Things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
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.
It’s the start of a brand new year, folks! Better still, it’s a long weekend! 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 1 JANUARY
Watch the world’s best tennis players
Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and current world No.1 are just three of the stars battling for the Dhs1m prize at this year’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sports City.
Mubadala World Tennis Championship, International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Jan 1 to 3 2015, Dhs100 to 350 for general admission tickets. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. mubadalawtc.com. ticketmaster.ae
Ride a bike
A new bike-sharing scheme has launched in Abu Dhabi. Rent a bike for Dhs15 a day from BikeShare at 10 kiosks on Yas Island and Raha Beach. The kiosks are open 24 hours a day, the first 30 minutes are free and you can return your bike to any of the kiosks, meaning you can get out, get fit and explore places such as Al Bandar, Al Muneera and Yas Marina.
Various locations including Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs15 a day. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasisland.ae
Bubbly brunch
Start the New Year off with a pop of cheer at a bubbly brunch at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche.
Sofitel, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs245 to Dhs440. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel hotel. sofitel.com
Al Dhafra Festival (LAST CHANCE)
It’s your last chance to go and see the region’s prettiest camels in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region at this heritage-rich festival.
Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia, Western Region, until Jan 1. Taxi: Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia. aldhafrafestival.ae
Arabic music at VOR
Listen to Arabic music at the Volvo Ocean Race’s Destination Village this Boxing Day. The concert, which will be hosted on the floating Skyline Stage, will feature Lebanese songbird Myriam Fares and Yemeni singer Fouad Abdul Wahid.
Volvo Ocean Race, Breakwater, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 3. Taxi: Corniche, Breakwater. volvooceanraceabudhabi.com
FRIDAY 2 JANUARY
Take the Calorie Challenge
Work off those holiday treats with a complimentary spinning session at the Volvo Ocean Race stopover. During each session, 15 participants (age 16 and up) will cycle to collectively match the 5,000 calories Adil Khalid burns in a typical day sailing the world’s toughest ocean race. To register email: burn5000@theroom.ae
Volvo Ocean Race, Breakwater, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 3, 6pm, Wednesdays are ladies only. Taxi: Corniche, Breakwater. volvooceanraceabudhabi.com
Cruise the mangroves on an eco boat
Marine and leisure company Belevari Marine have launched tours down the Eastern Mangroves, which take place in donut-shaped eco-boats. The company has six available and each one is powered by an environmentally friendly electric engine. They can hold a maximum of six passengers and come with a table and parasol to keep the sun at bay, meaning your group can pootle down the mangroves while enjoying a beverage and some food.
Eastern Mangroves, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs200 for 30 minutes, Dhs300 for an hour. Tel: (02) 6431494. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. belevari.com
Stuff your face at a New Year brunch
Celebrate 2015 with a brunch at Safina in Saadiyat Beach Club. Serving up dishes from the Mediterranean and Leavant region, load up on BBQ grills, a gourmet cheese bar, dessert station and even a live drinks bar.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs275 to Dhs999. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. Saadiyatbeachclub.ae
SATURDAY 3 JANUARY
Freshen up with a facial
Sense Spa at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi is offering a VOYA Fresh Facial for the special price of Dhs295 until the end of January. The facial uses anti-oxidant algae complexes and pro-collagen organic extracts in a treatment they claim with reduce the visible signs of aging, banish wrinkles and plump up and hydrate your skin.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Dhs295 for 45 minutes (quote VOYA when booking). Tel: (02) 8135537. Taxi: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Admire French and Emirati photography
A Portrait Of The UAE (Part II) is a photography exhibition of 32 images by leading French and Emirati photographers and is part of the Al Sourat Photo Festival 2014. It features work by features both well-known and emerging artists including Jack Burlot, Thierry Bouët, Olivier Escarguel, Anne-Marie Filaire, Lamya Gargash, Hind Mezaina, Reem Saeed and Fatima Al Yousef.
Avenue At Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, until January 15. Tel: (800) 3844238. Taxi: Avenue at Etihad Towers. etihadtowers.ae
Ripe Market
Load up on fresh, local produce at this organic farmers market. Hosted every Saturday morning at The Collection, you can get your five-a-day while also checking out independent vendors selling crafts, jewellery and gifts.
The Collection, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 2pm. Taxi: St. Regis Collection, Saadiyat Island. ripeme.com
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
For a touch of Ferrari-approved festivity check out this theme park’s very own WinterFest. Featuring a traditional winter village and market, acrobatic snow globe dancers, a kid’s snow play area and even Bjorn – the animatronic polar bear – there is plenty on offer to keep families occupied.
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 10. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
