10 mega things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: Aug 19 to 21

We’re warming it up for you…

We like our weekends like we like our condiments — super spicy and plenty of space for dipping. So if you fancy spicing up your life this weekend, have we got the sauce for you.

Friday, Aug 19

New at the cinema this weekend

You’re a wizard Harry. It’s the WB rerelease weekend of movie (and of course book) number three in the original Harry Potter saga. And it’s been a spell, 18 (sorry if that makes you feel ancient) years on in fact from its original box office drop date. This edition steps the story’s darkness up a notch and puts our titular adolescent ziggy scar dust face-to-face with a bunch of soul-sucking wizard prison HR executives called Dementors who are hunting for Potter’s estranged uncle, Sirius Black. This is your invite to relive the magic on the big screen, Expecto Popcornum.

Tickets: Book Here

The wonder of youth

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall is building up to a grand climax for the end of the summer holidays — and this weekend there is a huge amount going on to captivate and inspire young enquiring minds. In addition to great prices on all the back-to-school essentials, the World of Wonder activation offers jungle themed fun, educational activities and opportunities to win vouchers.

Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas, Fri to Sun only 2pm to 10am. @bawabatalsharqmall

The night is dark and full of terrors

A horror movie, but make it interactive. Said almost nobody ever, but somehow it still exists — right here in Abu Dhabi. Teams of two to 10 players can try their (goulish) hand at a pair of spooky narrative-driven escape room experiences — with live actors. House of Evil and The Morgue — both take about 60 minutes to complete, and are priced at around Dhs180 (based on four players) per person.

Al Sikik Street, Al Danah. Tel: (050) 321 0541, @hauntedactivityuae

Saturday, Aug 20

OK Zuma

We dropped in on Zuma for a little hype check earlier this year. It surpassed all expectations (and you can read the full review: here). But that’s not why we’re dropping them in here. No, it’s for something much more exciting — the return of their legendary Saturday brunch. Embark on a head chef-curated tasting menu flavour safari, your choice of main and a final flourish courtesy of the signature Zuma dessert platter.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, soft Dhs495, house Dhs595, French bubbles Dhs695. Tel: (02) 401 5900, @zumaabudhabi

Wilson, WILLLSSSOONNN

There’s a special ‘Castaway’ edition of the Al Maya Island & Resort Saturday pool party this weekend featuring DJ Jay R the superstar and DJ Soso. It takes place between 10am (the party kicks off at midday, but island access begins at 10am) and 8.30pm, tickets are priced at Dhs250 which includes Dhs100 of food and beverage credit and your boat transfers. Although ladies can get in free before midday, and all day guests on Saturday must be over 21.

The ferry service to Al Maya Island depart from a docking space located close to the Presidential Palace. The boat transfer duration is between 10 and 15 minutes (depending on the vessel and the conditions. The cost of the trip is included in your day pass.

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Outbound to the island, there ferry timings are hourly from: 10am to 5pm. Coming back from the island, those homeward trips depart from Al Maya hourly from 1.30pm to 8.30pm.

For bookings call (02) 667 7777, WhatsApp (056) 818 5408 or visit almayauae.com. Al Maya Island & Resort, Saturdays 10am to 8.30pm. Tel: (02) 667 7777, @almayaisland

Summery Justice

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi was your top pick for ‘Favourite Attraction’ in the What’s On Abu Dhabi Awards 2021. And we felt that. All of our favourite DCU superheroes (and villains), Tom, Jerry, Buggs, Daffy, Tweetie, The Flintstones, and backed up by some spectacularly wild rides – plus all those expertly choreographed shows. And if all that wasn’t enough, there’s the additional incentive that kids go free to Yas Theme Parks all summer long (now extended until September).

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Dhs310 for adult and child. Tel: (600) 511 115. @wbworldad 

For the Louvre of creativity

Abu Dhabi is home to a treasure trove of galleries, musems and culturally significant awesomeness. We recommend you take a quick look at our guide to some of the local highbrow highlights. But if we were to pick one, it’d be Louvre Abu Dhabi. In addition to housing one of the most beautifully curated, story-telling collections of art and objets-de-wow, they host movie nights, there’s a children’s museum, make and play sessions (Dhs50, 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.40pm on Sat and Sun), paint and grape nights, special exhibitions and even guided drawing tours.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, every Wed 4.30pm to 6.30pm, Dhs63. Tel: (02) 6736 688. louvreabudhabi.ae

Sunday, Aug 21

Deals that really hit the bullseye

Fancy yourself as a half-time Hawkeye, off-roster Robin Hood, or are you just all ‘a quiver’ for a bit of William Tell action? You’ve hit the bullseye because Al Forsan International Sports Resort has a special deal on archery this summer — 20 arrows for just Dhs70. Go on, shoot your shot. Elsewhere on site you can get stuck into their fully modern gym, shooting (both virtual and traditional), there’s the only wakeboard cable park in UAE, karting, a swimming pool, football pitches, basketball courts, paintball, off-road buggy track, horse riding. There are also packages including the junior karting and zipline bundle for Dhs155; a watersports and zipline bundle also just Dhs155; and a via ferrata and zipline package charged at Dhs84.

Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City. Tel: (800) 9900, alforsan.com

Fresh prints of Al Zeina

The artistry house formally known as Makespace, may have a new name — Make, and a new face, but their crafty collection of activities still all go down in the same funky space. And this Sunday, there’s a special guest artist —Rim Al Zein, who will be leading a session on the power and beauty of printmaking. Students will get hands on with the medium of lino, using images as their inspirational guide to create take-home craft projects.

Block C1, Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, ages 15 and over, Sun Aug 21 4pm to 7pm only, Dhs250. Tel: (0)2 558 8624. @makeabudhabi

Sundar reCOVEry

Dubai’s original ladies’ day deal at Cove Beach proved so popular, it was a no-brainer to export it to the Abu Dhabi outpost when Cove Beach Maker’s District opened its doors. In Abu Dhabi, Rose All Day is every Sunday from 2pm to 7pm, where ladies can sip on unlimited beverages, graze on a chef’s selection of bites and enjoy access to the pool and beach all for Dhs149. Bringing the boys along? The same deal is Dhs249 for guys.

Cove Beach Maker’s District, Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 7pm, Sunday, Dhs149. Tel: (0)56 3987895, covebeachabudhabi.com

Images: Provided/Getty