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
Abu Dhabi HSBC World Golf Championship
This year’s HSBC World Golf Championship is teeing off today. The showcase will feature some of golfing’s greats, including four of the world’s top 10. Watch world No.1 Rory McIlroy, German sensation Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson vie for a slice of the US $2.7 million prize purse and the Falcon Trophy. There is also plenty of action off the greens, with a family-friendly Championship Village featuring interactive activities such as race car simulators, refreshment stands and more.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 18, Dhs50 for daily pass, Dhs150 for four-day pass. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, next to The Westin. abudhabigolfchampionship.com
Go gluten free at Jones the Grocer
Check out the new chef’s special menu featuring lighter, gluten free and vegetarian offerings designed by executive chef Patrick Trisch. Dishes on offer include poached chicken and burrata salad, Mediterranean tomato minestrone soup with salsa verde and smoked salmon wholemeal wrap with shaved cucumber.
Al Mamoura Building B, Al Muroor, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 18. Tel: (02) 4438762. Taxi: Al Mamoura Building, corner of Muroor and 15 Street. jonesthegrocer.com
Visit the President’s Cup Falconry Competition
Fans of falcons should check out this competition. The second edition of the event will feature three main disciplines – Telwah, falcon training with balloons and training with wireless aircraft. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club, there will be a prize fun of Dhs25 million.
Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club, Al Falah, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 5.30pm, until Jan 27. Tel: (02) 5667175. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Falconers’ Club, in Al Falah. fcad.ae
FRIDAY
Hear the Celtic Tenors at The Club
With three Platinum-selling albums and a No.1 chart position in both Ireland and Germany, this Irish crossover group has performed for Bill Clinton and Kofi Annan. Matthew Gilsenan, James Nelson and Daryl Simpson will belt out a variety of songs, from classical and folk Irish to pop.
The Club’s main beach, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm doors open, Dhs125 for members, Dhs150 for non-members. Tel: (02) 6731111. Taxi: The Club, near the port. the-club.com
Check out Noche’s pool parties
Celebrate the weekend with a pool party in downtown Abu Dhabi. Noche at the Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi is hosting parties every Thursday and Friday to help you get wet. Guests can order off an a la carte menu while resident DJ Maria will be on the decks.
Hilton Capital Grand, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm till late. Tel: (02) 6170000. Taxi: Hilton Capital Grand, Airport Road. hilton.com
Children’s workshop at Saadiyat
Kids can learn how to create art with shadows at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Inspired by Ghada Amer and Rachid Koraïchi artworks in the Seeing Through Light art exhibition, this workshop will see children create artwork by tracing and painting shadows on the wall. Prior registration is required and the workshop is open to participants aged six to eight.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 2.30pm, Dhs50. Tel (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
Try an Arm Balance Prep Flow pop-up
Strengthen your arms with Andrea Marcum at this special pop-up workshop at Bodytree Studio. It will feature plenty of arm balancing exercises for both beginners and experts and work on balance.
Bodytree Studio, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 9am, Dhs130. Tel: (02) 4434448. Taxi: turn right onto 11st street from Al Nayhan street, opposite the ADNOC station. bodytreestudio.com
SATURDAY
Pulse Corniche (Last Chance)
Light up the sky with your heartbeat in this interactive art installation designed by Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer. Hosted as part of the Seeing the Light art exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, a display of beams will be projected into the sky based on residents’ heart beats. Free to participate, the public is invited to participate by holding a sensor in the plaza that will convert the electrical activity of their heart into a light sequence.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, East Plaza, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 17, from 6.45pm onwards. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
Have a Spanish Saturday
Every Saturday check out Puesta Del Sol, where you can sample a traditional paella at De La Costa, at Saadiyat Beach Club. From 5pm to 11pm there will be traditional Flamenco performances, dancers and a 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 for food, Dhs120 with sangria. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. Saadiyatbeachclub.ae
A hole in one at the Bubbalicious Brunch
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa will be offering a special promotion in honour of the golf weekend. Enjoy a brunch with free flowing Moët & Chandon at the hotel and get complimentary access to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship for the day.
Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, Dhs290 with juices, Dhs345 with house beverages, Dhs505 with champagne. Tel: (02) 6169999. Taxi: Westin Abu Dhabi.
Buy veggies at the 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
