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 16

Eat brunch at night

Head to Thai restaurant Talay for an evening brunch that features a range of dishes brought directly to your table including Thai chicken satay, seafood tom yam soup, stir fried beef tenderloin with broccoli, sweet and sour chicken and mango sticky rice.

Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, Thursday 7pm to 10pm, Dhs99 for food only, Dhs199 with drinks. Tel: (02) 6446666. Taxi: Le Méridien Hotel. talayabudhabi.com

Visit a food festival

Emirates Palace’s hotel grounds will be transformed into a gourmet zone, where visitors can sample a range of cuisines and dishes in one space at this food fest.

Emirates Palace, Al Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs150 per person inclusive of food and beverage vouchers of equal worth. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. emiratespalace.ae

Go to the spa

 

There’s a new spa treatment on offer at ESPA in the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi that is said to make you sleep like a baby. The 90-minute Serene Sleep treatment begins with a therapist guiding you through breathing and visualisation techniques before you receive a personalised massage that uses hot stones and warm oil. Up next is a cooling face massage, using rose quartz crystals, before a quick scalp and hand and foot massage complete the session.

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs735. Tel: (02) 8188051. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com

Friday March 17

MORE: Where to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the capital

Ride your bike

Head down to the Corniche for the Etisalat Cycling Festival. This non-competitive, non-timed bike ride will see participants cycle safely through the streets of Abu Dhabi.

Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 7pm, free entry. Taxi: East Plaza on Corniche Beach. facebook.com/uaecyclingfestival

Try out a water workout

Fitness First in Abu Dhabi offers classes for ladies who are expecting at two locations, including Al Seef Village Mall every Monday, and you can try a session first for free.

Various locations including Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Fri 7am to 9pm, Sat 6am to 11pm, Dhs100 non members, free for members. Tel: (02) 6414049. Taxi: Al Seef Village Mall. fitnessfirstme.com

Celebrate Canada

Head to The Beachcomber to celebrate Canada. There’ll be a Canadian buffet with everything from poutine, Nanaimo bars and pancakes served with maple syrup. Music will be provided by Canadian band Les Portageux.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to late, free entry, Canadian buffet Dhs120. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Corniche Hospital. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Saturday March 18

Listen to good music

Hosted as part of the Festival Recital Series, which is free to attend with prior reservations, Spanish pianist Juan Pérez Floristán will perform an intimate concert at the NYU Abu Dhabi campus on Saadiyat Island. The 23-year-old up-and-coming musician began his training at ten years of age under his mother and currently studies in Berlin with Uzbeck classical pianist Eldar Nebolsin.

The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, free to attend but reservations required in advance. Tel: (050) 1299103. Taxi: NYU Abu Dhabi campus. abudhabifestival.ae

Head to Ripe Market

Ripe Market

Grab some organic fruit and veg every Saturday, plus gluten free products and superfoods at the Umm Al Emarat Park.

Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Fri 3pm to 10pm, Dhs5 entry fee. Tel: (02) 6669559. Taxi: Mother Of The Nation Park on Karamah Street. ripeme.com

Look at some art

Head to the Emirates Palace auditorium foyer to see an award-wining art exhibition by Sara Al Ahbabi. Hosted as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival, Here’s What They Think of Me is a series of images features a selection of staged photographs challenging stereotypes about the artist has come across in her lifetime here in the UAE.

Emirates Palace Auditorium, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, free entrance, until March 31. Tel: (02) 6909000. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabifestival.ae