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 13

Check out modern art
Get a sneak peek at the artwork that will be housed in the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, with a new exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The Creative Act will be divided into three sections including Performance, Process and Presence and will feature over 25 works of modern art from 18 international artists.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

Celebrate Songkran

Head to Cho Gao for a three-course set menu to celebrate Songkran, the Thai new year. The menu includes lotus flower shaped chicken dumplings, fish and chicken stir fry and for dessert, water chestnuts floating in coconut syrup. There’ll be traditional Thai dances every evening from 7.30pm.
Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, until April 17, noon to 11pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 6166149. Taxi: Crowne Plaza Hotel. facebook.com/chogaoasianexperience 

Go to Warehouse421

Head over to Warehouse421 for Galleries Week, a cool new initiative that sees local and international galleries take over the industrial space in Mina Port. In addition to six galleries, there’ll be workshops, film screenings and talks for the public. Highlights of the programme include special family workshops, a young designers market, as well as the film screening Lights of Rome on April 19, about the 1989 UAE National football team’s Cinderella story on qualifying for the 1990 World Cup.
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, until April 19, closed Monday, timings vary, free entrance. Taxi: Warehouse421 next to COOP in Mina Zayed. warehouse421.ae

Friday April 14

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Springtime Festival at Yas Marina

This two-day festival at Yas Marina will feature a pop-up market, petting zoo and live music along the promenade. For Dhs30, children can have unlimited access to the game stall zone, petting zoo (there’ll be spring chicks and bunnies), pony rides and craft corner. There’ll also be craft workshops available for adults too as well as a pop-up market with over 40 vendors selling jewellery, clothing, art and more. Guests can register for activities upon arrival at the information kiosk.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until April 15, 1pm to 6pm, free entry, activities available for purchase. Tel: (02) 4062000. Taxi: Yas Marina. yasmarina.ae/springtime

Eat some new Indian food
Tamba’s has added some new dishes to the menu including soft-shell crab with khadai dip, scallops with chilli, lime and kumquat or Chettinad braised beef salad and wild veg. New mains include pan-fried sea bream with caramelised lemon, confit duck ragda and beef tenderloin with kalimiri. Veggies are also catered for – you can try the Bombay bhaji roll with creamy aam panna and Bihari litti green curry.
World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed noon until 1am, Thur to Sat noon until 2am. Tel: (02) 6728888. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. tambarestaurant.com

Hunt for treasure at The Galleria

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island will be hosting a Willy Wonka scavenger hunt this weekend, where kids can search for a golden ticket. There’ll also be arts and crafts activities, dance show and more.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, until April 15, timings vary. Tel: (02) 6166999. Taxi: The Galleria. thegalleria.ae

Saturday April 15

Check out a jiu-jitsu match

The ninth edition of the annual Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship will see some of the world’s best fighters take to the mats in the capital. With over 7,000 competitors from over 100 countries, expect plenty of cool moves as well as an IPIC Fan Zone, which will feature interactive stands, kids activities and raffle draws.
IPIC Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, until April 23, free to attend. Tel: (02) 3336155. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. uaejjf.com

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

Tuck into a Titanic meal
Best restaurant in Abu Dhabi - Bord Eau
Bord Eau will be presenting a ten-course menu that was served to first-class passengers aboard the famous British ocean liner, the Titanic. The menu features oysters, poached salmon, lamb with mint sauce, cold asparagus with saffron vinaigrette and Waldorf pudding.
Shangri-La, Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, from 6.30pm, Dhs496 with wine. Tel: (02) 5098888. Taxi: Shangri-La. shangri-la.com