From free entry to Ferrari World and a walk from darkness into light…

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

From tucking into Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, to a walk in the wee hours of the morning for mental health awareness, 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, May 9

1. Dig into a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner

Head to The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi where throughout the month of May, Buddha-Bar will be serving up Kaiseki. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner made up of beautifully plated dishes. It comprises of a selection of starters and main courses that will be served together in small platters and bowls, followed by dessert. Expect edamame, sushi, cold and hot appetizers, and for mains, hamachi teriyaki, wagyu rib-eye steak and toothfish miso with quinoa salad and truffle dust. For dessert, dip into an irresistible green tea chocolate mousse. Kaiseki is priced at Dhs250 and will run from 7pm to midnight.

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs250 for Kaiseki, 7pm to midnight daily until May 31, Tel: (02) 498 8888 marriott.com

2. Take advantage of a Ramadan deal at Ferrari World 

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has a deal for Ramadan where all park guests will be able to avail free entry to the park on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and will only pay for the rides they chose to go on. You can check out the ticket details on their website here.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, free entry offer available 6pm to 10pm on Thur, Fri and Sat during Ramadan, Tel: (600) 511 115, ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Friday, May 10

3. Gents, here’s one for you

Gents, if you have big plans on Friday night, or just in general need of some TLC, check out Chaps & Co. Chaps & Co barbershop is the new grooming destination in the capital that has recently launched at the Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel. This British-style barbershop promises old-school pampering with leather sofas, traditional hot towel shaves, and skilled barbers offering classic cuts and modern styles.

Chaps & Co, Abu Dhabi Edition Hotel, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi. Tue to Sun, 11am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 208 0500, chapsandco.ae

4. Enjoy an iftar on a farm

Try an iftar unlike any other you’ve tried before. At the Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain, you can expect an extensive field to plate menu of organic produce that’s been harvested on the same day. They will also be offering locally sourced Bedouin style lamb that’s been slow cooked in an earthen oven for over five hours. It’s Dhs180 for adults, and Dhs80 for children for the iftar and 20 per cent of all sales will be donated to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The iftar is held only on Friday’s during Ramadan and the booking will include a farm visit as well.

Emirates Bio Farm, Al Shuwaib, Al Ain, sunset, 5.30pm to 8.30pm every Friday during Ramadan, Dhs180 (including a farm tour), Tel: (03) 783 8422 emiratesbiofarm.com

Saturday, May 11

5. Walk for a cause

Join 250,000 participants from over 19 countries and five continents at the ‘Darkness into Light’ mental health awareness event at Emirates Palace this weekend. Organised by community group Darkness Into Light UAE in support of Pieta House and Al Jalila Foundation, Darkness into Light is a global movement to support those with a mental illness. The five-kilometre walk begins at 3.45am, the darkest point of the night, and will end at dawn, symbolic of the journey from despair to hope. In Abu Dhabi the walk begins from Emirates Palace, and there’s a Dhs80 registration fee which can be done on the website. All the money raised will go directly toward mental health treatment and research.

Darkness Into Light UAE, Emirates Palace, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 3.45am to sunrise, May 11, Tel: (04) 383 8000 (Al Jalila Foundation), darknessintolight.ie

6. Enjoy a Suhoor and Japanese animation

Cinema Akil have partnered with Warehouse421 and are screening a Japanese animated film, Spirited Away on Saturday. The 125-minute film starts at 9pm, and is about a lost little girl almost similar to the Alice in Wonderland tale. The film screenings will be complemented with a Suhoor for the community. It’s free to attend – but you need to register your interest on the website.

Warehouse421, Abu Dhabi, Mina Zayed, Street Samrayr, Abu Dhabi, 9pm Saturday, May 11, free, Tel: (02) 67 68803,  warehouse421.ae

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Images: provided