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 January 12
New supper club at Barfly
Get a head start on the weekend at Barfly’s new Attic supper club. Hosted every Thursday, you can nosh on nibbles (think mini beef burgers, shrimp tempura and satay) and free house drinks while DJ Angelo is on the decks.
Venetian Village, Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi, Thursdays 9pm to 1am, Dhs195. Tel: (02) 4041951. Taxi: Venetian Village, by Ritz-Carlton. venetianvillage.ae/barfly
See some Crimean art
Check out some funky artwork at the Realism: Two Angles exhibition at the N2N Gallery that features works of art from Crimean artists Katrina Spirtus and Andrey Dudchenko.
Nation Towers, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 10am to 10pm, closed Fridays, free. Tel: (02) 6659858. Taxi: Nation Galleria mall. facebook.com/N2NGallery
Slim down at the spa
Tips and Toes is offering a 50 per cent discount on the Shrinking Violet body wrap, a slimming treatment that is said to provide instant results after one session. Using active ingredients that are said to penetrate the fatty tissue, the wrap can result in inch loss around the entire body. In addition the treatment is said to improve circulation and fluid drainage throughout the body too.
Deluxe Villas, 12th Street, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 9pm, Dhs325 throughout the month of January, usually Dhs650. Tel: (02) 5572255. Taxi: Khalifa City. tipsandtoes.com
Friday January 13
Run a 5K or 10K
Abu Dhabi Striders is hosting a 5K and 10K run at Zayed Sports City. Runners will start and end at the Tennis Centre after racing around the grounds early morning. The run is open to all abilities and age groups.
Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, Dhs120, 7am. Taxi: Tennis Centre at ZSC. premieronline.com
Eat brunch at Bu!
The new alfresco brunch at Bu! is inspired by a South American street market and includes an outdoor barbecue, street-style tacos and a design your own tiraditos (a Peruvian version of ceviche) station.
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Friday 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house beverages, Dhs450 with champagne. Tel: (02) 3048179. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. butrinity.com
Check out a Grand Slam
Watch elite fighters from around the world take part in this two-day Jiu-Jitsu world tour event at Zayed Sports City. Up for grabs is bragging rights and prizes worth over $200,000.
IPIC Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Tel: (02) 3336111. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. uaejjf.com
Saturday January 14
Check out an adventure race
The most challenging obstacle race in the emirate is back – and the organisers claim it’s going to be tougher than ever. The Wadi Adventure Race (WAR) sees competitors climb, jump, swing, swim, drag, hang and run their way around an assault course featuring more than 25 obstacles. There are several categories to sign up for, including 5K Elite – Very Fit and 15K The Longest Day (for those of you who want to endure as much suffering as possible).
Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 8am, Dhs275 to Dhs325. Tel: (03) 7818422. Taxi: Wadi Adventure, Al Ain. wadiadventure.ae, premieronline.com
Eat trendy Thai food
Emirates Palace will be serving up unique Thai food from Michelin-star chef Hendrik Yde-Andersen at Sayad from today till January 19. 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
Listen to Jordi Savall
The Catalan conductor is back in the capital for more music inspired by Arabic explorer Ibn Battuta. The concert at Emirates Palace, which will now be hosted today, will feature music from the explorer’s travels to Afghanistan and China in 1336 to 1346.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 8pm onwards, Dhs30 to Dhs750. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabiclassics.ae