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 23

Spend a day at the beach

 

Gobble up a three-course Thai lunch at Sontaya at the St Regis Saadiyat and get free pool and beach access for the day.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur, noon to 3pm, Dhs220 per person. Tel: (02) 4988888. Taxi: St. Regis Saadiyat. stregissaadiyatisland.com

Listen to World Music

Collaborating with artists like Elton John and Frank Sinatra, Spanish flamenco guitarist Tomatito’s ‘nouveau flamenco’ style of music is a mixture of sounds including jazz, gypsy, Brazilian and even Turkish influences. Don’t miss this five-time Grammy award winner’s free concert.

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

Watch Fantastic Mr Fox

Roald Dahl’s classic tale of feuding farmers and foxes makes its debut at the National Theatre today. The two-hour stage show is being hosted in honour of the author’s 100th birthday and will feature music by former Doctor Who star Arthur Darvill. Suitable for children aged five and up.

Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, 5pm, Dhs150 to Dhs200. Tel: (050) 8805074. Taxi: Abu Dhabi Theatre near Marina Mall. artforall.ae

Friday March 24

Go to Splash at Yas

Spend a day on the sea at this water festival that’ll let you try out wakeboarding, paddleboarding, boat cruises and more. Plus there’s plenty of kiddie friendly activities for the whole family. We recommend you get their early to sign up for activities on the day.

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

Head to the spa

The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi has launched new hammam treatments at Dahlia Spa. Using luxury skincare products from Moroccan brand marocMaroc, guests can opt for a one- or two-hour bathing ritual experience that uses a traditional kessa massage glove to exfoliate the skin. The spa also offers a 20-minute hair shampoo as an add-on treatment if you’re looking for a top-to-toe scrub.

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs230 for hair ritual, Dhs570 for 60 minutes, Dhs1,000 for 120 minutes. Tel: (02) 3332222. Taxi: Four Seasons. fourseasons.com/abudhabi

Swim in an aquathlon

The Five Star Aquathlon, presented by Daman’s ActiveLife, is aimed at families and is open to all levels of fitness and all age groups. A certificate, medal and refreshments are included in the price. There are several options you can sign up for, including a 375m swim and 2.5km run, and a 750km swim and 5km run.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7am, Dhs90 to Dhs180. Tel: (050) 1094055. Taxi: Emirates Palace. premieronline.com

Saturday March 25

Get colourful

There’ll be tropical jams, powdered paint a plenty and dancing at the un-timed 5K Color Run.

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, gates open at 7am, race starts at 8.30am, Dhs50 to Dhs260. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. thecolorrun.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

Listen to classical music

China’s National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra is performing at the Abu Dhabi Festival with a concert that will feature Bach, Prokofiev and The Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto from Chinese composers He Zhanhao and Chen Gang.

Emirates Palace Auditorium, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs125 to Dhs350. Tel: (050) 1299103. Taxi: Emirates Palace. abudhabifestival.ae