Brunches, music, free fitness… it’s all about balance.

It’s a long weekend! And if you’re fretting about how to make the most of the extra day off, well, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi…

Wednesday September 12

Celebrate the start of the weekend at McGettigan’s

No work in the morning means you can stay out late tonight! For one night only, McGettigan’s Abu Dhabi are offering unlimited house drinks and food for Dhs199 per person from 8pm to 11pm. There will be live music from 9pm to midnight followed by a DJ until late.

McGettigan’s AUH, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Wednesday, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs199. Tel: (02) 652 4333. mcgettigans.com

Head along to a hip hop night

You can catch not one, but two unique hip hop performances at New York University’s Arts Center on Wednesday and Thursday night. Love and Revenge is a show featuring Lebanese hip hop star Rayess Bek and visual artist La Mirza, plus there’s a gig by instrumental Canadian hip hop outfit A Tribe Called Red.

The Black Box, NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, September 12 to 13 at 8pm, Dhs50-100. nyuad-artscenter.org

Thursday September 13

Say goodbye to plastic

Care about the world we live in? Then you should head to Yas Mall this weekend for workshops on how to use less plastic and save marine life. Also, this is cool – Yas Mall has become the first mall in the UAE to offer gift cards made completely from recycled plastic.

Yas Mall, Yas Island, September 13 to 15, 10am to midnight, free. yasmall.ae

Enjoy an New York-inspired feast

The recently re-opened District by Amalfi is a celebration of all things NYC, and on Thursdays it hosts an event called Sera Con Amici (evening with friends). For Dhs300 for two, you’ll get unlimited meat and cheese antipasti, Soho pizzas, pasta dishes and two house beverages. There’ll be a special beer menu showcasing brews from 10 districts in New York as well, while classic gangster movies will play on screens in the background.

Le Royal Meridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Thurs 6pm to 11pm, Dhs300 for two. Tel: (02) 695 0300. districtbyamalfi.com

Book a table at a new Thursday night brunch

Craving some good old-fashioned pub grub? Blu Sky Lounge & Grill is launching a new carvery brunch this evening, featuring roasts, Yorkshire puddings, lashings of gravy, and all the sides you can think of. Best of all, it starts at just Dhs99. Bargain brunch? Don’t mind if we do.

Blu Sky Lounge & Grill, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya, Thursdays 7pm to 10pm, from Dhs99. Tel: (02) 818 4888. @BluSkyBarAD

Friday September 14

Check out some Japanese art

Louvre Abu Dhabi is paying tribute to Japanese creativity with its latest exhibition, Japanese Connections: The Birth of Modern Decor, which launches today. It will feature a display of 19th and 20th century paintings, prints and folding screens that place a focus on the relationship between Japan and France. The exhibition will also include Manga Lab, offering a series of workshops about manga and graphic art.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, September 6 to November 24, Sat to Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs to Fri 10am to 10pm, Dhs60. Tel: (600) 565 566. louvreabudhabi.ae

Snap a pic with the Wings Of Mexico

Manarat Al Saadiyat is hosting a famous piece of art by Mexican sculptor Jorge Martin for the next two months. Wings Of Mexico is a bronze sculpture that was created back in 2010 and has been on display in Kuwait, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok, to name a few. The artwork has been called a symbol that represents “a nation’s hopes and dreams” – and it’s pretty Instagrammable.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, until October 31, free. Tel: (02) 657 5800. manaratalsaadiyat.ae

Treat yourself to some pampering for less

Tips & Toes is having a sale to celebrate 35 stores, with 35 per cent off selected services and products, including facial treatments, body treatments, and eyelash extensions. Go on – the long weekend is the perfect opportunity to get your grooming sorted.

Tips & Toes, various locations, tipsandtoes.com

Saturday September 15

Enjoy a free workout

Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club in the Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan is hosting an open day where you can try out the facilities and have a go at one of their fitness classes for free. Classes include aqua aerobics, Zumba, and Kangoo Jumps (the one with those bouncy shoes). Bookings are required in advance, and all registered guests can use the pool and beach, too.

Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Corniche West, Saturday, 10am to 6.30pm, free. Tel: (02) 657 0182. Full schedule on website.

Celebrate Mexican Independence Day

Loca Abu Dhabi is celebrating Mexico’s 208th Independence Day anniversary with a special Saturday brunch that will include five hours of unlimited food and drinks, lively music, and a traditional Mexican Loteria (bingo). Expect plenty of tasty Mexican dishes, such as slow-roasted ribs, kingfisher fajitas, and huervos.

Loca Abu Dhabi, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Saturday, 12pm to 5pm, from Dhs285. Tel: (02) 582 3639. locauae.com

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