What to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi (8/9/10 May)

Here are our activity picks for this weekend – just a small personal selection among the many things happening in Abu Dhabi.
Have a happy one!

Please note that to join some of the activities listed below you need to become a member of the group that organises them: most memberships are free but some require a fee.
Always double check/book using the provided links before setting off, as last minute changes to time/places/availability might have occurred since this list was compiled.

SPORT
Try your golfing skills at one of the many golf clubs around town: if the temperatures are too high for you and you don’t fancy the early morning slot (many courses open at 6AM), you can always go for the floodlit academy courses: we usually go to Yas Links and take the last slot of the day, at 9PM. And if you – like us – don’t really know your wood from your iron, you can always do an intensive golf class.

THURSDAY 8

CULTURE/TALK
6:30 PM – The New York University Abu Dhabi organised a lecture called ‘Abu Dhabi in photographs: the birth of a city’. Using many never-before-seen historic photographs and film clips, James Langton, the author of The National’s weekly “Time Frame” series, will open a window into the UAE’s past and illustrate how Abu Dhabi began a transformation in the early 1960’s from little more than a fishing village to a dynamic modern city. And if you don’t fancy going alone, you can join this Meetup group which is already going.

MEETUP/NIGHTLIFE
7 PM – The After Work Drinks in the City group is heading to the Belgian Cafe for their Drink O’ Clock event.

NIGHTLIFE
7 PM – The Aloft hotel is hosting the Liquid Rain Pool Party, with tunes by DJ Jose RC, DJ Chad Phunk and DJ Stew Magoo.

INTERNATIONS/NIGHTLIFE
8 PM – This Internations group is going to the Jazz’N Fizz bar inside the Sofitel hotel, a good chance for a couple of drinks, live music and meeting new friends.

Using many never-before-seen historic photographs and film clips, the author of The National’s weekly “Time Frame” series opens a window into the UAE’s past and illustrates how Abu Dhabi began a transformation in the early 1960’s from little more than a fishing village to a dynamic modern city. – See more at: http://nyuadi.force.com/Events/EventRegistration?event=VNJA3xPx4eXy6g8M1_2BISbQ_3D_3D#sthash.Dn9iGur9.dpuf

FRIDAY 9

MEETUP/SPORT
7:30 AM – The Raw Yoga group wakes up early for their usual Hatha yoga class in Formal park.

FRIDAY BRUNCH
12:30 PM – This week we choose the brunch at Ingredients, inside the Eastern Mangroves Hotel. It has 5 different sections and cuisines from around the world, and live music by a pianist and a singer.

MEETUP/LADIES ONLY
1 PM – The Abu Dhabi Ladies group goes for brunch at the Royal Meridien hotel.

MUSIC/PARTY
1 PM – The Blue Marlin Ibiza presents Italian electronic musician Marco Carola for an afternoon of music and entertainment.

SPORT
1:30 PM – The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Cafe is showing premier sport games live on their screens. Match of the day is: Super Rugby –  Rebels v Hurricanes (More info: email theclubhousesportsbar@gmail.com)

DANCE
3 PM– If you are a fan of Brazilian Zouk, or if you – like us – never heard of it before, these workshops at Zayed Sports City can be a fun way to spend an afternoon or two.

MUSIC
4 PM – Local independent music association AUHDIO is showcasing the talent of Beatbox Ray, Andeo, Physical Graffiti, Hermano and Music Society with a free event at New York University Abu Dhabi. More info on facebook.

ADVENTURE/NATURE
6 PM – The Abu Dhabi 4×4/offroad association has organised a desert adventure for all ages: more info here.

MEETUP/PHOTOGRAPHY
7 PM – The Abu Dhabi Photographers group meets for their photo of the week and bi-weekly group meetup.

MUSIC
7 PM – New-York based acclaimed music group Aeolus Quartet is live in concert at the British School in Al Khubairat. More info on facebook.

SATURDAY 10

FOOD
12 PM – Saturday lunch at the Abu Dhabi fish souk can be a great foodie adventure! More info on our blog post.

SPORT
From 1:30 PM – The Clubhouse Sports Bar and Cafe is showing premier sport games live on their screens. Matches of the day are:
Super Rugby –  Brumbies v Sharks 1.30pm
Aviva Premiership – Harlequins v Bath 5.15pm
Super Rugby  – Bulls v Stormers 9.00pm
(More info: email theclubhousesportsbar@gmail.com)

CULTURE
2 PM – A workshop called ‘Remembering the Abu Dhabi Volcano‘ will take place at Qasr Al Hosn. The ‘Abu Dhabi Volcano’ was a massive public fountain – once a popular landmark and gathering place along the old Corniche. Participants will be asked to share their personal photographs and memories of the fountain, and to work together to build a small-scale reconstruction of the volcano. Art professors and university students from various academic institutions in Abu Dhabi will lead this workshop, which aims to inspire city residents and travelers alike, and remind us of this unique public sculpture.

ANIMALS/CHARITY
2 PM – 4 PM – Local charity Sandy Paws is hosting an adoption day at the German Vet Clinic to find a new home for many of their furry friends. Among them are stunning Casper, adorable Spirit and cuddly Eddie. Maybe your next best friend is waiting for you? And if you can’t adopt, you can always drop by, get some cuddles and make a donation to support Sandy Paws’ incredible work.

MEETUP/ANIMALS
4:30 PM – The UAE Animal Lovers group is visiting the Al Bahya Sanctuary, an Emirati-owned private farm housing rescued cats, dogs, ponies, and donkeys. We have been there, the doggies are adorable and we loved the whole experience.

FOOD FESTIVAL
The British Fest – at Lulu Hypermarket in Khalidiyah Mall – celebrates 10 days of British yummy-tude, with especially flown-in supplies of British food and produce. The British Ambassador to the UAE will cut the ribbon on the 8th of May and the plethora of UK delicacies will be available until the 17th of May.

TECHNOLOGY
The 3Doodler, quoted as being the world’s first ‘3D drawing pen’, will be available for trials and demonstrations at the Virgin Megastore in Al Wadha Mall both Friday 9 and Saturday 10, from 1 PM to 10 PM. For more info, you can contact the store on +971 (2) 445 3327 or email their PR.

ART EXHIBITION
The newest art exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat is now open: created in collaboration with the British Museum, London, it is called A History of the World in 100 Objects and brings to the UAE objects from the past to the present, all with incredible stories behind them. From the legendary Royal Game of Ur to a Chelsea football club jersey, this exciting journey through time is truly worth a visit. Our favourite? The foot-operated car invented in 2013 by Emirati student Reem Al Marzouqi, a life-changing invention for all those affected by physical disabilities. The exhibition will run until the 1st of August. And if you don’t fancy going alone, this Meetup group is planning to visit on Saturday 10 at 5 PM.

ART EXHIBITION
A new exhibition of the spellbinding works of Uzbek artist Sanjar Djabbarov – Wonders of Central Asia – starts on the 27th of April and goes on until the 10th of May. It is held at the Alif Art Gallery, Avenue at Etihad Towers.

ART EXHIBITION
The Lightbox Gallery, inside the Yas Viceroy Hotel on Yas Island, is now displaying the stunning artworks by Brazilian mixed-media artist Fiona Ai Bubble. The exhibition is free and on until the 9th of August.

ART EXHIBITION
A Pictorial Orchestration: paintings by Italian artist Amedeo Tremigliozzi, on until the 10th of May. See blog post for more info.