Things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi
What’s On has a full list of all the things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, 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, December 24
Learn to ice skate (last chance)
It’s the last day of this kid’s ice skating camp at Zayed Sports City. Based on the Ice Skating Institute of Asia principles, kids aged five to 12 years will be able to improve their on-ice technique as well as participate in off-ice games meant to develop their skills in endurance and balance. No prior skating experience is required.
Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 1pm or 1pm to 5pm. Tel: (02) 4034333. Taxi: Tennis Centre at ZSC. zsc.ae
Go to the park
Head to Mushrif Park to check out this special winter celebration in the Children’s Garden. There’ll be a host of activities on offer including dedicated play zones, coconut shy games, snow fight zone and a soft play igloo. There will also be screenings of family-friendly movies on the grass.
Mushrif Central Park, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 9pm, Dhs10 entry for kids aged 16 and under. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mushrif Park on Karamah Street. mushrifcentralpark.ae
Eat a Christmas Eve buffet
Le Jardin is serving festive French dishes including frog’s legs, tomatoes with foie gras and lobster medallions.
Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160. Tel: (02) 6333555. Taxi: Mercure Centre Hotel. accorhotels.com
FRIDAY, December 25
Camels and culture on show
The ninth edition of the Al Dhafra Festival features the annual, traditional camel auction (where prized animals have been sold for up to Dhs3.5 million), camel races and camel milking competitions. There’ll also be saluki races, falcon hunting competitions and a classic car showcase.
Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, free entry, until Dec 30. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Gharbia. aldhafrafestival.ae
Go to Ferrari World
Figure skating shows, snow slides and an appearance by Bjorn the animatronic polar bear are on offer at this theme park’s Winterfest.
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Do your nails
Get dazzling digits (think pink, electric blue, gold and silver) for the holidays with a new polish collection at The Nail Spa.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs15 per nail. Tel: (600) 544001.Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. thenailspa.com
SATURDAY, December 26
Eat some truffles
December is all about white truffles at Mezzaluna, the Italian restaurant in Emirates Palace. On the menu you’ll find handmade tagliolini pasta with white alba truffle, 36-month aged parmesan cheese and white alba truffle risotto, and scrambled eggs with white alba truffle.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily 12.30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Visit a winter wonderland
Head to Yas Island for a holiday themed festival at Yas Marina that will include a Snowball Zone, a meet-and-greet with Santa and plenty of fun activities for the kiddies.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 7pm. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina, Yas Island. yasmarina.ae
Watch a festive movie
Check out the open-air Christmas cinema at the Beachcomber, which will be showing Paddington tonight. Based on the popular children’s book stories, the film tells the tale of a Peruvian bear who travels to London looking for a home. There will also be hot chocolate, popcorn and warm blankets available.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com