Things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
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.
ENTERTAINMENT
Check out the latest movie trailers and cinema listings of films being release in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Click here.
THURSDAY
Watch the world cup in a tent
Finally, it’s here! A month of football starts tonight at midnight UAE time, with the host nation Brazil taking on Croatia. This year, you can watch the action in several tents all over the city, including the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, the InterContinental, The Shangri-La and the du Forum!
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.
InterContinental, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 423463, Taxi: InterContinental.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5098888. Taxi: Shangri-La Hotel.
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to the end of the last match, free. Tel: (02) 5098143. Taxi: du Forum, Yas Island. duforum.ae
Sicilian evening at Teatro
Head to the Park Rotana’s Teatro restaurant for a four-course menu inspired by the Italian region, featuring insalata di arugula e fragola and scaloppini al marsala and a glass of Sicilian grape.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 1am, Dhs350. Tel: (02) 6573333. Taxi: Park Rotana. rotana.com
Dance to a top DJ on Yas
Internationally respected Dutch DJ Dash Berlin spins the wheels of steel tonight on Yas Island at O1NE. Expect trance and progressive tunes throughout the night
O1NE, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to late. Tel: (052) 788 8111. Taxi: O1NE, Yas Island. reservations@o1neyasisland.com
Ja Rule live
The US hip-hop legend from New York performs at People by Crystal Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
The Collection at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Thur 10pm to 4am. Tel: (050) 2972097. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat Island. thecrystalgroup.net
FRIDAY
Have a Fabulous Friday
The Dusit Thani’s steakhouse The Capital Grill is offering 50 per cent discounts on selected beverages as part of its Fabulous Friday event, plus DJ Sugarbeat will be dropping a set from 9pm.
Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Ittihad, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (04) 3806479. Taxi: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. dusit.com
Eat a load of mini-burgers
The Holiday Inn’s Hubby Bubbly tent is serving a curiously named Sepp Blatter food platter from Dhs36 (it’s a huge selection of different flavoured mini-burgers all locked together), plus daily drinks deals.
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Al Reehan, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 6574888, Taxi: Holiday Inn. holidayinn.com
Check out The Galleria’s Restaurant Month
The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is hosting its first-ever Restaurant Month this June, with deals available at most of its outlets (including Rosewood Abu Dhabi eateries such as Spice Mela). You’ll find a set menu from Dhs30 at Thai restaurant Lemongrass, a lunch sandwich and drink deal for Dhs45 at Wildfire New York Grill and a Dhs250 set menu for two at Sushi Art, plus a Cupcake Wonderland event at Magnolia Bakery from June 12 to June 15.
The Galleria, Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: The Galleria. thegalleria.ae
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie
From down under? The 8th annual Aussies Abroad black and white gala ball takes place tonight at the Hilton Capital Grand, with live music from Seas the Day. Australia’s World Cup match against Chile will be screened in Noche bar afterwards.
Hilton Capital Grand, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to late, Dhs400-450. Tel: (02) 6170922. Taxi: Hilton Capital Grand, Airport Road. aussiesabroad-abudhabi.com
Admire Italian art at Emirates Palace
The Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has an exhibition of travel posters celebrating the country on display at the Palace. There’s a similar exhibition taking place at Ferrari World as well.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, until June 15, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Celebrate Philippine Independence Day
Head to Dalma Mall in Mussafah today for music, food and dancing from the Philippines and celebrate the country’s independence day.
Dalma Mall, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 5506111. Taxi: Dalma Mall. dalmamall.net
SATURDAY
Meet a former England footballer
Former Manchester City, West Ham United, QPR and England midfielder Trevor Sinclair is holding a Q&A session with football fans June 14 and 15 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club’s world cup tent. He’ll be meeting fans, giving his views on who’ll win the tournament, plus there’s a chance for you to win Dhs500 if you can correctly predict the scores of the matches taking place on the nights.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, June 14-15. Tel: (02) 5578000. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. sbgolfclub.ae
Cinderella by the Royal Moscow Ballet
There’s still time to catch Cinderella, the classic magical tale about glass slippers, wicked stepsisters, a prince and romance, performed by the Royal Moscow Ballet. Two lead soloists from the world-renowned Bolshoi Ballet will join the RMB and the show is set to a score by Russian composer Sergei Prokofiev. You can read an interview with the stars right here.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, until June 16. Taxi: ADNEC. tixbox.com
Learn about the history of the world
Make sure you find time to see this incredible exhibition, A History Of The World in 100 Objects, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. It’s a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the British Museum.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyat.ae
