There’s so much to do in Abu Dhabi and this things to do list will definitely keep the whole family busy for the entire weekend.
Abu Dhabi is brimming with fantastic things to do so Team Yalla has rounded up the best the capital has to offer. And once you have exhausted all your energy, sit back and read the very latest edition of Yalla – Abu Dhabi Life.
THURSDAY
Sushi Social
Love sushi? Then this is for you. Eat all the sushi you can for just AED 150 (non-members), tuck into tempura, dim sum and main dishes, and watch the chefs create the art of sushi at live stations. There are salads and for those with a sweet tooth, there are some delicious desserts.
Hawksbill restaurant. Thursdays, 6.30pm – 9.30pm. To book call 056 660 8780 and for more information, visit Sushi Social
Put on your dancing shoes
The ANNEX is back at The Abu Dhabi EDITION and we can’t wait to get dressed up and head over there for a night of ambient sounds, cool vibes and stunning views. Open Thursday and Friday nights, and the tantalising ANNEX Saturday Sessions. Enjoy the sophisticated al-fresco ANNEX Rooftop bar as the sun goes down, to staying out late at the ground floor ANNEX Club to the early hours.
Every Thursday & Friday nights: ANNEX Rooftop 7pm – 11.30pm. ANNEX Club, 11.30pm – 4am. For more information, visit The Abu Dhabi EDITION
Steak & Grape Nights
Thursdays are for meat lovers at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Dine on fine steaks cooked to perfection on a signature wood-fire Josper Oven. You also get a choice of one side dish, your favourite sauce and a complimentary glass of red grape and don’t forget those panoramic views of the championship golf course.
The Grille, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Thursdays, 6pm – 10pm. AED 149 (Non-members). For reservations and more information call 056 536 2230 or email us at events.adgc@aldargolf.com
Seafood Shack at Afyä Beach Lounge
Enjoy cooled down weekends in the spacious outdoors of Afyä Beach Lounge with a vast array of fresh local fish infused with aromatic spices and delicious signature flavours from regions such as Morocco, Lebanon, Egypt and the UAE. Starting from AED141 per adult (food only), and AED 71 per child
Afyä Beach Lounge – Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri. For restaurant bookings, call 02 509 8555 or email restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com
FRIDAY
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the world’s largest mosques is open and now is the perfect time to pay this incredible and unforgettable structure a visit. Rediscover the 82 domes, the largest of which sits presides over the main prayer hall. Stand in reverence and absorb the sheer scale of the design elements, including pure white marble cladding, onion shaped ‘crowns’ and crescent shaped finials.
Online booking is obligatory. To obtain your day pass, visit szgmc.gov.ae
Qasr Al Watan
The Palace that opened its doors to the world… has opened its majestic doors once again’. And we think you should pay this magnificent edifice a visit, sooner than later. Book your tickets online, and explore the Palace’s different zones that reveal the principles that have propelled traditional Arabian design to remarkable status.
To find out more, visit qasralwatan.ae
Coastal glam
You know when IMKAN are involved you’ll need more than just to take your glam beach bag to the pristine shores of Makers District on Reem Island, the location of the newly launched Cove Beach in Abu Dhabi. Dress to impress as you people watch at the 100-seat al fresco restaurant and lounge. Booking is a must!
For more information visit covebeachabudhabi.com
Peruvian favourites at COYA
A Friday affair filled with Peruvian delights in the most extraordinary surrounds with superb views to boot! Tuck into Costillas de Res, Pollo a la Parrilla, Arroz Nikkei, and Quinua con Calabaza and more. Packages: AED 278 with mocktails, soft drinks and juices. AED 398 with house beverages; AED 498 for a premium package.
Every Friday from 12.30pm – 4pm. To book a table, call 02 306 7000
Unlimited Cuts
Friday’s not the time to cut back, instead treat yourself to Unlimited Cuts at the Grille. There’s a wide choice of meat and fish cooked to your exact specifications on the wood-fired Josper Oven, dished up with steak fries, sautéed greens and a sauce of your choosing, preceded by a delicious appetiser.
