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
Al Gharbia Festival
A ten-day watersports festival sees dhow racing, kite surfing and kayaking take over the coast. In addition to professional games, there are family activities including live entertainment (last year they had fire dancers), sand sculpting and activations for kids to try water sports for free.
Mirfa, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, until May 2. Taxi: Mirfa. algharbiafestivals.com
World Jiu-jitsu Championship
Watch the world’s best at the 2015 Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This year’s line-up includes fighters from more than 100 different countries all looking to get their share of glory and a part of the Dhs2 million prize fund. Participants include Emirati favourite Faisal Al Ketbi, reigning Black belt open heavyweight world champion Marcus Almeida and female open weight black belt champ Gabrielle Garcia.
IPIC Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, free, until April 25. Tel: (02) 3336155. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. uaejjf.com
A royal cuppa
Raise your pinkies! To celebrate the Queen of England’s birthday Leopold’s of London has created a royal tea experience. The experience features Kenyan leaf tea and bakes scones served with cream and jam.
Nation Galleria, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, until April 30, Dhs125 for two, 3pm to 6pm daily. Tel: (02) 6654776. Taxi: Nation Galleria Mall on Corniche. leopoldsoflondon.com
FRIDAY
Market Kitchen brunch with Suzanne Husseini
Palestinian celebrity TV chef Suzanne Husseini teams up with head chef Jordan Annabi to add Arabian flavours to the a la carte brunch at Market Kitchen. Dishes include halloumi with pomegranate salsa, scallops in crispy knafe pastry, pan-seared sea bream with date rice pilaf and chocolate date fondant.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199 with mocktails, Dhs299 with cocktails and wine, Dhs399 with Champagne. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
Celebrate South African Freedom Day
Head over to Stills to celebrate South African Freedom day with a special menu of uniquely South African dishes like bobotie, sosaties and more. Expect a lot of grilled meat.
Crowne Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm onwards. Tel: (02) 6166132. Taxi: Yas Island. ichotelsgroup.com
Desert Warrior Challenge
Head to Yas Island for this 10km course packed with over 20 military-style obstacles to test your strength, stamina and mental grit. For fun-runners there’s a less grueling 5km course with a dozen obstacles.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs315 to Dhs515. Tel: (052) 6543617. desertwarriorchallenge.com
Liquid Rain Pool Party
Head over to Aloft Abu Dhabi for this liquid rain pool party this evening. Past events have seen over 1,500 guests in attendance. Currently the event is still confirmed to go ahead, however we recommend you call ahead in case the weather causes this event to be delayed. 21 years of age and older only.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu DhabiDhs150 for men, free entrance for ladies. Tel: (02) 6545115. Taxi: Adnec. aloftabudhabi.com
Desert Open Figure Skating Championship
The fourth Desert Open Figure Skating Championship will see teams from the region; Cyprus and Kazakhstan compete for bragging rights. Fans can watch all the action for free at Zayed Sports City.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, until April 25. Tel: (02) 4034333. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. zsc.ae
SATURDAY
See a play
A Comedy Of Errors, the Bard’s classic, pun-filled tale of two sets of twins caught up in a case of mistaken identity, is perhaps one of his most accessible pieces of work – and you can watch the play performed in the capital by Resuscitation Theatre.
Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs80. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Art Hub, Mussafah. Tel: (050) 3846610. resuscitationtheatre.com
Wadi Adventure Race
The latest Wadi Adventure Race, taking place this month at the adventure park in Al Ain, is an obstacle course with one key bit of information missing – competitors don’t actually know what they will face until the day of the event. There are several categories to sign up for, including Super Fit/Tri Athletes, Very Fit, Good Level Of Fitness and Basic Level Of Fitness.
Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 9am. Tel: (03) 7818422. Taxi: Wadi Adventure, Al Ain. wadiadventure.ae, premieronline.com
Robbie Williams
One of the biggest names in British pop makes his Abu Dhabi debut. Robbie, of course, was one of the original members of boyband Take That (and rejoined the group in 2010) but has more than enough hits from his solo career, including Let Me Entertain You, to sing along to.
du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm, Dhs295 to Dhs895. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: Du Arena. ticketmaster.ae
Anzac Sunset Service
Aussies Abroad will be hosting an ANZAC Sunset day service to commemorate the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish men and women who fought and died in war.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, 5.30pm, Dhs180 for adults including three beverages, Dhs60 for kids aged 12 and under. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont. fairmont.com
Little Baking Hands
Get your little ones in the kitchen with this baking masterclass at The Souk, Qaryat Al Beri. Kids will be baking in groups and be accompanied by chefs. Suitable for kids aged three to 12 years of age.
The Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 7pm. Tel: (050) 9547906. Taxi: The Souk Qaryat Al Beri. facebook.com/qaryatalberi