Your guide to all the things you can do over the weekend in the nation’s capital, such as workshops, deals, sports, entertainment and new openings

Thursday August 3

Watch Idris Elba in The Dark Tower

This movie is all the things – for the fans, it serves as their long-awaited standalone sequel to horror author Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, and includes plot points from at least two of the sci-fi Western horror books so that newbies do not have to read over 4,000 words to catch up. And by playing legendary hero Roland Deschain, an otherworldly cowboy who is tasked with saving Earth, Idris Elba removes any remaining shred of doubt that he should be the next 007. The man wields a pistol like no other.

Win a lip sync battle

Mime along to all the latest hits at Appaloosa tonight. Weekly winners will compete in a final bout every month.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Thur 10pm to 2am, free entry for ladies and couples. Tel: (02) 2014131. Taxi: Al Forsan Sports Resort. marriottalforsan.com

Save money with this month’s What’s On magazine

Inside our August edition you’ll find 100 2-for-1 vouchers to use in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond. There’s dining deals, hotel stays, spa treatments and much more. It’s on-sale in all good stores now.

Go for a kickabout at a Fifa roadshow
Bawadi Mall is giving football fans the chance to warm up for December’s Fifa Club World Cup 2017 in Abu Dhabi with a series of skills workshops this weekend.
August 3 to 5
Bawadi Mall, Meyzad Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (03) 7840000 Taxi: Bawadi Mall. bawadimall.com

Take the kids to see Iftah Ya Simsim

The Arabic version of American children’s TV show Sesame Street has been transformed into a live show – kids can enjoy arts and crafts workshops at Yas Mall and meet the characters.
August 3 to 5
Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 4pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (800) 9276255. Taxi: Yas Mall. yasmall.ae

Get creative at Warehouse421’s camp

The art hub in Mina Port is running workshops for kids and grown-ups this summer. A variety of sessions are available covering topics such as yoga, ceramics, 3D printing, table decorating, board games and aboriginal art. All in all, Warehouse421 is holding more than 50 workshops and sessions – that’s far too many to list, but click here for a preview of some that caught our eye.
Until August 10
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Warehouse421 next to COOP in Mina Zayed. warehouse421.ae

Friday August 4

See a master of illusion

Saudi illusionist Ahmed El Bayed is performing his tricks as part of Summer Season this weekend. He’s an illusionist who is ready to put his life on the line for his art. For one trick, he drove blindfolded across Skull Valley in Arizona and has also broken bones several times while performing – once when he was tied to two horses who attempted to pull him apart. Let’s hope he keeps his limbs intact in the capital.
August 3 to 5
Al Raha Beach Theatre, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Theatre. abudhabisummerseason.ae

Admire art at the Park Hyatt

There’s local art on display and you can learn about carpet design and photography at the Art And Design Exhibition at The Residence.
Until August 10
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, daily 1pm to 6pm, free. Tel: (02) 4071234. Taxi: Park Hyatt. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Have brunch at Crust at Four Seasons

One of Abu Dhabi’s most child-friendly brunches, with a designated playroom, photo booth and movies showing, is back. What’s On recommends their Key Lime Pie.
Four Seasons, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 to Dhs545. Tel: (02) 3332700. Taxi: Four Seasons. fourseasons.com

Check out a summer tent

The Southern Sun hotel has a tent called Kahraman that was initially open for Ramadan, but is now staying open all summer. It’s free entry and open until 1am and there’s an Arabian set-menu available featuring grills, hot and cold mezze and desserts costing Dhs120 for two people.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 3pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 8184888. Taxi: Southern Sun, near Corniche Hospital. tsogosunhotels.com

Saturday August 5

See Talents Around The World

Featuring an all-star lineup, this stage production is part of Abu Dhabi Summer Season and brings together a group of performers who have competed on their country’s Got Talent TV series. Artists include India’s Got Talent stars XIX Crew, a hip hop dance group as well as Irish tap dancers Narnia, acrobatic performers Habasha Circus Group and Khulan Circus Group and Ukrainian Shadow show performers Verba.
Until Aug 31
Bawadi Mall, Meyzad Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (03) 7840000 Taxi: Bawadi Mall

Save cash on tapas

Head to Bravo with five mates and you’ll get 30 per cent off food and drinks. The offer runs through all of August.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

Explore Yas
Spend a night at the recently refurbished Park Inn by Radisson on Yas Island and you’ll get access to Yas Beach plus entry to Yas Waterworld or Ferrari World in the price.
Park Inn By Radisson, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs449. Tel: (02) 6562222. Taxi: Yas Island. parkinn.com

Save money at Ferrari World

Abu Dhabi’s motor theme park is offering a discounted rate this summer. The Dhs275 entry fee is reduced to Dhs220 if you book online and there’s four of you in your party.
Ferrari World, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 11am to 8pm, Dhs220. Tel: (02) 4968000. Taxi: Ferrari World. ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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