12 nifty things to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi

Thursday
Brush off work and take a dip at Al Maya Island & Resort
Pool day on an island? Yes please. Al Maya Island & Resort is offering guests day passes during the week for just Dhs105, with Dhs50 redeemable for grub and bevvies. But if you can’t escape the office in time on Thursday, Friday and Saturday’s deal is just as generous, with Dhs199 for entry but a credit of Dhs150 for refueling. What about boat transfers you ask? All included in the price. Time to set sail. For more pool deal in Abu Dhabi click here.
Sun-Thu Dhs105 (with Dhs50 credit back to spend on F&B), Fri-Sat Dhs199 (with Dhs150 credit back to spend on F&B). Al Maya Island, almayauae.com/pool-beach (02 667 7777).

Stuff your face at brand-new restaurant Medi Terra
Mediterranean grub up your street? Then make a beeline to visit the newest member of the Marsa Al Bateen Marin family. Medi Terra transports taste buds to southern Europe with classical Italian meals such as calamari with lemon aioli, arancini, burrata, seafood linguini, braised chicken alfredo and more. Throughout Ramadan, Medi Terra is open from 3pm until 1am during the week and between 3pm and 2am on weekends, and it’s also serving up special iftar and suhoor menus.
Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Ramadan hours Sun-Wed 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am. Marsa Al Bateen Marina (02 633 6366).

Thrills galore at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is one of the best theme parks on the scene, and what would you expect from a global name that has blazed a trail for theme parks worldwide. There’s a long list of rollercoasters and amusements to tick of the bucket list, and up until Wednesday May 12 thrill seekers can get their kicks for just Dhs100. Hold on to your hats.
Dhs100. Daily 4pm-8pm. Yas Island, wbworldabudhabi.com.

Upgrade meal times with these mega Mexican plates
Forgot to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an authentic Mexican meal? Don’t fret, as there is still a fiesta going on in the capital. From mountains of nachos and tasty tacos to pollo and carne, top Mexican restaurants in Abu Dhabi know how to whip up a spicy Latin American dish. Check out where you can find them by clicking here.

Friday

Bite off more than you can chew with Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant burger challenge
Think you can gobble a giant 1.5kg burger made from two thick patties of USA beef, cheddar cheese, gherkins, onion, tomatoes and lettuce, plus a side of truffle fries, in 25 minutes? You better, or else the price is Dhs195 at Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant, where they are throwing down a serious eating gauntlet. Those who can lick the plate clean get their chow for free, but you better arrive hungry if you want to stand a chance of walking (rolling?) away a champ.
Dhs195. Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. Until May 31. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3325).

Don the sweatbands at a heart-pumping gym class
Made the decision that you want a summer bod that would make Hercules jealous? Abu Dhabi is stacked full of cool gyms that make the grind all the more enjoyable. We’ve been pumping the iron this week to pull together a list of the moodiest places to get a pump on this weekend. With names like Adrenagy and PUNCH, you can already feel the attitude. Have a gander at Time Out’s coolest gyms in Abu Dhabi here.

Explore the brand-new House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn
It’s time to grab your cardigan and glasses, raise a finger thoughtfully to your chin and head to the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn. The city’s oldest stone building is exhibiting some of the finest creative practices that are born and bred in the UAE. One for the culture vultures out there, as well as those who want to breath in the fabric of the UAE, visitors can discover the secrets behind local craft work, and their place in the country’s rich tapestry.
Dhs30. Open Sat-Thu 10am-4pm, 7pm-11pm, Fri 7pm-2am. Al Hosn Palace, Abu Dhabi. qasralhosn.ae/en/house-of-artisans (02 444 0444).

Soar like an eagle while flyboarding
Forget about having a lazy weekend. Try something new. Like nothing you’ve experienced before, flyboarding propels riders above the waves via supremely powerful jets attached to a board at your feet. Think Iron man if he was powered by H20 instead of his tin suit (sorry, Jarvis). It’s wet, wild and possibly the coolest thing you can do in the capital right this second. Get. It. Booked. Already mastered flyboarding? Check out other water activities in Abu Dhabi here.
Daily. Call for timings. Abu Dhabi Marine, Abu Dhabi Corniche,abudhabimarine.ae (056 946 6898).

Hit the roof at night at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Don’t have a need for speed? What about the ‘excites’ for heights? It’s time to start your engines as the iconic red building on Yas Island is offering visitors a top deal. Buy yourself a night roof walk experience (which includes access to all the rides) and receive a free combo meal. Prices start from Dhs125 and it’s available every Thursday to Saturday. But you better be quick because the offer ends this Saturday May 15.
From Dhs125. Open Thu-Sat, times vary. Yas Island, ferrariworldabudhabi.com.

Saturday
Book your Eid staycay at Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
Eid is on the horizon and you’ve all earned the right to unwind with a little R&R. At Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi, guests are perfectly located for sightseeing (and eating) around the city as well as exploring the capital’s natural beauty. With rates starting from Dhs718 per night, staycayers can get themselves an Eid lunch or dinner buffet at Ingredients thrown into the mix. For more Eid staycation deals in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs718 (per night). Salam Street, www.anantara.com/en/eastern-mangroves-abu-dhabi/offers/eid-escape (02 656 1000).

Jump into the saddle with Horse Beach Riding, Abu Dhabi
While this company does do horse rides on the beach (which are very nice), we think (and know) a desert exploration is what you really should be doing this weekend with Horse Beach Riding. From Dhs350, adventurers can explore the Arabian desert for two hours. Hacks take place at 6am and 5pm when the mercury levels are not as high, but if you are feeling the heat, enjoy a dip with your might steed post-ride, with swim session prices starting from Dhs750. For more horse riding desert tours click here.
From Dhs350. Daily 6am and 5pm. horsebeachriding.com.

Marvel at the epic vistas of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
Switch up your Saturday soujourn with a road trip to the third most popular place to snap yourself behind the wheel, Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road. With a spectacular climb of 1,240 metres (the UAE’s highest point) through rocky limestone that has formed over millions of years, road trippers are greeted with stunning views of the desert and even Oman (on a clear day). Time to hit the open road.
Co-ordinates: 24.057023, 55.777984. Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain.

Slip into the fast lane on Al Hudayriat Island
Forget about topping up the tan on the beautiful beach, throw on the Lycra and helmet and go for a gentle (or quad searing, depending on your preference) cycle around Al Hudayriat Island. Yas Cycles rents bikes out for Dhs50 per hour and, with a dedicated track looping around the island, cyclists can take in a variety of sights including views of Etihad Towers, the bright blue Gulf and the Downtown skyline.
Free. Dhs50 (bike rental) Open daily 8am-7pm. Al Hudayriat Island.