The Grille, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Fridays, 6pm – 11pm. For reservations and more information call 056 536 2230 or email us at events.adgc@aldargolf.com
The taste of the sea
Love seafood? Then don’t miss the Friday Seafood Market on the Falcon Terrace at Café 28, Abu Dhabi Golf Club. For AED 185, tuck into the catch of the day, including fresh fish, lobsters, crabs, mussels. Splash out an extra AED 145 you’ll get unlimited house drinks for two hours. AED 85 for kids aged five -12.
For reservations call 056 536 2230 or email events.adgc@aldargolf.com
Al Ain Palace Museum
Once home to the Founding Father and first president of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan lived here with his family until 1966 before moving to Abu Dhabi city. Built in 1937, the palace and private residence offer insight into the lives and culture of the ruling family and the community before the discovery of petroleum.
For further details, content 03 711 8388
SATURDAY
Hickory’s Pool Deal
Make Saturday a pool day and head down to Hickory’s at Yas Links Abu Dhabi where the all-day pool deal is causing a huge splash! Pay just AED 75 for the entire day and get back a generous AED 100 worth of credits to spend on dining.
Hickory’s, Yas Links Abu Dhabi. For reservations and more information call 02 404 3000 or email events.ylad@aldargolf.com
Island life
Life doesn’t get much better than pristine pools and a private beach. Luxury is king at Jumeirah Saadiyat Resort. Take it easy on the rather splendid beach or in one of the three inviting swimming pools. Once sun kissed, float along to one of many pool-side and swim-up bars, before diving back into the cool crystal waters.
For more information call 02 811 4444
Ahoy there!
It’s all fun and games over at Jalboot Marine who are offering aquatic activities conveniently placed behind Abu Dhabi Mall. Don’t worry about your level, as all are welcome from beginners upwards. There’s a female captain and you can customize your own itinerary too! Choose from wake surfing, wakeboarding, banana boat towable boat tours.
8am to 8pm. To book, call 056 441 5072 or email info@jalboot.ae. For more information, visit jalboot.ae
Super nature
It’s all about the sea life at Saadiyat Beach. This is why to access the pristine white sands stretching out along a generous shore you’ll skip along a wooden boardwalk so you don’t disturb the native wildlife, including the critically endangered Hawksbill turtles that use the beach as their nesting ground.
For more information visit saadiyatisland.ae
Soul good
Stunning Saadiyat Island is the perfect place to reveal your soul to the sun on its fabulous beaches. Head to Soul Beach located in the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community for those unforgettable views of the turquoise waters where a 400m designated swimming zone awaits those wishing to cool off. Refreshments are delivered to you on a golf buggy no less.
For more information call 056 443 2560
Let’s get wet
With more than 40 exhilarating rides and attractions, two things are guaranteed: You’re going to have the time of your life at Yas Waterworld and you’re going to get soaked to the skin, but it’s all part of the fun. Slither Slides, Yadi Yas, Seabag, Yehal are just some of the cool ride names to experience.
For open times, to plan your trip and special offers visit yaswaterworld.com
Aye aye captain!
Sail off to Captain Tony’s for a spot of kayaking and paddle boarding in Eastern Mangroves. For early birds, sailing starts at 7am, ending at 6.30pm. Open to those aged five to 60 years old, groups and individual pleasure seekers are welcome to join in the fun. There are boat tours too.
To book call 050 133 2060 / 02 635 0040 or email info@captaintonys.ae. For further details visit captaintonys.ae
Under the moonlight
The famous Seahawk Full Moon Tours of Eastern Mangroves fill it up fast. The next one sets sail on 30 November. Also quick to fill up are those charming kayaking excursions on the water surrounding Louvre Abu Dhabi. Taking place every Tuesday to Sunday at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm. Early birds can kayak at 6.30am on Friday and Saturdays.
To book, send a WhatsApp to 055 548 3534. For further information, visit sea-hawk.ae
Al Ain Oasis
Located in the heart of the city and spanning over 120 hectares, is one of the largest oases that contains more than 147,000 palm, fig, banana, and mango trees. You can see an example of an irrigation system that dates back to 3000 BCE and is still fully operational. There are tours, cafés, too.
For further details, content 03 711 8251