Things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi

Written by:
Sawaiba Khan
1st April 2016

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 28

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

Go to the Book Fair

This year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair features 1,260 exhibitors, 600 authors and over 20 artists. Not only are there a lot of books to browse for purchase, the festival also hosts child-friendly events, artist workshops and talks, film screenings and a show kitchen. The event will be hosted until May 3.

Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm, except Fridays 4pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6576180. Taxi: Adnec. adbookfair.com

Dance to Cuban sounds

Head to the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat Island to listen to a two-hour concert by The Sugar Kings band, with special guest violinist Omar Puente tonight. There’ll also be sit down dinner, cigar lounge and more Latino entertainment on the night.

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm doors open, Dhs545 with soft drinks, Dhs695 with premium drinks. Tel: (02) 4071138. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

FRIDAY, April 29

Listen to hip-hop and reggae

Danish pop star Eva Simons (of Hey Mr Policeman fame) will be performing at the Saadiyat Beach Club on Friday with reggae star Collie Buddz. The event starts at 6pm and will see local DJs Saif, Teddy, DJ Kaboo and Chris Delaney on the decks.

Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm, Dhs150 per person. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. saadiyatbeachclub.ae

Watch a movie

Grab some popcorn and head down to the Sheraton’s open-air cinema to watch The Avengers.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs10. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. Sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Celebrate Dutch King’s Day

The future’s orange at PJ O’Reilly’s on Friday, April 29, when the pub’s picnic brunch celebrates Dutch King’s Day. Dishes from the Netherlands will feature on the menu along with local Dutch brews. There will be a charity market and you get pool access included in the price of brunch. There’s also a live band performing on the day.

Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs200. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Mountain Biking on Sir Bani Yas Island

Hosted on April 29 and 30, this weekend biking and camping trip on Sir Bani Yas Island will see you depart on Friday at 1.45pm from Jebel Dhanna Sir Bani Yas Island Jetty. Upon reaching the island cyclists will ride 30 kilometres towards their camp site and eat a barbecue dinner. The next day the riders will be split into two groups to cycle either 30 or 50 kilometres before a swim and lunch at Amwaj Beach restaurant. Participants must be physically fit and bring their own camping gear, mountain bikes and repair kits.

Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 1.45pm, Dhs500 inclusive of water taxi, food and access to wildlife park. Tel: (02) 8015400. facebook.com/AnantaraSirBaniYas

SATURDAY, April 30

Eat some pizza

Switch up your standing pizza order with one of 15 new dishes on the menu at PizzaExpress. While you’ll still find new pies to try like the vegetarian Soho or pollo forza with fiery peppers on the menu, there’s also beef short rib risotto and a citrus chicken quinoa salad. And for dessert try the new mango panna cotta or the chocolate fondant with a chocolate orange centre.

World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziya, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 4447752. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. pizzaexpressuae.com

Last chance: Al Gharbia Waterfestival

It’s the last day to check out this watersports event in the Western Region. Visitors will be able to try 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.

Mirfa, Western Region, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Mirfa. abudhabievents.ae

Eat some noodles