Our picks: 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend
What’s On has a full list of all the things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi, including workshops, deals, sports, entertainment and new openings.
It’s the start of the weekend, folks! But if you’re not sure what you’re doing yet, don’t worry. What’s On has the perfect solution, whatever mood you are in.
Thursday August 4
See a play
Popular Kuwaiti comic Tarek Al Ali’s new three-hour theatrical production, Heart for Sale, is about a poor man who puts his heart up for sale, makes its debut in Abu Dhabi tonight. GCC actors Ahmad Al Faraj and Mais Kamar will be performing.
National Theatre, Al Itihad, Abu Dhabi, August 4 and 5, 8pm to 10.30pm, Dhs250 to Dhs1,000. Tel: (800) 555. Taxi: National Theatre. ticketmaster.ae
Dance with Alvin
An all-singing, all-dancing performance concert from the screeching Alvin and his chipmunk pals – get ready to dance along to hits by Maroon 5 and Elvis Presley and One Direction.
Various locations including Al Raha Theatre, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 6119130. Taxi: Al Raha Theatre. visitabudhabi.ae
Eat something new
There’s a new seasonal menu on offer at Café Bateel that is all about fresh, lighter fare. Available in all the branches of the outlet, expect a range of options including bresaola and quail egg salad with date balsamic dressing, spiced tuna wrapped in saj bread and a rose water raspberry dome on an almond short crust.
The Galleria, Abu Dhabi Global Market Square, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to midnight. Tel: (02) 6712284. Taxi: Galleria Mall, Al Maryah. bateel.com
Friday August 5
Pool party
Le Méridien launches Dip Fest, a pool party that wants you to drink, dive and dance in the hotel’s swimming pool. Note: there will be mermaids present.
Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri 7pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 10pm. Tel: (02) 6446666. Taxi: Le Méridien. lemeridienabudhabi.com
Family fun in the dunes
Head to the Tilal Liwa Hotel in the Western Region for an afternoon of fun and games for all the family, including table tennis, billiards, darts and giant chess.
Tilal Liwa Hotel, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 7.30pm. Tel: (02) 8946111. Taxi: Tilal Liwa Hotel, Western Region. tilalliwa.danathotels.com
Move those muscles
Pump some serious iron at Yas Island’s Vogue Fitness, which offers Olympic weight lifting classes for both men and women.
Vogue Fitness and Cross Fit Yas, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 6am to 9pm, Friday 5.30am to 9pm, Sat 9am to noon, from Dhs80. Tel: (02) 5832380. Taxi: Yas Marina. vfuae.com
Stay in a luxury resort
Head to the secluded Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in the Liwa dessert for a staycation this summer. The Summer Villa special includes special rates for a one-bedroom Anantara Pool Villa, inclusive of daily buffet breakfast for two, starting from Dhs1,999. Promotion is valid until September 30.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort By Anantara, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs1,999. Tel: (02) 6561399. Taxi: Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa. qasralsarab.anantara.com
Saturday August 6
Bounce finally opens in Abu Dhabi 
Get ready to jump with joy (literally), because after months of waiting, Bounce Abu Dhabi finally opens this month. The trampoline park has been a massive hit up the road in Dubai, and the good news is the Marina Mall branch is larger than the Al Quoz space by about 1,000 square metres. Inside you’ll find 80 interconnected trampolines, two slacklines and two dodgeball courts.
bounce.ae
Go to a posh cinema
Theatre by Rhodes will see moviegoers get to order from a special menu of snacks created by British chef Gary Rhodes. The menu includes truffle and parmesan popcorn, peppered beef sticks with sweet chilli and pomegranate jam, wild mushroom biryani fritters with mango sour cream and vanilla crème brulee. Expect table service once you’ve ordered – meaning staff will serve you directly in your oversized leather recliners, throughout the film.
Various locations including Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160 for one ticket, food is extra. Tel: (600) 599905. Taxi: Yas Mall. voxcinemas.com
Pamper yourself at the spa
This promotion is – dare we say it – quite possibly the only good thing about the rising temperatures. When you book a spa treatment at Saadiyat Beach Club you’ll receive a discount based on the weather outside. So if it’s 40 degrees on the thermometer, that’s 40 per cent off your bill.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6563500. Taxi: Saadiyat Beach Club. saadiyatbeachclub.ae
– For more about Dubai & Abu Dhabi straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook.
