Back to schoolers, returning holidayers and sun-drenched staycationers, here’s a quick roundup of fun things to do in the capital…

Friday, September 8

Enjoy a flavourful start to the weekend at Ray’s

World-famous premium cuts and succulent grills make a much-anticipated return at Ray’s Grill, post its summer closure. If you’re a fan of grilled cuisine, an extensive assortment of flavours alongside an immersive dining experience are in store, and you can take in mesmerising imagery of your food being prepared fresh. Specialties include Angus beef, tuna and mushroom tartare, and their signature chef’s salad, a flavourful amalgamation of seasonal produce, are only a few of the wonders you can enjoy here.

Ray’s Grill, Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Sat 6:30pm to 11pm. Tel:(0)2 811 5666, @raysgrill.conradetihadtowers

Get sketching to bring your favourite characters to life

For anime lovers, if you think back to the first thing that caught your interest about the genre, we’re certain a lot of it had to do with the illustration and unique design. Big, expressive eyes, triangular features and rippling muscles are all native to the anime world, and now you can learn how the artists get their first ideas on paper. RFLCT Creative Arts is accepting applicants for their Friday anime character drawing workshop, where you will be trained on areas such as drawing an anime character, ballpoint pen sketching, colouring in the character and creating final output.

RFLCT Creative Arts, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Fri 2pm to 4pm, Dhs150. Tel: (0)50 625 4511, @rflct.arts

Saturday, September 9

Catch the Rugby World Cup at Hawksbill Restaurant

Head down to the Hawksbill on gorgeous Saadiyat Island for a great game day experience. The rugby matches will be up on their big screens, and famed favourites feature in the food and beverage department. Enjoy combos, inclusive of beverages, accompanied by classics such as nachos, calamari rings, tongue-teasing chicken wings and more.

Hawksbill Restaurant, Saadiyat Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6am to 11pm daily, from Dhs99. Tel: (0)56 660 8780, ning.sbgc@viyagolf.com

Celebrate smashing Arabic beats with Amr Diab

Amr Diab

Egyptian musical supremo Amr Diab is in the capital this weekend, and we’re just as excited as you are. The only Middle Eastern musician to hold 7 World Music Awards, his beats have powered the community for decades, and long-time fans will be singing along to popular hits. The Guiness World Record holder has been a pioneer on numerous fronts, and is sure to put on an enthralling performance.

Amr Diab Live, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Saturday September 9, 7:30pm. @etihadarena 

Engage in Citrusy Flair at Crystal Lounge

Funny how citrusy flavours have a way of refreshing us, isn’t it? Amid all the sweat and grime, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s pastry team, led by chef Hajar Fassal is introducing the exotic flavors of citrus fruits through a delicious selection of summer-themed desserts. Elegantly presented, key flavours will include tastebud-puckering lemon, lime, orange, and mandarin, and mouth-watering creations like the key lime pie and Lemon Éclair are not to be missed in the hospitality of the stunning Crystal Lounge.

Crystal Lounge, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 11pm daily, priced à la carte. Tel: (0) 2 694 4553,  restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com

Sunday, September 10

Enjoy 25 per cent off when dining at the Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana

 

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A post shared by Café 302 Abu Dhabi (@cafe302) 

Al Maha Arjaan’s dainty Café 302 has a long list of breakfast options including porridge, egg and pancake varieties, as well as heavy hitters like the full English breakfast, and a selection of salads. And if you’re in the mood for a refreshing treat, their long line up of teas, coffees, cold pressed juices and smoothies are a must-try. You can now enjoy a full 25 per cent discount when using the promo code BACK2SCHOOL25, up until September 14th. Sounds like a great deal to us.

Café 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi, 6am to 11pm daily. Tel: (0)2 610 6688, @cafe302

Create your first app with Apple

If you’re like us and keep wondering how, just how, your technically-trained friend finds solutions in a pinch when you can’t seem to, it might help to gain some know-how. Code and create as a family with Swift Playgrounds using the Apple iPad. Children will experiment with code and design an app, and then use Swift code to customize their app with fun fonts, background colors, Memoji, and more. Then you’ll work together to bring the app to life. Two little things though, you need to be at least ten years old, and devices will be supplied by the store.

Apple Store, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sunday September 10, 6:15pm to 7:15pm. Tel: (8)00 0444 1824, @yasmallad