From checking out some cultural events to jetting off to a private Island…

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

From digging into a kilo (or two) or mussels, to checking out some fast cars down at Yas Marina Circuit, to learning to sketch, there’s something new to do every day during the weekend here in the capital…

Here are 8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.  

Thursday, April 4

1. Head to Yas Marina Circuit for World Rallycross Abu Dhabi 2019

Yas Marina Circuit will be hosting an incredible line up of sport and entertainment on and off the track for World Rallycross Abu Dhabi. The circuit will transform into a challenging cross-surface course, complete with tight turns and adrenaline-pumping jumps. There’ll also be drifting shows, driver-meets, food trucks, a dedicated e-sports zone, and live entertainment. Your ticket to the World Rallycross buys you access to the Public Pitlane Walk, karting and Yas Hot Laps.

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, prices start from Dhs395, April 4 to 6, Tel: (02) 659 9800. yasmarinacircuit.com 

2. Check out the open stage performance at The Louvre


Photo credit: Julian John

Discover some of Abu Dhabi’s hidden musical talents at the open stage every Thursday, as the dome comes alive with performances showcasing a wide range of musical talents from the UAE. The performances are from professionals to amateur and emerging talents. This month will see student choirs and soloists from The British School Al Khubairat and Raha International School performing.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, every Thursday this April from 5pm to 6pm, free access with museum ticket, Tel: (600) 565 566. louvreabudhabi.ae

3. Dig into some mussels

Head to Brauhaus at the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi for a special mussels menu. The menu is available only from 7pm every Monday and Thursday where you can enjoy mussels cooked in three different ways. You can get a whopping half kilo of muscles for Dhs125 or a kilo Dhs200. For Dhs300 you can get mussels, prawns and calamari sautéed in butter, parsley and a glass of selected beverages. In addition, each package is served with garlic baguette, French fries and two glasses of hops.

Beach Rotana, 10th Street, Al Zahiya Area, Abu Dhabi, package cost start from Dhs125, 7pm to 11.30pm every Monday and Thursday, Tel: (02) 697 9000. rotana.com

Friday, April 5

 4. Jet off to a beautiful private Island with Corona Sunset Island

If you’re into fun watersports, international music acts and sandy beaches with your besties then this is the perfect weekend escape for you. Be whisked away to the private island of Al Maya Island and Resort and enjoy stunning performances by DJ Jerry Ropero, DJ Paul Hamilton, and DJ Saif & Sound whilst surrounding by superb blue waters. There’s a great selection of packages starting from Dhs999 and tickets cost Dhs125 at the door. Ladies, if you arrive before 1pm it’s free, and you need to be aged 21 and above to attend.

Corona Sunset Island, Al Maya Island & Resorts, Abu Dhabi Jetty, 11am to 11pm on April 5 and 6, Dhs125 at the door and Dhs105 online, for a list of packages and their rates check the website listed, Tel: (055) 374 1550 outout.com  

5. Head to Venetian Village for a brunch extravaganza

The Brunch Town brunch sees four Venetian Village restaurants, La Brasserie, Barfly, Todd English’s Olives and Tokyo Grill, merging together to form one exciting Friday brunch. You can make a reservation at any of these restaurants but you won’t be restricted to it – you will still be able to stroll around the other restaurants and pluck items from their buffets. You can also order cocktails from their bars. Mains come from your chosen venue, but don’t worry, a variety of dishes will be delivered from the others, too.

Brunch Town, Venetian Village, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. Friday 12.30pm to 4pm. Packages from Dhs295 to Dhs595. Tel: (02) 404 1931. venetianvillage.ae

6. Learn to sketch like a Rembrant

In this two-day masterclass, you will explore a variety of drawing techniques used by the Dutch master, Rembrant. Learn gestural drawing, mark making and directional line illustration inside the exhibition. Return to the studio to use mixed media to develop the sketches and create a single finished artwork.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 5pm on April 5 to 6, Dhs84 adults, Dhs52.50 for Art Club members and children aged 16 to 22, Tel: (600) 565566. louvreabudhabi.ae

Saturday, April 6

7. Sign your kids up for Mermaid School

Yas Waterworld is hosting mermaid classes every Friday and Saturday to teach kids how to swim just like a mermaid. They will learn all the main mermaid moves like the dolphin kick, mixed with graceful synchronized and monofin swimming techniques. They will even have access to The Mermaid Adventures LIVE – The Legend of the Lost Pearl, which is a one-of-a-kind live theatre experience. There’s a small graduation ceremony at the end, and kids can take some photos home as souvenirs in their fancy mermaid tails. Don’t worry if you don’t have a mermaid tail lying around, as there is an option to rent them at Yas Waterworld.

Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 8pm, every Fri and Sat from April 1 to 20, Dhs95 if you’re an annual pass holder otherwise its Dhs195 including park access. Tel: (02) 414 2000. aquamermaid.com

8. Soak up some Arabic culture

Soak in some culture and learn some history in this exhibition in collaboration with Khatt Foundation. The Nomadic Traces: Journeys of Arabian Scripts exhibition explores the origins of six of the most influential alphabets in the Middle East. It features nine specially made artworks in different mediums such as ceramic, textile and furniture. Essentially, it’s a display of Middle Eastern history and culture through design and form.

Warehouse 421. Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Tue to Sun, 10am to 8pm until July 28. Tel: (02) 676 8803. warehouse421.ae

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Images: Supplied