7 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
From partying at Annex to secluding yourself on Zaya Nurai Island…
Counting down to the weekend so you can fill it with fun stuff? We hear you!
From partying at Annex to getting the peace and quiet you want on Zaya Nurai Island to checking out a flower market, there’s something to suit all tastes over the weekend here in the capital.
These are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Thursday October 31
1. Party at Annex at Abu Dhabi EDITION
Celebrate the start of the weekend over at the swanky Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel. Annex occupies an entire building, which juts out into the water of Al Bateen Marina, and is split into three spaces. The rooftop bar is an intimate space where the DJ spins house music with Arabic intervals; the mid-level is for a cosier vibe, and the real party plays out on the ground floor. An awesome three-in-one experience you don’t want to miss.
Annex, The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, Thur and Fri 8pm to 3am. Tel (02) 2080000. annexabudhabi.com
2. Shop ’till you drop at The Galleria Al Maryah’s super sale
Buy two get one free on select items at & Other Stories. Buy one get one free on sale items at COS and Coast. Or enjoy up to 75 per cent off select items at Villeroy and Boch. These are just some of the amazing deals up for grabs at Galleria Al Maryah’s three-day shopping extravaganza taking place from Thursday October 31 to Saturday November 2. Look out for a marching band and stilt-walkers on hand (foot?) to entertain shoppers. Other stores involved in the super sale include: Debenhams, H&M, River Island, Victoria’s Secret, Sephora, Massimo Dutti, The Toy Store and Jumbo Electronics.
Galleria Al Maryah Island, Thur and Fri 10am to midnight, Sat 10am to 10pm. thegalleria.ae
3. Celebrate Halloween at Anantara Eastern Mangroves
On the night of Halloween, Thursday October 31, Anantara Eastern Mangroves is hosting ae Hallowen Latin BBQ Party. Spend the night chilling by the Pool Deck while enjoying the hotel’s Thursday BBQ Nights with Latin-inspired cuisine. Come in your spooky best and be entertained by performers, animators, and a live DJ. It will cost you Dhs225 for the soft package, and Dhs325 for the house package.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, Al Kheeran Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight on Oct 31, Dhs225 soft and Dhs325 house. Tel: (02) 656 1000, anantara.com
Friday November 1
4. Try out the relaunched brunch at Coya
Last year, Coya took home our Restaurant of the Year award, and it’s continued to impress us ever since. The brunch has now been relaunched and during a recent visit, it’s clear they are pulling out all the stops. This is a half-half brunch which means you can get up and peruse the buffet, but you can also get table side delivery of starters, a main course and dessert. Coya chefs promise they’ll add new things weekly, so regular brunhchers won’t get bored.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, The Galleria. Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs238 with soft drinks, Dhs498 with house drinks.Tel: (02) 3067000. coyarestaurant.com
5. Relax at Zaya Nurai Island Resort
Looking for a little me time? Why not whisk yourself to a place that really feels away from it all. You don’t have to check in to get the benefits of an island stay here, but a day visit comes with a relaxing boat ride and all the lounger and pool time you can handle. Zaya Nurai has a handy pass offering beach and pool access, and you can redeem back most of your dirhams to fuel up on some of their tasty dishes and relaxing drinks.
Dusk, Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi. Reservations are required to board the boat to the island. Dhs480 for a day pass; Dhs420 redeemable for food, beverage, spa and recreation. Tel: (02) 5066222. zayanuraiisland.com
Saturday November 2
6. Celebrate Diwali at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The largest Ferrari-branded theme park in the world is celebrating Diwali with its Bollywood-themed Festival of Lights until Saturday November 2, 2019. There will be live shows including a traditional Indian dance at the Red Theatre, which will take place four times during the days of the festival. Expect to see incredible performance acts, amazing choreography, mind blowing stunts and lavish costumes. At the festival, you will also be able to get your caricature done or paint henna on your hands. Of course, there will be plenty of food you can tuck into at the bazaar filled with food carts serving up traditional Indian bites. We suggest you hit the bazaar after getting your adrenaline fix on the fastest rollercoaster in the world – Formula Rossa. Tickets are priced from Dhs295 per person.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs295, 10am to 8pm until Nov 2, Tel: (600) 511 115, ferrariworldabudhabi.com
7. Check out a flower market
If you love flowers (and who doesn’t?) head to Al Bateen in Abu Dhabi where from 10am to 3pm you can check out a beautiful flower market. Gardenias, Orchids, Dahlias – whatever you’re favourite flower is, this monthly pop-up market will have it. Stroll through rows and rows of fresh flowers, and even make a purchase if you think it goes perfectly with your decor at home. Think you have a career as a future florist? There are workshops and lessons by top florists in the capital to help you out, and you can even get tips on how to care for your plants and flowers.
Flower Market, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, free entry, 10am to 3pm, Nov 2, abudhabimoments.ae
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