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 24
Watch Shrek The Musical
Based on the Oscar winning DreamWorks animated film, watch Shrek the ogre leave his swamp to save Princess Fiona. With a cast of 55, expect an elaborate production with all your favourite characters such as Donkey, Gingy the gingerbread man and other fairytale misfits, as they sing and dance their way to true love. Shows will be held until March 26.
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm and 9.30pm, Dhs200 to Dhs1,750. Taxi: du Forum. tixbox.com
Ladies night at Yas Waterworld
Ladies night at Yas Waterworld is back. There’ll be UV henna painting, an H20 dance zone, and zumba classes in addition to the park’s 45 rides and attractions. The night is strictly for ladies-only.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thursdays 6pm to 11pm, Dhs175 to Dhs600. Tel: (02) 4142000. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. yaswaterworld.com
Liv at Yas
Head down to the newly renovated beach club on Yas Island to listen to international DJs Nick Curley and Adriatique.
Yas Island, opposite Crown Plaza, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to 4am, general entry free, table bookings from Dhs2,000 to Dhs10,000. Tel: (050) 9522283. Taxi: Yas Beach. yasbeach.ae
Check out a new festival on the Corniche
Spend your weekend checking out the newest festival in the city, Mother of the Nation. Celebrating HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the family-friendly event that will feature a series of exhibits, performances and outdoor activity zones. The festival will run until April 2.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to midnight, tickets are available at the festival entrance and cost Dhs20 per adult, Dhs10 for children under 12, kids aged five and under are free. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. motn.ae
FRIDAY, March 25
Go on a treasure hunt
Head to the Galleria on Al Maryah Island for a day of Easter activities suited to the kiddies. There’s an Alice in Wonderland theme so expect treasure hunts, egg painting, card making and cupcake decorating sessions.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria, Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae
Listen to some Korean pop music
Celebrate Korean pop music, beauty, food and culture at KCON, a convention celebrating the country’s heritage.
du arena, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island. Doors open 2pm, concert doors open 8pm, Friday March 25. Dhs350 for gold tickets (available at Virgin Megastores and at ticketmaster.ae). More info on website.
Eat Indian food
Celebrate the colourful Indian festival Holi with a meal at Indigo. The Qureshi brothers will be in town and will offer up a special menu. There’ll also be live music too.
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6979334. Taxi: Near Abu Dhabi Mall. rotana.com
Visit the Spring Festival
This two-day celebration on Yas will have an egg decorating station, bouncy castle and craft market. The event will be hosted until Saturday March 26.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 6pm, free. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasmarina.ae
SATURDAY, March 26
Say Aloha Abu Dhabi
Another special festival on offer this weekend, Aloha Abu Dhabi will have street performers, fashion popups, food and music.
Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, free entry. Tel: (04) 4096968. Taxi: Al Muneera. alohaabudhabi.ae
Go to an Easter Picnic
Pop down to Emirates Palace for an Easter egg hunt and picnic spread at the West Wing garden.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 1.30pm to 5pm, Dhs370 per person, Dhs185 for children aged six to 12. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Tea time
Try a Moroccan-inspired afternoon tea at Almaz By Momo on Al Maryah.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs105. Tel: (02) 6767702. Taxi: Galleria on Maryah Island. momoresto.com