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 April 6

Eat a posh meal
 
Italian superstar chef Norbert Niederkofler is preparing a special menu at the Emirates Palace Italian outlet that focuses on the local cuisine found along the Dolomite mountains.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, until April 8, daily 12.30pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs600 to Dhs900. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com

Get pampered
The Sheraton hotel’s spa is offering a 90-minute tension relief massage and body scrub called New You that aims to reduce stress – and you can use the Jacuzzi, sauna and spa afterwards as well.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs250. Tel: (02) 6970272. Taxi: next to Corniche Hospital. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Eat some tapas on Saadiyat
 
Spanish cuisine is centre stage at the Masters Of Food And Wine festival at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi. Spanish guest chef Senen Gonzales will be serving up a variety of tapas that will be available via a five- or ten-piece bite-sized menu at the Beach House during lunch and dinner. There’ll also be interactive art sessions from Australian artist Des Spencer. 
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, until April 11, Dhs250 five bites, Dhs450 ten bites. Tel: (02) 4071234. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Friday April 7

Listen to The Joshua Tree

One of the most successful U2 tribute bands plays in Irish bar McGettigan’s tonight.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (02) 6524333. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. mcgettigans.com

Watch a Greek tragedy
You can see Sophocles’ famous Greek tragedy in Abu Dhabi, but with a twist: Noche Flamenca’s Antigona recounts the story through Spanish dance, and with a bucket-load of drama and emotion.
NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Thu 8pm, Fri 1pm and 8pm, free to attend but prior reservation required. Taxi: NYUAD. nyuad.nyu.edu

Let the kids loose

Want to keep the nippers active over the weekend? Zayed Sports City has launched a series of sessions on Fridays and Saturdays, where children can try bowling, ice skating, arts and crafts, billiards and more. The camps run every weekend throughout April.
Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs200 a day, Dhs300 for the weekend, 11am to 5pm. Tel: (02) 4034222. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. zsc.ae

Paint party at Al Maya
Get ready to get messy. Al Maya Island is bringing back their paint party and there’ll be face painters, dancers, UV paint and glowsticks on offer. DJ Lucy Stone, Matt Jones, Stew Magoo and Chad Phunk will be on the decks. Guests must be aged 21 and up.
Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 9pm, tickets Dhs100, ladies free entry before 1pm. Tel: (02) 6677777. facebook.com/BPM.AL.MAYA

Saturday April 8

Last chance to watch a Korean Film
It’s the last day to check out the Korean Film Festival at Vox Cinema in Yas Mall. Organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Centre the festival is showcasing a variety of genres (all subtitled in English). Best of all tickets are free when reserved from the website, but prior reservation is required.
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, timings vary. Tel: (02) 4146401. Taxi: Yas Mall. k-filmfest.com

Shop at a pop-up

Before the weather turns to downright uncomfortable, La Loupe is hosting a one-day pop up shop at Eastern Mangroves Promenade this month. Its last outdoor event of the season will feature more than 60 homegrown vendors and brands from the UAE including the trendy Middle Eastern-inspired fashion and accessory line from L’Atelier Dubai, handmade silver rings, necklaces and pieces from Rainstone Jewellery, baby clothes from Clementine UAE and Persian textiles and carpets from Crafts Of Persia. The event will also have food stalls, bouncy castle, dedicated children’s corner, artwork and music.
 Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 6pm, free entrance. Tel: (056) 1031631. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. facebook.com/laloupeauh 

Last chance to check out Flavors Festival
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 at Umm Al Emarat Park.
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

Eat a lazy lunch

Seafood restaurant Finz has launched a new lunch concept that sees guests enjoy a long, leisurely meal at the waterside venue every Saturday. Dubbed “Saturlaze”, the menu features everything from a fresh seafood stand (serving up everything from prawns, mussels, oysters and tuna tartar) to shellfish spaghettini and grilled barramundi.
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat 2pm to 6pm, Dhs275 with mocktails, Dhs350 with prosecco. Tel: (02) 6979011. Taxi: next to Abu Dhabi Mall. rotana.com