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 Eid 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.
MORE: 21 ways to celebrate Eid Al Fitr this weekend
THURSDAY, July 7
Bounce around
The trampoline park has finally made its way to the capital. While the massive Marina Mall space is still under construction, there is a small exhibition area to give you a taster of what’s to come. Keep in mind that the space is tiny – only 35 people can be accommodated every hour – so get there early.
Marina Mall, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6812310. bounce.ae
Watch the Euros
The du Forum on Yas Island is showing all the matches at the European Championships in France on a 10-metre x 60metre LED screen. You’ll also find a fanzone in there, food, competitions to enter and activities for children. Entry is free.
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily, free. Tel: (055) 549 0716. Taxi: du Forum. duforum.ae
Eat from a new menu
Gobble up the tastes of summer this month, with a new seasonal menu at Aussie outpost Jones the Grocer. Dishes on offer include pan-seared chicken with freekeh salad, marinated tuna with wakame seaweed and tofu salad, gazpacho with rock melon, hot smoked salmon with purple potato and for dessert, frozen banana parfait.
Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 8am to 11.30pm, Fri to Sat 9am to 11.30pm, dishes from Dhs28 to Dhs68. Tel: (02) 6395883. Taxi: Opposite BMW Showroom. jonesthegrocer.com
FRIDAY, July 8
Go to an Eid concert
Fans of Lebanese singer Myriam Fares and Iraqi composer/singer Waleed Al Shami should check out this special Arabic concert. Hosted as part of the Abu Dhabi Summer Season, the stars are tightlipped about their exact setlist but you should expect a selection of well-known classics (here’s hoping that includes Fares’ powerful ballad Ghafi and Al Shami’s first single, Ya Mhajir) as well as newer material.
Al Raha Beach Theatre, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, Dhs150 to Dhs350. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Theatre. tixbox.com
Brunch is back
Jazz@PizzaExpress’ brunch returns today, offering a selection of pizza and pasta dishes served from the outlet’s new a la carte menu. There’ll also be live music from the Johanna Sandell Duo and Uptown.
World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, noon until 4pm, Dhs229. Tel: (02) 4447752. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. pizzaexpressuae.com
See some magic
Jamie Raven will be making his Middle Eastern debut this month when he performs at Emirates Palace as part of his first world tour. Raven says he’s “trying to tick all the boxes with magic,” so expect a mix of visual illusions, card tricks, mind reading stunts and audience participation on the night.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, shows on both Fri and Sat, Dhs150 to Dhs250. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Emirates Palace. thinkflash.ae
SATURDAY, July 9
Take tea
An Asian restaurant might not be the most obvious place to go for afternoon tea, but Hakkasan’s new menu features a selection of Chinese and Taiwanese brews, plus dishes such as fried mushroom and foie gras dumplings.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily 3pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. hakkasan.com
Spin at the Abu Dhabi Sports Festival
The annual Sports Festival at Adnec is on all month, and you can try your hand (or feet) at a ton of sports including football, volleyball, boxing, chess, tennis and judo. You can also attend a spin class three times a day, which is run by the organisers of the Abu Dhabi Tour, the professional cycling race that takes place in the capital from October 20 to 23.
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, Dhs40. Tel: (02) 4088995. Taxi: Adnec. adnec.ae
Look at some art
L’Art By Art Hub is a new exhibition that features 30 artists from 15 countries, who have all created Arabic-themed contemporary pieces of art including paintings, drawings and sculptures. Artists showcased at the event include Emirati Wafa Khazendar, Saleh Al Shukairi, a member of the Omani Society Of Fine Arts, Iranian painter Nasser Palangi, Filipino painter Moreen Austria and Japanese talent Keiko Miyazaki.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily from 10am, free. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi, adah.ae