Our picks: 10 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 January 19
Eat a posh meal
Michelin star chef Kirk Westaway is serving up a special five or seven-course set menu at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr this weekend. The menu includes a soft poached egg and Scottish langoustine, wagyu short rib with polenta and black halibut and for dessert, white ivory chocolate and Devon tea.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, Dhs499 for five-course, Dhs599 for seven-course menu. Tel: (02) 6543238. Taxi: Fairmont. fairmont.com
Watch golfing greats
Top golfers Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson go head-to-head at this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. Off the greens there’s a championship village with a kid’s zone, free golf lessons and more.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50 day pass, Dhs150 season pass. Tel: (02) 5588990. Taxi: next to the Westin. abudhabigolfchampionship.com
Last chance to eat trendy Thai food
It’s your last chance to eat Thai food from Michelin-star chef Hendrik Yde-Andersen. Best known for his deconstructed approach when it comes to Thai food, the menu will feature everything from frozen red curry with litchi and lobster, pineapple sorbet with salted lemon merengue and egg custard with miso and dancing fish flakes.
Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Dhs670 for ten-course menu, a la carte menu also available. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com
Friday January 20
Cycle in Liwa
Entry to the Liwa Cycling Challenge is free and the ride starts at Tel Moreeb, aka the Terrifying Mountain. It’s a particularly challenging ride – and over 100km – known for its rolling hills and tough climbs.
Liwa Desert, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, 8am, free entry. Taxi: Tel Moreeb, Liwa. premieronline.com
Go to the spa
Heavenly Spa at the Westin is offering guests this month a choice of three 30-minute treatments for Dhs400 so you can pick and choose what you need. Options include foot and ankle massage, head massage, booster facial, silky smooth scrub or a back, neck and shoulder massage. Terms and conditions apply.
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs400. Tel: (02) 6169999. Taxi: The Westin. westinabudhabigolfresort.com
Listen to classical music
French violinist Renaud Capuçon and French pianist David Fray will play at Abu Dhabi Theatre for one night only and the pair will perform sonatas by Bach and Beethoven, including Bach’s Violin Sonata in F Minor, and Beethoven’s Sonata for Violin and Piano No.7 in C minor.
Abu Dhabi Theatre, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 10pm, Dhs80 to Dhs250. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, near Marina Mall. abudhabiclassics.ae
Saturday January 21
Go for a swim
City Swim is a UAE-wide series of open water events and there’s one in Abu Dhabi this month, one in Sharjah in February and one in Ajman in March. Fans of all things aqua can compete in four distances, ranging from 250m to 2,500m. The event is aimed at both expert and novice swimmers and kayakers will be in the waters with you to keep you safe.
Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 6am, Dhs185 to Dhs925. Taxi: Le Méridien hotel. hopasports.com
Eat brunch on Saturday
The St Regis Abu Dhabi’s Italian restaurant Villa Toscana is taking inspiration from Tuscany for its new Saturday afternoon brunch. On the menu you’ll find black ink chittarrucci pasta lobster ragu and cherry tomatoes, grilled octopus with confit potatoes, pink peppercorn and parsley, plus handmade artichoke and ricotta ravioli with warm artichokes, artichoke sauce, truffle butter.
St Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs160 to Dhs370. Tel: (02) 6944553. Taxi: St Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche. stregisabudhabi.com
Yoga for kids
Let’s Go Yoga is offering hour long yoga lessons for children aged three to 12. Kids who take part will learn a variety of yoga poses and will take part in a series of active games designed to help boost strength, endurance levels, coordination and attention levels. The classes are free but you must reserve a place in advance.
The Hot House, Al Zeina, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 5pm, free but reservations required. Tel: (02) 6341425. Taxi: Al Zeina. letsgoyogame.com
Check out the Eco festival
To top off Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2017 check out the third edition of The Festival at Masdar City. The two-day event aims to encourage residents to be more ecofriendly, including educational workshops for children, plus live music and entertainment, food stalls and more.
Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm, free, Jan 20 to 21. Tel: (02) 6533333. Taxi: Masdar City. abudhabisustainabilityweek.com