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
Ladies’ night at Yas Waterworld
It’s the penultimate ladies’ night of the season at Yas Waterworld, so take your mates down for some fun on the rides including Bubble’s Barrel, Liwa Loop, Jebel Drop and more.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 9pm to 1am, Dhs170-210. Tel: (02) 4142000. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. yaswaterworld.com
Stretch out at the Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah
If you fancy going on a staycation this summer, then we suggest popping down for an overnight stay at The Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah, who are currently offering a two-bed room for the price of a one-bed room. The deal, which runs until August 15, includes free access to the panoramic swimming pool, the boutique gym, free wi-fi and the exclusive round-the-clock Karim butler services. While you’re there, you can go on a kayaking trip along the mangroves. A guided tour will cost you Dh150 for adults, Dhs130 for kids, while a private tour will cost you Dhs200 per person.
Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4123333. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. jannah.ae
Flex your console muscles
If you’ve spent way too much of your time playing PlayStation at home, then you can put your talents to use and try and win one of three prizes worth a combined Dhs60,000 at Bawbat Al Sharq Mall’s Live The Challenge competition. Sign up to take part at the mall today. Space is limited to 256 participants.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas City, Abu Dhabi. June 26 to 28. Tel: (02) 5031400. Taxi: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas City. basmall.ae
Try a World Cup-themed burger
Off out to see one of the matches tonight? Try Heroes, which is running a World Cup Heroes menu throughout the World Cup and until July 31. From Brazil? Try the Samba Burger. Australian? Then get ordering the Ozzie Burger. Supporting Germany? The Frankfurt Hot Dog is your perfect dinner companion. There are competitions being held here throughout the tournament as well.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 12pm to 4am. Tel: (02) 6166166. Taxi: Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street. crowneplaza.com
FRIDAY
Monte-Carlo’s closing party
The MCBC’s alfresco bar Sea Lounge says farewell at its last party of the season tonight. DJs Melohman, Koast and Soulfisher kick off proceedings at 4pm.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island. montecarlobeachclub.ae
Iris closing party
This tidy venue at Yas Marina is also winding down for summer with its closing night, with an appropriately named bash called Last Summer Nights.
Iris, Yas Island Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (055) 1605636. Taxi: Yas Island Marina. irisabudhabi.com
Hit the Yas Marina Circuit Kart Zone
Even F1 driver Lewis Hamilton started his racing career in a go-kart, and you can get behind the wheel of one this weekend at Yas Marina Circuit’s Kart Zone. There are karts available for kids aged eight to 12 and faster karts for kids over 13-years-old and adults. And you don’t need to book in advance, either.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 3pm to 11pm, Dhs55-110. Tel: (02) 6599800. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. yasisland.ae
Admire work by Arab artists
It’s your last chance today to see Sky Over The East at Emirates Palace Gallery. Leading 20th century Arab artists present a selection of works to honour the role of artists in Arab history. Spanning a range of mediums, styles and subject matter, the exhibition showcases 54 works by 48 artists from 12 countries. Featured artists can count Tate Modern (London), Centre Pompidou (Paris), Museum of Modern Art (New York) and the National Gallery of Fine Arts (Jordan) among their credits. Among the names are Dia Al Azzawi, Chafic Abboud, Laila Shawa and Mona Saudi. Come and see how the finest Arab artists of the last century make sense and sensations of the region’s modern history.
Emirates Palace Gallery, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, until June 27, daily 12pm to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Al Raha’s Latino barbecue
The Al Raha Beach Hotel is holding its last Latino BBQ at Piscine Pool Bar & Restaurant before the start of summer. Expect Latin-inspired music and grills, plus shisha is available from 2pm onwards.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Fri, June 27, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 5080555. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. alrahabeach.danathotels.com
SATURDAY
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. Find out more here.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyat.ae
Philippine art month
Seven artists from the Philippines are exhibiting work at the Abu Dhabi Art Hub, including Dave Lock and JC Jacinto. See our preview by clicking here.
Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5515005. Taxi: 7th Street, by Emirates Driving School, adah.ae
Watch the world cup in a tent
The first World Cup second round matches start on Saturday, with Brazil taking on Chile and Colombia playing Uruguay. And if you’ve not caught the action yet in one of the city’s many tents, we suggest you pop down to one this weekend. The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (pictured), the InterContinental, The Shangri-La (pictured second) and the du Forum are four worth visiting.
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
Go to iftar
The Holy Month of Ramadan is expected to start today, so break your fast at one of the many iftars taking place all over Abu Dhabi. The Grand Millennium Al Wahda’s vast iftar tent features a selection of cooking stations, featuring Arabic, Asian, Indian dishes and more, plus live music.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, from after sunset. Tel: (02) 495 3890. Taxi: Grand Millennium Al Wahda. millenniumhotels.ae
