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, September 10

Eat some Mooncakes

Celebrate the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival at Dai Pai Dong with a mooncake. The traditional pastries, prepared with sweet and dense fillings, are decorated with Chinese symbols and given to friends and family during the festivities. Flavours for both dine-in and takeaway include red bean paste, red lotus paste, strawberry ice cream paste and green tea.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50 for three pieces, until Sept 30. Taxi: Rosewood, Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 8135550. rosewoodhotels.com

Mooncakes


Do your nails

Check out the Eid inspired nail polish and art options available at this nail bar, including the signature Evil Eye design.

Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, prices vary. Tel: (600)544001. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. thenailspa.com


Look at some art

Romanian-French artist Mioara is showcasing her first solo exhibition in Abu Dhabi at The Space. Titled Blue Silence, the show features a selection of artwork that is inspired the intricate patterns found in henna designs and the colours gold, silver and blue. The show will be on offer until September 21.

The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, free. Taxi: twofour54, Khalifa Park. facebook.com/thespaceAD


FRIDAY, September 11

Go to the beach

Take the kids out to Yas Beach for day of sun and sand. Every Friday, from 3pm to 5pm, the beach hosts a sand castle building competition. For little guests, parents should visit Kidoos World, a tented area filled with interactive games and educational shows suited to toddlers. And when you arrive, visit reception to grab a free coupon for ice cream.

Yas Beach, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 6pm, kids under eight are free, Dhs50. Tel: (056) 2420435. Taxi: Yas Beach. yasbeach.ae

Yas Beach


Make some new friends

Now that summer break is officially over, head over to the Aussies Abroad welcome back brunch at the Dusit Thani. Both members and non-members are invited.

Dusit Thani, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs199 with soft drinks, Dhs299 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 6988888. Taxi: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. dusit.com


Eat some new food

Rooftop restaurant Suhail has recently undergone a soft refurbishing and features new menu items to try.

Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. Taxi: Qasr Al Sarab. qasralsarab.anantara.com


Try a spabike

Part massage and part hydrotherapy, this exercise will see you cycle yourself slim in a partially submerged bath. Meant to help firm and tone the body, the bath/biking set up at Bodylines Gym at the Yas Rotana will see you cycle against the resistance of the water for a deeper workout. It’s claimed you can burn up to 700 calories per session and that the aquatic training can also help reduce cellulite.

Yas Rotana, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 9pm, Dhs185 for one session. Tel: (02) 6564000. Taxi: Yas Island. rotana.com


SATURDAY, September 12

Shop at a Pop-Up

Fashion collective La Loupe is hosting a one-day pop up shop featuring over 50 homegrown vendors and brands from the UAE, including Arredo Casa Mia, Mayar Deesign and Hello Tinkymoo. The event will also have food stalls, beauty products, artwork and an authentic Majlis.

La Loupe Pop-up, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 7pm, Dhs15 per person. Tel: (050) 1118754. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. facebook.com/laloupeauh 

La Loupe


Eat some pizza

Check out the limited edition pizza offerings at Carluccio’s including the crab topped Granchio e Gamberi.

The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 9am to 11pm, Thur to Sat 9am to midnight, until Sept 27. Tel: (02) 6771261. Taxi: Galleria on Maryah Island. carluccios.com


Try a raw juice

When chewing vegetables gets too hard, why not liquefy them instead? The trendy health craze has its fair share of unique and unexpected offerings up for the sipping, including The Raw Place’s signature savoury specialty the Salmorejo. The 16oz drink is made up of tomato, watermelon, green peppers, spring onion, garlic, mustard seeds, olive oil, Himalayan sea salt and black pepper and tastes like a chilled tomato soup.

World Trade Center Souk, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 10.30pm, Dhs38. Tel: (02) 6334677. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. therawplace.com