Your guide to the next three days in the nation’s capital, including new movie releases, exhibitions, festivals and lots more

Thursday November 16

Justice League is in cinemas from today

Ezra Miller’s Flash, Jason Momoa’s Aquaman and Ray Fisher’s Cyborg join forces with Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) to form Justice League, a roster of metahuman VIPs. As a team fighting the evil Steppenwolf, they’re awesome, although it’s opening to mixed reviews, and it also fell foul of the dreaded re-filming sessions – it’s claimed some 20 per cent of the film was reshot by director Josh Whedon after it was completed.

Learn a thing or two at the Science Festival

The annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival returns, with lots of family-friendly activies taking place at Khalifa Park and in Al Ain. Want to know more? Click here for our full preview.
Until November 18
Various locations including Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. abudhabisciencefestival.ae


Friday November 17

Michelin star food at Roberto’s

The Italian outlet on Al Maryah is hosting two Michelin star chef Nino Di Costanzo (he owns Dani Maison in Ischia, Italy). He’s cooking a special six-course meal for the night.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs495. Tel: (02) 6279009. Taxi: The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. robertos.ae

The Aeneid debuts at NYU

A theatrical performance based on a Latin poem written by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19BC makes its UAE debut this weekend. The Aeneid is produced by Egyptian-Canadian playwright Olivier Kemeid and its subject matter is a timely one – it tackles immigration and mass migration. Kemeid’s interpretation also has local flavour – it takes place in the Middle East and sees main character Aeneas and the rest of the immigrants encounter tourist resorts, refugee camps and immigration officers. This story of civil war, loss and exile is told by actors who also use puppets during the performance.
November 15 to 18
NYUAD Arts Center, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free but advance booking required. Tel: (02) 6284000. Taxi: NYUAD. nyuad.nyu.edu

Cheer the city’s Striders on a 21.1km half-marathon

The Abu Dhabi Striders Half Marathon takes place on Yas Island today – naturally, it’s a bit too late to sign up but you can still head down to cheer the runners on. They’ll be tackling either a 10km run, or the full 21.1km half-marathon route. It’s one of the oldest events in Abu Dhabi – now in its 33rd year, it starts at Yas Waterworld before heading up to Yas Plaza, Yas Marina, Ferrari World and other areas on the island. This is the sixth year in a row it’s taken place on Yas and last year around 2,300 runners took part.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri 6.30am, Dhs260 to Dhs275. Tel: (056) 1092346. Taxi: Yas Waterworld. premieronline.com

Listen to Brahms, Tchaikovsky and more

The UAE’s National Symphony Orchestra is back with A Night At The Symphony II, featuring Italy’s Symphony Toscana Classica and guest conductor Maestro Giuseppe Lanzetta, and international violinist Daria Nechaevan. You can expect to hear on the night Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture, Brahms’s virtuosic Violin Concerto in D and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5. There are two performances on the day.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, Abu Dhabi, Fri 4.30pm, 7.30pm, Dhs30 to Dhs550. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: Emirates Palace. nsouae.org

Walk the F1 track to beat diabetes

Walk2017 is the same as previous years – you pay Dhs10 and walk with thousands of others around the city’s iconic Formula One track on Yas Island. The initiative is organised by Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Mubadala, Healthpoint and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and the aim is to raise awareness about diabetes. This year is a special one for Walk – it’s the tenth anniversary of the event. Children under 16 get in for free, and as well as the stroll around the track, there’ll be live entertainment.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, gates open 2pm, walk starts 5pm, Dhs10. Tel: (02) 6599800. Taxi: Yas Marina Circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com, icldc.ae

Saturday November 18

Say Bu! to breakfast

Pan-Latino outlet Bu! has launched a breakfast club – you can now start your Saturday morning with dishes such as French toast, huevos ranchos, shakshouka, pancakes with date-flavoured ice cream and avocado on toast. The menu at the former What’s On Awards winner is available until 5pm for late-risers.
World Trade Center Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Sat 10am to 5pm. Tel: (02) 3048179. Taxi: World Trade Center Mall. butrinity.com

Live comedy at Frankie’s

Frankie’s Italian Restaurant Bar & Grill is hosting a night of live comedy, starring Nate Jackson – he’s best known for his role on MTV’s show Nick Cannon Presents Wild n’ Out.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 10pm, free entry. Tel: (02) 6543238. Taxi: Fairmont. facebook.com/FrankiesUAE/

Stock up at the Ripe Market

Get some fresh vegetables, teas or superfoods and attend a fitness workshop at the weekly market in Al Mushrif.
Umm Al Emarat Park, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Sat 3pm to 9pm, Dhs5 park entry. Tel: (04) 315700. Taxi: Mushrif Park. ripeme.com

Louvre Abu Dhabi is open

After 10 years in the making, the museum on Saadiyat Island is now opens to the public – and we recommend you pay it a visit, it really is worth the wait. Click here for our full preview.

Check out Hajj: Memories Of A Journey

Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, is celebrated at a new exhibition this month at Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Hajj: Memories Of A Journey tells the story with artefacts, photos, multimedia displays and art installations. Inside you’ll find pieces from private and public collections but also contributions from the general public – Abu Dhabi’s Tourism & Culture Authority has been collecting souvenirs, gifts and keepsakes from pilgrims in the capital who have made the spiritual trip to the Saudi Arabian city, which will be showcased in a gallery at the mosque (such as souvenirs gifted by family and friends upon their arrival from Mecca).
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 4191919. Taxi: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. szgmc.ae

– For more about Abu Dhabi straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.