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 28
Go to Rooftop Rhythms
Listen to performers wax lyrical at this spoken word night at New York University Abu Dhabi. There’ll also be a slam competition and music from DJ Allad.
NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 10.30pm, free. Taxi: The Marketplace, NYUAD. facebook.com/ rooftoprhythmsAD
Cheese and grapes at 55&5th The Grill
Head over to Saadiyat Island to start your weekend with a cheese and grape pairing in the private dining room of this steakhouse.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs130 per person. Tel: (02) 4988008. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat. 55and5thabudhabi.com
Go to a Venetian masquerade
Italian restaurant Amalfi will be hosting a Venetian themed masquerade carnival. Expect plenty of nibbles, entertainment from DJ Lola and a couple of surprises too.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs249 per person including canapés and beverages. Tel: (800) 101101. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com
FRIDAY, January 29
Go to the Electric Run
Called the ‘World’s Brightest 5k’, this race at Yas Marina Circuit takes place at night so expect bright lights, glo-sticks and lots of colour. Open to athletes of all abilities. It’s not for serious runners – anyone can take part, and walking (and dancing) to the finish line is allowed – and encouraged.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs 215, 5pm. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. electricrun.ae
Celebrate Australia Day
Celebrate the land down under with Aussie Abroad’s family picnic brunch.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs175 with soft drinks, Dhs215 with house drinks. Tel: (800) 101101. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. aussiesabroadabudhabi.com
Go to brunch
Head over to Aloft Abu Dhabi for a BBQ brunch. You’ll also receive access to the rooftop pool, so you can burn off all the calories you just ate with a couple of laps afterwards.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Safraat, Abu Dhab, Dhs150 with soft drinks, Dhs220 with grape, Dhs259 with house pouring. Tel: (02) 6545115. Taxi: Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC. facebook.com/AloftAbuDhabi
SATURDAY, January 30
Watch Taken 3 for free
Watch Liam Neeson show off his “particular set of skills” with a free outdoor screening of action flick Taken 3. This time ex-government operative Bryan Mills is accused of a ruthless murder he never committed or witnessed. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis so get there early. Before you head down call ahead to confirm the event is taking place, as poor weather this weekend may cause cancellations.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Eat a meal at sunset
Boa Steakhouse has unveiled a 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
Get a hydrating facial at Emirates Palace
Turn back the clock with a deep cleansing facial meant to make skin look younger.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs645. Tel: (02) 6907978. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com