12 awesome things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi

10 fantastic things to do in Abu Dhabi this week

Thursday
Kick-off the weekend at Viewz
Boys and girls will be smiling this weekend with Viewz’s Thursday night drink deals. For Dhs50, lads can sink an unlimited number of selected house beverages from 7pm to 9pm, with the ladies getting three free drinks from 7pm to 1am. Clock off and kick back.
Prices vary. Thu 7pm-9pm (gents), 7pm-1am (ladies). Al Ain Palace Hotel, W Corniche Road (050 593 7977).

Discover Le Petit Chef at Ray’s Grill
Minds and taste buds will be thrilled by Ray’s Grill this Thursday March 25 with the launching of Le Petit Chef. Diners will be able to see their food prepared from their tables thanks to a 3D projection of thumb-sized chefs. With four menu options including specially curated vegetarian and kids options, there is something to tickle everyone’s fancy with standout dishes including confit duck leg farro and beef fillet soubise puree.
From Dhs385. Tue-Sat 7pm and 9pm. Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Al Ras Al Akhdar (02 811 5666).

Sundowner at Buddha Bar Beach
Who doesn’t love a good old sundowner to kick-off the weekend in Abu Dhabi? At Buddha Bar Beach’s ‘Yuuhi’, sundownees can kick back to the soft tones of a saxophone and enjoy mixed drinks starting from Dhs35, all while taking in some spectacular scenery.
From Dhs35. Thu, Sat 5pm-7pm. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).

Bike around Al Ain Zoo
Strap on a helmet and squeeze into the Lycra for a cycle around Al Ain Zoo. Choose between the mountain bike (for the ‘pros’) and tricycle (for the kids, big and small) before discovering the weird and wonderful creatures that call the site home.
From Dhs10.50 (child). From Dhs31.50 (adult). Sun-Thu 10am-6pm (mountain bike and tricycle), Fri-Sat 7am-6pm (mountain bike), 1pm-7pm (tricycle). Al Ain, www.alainzoo.ae (0800 966).

Friday
Have a cake and eat it at COYA Abu Dhabi
We all enjoy a good birthday bash especially in Abu Dhabi and there is another shindig to look forward to at COYA Abu Dhabi. The Peruvain eatery is celebrating its fourth anniversary on Friday March 26 with an exhibition of polaroid photos of special moments, as well as a glass of grape and a slice of cake.
Fri Mar 26 starts 7pm. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria, (02 306 7000).

Live it up at Loca
What else would you be doing in Abu Dhabi on a Friday afternoon other than brunching? Endless food, unlimited drinks, hanging with mates and no worrying about work the next day, what’s not to enjoy? Go crazy at Loca with a four-hour brunch stacked full of Mexican grub and drinks. Vamos!
Dhs135 (soft drinks), Dhs210 (house beverages). Fri noon-5pm. Loca, the Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).

Go on an adventure to Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Looking for an adventure with the family? Want to chill out with mates? Or simply need a place for some quality time with the other half? Then hop on a boat and set sail for Sir Bani Yas Island. The unique island location has three resorts where guests can jump on wildlife drives, explore historical sites or relax at one of the spas. Not a bad way to put in the weekend.
From Dhs1,999. Various resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island.

Watch the sunset at The Founder’s Memorial
Watching the sunset anywhere in this great city is special, but there is something a bit magical about the sun going down at The Founder’s Memorial. As night descends on the city, The Constellation, an artwork and memorial to the late Sheikh Zayed, lights up. Standing 30m tall and using 1,327 geometric shapes, the installation projects a portrait of Sheikh Zayed out into the night and it’s brilliant to watch. Phones at the ready.
Free entry. Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche West, www.thefoundersmemorial.ae.

Saturday
Try a spot of fishing
Grab your rod and fishing hat, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and hit big blue with a few mates. ABSea Sports Fishing provides anglers a four-hour trip for four people including equipment for Dhs1,300. You can even bring as much food and drinks as you want. If that doesn’t bait you, nothing will.
Dhs1,300 (four people). Daily sunrise-sunset. Al Marina, www.fishinguae.com (052 899 6301).

Grab a karak and chill at Shay Madhboot
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. And when in Abu Dhabi let’s do as the Abu Dhabians do. One of the most popular activities for locals and residents alike is going for a cup of sweet, sweet karak in the evening. A creamy tea, packed with cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and saffron among others, it is brimming with flavour, and arguably one of the best exponents of the cuppa is Shay Madhboot. Try the famed signature karak which will only damage the wallet by Dhs5. Not bad for a relaxing evening.
Dhs5. Open daily 8am-7pm. Near Royal Thai Embassy, Muroor Road, Dihan Street (02 621 7323).

Check out some new masterpieces at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is arguably the ultimate cultural destination not only in the capital, but the entire UAE. And the world famous art museum has got even more interesting (if that’s possible) with some brand-new acquisitions and loans from around the world. Included in the newly acquired pieces are Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse and Francis Bacon. And when visitors have had enough culture, drop into Fouquet for a quick bite to eat. Nourish your mind and your stomach.
Dhs60 (adult). Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).

Grab a bucket of chicken wings
Is there anything like an overflowing bowl of chicken wings? Little pieces of tender chicken covered in drool-inducing sauce (barbecue tops the list, obvs) washed down with a pint of hops equals food bliss. But with some places in Abu Dhabi doing the simple (but oh so good) dish, it can be hard to decide on where to go. Don’t wing it (or actually do?). Check out where to find the best chicken wings in Abu Dhabi by clicking here.