From enjoying a free movie screening to checking out the Dragon Boat Festival…

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

From enjoying a free movie screening at Yas Park to taking a perfume making masterclass, 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 October 17

1. Enjoy an evening with friends to celebrate the weekend

Catch up with your friends at District by Amalfi at Le Royal Meridien for Sera Con Amici, which translates to “Evening with Friends”. Your night out will come with an unlimited supply of meat and cheese antipasta, Soho pizzas, and specially crafted pastas for both the health conscious and the meat fanatics. It will cost you Dhs150 per person inclusive of two house beverages. The deal starts at 6pm, so head on over right after work.

Sera Con Amici “Evening with Friends”, District by Amalfi, Le Royal Meridien, Dhs150 per person with two house drinks, every Thursday 6pm to 11pm, https://www.districtbyamalfi.com/offers

2. Enjoy a movie in the park

The UAE’s only immersive outdoor cinema experience, Yas Movies in the Park is back this weekend from 4pm to midnight. Apart from a cool movie line-up that include blockbusters like Moana and The Greatest Showman, there will be a giant fun fair with carnival rides, food trucks serving delicious food, a dedicated kids zone and a shopping market. The good news? The event is free to enter but register here, and don’t forget to carry your blankets or picnic chairs. There’s also a VIP package that includes one bean bag per ticket, two soft drinks, popcorn, and access to the VIP area.

Yas Movies in the Park, du Arena, Yas Island, from Oct 17 to Oct 19, Dhs65 VIP package (includes two soft drinks and popcorn), yasmovies.ae

Friday October 18

3. Brunch your way around the world

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal has a new Chef’s Brunch, The Great Exhibition, at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Giornotte. There will be live food stations and roaming food trollies, preparing and serving mouthwatering delicacies such as the lobster thermidor and truffle risotto at every table. The spread will also include gourmet favorites such as Peruvian chicken breast, smoked veal belly, and slow roasted Wagyu beef. Poke bowls and other superfoods are also available, in addition to wholesome vegan dishes such as grilled vegan carrot dogs, as well as gluten free and vegan pasta dishes. End your brunch experience on a sweet note with the restaurant’s range of heavenly desserts such as homemade chocolate bars, warm Belgian waffles, and more.

Giornotte, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal, 1pm to 4pm every Friday, Dhs299 soft, Dhs399 house and Dhs599 bubbles, Dhs90 children aged 6 to 11, Tel: (02) 818 8888 ritzcarlton.com/abu-dhabi

4. Try a braai experience

The Hytes rooftop at South African hotel, Tsogo Sun sizzles on Friday nights with delicious flamed-grilled delicacies such as the South African boerewors. However, its much more than just a South African braai, and the menu now includes highlights from USA such as the American brisket, and treats from the land down under – Australia. There are two packages to pick from, the soft package for Dhs229 and the house package for Dhs289. Make your reservations in advance!

The Hytes, Tsogo Sun, every Friday from 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs229 soft, Dhs289 house, Tel:  (02) 818 4888, tsogosun.com

Saturday October 19

5. Take a perfume making class