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.
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
Films and floats
Head over to the Abu Dhabi Golf Club for floating films at the pool. Jump on your lilo and lay back and catch a family-friendly flick under the stars. Showings include The Pirate Band of Misfits and the Pirates of the Carribean the Curse of the Black Pearl. Food is available to purchase and children under the age of 12 must be supervised. Availability on a first-come first-served basis.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, 6pm. Tel: (02) 5588990. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, near The Westin hotel. adgolfclub.com
Tree lighting
Get a head start on holiday cheer when you check out this tree lighting ceremony at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi. Santa and the Ambassadors Christmas Choir with live band will be in attendance too!
Sofitel Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel hotel. sofitel.com
Experience movie magic
The 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
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
Learn a new skill
Create your own masterpiece with this beginner’s oil painting class at The Space in twofour54. You’ll learn how to oil paint with a palette knive at this session.
The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm, Dhs300. Taxi: Twofour54, by Park Rotana. facebook.com/thespaceAD
FRIDAY
Nitro Circus Live
Nitro Circus, the motorbike, BMX and skate show, is in town. Travis Pastranan and his team will perform a series of feats, including launching 50 feet into the air off a Gigant-A-Ramp and landing inside an inflatable Zorb ball.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs199. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. nitrocircuslive.com
Celebrate Holi on Yas
Feel like you need a bit more colour in your cheeks? And
on your clothes and in your hair? Then head to Yas Island for the Holi Festival Of Colours, a one-day festival celebrating
the Hindu religious festival of the same name. So what can you expect on the day? Music, dancing, food and lots and lots of paint (the powder and wet varieties).
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150. Taxi: du Forum. holifestival.com
Superheroes on Ice
Mansour And The Superheroes is about a little boy who dreams of adventures with his favourite super-powered pals – and meets hip-hop singing turtles
and friendly monsters along the way. The production is performed by 64 skaters from the Abu Dhabi Figure Skating Team and Zayed Sport City’s Learn To Skate initiative.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, until Dec 6, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 4034333. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. ticketmaster.ae
All of the lights!
Celebrate the season with this Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Expect a visit from Mr. Claus, festive beverages and a special performance by the International Playboys and the choir.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6166166. Taxi: Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street. ihg.com
Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
With National Day come and gone, you can still celebrate the Emirates with a visit to this festival. The event includes exhibitions and entertainment that document the history of the country, from its origins in 1971 to its modern-day achievements. It takes place at the Al Wathba camel track.
Al Wathba Race Track, Al Wathba, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, until Dec 9. Taxi: Camel Track, Al Wathba. cra.ae
SATURDAY
Charity Flea Market
The Sheraton’s bargain- filled market returns. Shop for treasures and trinkets on the cheap at this rummage sale. All monies support children’s charities.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel And Resort, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 2pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabi- hotel.com
Spanish Saturdays
Every Saturday check out Puesta Del Sol, where you can sample a traditional paella at De La Costa in the Saadiyat Beach Club. From 5pm to 11pm enjoy the traditional Flamenco performances, dancers and Spanish guitarist. After 7pm, the main act will perform Latin, house, Brazilian, funk and soulful beats.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 11pm, Dhs99 to Dhs120. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. Saadiyatbeachclub.ae
Vroom vroom
Petrol heads need to head to Yas Marina Circuit to check out the Ferrari Finali Mondiali. A showcase of over 250 Ferraris will be on offer and you can even catch the Ferrari Parade that will go through the entire 5.5km circuit.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 7pm. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
La Bohéme
Hosted in collaboration with the Italian Embassy to the UAE, Puccini’s famous opera will feature international singers Monica De Rosa McKay, Gian Luca Pasolini, Giuseppe Altomare, Julia Kermott and Luca Gallo.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs200 to 350. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Munch on Mexican food (LAST CHANCE)
In partnership with the Mexican Embassy in the UAE, the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is celebrating moreish Mexican cuisine and culture with a special gastronomic week dedicated to the country. Guests can catch a 40-minute cultural performance in honour of different areas of Mexico such as Jalisco, Sinaloa, Yucatan, Chihuahua and Veracruz. And that’s not all. While you expand your cultural horizons, expand those waistlines when you tuck into an international buffet featuring burritos, tacos, ceviche and traditional beverages.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs 185 for food or Dhs260 with Mexican beverages. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com