Best things to do in Abu Dhabi this week

Sunday: Try some vegan food

Veganuary has become increasingly popular each year and with so many options for plant-based foods it’s easy to see why so many people consider the switch even if it’s just for a month. Inviting Abu Dhabi residents to try some top vegan dishes, Café 302 is celebrating Veganuary with a new menu available for one month only. Available until the end of January you can try a vegan à la carte and set menu as take advantage of weekly deals and offers. Dishes on offer include winter beetroot salad, black beans and sweet potato quesadillas, penne vegan bolognaise, quinoa, beetroot and white bean burger and more. It all sounds pretty good to us. Daily 8am-11pm. Until Jan 31. Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana (02 610 6688).

Sunday: Go flamingo spotting

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve will remain open to the public until April 30, 2021. The free-to-visit attraction will open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 8am to 6pm. A number of safety measures are in place to protect visitors including the wearing of masks, strict social distancing and all visitors must show a negative COVID-19 test result from the past month. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from having to show a test result. The area is an ideal habitat for as many as 260 species of migratory birds including the greater flamingo as well as 260 invertebrates, 11 mammals, ten reptiles and 35 plant species. What will you see when you visit?

Free, negative test required. Tue-Sat 8am-6pm. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Monday: Enjoy a mixed drink at a top bar

If you want to get out in Abu Dhabi for expertly made mixed drinks then you’re spoiled for choice. Need help being pointed in the right direction? Here are three brilliant bars in city that are worth checking out. Want to know why? You can read our full reviews here. Click here to read more.

Monday: See the UAE’s newest art exhibit come to life

Kinetic art piece The Seed has opened to the public until January 30 at Jubail Island. You can see the artwork up close, with daily events showcasing the piece that features the evolution of a seed to a shoot to a flower and on to propagation. Located at a new beach area on Jubail Island, tickets are available for the show for Dhs30 per person and Dhs15 for children from seven to 17. During the light shows, set among Jubail Island’s mangroves, you will experience a blend of music, light and art at sunset. For more information and to book tickets visit uaenationalday.ae.

Tuesday: Head to the Time Out recommended Rayana Latin Tapas Bar for a bite and a drink

Possibly the best thing about tapas is getting to order loads of dishes and not feeling self-conscious about selecting half the menu. In fact, you end feeling bad for the few dishes that you don’t end up choosing. Sorry, cuttlefish, it’s not you, it’s us. The menu has lots of delicious-sounding dishes on it so make sure you try a lot to share, to get a real taste but not too much to be overwhelmed. To read the full review click here.

Tuesday: Hit the beach and relax

We hate to sound like a broken record but the weather is beautiful right now and we’re spending less and less time indoors. Luckily there are so many beautiful outdoor spaces to explore in Abu Dhabi. But, if you just want to kick-back and relax and do next to nothing while taking in the sights and sounds, a beach day is as good as it gets. Got your bag packed, sunscreen on and a book in hand? Click here to see the best beaches to check out in Abu Dhabi during the cooler months.

Wednesday: Visit the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Abu Dhabi is taking place until Febuary 20, 2021 in Al Wathba. Named in honour of the UAE’s founding father, the annual festival celebrates the UAE’s culture, traditions and heritage. Visitors can experience Emirati culture through art, crafts, food and performances throughout the festival. Performances, workshops, events and markets will also be held for visitors, as well as falconry displays, camel races and fireworks. On New Year’s Eve, the festival successfully set two new Guinness World Records for its impressive fireworks display. In addition, the grand pavilions offer live displays of Emirati traditions and showcase landmarks, taking visitors on a voyage back in time to the history of the UAE.

Daily, 4pm onwards. Nov 20-Feb 20. Al Wathba, www.zayedfestival.ae.

Wednesday: Tuck into unlimited pizza and two drinks

Head along to Afya Restaurant at Traders Hotel on Wednesdays from 6pm to 11pm and you can tuck into unlimited pizza for two hours, with two hops. Packages start from Dhs99 for adults and Dhs49 for children aged six to twelve. Pizzas on offer include tandoori chicken, pepperoni, frutti de mare, margarita, smoked salmon, Mediterranean and more. If hops isn’t your thing, you can enjoy two soft drinks instead.

Dhs99 (adults), Dhs49 (kids from six to twelve). Wed 6pm-11pm (two-hour package). Afyä Restaurant, Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi (02 509 8555).

Thursday: Check out the new beach club The Cove at West Bay

The Cove at West Bay is now open. The Cove serves a fusion menu of Mediterranean dishes and will no doubt become a top spot for sundowners. Choose from hammocks and swings to relax by the sea, with the Arabian gulf just steps away and tropical house playing in the background.
Various times and prices. The Cove at West Bat, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 681 1900).

Thursday: Visit the brand new McGettigan’s at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

A brand new McGettigan’s has opened at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. At the time of opening, 110 people will be allowed inside the venue to observe social distancing rules and you can expect the same food and drinks that makes McGettigan’s such a hit across the UAE. A daily happy hour will take place from 3pm to 8pm with a 30 percent discount on selected beverages. On the menu you can try classics like fish and chips, cottage pie, burgers and much more.

Sat-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Fri noon-3am. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (02 698 8888).