What’s On has a full list of all the things to do for the weekend in Abu Dhabi, including workshops, deals, sports, 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 May 18

Eat seafood, go kayaking

Tuck into some seafood at Lebanese outlet Flooka after a session on a kayak with water sports company Noukhada with this new combo deal.
Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Fri, from 6pm, Dhs280 to Dhs355 per person. Tel: (02) 4418244. Taxi: Eastern Mangroves. noukhada.ae, flooka.com
Head to a pop-up

Looking for gifts or accessories for your home? There’s an arts and craft market taking place at Boutik Mall today on Reem Island, today.
Boutik Mall, All Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 3pm to 9pm. Taxi: Al Reem Island Boutik Mall, by Sun and Sky Towers. thelittlebirdiepopupmarket@gmail.com
Yalla Laughs comedy night

Abu Dhabi’s comedy club has a night on at this new hotel’s Appaloosa outlet, starring locally-based stand-ups Simon Goodson, Erik Thornquist and Jon Boulton.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 11pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 2014000. Taxi: Al Forsan Sports Resort. marriottalforsan.com
Watch 9 To 5: The Musical

Love the classic film starring Dolly Parton? Check out this musical produced by Abu Dhabi Choral Group based on the 1980 flick about three lady office workers who don’t get mad, they get even, when it comes to their sexist, bigoted male boss.
May 18 to 19
Folklore Theatre, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7.30pm, Fri 2pm and 7.30pm, Dhs100 (in advance), Dhs110 (on the door). Taxi: Al Wahda Mall. platinumlist.net
Vist an art souq

Etihad Modern Art Gallery’s annual art souq and exhibition returns for a fourth year, giving you the chance to buy pieces by local talents including Emirati Taqwa Alnaqbi.
Until July 27
Etihad Modern Art Gallery, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, closed Fri. Tel: (02) 6210145. Taxi: opposite Al Bateen Mall. etihadmodernart.com

Friday May 19

Musicians Day with Alliance Francaise Abu Dhabi

The capital’s French institution Alliance Francaise is hosting a day of live music at WTC Mall, featuring young musicians from the city and two bands: Cyberbères, plus MAM and TRIBU. French star Séverine Muñoz will also perform.
World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (02) 5515005. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. eventbrite.fr
A Sleeping Beauty on Saadiyat

Cinema Space has two screenings of the Disney flick Sleeping Beauty on today – it’s a recently restored version of this animated classic.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm and 7pm, free. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. cinemaspace-losingsightofshore.splashthat.com
Head to the Park Rotana for the Hard Knox Fight Night

The fifth edition of this popular night of MMA clashes takes place this weekend. Organised by Abu Dhabi gym Cobra Fitness, the evening features fighters who train at the gym in Al Bandar, including their latest signing Odin “Damage” Daniels, the current WMC Champion, from Queensland. Fighters from all over the globe will be taking part.
Park Rotana, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Fri from 7pm, Dhs200 to Dhs250. Taxi: Park Rotana. facebook.com/hardknoxfightgear
New Coya brunch

You’ll find ceviche, grilled skewers and Chilean sea bass on the brunch menu at the city’s latest Peruvian restaurant.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs278 to Dhs548. Tel: (04) 3169600. coyarestaurant.com

Saturday May 20

New exhibition at Abu Dhabi Art Hub

The Hub’s second branch situated in the World Trade Center Mall has an 11-day exhibition starting today. Artists displaying work include Chukri Swidani, Igor Eliseev, Diana Baker, Dinesh Kamble, Amani El Bayoumi, Sheetal Durve, Priyanka Saxena, Salama Al Khili, Robert Davidian, Dexter Modesto, Sawsan Nahhas, Sarah Ibrahim and Rany Melad Anis. The opening ceremony is tonight at 7pm.
Until May 31
World Trade Center Mall, Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 5515005. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. adah.ae
Watch Losing Sight Of The Shore

Cinema Space has a screening of this documentary about the extraordinary journey of four brave women known as the Coxless Crew that set out to row the Pacific Ocean from America to Australia unsupported. As they row over 8,000 miles during their nine months at sea, they face extreme mental and physical challenges they must overcome in order to go down in history.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 9pm, free. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. cinemaspace-losingsightofshore.splashthat.com
See The Creative Act

Admire more than 25 works of art by 18 artists on Saadiyat Island (the pieces will eventually be displayed in Guggenheim Abu Dhabi).
Until July 29
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 8pm. Tel: (02) 6575800. Taxi: Manarat Al Saadiyat. saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae