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

Thursday May 24

Ramadan Kareem

We’re now a week into the Holy Month – Ramadan Kareem to all our readers, and don’t forget to check out our iftar and suhoor guide if you’re looking for somewhere to break your fast. If you’re a non-muslim and not fasting, don’t forget our daytime dining guide as well.

Learn about Sheikh Zayed at The Galleria

This year, the UAE has been celebrating what would have been Sheikh Zayed’s 100th birthday, and during June you can learn more about the country’s founding father at a new photography exhibition. Running throughout the Holy Month, on display are 40 images, many of which show the impact of his legacy on the country and important landmarks in the UAE’s history. There’s photos of the opening of the country’s first national university in 1977, plus an image of Sheikh Zayed with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed Al Qassimi and Sir Geoffrey Arthur, who was a British resident in the Gulf, before the signing of the Treaty Of Friendship, between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, at the Jumeirah Palace in Dubai in 1971.
Until June 17
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur 10am to midnight, Fri noon to midnight, free. Taxi: Galleria. Tel: (02) 6166999. galleria.ae

Check out a Ramadan market

Pop-up specialists La Loupe are hosting a Ramadan Caravan at Al Seef Village Mall this month. There’ll be more than 30 homegrown vendors selling jewellery and gifts including Babel & Co, La Elegancia and S.A.M. babel design handmade shoes that are ethically made in Turkey, while Sam makes bespoke clothing for kids. What’s more, you’ll be able to try try Emirati, Middle Eastern and Western dishes during the two nights.
May 24 to 25
Al Seef Village Mall, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Thur 5pm to midnight, Fri 5pm to 11.45pm. Taxi: Al Seef Village Mall. facebook.com/laloupeauh

Holy Month festivities in Baniyas

Oud players, henna, calligraphy, pottery, lantern making and more throughout Ramadan and Eid at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Baniyas, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Weds 8pm to 11pm, Thur to Fri 8pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5031400. Taxi: Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. bawabatalsharqmall.ae

Get a dose of art, design and cuisine at Project Warehouse

Project Warehouse by Festember returns to the capital this weekend, bringing with it the very hippest the city has to offer in art, cuisine, fashion and design. Hosted by Warehouse 421 in two giant spaces adjacent to its main venue, the pop-up event will be a vibrant celebration of contemporary arts and culture every evening this weekend.
Until May 26
Warehouse421, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, May 23 to 26, 8pm to 2am, Dhs50 for adults, Dhs25 for children. Tel: (02) 676 8803. Taxi: Mina Fish Market.  warehouse421.ae

Enjoy family-friendly activities at Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Ramadan Arcade

Saadiyat Island’s cultural centre, Manarat Al Saadiyat, kicks off 10 days of family-friendly fun this weekend with a Ramadan Arcade chock full of activities for the whole family. Take part in a wide range of cultural experiences during the Holy Month, including gaming, musical performances, workshops, as well as retail and culinary experiences.
Until June 1
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, May 23 to June 1, 9pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 657 5800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyat.ae

Friday May 25

Head to the spa and save

You can get pampered for less at Talise Spa during Ramadan – the hotel is offering a 50 per cent discount on all 90-minute body massages throughout the Holy Month.
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8115858. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com

Take a cruise this Ramadan

Set sail in a luxury yacht and cruise along the Abu Dhabi coastline while breaking your fast this Ramadan. You can try an iftar buffet of Middle Eastern delicacies and Arabic sweets on this newly launched cruise, while listening to the sounds of an oud player with local tour company M&H Cruises.
Corniche Marina, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, Dhs175 suhoor, Dhs275 iftar. Tel: (02) 3043333. Taxi: Corniche Marina. mh.cruises

Go collecting at Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Etihad Modern Art Gallery’s annual exhibition and souq are back, giving you the chance to admire works by local artists, and maybe even buy a piece. The artworks on display have been featured at all of the gallery’s shows over the past year, and the event is now in its fifth year. The souq will be selling a selection of contemporary art pieces, including modern acrylic and oil paintings and digital prints.
Until July 31
Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, free entry. Tel: (02) 6210145. Taxi: Al Bateen Mall. etihadmodernart.com

Saturday May 26

Send the kids to Ramadan camp

Mums can drop their kids off in the evening for games and activities including swimming, and gymnastics during Ramadan at My First Gym. The play centre also has a climbing wall, soft play area and library, so there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.
Until June 14
My First Gym, Delma Street, Abu Dhabi, Thur 6pm to 10pm, Dhs230. Tel: (02) 4443560. Taxi: near Zayed Educational Camp. myfirstgym.com

Check out an exhibition at Warehouse421

For the past two years, UAE art has been making waves in Italy, and has been exhibited at the renowned Venice Biennale, an arts organisation based in the city. Now, those works are on display at Warehouse421 until June.
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, free. Taxi: Warehouse421 next to COOP in Mina Zayed. warehouse421.ae

– For more about Abu Dhabi straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.