From a free film screening at The Louvre to a free lunch for little ones…

Counting down to the weekend so you can fill it with fun stuff? We hear you!

From celebrating Father’s Day to attending cultural or active workshops around the city, there’s something to suit all tastes over the weekend here in the capital.

Here’s a list of things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend:   

Thursday, June 20

1. Indulge at the Ritz Carlton

Head to  The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal for a day of pampering at the spa topped off with a lavish afternoon tea. The hotel’s PositiviTea offer will cost you just Dhs435 and you can have your pick from a 60-minute massage from ESPA spa (to be taken between 10am and 3pm) and a lavish afternoon tea at Alba from 2pm to 5pm. You will also get complimentary access to the spa facilities. The deal is valid from Sunday to Thursday this June.

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, Sunday to Thursday during the month of June, Dhs435, Tel: (02) 818 8052 ritzcarlton.com<

2. Last chance: Catch Footloose! The Musical

Head to The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) this weekend (Thursday or Friday) and catch the much loved Footloose! The Musical. Based on the 1984 musical film Footloose that follows the story of Ren McCormack who moves to a small Midwestern town where he discovers dancing and rock music is illegal. The musical presents a classic story of overcoming grief, healing and growth represented through dancing. Expect a high energy show full of dancing and legendary 80’s rock anthems guaranteed to have you dancing along. Tickets cost Dhs110 and you can buy them here

The Red Theatre, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, Al Saadiyat, 7.30pm on June 20 and June 21, Dhs110 per person, Tel: (02) 628 4000 nyuad.nyu.edu

Friday, June 21

3. Treat dad this Father’s Day

Make an appointment for dad at the Arjana Spa for the Father’s Day Special at the Rixos Saadiyat Island for a day of pampering. If you book in a 60-minute massage, dad will also receive an additional complimentary Royal Ottoman Hammam. Dads will also have access to the indoor relaxation area, outdoor pool, and jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and snow room. The offer is valid until June 22.

Arjana Spa, Rixos Saadiyat Island, Al Saadiyat,  Abu Dhabi, treatment cost start from Dhs500, until June 22, Tel: (02) 492 2333. saadiyatisland.rixos.com

4. Check out a creative workshop at Warehouse421 

Warehouse421 is hosting a two-day creative weekend that will provide insights into the research and production that went into making the Nomadic Traces – Journeys of Arabian Scripts exhibition. The exhibition explores the origins of six of the most influential alphabets in the Middle East. It features nine specially made artworks in different mediums such as ceramic, textile, and furniture. Expect a hands-on workshop and panel discussions that include pre-Islamic written cultural heritage and its relevance to contemporary art and design from the region, the role of writing and calligraphy within Islamic material culture, and more.

Warehouse 421. Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, Creative Weekend June 21 and 22, Nomadic exhibition runs until July 28,  Tel: (02) 676 8803. warehouse421.ae

5. Attend a workshop at the Bodytree Studio

If you’ve ever released muscle tension with the use of a therapy ball, you know just how effective these small but mighty tools can be. The Bodytree Studio is hosting a one-day workshop with Emilie Mikulla and Roll Model Therapy Balls to reveal the secrets to soft-tissue conditioning, including exercises to target trouble areas such as the rotator cuff, upper and lower back, the hips, neck, calves, and feet.

Bodytree Studio, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi. 9am to 5pm on June 21. Dhs1,325 including balls and course manual. Tel: (02) 443 4448. bodytreestudio.com

Saturday, June 22

6. Head to Aquarium for a free lunch for the little ones

If you have children under the age of 12, take them to Aquarium at Yas Marina this weekend where they can eat for free when you dine. The restaurant offers the freshest catch of the day, and has both indoor and outdoor seating options with stunning marina views. The offer runs from 12pm to 6pm every Friday and Saturday in June. Make your bookings beforehand to nab a table.

Aquarium, Yas Marina, Yas Island, children under 12 eat free every Friday and Saturday (noon to 6pm) this June, Tel: (050) 696 9357 yasmarina.ae

7.  Catch a free film screening at The Louvre

Louvre Abu Dhabi is featuring a series of thematic film screenings curated by Hind Mezaina, addressing the role and importance of photography as a tool to document stories and history of the world we live in. On Saturday, June 22 the museum will be screening Manufactured Landscapes – a 2006 feature-length documentary film about the work of photographer Edward Burtynsky. Admission to each screening is free, though prior booking is required and can be done here. The screening is done in conjunction with the Photographs 1842 – 1896: An Early Album of the World exhibition that displays some of the oldest photographs from around the world. If you haven’t already checked out this exhibition, you have until July 13 to do so.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, film screening starts at 5pm on June 22, free, Tel: (600) 565 566, louvreabudhabi.ae

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Images: Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi