What to do this weekend in Abu Dhabi (29/30/31 May)

Here are our activity picks for this weekend, chosen 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 might 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.

NATURE
Enjoy a relaxing day on one of the many beaches around Abu Dhabi, where top facilities and crystal clear water make for a great tanning day.
Among the many options available are Yas Beach, Saadiyat Beach, the Montecarlo Beach Club, the Hilton Beach Club, the Emirates Palace Beach or the Corniche, just to mention a few.

THURSDAY 29

MUSIC
7:30 PM – Legendary heavy metal band Black Sabbath are live in concert at the du Arena. Tickets are still available here.

ENVIRONMENT/NETWORKING
7:30 PM – If you work in the environmental field, you already know what the Green Drinks are: the Abu Dhabi version of these monthly events taking place all around the world to give people working in this area the chance to informally network and share ideas is due this weekend at Frankie’s, inside the Fairmont Bab al Bahr hotel.

MEETUP/NIGHTLIFE
7:30 PM – The Brits in Abu Dhabi group is heading to Cooper’s for drinks and socialising.

INTERNATIONS/NIGHTLIFE
8 PM – Social network for global minds Internations is hosting an evening out at the Jazz N’ Fizz Bar.

FRIDAY 30

MEETUP/BRUNCH
12:30 – The Are you new in Abu Dhabi? group is going for brunch at the Dusit Thani’s Urban Kitchen.

INTERNATIONS/BRUNCH
12:30 – The Lunch and Brunch group is heading to the brunch at the Sheraton Hotel Corniche.

BRUNCH
12:30 PM – This week we heard good things about the brunch at one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular Irish pubs, the McGettigan’s. We haven’t personally tried it yet but it is on the to-do list.

ANIMALS
2 PM – Great local charity Sandy Paws is hosting a kitten adoption day, the last before the summer. If you think you would like to add a furry friend to your family count, this is your chance. Even if you can’t adopt, you can always foster, or just come by, get some cuddles and make a donation towards the many vet’s bills!

NATURE
4 PM – Ok, so – technically the Al Ain Zoo is not in Abu Dhabi city, but as it is in the ‘region’ of Abu Dhabi, we are going to mention it anyway. This Friday is the last day to take part in the Arabian Endangered Species month: Arabian Oryx, Arabian leopard, Arabian Sand Cat, and Ghaf trees are the stars of the event. If you get there early, you can even get to exclusively enter in the Arabian Sand Cat incubation centre. Full program, directions and contacts are here.

PARTY/NIGHTLIFE
4 PM – The Press Pause Skylite Party might be the last chance to enjoy the rooftop terrace of the Skylite lounge inside the Yas Viceroy Hotel before the temperatures rise for the summer. Lined up are gourmet food and music from Dj Anya, Dj Cliff Townley, and Dj Mark.

NIGHTLIFE
7 PM – The Holiday Inn Hotel is hosting the Reggae Jam party, with special Caribbean food and drinks, and music from Dj M’Raz and Dj Chino.

NIGHTLIFE
7 PM – The Aloft Hotel is hosting the massively popular Immaculate Touch Pool Party, with live entertainment (including a 8 feet LED robot!), music from Dj Natalie Brogan and more.

SPORT
8 PM – The third and final round of the Gymkhana Drift racing event is taking place this weekend at the Yas Marina circuit. More info here.

SATURDAY 31

SHOPPING/CHARITY
9:30 AM – Animal charity Sandy Paws will be among the many sellers at the Al Yasmina Table Top Sale – inside the Al Yasmina School. It is a fantastic chance to bag a bargain and help a great cause!

SPORT/PARTY
1 PM – The Volleyball Beach Brunch at the Blue Marlin Ibiza – which is in Ghantoot, so slightly outside of Abu Dhabi city on the road to Dubai, promises an afternoon of sports and food, with tunes from Dj Jean B and Dj Frederick Stone.

WORKSHOP/ART
2:30 PM – What about creating a mask cast from your own face and then decorating it? If this sounds like your cup of tea, head to Manarat al Saadiyat for this interesting “Helmet Mask” workshop, part of their vibrant art program spanning all weekend.

MEETUP/POETRY
3 PM – The Abu Dhabi Creative Club is going to Cafe Arabia to share poems and ideas.

ART EXHIBITION
7 PM: Head to Art Hub for the opening night of the new exhibition of works by acclaimed Iranian-born/UK-based painter Mohsen Keiany. On the same evening, also present will be resident artists from the Philippines and Ireland. More info here, and location map here.

ART EXHIBITION
The Sky Over the East exhibition at the Emirates Palace Gallery opens this weekend, on Thursday 29th, and will run until the 27th of June.
A selection of 54 works by 48 leading 20th century Arab artists from 12 countries follows the theme ‘Museum Collections Make Connections’, reflecting the important role of these institutions as cultural heritage storytellers.
Guided tours are also available – more info here, and a selection of images can be seen here.
Among the many acclaimed artists featured, you might recognise many whose art is found in leading museums around the world, such as Dia Al Azzawi, (Tate Modern, UK); Ibrahim Salahi (MoMA – Museum of Modern Art, New York); Laila Shawa (British Museum); Munira Al Kazi (Victoria & Albert Museum, UK); and Saliba Douaihy (Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, Albright-Knox Art Gallery, David Rockefeller Collection, USA), just to mention a few.

ART EXHIBITION
Last chance to see closing exhibition Elemental Forces at the Avenue at Etihad Towers Gallery: last day is Saturday the 31st. This solo display by Ukrainian artist Tetyana Yagodkina, organised by N2N Gallery, is a collection of recent and old works painted in her distinct signature style. The theme is nature: earth and sky, water and air, lush varieties of greens and rigorous simplicity of mountain rocks, all act as an inspiration to the artist. Examples of her works can be seen here, and more info can be had contacting +971 2690 8929 or info@n2n-gallery.com

ART EXHIBITION
American fashion designer Norma Kamali has collaborated with FBMI to create a collection of hand-made carpets which will be exhibited at Manarat Al Saadiyat until the 1st of June only. FBMI helps Afghan women to find employment by hiring them in the carpet production process, while at the same time offering them and their families critical social services in healthcare and education.