Your guide to all the things you can do over the weekend in the nation’s capital, including workshops, deals, sports, entertainment and new openings.

Thursday September 14

Watch American Assassin

Michael Keaton plays CIA agent Stan Hurley, who is basically Batman without the cape and cowl: he has a troubled past, lives in a secret hideout and has access to the latest weaponry. And he’s training new black ops recruit Mitch (Dylan O’Brien) to become his Robin and take down terrorists. It’s in UAE cinemas from today.

Check out a new healthy café


Afghan-US inspired café Nolu’s has opened a third branch in the capital. You’ll find Raw By Nolu’s at Al Seef Village Mall and the clue is in the name – this is perhaps the most healthy-food oriented outlet from the brand, with dishes such as chia guacamole made with avocado, tomatoes, coriander, flaxseeds, lime, jalapeños, pepitas, sunflower seed, feta and chia chips on the menu.
Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 11pm. Tel: (800) 66587. Taxi: Al Seef Village Mall. facebook.com/nolusrestaurants

Have brunch this evening at PJ O’Reilly’s


The Irish pub is now serving an evening brunch twice a week. During the three-hour sitting, guests are served one starter, a main and dessert, plus free-flowing drinks. Starters on the menu include nachos, a sharing platter (with chicken wings, calamari, onion rings and more). Mains such as fish ’n’ chips and bangers and mash also feature, while for dessert you can try deep fried peanut and chocolate bar or ice cream sundae.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, Thur and Fri 8pm to 11pm, Dhs159. Tel: (02) 6742020. Taxi: next to Al Ain Palace. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

See live comedy


A night of stand-up from Maysoon Zayid takes place at NYU this evening. The American comic is the first person to ever perform stand-up in Palestine and Jordan and is one of the co-founders of the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival, launched in 2003.
NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 6284000. Taxi: NYUAD. nyuad.nyu.edu

Friday September 15

New brunch at the Ritz-Carlton


One of the capital’s biggest brunches has been revamped for the new season. Now you’ll be able to watch a series of dance performances while you eat, including salsa, cha cha cha and Cuban mambo. There’ll be some South American dishes available as well. Children will want to seek out café Doche where they can tuck into candyfloss, popcorn, waffles and chocolate fountains.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs495 with champagne, under-12s Dhs147.50. Tel: (02) 8188282. Taxi: Ritz-Carlton. ritzcarlton.com

Party at Maya Fridays


Never been to Al Maya Island? It’s a 10-minute boat ride away from the mainland of Abu Dhabi and once there you’ll find the Al Maya Island Resort – and every Friday, you’ll also find a beach party taking place on the island’s white sands and by its pool, appropriately called Maya Fridays. Local DJs such as Chad Funk and Stew Magoo regularly spin the wheels of steel, bashing out dance and house tunes. Ladies get free entry before 1pm, Etihad staff before 2pm. Table packages for drinks and food, such as mixed fajitas, are also available, costing between Dhs1,500 and Dhs3,500. Guests must be aged 21 and up.
Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 11am to 9pm, Dhs100, ladies free entry before 1pm. Tel: (02) 6677777. facebook.com/BPM.AL.MAYA

Eat. Play. Laugh at brunch


The name might suggest this is a children’s themed brunch, but it’s aimed at adults. In addition to the food (a showcase of dishes from all of the hotel’s restaurants), there’s also games (think foosball, a Nintendo Wii and a giant Jenga station), an illusionist, cartoonist and DJ to keep you entertained.
Marriott Hotel Downtown, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 to Dhs450. Tel: (02) 3047777. Taxi: Marriott Downtown, near Al Wahda Mall. marriott.com

Try a different brunch concept


The Holiday Inn on Airport Road has launched a new brunch concept that is a little different to others you’ll find in the city. Taking place in Japanese outlet Sushi San, it’s called the Omakase Friday Brunch – omakase means ‘I’ll leave it up to you’ in Japanese and instead of choosing from a set menu or buffet, you’ll be presented with a series of courses prepared by the chef on the day. The menu changes every week, but you can expect the usual sushi and sashimi dishes, plus a sushi pizza and dynamite shrimps.
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, 31st Street, between Muroor and Airport Roads, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, from Dhs179. Tel: (800) 78744726. Taxi: Holiday Inn Airport Road. sushisan.ae

Brunch in the evening at El Sombrero


The Friday night El Sombrero brunch serves fajitas, chimichangas, tacos and pollo con mole. You also get margaritas and Mexican beer included in the price.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 6pm to 11pm, Dhs197. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Saturday September 16

Tuck into Michelin Mexican eats


Renowned chef Carlos Gaytan is preparing special menus to celebrate Mexico’s National Day at seafood restaurant Sayad.
September 16 to 21
Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs480 to Dhs580. Tel: (02) 6907999. Taxi: Emirates Palace. kempinski.com

Try the Enrich Foot Treatment at The Spa


Need to spruce up your feet? Check out a 45-minute treatment that starts with dipping your feet in warm water filled with essential oils of geranium, sandalwood and patchouli. A therapist will then apply a salt and coffee exfoliation mask followed by layers of vitamin E oil and sweet almond oil followed by a calendula mask to soothe and condition.
Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 9am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 8am to 10pm, Dhs165. Tel: (02) 6562494. Taxi: Radisson Blu Yas. radissonblu.com

Celebrate the great outdoors at ADIHEX


The 14th Abu Dhabi International Hunting And Equestrian Exhibition takes place at Adnec this weekend, and it’s your chance to meet some camels, check out a saluki beauty competition, watch a falconry display and splurge some cash on camping, hunting, fishing, equestrian and safari kit from some 600 brands. You’ll also find a heritage area inside, offering insight into the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, an archery range and a photography competition taking place.
Until September 16
Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, daily 11am to 11pm, Dhs20. Taxi: Adnec. adihex.com

Celebrate Oktoberfest


The capital’s German celebrations are starting early this year – McGettigan’s are getting the party going this weekend. Dhs99 gets you German dishes including sausage, sauerkraut, currywurst and more.
Until October 4
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, daily 5.30pm to 3am, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 6524333. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. mcgettigans.com

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