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 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
New summer menu at Iris
Yas Island’s alfresco bar and restaurant Iris has launched a new season-inspired menu that is available until the start of Ramadan, when the outlet is closed. The new artisanal menu includes international entrées and dishes such as cannelloni wrapped with hass avocado and red tuna tartare on kadaif.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Fri 6pm to 3am, Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (055) 1605636. Taxi: Yas Marina. irisabudhabi.com
Feel the heat at a hammam
This traditional Turkish treatment will see you steamed, scrubbed and rubbed with foam at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa. After steam softens the skin, you’ll be exfoliated to get rid of dead skin cells and then receive a foam massage using olive oil soap.
Until August 31
Eastern Mangroves Hotel And Spa By Anantara, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 5pm, Dhs255. Tel: (02) 6561146. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. abu-dhabi.anantara.com
Abu Dhabi Fashion Days
Want the inside scoop on this season’s fashion trends? Abu Dhabi Fashion Days (ADFD) is hosting its Spring/Summer exhibition this weekend, showcasing a variety of local and regional designers in an intimate, private setting.
June 3 to 6
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Wed to Fri 4pm to 11pm, Sat 4pm to 9pm, Dhs20. Taxi: Adnec. abudhabifashiondays.com
FRIDAY
See some Oddballs
Check out an evening of sporting stories with former footballers Ron Atkinson and Steve Staunton plus retired snooker pro Dennis Taylor.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, Fri 4.30pm, Dhs699 to Dhs899. Tel: (02) 5588990. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
Check out an art festival
See 80 pieces created by 31 Abu Dhabi-based artists at Honalfan, a month-long art festival from AD Arts Collective.
Until June 18
Abu Dhabi National Theatre, Al Ittihad, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 9am to 1pm, 6pm to 9pm. Taxi: Abu Dhabi National Theatre, near Dusit Thani and Abu Dhabi Media. facebook.com/ADArtsCollective
Listen to live music
There are two live music festivals on this weekend at Abu Dhabi Theatre. Tomorrow its Just Voices, an a Capella event, while Saturday and Sunday its Jazz To Jive Festival, featuring local bands from all over the emirate. The organisers will be raising funds for two children’s charities over the weekend – Operation Smile UAE and Abu Dhabi’s Special Care Centre.
June 5 to 7
Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50, Dhs25 children. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Theatre, near Marina Mall. voicesofharmony.weebly.com
Be a Hero
Dine with Spidey, Batman and Superman at a comics-themed brunch at the Silk Route Café.
Holiday Inn, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs120. Tel: (02) 6574856. Taxi: Holiday Inn, Airport Road. holidayinn.com
Look at Arabic art – LAST CHANCE
The Sowar Art exhibition features works from Rabee Douier showcasing various aspects of Arabic culture, from horses to music and ships. The exhibition concludes today.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6570000. Taxi: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana. rotana.com
Visit an artisan market
This indoor bazaar has glass-blown jewellery, artisanal soaps, handmade cards, wall art and more.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 8pm. Tel: (056) 6634047. Taxi: The Souk Qaryat Al Beri. facebook.com/Qaryatalberi
Marina brunch
Dig into dishes from The Yacht Club, Chamas and the Belgian Café at this Friday brunch.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 4pm, Dhs290 to Dhs330. Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterContinental Abu Dhabi. ihg.com
Attend The Great Gatsby Party
Step into the 1920s at this bash at The Venue (formerly Allure) on Yas Island. There’ll be music from DJs Ragy & Froid, photo-booths, silent films, a special jazz band and prizes for best costumes. Dress code is strictly 1920s only.
The Venue, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 9pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 4963200. Taxi: Yas Marina. Facebook event: The Great Gatsby Party @ The Venue
SATURDAY
Open mic night
Aspiring singers and musicians have one last chance to be in the spotlight at the season closer at B Lounge.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Go to a night zoo
To escape the heat, Al Ain Zoo is switching over to night hours and is open from 4pm to 10pm in June. Guests can enjoy horse rides, reptile encounters and giraffe feedings. In addition, there are free bird shows and crocodile feedings. The zoo will be closed during the holy month of Ramadan.
Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm, Dhs20, Dhs10 children. Tel: (03) 7992000. Taxi: Al Ain Zoo. alainzoo.ae
Try a new sport
Head over to Al Forsan Sports Resort to take advantage of a special summer offer that sees Dhs100 get you one sporting experience. Choose from karting, paintballs, a 60-minute wake or kneeboarding session, archery or
laser shooting.
Until August 31
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 5568555. Taxi: Al Forsan Sports Resort, Khalifa City, behind the golf club. alforsan.com
Ripe Market moves inside
Ripe Market, Abu Dhabi’s weekly organic food, arts and craft fare, has left its outdoor location at Mushrif Central Park and moved inside until October. You’ll find it every Saturday at The Collection from 10am.
The Collection, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat 10am to 2pm, free. Tel: (04) 3807602. Taxi: The Collection, next to the St Regis, Saadiyat Island. ripeme.com