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 31
Ring in the New Year on Al Maryah Island
Head to the Promenade behind the Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island to countdown the end of 2015 with special musical acts, DJs and more. Don’t miss the fireworks display at midnight.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm onwards. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria, Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae
Check out the tennis
The eight edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship will see the world’s best – including Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Kevin Anderson, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic – compete for bragging rights and a winner-takes-all prize worth Dhs918,000. Off the court, there will be games and autography sessions at the Tennis Village. The event last until January 2.
Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100 to Dhs2,200. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. mubadalawtc.com
Eat a four-course meal
Hold off on those healthy resolutions with a four-course meal at Bentley Bistro & Bar on New Year’s Eve. The menu includes crab and tarragon risotto, consommé of wild mushroom and truffle, mustard crusted flat iron steak, and a selection of sweeties from the dessert-sharing stand.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, Dhs600. Tel: (02) 6262131. Taxi: Galleria on Al Maryah Island. bentleybistro.com
Closing time
Bid farewell to 2015 at McGettigan’s with live music, unlimited house beverages and pass around platters.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 12.15am, Dhs399 per person. Tel: (02) 6524333. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. mcgettigans.com
Celebrate NYE on Saadiyat
Ring in 2016 with a Cuban themed evening at 55&5, The Grill at St Regis Saadiyat Island. In addition to a six-course menu paired with fine beverages, there will be live music by a Cuban band who will play music from the 1920’s and 1930’s. And when the clock strikes twelve, be sure to check out the fireworks display.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs950 for food only, Dhs1,340 with beverages. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat Island. stregis.com
FRIDAY, January 1
Celebrate 2016
Ring in the New Year with a barbecue brunch poolside at the Sofitel, while band Luna Soul provides live music.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house, Dhs440 with bubbly. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel. sofitel.com
Eat Japanese food
The special Osechi set menu at Tori No Su includes traditional delicacies served in bento-like boxes. The menu will be available until January 16.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 8115555. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com
Hangover brunch
Grab a spot overlooking the racetrack on Yas Marina and ease yourself into the New Year with a brunch featuring a range of international cuisines at Origins.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs225 with soft drinks, Dhs375 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 6560600. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
SATURDAY, January 2
Family picnic brunch
Head to Iris Yas Island to enjoy a family-friendly picnic brunch. Think steak, chicken drumsticks, burgers, tacos, hot dogs, brownies, crepes and more. Hosted every Saturday, kids will be able to enjoy arts and crafts, games and a grass covered play area.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs200 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house beverages, Dhs400 with premium alcohol, Dhs450 with bubbles. Tel: (055) 1605636. Taxi: Yas Marina. irisabudhabi.com
Try out an Arabic high tea
Watch the sunset over the marina at Byblos Sur Mer while you tuck into an indulgent Arabic-inspired high tea. The sharing platter, meant for two, includes tlameh bread with labneh and zaatar, cumin and coriander scones, kunafa wrapped prawns, ginger-minted fruit salad and awamat (Arabic doughnuts) with kohlrabi molasses.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, daily 4pm to 7pm, Dhs295 for two guests.Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterContinental Hotel. dining-intercontinental-ad.ae
Go to Liwa
Check out the Liwa International Festival, a seven-day event that will see freestyle drifting and motocross races in the desert as well as a race up the highest sand hill in the UAE, the Tell Moreeb. Other activities include camel races, a classic cars competition and falcon races.
Liwa, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, until Jan 8. Tel: (050)6668997. Taxi: Tell Moreeb in Liwa. abudhabievents.ae