What’s On has your definitive guide of things to do in Abu Dhabi in March, including Abu Dhabi Festival, Western Region guide, and tennis.

What do four rapping MCs, a 19-year-old classical pianist and an Emirati scientist-turned-film director all have in common? They are all showcasing their talents in this year’s edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival. Offering both highbrow (Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No 5 performed by the Budapest Festival Orchestra, anyone?) and a more approachable line-up of events (Mozart for babies) including concerts, art exhibitions and film screenings, the festival is a collision of all things cultural. Find out what to do and who to see this month. We’re particularly excited about the festival headliner, Brazilian beat maker Sergio Mendes, who’ll be moving and grooving at Emirates Palace on March 20.

Foodies looking to impress their dinner date can pick up a few conversation pointers with our Unique Eats piece. Find out cool and quirky facts about the capital’s dining establishments and pepper your words (see what we did there?) with them. Or, if you’d rather order your customised creations and meals from the comfort of your home or smartphone, check out these entrepreneurs/chefs on facebook who are delivering homemade treats to residents with a click of a button.

And that’s not all. What’s On spoke to Dutch tennis player Richard Krajicek about his upcoming match at Tennis at the Palace and found out just which celebrity he’d like to see on the opposite side of the court. We won’t give it away here, but it’s someone more known for their politics than their sports prowess. The Grand Slam champion will be joined by Australian star Pat Cash and 2013 Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli at the grass courts at Emirates Palace on March 12 to 14.

Anyway you look at it, you’ll have to admit Abu Dhabi is a pretty cool place to live. And that still stands when you’re outside of the city limits. This month we take a look at the underappreciated Western Region and discover what there is to do and where to stay in the desert. It’s definitely worth your time to put on that safari suit on and go explore the capital’s backyard.

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