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, March 3
Check out The Station
Inaugural fashion pop-up The Station will see the Galleria’s promenade transform with designer booths, gourmet food trucks and art exhibitions. They’ll also be weekly workshops, beauty stations, live music and more.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Sat 4pm to 10pm, Thur and Fri 4pm to midnight, until March 19. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria, Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae
Cheer on the triathletes
Watch the world’s best descend on the capital this month for the annual ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi. The event in the capital is the first of nine taking place this year (after the UAE, the tour heads to Australia, South Africa, the UK and Canada, to name a few). The competitors, including several expected to compete at the Rio 2016 Olympics, will head for the Corniche for a 1,500m swim, a 80km bike ride and a 20km run.
Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Dhs750 (for Maxi option), March 4 and 5. abudhabi.triathlon.org
Look at some anime
Head to Yas Mall to see an art exhibition devoted to the Japanese art of anime. The Seconds of Anime exhibit will feature scenes of animation from the 1970s all the way till now. The show will be hosted until Saturday March 5 and will be located in the Pearl Court. There’ll also be a cosplay competition too.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until March 5. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
FRIDAY, March 4
Night at the Symphony
The 60-piece NSO Symphony Orchestra will be presenting excerpts from some of the world’s best loved symphonies including Wagner’s Renzi overture, Leonard Bernstein’s Broadway classic West Side Story Suite and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4 in F minor at the Emirates Palace. Conducted by Andrew Berryman, the evening will also include a special performance by international pianist Ioannis Potamousis.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm, Dhs300 to Dhs75. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: Emirates Palace. ticketmaster.ae, nsouae.org
Hemingway dinner
Head to The Forge steakhouse for a menu inspired entirely by Ernest Hemingway’s award-wining books.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs300 per person, Dhs450 with wine pairings. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Go to the Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
Animal lovers should check out the fourth edition of this festival, that will see you learn all about new products, food, fashion, health and training services for your four legged friends. There will also be a dog show, dog and cat beauty/grooming competitions and a pet and owner fancy dress contest as well as free medical check-ups, vaccinations and micro-chips from the Emirates Dog Owners Society.
du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm, free entrance. Tel: (056)2966474. Taxi: du Arena. petfestival.ae
Go to the Little Birdie pop up market
The newest market to arrive in Abu Dhabi is all about crafts. The Little Birdie pop up market will be at the Le Méridien on Friday with a range of items including hats and fascinators to vintage jewellery, ethnic clothing, camel leather moccasins and organic cosmetics. There’s also a bouncy castle for the kids.
Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 5pm. Tel: (02) 6446666. Taxi: Le Méridien. Search Facebook: The Little Birdie Pop Up Market
Check out Artscape
Head to Manarat Al Saadiyat for a day of workshops, music and visual arts. There’ll be workshops for children and families inspired by the artists of ongoing art exhibition, Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Art as well as music, food and live entertainment.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 657 5800 Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
SATURDAY, March 5
Go to an open mic night
Calling all amateur singers and musicians. Test out your chops in front of a crowd at the B Lounge. The open-air space will see performers hit the stage on the first Saturday of every month. Those interested in performing must register beforehand. Get there early to grab a decent seat.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. b-loungeabudhabi.com
New Saturday barbecue brunch at Stills
Squeeze in some family time on Saturdays with a new, kid-friendly brunch (think bouncy castle) at Stills. There’s a live barbecue station serving up grilled sausages, burgers and chicken skewers outside, while inside you can load up on a choice of salads and dessert. Best of all, kids under the age of twelve eat for free and receive complimentary pool access.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs140 non-alcoholic, Dhs240 with alcohol. Tel: (02) 6563053. Taxi: Yas Island. ichotelsgroup.com
Roll up, roll up!
Watch high wire acts, lion tamers, clowns and flying trapeze artists perform at the Great Vegas Circus.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi, 6pm and 9pm, Dhs75 to Dhs200. Tel: (056) 9365999. Taxi: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. basmall.ae