Brunches, beach festivals, and of course, Oktoberfest… welcome to the weekend!

There’s so much happening in Abu Dhabi this weekend. We’ve got the Abu Dhabi Cricket T20, Oktoberfest, and a Dragon Boat Festival, while legendary rapper Fat Joe is making a special appearance for the Caribbean Beach Festival. Whatever you do, have a great one!

Thursday October 4

Enjoy brunch at the cricket

Zayed Cricket Stadium is set to host six of the greatest T20 teams from Afghanistan, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, New Zealand and England this weekend – and you can catch all the action over brunch. Brunch at the cricket will take place in the Century Lounge, with live food stations, unlimited beverages, live DJS, and of course, a mega screen. Brunch will be adults-only on Thursday, but on Friday and Saturday there will be a special kids’ area with plenty of activities for little ones.

Brunch at the Cricket, Century Lounge at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Thurs from 3pm, Fri & Sat from noon. Dhs500 adults, Dhs150 children aged 6 to 12. Tel: (02) 558 8331. @AbuDhabiCricket

Get amongst the Oktoberfest celebrations

Now in their sixth year, Crowne Plaza Yas Island’s Oktoberfest parties are the stuff of legend. There’ll be live music, German dishes and beers, and on the Friday, the hotel will be hosting a Bavarian-themed brunch as well. If you buy an entry ticket to the celebrations on the Thursday or Friday (costing Dhs199), you get a cash-back voucher to spend on food and drinks – it’s worth Dhs100 on the Thursday, and Dhs150 on the Friday.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Island, Thurs from 7pm, Fri from 12.30pm, Dhs199, Dhs350 including Friday brunch, Dhs89 for children. Tel: (02) 656 3052. ihg.com

Friday October 5

Book a table at a brand new brunch

Grand Millennium Al Wahda is launching a brand new brunch at their revamped rooftop restauant, Sky Lounge Thirty-One, which boasts panoramic views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The new brunch is Mediterranean-inspired, with dishes like harissa salmon, beef tagine, zabaione and a fresh a la minute station. There’s also live entertainment, and a dedicated area for kids.

Sky Lounge Brunch, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Fridays, 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs225 soft, Dhs250 house, Dhs285 premium. millenniumhotels.com

See Fat Joe perform at a beach festival

Legendary rapper Fat Joe is set to headline the Caribbean Beach Festival at Yas Beach this weekend. He will be joined by Jamaican reggae artist Charly Black, Puerto Rican artist Dynasty, Nigerian R&B and afropop artist Iyanya, and American DJ duo Divas on Deck. Authentic Jamaican delicacies will be offered by local food trucks, and when you’re not dancing by the stage, you can get involved in beach volleyball, or even have your hair styled into dreadlocks.

Caribbean Beach Festival, Yas Beach, Yas Island, October 5, doors open 4pm, tickets Dhs130 in advance (Dhs150 at the gate). Tickets available at Platinum List.

Saturday October 6

Sip sundowners at a new al fresco spot

There are two brand new outdoor venues to check out in the recently opened Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. Roof Lounge & Bar promises stunning sea and sunset views, while Nasma Beachfront Bar lets you sit on beanbags and enjoy drinks or shisha with your toes in the sand.

Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island. rotana.com

Watch some dragon boat racing

For the 11th year in a row, the Shangri-La Hotel will host the annual Dragon Boat Festival. Spectators and guests can enjoy watching the race at the Qaryat Al Beri beach, while also enjoying a range of fun activities and entertainment throughout the day. For the full race schedule, check out the UAE Dragon Boat Association Facebook page.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, October 5 to 6, from 8am Friday. dubaidragonboat.com

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