected beverages as the resident DJ plays all your favourite hits.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6563000. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Yas Island. crowneplaza.com/abudhabi.


Celebrate National Day
In honour of the 43UAE National Day, head over to Boutik Sun and Sky on Reem Island for special activities and family-friendly celebrations hosted by Aldar Properties. There will be face painting, traditional food, a bouncy castle, falcon corner and henna tattoos available on the day.

Boutik Sun and Sky, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 9pm. Taxi: Boutik Mall, Reem Island. aldar.com


Give thanks and party
Check out Rush’s special Thanksgiving Party this Thursday. Featuring DJs Kaboo and Cliff Townley, if you bring your American ID you will receive a buy-one-get-one-free deal till 1.30am. For 21 years of age and over, couples and mixed groups only.

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10.30pm to 3.30am, Dhs100 for men, Dhs50 for ladies. Tel: (055) 7800086. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. facebook.com/RushAbuDhabi


What’s the craic?
Experience Irish culture with this special three-day festival put on by the Abu Dhabi Irish Society. Featuring an exhibition of the Irish sport Camogie on Thursday, performances by Irish band Bell X1 at McGettigan’s and after party at Aloft Hotel on Friday, celebrate all things Irish at this festival.

Various locations, including Aloft Hotel and Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Nov 27 to 29. Tel: (050) 8196648. facebook.com/Irishsocietyabudhabi


FRIDAY

Head to the roaring twenties (LAST CHANCE)
Every Friday throughout November, Brasserie Angelique is holding Great Gatsby-esque soirees. Enjoy a four-course dinner while you dine to the jazzy tunes of the restaurant’s singer and pianist.

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300 or Dhs450 with grape pairing. Tel: (02) 8115555. Taxi: Jumeirah At Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com


Wheels on walls
In honour of the Formula 1 finale held recently in the city, head down to the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche to check out their special Auto Art Exhibition. Hosted in the lobby, a selection of work from Ukranian artist Yuri Shevchenko will be on display. Known for his auto pop-art oil paintings, get your motor fix here.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, until Nov 30. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel hotel. sofitel.com

Tago Lago_Yuri Shevchenko


Check out Venetian Village
Situated right next to the Ritz-Carlton, Venetian Village is currently home to two restaurants – Emirati outlet Al Fanar and Japanese eatery Inakaya, which opened late October. Eating at the latter goes by the name of robatayaki; a style of grilling meat that’s just as much about the theatrical performance from the chefs as it is about the food.

Venetian Village, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi. Inakaya, daily 6.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 4041921. Taxi: Venetian Village, next to Ritz-Carlton. venetianvillage.ae

INAKAYA-693


It’s a date
The seventh edition of the Emirates International Date Palm Festival is already in full swing. Celebrating anything and everything about the dessert’s life-giving fruit, visitors can take in cultural performances, check out live cooking stations and enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, until Nov 29. Taxi: ADNEC. datepalmfestival.com


New abra experience on the creek
Ever stood on the sand at the Shangri-La or Fairmont hotels and wondered how long it’d take to cross the Maqta Creek and reach the Ritz-Carlton? Wonder no more. A new abra service has been launched, taking you on a 20-minute journey along the waters and it stops at The Ritz-Carlton, The Souk, The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and the Shangri-La Hotel.

Kohr Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, daily trips from 6pm to midnight, free. captaintonys.ae


SATURDAY  

Eat meat (LAST CHANCE)
Test your might with an all-you-can-eat ribs deal at Cooper’s, Park Rotana every Saturday during the month of November.

Park Rotana, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs150. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotanatimes.com


Experience movie magic
Yas Mall recently opened on the island and will be offering shoppers plenty of new shops, dining and entertainment offerings. One of the largest retail and entertainment venues in the region, film fans should check out the 20-screen VOX Cinema offering up the emirate’s first 4DX experience.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae


The big screen
Kids can get their creative juices flowing with this unique silkscreen workshop at The Space in twofour54. Children aged 8 to 14 can turn a plain T-shirt into a work of art and learn the art of silkscreen printing.

The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1pm, Dhs200. Taxi: Twofour54, by Park Rotana. facebook.com/thespaceAD


Saturday Night Market
Pick your dinner – literally. Every Saturday at Li Jiang in the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi diners can choose from a selection of produce, proteins and sauces before watching Chef Sam prepare their meal in front of them in the show kitchen.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 12am, from Dhs90 and up. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal LiJiang


Breakfast at the beach
Beach House at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is now serving a breakfast menu, featuring salmon with potato and leek cakes, and oven-baked rosti with fried eggs.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4071234. Taxi: Park Hyatt, Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com