Sponsored: From a performance by rap superstar Eminem to Oktoberfest celebrations and a women’s-only spartan race…

It’s shaping up to be an action-packed weekend in Abu Dhabi, with loads of things to celebrate. From the Diwali Festival of Lights, to an Oktoberfest party and even a concert by rap royalty Eminem, it’s time to get planning and get your tickets booked. These are events that you won’t want to miss.

Here’s 6 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend…

Thursday October 24

1. Check out a massive gaming festival

Calling UAE’s gamers: there’s only one place to be this weekend as the Middle East Games Con 2019 gets underway. As well as meeting others in the industry and playing against fellow gamers, you’ll get the chance to see previews of not-yet-released titles, take part in cosplay tournaments and loads more. If you have ideas about your own game, it’s an awesome opportunity to get your brand out there.

Middle East Games Con, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, Thursday October 24 to Saturday October 26, 2pm to 10pm, one day entry from Dhs115.50. Tel: (0) 4 407 2605. me-gamescon.com

2. Visit a stunning celebration of Diwali festival of lights

Diwali is the four to five day-long festival of lights that is celebrated every Autumn. Coinciding with the Hindu New Year, it celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. The park at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will transform into a spectacular show ground over the weekend, with live music, dancers and refreshments serving as a backdrop to a brilliant family day out.

Festival of Lights, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thursday October 24 to Saturday November 2, Dhs295 adult, Dhs230 junior. Tel: (600) 511115. visitabudhabi.ae

Friday October 25

3. See rap superstar Eminem in concert

Lose yourself in the moment on Friday October 25 as rap superstar, Eminem, headlines a massive concert at Yas Island’s Du Arena. His first performance in the UAE in seven years, the concert is part of the hip hop legend’s Kamikaze tour, named after his best-selling album released in 2018. Fans can expect some samples of his latest music as well as a throwback to some of his biggest smash hits like Lose Yourself, Without Me and The Real Slim Shady. There’s still a few tickets left.

Du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, October 25. Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets start at Dh395. ticketmaster.ae

4. Take part in a Spartan women’s race for charity

Fancy setting yourself a challenge? Sign up for Spartan Arabia’s women-only race, which is supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month with Rahma Cancer Patient Care Society, to whom any donations from the race will go. You’re invited to come and show your support by wearing one item of pink clothing and tackle the 5km course, which will have 20 obstacles to get under, over and through. Get your friends together and do it for a good cause.

Spartan Women’s Only Race, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, Friday October 25, 8am to 10.30am, Dhs106. Tel: (04) 5143 462. visitabudhabi.ae

Saturday October 26

5. Get your petrol fix at Yas Racing Series

Is the sound of fast cars and revved up engines music to your ears? Get yourself to Yas Marina Circuit this weekend then, as the first round of Yas Racing Series is returning to Abu Dhabi on October 25 and 26. Professional and amateur drivers will be taking to the tracks to compete for racing championships and Yas Marina Circuit’s own TRD86 Cup, in what’s sure to be an exciting day with on-the-edge-of-your-seat action.

Yas Racing Series, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Friday October 25 and Saturday October 26, 4pm to 11pm, ticketed. Tel: (800) 927. yasmarinacircuit.com

6. Dig out your lederhosen for Oktoberfest Abu Dhabi

Dig out your lederhosen and flex those stein arms – Oktoberfest is now in full swing in Abu Dhabi, so if you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend then look no further. There’s a massive festival taking place at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, with classic German beers, tons of food stalls and live entertainment by a traditional Bavarian Brass band. You can even tie it in with Saturday’s rugby match, which will see England and New Zealand battling it out, with all the live action shown at the festival.

Oktoberfest Abu Dhabi, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, 11am to 1am, October 17 to November 2, free entry. Tel: (050) 3502897. oktoberfest.ae

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Images: Supplied