It’s finally the weekend (was anyone else really confused coming into work on a Friday? Just us?) And we’re coming at you with all the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
There are loads of cool things happening in the capital this weekend, with brilliant brunches, cool kayaking experiences, art classes, spa deals and more.
Thank goodness it’s Friday and we’re all lucky enough to live in the world’s greatest city.
Looking for more great things to do in Abu Dhabi? Click here for all the coolest things to do.
Feeling hungry? Click here for the city’s best food and drink.
Looking for things to do with the family? Click here for things to do with the kids in Abu Dhabi.
And if you’re headed to Expo this weekend, we’ve got you covered here too.
Check out The Lighthouse Restaurant at Yas Bay
This spot is so much more than a restaurant. Looking for an artsy new spot to have a meal, shop, sip your coffee, or go for drinks with friends? How about all of the above? The Lighthouse is a versatile space that originally hails from the uber-cool Dubai Design District. It’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and it doubles as a boutique shopping spot with cool items to buy.
Click here to learn more about The Lighthouse Restaurant opening.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-midnight; Sat-Sun 8am-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront (02 236 7831).
Picnic in the park at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Looking for some outdoor fun this weekend? Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting a picnic in the park on Saturday January 15. There will be soft-serve stations, brownie pop-ups, retail, live entertainment and more. The picnic runs from 4pm to 10pm; kids can try the make and play activities while adults lounge in the sun. Kids under seven get in for free. Picnic baskets start at Dhs200 for members at Dhs230 for non-members. The basket gets you four entrances to the picnic, a box of food for four and hot chocolate vouchers. You can also go without a basket, with Dhs20 entry for members and Dhs30 for non-members to enjoy access to the park.
Click here to read more about the picnic.
Dhs20 (entry, members), Dhs30 (entry, non-members), Dhs200 (picnic basket, members), Dhs230 (picnic basket, non-members). Jan 15, 4pm-10pm. www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/programmes/picnic-in-the-park
Saturday brunch at Barfly by Buddha-Bar
Saturday is our new favourite brunch time, and Barfly brunch looks like a great place to start. Enjoy a set menu or buffet with appetizers, salads, mains, desserts and free-flowing drinks. The brunch is happening on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Prices start at Dhs285.
For our updated brunch guide, click here.
From Dhs285. Sat 1pm-4pm. The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (056 177 7557).
Spot the most beautiful camels at the Al Dhafra Festival
Drive to Madinet Zayed in Al Dhafra and you’ll find an incredible community celebrating the animal husbandry and culture of Bedouin life. At the heart of the festival are the camel beauty contests which involve tens of thousands of camels from across the region. There will also be loads of events, including purebred Arabian horse racing, Arabian Saluki dog races, falconry and handicrafts. Want more? There will be a sheep beauty contest, archery, shooting contests, and so on.
Click here to learn more about the Al Dhafra Festival.
Wed Jan 12- Sat Jan 22. Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra, Liwa Oasis, abudhabiculture.ae/en/experience/heritage-festivals/al-dhafra-festival
Swim with sharks at The National Aquarium
The National Aquarium Abu Dhabi is launching a scuba diving experience that puts you right into shark territory. You heard us. You don’t need any scuba experience to get in the tank with sharks, rays and other incredible wildlife. Get your wetsuit on.
Click here for our exclusive first look at this experience.
Dhs790 (Shark Dive), Dhs1,210 (Discover Scuba Diving). Timings vary; open to kids aged 10 years and older. The National Aquarium, Al Qana support@alboomdiving.com (056 829 6923).
Tuck into South-Mediterranean plates at this spot at Yas Marina
If you’re on the hunt for new restaurants in Abu Dhabi, we have good news: Ishtar is all about Mediterranean and fusion cuisine, al fresco vibes and marina views. The restaurant is named after an ancient Mesopotamian figure associated with love and beauty – and you can see why. (Insta feed, here we come). We’re expecting to tuck into some seriously meaty grills, seafood barbeque, hummus and salad.
Read more about Ishtar opening here.
Open Sat-Wed 4pm-2am; Thu-Fri 4pm-3am. Yas Marina, Yas Island www.ishtaryasmarina.com (050 402 2293).
Weekend brunch at Dino’s Bistro Italiano
Warm, casual and friendly vibes are on the menu at Dino’s this weekend. Check out Italian plates and premium bevvies for the à la carte brunch served right to your table. The evening brunch starts at Dhs190 including a cheese and antipasti station, or Dhs250 including signature mixed drinks.
For more evening brunches in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Dhs190 (soft), Dhs250 (mixed). Fri-Sun. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Al Rawdah (02 307 5555).
Wolf Moon kayaking at the Eastern Mangroves
It’s the first full moon of 2022 this weekend and you can get the very best view of it on the water at the Eastern Mangroves. Head there on Saturday January 15 and Sunday January 16 from 7pm to 9pm for a two-hour guided kayak tour and picnic in the mangroves.
For the best water-based activities in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Dhs99 (adults) Dhs89 (kids 12 and below). Sat Jan 15- Sun Jan 16 7pm-9pm. Eastern Mangroves Promenade (050 440 7008).
