10 wonderful things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi

It’s finally the weekend, which means the city is crawling with incredible things to do.

Whether you’re hanging out at the beach, doing a sporting activity, trying a new dining experience, or hanging out in the city, we have the full list of the coolest stuff you don’t want to miss.

Read on for the very best things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

For more  great things to do in the capital 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.

Thursday

Book a staycation at Emirates Palace with 40 percent off

Emirates Palace has a limited time offer of 40 percent off the best available rates until September 10. You will also get a free room upgrade plus early check in and two free signature patisseries from Mandarin Cake Shop pop up at Le Café. The offer is available for stays from Thursday September 2 to Thursday September 30.
Prices vary. Emirates Palace, West Corniche road (02 690 9000).

Go for Pan Asian night at Urban Kitchen

On Thursdays from 7pm to 10.30pm you’ll get signature dishes from a sprawling buffet that takes you across the tastes of Asia. It’s not a brunch to miss and one of the best ways to go on a bit of a gastronomic globe trot without havign to leave the capital. 
Dhs180 (soft); Dhs320 (house); Dhs90 (kids). Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road (02 698 8137).

Have dinner at Café 302

Café 302, one of our favourite spots downtown for a coffee and an eggs benny, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with special themed buffet nights. Roots & Shoots night is happening every Thursday for Dhs99. This vegan buffet features creative 100% plant-based creations from healthy salads and appetisers to mains and tempting desserts. Don’t want to eat plant based? There is also a Mediterra Night happening every Wednesday with a buffet of food from Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. On Fridays you can also head to this spot for a quiz challenge at 1pm. Sounds like the weekend is packed with great things to do.
Dhs99 (soft); Thu 6pm-10pm. Fatima Bint Mubarak Street rotana.com/almahaarjaanbyrotana (02 610 6666).

Friday

Catch a live DJ at COYA Abu Dhabi

Live DJ sets have always played a key part in the distinct ambiance of COYA Abu Dhabi, and so music fans will be delighted to hear that they are resuming with a number of performances from some super-talented music producers. There is a new resident DJ: Eva Voytko, who is a Russian-born Armenian artist who has travelled the world looking for the best music. She’ll be mixing creative beats every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening.
Sun-Wed noon-4.30pm, 6.30pm-1am; Thu-Fri noon-4.30pm, 6.30pm-2am; Sat 12.30pm-12.30am. Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).

Try the matcha café everyone’s talking about

Soo Matcha is dedicated to everything green tea. With desserts, drinks, milkshakes and more, you’re bound to love this spot. It’s opening a second branch in Dubai soon too.
Read more about Soo Matcha here.
Open daily, Sat-Thu 11am-11pm; Fri 2pm-11pm. Muroor, Al Sa’adah (050 566 8085).

Tuck into a Supper Club Brunch at Stratos

There’s no denying, the view at Stratos is incredible. When you step inside and take in the spectacular view of downtown Abu Dhabi from 26 storeys up, you’re suddenly reminded how vibrant our great city is. The good vibes keep going with the Supper Club Brunch, which happens on Friday evenings and has enough food to make you feel like you’re going to burst. Featuring a buzzing atmosphere, jazz music, and those all-important views, you’ll never want to leave this spot.
Dhs395. Fri 6pm-midnight. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Street (02 695 0490).

Watch Disney On Ice Presents: Find Your Hero before the show’s run comes to an end

It’s time to forget your fears and join Disney On Ice and go on an adventure. From voyaging unchartered terrorities with Moana and Maui to diving under the sea with Ariel and Sebastien, this is one escapade at the Etihad Arena which you will want to pluck up every ounce of bravery to see. It ends Saturday, so get your skates on.
From Dhs195. Until Sat Sep 11. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae.

Saturday

Try the new drive-in dining experience at Sola Café and Restaurant

If you’re part of the Abu Dhabi foodie scene, then you must’ve heard about Sola Café and Restaurant. Located in the trendy Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park area, Sola is surrounded by many of the city’s up-and-coming restaurants and cafés, and it’s an absolute standout. If you’re looking for a different way to dine, Sola has launched an in-car dining service. Sola’s unique dishes are one honk away and staff will attend to you with a wooden table, cutlery, and a golden lamp to bring the restaurant’s glam atmosphere to your car. You’ll also get a coffee pouch afterwards to freshen up the car’s smell afterwards. Once again, Sola is wowing us with inventive ideas. We’re pulling up now.
Read the fill Time Out Abu Dhabi review of Sola Restaurant and Café here.
Open daily 7am-1am. Unlicensed. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park, Al Khalidiya, solacafe.com (02 546 3558).

Sip afternoon tea at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi

Love an afternoon tea? Want to take it to the next level? Treat yourself to sweet and savoury treats in the Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi. You’ll also get a surprise gift from ICORA: a revolutionary organic beauty brand homegrown in the UAE. On the menu you’ll find superfood bites and classic bites prepared by Executive Chef, Nikolaos Tsimidakis. For Dhs149 you can have the tea and coffee package, or upgrade to Dhs229 for two hours of unlimited bubbly.
Dhs149 (tea and coffee); Dhs229 (bubbly). Thu-Sat 2pm-6pm. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi (02 509 8555).

Step into the ring at PUNCH

We think Muhammad Ali would have appreciated this flashy boxing boutique studio in Zayed Sports City. PUNCH studio lets you get your punches in with flashing lights and motivational music in a slick and stylish setting. The studio offers two classes: PUNCHHIIT, a mix of boxing with high-intensity interval training; and PUNCHARD, which is about your technique. You can also buy boxing merch.
Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30-11.30am, Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
Click here for our favourite boxing studios in Abu Dhabi.