Is it the weekend already? We’re packing up our things and heading out of the office ASAP to make the most of our days off. There are so many fun things to do in Abu Dhabi, you’d better hold onto your hats this weekend.
With time flying in Abu Dhabi as usual, you might be wondering how to make the most of your weekend. 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.
Whether you’re looking for a great night out, a brilliant brunch, delicious dining or amazing activity, you’re covered this weekend.
For more fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend, click here.
Looking for the best restaurants and bars in Abu Dhabi? Head here for your next great find.
If you love staying fit, you’re going to love our lists. Race 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. What are you waiting for?
Thursday
Supper Club at Filini Garden
Thursday evenings at Filini Garden are all about the Supper Club. Dine on basil and truffle calamari rings, Margherita and salami pizzas, signature bevvies and desserts like pistachio mascarpone while the live DJ keeps the good vibes going.
For more awesome brunches click here.
Dhs159 (soft), Dhs259 (house). Thu 5pm-onwards. Radisson Blue Yas Island, Yas West (02 656 2000).
Take your fitness to the next level at Deerfields Mall
Looking for something sporty to do this weekend? Deerfields mall is hosting a month-long fit fest from Sunday October 28 to Saturday November 27. Mall visitors of all ages can participate in daily fitness classes and challenges, with HIIT, Zumba, Les Mills and yoga sessions. There will also be free health and wellness checks with medical consultants. There will also be competitions and weekly raffle prizes worth up to Dhs60,000.
For the best of Abu Dhabi shopping, click here.
Until Nov 27. Deerfields Mall, Al Bahyah, deerfieldsmall.com.
Enjoy a night out at Bambu
Brand-new bar with zany jungle vibes? Sounds like the perfect place to spend a Friday night. Bambu is all about vibrant décor and eye-catching dishes from across Asia and South America. We’re ready to rumble in the jungle.
Open daily, 12.30pm-midnight. Crystal Hotel, near Madinat Zayed (050 672 7903).
Friday
Try the new Trinidadian roti menu at West to West Kitchen
Have you tried West to West yet? Of course you have, and if you haven’t, we’d suggest you head there as soon as you’re finished reading this list. This gem of a spot downtown serves Caribbean and West African food that are a consistent smash. The new Trinidadian roti menu includes a vegan Trinidadian channa and aloo roti, a Trinidadian curried chicken roti, and a Trinidadian curried shrimp roti. We’re so there this weekend.
Looking for the best places for backpackers to eat in Abu Dhabi? Click here.
Al Bzaymi Street, Al Zahiyah (02 671 9119).
Watch a free film festival online with The Arts Center at NYUAD
CinemaNa is back at NYUAD with online conversations and screenings by influential filmmakers from the Arab world. This edition includes a talk with two experts in the field on Monday November 8 at 8pm to discuss the work of contemporary filmmaker Jocelyne Saab. Three of Saab’s contemporary films will be available for on-demand viewing from Wednesday November 3 until Wednesday November 10 for all those who book a ticket to attend the talk.
For everything movie-related in Abu Dhabi click here.
Until Nov 10. The Arts Center at NYUAD, Saadiyat Island (02 628 6868).
Eat outside at BBQ Al Qasr
Looking for the ultimate al fresco dining experience? BBQ Al Qasr is back with a new menu of ingredients from the land and sea. There you’ll find open fire cooking methods and an extensive meat and seafood menu with signature dishes like the Tomahawk steak, charcoal-grilled lamb chops, baby chicken, wood-fired king crab legs, jumbo shrimp, and a barbequed seafood platter. Dig in.
For the best outdoor bars in Abu Dhabi click here.
Sat-Mon 5pm-midnight. Emirates Palace, W Corniche Road (02 690 7999).
Weekend Spritz at Alba Terrace
Looking for something between a lunch and a brunch? Something laid back and leisurely this weekend sounds about right to us. Head to Alba Terrace at the Abu Dhabi EDITION and you’ll find a Mediterranean-style afternoon on the terrace. Expect classic dishes, new seasonal creations and warming, fresh delights from the poolside wood fired oven, alongside signature fizzy mixed drink and a selection of Amalfi inspired mixed drinks.
Dhs215 (soft), Dhs325 (house), Dhs445 (bubbly) Dhs550 (pool and cabana access). Fri-Sat noon-4pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION www.albaterrace.com
Saturday
Bring your dog to brunch at Stars N Bars
Love brunch but hate leaving your best friend at home? Now you can bring your dog to brunch at Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi. That’s right, the Yas Marina restaurant and bar’s dogo-friendly brunch is back and pups are more than welcome to join. Enjoy a Saturday afternoon with your pooch from noon until 4pm for just Dhs99. Woof.
Click here to learn more about the dog-friendly brunch.
Dhs99 (food, one drink), Dhs198 (2 hours house). Sat noon-4pm. Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Marina (02 565 0101).
Celebrate Diwali at Namak
In honour of the Festival of Lights 2021, Namak is offering a dazzling dinner this weekend from 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm. The Diwali celebration meal at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi’s Indian restaurant features carefully chosen dishes that merge tradition, colours, beautiful flavours and spice. The prepared set menu is Dhs149 for vegetarians and Dhs169 for non-vegetarians.
For more great ways to celebrate Diwali in Abu Dhabi click here.
From Dhs149 (vegetarian), Dhs169 (non-vegetarian) Reservations recommended. Nov 3-6, 7pm-11.30pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road, dusit.com/dusitthani-abudhabi/dining (02 698 8137).
Alley-oop at Reem Central Park
Strap on your helmet and elbow pads, because this is one of the coolest spots in the city for a skater. Located in the heart of Reem Island, you’ll be doing ollies in no time at Reem Central Park. Add it to your skater to-do list, or just go there for a bite and cool vibes.
Click here for extreme sports in the UAE.
Open 24 hours. Reem Island. reemcentralpark.com.
Sacci
If the typical grape and cheese night doesn’t have enough cheese for you (we get you) then you’re going to want to get this deal on your radar. The “fun-due” menu at Saaci is an offer we just can’t refuse. Dhs159 per person gets you sharing starters with a cheese and salami platter, vegetarian arancini and cheese fondue. It doesn’t stop there. You also get your choice of pasta, your choice of pizza, and an Italian dessert plus free-flowing red and white grape.
Looking for more incredible pizzas in Abu Dhabi? Click here to find them.
Dhs159. Wed 7pm-11pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9702).