7 super things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: February 23 to 25

Someone recently said to us, “We’re living weekend to weekend”. In the What’s On world, that’s a good thing, because it means we’re back with our picks…

Friday, February 23

Get sipping at Library Bar

Round your week off with The Abu Dhabi EDITION, as Library Bar is set to elevate the cocktail scene with an exclusive takeover featuring renowned Barcelona cocktail bar, Sips. Named the World’s Best Bar and the Best Bar in Europe 2023, Sips will bring its innovative mixology and grace the shores of the capital for one-night only, and you’re invited.

Library Bar, The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Friday February 23, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. @librarybarabudhabi

Be social, actually, BB Social

BB Social Dining is a true dining treasure. The Asian eatery is one of the newer projects by culinary power partnership, Chef Alexander Stumpf and Spero Panagakis, and famously divides its menu into boxes beginning with the letter ‘B’. Think Baos, Bowls, Bites and BBQ. Dishes pack some serious creativity here, and you can enjoy all of it at one of Abu Dhabi’s best dining and lifestyle destinations, Al Maryah Island. Feel like you’ve read these words prior? Read some more here. Then head over and dine at BB Social Dining. Happy weekend.

BB Social Dining, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 12pm to 12am, Fri and Sat 12pm to 1am. Tel: (0)2 236 2600. @bbabudhabi

Saturday, February 24

Bring your young ‘uns to Hag Al Laila at Yas Mall

In the run-up to Ramadan, Yas Mall brings to town the age-old Emirati tradition of Hag Al Laila this Saturday. Children aged 15 and younger will be able to enjoy this fun activity, which includes dressing up in traditional styles and collecting sweet treats from participating retailers. Those wanting to join in on the fun are invited to register at the customer service desk on the day, before 3pm. Participating stores include Tryano, La Brioche, Lolli and Pops, Toys R Us, Kidz Factory, Vincci, Little Scissors, Okaidi, Daiso, Kids Puzzle, Beverly Café, Petit Batue, Al Jaber Optical, I SEE, and Baby Spa.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Saturday February 24, 3pm to 6pm, 15 and under, free entry. Tel: 800 92 76 255. @yasmallad

Experience Sand + Koal’s brand-new open fire brunch

Experiential, beachside restaurant Sand + Koal introduces you to its brand-new brunch beginning this Saturday. Explore the endless possibilities of open fire cooking, and enjoy signature dishes served family-style including cured Scottish salmon, octopus skewers, local crab and shrimp rice, wagyu pichana and basque cheesecake. Speaking of open fire cooking, more on that in a second.

Sand + Koal, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Saturday February 14, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs380 soft, Dhs480 house, Dhs580 bubbles. Tel: (0)2 690 7999. @sandandkoal.uae

Sunday, February 25

Grill and chill at the Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey

Things are about to heat up at the Open Fire Food Festival by Steve harvey this weekend, with an unreplicable brand of barbecue and a line-up of celebrity chefs bringing the heat to Abu Dhabi Hill, who will be joined by the youngest Emirati chef, Aysha Al Obeidli. In conversation with What’s On, Steve highlighted how Abu Dhabi’s about to taste a brand of barbecue like never before, which you can read more about here.

Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey, Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, February 24 and 25, from Dhs60. openfirefoodfestival.com

Watch exciting equine action with some of the world’s finest

Abu Dhabi’s about to host the second leg of the iconic Global Champions Arabians Tour, and the capital will be attracting the world’s best Arabian horses to the Etihad Arena this weekend. Marking the second installment of a thrilling new seven-part series for 2024, an extravagant display of equestrian excellence is all but guaranteed with competitors vying for a prize purse that’s a shade under Dhs70 million.

Global Champions Arabians Tour, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, February 22 to 25, 11am onwards. @arabianstour

Get planting at the Great Lawn

Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park welcomes guests this weekend, to participate in their outdoor awareness campaign aimed at driving environmental innovation. What that means is, this weekend, you have the chance to contribute to the park’s greenery with a tree-planting session on Saturday and Sunday. Get busy discovering your green thumbs, for a good cause.

Great Lawn, Umm Al Emarat Park, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, February 22 to 25, 4pm to 10pm. ummalemaratpark.ae