Our picks: 9 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 24
Rock out at Beats on the Beach
No F1 tickets? No problem. This free music festival on the Corniche beach features both up-and-coming artists and big names on the programme. Tonight Filipino star Yeng Constantino, UK rappers Krept & Konan and Emirati singer Shamma Hamdan perform. Friday Sean Paul performs alongside Adham Nabulsi and Arab Boy band The5. While Saturday sees Nancy Ajram take centre stage.
Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, free entry, doors open 6.30pm, November 24 to November 26. Taxi: Lagoon Beach, Abu Dhabi Corniche. yasalam.ae
Eat posh Italian food
Amici is hosting Antonio Mellino for three evenings, starting tonight. He’s an Italian chef who has two Michelin stars and he’ll be preparing a special menu.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Nov 24 to 27, noon to 3pm, 4pm to 11pm, Dhs470. Tel: (02) 6560600. Taxi: Yas Viceroy. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving
The pub in Zayed Sports City has an event on all day for Thanksgiving, and will be serving a one-off American menu featuring maple roasted heritage beetroot salad, corned beef, and pastrami cured salmon, roasted turkey breast, bourbon-glazed meat loaf and baked pumpkin, plus sage risotto with sweet potato mash, autumn greens, cauliflower cheese, and cranberry sauce.
Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, Thur noon to 11pm, Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs275 with house beverages. Tel: (02) 4034235. Taxi: Tennis Centre at ZSC. sportsmanszsc.com
Friday November 25
Check out Formula One
The 2016 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix kicks off today. In addition to the on-track action and race finale, the line-up for the after race concerts sees Pit Bull kick off the action on Thursday at the du Arena. Friday UK dance music duo The Chemical Brothers will perform for the very first time in Abu Dhabi while on Saturday Lionel Richie takes to the stage. On Sunday, Rihanna will close the show.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Nov 25 to Nov 27. Tel: (02) 6599800. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
Eat some tacos at brunch
The Foundry have tweaked their brunch – they added a tacos and ceviche bar, a clam chowder station, plus plenty of new desserts including red velvet cheesecake.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 to Dhs442. Tel: 02 8184888. Taxi: Southern Sun hotel, near Corniche Hospital. tsogosunhotels.com
Eat at Emirates Palace
Two Michelin-starred German chef Karlheinz Hauser will be cooking in-house at Emirates Palace this month. From November 21 to 26, the chef will be serving a five and seven-course set menu at Sayad featuring dishes like sea bass and Brittany lobster with melon, venison saddle with porcini mushrooms and chocolate sphere with mango and kumquat.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs650 for five-course menu, Dhs900 with grape pairing, Dhs730 for seven-course menu, Dhs1,030 with grape pairing, until Nov 26. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Saturday November 26
Drool at gadgets at the Big Boys Toys expo
This luxury lifestyle show has everything you didn’t know you needed including a giant drone-like tricopter called a Flike that can either be piloted or used on unmanned flights, the Y2K Superbike that is so fast it was recognised by the Guinness World Records for clocking in a speed of 227mph and a customised hybrid LaFerrari.
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, tickets from Dhs300 to Dhs40,000. Tel: (04) 3214747. Taxi: Adnec. bigboystoysuae.com
Last chance to see 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
Try out cupping at the spa
A-list actresses including Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and Lena Dunham have all tried the alternative health practice, which is said to help reduce cellulite, promote weight loss and help the body detox. The Cup Kiss full body massage at Tips and Toes will see silicone vacuum cups suctioned onto your skin and then drained. But be warned, bruising is likely.
Tips and Toes, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs275 during the month of November or Dhs45 as a 5 to 15-minute add-on. Tel: (02) 6509054. Taxi: Next to Saadiyat Beach Residences. tipsandtoes.com