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 12

Go on an adventure with Dora The Explorer

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Dora The Explorer and her monkey pal Boots are making their Abu Dhabi debut this month, with a new all-singing, dancing show. Dora’s Pirate Adventure is a family-friendly event that will see Dora and the gang travel to Treasure Island via Dancing Mountain and Silly Singing Bridge. There will be multiple shows hosted daily from May 12 to 14 at the du Forum.

du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs150 to Dhs500. Taxi: du Forum. ticketmaster.ae


Check out a fashion show 

Go to Marina Mall to watch a fashion show with special TV host and beauty expert Joelle Mardinian. The summer fashion show will feature some of the latest looks from brands such as Desigual, Gerard Darel, Sacoor and Koton. The event will take place today and tomorrow in the main exhibition area.

Marina Mall, Corniche Road, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 7pm onwards. Tel: (02) 6812310. Taxi: Marina Mall. marinamall.ae


 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


FRIDAY, May 13

Watch a musical

Addams Come to Abu Dhabi

Cartoon favourites the Addams family come to life in a new musical production hosted by local community choir Abu Dhabi Choral Group. The two-hour production sees a grown-up Wednesday Addams, played by Katy McCants Floyd, bring a “normal” boy home to meet the family for the first time. For today’s Friday the 13th show, audience members (both adults and children) are being encouraged to dress up in fancy dress for a chance to win prizes. Shows will take place until May 20.

Abu Dhabi Folklore Theatre, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, daily 7.30pm to 10pm, Fri 13 2pm to 4.30pm, Dhs110, Dhs80 under-12s. Tel: (02) 4432682. Taxi: Behind Al Wahda Mall, opposite Institute Of Applied Technology Female Campus. platinumlist.net, abudhabichoralgroup.com


Eat brunch

Asia-de-Cuba

Eat chicken chicharrones and shrimp churros at Asia de Cuba’s Chino-Latino Friday brunch.

Nation Riviera, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs325 with soft drinks, Dhs425 with mojitos, Dhs525 with bubbly. Tel: (02) 6993333. Taxi: Opposite St Regis, Corniche. asiadecuba.com


Get an express massage

This express massage will leave you feeling refreshed in thirty minutes flat. Expect some relief for tired muscles while a therapist uses aromatherapy oils to massage out lingering tension in the body.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche East, Abu Dhabi, Dhs195. Tel: (02) 6970272. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com


SATURDAY, May 14

Go to a food festival

Black pepper beef- Noodle Box

The Yas Viceroy wants you to try all its cuisines in one week. Guests can dine on either two-course or three-course set menus at five of the hotel’s outlets between May 13 and 21, as part of its Restaurant Week festival. On the menus are Angus beef robatayaki at Japanese restaurant Kazu, butter chicken at Angar and sautéed king prawns at Italian restaurant Amici.

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs125 to Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6560000. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com


Watch the Tiger Who Came To Tea

Children aged two and up will get a kick out of Judith Kerr’s tale about one hungry feline. The show features sets inspired from the storybook’s classic illustrations.

Abu Dhabi Theater, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, 11am and 2.30pm, Dhs135 to Dhs185. Tel: (04) 3042340. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Theater. artforall.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