14 great ways to have a brilliant weekend in Abu Dhabi

Feast at Taste of Abu Dhabi

Al fresco food festival Taste of Abu Dhabi will return to Yas Island from November 7 to 9. The three-day festival, held at du Arena on Yas Island, has announced a host of celebrity guests, live entertainment and restaurants as tickets to the event have gone on sale. Among the celebrity chefs attending this year are Masterchef host John Torode, Michelin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli, Kunal Kapur and Eric Lanlard who will be making appearances and doing live cooking performances alongside some of the top chefs from Abu Dhabi. Guests will also be able to try dishes from a range of Abu Dhabi restaurants including Dai Pai Dong, Butcher & Still, Sambusek, Roberto’s and Namak by Kunal Kapoor. Providing some musical entertainment, legendary English reggae band UB40 and UK boyband super group BoyzLife will perform across the weekend. Guests will also be able to get their hands dirty at the Big Baking Tent, sign up for cooking challenges, shop at the food pavilion and more.

Dhs60 (day tickets Fri-Sat), Dhs150 (Thu). Nov 7-9. du Arena, Yas Island, www.tasteabudhabi.com

Head to the party with 4People

Abu Dhabi-bred music and arts company 4People is hosting another night of great music at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche on Friday November 8, and it sounds like loads of fun. This time, the promoters are bringing Dubai DJs Barada and Hoolz to the capital for a night, and there will also be tunes from resident DJ Khaddam. Khaddam will be getting the crowd warmed up from 8pm to 11pm, and then it’s over to the headline acts to take us right through until 3am. Taking place at the Lake Garden, the event looks like a great way of making the most of the cooler weather we’ve had recently, as well as an awesome excuse to let our hair down and bring out our best dance moves. Oh, and did we mention that entrance is totally free for everyone? It’s time to get the word out and start gathering your crew in time for the weekend.

Free. Fri Nov 8 8pm-3am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche (055 228 0404).

Try an Indonesian menu at Cho Gao

Cho Gao at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi is celebrating the joys of Indonesia food with a month of special themed nights. Every Thursday you can try traditional and authentic Indonesian delicacies such as qbeef rendang, nasi goreng, mie goreng and more, and there’s also a special Indonesian welcome drink thrown in, too. The event is available every Thursday from 6.30pm and 11pm. If you’re craving a trip to Bali but you don’t really have the money or the time, this may be the next best thing.

Prices vary. Thu 6.30pm-11pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Markaziyah (02 304 8287).

See homegrown talent in the spotlight

A new platform for emerging talent has been launched to help develop the cultural scene in Abu Dhabi. Homegrown UAE, the first nightlife event of its kind, is bringing a multi-platform evening of entertainment to the Abu Dhabi EDITION. Taking place at Annex on November 8, the premiere event will feature a blend of art, fashion, stand-up comedy and music, celebrating and showcasing the best local talent across multiple disciplines. On the night the three-level venue will offer you the chance to move between different art forms and experiences while seeing what the capital’s creative talents have to offer. Up on the rooftop a host of singer songwriters and performers will be featured including Ibby VK, KK Music, Nemecy, Doc Milton and Ellias Sabella. Meanwhile, the lounge floor will see stand-up comedy collective Yalla Laughs takeover with performances from Jon Boulton, Erik Thornquist, Maher Barwany, Colin Armstrong, Abdulla Al Qassab and Kholi Wood. Finally, the club will see DJs take to the decks including Saif and Sound, Jones the Ikom Boy, Eyjey, Nicki Nicol and more. The free event will take place from 8pm until 4am and you will be able to switch between floors throughout the night before the club takes you into the early hours. We’re so excited.

Free. Nov 8 8pm-4am. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen www.facebook.com/homegrownuae

Watch a movie under the stars

Abu Dhabi Moments is bringing a host of free events to Abu Dhabi over the next few months. This weekend (November 7 and 8), Al Hudayriat Island will be hosting a drive-in cinema. There will be four films shown across the two days, with screenings at 7pm and 11pm. On Thursday the night will start with Sleepless In Seattle at 7pm, before The Dark Knight is screened at 11pm. Then, on Friday The Great Gatsby is first up at 7pm and Insterstellar will be shown at 11pm. You can also order cinema snacks direct to your car. Those who don’t want to watch from their vehicle can take a seat at the lounge viewing area. There will be blankets and pillows on hand so you can make yourself comfy.

Free. Thu Nov 7-Fri Nov 8, frpm 7pm. Hudayriat Island, www.abudhabimoments.ae

See if your child is the fastest on track

This weekend at Yas Marina Circuit, children between seven and 12 have the chance to sign up to be a part of FIA F1 Future Stars competition. The racing competition, taking place at Yas KartZone, will see children compete in two qualifying rounds to see who the best young drivers in the UAE are. Four of the fastest children to complete laps of the track will be named the winners and will have the chance to win a unique experience. Winners will get the chance to meet the F1 drivers at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the starting grid, two tickets to the big race and a meet-and-greet with the F1 drivers. Want to sign your child up? Here’s what you need to know. The event takes place on Friday November 8 from 9am to noon then from 5pm to 8pm. To enter children must pre-register, bet between seven years old and 12 and be between 1.3m and 1.5m in height. To register visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/products/experiences/fab-grid-kid-competition

