Festivals, food, and exciting new openings…

We hope you’re feeling hungry this weekend, Abu Dhabi. Why? Because the Abu Dhabi Food Festival is back, and that means there is some serious eating to be doing around town. We also can’t wait to check out the newly renovated Qasr Al Hosn – the 200-year-old landmark re-opens to the public on Friday after more than a decade of restoration work. Whatever you do, have a great one.

Thursday December 6

Head along to a BBQ festival

The Abu Dhabi Food Festival is back, and will take place from December 6 to 22, with over 100 restaurants taking part and five special events. One of these is taking place this weekend – The Big Grill celebrates the art of cooking with fire and smoke. Pitmasters will be serving up their finest grills at this free three-day event on Yas Island, which also includes live music, competitions, and workshops.

Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Thurs 5pm, Fri & Sat noon, free entry. yasisland.ae

Or check out a street food festival

Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel in partnership with La Loupe are kicking off the festive season with an urban street food festival, that will take place at The Courtyard in Al Wahda City this Thursday and Friday. You’ll find a pop-up market with food trucks, family activities, homegrown shops, live music, and more.

The Courtyard, Al Wahda City, Thurs & Fri 3pm to 10pm, free entry. More info on Facebook.

Friday December 7

Check out Abu Dhabi’s latest attraction

After more than a decade of renovation work, Qasr Al Hosn will finally re-open to the public on Friday. The newly renovated landmark is the oldest and most significant heritage site in Abu Dhabi, dating back more than 200 years. For the grand opening, Qasr Al Hosn is holding a week of celebrations – click here for more details.

Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, open from December 7, 10am to 10pm (Friday hours). alhosn.ae

Find delicious snacks at Festember

Unique food, fashion and arts event Festember returns this month in a new location at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Shining a light on new food concepts to the region, Festember welcomes Gastro Garage, complete with blowtorch-wielding chef, Chick n Cone, famous for portable chicken and waffle creations, and The Barrel BBQ to the starting line-up. Elsewhere across the festival you’ll find live entertainment, interactive art installations and a fashion pavilion featuring up-and-coming local and regional designers.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, December 5 to 9, Dhs75 adults, Dhs25 children. festemberad.com

Dance the night away at Blue Marlin Ibiza

German DJ Sven Väth’s renowned party series Cocoon is set to hit up Blue Marlin Ibiza this Friday, before returning to Ibiza for the new season. The line-up features DJs Tim Green, Recondite, Fredrick Stone, Aidin Karami, Michka, and the Cocoon creator, Sven Väth.

 Blue Marlin Ibiza, Ghantoot, Fri 1pm to 11pm. Tel: (056) 113 3400. bluemarlinibiza-uae.com

Saturday December 8

Have lunch by the beach

Homegrown cafe Park House has just opened its first location in Abu Dhabi. Located in the newly-opened Reem Central Park on Reem Island, the café offers a range of healthy, homemade dishes and light bites including avocado on toast, overnight oats, mini pancakes, salads, smoothies and fresh juices, organic coffee, and more.

Park House, Reem Central Park, Reem Island, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (055) 736 8127. parkhouse.ae

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