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10 incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this long weekend

Sunset adventures, climbing competitions, special menus, staycations and more

It’s nearly the long weekend here in Abu Dhabi (ahhh yes) and that means it’s time to plan all the awesome things you’re going to do.

Need some planning inspiration? That’s what we’re here for. Check out these ten incredible things to do this long weekend to make the most of your much-deserved days off.

For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.
For restaurants to visit click here.
For bars click here.
For sporting things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.
For staycations click here.
For pool day deals click here.

That’s your long weekend sorted.

Thursday

Compete in the CLYMB Abu Dhabi games
Compete in the CLYMB Abu Dhabi games

Are you ready to get competitive? Whether you’re a beginner or a climbing expert, CLYMB Abu Dhabi is inviting you to take part in its very first climbing competition. If you don’t have much experience or you’re climbing for the first time, the give it a go category will challenge you to achieve the fastest possible climb on the intermediate wall. More seasoned climbers can take part in any of the following categories: Pro Lite for L2 climbers, and the Pro+ category for L3 and L4 climbers. The Pro Lite category will include two challenges: bouldering and speed climbing. In the Pro+ category, climbers take part in three challenges: bouldering, speed, and top rope climbing.
Until Aug 24. CLYMB Abu Dhabi, Yas Island www.clymbabudhabi.com/en/offers/the-clymb-games


Try the special weekend menu at Cipriani Yas Island
Try the special weekend menu at Cipriani Yas Island

Looking for a special menu for the holiday? Cipriani Yas Island is honouring the holiday by adding a specially curated lamb dish to its menu. The Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb with Ash Potatoes will only be available from Monday August 9 to Thursday August 12 to mark the special occasion. Cipriani’s á la carte dishes will also be available for you to enjoy while you enjoy the atmosphere at this Yas venue.
Until Aug 12. Yas Marina, Yas Island www.ciprianiyasisland.com (02 657 5400).


Get away for 50 hours at Emirates Palace
Get away for 50 hours at Emirates Palace

Want to have a staycation at one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxe (not to mention famous) hotels? This weekend you can get a deal for 30 percent off the best available rate with a free room upgrade on every booking. You’ll also get two free 23-karat gold flaked Palace Cappuccinos at Le Café. The offer is only available for bookings made before Saturday August 14 for stays until Monday November 15.
Until Aug 14. Emirates Palace, Corniche Road www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/luxury-hotel/limited-time-offer (02 690 8888).


Friday

Have a sunset adventure at Circuit X Adventure Park
Have a sunset adventure at Circuit X Adventure Park

Head to Circuit X Adventure Park on Hudariyat Island this weekend for a special discount on tonnes of fun activities. This weekend you’ll get 30 percent off at the High Ropes Park, BMX Park and Skate Park plus unlimited free water.
Sun-Tues 5pm-11pm; Thurs 5pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 4pm-midnight. Circuit X Adventure Park, Al Hudayriat Island (02 691 0302) circuitxuae.com.


Try the chef’s brunch at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal
Try the chef’s brunch at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal

Head to The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal for a gourmet Friday brunch at Giornotte. The Chef’s Brunch is prepared a la minute by world-class chefs with gourmet dishes from around the world. Try everything from wagyu beef to a range of seafood dishes, to sweet treats like chocolate pudding.
Dhs320 (soft) Dhs420 (house, sparkling) Dhs599 (bubbly). Fri 1pm-4pm. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (02 818 8203).


Eat burgers at Yas Marina for burger month
Eat burgers at Yas Marina for burger month

August is Burger Month at Yas Marina, with four different venues offering special prices on signature burgers. Head to Diablito for a cheddar burger and house beverage for Dhs75; Aquarium is offering a beef burger with a free cola for Dhs109; Stars ’N’ Bars is offering loads of burgers to choose from: the SNB Original Double, Hell Yeah Burger, Pretzel Burger, Crispy Chicken Burger, The Ahi Tuna Burger or a Beyond Burger; Iris has special mini burgers, plus a vegetarian burger.
Until Aug 31. Yas Marina, Yas Island www.yasmarina.ae.


Take advantage of the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island staycation offer
Take advantage of the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island staycation offer

Have a sweet summer staycation at a fab new resort at Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Choose the summer for fun offer and book a stay with room-rates starting from Dhs620 including breakfast for two adults, while kids under 12 stay for free. The rate also includes access to Yas Theme Parks for every registered guest, valid for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi for every night you stay. You’ll also get 50 percent off entrance to Yas Beach and get 25 percent off food and beverages across the hotel’s dining outlets.
Starting at Dhs620. Until Aug 31. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island (02 208 6888).


Saturday

Have a meal out at Benjarong at Dusit Thani
Have a meal out at Benjarong at Dusit Thani

Looking for a meal out? Why not go for Thai. We’ve long been fans of Dusit Thani’s signature restaurant, which has branches across the globe. The Abu Dhabi outlet has much of the same details that we’ve come to expect – stylish and modern interiors, paired with top-notch service that showcases the very best of Thai hospitality. The menu is filled with classics, with pad Thai, tom yum soup and pad kra prow all making an appearance, but our favourites lie among the curry section.
Read the full Time Out review of Benjarong here.
Sat-Thu 12.30pm-3pm, 7pm-11.30pm; Fri 7pm-11.30pm. Licensed. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8888).


Enjoy a night out at Ray’s Bar
Enjoy a night out at Ray’s Bar

Looking for a swish night out? Head to Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers for an unforgettable nighttime experience. Nab innovative mixed drinks and refreshing beverages with stunning views of the city at this hotspot.
Tue-Thu, Sat 6pm-11pm; Fri 5pm-11pm (closed Sun-Mon). Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road www.hilton.com/en/hotels/auhetci-conrad-abu-dhabi-etihad-towers/dining/.


Try the Saturday Roast night at Oak Room
Try the Saturday Roast night at Oak Room

Set in an oak panelled restaurant with English rock ‘n’ roll tunes and a three-hour set menu of British favourites, the Saturday Roast sounds like the perfect way to end the weekend. Dig into four courses, starting with seasonal salads, followed by salmon wellington. Then you choose your main from roasted striploin of beef or lamb saddle accompanied by a bunch of sides (the ever-important Yorkshire pudding is, of course, included). Desserts include sticky toffee pudding and apple and blackberry crumble plus a selection of cheeses. Wash it down with sparkling orange juice, mixed tomato juice, grapes, and bubbly.
Read the Time Out review of Oak Room here.
Dhs195 (soft) Dhs295 (house) Dhs365 (bubbly). Sat 12.30pm-5pm (3 hours). Oak Room, The Abu Dhabi EDITION .www.editionhotels.com.