It’s the F1 weekend in Abu Dhabi and you know what that means: It’s the capital’s highly anticipated race weekend. But that is just the start of the major things that are happening in Abu Dhabi over the next few days.

So, what are the best things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi?

We’ve got you covered with F1 celebrations, FUTR World concerts, brand new brunches, things to do at the Mother of the Nation Festival, Christmas teas and more.

For the best places to eat and drink in Abu Dhabi click here.

Christmas is around the corner. Want the most festive ways to celebrate? Click here.

New Year’s Eve requires extensive planning to make the most of it. Click here for all the best NYE celebrations in Abu Dhabi.

F1 is here. Click here for all the best brunches, parties and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix news.

Ready for a stellar weekend in Abu Dhabi? On your marks, get set …

Thursday

Do a spin class on a helipad

MOTION is bringing the first helipad spin class to the UAE for one day this weekend. Looking to take your workout to new heights? MOTION has partnered with The St. Regis Abu Dhabi with a Reach for the Sky spin class that takes place 225 metres in the air. There are five classes to choose from starting at sunset and going until midnight. Classes are Dhs225 per person.
Click here to learn about the class.
Dhs235. Thu Dec 9. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road www.motion-cycling.ae/product/reach-for-the-sky

Gear up for F1 at Yas Plaza Circuit

Ready to turbo-charge your F1 weekend? Yas Plaza Circuit has F1 fun to enjoy with musicians and DJs performing throughout the race weekend. Get ready to groove.
Click here to learn more.
Dec 9-12. Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island, yasisland.ae/en.

Taste High Joint at MOTN

One of Dubai’s favourite home-grown burger joints, High Joint, is popping up in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Monster burgers, fried chicken sandos, truffle fries and shakes – is your stomach growling? Speed over to the Mother of the Nation festival to sink your teeth into it all.
Click here to learn more about High Joint at MOTN.
Thu Dec 9-18. MOTN, Corniche Road motn.ae.

Visit Santa’s Grotto at The Galleria Al Maryah Island

Ready to get into the Christmas spirit? The Galleria Al Maryah Island is bringing the festive vibes with decorations, sales and a special appearance by Santa himself. Take the kids (or big kids) to see Santa at the grotto. We hope you’ve been good.
Click here for more festive things to do with the family in Abu Dhabi.
Thu Dec 9-25. The Galleria Al Maryah Island www.thegalleria.ae/winterwonderland (02 493 7400).

Friday

Brand new brunch at LPM Restaurant & Bar

LPM is launching its first ever brunch on Friday December 10 and will bring an array of French food, drinks and music to your Friday afternoon. On the menu you’ll find unlimited starters including burrata with tomatoes and basil and snails with garlic butter, mains such as the grilled sirloin steak, sea bream and pumpkin risotto. For dessert, there’s cheesecake, chocolate mousse and crème brulée.
Dhs375 (soft), Dhs450 (pink grape, mixed), Dhs575 (sparkling). Starting Fri Dec 10, 1pm-3pm. LPM, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 692 9600).

Go to the opening of WHITE Abu Dhabi with Stormzy

One of Dubai’s favourite clubs is landing in Abu Dhabi this week just in time for F1. WHITE Abu Dhabi will open its doors on Thursday December 9 and it’s bringing a multi-sensory clubbing experience that you can’t miss. To celebrate a new era for WHITE club, the team has confirmed British grime star, Stormzy will be performing at the brand new venue on Friday December 10. Australian rapper and Tik Tok top-charter Masked Wolf will perform on Sunday December 12 and Tuesday December 14.
Read more about the new club opening here.
Opens Thu Dec 9. Yas Bay @whiteabudhabi.

See Wizkid perform in Abu Dhabi this weekend

Wizkid is coming to Abu Dhabi for the first time for the Futr World Festival at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Friday December 10. Time to book your evening off – the show starts at 10pm.
For more on the Wizkid concert and FUTR World Festival.
Dhs250. Dec 10, 10pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, futrworld.com/live

Sherine is performing at MOTN Festival

The opening weekend of the Mother of the Nation festival is being headlined by the Egyptian actress and singer, Sherine, on Friday December 10. Doors open at 7pm at the festival’s main stage, where she will be performing some of her best hits. Known for her powerful and unique voice, Sherine is considered one of the most renowned female Arabic singers, often dubbed “The Queen of Emotions” for her popular romantic ballads.
Find out more about who is performing for MOTN here.
Dec 9-19, 4pm-midnight (Sun-Thu), 2pm-midnight (Fri-Sat). Abu Dhabi Corniche www.motn.ae.

Try the trackside Easy Tiger brunch

Easy Tiger is taking up temporary residence for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix at the W Abu Dhabi’s Rush. Take in the thrilling F1 action with many, many plates of food. You can choose a single-day brunch, three-day brunch package or a full trackside view table. Every brunch booking comes with a concert pass, plus, there will be live entertainment at the F1 brunches from day to night.
For all the best F1 events click here.
Dec 10-12, noon-4am. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, outout.com/event/2451/easy-tiger-f1-2021 (050 593 7977).

Saturday

Bonito Nights at Skylite

F1 is bringing some exciting collaborations to Abu Dhabi, including the Skylite, Bonito and Secret Parties concept. The Bonito team is flying in from Mallorca to bring their signature fusion dishes with Secret Parties serving its Dubai party style in the capital. At the iconic rooftop venue, Skylite in the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, international DJs will be spinning until the morning across race weekend.
Ready to party? Click here to learn more.
Dec 9-12, 9pm-3am. W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island.

Festive afternoon tea at Stratos Revolving Lounge and Bar

Insta-worthy Abu Dhabi views, European holiday treats and special times with those near and dear come together for this festive afternoon tea. Ready to be holly-jolly? We thought so.
For more festive teas to try in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs99 (soft drinks), Dhs125 (upgrade). From Dec 1, Wed-Sat, 2pm-5pm. Le Royal Meridien, Khalifa Street, Al Markaziya (800 101 101).

Join the soiree at Bagatelle

Bistro Bagatelle is taking over the Stars ‘N’ Bars terrace on Saturday December 11 for F1, and it’s bringing a big dose of French fun to the capital. The experience is available for one night only. DJ Emir and DJ Tim Davis will be spinning tunes from 3pm until 11pm. The celebrations don’t stop there, though, as the party will continue until 2am with dishes and mixed drinks to enjoy throughout the night.
Read more about the party here.
Sat Dec 11, 3pm-2am. Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina (04 354 5035).