Our picks: 12 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
What’s On has a full list of all the things to do for the 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 November 17
Go to Abu Dhabi Art
Returning to the capital this weekend, this annual festival of arts and culture will see big names from the art world – including Pablo Picasso and Gu Dexin – make an appearance at Saadiyat Island. Part gallery exhibition and part performing arts festival, Abu Dhabi Art has a little bit of everything on offer for guests including live performances, free art workshops and large scale installations. Check out our guide to see what you can’t miss this month.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 2pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. abudhabiart.ae
Dine at Etihad Towers
In honour of the Jumeirah at Etihad Tower’s fifth anniversary, diners can nosh on five-course celebratory menus from Brasserie Angelique, Bice, Tori No Su, Li Beirut and Ray’s Grill this month. All priced for Dhs225, the menus feature everything from herb crusted rack of lamb at Brasserie Angelique and crab cakes at Ray’s Grill to nutella tart with coffee cream at Bice and Umm Ali at Li Beirut.
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs225 for five-course set menu. Tel: (02) 8115555. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com
Sip some Rosé at Sheraton
Dubbed the Rosé Revolution, the two-day festival at B-Lounge will celebrate pink-hued wines sourced from Australia, Lebanon, Portugal, Italy, Germany and France. In addition to the grapes there will be a range of canapés, cheeses and cold cuts available as well as live gypsy swing and jazz music on offer too.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Nov 17 and 18, Thurs from 6pm, Friday from 4pm, Dhs50 with welcome drink, Dhs95 with nibbles, Dhs185 with rosé and food. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com
Go to a fashion show
Head to Yas Mall this weekend for a four-day fashion and cultural event. The Zarifab event will feature fashion shows, products from local designers like Chenille by Afsana (pictured), kids activities and live entertainment.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Nov 17 to 20, 10am to 10pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
Friday November 18
Run a half marathon on Yas
The Abu Dhabi Striders Half Marathon takes place today and features a course that starts at Yas Waterworld before heading up to Yas Plaza, Yas Marina, Ferrari World and other areas on the island. The half marathon run is 21km, but there’s also a 10km run taking place, and all participants get free entry into Yas Waterworld on the same day, plus a goody bag. There’ll be water stations for runners every 3km around the course.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6.30am, Dhs235. Tel: (056) 1092346. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. premieronline.com
Watch a pop opera outside
Watch a concert on screen. The End On The Beach by Hatsune Miku will be hosted at Asia De Cuba as part of Abu Dhabi Art, and features a 3D computer-generated Japanese pop star. Created in 2007, Hatsune Miku will be “performing” an opera concert on the beach. The performance will be in Japanese with English translations.
Asia De Cuba, Nation Riviera, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Opposite St Regis, Corniche. abudhabiart.ae
Eat French food from a Michelin star chef
What’s On Awards winner Le Beaujolais is hosting a Southern France-influenced menu prepared by Michelin star chef Mathieu Xavier. You can tuck into rabbit provençale style, lobster cassolet with menthol broad beans, plus chocolate and coconut curry for dessert. There’ll also be live music from an accordionist and a singer.
Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, Nov 12 to 24, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 6333555. Taxi: Mercure Centre Hotel. accorhotels.com
Go shopping
It’s you’re last chance to check out the Dubai-based concept shop Cartel pop-up shop in Tryano, Yas Mall. The shop is known for featuring emerging designers and unique brands will include accessories from handbag designers Lamat and Pangolin Backpacks and jewellery and accessories from Idonthaveasister, Nicpanda and Spektre glasses.
Tryano at Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 10am to midnight. Tel: (800) 879266. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae
Go to Ripe Market
Venetian Village is hosting a special Ripe Market pop-up today. Guests can grab some organic fruit and veg, plus gluten free products and superfoods at this farmer’s market. There’ll also be arts and crafts, jewellery and fashion stalls too.
Venetian Village, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 4087201. Taxi: Venetian Village, by Ritz-Carlton. venetianvillage.ae
Saturday November 19
Go to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival
Get the kiddos excited about science with this interactive festival that includes workshops, shows and exhibits in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain Zoo.
Various locations including Mother of the Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Al Mushrif. abudhabisciencefestival.ae
Brunch like an Italian
Carluccio’s has launched a new a la carte brunch in the capital. The Eastern Mangroves outlet of the Italian chain will host a four-hour long brunch on Fridays and Saturdays. Dishes include a full breakfast menu of eggs, arancini, bruschetta, two types of pizza, vegetarian risottos as well as tiramisu and pannacotta that will be served family style, straight to your table.
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Saturday 11am to 3pm, Dhs175 for soft drinks, Dhs245 for house beverages and Dhs295 for bubbles. Tel: (02) 4413814. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. carluccios.com
Check out the Holoscenes art installation
This art installation at NYU Abu Dhabi sees performers try to perform every day tasks in a large aquarium that floods with water, drains and then floods again (huge pipes can flood the tank with 15 tons of water) in a minute. The message behind Holoscenes is a simple one – it’s about the trauma of flooding and takes a look at mankind’s troubled relationship with water in these days of climate change.
The Art Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 9pm, free with prior reservation. Tel: (02) 6284000. Taxi: NYU campus on Saadiyat Island. nyuad-artgallery.org
