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, November 26
Formula One kicks off
The 2015 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicks off today. In addition to the on-track action and race finale, the line-up for the after race concerts sees regional artists including Cheb Khaled, Emirati songstress Aryam, and Lebanese star Fares Karam perform on Thursday. Friday will see Latin heartthrob Enrique Iglesias headline while Saturday sees indie darlings Florence and the Machine rock out. And last, but not least, British punk rockers Blur will close the show on Sunday.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Nov 26 to Nov 29. Tel: (02) 6599800. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Listen to Beats on the Beach
No tickets, no problem. Head to the Corniche Beach to check out the free music festival Beats on the Beach as part of Yasalam from Thursday to Saturday. The line-up includes Swedish pop star Tove Lo on Thursday. Friday will see soul singer Jhené Aiko and rapper J.Cole. While Saturday will see British electronica band Faithless close the show.
Lagoon Beach, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Nov 26 to 28, doors open at 6.30pm, free entry. Taxi: Corniche Beach. yasalam.ae
Scoff some turkey
Celebrate Thanksgiving at The Sportsman’s Arms with a brunch featuring corned beef and jalapeño hash, butternut squash risotto, roast turkey with cranberry sauce and caramel pumpkin pudding. And to really get in the spirit of the day, NFL matches will be shown from 9.30pm.
Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 10pm, Dhs195 to Dhs349. Tel: (02) 4034235. Taxi: Tennis Centre at ZSC. sportsmanszsc.com
Go to a cooking class
Chef Uday Nathan from Fanr restaurant will help you master the secrets of cooking good Italian dishes.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6575888. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. fanrrestaurant.ae
FRIDAY, November 27
Go to a Formula One after-party
There’s a lot happening during Race Weekend including exclusive after-parties and pop-up performances from 50 Cent, Craig David, Akon and Ludacris. Find out exactly where to go and what to do with our round-up of gigs and events here.
Visit the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival
Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this programme is a celebration of the country’s cultural inheritance. From traditional craft workshops to auctions and exhibitions, it’s a great way for expats and visitors alike to learn about the emirates’ history. The festival will go on until December 12.
Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Wathba, near the camel race track. zayedfestival.com
Eat food from a two Michelin-starred chef
To coincide with Formula One, Italian chef Antonio Mellino will be taking over Amici at the Yas Viceroy from November 26 to 29. The chef, whose Amalfi coast restaurant Quattro Passi earned him two Michelin stars, is known for his focus on light, clean flavours. Dishes on the menu will include ravioli filled with smoked provola cheese and rocket, spaghetti with sea urchin, Scottona beef with white turnip and hot chocolate flan.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm, 4pm to 11pm, Dhs450 minimum spend per person required. Tel: (02) 6560600. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Look at F1 artwork
German artist Armin Flossdorf will be exhibiting more than ten works of art inspired by the Formula One at the Le Royal Méridien hotel lobby. The artist, who paints quickly and without prior sketching, is known for his painting action sessions where he works in front of an audience and creates a piece in a matter of hours.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, until Dec 1, free entry. Tel: (02)6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
SATURDAY, November 28
Ripe Market
Head to the park for fresh veggies, live music, craft stalls and more.
Mushrif Central Park, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Sat 4pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mushrif Park on Karamah Street. mushrifcentralpark.ae
Celebrate Loy Krathong at Sontaya
It’s the last day to try the Loy Krathong five-course dinner at Sontaya. The special menu features dishes such as the Full Moon Night, a shredded prawn salad with organic egg, spicy caviar, prawn dust and lime dressing and the Elegance of Flowers, a jasmine ice parfait with crispy rice berry.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs300 per person. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat. stregissaadiyatisland.com
John Digweed at Yas Beach
As part of Race Weekend English DJ John Digweed will take over the decks at the newly renovated Yas Beach. Other performers on the night include resident DJ Albert Casanovas and Raxon.
Yas Beach, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm onwards, Dhs150 for men, Dhs100 for ladies. Tel: (056) 2420435. Taxi: Yas Beach. yasbeach.ae