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, January 7
Orthodox Christmas
Don’t stop those Crimbo celebrations just yet! Visit Turquoiz for a holiday themed seafood barbecue lunch.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. stregissaadiyatisland.com
Here comes the bride
Prepare for your big day with this bridal event featuring a fashion show.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5031400. Taxi: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. basmall.ae
Abu Dhabi International Dance Festival
Bust out your moves for this dance festival at Aloft Abu Dhabi. Showcasing several different styles of dance including salsa, hip hop, afro rumba, zouk and more, there will dance parties in the evenings as well as workshops and shows from international instructors.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Safraat, Abu Dhab, until Jan 9, tickets from Dhs150 and up. Tel: (050) 4422360. Taxi: Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC. adidf.com
Check out the Liwa International Festival
This seven-day event 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
FRIDAY, January 8
Art Central open day
Head to Reem Island to explore your arty side with this free open day. Check out live tutorials, meet the instructors and sign up for a variety of workshops (from sketching to oil painting to calligraphy and sculpture) on offer at this shop.
Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1pm. Tel: (056) 2017970. Taxi: Boutik Mall, Reem Island. facebook.com/artcentraluae
Meet the Looney Tunes at Yas Mall
Meet Daffy Duck and Taz at Yas Mall this weekend at Yas Mall. Watch as Daffy tries to discover who stole his roast chicken, in a live show called “What Stole my Chicken?” Shows will be hosted at 5pm, 6.30pm and 8pm. In addition to the live entertainment, there will also be workshops and arts and crafts on offer for the kiddies.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to midnight, until January 9. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
Run a 5K
This ADCB Zayed Sports City 5km and 10km run will see you pound the pavement in relative safety, as you race around closed roads in the capital’s sporting complex. It’s an early start, but one of the most popular regular circuits to cater to both professionals and newbies alike.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, 7.30am, Dhs120 to 180. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. premieronline.com
SATURDAY, January 9
Poetry and artwork on display
Check out a range of artwork spanning two generations in this family showcase, with paintings from Noura Ali Al Ramahi and Fatima El Jaroudi, and poetry from Sarah Snowneil Ali. Best of all, half of the profits from the exhibition will be donated to the Future Centre For Special Needs. The exhibition will run until January 23.
The Space, twofour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, free. Taxi: twofour54, Khalifa Park. facebook.com/thespaceAD
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
Boa launches sunset dinner menu
Check out the new early evening menu that will let you watch the setting sun sink into the mangroves, all whilst tucking into either an Australian striploin or Aussie rib eye steak. The meat comes paired with your choice of side dish (sautéed broccoli, mash potatoes or French beans) as well as unlimited grape or mocktails.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily from 6pm to 8pm, Dhs215 or Dhs230 per person. Tel: (02) 6411500. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. boaabudhabi.ae