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, February 18
Check out the Love Food Festival
The Love Food Festival, which celebrates street food and food trucks, will be rolling into Mushrif Central Park this weekend. The three-day festival will feature 15 popular street food trucks from the UK serving grilled cheese at the Cheese Truck, soft shell crab burgers from Crabbie Shack, fish finger sandwiches from Hix’s Fishdog and something called British tacos or “bracos” from The Roadery. In addition to the food, expect live cooking demos and appearances from celebrity chefs such as Andy Bates, Susan Husseini, Eric Lanlard and Kevin Gratton. There’ll also be live music, art installations and special activities on offer for the kids.
Mushrif Central Park, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Thurs 5pm to 10pm, Fri and Sat noon to 10pm, Dhs40 entrance fee for festival, Dhs5 park entrance fee. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mushrif Park on Karamah Street. lovefoodfestival.ae
Put gold on your face
Get a golden glow – literally – with a decadent 24 carat gold radiance facial at Emirates Palace Spa that sees micronised 24 carat gold sheets massaged into your skin.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs1,890 for 90-minutes. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Eat some Arabic-style pizza
Eat wood-fired Arabic pies at Mijana’s outdoor terrace while listening to live music. The promotion will run until February 29.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 1am, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
FRIDAY, February 19
Go to a Kite Festival
The first annual Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Kite Fest will see you spend a day on the beach flying kites. The family-friendly day out will also include a complimentary sausage sizzle, music, special prizes and return water taxi transfers back to the mainland. Prior registration is required.
Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10.30am to 4pm. Tel: (02) 8015400. sir-bani-yasisland.anantara.com
Cycle on Yas
This community cycling race will see you and the kids pedal around Yas Island for glory.
South Gateway Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 8am, Dhs50. Tel: (050) 1094055. Taxi: Yas Island. premieronline.com
Go to a Science Film festival
The Imagine Science Abu Dhabi Film Festival on Saadiyat Island will screen over thirty films (feature length and shorts) as well as host workshops, panel discussions, live musical performances and a sci-art exhibition all loosely based on the theme of air. The festival is free to attend but prior reservations are required. Be sure to arrive at least 30-minutes before screenings to guarantee seating.
NYU Art Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free with prior registration, timings vary. Taxi: NYU Campus on Saadiyat Island. nyuad-artscenter.org
SATURDAY, February 20
Last chance to catch Frozen Live
It’s the last day to catch Disney in Concert: Frozen. The musical score from the 2013 animated Disney movie (which ranks in the top ten for highest grossing films of all time) will be performed by the UAE National Symphony Orchestra at the du Forum. Expect a selection of songs from the film including Let it Go, For the First time in Forever and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 to Dhs500, timings vary. Tel: (02) 5098000. Taxi: du Forum. thinkflash.ae
Watch a chef make you dinner
Pick your dinner – literally. Every Saturday at Li Jiang in the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi diners can choose from a selection of produce, proteins and sauces before watching Chef Lee prepare their meal in front of them in the show kitchen.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 12am, from Dhs90 and up. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Try a round of mini-golf in the dark
The glow-in-the-dark mini golf course at Dalma Mall will see you make your way around exceedingly strange obstacles that have been decorated in neon paint. The 10,000 square foot space, which boasts an Arabian theme, has 18-holes and should take you around 45-minutes to an hour to complete.
Tee & Putt, Dalma Mall, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight, Dhs50 per person. Tel: (02) 5555307. Taxi: Dalma Mall. teeandputt.com