Things to do 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 the weekend, folks! 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
Go back in time at a ladies’ night
Ladies can enjoy complimentary select cocktails from 8pm to 1am at Stills Bar & Brasserie at this specially themed 1980s night. Expect classic songs to show off your dance moves and prizes will be awarded to the most entertaining enthusiasts.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6563000. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Yas Island. crowneplaza.com/abudhabi
Rock out to Bon Jovi hits
Don’t be broken hearted, the concert is back on after being postponed for a week. Tribute band The Bon Jovi Experience, led by look-a-like front man Tony Pearce, will be rocking out at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Expect classic gits such as It’s My Life, Livin’ on a Prayer and Bad Medicine.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, 19th & 24th Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 4459600. Taxi: Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. platinumlist.net
See a movie
Check out Champ Of The Camp, the first feature-length documentary filmed in the labour camps of the United Arab Emirates. Directed by Mahmoud Kaabour, the film follows a massive Bollywood singing and trivia competition hosted across more than 70 camps throughout the country. Narrated (and sung) entirely in the voices of the labourers, the film is being shown at New York University Abu Dhabi.
NYUAD Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 8pm. Taxi: NYU Campus Saadiyat Island. nyuad.nyu.edu
Lighten up your lunch
Keep your New Year’s resolutions in check with a calorie-conscious meal at Fanr. As part of their new healthy menu you can order an orange and avocado salad that is 226 calories or a fattoush salad with grilled halloumi for 257 calories. The poached chicken and sweet corn salad clocks in at 278 calories while the tomato-peach spritzer will set you back 74 calories a glass.
Fanr, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, throughout January, daily from 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6575888. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Get some make-up
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center is hosting make-up exhibition Beyond Beauty Arabia. Taking place alongside Bride Abu Dhabi, you don’t need a ring on your finger to enjoy this. The event will feature make-up and skincare experts, fashion and beauty bloggers and offer guests free pampering treatments.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 31. Tel: (800) 23632. Taxi: Adnec. beyondbeautyarabia.com
FRIDAY
Grand opening of Twelve
Check out the celebrations for the newly rebranded and redesigned venue, Twelve at Aloft. Formerly Club So-Hi, this party will feature music from DJ Chadphunk and MissPM, free sparkling drinks from Martini, professional dancers and a sax player.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 3am, no cover. Tel: (02) 6545111. Taxi: Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC. aloftabudhabi.com
Eat like an Aussie
In honour of Australia Day enjoy plenty of traditional down-under cuisine at Leopold’s of London. Items on the menu include Hot Dingo’s, an Aussie hotdog with veal and Merguez sausage, or the Little Aussie Burgers prepared with veal bacon, grilled pineapple and beetroot relish. For dessert there is a Milo Cheesecake, Tim Tam cake and Lamingtons.
Leopold’s of London, Galleria on Al Maryah Island, 7am to midnight, until Jan 30. Tel: (02) 6655214. Taxi: Galleria on Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae
Watch fast cars
The second round of the Yas Racing Series kicks off today. Drivers will race head-to-head on different circuit layouts on the Yas Marina Circuit in the venue’s first, single-make championship.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, gates open at 9am, Dhs25. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
See American Football
Can’t wait till the NFL Super Bowl XLIX to get your fix of American football? Then check out the Emirates American Football league’s match at the Zayed Sports City’s Grand Stand – the Abu Dhabi Wild Cats vs the Al Ain Desert Foxes.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, kickoff 6pm. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. eafl.ae
SATURDAY
Plan your upcoming nuptials – LAST CHANCE
If you are planning your wedding in 2015 you might want to visit The Bride Show, a bridal exhibition at ADNEC. Get ideas for your dress, watch runway shows and see make-up tutorials to help you plan for the big day.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, Dhs35 to Dhs175. Tel: (800) 23632. Taxi: ADNEC. thebrideshow.com
Be The Light workshop
Postponed last week, guests can now participate in this one-day workshop aimed at understanding the dynamics of life force energy. Hosted by wellness consultant Sagrika Bajaj, topics include special meditation, understanding and balancing chakras and optimising energy flow.
Salwa Zeidan Gallery, The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 6pm, Dhs600. Tel: (02) 6669656. Taxi: The Collection, Saadiyat Island. salwazeidangallery.com
Watch footy
Catch all the action between top-of-the-table rivals Manchester City FC and Chelsea this Saturday at the Yas Marina Circuit. A giant screen will show the event at The Luna Lounge with refreshments served throughout the evening.
The Luna Lounge, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, doors open at 9pm, kick-off at 9.30pm. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit, above the Media Centre. yasmarinacircuit.com
Wine down at BOA
Spend an afternoon at BOA Steakhouse enjoying fine wine, food and spirits. There will be a cocktail social hour from 12pm to 1pm with a cash bar, a five-course wine and food pairing with cocktails from 1pm to 3pm and lastly, an after meal party with DJ till 6pm.
BOA Steakhouse, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 6pm, Dhs125. Tel: (02) 6411500. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. boaabudhabi.ae
Go party
Go back to school with the first ever edition of ‘Old Schooled.’ Featuring the best of old school soul, R&B and Hip-Hop at the Chameleon Bar, DJ A.L.L.A.D. will be on the decks.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 10pm, free entrance. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. fairmont.com/abu-dhabi
Take an Abra
The existing Abra Service at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri has been extended to a 25-minute trip to include a pick-up and drop off at Eastern Mangroves every Friday and Saturday. The extended route will see service start at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri, stop at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, then onto the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara.
Various locations, including Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 6pm, Dhs50 for one-way or Dhs80 for return. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
