From a Saturday brunch to checking out a cool Lantern and Moon festival…

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

From taking some time out for yourself and heading to the capital’s latest lash salon to checking out a cool lantern and moon festival the entire family can enjoy, there’s something to suit all tastes over the weekend here in the capital.

These are the best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend…

Thursday, September 12, 2019

1. Attend an immersive performance at NYUAD


Courtesy Mihaila Bodlovic

The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi has a performance guaranteed to move you. Flight by Scottish theater company, Vox Motus, is based on the book Hinterland by Caroline Brothers and adapted by Oliver Emmanuel and focuses on the gripping migration story of two Afghan refugee children in dangerous lands in search of freedom and safety. Be prepared for a heart-wrenching tale of terror, hope, and survival. This performance is unique – seating only 25 people per show with each individual receiving a personal booth where you can watch the action unfold on images and models moving slowly in front of you, with speech and music conveyed through headphones. The show is recommended for children aged 16 and above. Tickets cost Dhs100 and there are five shows daily starting from from Thursday, September 12 to Saturday, September 21. Run time is 45 minutes.

The Black Box, Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, from Thursday September 12, to Saturday, September 21, Dhs100 per ticket, Tel: (02) 628 4000. nyuad.nyu.edu

2. Ladies: Be Friday brunch ready and pamper yourself at Twiink Studio

The qualified team at Twiink Studio are ready to attend to all your lash and brow needs its newest location in Abu Dhabi at Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach. Whether its a full lash revamp or more volume, Twiink can completely tailor treatments to your individual need, personality and occasion. Rest up while your lash or brow treatment is underway in custom designed posturepedic treatment beds.

Twiink Studio, Al Muneera, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, Tel: (058) 589 4465  @twiinkstudio

Friday, September 13, 2019

3. Attend a Mid-Autumn Festival

Round up your family and head to Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Lantern and Moon Festival – a harvest festival celebrated by Chinese and Vietnamese cultures. The festivities begin at 1pm with a lavish brunch across three of the hotel’s restaurants where for just Dhs279 you can tuck into popular dishes from Chinese and Vietnamese regions. The main event begins at night, when guests will be able to light candles and release their lanterns into the hotel’s infinity pool (not into the sky, so don’t worry about harming the environment) while making their wish. Following this, there will be a street night-style dinner at the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Shang Palance, or you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Hoi An. Both dinners are priced at Dhs148 and an additional Dhs50 for house drinks, with children aged six to 12 at half price. Sounds like a fun-filled day for the whole family.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 11pm on Friday, September 13, Tel: (02) 509 8555 shangri-la.com

4. Dine at the largest Magnolia Bakery Cafe at Galleria Mall

The famed New York institution located on the ground floor of The Galleria’s expansion on Al Maryah Island is the largest Magnolia Bakery Cafe in the world. Expect their iconic classic desserts such as the banana pudding and cakes, as well as all-day breakfast items, such as omelettes and baked-in-pan pancakes, loaded fries with an array of toppings (perfect for sharing) plus delicious sandwiches and salads, and savoury mains like BBQ chicken and aubergine parmigiana. We’ll see you there!

Magnolia Bakery Cafe, Ground floor, Galleria Mall, 10am to 10pm Saturday to Thursday, 10am to midnight, Tel: (050) 105 8945. magnoliabakery.com

Saturday, September 14

 5. Head to the La Dolce Vita brunch at Verso

Head to the Instagrammable Verso at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl for a Saturday brunch ‘The Italian Way’. The gourmet buffet comes complete with multiple interactive live stations, with dishes such as lamb shank ragout on creamy polenta and oven fresh assorted tray pizza. There’s a dessert spread for those with a sweet tooth that includes homemade gelato and more.  The family-friendly brunch is every Saturday from noon until 4pm, kids under 12 get 50 per cent off and under 6’s eat free.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates, Abu Dhabi, every Saturday noon to 4am, Dhs290 soft, Dhs440 under 12s, free for under 6s, Tel: (02) 510 1234 verso.ae

6. Check out a flea market

If you’re looking to buy pre-loved baby and kids items at a bargain price, head on over to the Ballroom at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort for the Abu Dhabi Baby & Kids Flea Market. You can find clothes, toys, equipment, strollers, books and literally anything related to kids at fantastic bargain prices. There’s entertainment to keep the little ones busy and the best news, it’s free entry.

Abu Dhabi Baby & Kids Flea Market, Ballroom at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort,  Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 6pm, September 14, Tel: (056) 466 0399 facebook.com/auhbabykidsmarket

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