Your guide to all the events taking place in the nation’s capital

Thursday April 26

The Illusionists are back in town

The Illusionists: Direct From Broadway will showcase the talents of seven of the world’s most incredible illusionists – get ready for them to perform everything from card tricks to levitation acts, escape artistry and even mindreading. Different to previous The Illusionist shows in the UAE, this performance will feature master tricksters Jamie Raven and Darcy Oake, who have entertained audiences around the world with their stunts on Britain’s Got Talent.
April 26 to 28
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 8pm, Fri and Sat 4.30pm and 8.30pm, from Dhs245. Tel: (056) 6756834. Taxi: du Forum. tixbox.com

See Bon Jovi at Porters (sort of)

No, Jon Bon Jovi and the rest of the band aren’t really playing at Porters, but you can see the next best thing – covers band Wrong Jovi are in Abu Dhabi performing classic hits such as Wanted Dead Or Alive and You Give Love A bad Name.
April 26
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm. Tel: (02) 4953936. Taxi: Grand Millennium. millenniumhotels.ae, platinumlist.net

Birthday celebrations at PJ O’Reilly’s

The Irish pub is 25 years old this month and has launched a 25-day long party to celebrate, featuring drinks and certain food items priced at a bargain Dhs25 for the duration of the promotion.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 101101. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Friday April 27

Check out the The Founder’s Memorial

The Founder’s Memorial, a permanent tribute to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan which you’ll find just off the Corniche in Abu Dhabi next to Emirates Palace, is now open to the public. An art installation called “The Constellation” forms the centrepiece of the memorial. The design by public artist Ralph Helmick comprises 1,300 geometric shapes and 1,000 cables, which create a three-dimensional portrait of the late leader. Check out our full preview.
Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Corniche, near Emirates Palace. thefoundersmemorial.ae

Watch the world’s best jiu-jitsu fighters

See some of the sport’s best athletes compete in the capital at the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2018. Read our full event preview here.
April 16 to 28
Mubadala Arena, Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. Taxi: Zayed Sports City. uaejjf.com, @UAEJJF

Movie soundtracks at the Palace

The UAE’s National Symphony Orchestra is hosting another of its movie soundtrack nights at Emirates Palace this weekend. Led by the NSO’s musical director Andrew Berryman, you’ll get to listen to the full orchestra perform movie themes including Star Wars, Pirates Of The Caribbean, Moulin Rouge and more.
April 27
Emirates Palace, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Fri 4.30pm and 7.30pm, Dhs100 to Dhs350. Taxi: Emirates Palace. nsouae.org

Attend a parkour masterclass

Trampoline park Bounce has joined forces with Team Farang, a team of international freerunners, for a parkour session at their Marina Mall branch. You’ll learn the basics, in a safe environment. Sign up for the class at the Bounce website.
Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 3211400. Taxi: Marina Mall. bounce.ae

Saturday April 28

Food and selfies at Club Social

The first in a series of events taking place on Yas Beach, this weekend’s is called Food Club Social and is all about, perhaps not surprisingly given the title, social media and food. There’ll be some of the region’s top social media influencers, such as Omar Borkan, in attendance and food stalls featuring some of the UAE’s most unique and quirky restaurants including 7 Cones, Hola Delights and Poke Poke. There’s also a kids’ zone with an inflatable climbing wall and electric swan ride, plus volleyball tournaments, jetsurfs (a motorised wake/surf board), and a screening of the classic movie Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. That’s jut the tip of the iceberg – there’s loads more happening over the two days, check out their website for complete listings.
April 27 to 28
Yas Beach, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri to Sat, 10am to 10pm, free entry. Taxi: Yas Beach. clubsocial.ae

Open day at Hiltonia Beach Club

The Hilton’s beach club is hosting a free day to celebrate its 30th birthday, with fitness sessions running including Cardio Max and Go Max, plus yoga and swimming. There’ll be activities for kids on the day as well. It’s free to get in.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, from 10am, free. Tel: (02) 6924324. Taxi: Hiltonia Beach Club. hilton.com

New Saturday brunch at Roberto’s

The classy Italian has a family-friendly brunch on Saturdays called Pranzo in Gardino (Lunch In The Garden), which offer an “afternoon picnic vibe” plus activities for kids including face painting. To eat, you’ll get to try the oyster and cocktail bar, share five antipasti dishes, a choice of one main, ice cream, a chocolate platter and signature cocktails.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs245, kids under free eat for free. Tel: (02) 6279009. Taxi: The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. robertos.ae

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