What’s On has a full list of all the things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, including deals, sports, entertainment, new openings, concerts and exhibitions.


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

Celebrate Chinese New Year
It’s the year of the goat in China, and Chinese New Year falls on February 19. Several of the city’s hotels are celebrating tonight…
– Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara (02 6561000) is serving a special Chinese-themed set menu on February 19 for Dhs188 to 248 at The Pool Deck. There’ll be a traditional lion dance during the evening and guests will be given a Lai See (a red packet) as a gift.

– Li Jiang in the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (02 8188282) is serving a five-course set menu from February 17 to 24 featuring traditional Teochew style raw fish and barbecued lamb fillet for Dhs500 for two people.

– Over at the Dusit Thani (02 6988137) you can try a four-course menu on February 19 at the hotel’s Thai restaurant Benjarong. It’ll cost you Dhs199.

– Finally, Toshi at the Grand Millennium Al Wahda (02 4439999) is celebrating New Year with a buffet costing Dhs199.

Chinese New Year in Abu Dhabi


Qasr Al Hosn Festival – LAST CHANCE
This year’s edition is inspired by two themes: the historic structure itself, and the importance of modern heritage. Guests can take part in guided tours of the fort, check out live performances and learn more about the restoration process currently being conducted on the structure.

Qasr Al Hosn, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, until February 21, 4pm to 11pm. Taxi: Qasr Al Hosn Fort on Hamdan Street. qasralhosnfestival.ae

Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi


Eat at Street Feast on the Corniche – LAST CHANCE 
The inaugural edition of Street Feast – a celebration of cuisine served up on food trucks that’s part of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival – ends this weekend at the capital’s Corniche. Featuring ten international traders from the UK as well as five Emirati street food vendors, the selection of trucks aims to give visitors a crash course in trendy street food.

Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Feb 19 to 21. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. abudhabifoodfest.ae

Abu Dhabi Food Festival: Street Feast


Go crazy for crustaceans at the Palace
Emirates Palace is going mad for North Atlantic lobster during February at several of its outlets. Diners can sample lobster tortellini with fava beans velute and Manni olive oil at Italian restaurant Mezzaluna. What’s On award-winning seafood outlet Sayad will be offering lobster carpaccio with corals, lemon and albino caviar, and a lobster hot pot with pok choy, galangal and rice noodles. For more casual fare, there will be a lobster hot dog with cocktail mayonnaise at Cascades and Las Brisas, and the classic Maine lobster roll with lemon salsa available at Le Cafe.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com


FRIDAY

Chinese New Year at the Galleria
The high-end mall on Al Maryah Island is celebrating Chinese New Year with dancers, martial arts displays, acrobats and pop-up food stalls.

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Feb 18 to 21, 3pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6166999. Tsaxi: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, galleria.ae.

Chinese New Year in Abu Dhabi


Dance to August Alsina at People by Crystal
The US rapper and urban star, who has worked with Nicki Minaj, performs at the posh nightclub on Saadiyat Island tonight.
People By Crystal, The Collection at St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 8269698. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat Island. facebook.com/PeoplebycrystalAbuDhabi


Triathlon time on Yas
TriYas is a day-to-night triathlon that will see athletes swim in Yas Marina before cycling and running around the F1 track.

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 2pm, Dhs75 for children, Dhs300 for Sprint, Dhs375 for Olympic. Tel: (800) 927. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com

Tri Yas


SATURDAY

Go to the Circus
Head to Dalma Mall for the Great Vegas Circus. There will be lion tamers, acrobats, clowns and more.

Next to Dalma Mall, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, until Feb 27, Dhs100 to Dhs250. Tel: (056) 9365999. Taxi: Dalma Mall. eventoh-em.com


Go and see Grandpa Says
This solo exhibition at The Space by Dubai-based poet and artist B’lu features 50 contemporary works of mixed media.

The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 8pm, free, until Feb 27. Tel: (056) 3681166. Taxi: twofour54. facebook.com/thespaceAD


Ride the fastest rollercoaster in the world
UAE residents can get their need for speed at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi amusement park, without paying full price. A special residents offer will see guests pay Dhs195 for their ticket after presenting a valid Emirates ID at the counter.

Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs195, 11am to 8pm. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com