Free. Friday November 8, 9am-noon then 5pm-8pm. Yas KartZone, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/products/experiences/fab-grid-kid-competition

Visit the newest coffee shop in town

If you’re looking for another cool place to grab a cup of joe in Abu Dhabi then you’re in luck, as a brand new branch of a popular UAE chain has launched in the capital. The Espresso Lab is now open at Qasr Al Hosn and it’s the first location for the Dubai-based brand in Abu Dhabi. The specialist coffee company, which was originally based in Dubai’s Design District, is now serving up cups of coffee and food every day at the iconic Abu Dhabi location. Plus, the venue roasts its own beans to ensure the best possible taste and allowing you try locally-made produce instead of imported beans from around the world. Coffee lovers can choose from classics such as filter coffee and espresso-based drinks as well as affogato (which comes served with a scoop of gelato), citrus-infused espresso drinks and more.

Open daily 7.20am-10pm. Qasr Al Hosn, Zayed the First Street www.theespressolab.com

Check out the augmented reality art exhibition

Bringing a new experience to the city, an augmented reality art exhibition has launched in the capital at Nation Towers. Imagine Nation is an immersive collection of interactive artworks that combine audio-visual art, 3D Projections and virtual effects. The free exhibition, open from 4pm to 10pm every day, will be on display at the shopping destination until January 3 2020. By using Artivive, augmented reality technology that can be accessed using smartphones and tablets, you will be able to explore new dimensions of the art on display as it comes to life in different ways. To interact with the artworks you will need to download a free app to your phone, or if you can’t download the app there are iPads at Nation Towers available to borrow.

Free. Daily 4pm-10pm, until January 3 2020. Nation Towers, Corniche West

See the world’s oldest natural pearl

The oldest known natural pearl in the world has been discovered in the capital. The ‘Abu Dhabi Pearl’ is thought to date back nearly 8,000 years to 5,800 to 5,600 BCE. Found at the Neolithic site on Marwah Island, the pearl is proof that pearls and oysters were being used nearly 8,000 years ago and is one of the earliest known evidence of pearling in the world. Pearls, even thousands of years ago, were considered precious and used for adornment. In reflection the status of pearls as a luxury item, the Abu Dhabi Pearl will go on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi as part of the exhibition’10,000 Years of Luxury. On display for the first time, the pearl, on loan from the Zayed National Museum collection, will be open to the public from October 30 to February 18 2020. We look forward to seeing it on display.

Dhs63 (adults), Dhs31.5 (ages 13-22), free (under 13). Oct 30-Feb 18. Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).

Tuck into the vegan menu at Wagamama

Wagamama is the latest UAE restaurant to launch a new vegan menu to cater to people with a plant-based diet. So if you’re in the market for some animal-friendly noodles then you know where to go. The dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu was launched as part of World Vegan Day on November 1. A total of 13 vegan dishes and 11 vegetarian dishes have been added to the menu. inlcluding kare burosu ramen, yasai katsu curry, yasai yaki soba and yasai pad thai. Locations in the UAE include Abu Dhabi Mall, The Walk JBR, Dubai Marina and The Palm. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy pink guava and passion fruit sorbet. To be honest, they had us a ramen.

Prices vary. Locations including Abu Dhabi Mall www.wagamama.ae

Book your tickets for CLYMB Abu Dhabi

CLYMB Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors to the public on November 29. The new Yas Island attraction will be home to the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. From November 29 the new attraction will be open between noon and 9pm Sunday to Thursday and noon to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are now on sale so you can be one of the first in the UAE to try it out when it opens. We can’t wait to try it ourselves.

From Dhs95 (climbing), From Dhs 215 (skydiving). From Nov 29 2019. Sun-Thu noon-9pm, Fri and Sat noon-11pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island www.clymbabudhabi.com

Try one of the newest restaurants in town for less

Rasoi by Vineet Bhatia is now open at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and you can get a massive discount on your bill when you visit. The restaurant is in the soft opening stage and it will be open for business daily between 7pm and 10.30pm. Right now you can also enjoy a 25 percent discount off the entire bill. Bhatia, who has successful restaurants all over the world, is credited with being the man who took Indian flavours to another level and achieved global acclaim in the process. In 2001 he became the first Indian chef-proprietor with a Michelin-starred restaurant. We’ll see you there, we’ll be the ones stuffing our face.

Prices vary. Daily 7.30pm-10pm. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West,www.rasoibyvineetad.com

Watch the new ceremony at Wahat Al Karama

New weekly ceremonies will now take place at Wahat Al Karama. The Ceremony Season will see an event held every Saturday evening at the Abu Dhabi monument from 5pm. During the public ceremony you will be able to watch horse guards, listen to music played by a big band of 20 musicians and watch the honour guards salute the UAE flag. When you’re there you’ll also be able to watch to sun set behind the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Photograph opportunities and guided tours will also be available so that you can learn about the UAE monument and its significance to the city. We look forward to visiting.

Free. From Nov 2, Sat 5pm. Wahat Al Karama, www.visitabudhabi.ae