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 March 30

Go to a food festival

There’s a new food festival taking place at Umm Al Emarat Park. Featuring around 150 tents and street food trucks from the UAE, and you can try everything from shawarma, sushi rolls, home-baked cookies and Japanese-style street food.

Mother Of The Nation Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, until April 8, 2pm to midnight, free entrance to festival, Dhs5 entry fee for park entrance. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. flavorsfestival.ae

Drool over fancy cars

Souped-up cars and bikes will be on display at motoring trade show, The Custom Show Emirates. While you’re there check out the off-road zone, 4×4 drifting section, stunt driving, car and bike parades, motorsports hall, car audio competitions and more.

Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, until April 1, Thur and Sat 10am to 10pm, Fri 3pm to 10pm, Dhs50, under-eights free. Tel: (055) 9357803. Taxi: Adnec. customshowemirates.com

Dance to Caribbean music

Grammy-award winning reggae artist Beenie Man will be performing at Caribfest Abu Dhabi. Taking place at Yas Beach, the Caribbean carnival is a one-day festival filled with music, food, and drinks. Open to adults above 21 only.

Yas Island, opposite Crown Plaza, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 3am, Dhs110. Tel: (055) 2323956. Taxi: Yas Beach. reggae-beachfest.com

Friday March 31

Splash at Yas

After being cancelled last weekend due to the rain, this water festival is back on track. Guests can spend a day on the sea at Yas Marina and you can even try out wakeboarding, paddleboarding, boat cruises and more.

Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat, 10am to 6pm, prices vary. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasmarina.ae

 Get Sri Lankan’ed

Honouring Sri Lanka, this one-day festival at Le Méridien will feature traditional dances, performances and music. Plus there’ll be food stalls on offer serving up everything from fish buns, egg rolls, kottu roti and more.

Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, noon to 10pm, entrance feeDhs50 for men inclusive of one drink, free entrance for ladies and kitds. Tel: (02) 6446666. Taxi: Near Abu Dhabi Mall. lemeridienabudhabi.com

Listen to Yo-Yo

 

The Chinese-American cellist will close the Abu Dhabi Festival with a performance alongside The Silk Road Ensemble.

Emirates Palace Auditorium, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs125 to Dhs350. Tel: (02) 3336400. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabifestival.ae

Celebrate Holi (sort of)

New York University Abu Dhabi is hosting a screening of Radhe Radhe: Rites Of Holi, by filmmaker Prashant Bhargava and composer and pianist Vijay Iyer. It’s a movie that explores the annual celebration and the screening will be accompanied by a live performance of classical music by America’s International Contemporary Ensemble.

The Art Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, free with prior reservation. Tel: (02) 6284000. Taxi: NYU campus on Saadiyat Island. nyuad-artgallery.org

 Gobble some German cuisine

This two-day Bavarian Brew fest features German drinks, a Bavarian band and play area for the kids. There’ll be a buffet too serving up wiener schnitzel, sauerkraut, bratwurst, apple struddle, black forest cake and more.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Thurs 6pm onwards, Fri 12.30pm onwards, free entry, buffet Dhs120 per person for food only. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Corniche Hospital. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Saturday April 1

See some art

See a sneak peek of what’s to come at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi at this new art exhibition.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

Eat a Saturday brunch

Check out this brand new carb-heavy Italian brunch at Spaccanapoli, that sees dishes serves straight to your table, for a sharing style meal. Highlights include the homemade pasta, grilled lamb chops and selection of pasteries.

Crowne Plaza, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Saturday noon to 4pm, Dhs200 with iced tea, Dhs300 with mixed drinks. Tel: (02) 6166261. Taxi: Crowne Plaza. ihg.com

Check out the Mother of the Nation festival

The family-friendly festival honouring HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak is being hosted on the Corniche until April 4, and will feature everything from a Pokémon Symphony to a digital fireworks display from Pixel Pyros, free fitness classes, art workshops, kid activities and more.

Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to 11pm, Thur to Sat 2pm to midnight, tickets are available at the festival entrance and cost Dhs20 per adult, Dhs10 for children aged five to twelve, kids aged five and under are free. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Corniche. motn.ae

Go to the mall

Yas Mall

The Spring Festival at Yas Mall will include fashion shows, creative workshops, live performances and a raffle draw.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until April 7. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae