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
Pulse Corniche
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. Anyone can participate for free 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
Yas Super Street Challenge
Wannabe race drivers should head to the Yas Marina Circuit to check out the first round of the Yas Super Street Challenge. This open-entry event will see over 50 of the UAE’s best street racers compete in five categories to see who will be ‘King of the Street.’ Cash prizes of up to Dhs15,000 are up for grabs.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 9, Dhs400 to participate, Dhs50 for spectators. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Get a facial
Relax after the busy holiday season with the VOYA Fresh Facial at Sense, A Rosewood Spa. Using anti-oxidant algae complexes, the hotel claims the facial can fight the signs of aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 31, Dhs295 for 45 minutes. Tel: (02) 8135537. Taxi: Rosewood, Al Maryah Island. rosewoodhotels.com
FRIDAY
Eat Korean food
Expand your culinary horizons with a buffet of Korean food on Saadiyat Island. Head to the Dolphin Terrace in Hawksbill Restaurant to sample meatballs with sesame, Korean fried chicken curry and of course, kimchi. There will also be a gimbap station – a type of Korean sushi – to sample.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm, Dhs120. Tel: (02) 4998107. sbgolfclub.ae
Live Love Abu Dhabi at Eight
Go back in time this Friday night. DJ Rodge will be playing hits from the 1980s and 1990s so start practising those dance moves.
Eight, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 10pm until late, door policy applies. Tel: (050) 1446662. Taxi: Souk Qaryat Al Beri. facebook.com/EightAbuDhabi
Great Vegas Circus
Roll up! Roll up! Head to Dalma Mall to entertain the entire family with the Great Vegas Circus show. Acts featured include a Globe of Death, flying trapeze, white lions and a contortion show.
Next to Dalma Mall, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, 6pm and 9pm, Dhs75 to Dhs200. Tel: (056) 9365999. Taxi: Dalma Mall. eventoh-em.com
Liwa International Festival (Last Chance)
It’s the last day to head to the dunes of Liwa to get your fill of four wheels, motocross and local culture. The seven-day festival celebrating UAE culture and heritage features plenty of adrenalin filled camel, falcon, car and motocross races in the desert, including the highlight of the event – a race to the top of the Moreeb Dune, a dune over 300m high.
Moreeb Dune, Liwa, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 6668997. Taxi: Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi. agsc.ae
SATURDAY
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi WinterFest (Last Chance)
It’s your last chance to celebrate the holiday season at Ferrari World. Featuring a traditional winter village and market, acrobatic snow globe dancers, a kids’ 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. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
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.
Visit a baby bazaar
Mummies and mums-to-be can head down to Yas Marina for a bit of baby shopping. Guests can buy new and pre-loved baby, toddler and maternity items once a month on the island.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasmarina.ae
Bahiya Sanctuary Open Day
Head to this locally owned farm in Abu Dhabi to have fun with animals at their open day. The sanctuary has seven dogs, two ponies, five donkeys, over sixty cats and three porcupines. During the event kids can take part in a treasure hunt and get up-close-and-personal with the animals.
Bahya Sanctuary, Al Bahya, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 5pm. Tel: (056) 6127914. Taxi: Al Bahya. facebook.com/BahyaSanctuary
AD Arts Collective picnic
Spend an arty day out with the Abu Dhabi Arts Collective. The informal gathering is open to all and will allow guests to meet with fellow artists and discuss art in Abu Dhabi. Guests must bring their own picnic supplies.
Family Park, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 5pm. Taxi: Family Park near the Corniche. facebook.com/ADArtsCollective