It’s finally the weekend – can we get a whoop? We’re sprinting out of the office to start making the most of our days off. There are some incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend; we’re ready to dive in if you are.

Time is always flying in Abu Dhabi, and you might be wondering how to make the most of your days off. But don’t stress, we’ve gathered the best of a bunch of incredible things to do to help you make the most of your days off.

Delicious dining, brilliant brunches, sporting activities and the best of arts and culture. Are you ready for this weekend?

For more fantastic things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, click here.

Want to eat out or grab a drink with friends? We have your next great foodie discovery here.

If staying active is up your street, click here for everything sport-related across the capital.

Love the arts? Click here for the best arts and culture.

That’s your weekend sorted.

Thursday

Soak in the art with Abu Dhabi Art at Manarat Al Saadiyat

If there is one art event in Abu Dhabi that you can’t miss, it’s Abu Dhabi Art. The massive fair is returning in person from Thursday November 18 to Sunday November 21 with a diverse line-up of 49 galleries from around the world. Tickets are Dhs55 for all five days and you’ll need a 96-hour negative PCR test to enter. Kids, students, people of determination and senior citizens get in for free.
Click here to read more about Abu Dhabi art.
Dhs55 (free for students, people of determination and senior citizens). Nov 18-21. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, abudhabiart.ae/en.

Go to the opening of the Sheikh Zayed Festival

The Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is back and opening this weekend with tonnes of cool things to do. There you’ll be able to experience Emirati heritage and culture through arts, crafts, food and customs and more. The festival will run from Thursday November 18 to April 1, 2022 at Al Wathbah, a suburban neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi near Bani Yas.
Read about ten awesome things to do at the festival here.
Nov 18 to Apr 1, 2022, open daily 4pm-midnight. Al Wathbah South (800 555).

Catch the Anar pop-up at Shangri-La

If you love Persian food you’re going to want to get this event on your radar. This weekend you can try a Dubai favourite without ever leaving Abu Dhabi, because Anar is hosting a pop-up at Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi this month. The pop-up will last until Saturday November 20, and diners will be able to tuck into the award-winning restaurant’s signature Persian dishes, featuring ace ingredients sourced from the Persian region and tried-and-tested recipes from Chef Vali Forghani.
Nov 14-20, 6-11 pm. Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, shangri-la.com/abudhabi (02 509 88).

Friday

Go for a climb at Circuit X

Looking to do something adventurous this weekend in Abu Dhabi? Tucked away in Hudariyat Marvista, this spot offers a bunch of activities to get active. Looking to reach new heights? Zip through the air and climb as high as you can at the ropes park. Prefer to stay closer to the ground? There’s a dirt trail to explore at BMX park. For UAE National Day, Circuit X is giving the first 50 people who book online 50 percent off their bookings to any park of their choice on Thursday December 2 using the code UAE50.
Circuit X Adventure Park, Al Hudayriat Island www.circuitxuae.com.

Dance your heart out 2ND Sun at Manarat Al Saadiyat

Are you ready to dance? Abu Dhabi Art, Factory People and Brag are collaborating to bring the dance floor back to Abu Dhabi as part of the Abu Dhabi Art Fair. The event goes for two nights from Thursday November 18 to Friday November 19. Proceeds go to emerging artists from the region. You’ll need a valid vaccination and 96-hour negative PCR test to be admitted.
Free (with Abu Dhabi Art ticket). Nov 18-19, 6pm-3am. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island www.abudhabiart.ae/en.

Go to the soft launch of the riot club brunch at The Green

Looking for a brand new brunch in Abu Dhabi? There’s a Riot Club brunch launching at The Green with live entertainment, games, DJs and more. The soft opening is happening on Friday November 19, with more brunches to follow every Friday into 2022. It goes from 12.30pm to 4pm and costs Dhs275 per person for the buffet and house drinks. There is also an after-party from 4pm to 8pm, for anyone who wants to keep the fun going.
Read more about the riot club brunch here.
Dhs275 (house). Fri 12.30pm-4pm (brunch), 4pm-8pm (after-party). Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Al Mushrif, @thegreenabudhabi

See live entertainment at Yas Mall

Ready to be entertained while you shop? Yas Mall Town Square is hosting a fun and fiesta set for families that kicks off at 3.30pm. There will be a showdown between UAE-based hip-hop dance crews: B-boys and Dance Monkeys, saxophone tunes, and a roaming parade of freestyle dancers.
Nov 19, 3.30pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island www.yasmall.ae/en/home.

Saturday

Go for a free yoga class at the Galleria Al Maryah Island

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is giving yogis the chance to work on their yoga practice at complimentary sessions led by professional instructors happening multiple times a week. The yoga sessions take place at Sky Park on Level Four on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8.30am to 9.30am.
Read more about the free yoga classes here.

Get the new Ghostbusters crazy shake at Black Tap

Looking for a sweet note to end your weekend on? The Ghostbusters S’mores Crazyshake is made up of toasted marshmallow frosted rim, topped with a s’mores cookie, blue and green rock candy, whipped cream and crushed graham crackers, and will be available from November 18 to 28 at all Black Tap branches.
Dhs62. Nov18-28. Black Tap, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island

See a Michael Jackson-themed performance at Theatre by Erth

Annie are you okay? You will be once you see the latest live theatre production at Erth. From the Jackson 5 to The King of Pop, MJ History encapsulates the wonder of Michael Jackson. The show promises outstanding live vocals, detailed costumes, stunning choreography and musicianship combined with jaw-dropping projections and special effects. We’re dancing in our seats.
Click here to find out more about Erth’s live theatre.
Dhs135 Nov 18-20. Erth Hotel Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta (02 441 5900).