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 to a pool party
Celebrate the Thai festival Songkran at the Dusit Thani’s rooftop pool bar. Head to Breeze on the 23rd floor where Thai inspired street food, live DJ, water games, shisha and raffle draws will be on offer.

Dusit Thani, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, 5pm, Dhs145 to Dhs250. Tel: (02) 6988888. Taxi: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. dusit.com


Eat Thai food
To celebrate Songkran, the Thai New Year, check out this special menu at Smoking Doll. Items on the menu include Golden Crab Skewers, a Seafood Platter featuring fresh salmon fillet, prawn skewers, squid, mussels, scallops and crispy soft shell crab, as well as the Smoking Tiger Roll, a tempura tiger prawn sushi roll with avocado, carrot and asparagus topped with sweet shrimps.

Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, throughout April, Dhs40 onwards. Tel: (600) 560603. Taxi: Boutik Mall. smokingdoll.com

Songkran Festival in Abu Dhabi


Send the kids to a camp
Entertain your little terrors during the
term break with this sporty holiday camp.

Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, 8.30am to 5.30pm. Tel: (02) 4034222. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. zsc.ae


Louis Jadot Wine Dinner
Head over to Safina to join Laura Rudkin in a special four-course degustation menu paired with Louis Jadot wines. The menu will include scallops Carpaccio, baked Alaskan king crab and Muscovy duck breast, all paired with a selection of wine.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs296 for members, Dhs395 for non-members. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. Saadiyatbeachclub.ae


Music Festival at Yas Mall
Check out the three-day music festival happening at Yas Mall. Showcasing UAE-based talents from April 9 to Aprill 11, there are more than 50 acts planned daily and will include classical guitar, violin, oud, pop, punk rock and beatbox performances.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 9pm, until April 11. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae

Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, main entrance


FRIDAY

Foam pool party
Centro Yas Island is throwing another foam pool party. DJ Chris Delaney, DJ Anya and DJ Neil T will all be in attendance. Guests must be 21 years and older to attend.

Centro Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, free entry for ladies, Dhs100 for men. Tel: (02) 6564444. Taxi: Centro Yas Island. rotana.com


Feria de Aloft
Celebrate the Spanish fair ‘La Feria de Sevilla’ at Aloft Abu Dhabi. Hosted at the outdoor Splash Garden terrace, guests of all ages and cultures can enjoy a festive evening with live Flamenco band BARAKA from Spain.

Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 3am, Entrance Dhs50 with welcome drink. Tel: (02) 6545120. Taxi: Adnec. aloftabudhabi.com


Sakura Menu at KOI
This What’s On Award winning Japanese restaurant is hosting a limited five-course sushi menu. Developed by executive chef Daisuke Yoshizaki, first up is the Katuo Tataki, a seared sashmi served with Japanese Bonito fish. Then there is pan-fried scallop with foie gras, Sakura sea bass or Sakura Gyu tenderloin and cheesecake for dessert.

The Collection, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, until April 12, Dhs320 per person. Tel: (02) 6783334. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. koirestaurant.ae

Koi Restaurant, Abu Dhabi


The Magician at The Exchange Club
DJ The Magician will be performing at Le Méridien Abu Dhabi. His hit songs include I Follow Rivers, Sunlight, Rather Be and Faded. He will be supported by DJ Chris Delaney and DJ CJ and DJ Mark Betta.

Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 7639275. Taxi: Le Méridien. acropolisabudhabi.com


SATURDAY

Listen to British Punk Rock
See wannabe Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious perform in Abu Dhabi. The Pistols Experience is a cover band of The Sex Pistols and will be performing at PJ O’Reilly’s Great British Punk Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival. The group is led by Ed Tenpole Tudor, who also starred in the 1980 mockumentary about the Pistols, The Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Swindle.

Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 8pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. pjspubabudhabi.com.com


House of AFRIKA at Catch
Every Saturday at Catch check out the House of Afrika. Playing South African house music, DJs on rotation include Charl Chaka, Just Lance, Schooly, DeCaf, Che, DJ Aries and Cory Centric. Over 21 years of age only.

Nation Riviera Beach Club, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 4pm till late, door policy applies. Tel: (02) 6110909. Taxi: Nation Riviera Beach Club on the Corniche. catch.ae

Catch Abu Dhabi


The Big Aussie BBQ
Hosted as part of Anantara Gourmet, guest Chef Mike Tafe will host an Aussie gourmet BBQ at the Pool Deck. Dishes include Angus strip loin, mini lamb burgers and veal backstrap.

Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa by Anantara, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 7pm, Dhs250 inclusive of malt. Tel: (02) 6561000. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. abu-dhabi.anantara.com


Orange Saturday at Abu Dhabi Art Hub
Meet and greet international artists from the Abu Dhabi Art Hub this Saturday. Artists include Italian Maria Giovanna Ambrosone, Hungarian Abel Szabo and Emirati Sultan Karrani. There will also be a talk on Andy Warhol by NYUAD Professor Bryan Waterman at 1.30pm followed by a session of art jamming from 4pm onwards. Reservations are required.

Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 5pm. Tel: (02) 5515005. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Art Hub in Mussafah, close to ICAD Residential City. www.adah.ae