Films, festivals, and free stuff… happy long weekend!

The weekend is here, and the good news is, it’s a long one. So we’ve come up with even more ways for you to fill it. From fitness and films to Bohemian Rhapsody-themed parties and brand new brunches, here are eight great ways to spend your Abu Dhabi weekend.

Thursday November 15

Head along to Abu Dhabi Art

Now in its 10th edition, Abu Dhabi Art returns to Saadiyat Cultural District this week. This year, under the directorship of Dyala Nusseibeh, the programme is curated and designed by leading figures in the regional art world so that outside of the commercial halls, there will be a host of exhibitions, workshops, and public events for everyone to enjoy. Check out our full guide here.

Abu Dhabi Art, Saadiyat Cultural District, Nov 14 to 17, 2pm to 9pm. abudhabiart.ae

Catch the new Fantastic Beasts movie

Harry Potter fans, get excited: The second installment of the Fantastic Beasts series hits cinemas today. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald picks up from where the last movie left off, with the powerful dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald captured by the Magical Congress. But he’s now escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, as part of his plan to raise pure-blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, in UAE cinemas from November 15. 

Hit up a Queen-themed party

The Captain’s Arms at Le Meridien Village is celebrating its 21st birthday, and they’re throwing a Bohemian Rhapsody party. A Freddie Mercury tribute act is jetting in from London especially for the event, so get ready to dance all night to Queen anthems. Drinks will be Dhs21 all night, and there will be a brand new menu with dishes like Brooklyn-style baby back ribs, old country style fries, and traditional fish & chips.

The Captain’s Arms, The Village at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, Nov 15, from 7pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 644 6666. @LeMeridienVillage

Friday November 16

Walk for a great cause

The UAE’s biggest walkathon, The Walk, returns to Yas Marina Circuit today. The walkathon is held every November in celebration of World Diabetes Day, with tens of thousands of participants showing up to complete the five-kilometre track. In addition to the walk, the afternoon and evening will be packed with a range of activities for families including stage entertainment with a DJ, face painting, arts and crafts, Zumba demonstrations, bubble football and more.

The Walk, Yas Marina Circuit, Nov 16, gates open at 2pm, walk starts at 5pm, Dhs10. Register here.

Book a table at a new brunch

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has brought back its legendary Friday brunch at Giornotte. There’s a new meat carving station serving gourmet options like wagyu prime rib, smoked veal belly, slow-roasted duck breast and Peruvian chicken barbecue. Desserts will now be served in the pastry kitchen, with a variety of treats including popcorn and cotton candy stations, chocolate fountains, and a metre-long cheesecake. They’ve also introduced a beverage trolley which makes its way around the tables.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Fridays, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs320 soft, Dhs420 house, Dhs520 Italian sparkling, Dhs620 bubbly. Tel: (02) 818 8203. ritzcarlton.com

Gear up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The countdown to F1 is officially on, and you can join in on the fun at Yasalam’s “Live Across The City” which will take place at A’l Bahar at Abu Dhabi Corniche over the next 10 days. Today, head down there to check out the car parade from 2.30pm to 5pm, featuring various vintage and modern cars from around the UAE, as well as plenty of souped-up supercars. From 4pm, you can check out the Pit Stop – a special village with plenty on offer, including local bands and DJs.

Live Across The City, A’l Bahar at Abu Dhabi Corniche, Nov 16 to 25, from 2.30pm. yasalam.ae

Saturday November 17

Book a spa treatment and get free pool access

Zen the Spa in the new Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas has a great offer at the moment. For any treatment you book that is over 75 minutes, you’ll get complimentary pool and beach access. Treatments you can choose from include the signature Himalayan Pink Stone Healing Massage, as well as Aromatherapy, Balinese and Thai Massages. A wide variety of facial treatments are available, or you can treat yourself to The Ultimate Zen Hammam or Majestic Signature Turkish Retreat (Turkish hammam).

Zen the Spa, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, 10am to 10pm, offer available until December 20. Tel: (02) 697 4140. rotana.com

Check out a free fitness festival

The Yas Fitness Festival takes place this weekend, bringing you a full programme of fitness classes, outdoor adventure activities, healthy lifestyle tips and more. The best part? It’s free entry. There will also be a fitness shopping section, where you can pick up some cool gear, as well as healthy food trucks and stalls to keep you nourished and hydrated.

Yas Fitness Festival, Gateway Park South, Yas Island, Nov 16 & 17, 11am to 8pm. fitfest.ae

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