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.
THURSDAY
Taste of Australia
The Australian Business Group in Abu Dhabi is hosting a special dinner with award winning Aussie guest chef Luke Mangan. The dinner will feature canapés and a three-course meal paired with Aussie wines. There’s also a prize draw with two business class return flights from Etihad to Australia up for grabs.
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, Dhs450 for members, Dhs550 for non-members. Taxi: Emirates Palace. ausbg.net
Listen to poetry
The one-day poetry festival will feature free writing workshops, lectures and special guest performances by American National Poetry Slam champions G Yamazawa and Patricia Smith. The event will pay homage to traditional Arabic Nabati poetry as well as to more modern, hip-hop styles of spoken word.
Paris-Sorbonne University, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, Dhs100. Taxi: Paris-Sorbonne on Reem Island, next to Gate Towers. www.abudhabipoetryfestival.com
Watch an Emirati film
As part of the Abu Dhabi Festival, check out two films produced by locals. Amal is a documentary by Emirati filmmaker and poet Nujoom Al Ghanem follows the professional and personal struggles of a Syrian actress who emigrated to Abu Dhabi. The Brain that Sings tells the story of two autistic boys in the UAE, this documentary by Amal Al Agroobi follows 19-year-old Mohammed and six-year-old Khalifa as they begin three months of music therapy to help manipulate the boys’ moods and emotions.
The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, 5pm and 7pm. Tel: (02) 3336400. Taxi: Twofour54, by Park Rotana. abudhabifestival.ae
FRIDAY
Splash at Yas
Enjoy a family day out with water sports and water-based activities for families and children of all ages. Try your hand at a variety of sports including stand up paddling, wake boarding and more.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 6pm, Dhs30 to Dhs150 depending on activity. Tel: (02) 5832380. Taxi: Yas Marina. vfuae.com
Sergio Mendes
Making his debut in the Gulf with a performance at Emirates Palace, Brazilian music star Sérgio Mendes will perform
a selection of beats from his country. Accompanied by rapper H20 and his ten-piece band, the concert will feature his greatest hits, including The Girl From Ipanema, Mas Que Nada and The Fool On The Hill.
Abu Dhabi Festival, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Dhs125 to Dhs350. Tel: (02) 3336400. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabifestival.ae
Listen to The Jam
The Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings are in town to perform a selection of songs from their popular 1970s UK punk band. Audiences should hear favourites like Down In The Tube Station At Midnight, Going Underground, Town Called Malice and The Modern World. For 21 years and older only.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100, 9pm. Tel: (02) 6166166. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Hotel. ihg.com
Go to the park
After being closed for two years, the Mushrif Central Park is celebrating its reopening today. Activities including kite-making workshops, games, storytelling shows and a drum circle will be on offer. While on Saturday, March 21, the Ripe Food & Craft Market will take place at the park from 4pm to 9pm.
Mushrif Central Park, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, noon to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: 15th Street between Airport Road and Karamah Street. mushrifcentralpark.ae
SATURDAY
Spring Festival at Galleria on Al Maryah
The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is celebrating home-grown talent during its annual Spring Festival. The mall will host meet and greets with local artists and talent, inspirational forums and workshops with some of the UAE’s top entrepreneurs and bespoke fashion and jewellery exhibitions.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, until April 8. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria on Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae
Charity Flea Market
Shop for treasures and trinkets on the cheap at this rummage sale. All funds from exhibitors will go to support children in need.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel And Resort, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 2pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Visit the Electronic Shopper (Last Chance)
It’s the last day of this electronic exhibition show which has the latest gadgets, TVs, gaming consoles and mobile phones to keep you securely plugged in. Brands exhibiting include Samsung, HP, Hisense, Huawei, Toshiba and Nikon. Check out special discounts, entertainment and even a kid’s photography competition.
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi. 11am to 11pm, Dhs25 to Dhs40. Taxi: Adnec. adecshopper.ae