Your guide to all the events taking place in the nation’s capital over the next few days

Thursday July 5

See Blakk Velvet at Jazz Bar & Dining

Abu Dhabi has a new house band. Blakk Velvet hail from South Africa and will be performing pop, jazz, reggae, dance, ’70s and ’80s hits six nights a week at the former What’s On Awards winner Jazz Bar & Dining. In total, the band has some 300 songs to choose from and have been performing together for eight years.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Fri 9.30pm to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6924247. Taxi: Hilton Corniche. abudhabi.hilton.com

New Asian pop-up at Park Hayatt

The Park Bar on Saadiyat has an Asian pop-up menu running for the next few weeks called Asian Touch. Taking its influences from Japan, China and Vietnam, you can tuk into steamed dumplings, sushi, gyoza salads (including green papaya with long beans, dried shrimps and peanuts), Vietnamese crispy crepes, and steam buns with either scrambled eggs and chili or slow-cooked short ribs.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 4071234. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Dance and culture at Around The World

Bawadi Mall in the garden city of Al Ain is hosting Around The World during Abu Dhabi Summer Season – it’s a series of folklore dance performances featuring troupes from six countries, including Poland, Serbia, Peru and Armenia.
July 5 to August 14
Bawadi Mall, Meyzad Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 5.30pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (03) 7840000. Taxi: Bawadi Mall. bawadimall.com

URBN Presents Ayo and Teo at MAD

Ayo and Teo are a dance duo from Michigan, best known for their hit Rolex and appearances on Usher and Chris Brown tracks. They’re performing at MAD on Yas tonight.
Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 11pm to 3.30am. Tel: (055) 8346262. Taxi: Mad on Yas Island, near Yas Marina. Click here for more details

Friday July 6

Get creative at Warehouse421’s workshops

Fancy yourself as a creative but not sure whether photography or jewelry making is your forte? Warehouse421 is running Summer Club: The Making Edition this month, a series of introductory and intensive workshops for budding creatives and enthusiasts alike. Running for three weeks in Mina Port, there are 13 workshops that offer a balanced mixture of theory and hands-on experiences. There’s craft-based workshops, including paper and textiles, as well as photography and video production. Meanwhile, the technical workshops also explore 3D printing. The sessions are open to all, whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro.
Until July 21
Warehouse421, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, timings vary, prices vary. Taxi: Warehouse421 in Mina Port. Tel: (02) 6768803. warehouse421.ae

Watch the World Cup quarter-finals

And then there were eight. This weekend sees the four quarter-finals take place – two at 6pm and 10pm on Friday, the final two at the same times on Saturday. Click here for your guide to where you can catch all the games in the capital.

Local art at Al Qattara

There’s a new exhibition running in Al Ain this summer that’s all about community. Summer Exhibition at Al Qattara Arts Centre is showcasing 28 artworks by 23 emerging UAE-based artists and students. Running until late September, each piece offers insight into how every artist views their community, society and the world using a variety of mediums including oils, pastels and digital art. The exhibition also includes pieces by local Al Qattara students, fitting given that since opening in 2011 the centre has offered locals a year-long public programme including exhibitions, activities and art workshops.
Until September 25
Al Qattara Arts Centre, Al Ain, daily 8am to 8pm, free. Tel: (03) 7118225. Taxi: near Al Ain Sports Club. visitabudhabi.ae

Saturday July 7

Get fancy feet at the Westin

Heavenly Spa has a new treatment that focuses on your feet. The Fresh Fancy Feet – Summer Refreshment is a 45-minute long session where you’ll be given a body scrub, a cooling body wrap and a foot massage using drainage techniques.
Until July 31
The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 6169999. Taxi: The Westin. westinabudhabigolfresort.com

Stock Burger Co. now open at Holiday Inn

There’s a new burger joint in town that’s placing a focus on sourcing local ingredients. Stock Burger Co.’s patties come from local company Springbok Butchery and are made from 100 per cent premium grass-fed beef. Diners can also create their own burger here, and other options on the menu include rib-eye steak and prawn skewers. There’s more than 13 craft beers on offer and for an extra Dhs15, you can order a recommended brew alongside your burger.
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3am. Tel: (800) 78625. Taxi: Holiday Inn, Airport Road. holidayinn.com

Celebrate chocolate at The Lounge

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana is holding a Chocolate Week this month and will be offering a menu of specialty pralines, truffles, cookies, cakes and more. You can try them all in the hotel’s lobby café The Lounge.
July 7 to 14
Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6570200. Taxi: Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana. rotana.com

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