What’s On has a full list of all the things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, including workshops, sports, places to eat, entertainment and new openings.


It’s the start of the weekend, folks! But if you’re not sure what you’re doing yet, don’t worry. What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.

Thursday September 15

Eat burgers from Five Guys

5guys
Well-respected US import Five Guys has opened an outlet in Marina Mall, serving hot dogs and burgers and peanut butter milkshakes.
Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6668327. Taxi: Marina Mall. fiveguys.me

Smother yourself with chocolate at the spa
We have breaking news: chocolate isn’t just for eating, it can also help you relax and rejuvinate. Danat Al Ain’s Body & Soul spa is offering a hot chocolate cream massage that uses a cocoa butter-infused lotion meant to deeply moisturise the skin. What’s more, it is claimed that the antioxidants found in the cocoa can help to combat the signs of ageing. Important note: don’t try and eat it.
Danat Al Ain Resort, Al Ain, Dhs215 for 60 minutes, Dhs310 for 90 minutes. Tel: (03) 7046000. Taxi: Danat Al Ain. danathotels.com

Go brunching at night

Market Kitchen

Start the weekend eating early with a new Thursday evening brunch at Market Kitchen in Le Royal Méridien. Diners can expect to see tapas-style dishes including soy-glazed beef short ribs, fresh fettuccine pasta and caramelised banana cake served straight to the table.
Le Royal Méridien, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Thur 8.30pm to 11pm, Dhs220 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 6950300. Taxi: Le Royal Méridien. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Friday September 16

Try the Sportsman’s Arms brunch

Sportsmans Arms
The Friday brunch at this Irish pub serves up dishes including Murphy’s beef Irish stew, fish and chips and gourmet pizzas.
Sportsman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs275 with house drinks. Tel: (02) 4034235. Taxi: Tennis Centre at ZSC. sportsmanszsc.com

Brekkie from Brussels
Eat like a Belgian at a buffet breakfast on Yas Island featuring waffles (of course), eggs Benedict and pastries.
Belgian Café, Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 2pm, Dhs120 to Dhs180. Tel: (02) 6562000. Taxi: Yas Island. radissonblu.com

Aloft Runs For Children at ADNEC
A series of runs are being held at Adnec in association with Aloft Abu Dhabi hotel today, raising funds for the UNCIEF Road to Awareness programme. Registration closes on September 15.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6545000. Taxi: Adnec. premieronline.com

Sip afternoon tea

Afternoontea
London’s calling at this British-themed afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt on Saadiyat. Hosted during September, on the menu you’ll find truffled egg and watercress sandwiches, cheesecake berry trifle, bakewell tarts and, of course, freshly baked scones with clotted cream.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 1pm to 5pm, Dhs156, Dhs236 with champagne. Tel: (02) 4071138. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Saturday September 17

Cook like an Italian
La Mamma’s Italian chef Pelusi will teach you how to make two dishes at a new class at the Sheraton just off the Corniche.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 5.30pm, Dhs125. Tel: (02) 6773333. Taxi: Sheraton Corniche. lamammaabudhabi.com

Art meets sushi… at Sushi Art
Japanese restaurant Sushi Art has launched a new limited-edition sushi box featuring artwork from the Mr Men and Little Miss series of children’s books, written by author Roger Hargreaves. The British writer penned the famous books, starring characters such as Mr Bump, Mr Tickle and Little Miss Chatterbox, in the 1970s and ’80s and some of those characters, along with others, appear on a boxed filled with veggie rolls, spring rolls with tataki and salmon, and tuna sushi.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Sat to Wed 11am to 11pm, Thur and Fri 11am to midnight, Dhs195. Tel: (800) 220. Taxi: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. sushiart.ae

Oktoberfest starts early!

Oktoberfest-rs.jpg
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers celebrates the German festival from today. Four outlets at this hotel – Nahaam, the Pool Bar, Ray’s Bar and the Lobby Bar – will be offering a 50 per cent discount to guests purchasing two select German brews. There’ll also be chewy pretzels available for Dhs10.
September 17 to October 3
Jumeirah At Etihad Towers, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8115555. Taxi: Etihad Towers. jumeirah.com

Spin at a new cycle studio
Saracens Cycle has partnered with the InterContinental to offer cycle combination classes at the hotel’s fitness centre. Participants choose from a handful of classes that will mix up a traditional spin class with additional core and upper bodywork exercises or high-intensity interval training for a full body workout. Participants will also have access to the sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and plunge pool.
InterContinental, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Dhs64, Dhs80 for non-members. Tel: (02) 6935285. Taxi: InterContinental. diningintercontinental-ad.ae, facebook.com/saracenscycle

Get massaged with golf balls

Atarmia-spa
The Atarmia Spa’s Quiro Golf Ball Massage is a 90-minute treatment combining Swedish and sports massage techniques, along with some deep, intense rolling sessions with two golf balls. The shape and size of the balls fits perfectly into a hand, meaning therapists find them a useful tool for treating muscles in hard to reach areas, and they give a greater amount of control over the amount of pressure applied to your limbs.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 8.45am to 10pm, Dhs710. Tel: (02) 4071170. Taxi: Park Hyatt Saadiyat. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Hang out at The District (LAST CHANCE)
This weekend is your last chance to visit The District, an educational destination aimed at teenagers. It’s home to five areas, called The Park, The Alley, The Yard, The Street and The Block. Inside you can attend acting classes and fashion design shows, learn about smart phone photography and get creative at 3D design workshops.
Until September 17
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon until 10pm. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: du Forum. visitabudhabi.ae

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