You know that moment on a Thursday afternoon when your work buddy asks what you’re doing this weekend and your mind goes blank? Well worry no more, friends, because What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.

THURSDAY 

Ramadan fun at World Trade Center Mall
Head downtown for family entertainment every night throughout Ramadan, including weekend performances featuring characters from kids’ TV show Khousa Bousa. There’s also an arts and crafts corner, a live cooking show from Moroccan chef Assia Othman and a quiz night with prizes up for grabs.

World Trade Center Mall, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5082400. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. wtcad.ae

Break your fast at Almaz by MOMO
For their first iftar at their Abu Dhabi branch, Almaz by MOMO is offering a wide range of Arabic and North African delicacies. A selection of home-made Arabic, Moroccan and international sweets will also be on offer at the open buffet.

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8:30pm, Dhs170. Tel: (02) 6767702. Taxi: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. momoresto.com/restaurant/abu-dhabi/almaz/about/

An Indian iftar at Peppermill
This chain has two branches in Abu Dhabi serving iftar, one in Al Wahda Mall and the other at the Eastern Mangroves Promenade. The menu includes machi korma, lamb rogan josh and more.

Peppermill, Eastern Mangroves Promenade, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset to 9pm, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 4413582. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. peppermill.me

Peppermill

Celebrate Ramadan at Le Royal Meridien
Iftar is served in the hotel’s airy and modern venue Café Palmier, followed by a traditional suhoor in the massive Layali El Hilmiya tent.

Le Royal Meridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, iftar – from sunset, suhoor – 9pm to 3am, iftar – Dhs145, suhoor – Dhs175. Tel: Café Palmier – (02) 6742020, Layali El Hilmiya – 800 101101. Taxi: Le Royale Meridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com 

FRIDAY

Iftar at Sevilla
Tuck into an iftar buffet with the traditional Ramadan specialities as well as freshly baked bread and live cooking stations.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, from sunset, Dhs175. Tel: (02) 5080555. Taxi: AL Raha Hotrel, next to Al Raha Mall. danathotels.com

 

Look in to the shadows
Rosewood Abu Dhabi has teamed up with Abu Dhabi Art Hub to display stunning carvings by Basam Al-Selawi and Maysoon Masalha. When lit, the shadows reveal incredibly detailed silhouettes of camels, people, mosques and more. You can buy the pieces on display as well.

Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8135550. Taxi: Rosewood, Al Maryah Island. rosewoodhotels.com, adah.ae

ShadowArt

Break your fast at Wadi Adventure
Al Ain’s adventure park is offering guests an iftar dinner for Dhs100 during the Holy Month of Ramadan and has extended its opening hours until 10pm.

Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (03) 7818422. Taxi: Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain. wadiadventure.ae

Yas Waterworld summer deals
Abu Dhabi’s waterpark have launched a new annual pass for families of four, which includes 10 per cent discounts on food and beverages at the park, the souvenir shop and on PearlMasters, Yas Waterworld’s interactive treasure hunt.

Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Daily 10am to 8pm, Dhs2,500. Tel: (02) 4142000. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. yaswaterworld.com 

Yas Waterworld

Live the bachelor life
It’s well known that many gents are left alone in the UAE during summer, as wives and families head for cooler climbs once school holidays start. But you can cheer yourself up by trying the Mercure’s Summer Bachelor Package at its French bistro Le Beaujolais, which is offering dinner (starter, main, dessert, a beverage and 50 per cent off a pastry) for Dhs75.

Until September 30
Mercure Centre Hotel, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to midnight, Dhs75. Tel: (02) 6333555. Taxi: Mercure Hotel, Hamdan Street. mercure.com 

Al Ain’s highest café
The new Ayla Hotel in Al Ain has opened an Arabic chill-out lounge. Sky5 is the highest café in Al Ain and guests can dine on oriental grub and smoke shisha while watching the sunset.

Ayla Hotel, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1pm. Tel: (03) 7610111. Taxi: Ayla Hotel, near Baladiya Park, Al Ain. aylahotels.com

Sky5 Terrace, Al Ain

SATURDAY 

Relax in a tent at St Regis Abu Dhabi
The hotel’s Grand Night Ramadan tent, situated by the Nation Riviera Beach Club, can hold up to 800 guests and is serving an a la carte menu.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, daily from sunset to 2am. Tel (02) 6944444. Taxi: St Regis Nation Towers, Corniche. stregis.com

Stretch out at the Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah
If you fancy going on a staycation this summer, then we suggest popping down for an overnight stay at The Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah, who are currently offering a two-bed room for the price of a one-bed room. The deal, which runs until August 15, includes free access to the panoramic swimming pool, the boutique gym, free wi-fi and the exclusive round-the-clock Karim butler services. While you’re there, you can go on a kayaking trip along the mangroves. A guided tour will cost you Dh150 for adults, Dhs130 for kids, while a private tour will cost you Dhs200 per person.

Eastern Mangroves Suites by Jannah, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4123333. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves Promenade. jannah.ae

Jannah, Eastern Mangroves

Liwa Date Festival
The 10th, annual date festival kicks off today in Abu Dhabi’s western region. There’s Dhs5m up for grabs in prize money at the date beauty contest (yes, you read that right), a date auction, plus demonstrations on how to nurture and grow palm trees. Finally, this year’s event features a new competition for the general public to enter called Fruits Of The House, with Dhs100,000 up for grabs. If you’re a keen gardener, it’s your chance to prove your grapes, figs and pomegranate are the best.

Until July 18
Liwa Date Festival, Liwa, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, July 12 to 18 8pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6576094. Taxi: Liwa near Mezaira’a roundabout. Al liwadatesfestival.ae 

Saharaa Ramadan Tent
A variety of Arabic and Lebanese dishes are what’s on offer at the InterContinental’s Saharaa Ramadan tent. Light entertainment will be provided by an oud player and a Darwish dancer.

Intercontinental, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, daily 9pm to 3am, Dhs55. Tel: (800) 423463. Taxi: Intercontinental. dining-intercontinental-ad.ae 

Learn about the history of the world
Make sure you find time to see this incredible exhibition, A History Of The World in 100 Objects, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. It’s a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the British Museum.

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyat.ae