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

Thursday July 19

Shop at the Little Birdie Pop-Up Market


Head to Boutik Mall this afternoon for the latest The Little Birdie Pop-Up Market. You can buy handmade jewellery, paintings, organic goods and plenty more. It’s the last one before the brand takes a break for summer.
Boutik Mall, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 2pm to 9pm. Taxi: Boutik Mall. Click here for more details

A summer of sport at ZSC


Zayed Sports City is hosting the annual Abu Dhabi Sports Festival this summer. Take your friends and choose from a variety of sports including basketball, football and table tennis. They’re suitable for all fitness levels. Football pitches cost Dhs300 per hour, volleyball bookings are Dhs150 per hour and walk-ins are accepted subject to availability. Children aged between four and twelve can purchase Open Play session tickets for Dhs21 and parents, nannies and younger siblings can come for free.
Until August 20
Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 11pm, from Dhs21. Tel: (02) 4034555. Taxi: Zayed Sports Centre. zsc.ae

Send the kids to Parkour Camp


The art of parkour isn’t just for daredevils – the freestyle sport of running, jumping and climbing is also recommended for children as it helps improve concentration and boosts stamina levels. Taught indoors in a safe environment, each session shows your nippers how to avoid obstacles and focuses on technical movements such as leaping, rolling and running. Today is the start of their Superhero Academy for kids aged five to nine.
Parkour Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, Dhs1,100 a week, Dhs250 daily. Tel: (800) 7275687. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. parkour.ae

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

Friday July 20

Dance at Roberto’s house nights


DNA is the name of Roberto’s new house nights. The Italian restaurant has resident DJs N.I.K.O.L.A. and DJ Christiana spinning the tunes (the former on Thursday, the latter tonight), and bar bites will be available until 2.30am.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur to Fri 11pm to 4am. Tel: (02) 6279009. Taxi: The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. robertos.ae

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

Saturday July 21

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

See Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again at the cinema

With two new ABBA tracks announced, it’s timely that their release coincides with the sequel to Mamma Mia, the wildly successful musical comedy based on the Swedish four-piece’s anthology of music. And once you’re over the shock that Donna (Meryl Streep) is dead and that her daughter Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfried) nan is played by Cher (who in real life is three years older than Streep), this raucous reprise will sweep you off your feet for a second time.

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