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, May 5
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Celebrate the Mexican festival with a buffet meal at Giornotte. Chef Marcos Garcia Rodriguez will be serving up cactus leaves salad with queso fresco, pescado empapelado or wrapped fish in red salsa, flank steak from the grill and for dessert, churros and flan.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs190 with soft drinks, Dhs290 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com
Maifest at Stills
Celebrate Spring the German way with traditional food, live music and more.
Crowne Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 6563053. Taxi: Yas Island. ichotelsgroup.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
See Ten Walls at Iris
Head to Iris Yas Island to watch Lithuanian producer Ten Walls perform an audiovisual show as part of his global Equalized tour. The producer is best known for his hit singles Requiem and Walking with Elephants.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to late, free for ladies, Dhs150 for men. Tel: (055) 1605636. Taxi: Yas Marina. irisabudhabi.com
FRIDAY, May 6
Go to brunch
Head to Sambusek for a Lebanese-inspired brunch served to your table. The menu is inspired by seasonal produce so expect a selection of cold and hot mezzeh, live cooking stations on the terrace (try the open faced shawarma) and a dessert buffet.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs349 with hops and grape, Dhs199 with soft drinks. Tel: (02) 8135550. Taxi: Rosewood. rosewoodhotels.com
Go to a concert at Yas Marina Circuit
Fans of Arabic stars Maya Diab and Saad Lamjarred will be able to see the singers perform live at Yas Marina Circuit this month as part of a new festival – ActionHa. The line-up also includes Dubai-based comedian Ali El Sayed, and will see the entertainers on stage while the circuit hosts a special Drag and Drift night. Visitors can get in on the racing action too, with VIP ticket holders receiving a 20 per cent discount on select driving experiences on the night.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 5pm onwards, Dhs150 to Dhs300, driving experiences extra. Phone: (02) 6599800. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Go to a jewellery show at ADNEC
Looking for some serious bling? Check out the annual jewellery and watch show at ADNEC this month. Exhibitors from India, Lebanon, Italy, Japan, Belgium and the UAE have all signed on. There’ll also be raffle draws and a jewellery design competition too. The event will be hosted until Saturday, May 7.
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Tel: (02) 4446900. Taxi: Adnec. jws.ae
SATURDAY, May 7
New menu launched at Koi
Fans of Japanese food can now order something new when visiting Koi Restaurant on Saadiyat Island. Chef Daisuke Yoshizak’s new menu includes dishes such as sautéed sea scallops with foie gras, jumbo tiger prawn roll, braised wagyu short ribs and for vegetarians there’s homemade tofu with broccolini. For dessert try the coconut sago or the sticky toffee pudding.
The Collection, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri to Sat 12.30pm to 1.30am, Sun to Thur 6pm to 12.30am. Tel: (02) 6783334. Taxi: St Regis Saadiyat. koirestaurant.ae
Go to the spa
Refresh with a 60-minute facial and 30-minute back massage at Iridium spa.
St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed, Dhs525. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: The St Regis Saadiyat Island. iridiumspaabudhabi.com
Eat like a New Yorker at St Regis Abu Dhabi
Every Saturday the Terrace on the Corniche at the St Regis Abu Dhabi is serving up a New York style breakfast buffet. Expect classic American options such as French toast, pancakes and waffles. There’s even an a la carte egg menu (think Benedict, omelette, fried and boiled) as well as a smoothie/juice bar and crepe station.
St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Saturday 6.30am to 3pm, Dhs110 per person. Tel: (02) 6944444. Taxi: St Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com
Try on high-end fashion
Go digital at your next shopping trip with a visit to the virtual style pod at Galleria Mall. Using 3D body-mapping technology you’ll be able to see what the latest looks will look like on you without having to change clothes. Visitors to the mall will be able to test out outfits from the latest Spring/Summer lines from Diesel, Fendi, Pinko, Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford and more.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: Galleria on Al Maryah Island. thegalleria.ae