Thursday November 14

1. Catch a free screening at NYU Abu Dhabi Institute

The NYU Abu Dhabi Institute is hosting a free screening of The Seagull on Thursday November 14, which starts at 6.30pm. Not only will you be able to watch the film, but there is a Q&A session held once the screening is done with the director – Michael Mayer. The Seagull is based on the play of the same name by Anton Chekhov and is set in the Russian countryside at the end of the 19th century. It follows an aging actress named Irina Arkadina, who pays summer visits to her brother Pjotr Nikolayevich Sorin at a country estate. On one occasion she brings her lover Boris Trigorin, a successful novelist. Nina, a free and innocent girl on a neighboring estate who is in a relationship with Konstantin, falls in love with Boris. The event is free to attend but you need to register here.

2. Check out a gents’ night at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi

Gents, here’s one for you. Head to Hakkasan Abu Dhabi on Thursday November 14 at 8pm for their new gents’ night. For Dhs288, indulge in Hakkasan’s signature dim sums, hand rolled Cuban treats created by talented Sommelier, Jasim Ahmed, and three premium beverages. Dessert comes in the form of homemade chocolate truffles. Yum! The gents will also learn how to up their style as there is a special presentation on tuxedo fashion.

Gentlement’s Night, Hakkasan Terrace, Hakkasan, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 8pm on November 14, Dhs288. Tel: (02) 690 7739 hakkasan.com

Friday November 15

3. Party at the The Galleria Al Maryah Island’s Block Party

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is hosting a mega-celebration with all day entertainment that’s fun for the whole family this Friday. There will be two large outdoor family zones complete with face-painters, clowns, balloon benders, jugglers and more. On Al Falah Street, you can catch Ayala dancers and the Abu Dhabi Police Band parade. It won’t take long for the party to hit the main stage that’s located in front of The Galleria’s expansion where, starting from 1.45pm, there will be Dabekeh dance troop, Dubai drummers, a breakdancer and stomp show, and performances of the Greatest Showman. You can even catch Bollywood and bhangra bance troupes, LED drummers, living statues and more inside the mall. Commencing at 4pm, a line-up of local DJs including DJ Bliss will take to the stage and there will even be live performances by international superstars Abu, Nadine Lustre, Yo Yo Honey Singh and DJ Jazzy Jeff. And the best news of all? It’s absolutely free.

Block Party, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, starts noon on Nov 15, free, Tel: (02) 493 74000. thegalleria.ae

4. Try the Chef’s brunch at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Head on over to the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and enjoy a brunch prepared a la minute by the hotel’s talented chefs. Taking place at Giornette every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, this chef-led brunch is priced at Dhs299 per person and you will enjoy sumptuous delicacies from all over the world. Vegans – there’s even a wide range of options available for you too. For those of you coming with the little ones, there’s a lively ambiance and dedicated children’s area.

Giornette, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm every Friday, Dhs299. Tel: (02) 818 8888. ritzcarlton.com

Saturday November 16

5. Run a minithon

The UAE is celebrating the Year of Tolerance throughout the year 2019, but this Saturday November 16 it is the International Day for Tolerance. Ryan International School in Masdar City is hosting a a minithon – a ‘Run for Tolerance’ starting from the school and ending at My City Centre in Masdar. Entry is open to everyone, and the minithon even has a track of 1.2km for people of determination. For children under the age of 13, there is a 2.5km route while there’s a 5km track for the adults. All participants will receive a goodie bag and a certificate, and 24 winners will be awarded with trophies, medals and certificates in various categories. Registration is until 6.30am and the race begins at 7am. Head here to register.

Run for Tolerance, Ryan minithon 2019, Ryan International School, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, race begins at 7am on Nov 16, free, Tel: (02) 552 7525 ryaninternational.org

6. Dine on ribs at Stratos Revolving Lounge & Grill

Every Saturday evening, Stratos Revolving Lounge & Grill hosts its weekly Ribs and Blues nights. Not only will you get to listen to bluesy music from stars such as B.B King, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, you can tuck into a delicious meal of braised short ribs – a southern American specialty dish. The food is priced at Dhs199, with two complimentary sides too, and it’s served up alongside a special two-for-one drinks menu, which features handcrafted cocktails such as the Boogie Chillin’ Bitter Baby (grapefruit-infused gin, elderflower and fresh lemon) or Smokehouse lightening (whiskey, allspice, egg white). Don’t forget to take in the 360 degree view while you’re at it.

Stratos Revolving Lounge and Grill,  Le Royal Meridien Hotel – Fatima Bint Mubarak Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm every Saturday, Dhs199, Tel: (02) 695 0490 stratosabudhabi.com