It’s Thursday. You’re waving the office goodbye for the weekend, and one question stops you in your tracks: what should I do this weekend?
Don’t fret. There are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi right now, and we’ve gathered the best of them to help you make the most of your days off.
Whether you’re looking for a chilled night out, a banging brunch, sweet dining deal, or incredible activity. We’ve got you covered this weekend.
For more fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, click here.
Looking to eat an awesome meal out? Head here for all the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi.
For the very best bars, click here.
Love to keep active? Jog on over here for everything sport and wellbeing-related across the capital.
Culture is calling. Check out all the best in the arts scene here.
That’s your weekend sorted. Let’s go.
Thursday
Enjoy some outdoor tunes at The Green
Looking for a new live music venue to enjoy in Abu Dhabi? With the weather winding down it’s the perfect time to take the party outside, and we have just the new spot. The Green is Abu Dhabi’s biggest pop-up hops garden. It’s brand new, and it’s opening at the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club on Friday October 1. The Green will be open from October to April, and aims to bring together Abu Dhabi based live music artists with the capital’s community. The spot is open daily, and is an open-air venue welcome to people of all ages.
Open daily, Sun-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Oct 1- April 30 2022. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club @thegreenabudhabi.
Splash into one of the last ladies’ days at Yas Waterworld
It’s ladies only day at Yas Waterworld this Thursday and we’re splashing in. Enjoy a female-only day out with full access to the waterpark in complete privacy. There is a strict no-mobile phone policy and female-only staff. The waterpark will be lit up in pink and you can enjoy adrenaline-pumping rides or take it easy on the lazy river. Catch this event before it ends for the year.
Oct 7, Oct 14. Yas Island. www.yaswaterworld.com
Visit Qasr Al Watan
Want to see some truly incredible architecture? Qasr Al Watan is a cultural landmark housed within the Presidential Palace compound in the capital. Visitors get to discover the majestic hallways of the Palace of the Nation and delve into a world of fascinating exhibitions, artefacts and architecture. The Palace also houses the Qasr Al Watan Library, where visitors can explore a vast collection of books and resources on the UAE’s political, social and cultural history. Qasr Al Watan has recently launched a multimedia guide for children. The script is child-friendly, with games that help kids can take in the palace’s wonders.
Dhs60 (adults) Dhs30 (kids under 17). Sun-Wed 10am-6pm. Thu-Sat noon-8pm. Qasr Al Watan www.qasralwatan.ae/en/booking (600 54 4442).
Friday
Brunch at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Combining three restaurants in one brunch, there are more than 200 dishes to keep you chowing down at the Fairmont Friday Brunch. We have our eye on the succulent steaks from Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill especially.
Dhs249 (soft drinks), Dhs374 (house drinks), Dhs649 (bubbly). Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Al Maqta (02 654 3333)
Watch a free film at Cinema Space at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Looking for culture-led things to do in Abu Dhabi in October? This free ongoing film programme features a unique programme of films from different countries, presented by cultural foundations and embassies. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into foreign cinema.
Dates and times vary. Saadiyat Island. cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com/
Enjoy a night out at the Cove Beach Launch Party
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi is launching an all-new weekly R&B and hip-hop party: 808. The party kicks off on Friday October 8, creating an old school vibe with nostalgic beats from the 80s and 90s. There will be iconic throwbacks from renowned DJs DVS, Keeny and Nuf, alongside special guests in the lounge. You’ll be transported back in time, surrounded by classic memorabilia and dancing to your favorite old-school hits. Ladies will also get a free Spanish grape and pink grape between 5pm and 7pm. There is a minimum spend starting at Dhs5000 for a table of ten people, so be sure to bring the whole gang.
Dhs5000 minimum spend. Fri midnight-3am. Cove Beach Abu Dhabi, Makers District at Reem Island (050 454 6920).
Scale to new heights at CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Head for heights? CLYMB Abu Dhabi is a physical test like few others in this part of the world, giving climbers the chance to get to grips with a real test of their credentials. There’s a huge range of walls to get familiar with, including the 43m SUMMYT, which boasts the record of being the world’s largest indoor wall of its kind. You may be strapped in, but do push off a solid foot and never (ever) look down.
Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Yas Island, clymbabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Watch the Red Arrows put on an incredible aerial show
A world-famous flying squadron, the Red Arrows, is soaring over Expo 2020 Dubai to mark the opening of the world’s greatest show. Catch a spectacular 20-minute show at the Expo 2020 Dubai site on Friday October 8 at 4pm. Prepare to be amazed; the display will include brand-new moves and some of the biggest displays in the team’s inventory. (We hear there’s going to be a move where nine jets roll upside down just six feet apart from each other). There will also be a chance to meet team pilots after the show at the UK Pavilion.
Fri October 8 at 4pm. Dubai Exhibition Centre, expo2020dubai.com.
Saturday
See the new exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi
It’s one of our favourite places in the city (maybe even the world) aka Louvre Abu Dhabi, and it has a brand new exhibition out. The stunning Dragon and the Phoenix exhibition will take you on a journey between China and the Islamic world through art.
Dhs63. Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae.
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an American twist at 49er’s Steakhouse and Club
Oktoberfest is happening at 49er’s Steakhouse and Club until Sunday October 17. You can expect to find games, entertainment, dancing, music, sports, food, and hops. On the Oktoberfest menu you’ll find brathendl (half roast chicken), bierfleisch (German beef stew) and German schnitzel (traditional veal schnitzel). Prices start at Dhs75. Get German hops starting at Dhs35.
Dhs75. 42er’s Steakhouse and Club, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi (02 645 8000).
Start the spooky season at Warner Bros World
From Friday October 8, and all throughout the month, you can take part in spooky activities across Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. From braving your fears in Gotham City on Frightful Fridays, to joining everyone’s favourite mystery-solving pup during Scooby’s Trickity Treat Saturdays, there’s plenty to get you into the Halloween mood this October. It’s fun for kids and big kids alike. Don’t forget to check out the décor at Cartoon Junction and munch on Halloween candy while you walk around the park.
From Dhs295. Oct 8, 15, 22, 29 (Frightful Fridays) Oct 9, 16, 23, 30 (Trickity Treat Saturdays). Yas Island wbworldad.com (600 511115).
