From an evening brunch to checking out an exhibition with photos from the 1800’s …

Counting down to the weekend so you can fill it with fun stuff? We hear you!

From a three-day free movie festival at du Arena to egg-citing Easter deals, there’s something new to do every day over the weekend here in the capital.

Here are 6 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.  

Thursday, April 18

Indulge in an evening brunch

Start the weekend off right and head to Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas for their Thursday evening brunch. At La Tavolata Evening Brunch, share meals with your family and friends the traditional Italian way. There will be a selection of carving and live stations, as well as a delicious selection of desserts for you and your party to share. The evening brunch will continue on during Ramadan, too.

Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 10.30pm every Thursday, Dhs275 soft, Dhs325 house, Dhs425 premium. Tel: (02) 697 0000. rotana.com

Enjoy a movie festival

If you’re a movie buff, you will want to check out this free movie event happening at the du Arena at Yas Island. Running from April 18 to 20, there are movies the whole family can enjoy. The Thursday line up includes The Incredibles, Jurassic World, and Armageddon. There’s plenty to see and do before the movies begin with live music, singing, dancing, comedic performances, food trucks and stalls, a fun fair, carnival, and more. Registration is required and you can also upgrade to VIP tickets which will earn you a premium viewing experience, bean bag, two soft drinks, and popcorn.

Yas movies in the park, du Arena, Yas Island, 4pm to 12pm on April 18 to 20, free, VIP tickets available from Dhs65 onwards. yasmovies.ae

Friday, April 19

Celebrate Easter at Sanderson’s

Head to Sanderson’s any day from April 19 to 22 with the family and celebrate the Easter season. The little ones will be kept busy with activities such as an Easter egg hunt that will see them winning lots of yummy prizes, while parents can try a range of signature Sanderson’s food and drinks. Don’t forget to try out the healthy hot cross buns that will be served up with coconut butter!

Sanderson’s, The Walk at Al Seef Resort & Spa by Andalus Abu Dhabi, 8am to 10pm daily, Easter weekend from Friday, April 19 to Monday, April 22, Tel: (02) 222 1142 wearesandersons.com

Catch Chinese piano master Ran Jia live

Ran Jia will be performing in the capital for one night only to close the Abu Dhabi Classics 2018/19 season. It’s the first time the ‘Chinese piano master’ is performing in the Middle East. Initially set to perform at Manarat Al Saadiyat, the venue has now changed to Abu Dhabi Theatre due to popular demand. She will perform a modern rendition of Austrian composer Franz Schubert’s work including his Sonata in D major D850 and Sonata in B flat major 960 and will also present Three Preludes for Solo Piano from one of the leading Chinese contemporary composers, her father, Daqun Jia.

Ran Jia – Solo Piano Recital, Abu Dhabi Theatre, Abu Dhabi, doors open 7pm on April 19, Dhs50 student, Dhs50 to Dhs100 platinum, Dhs200 to Dhs250 diamond, Tel: (02) 444 0444, abudhabimusic.ae

Saturday, April 20

Visit a unique photography exhibition

This is unlike any other photography exhibition you’ve probably been to before. At the Photographs: An early album of the world exhibition you will see 250 rare photographs that date back to 1842. It will also include some of the first images ever seen of the Middle-East, Africa, Asia and the American continents.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 8pm Sat to Wed, 10am to 1opm Thur and Fri,  from April 17 to July 13, Tel: (600) 565 566, louvreabudhabi.ae

Try out the new menu at Hooked

Head to Zaya Nurai Island and check out the new menu at Hooked. The cuisine is inspired by the coastal influences of the Levant and uses only the freshest ingredients for the best seafood experience. Try the Hooked golden mixed seafood platter served up with tartar sauce for starters, and for mains dig into octopus provencal which is chopped octopus in garlic, lemon and coriander, or try the Hooked fish kibbeh which is deep fried fish kibbeh stuffed with shrimps and walnuts topped with pomegranate and pistachio.  You can also find a variety of charcoal grills such as shish tawook, lamb kofta and beef tenderloin. Shisha is also served here from 1pm to 1am.

Hooked, Zaya Nurai Island, Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, lunch noon to 4pm, dinner 7pm to midnight Tel: (02) 506 6222 zayanuraiisland.com

– For more about Abu Dhabi straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook. 

Images: Getty Images and social