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, April 21
Watch The Little Prince
It’s one of French literature’s most celebrated children’s classics, and now Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s tale of a lost pilot who crashes into the desert and meets up with a prince from a distant asteroid, The Little Prince, has been given a musical makeover. This orchestral performance, drawn from the new musical adaptation by Nick Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid, features a 40-piece orchestra and 13 principal singers.
Emirates Palace Auditorium, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs125 to Dhs350. Tel: (02) 3336400. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabifestival.ae
Check out the Al Gharbia Waterfestival
Head to this watersports event in the Western Region to try your hand at sailing, kite surfing, kayaking and more. In addition to all of the watersports activities there will also be beach volleyball, heritage activities, a traditional market and theatre competitions. The Al Gharbia festival will be hosted until April 30.
Mirfa, Western Region, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Mirfa. abudhabievents.ae
Go to Versus
Head to Saadiyat Beach Club to listen to DJ Crown Prince and DJ A.L.L.A.D. battle throughout the night with sets that’ll cover everything from reggae and hip hop to R&B and old school music.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 3am, free entry before midnight, Dhs50 after, strictly 21 and older. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. facebook.com/rooftoprhythmsAD
Eat some dim sum
Every Thursday night at Li Jiang diners can opt for unlimited Chinese dumplings featuring prawn, chicken or vegetarian fillings while DJ Margo Sahara is on the decks. The a la carte menu will also be available as well.
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, Thursdays 7pm to midnight, Dhs80 per person. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
FRIDAY, April 22
Listen to Andrea Bocelli
Fancy some beautiful music? Andrea Bocelli, one of the world’s most renowned opera stars, will perform at the du Arena tonight. Expect a rendition of classic film soundtracks and scores (including The Godfather, Gladiator and Breakfast at Tiffany’s) from his latest album Cinema as well as some old favourites.
du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs395 to Dhs1,250. Tel: (02) 5098000. Taxi: du Arena. thinkflash.ae, ticketmaster.ae
Go to brunch
Featuring food from six of the hotel’s dinning outlets (Rodeo Grill, Brauhaus, Prego’s, Benihana, Trader Vic’s and Finz) the new Friday brunch at the Beach Rotana will seriously derail your diet plans. Hosted at Essence restaurant and the hotel courtyard, expect over a dozen live cooking stations, a brand new dessert room, new kids play area and a specially set up beverage area.
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs270 for soft drinks, Dhs340 for house beverages. Tel: (02) 6979011. Taxi: Next to Abu Dhabi Mall. rotana.com
Go to a baby show
Expecting? Then head to this annual show to find out about pre-natal yoga, midwifery services and baby photography.
Bodytree Studio, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 2pm, free. Tel: (02) 4434448. Taxi: Between 26th Street and 11th Street,opposite Adnoc. bodytreestudio.com
SATURDAY, April 23
Check out Metronome
The last event of the season is taking place today. In addition to 11 live music performances from local musicians here in the capital, they’ll also have dance crews, art, yoga and food available.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 4pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. Taxi: The Westin. facebook.com/WhiteCubeUAE
Watch the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Watch fighters from more than 100 countries (around 1,800 in total) take part at the 10-day event at Zayed Sports City. Up for grabs is bragging rights and a two and a half million dirham prize pot.
IPIC Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 3336111. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. uaejjf.com
Visit a photography show
Best know for his time-lapse videos of the UAE, Emmy-nominated Slovenian artist Beno Saradzic will be exhibiting 20 of his images of the capital in his new exhibition, Abu Dhabi: Embracing the Elements.Hosted at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, expect plenty of aerial views, unique compositions and cityscapes during the entire month of April.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, free entry. Tel: (02) 6543333. Taxi: Fairmont. fairmont.com