Weekends in Abu Dhabi are always filled with fun options for things to do.
From special events at theme parks to huge sporting occasions and everything in between, there’s something for everyone in the UAE capital.
To help you choose where to go this weekend, here’s our round-up of six top things to do.
Haysa at the Cultural Foundation
Prepare yourself for an exceptional night of music, as three of the most exciting Arab alternative bands of all time perform at the Cultural Foundation. El Far3i, El Morabba3 and Harget Kart will bring their biggest hits and electric stage presence to Abu Dhabi for a truly unmissable show.
From Dhs157.50. Feb 20, 7pm-9pm. The Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae/en/event/haysa.
Weekends at Al Hosn
Weekends at Al Hosn, is bringing a host of social and cultural activities, events and programmes to the Qasr Al Hosn site until Mid-April. There will be a ’80s and ’90s themed souk alongside film screenings in association with Image Nation, camel rides, live cooking stations selling local food and more. Image Nation’s Screening the Past programme will showcase documentaries exploring the UAE’s history and heritage, at the souk you’ll find a range of fresh fish, vegetables, carpet stores, spice vendors, books, music, stationary and more and you will also be able to tuck into lots of baked treats, candy floss, roasted peanuts and ice cream.
Free (excludes entry into Qasr Al Hosn). Feb 21-22, 4pm-10pm (then every two weeks until Apr 18). Qasr Al Hosn, www.qasralhosn.ae.
Daman TriYas Challenge
It’s the tenth edition of this Yas Island triathlon this weekend. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or beginner, TriYas is for you. You can swim in the waters of Yas Marina, transition in the Formula 1 Pit Lane, cycle on the 5.5km track and run through Yas Marina in this community event. With new elements being added every year, this event is one of the highlights of the Abu Dhabi sporting and community calendar.
Various prices. Fri 9am-5pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.adsc.ae/en/events/triyas.
Marsa Mina Grand Opening
The new portside area opens this weekend, offering a new family-friendly area offering food trucks, entertainment, events and more. At the grand launch there will be kids’ bungee jumping, slam dunk, art workshops and live music, as well as games offering prizes to the winners.
Free. Feb 20, 3pm-midnight. Zayed Port, marsamina.ae.
Superhero Saturdays at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
The Yas Island theme park is offering all youngsters the chance to become a superhero for a day with the new Super Hero Saturdays event. Children can join Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash in a host of activities throughout the day. If you get there early enough, kids will get a free cape (available on a first come, first served, basis). They can then take part in the Train Like A Hero programme to learn the true value of being a hero. There will also be a Super Hero Trivia game, with the chance to win prizes, and the chance to decorate Rice Krispy lollipops in the Snap, Krackle, Pow! event (this is Dhs50 for three lollipops). The best dressed super heroes on the day will also be in with the chance of winning a cool prize. The Looney Tunes characters will also be getting in on the action with a Dance Party at 3pm.
From Dhs230 (children), Dhs295 (adults). Every Sat until Apr 4, 10am-8pm. Yas Island. www.wbworldabudhabi.com/en/booking.
The Red Palace Exhibition
Taking inspiration from the 20th century Red Palace in Saudi Arabia, and its role in the country’s key historical and political events, artist Sultan Bin Fahad collects memorabilia, relics, and discarded objects from various sites to create sculptures and installations. The works explore the transformative potential of the ruin to stand in for what was lost and its reformulation within the country’s social metamorphosis.
Free. Fri noon-8pm; Sat-Thu 10am-8pm. Until Mar 28. The Cultural Foundation, Al Hosn, culturalfoundation.ae/en/event/red-palace.
