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.

THURSDAY

Watch David Blaine live in Abu Dhabi
The legendary illusionist and endurance artist from New York performs the first of his three shows at Emirates Palace tonight. For our complete preview, plus an exclusive interview with Blaine, click here.

David Blaine: Real Or Illusion. Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Aug 21 to 23, 7.30pm, Dhs295 to 495. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com, thinkflash.ae

Abu Dhabi Summer Season - David Blaine in an ice block

See the surreal world of La Verita
La Verita, from the producers of Cirque du Soleil Corte, is a theatrical tribute to the life and works of the famous Catalan surrealist and artist Salvador Dali – and the first gig in its run in the capital is tonight. In keeping with Salvador’s unusual life, it features acrobats, singers, jugglers, clowns and even the can-can. Expect plenty of colour, feathers, rhinos, deep-sea diving suits, sequins, macabre corpses and giant horses’ heads. But most importantly, the performance is set against the backdrop of an original Dali painting,

La Verita, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, Aug 21 to 31, Dhs200 to 600. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: ADNEC. tixbox.com

Abu Dhabi Summer Season - La Verita

Float and watch a film
Watch a movie while floating on a lilo in Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s pool, at one of their excellent Floating Film evenings. Tonight’s screening is of kids cartoon series Angry Birds Toons. Pizza, pastas, burgers and ice cream are available on the night.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, Thur 4pm. Tel: (02) 5588990. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, near The Westin hotel. adgolfclub.com

Yas Waterworld summer deals and ladies’ night
Abu Dhabi’s waterpark has launched a new annual pass for families of four, which includes 10 per cent discounts on food and beverages at the park, the souvenir shop and on PearlMasters, Yas Waterworld’s interactive treasure hunt. Tonight is also ladies’ night at the park.

Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Daily 10am to 8pm, annual pass Dhs2,500. Tel: (02) 4142000. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. yaswaterworld.com

Yas Waterworld free taxi ride

FRIDAY 

Kids Summer Festival
Got some bored nippers at home going stir crazy? Games, activities, face painting, water sports and more are available at various locations throughout August.

Various locations including Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Gardens Plaza, Al Raha, and Al Muneera Beach Plaza, Khalifa City A, Aug 8 to 29, 6pm to 8pm. Tel: (02) 8105560.

Unwind for less
If you buy a 90-minute treatment at the spa at the Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, you’ll get a free 30 minute massage to redeem on your next visit. You can choose from a Thai massage, a hot stone massage and a couples’ body massage.

Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 1pm to 10pm, Dhs330 to 600. Tel: (02) 6106666. Taxi: Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, near The Capital Garden. rotana.com

Al Maha resort, Abu Dhabi

See art made out of scrap
Head to Khalidiyah Mall for ScrapArt, an exhibition of works made from recycled items. Most are up for sale, and proceeds from the event will go to charities in the Philippines. You’ll find it in the lobby. There’s a kids’ eco-workshop taking place between 4pm and 7pm as well.

Khalidiyah Mall, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6354000. Taxi: Khalidiyah Mall. www.khalidiyahmall.com

SATURDAY 

Metronome night at Urban Bites
The third of a new night of live music by local organisation White Cube, taking this time place at Urban Bites. Performers include Craig Perry, Mural, Kelsey Dion and White Collar Warfare.

Shining Tower, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 7am to 10pm, Fri noon to 10pm. Tel: (02) 2222302. Taxi: Shining Tower, Al Khalidiyah. urbanbites.me, facebook.com/WhiteCubeUAE

Expanding Horizons exhibition
Salwa Zeidan Gallery’s current exhibition Expanding Horizions is selling paintings, sculptures, prints and installations at wallet-friendly prices. Artists featured include Omar Zeidan, Hwang Seong Woo, Fatema Al Mazrouie, Joëlle A Kurdy, Alice Al Khatib, Marc Guiragossian, Rose Husseiny, Nasser Palangi and Abdul Badi.

Until September 5
Salwa Zeidan Gallery, The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 11.30am to 8pm, Sat 2pm to 8pm (Ramadan timings). Tel: (02) 6669656. Taxi: The Collection, Saadiyat Island. salwazeidangallery.com

A Pictorial Orchestration
Get cultured this month while dining on Italian dishes. Mezzaluna is exhibiting 18 pieces of vibrant, colourful work by Italian artist Amedeo Tremigliozzi. The exhibition, called A Pictorial Orchestration, is a collaboration between Emirates Palace, Swiss Art Gate and the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. “My goal is to create a relationship with the viewer through my decor, to convey a sense of well-being and joy in my work, take the negativity and lead towards thoughts of light, just like a spiritual journey,” says Tremigliozzi.

Until August 30
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 12.30pm to 7pm (viewings by appointment only). Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com

Sign up for the Glee Club
Music Hub is starting a new programme called Glee Hub at the Hub from September 6. Inspired by the hit TV show Glee, kids and teens of all ages can sign up for sessions of singing and drama. They’ll learn vocal techniques, performance skills, character development, improve and more. There is a free trial session on September 6, so register your kids now at registry@musichub.ae.

Music Hub, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Saturdays 2pm to 3pm (seven to ten year olds), 3.15 to 4.15pm (11 to 16 year olds). Taxi: Falcon Tower, Hamdan Street. musichub.ae