Exhibitions, brunches, fun runs… it’s all about balance.

Congratulations, you’ve just about made it through the working week! And it sure felt like a long one, after our three days off. So let’s try to make the most of this weekend! Need some inspiration? We have some suggestions…

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Thursday September 20

Head along to the opening of a cool new exhibition

If you’re a fan of art and live in the capital, you most likely know the name Emily Gordon – she’s been a massive part of the city’s creative scene for over two decades. Earlier this year, Gordon launched International Artists Management (iAM) to help promote both local and international talents, and today sees the launch of the second iAM exhibition in the emirate. The Sofitel is the venue for edition two of iAM More, which gives local talents the chance to have their work exhibited alongside professional artists.

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, September 20, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, free. Tel: (02) 813 7777. facebook.com/iAMArtistsEvents

Enjoy an New York-inspired feast

The recently re-opened District by Amalfi is a celebration of all things NYC, and on Thursdays it hosts an event called Sera Con Amici (evening with friends). For Dhs300 for two, you’ll get unlimited meat and cheese antipasti, Soho pizzas, pasta dishes and two house beverages. There’ll be a special beer menu showcasing brews from 10 districts in New York as well, while classic gangster movies will play on screens in the background.

Le Royal Meridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Thurs 6pm to 11pm, Dhs300 for two. Tel: (02) 695 0300. districtbyamalfi.com

Friday September 21

Run for a great cause

The ninth edition of Aloft Runs For Children takes place this morning. Proceeds from the event will go towards the UAE’s Al Jalila Foundation in support of the Farah Project. The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (Adnec) running track is the venue and there are 6km, 10km and 20km runs to take part in. There are great prizes for winners of each category, and all runners will enter a grand prize raffle.

Adnec, Al Safraat, Abu Dhabi, 8am, Dhs50 to Dhs200. Tel: (050) 109 4055. Register here.

Go watch an epic show

New York University on Saadiyat is hosting three performances of Gatz this month, an award-winning show from New York-based theatre ensemble Elevator Repair Service. The show stars US actor Scott Shepherd, who has won an Obie (Off-Broadway Theatre Award) for this play, about an office worker who reads a copy of The Great Gatsby at work, with surprising results. This show is a whopper – it’s eight hours long (but don’t worry, there are two intermissions and a dinner break).

NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sept 21, 22 and 24, 3pm to 11pm, free (advance booking required). Tel: (02) 628 4000. nyuad-artscenter.org

Saturday September 22

Check out the new food stalls at Urban RetrEAT

There’s a brand new selection of vendors at foodie hotspot Urban RetrEAT in Yas Mall. From pizza topped with cheetos to churros and ice cream buns, there’s something to suit every taste.

Urban RetrEAT, second floor, Yas Mall, Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri 10am to midnight. urbanretreat.me

Visit the mind-bending Yas House of Illusion

Dubai recently got its own Museum of Illusion, but now Abu Dhabi is getting a taste of the tricky action with the Yas House of Illusion. Located at Town Square in Yas Mall, the house features four rooms which have been designed to boggle the mind, using augmented reality, 3D art and optical illusions. It’s totally free to enter.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, September 19 to 22, 10am to 10pm, free. yasmall.ae

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