Things to do this weekend
What’s On has a full list of all the things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, including workshops, deals, sports, entertainment and 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, October 8
Dave Matthews Band
The American rock band will be kicking off their 2015 International Tour in Abu Dhabi today. The show will be the group’s first ever gig in the UAE and will see them perform two full sets of their signature hybrid of jazz, pop and folk music.
du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs295 to Dhs595. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: du Arena. thinkflash.ae
Build a city from cardboard
You get to be the architect as Polyglot Theatre’s We Built This City sees adults and kids create and design their own world from cardboard boxes. There will also be an on-site DJ and performers to help you conquer the giant public construction site.
NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, free to attend, pre-registration required. Taxi: NYUAD Arts Center, East Plaza. nyuad-artscenter.org
Listen to classical music
The Symphony Orchestra of India, led by British conductor Zane Dalal, will feature selections from Bach, Elgar and Wirén, accompanied by violin virtuoso Marat Bisengaliev. The show will start at 8pm, with tickets costing Dhs80 to Dhs250.
Al Ain Municipality Theatre, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs80 to Dhs250. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: Al Ain Municipality. abudhabiclassics.ae
Watch the Abu Dhabi Tour whiz by
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Tour kicks off today. The 555km competition takes place in various locations across the emirate, and features some of the best cyclists on the planet. Today, athletes are in Liwa and will travel from Qasr Al Sarab to Madinat Zayed in the Western Region. On Friday, the riders will be in the city centre and on Saturday, in Al Ain. Lastly, the final stage will include a 20-lap sprint around the city’s Formula One track, Yas Marina Circuit.
Various locations including Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. abudhabitour.com
FRIDAY, October 9
Go on a scavenger hunt
Put on your thinking caps and hunt for clues and objects in the city with this competition. All proceeds from the event go to support Animal Welfare Abu Dhabi, a non-profit group aimed at helping strays in the city. Price is inclusive of a pre-hunt breakfast and a post-hunt buffet.
Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 5pm, Dhs250. Tel: (050) 114987. Taxi: Near Khalifa Park. rotana.com
Eat a Filipino brunch
Head to the One to One hotel to try a traditional Filipino buffet featuring the popular samalamig drink made with sago pearls.
One To One Hotel – The Village, Al Nayhan, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs80. Tel: (02) 4952000. Taxi: One To One, Salam Street. onetoonehotels.com
Eat at a pink brunch
Head to the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi for a pink-themed Friday brunch at Giornotte Restaurant. Diners will be able to make donations to Breast Cancer Arabia Foundation on the day.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs425 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Listen to music from the movies
Listen to iconic film scores at Emirates Palace during the season opener for the NSO Symphony Orchestra. The concert, dubbed A Night at the Movies, will see a 60-piece orchestra perform scores and orchestral classics from popular films including Gladiator, The Pink Panther, Star Wars and even Disney’s Fantasia.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 4.30pm and 8pm, Dhs50 to Dhs300. Tel: (02) 5581958. Taxi: Emirates Palace. ticketmaster.ae, nsouae.org
SATURDAY, October 10
Wellness Awareness Day
Head to the spa for lifestyle, nutrition and fitness info.
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1pm. Tel: (02) 6570227. Taxi: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana. rotana.com
Eat off a new menu
Eat some local, organic produce with your next meal at Fanr restaurant on Saadiyat Island. The outlet has debuted a new menu that features items from the kitchen’s very own garden. New dishes include items for breakfast, lunch and dinner such as quinoa porridge with cinnamon, beet salad with crumbled goat cheese, pan-fried sea bream with wilted spinach and bread and butter pudding.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6575888. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. fanrrestaurant.ae
Get pink nails
Head to The Nail Spa to get some pink nail art dots on your digits and help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (600) 544001. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. thenailspa.com