10 fun-soaked things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: January 26 to 28

Here’s our pick of things for this weekend, and they’re diverse as ever…

Friday, January 26

Learn from the Maestros at La Cava

La Cava at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, an elegant underground wine cellar inspired by a storied heritage, is about to host renowned maestro sommelier Emmanuel Kemiji and winemaker Maruxa Roel, coming to town from Spain’s Miura Vineyards. Learn from the best and experience an exclusive masterclass, as you’re guided through a carefully curated four-course tasting menu expertly paired with a selection of premium wines. This event is the first of two here this weekend, with a private tasting of a special selection of the finest Clos Pisarra wines paired with Spanish tapas, cheese, and Iberian Jamon taking place the next night.

La Cava, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Jan 26, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs750 . Tel: (0)2 813 5550. @rosewoodabudhabi

Let Anna & Artem serenade you at the St. Regis 

St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s in-house duo of Artem and Anna Anitsoi deliver captivating live entertainment, with their exciting saxophonist and vocalist performances. Enjoy sing-along classics, golden oldies, easy jazz, contemporary club music and a lot more here.

St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Tues to Sat 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 694 4444. @stregisabudhabi

Saturday, January 27

Witness Andrea Bocelli Live at Saadiyat Nights

This Saturday, world renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli returns to Abu Dhabi, and fans can expect to hear a selection of the celebrated classical artist’s most iconic hits, including Time To Say Goodbye and Vivo Por Lei. Tune in for for true musical mastery.

Andrea Bocelli Live, Saadiyat Nights, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Jan 27, 5pm onwards, from Dhs250. ticketmaster.ae

Feast on a beautiful brunch at the Bab Al Bahr

Get a table at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr this Saturday for their grand brunch, where you can take in breathtaking views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as you savour a fantastic spread. You can revel in a selection of cuisines from Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian and more, with fan favourites such as the freshly baked calzone pizza, and Chef Giampaolo’s homemade pasta station. For succulent roast beef, roast chicken, or Beef Wellington options, come by the carving station, hosted by the acclaimed Marco Pierre White Steak House. Over 145 dishes and 20 artisan desserts beckon, so you won’t have trouble choosing…or perhaps, you will.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Khor Al Maqta’a, Abu Dhabi, Saturdays 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 soft, Dhs430 house, Dhs595 bubbles, half price ages 6 to 12, free entry under six years of age. Tel: (0)2 564 3333. @fairmontbabalbahr

All day dining options are aplenty at Society

This homegrown culinary gem has revamped its all-day dining offering and now unveils a thrilling new menu. You can begin your day with breakfast offerings that include the Lobster Benedict or Turkish Eggs. For lunch and dinner, you can tuck into the Salmon Carpaccio with buttermilk, dill, and pickled fennel, Seafood Linguine, a marvellous medley of mussels, prawns, clams and more, and the Braised Short Ribs served with silky garlic mash, baby carrots, and roasted shallots. For dessert, spoil yourself with the luxurious sticky croissant pudding, or give in to the charms of the alluring tiramisu slice.

Society Abu Dhabi, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (0)2 886 7735. @societyuae

Shoot some hoops at the NBA x ADQ Carnival

A fun series of activities will be headlined by NBA 3X Abu Dhabi presented by ADQ, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament featuring 24 men’s and 12 women’s teams in the ages 18 and over division, as well as an open division for players ages 18 and under.  Participants will receive NBA 3X jerseys, and all winners and runners-up will receive championship trophies and other prizes. Entry is free, and you can register here.

NBA x ADQ Carnival, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, January 25 to 28. @adq_official

Sunday, January 28

Drop by Namak for breakfast, lunch, and everything in between

This flavour-packed Michelin-recognised eat at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has an exciting buy one, get one offer throughout January as you dig in to exciting flavours at their Grand Nashta. An elevated Indian breakfast welcomes you with lovely live stations and a chaat counter, and for fans of a steaming cup of masala chai, they just won’t stop pouring.

Namak, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi, Sundays 10am to 3pm, Dhs110. Tel: (0)2 698 8137. @namak_dusitad

Let fun, flexibility and fitness lead the way at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

If you’re looking to improve your strength and flexibility while stress-busting all at once, yoga just might be the way to go. Led by certified instructors and suitable for everyone from the aspiring yogis to the seasoned expert, The Galleria Al Maryah Island does classes thrice a week, including on Sundays.

Sky Park, Level 4, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Sundays 8.30am to 9.30am. @thegalleriauae

Ready, set, dragon boat race

Feel the thrill of competition and join a weekend of fun at the Hudayriyat Dragon Boat Race, set against the stunning backdrop of Marsana’s shores on Abu Dhabi’s adventure hub, Hudayriyat Island. This second series will again feature 200 metre water races across six categories: open, mixed, women, corporate, community, and schools/universities. Come and watch teams within each category compete in heats, semi-finals, and ultimately, the finals.

Marsana, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sunday Jan 28, 6am to 6pm, free entry. @marsanahudayriyat

Grab your tickets to MADO 2024

Abu Dhabi’s own WTA-500 tournament is only over a week away, and in addition to all the on-court action, a number of exciting food and music offerings will also be on site to cater to everyone’s tastes. When you’re done enjoying the village and settle down courtside, things shall get serious with some of the sport’s finest at the baseline. The main draw of confirmed players includes Britain’s 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, 2-time Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur, Kazakhstan’s 2022 Wimbledon champion, Elena Rybakina and 2023 Dubai champion, Barbora Krejcikova. With global headliners, the tournament is expected to draw big crowds from Abu Dhabi and across the UAE, as well as from the GCC and the rest of the world. Get your tickets here.

Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. February 3 to 11, 2024. @mubadalaabudhabiopen

Media: What’s On archive, Instagram, supplied, Getty