12 cool things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend

Thursday: Feat on Banana Pudding for Dhs5

Thursday August 27 is National Banana Pudding Day and we’re a little bit excited. In celebration of the wonderful day, Magnolia Bakery will be selling mini pots of its world-famous banana pudding for just Dhs5. The sweet deal is taking place in-store at all branches across the UAE and if you’ve never tried the gooey, moreish pudding, now’s your chance. Layers of vanilla wafers, fresh banana and creamy vanilla custard are carefully stacked, ready for pure destruction when you come at it with a poised spoon. Perfection.

Dhs5 (mini pot). Thu Aug 27. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (050 608 3037).

Thursday: Enjoy drinks and food at Filini Garden

Popular nightspot and Italian restaurant Filini Garden is back open and we’re delighted. The stylish venue is one of the places to be on Yas Island and there are some great deals at the venue too. Head along on Thursday night and you can enjoy unlimited bites and drinks from Dhs135 per person. That’s a great deal to start the weekend.

Dhs135. Thu 8pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Yas Island (02 656 2000).

Thursday: Head to the Yas Drive-In cinema for the last time

Yas Marina Circuit has brought a drive-in cinema to Yas Island in collaboration with Reel Cinemas. A maximum of 65 cars will be allowed access to each screening, with a maximum of three people to a car, or five people if from the same family. Cars can tune into a special radio frequency which will receive the audio from the movies. This week might be the last time you have the chance to check it out and there are some good films on screen. On Thursday you see Moana, Friday it’s Black Panther and on Saturday it’s over to The Matrix. Tickets cost Dhs160 per person, including some snacks, and must be booked before visiting.

For more information and to get tickets visit www.yasmarinacircuit.com.

Friday: Enjoy unlimited breakfast at Fifth Street Café

Offering you the chance to indulge at breakfast, Fifth Street Café has launched a new weekend breakfast deal. Head along to the venue, located at Courtyard by Marriot, on a Friday or Saturday and you can enjoy unlimited breakfast plates for Dhs75. Dishes on offer include granola parfait, pancakes, eggs any style, falafel wrap, French toast and more. Plus you can also enjoy fresh coffee and juices too. Got little ones with you? Kids aged 12 and under can enjoy the deal for Dhs40. Hungry? Why not enjoy a plate, or two, or three. It’s unlimited after all.

Dhs75. Fri-Sat 7am-2pm. Courtyard by Marriott, Hamdan Street (052 914 1207).

Friday: Chill at the WET Deck and enjoy a drink and food

The Wet Deck pool area at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is one of the coolest places to laze around for the day (not literally, of course). Now it’s Dhs150 for a day pass (between 8am and 8pm) and you’ll get the same amount back in credit to spend on drinks and food. That’s a great deal if you ask us.

Dhs150. Daily 8am-8pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, www.wabudhabiyasisland.com (02 656 0000).

Friday: Enjoy a few baskets of dim sum for Dhs98

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi has introduced a new dim sum lunch deal. Every Friday, from noon to 3.30pm, the dim sum lunch serves up a variety of handmade dumplings for you to get stuck into. You can order three baskets for Dhs98 or if you’ve got a real appetite opt for five baskets for Dhs138. Plus, Hakkasan has one of the most picturesque terraces in the whole city so time spent feasting there is always time well spent. We’re telling you right now, we’re having the five baskets.

From Dhs98. Fri noon-3.30pm. Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace, Corniche West (02 690 7739).

Friday: Enjoy brunch and a pool pass at PJs

We all love brunch here in Abu Dhabi and surely everyone likes swimming pools, too. Put them both together and what have you got? A great afternoon, that’s what. If you fancy a drink, a feast and a dip, there’s a weekend brunch that’s right up your street. Head along to PJ O’Reilly’s at Le Royal Meridien on a Friday and you can enjoy all the spoils. From 1pm to 4pm you can try dishes including fish and chips, chicken wings, loaded fries and more. Plus, the brunch costs Dhs199 per person and that’s a great deal if you ask us. We’ll see you at the pool, sinking and full.

Dhs199. Fri 1pm-4pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Fatima Bint Mubarak Street (02 674 2020).

Saturday: Enjoy some pizza (actually Pinsa) for Dhs20

Pinsanity has launched a summer deal that’s great value. Order directly from the brand’s website and you can get a freshly-baked pinsa (it’s a pizza, but more oval) for just Dhs20.More of a social person? Orders can also be placed on Facebook and Instagram, if that’s your thing. All of the wood-fired pizzas (whoops, sorry pinsas) will cost you Dhs20, but a minimum order of Dh40 is required so you might as well get a few. Topping choices include burrata, pepperoni, spicy chicken and more as well as a Nutella version for those with a sweet tooth. Ready to order?

Dhs20. Until Aug 31, www.tastepinsanity.com.

Saturday: Get a roast with all the trimmings at Stars N Bars

Weekend roasts should be mandatory, at least in our book. We love getting stuck into some roast meat, veggies, Yorkshire puddings and gravy, in fact we would have it any night not just on a weekend. Fancy a feast? Head to Stars N Bars on a Saturday and you can enjoy a roast dinner with all the extras for Dhs99. Plus, the FA Community Shield match between Arsenal and Liverpool will be on the screens, so it’s a good chance to watch a game too.

Dhs99. Sat from noon. Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).

Saturday: Lounge by the pool and enjoy a bite at Abu Dhabi EDITION

Super-cool hotel The Abu Dhabi EDITION has launched a new pool pass deal. Head along and you can lounge by the pool all day for Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs225 on weekends. Plus, you’ll also get Dhs150 in credit to spend at Alba Terrace on food and drinks. Don’t fancy the pool but up for a bite? Alba Terrace has also launched an unlimited breakfast, lunch and dinner deals, where you can enjoy as many dishes as you can manage for Dhs85. Sun, pool and food? Sounds good to us.

From Dhs225. Sun-Wed 10am-7pm; Thu-Sat 7am-9pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen (02 208 0000).

Sunday: Get a drink for Dhs1 at Up and Below

Up and Below has launched some deals on drinks for those looking for a night out. Head along and order any item on the food menu and you can get a drink for Dhs1. Dishes on offer include Bahamian beef nachos, Caribbean shrimp tapas, Jamaican jerk chicken, salads and the venues signature chicken wings. If you’re not hungry, all drinks will cost Dhs17 until the end of September to celebrate the venues reopening. Drinks from Dhs1 with a bite or Dhs17 without, that’s a pretty good deal if you ask us.

From Dhs1. Open daily 3pm-midnight. Up and Below, Courtyard by Marriott, Hamdan Street (052 914 1207).