10 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: September 23-25

If you choose to accept your mission…

…think of this list as a game of bingo and cross out each activity. Awards? A satisfying seat, if you fail, there will always be next week.This message will not self-destruct within 5…4…3…2…1…

Friday, September 23

Newcomers to the movies this weekend



Directed by Olivia Wilde, the film had already garnered considerable media attention ahead of its release. There’s some nasty stuff in character transitions, intimacy scenes, rogue mouth lube, and character inspiration like “LaBeef.” But why shouldn’t a good drama be surrounded by a good drama? It’s set in 1950s America and stars the current hot Hollywood Brits, casting Florence Pugh and Harry Styles as the couple, who move to a seemingly idyllic new neighborhood. As it turns out, in news that will only shock those behind the fourth wall, it’s not #livingourbestlife after all – and the town’s founder Frank (played by Chris Pine) may have something behind his SimCity utopian tinkering Sinister motives.

Booking: Now

KSA party

Saudi Arabia will be celebrating their 92nd National Day on Friday 23rd September and we know it’s right – they look great and we’re throwing a promotional party for them as part of our duty as friendly neighbors. Friday 23 September at 9pm – a fireworks display will take place on the Yas Bay waterfront. If you want the best seats in the house, we highly recommend making some restaurant reservations now. For more information on Yas Bay now open, Check out our guide to casual large-scale projects.

make them all red

Now open at The Galleria, Barry’s is on a mission to make you look like a mix. Claiming to be “the best workout in the world” — there’s some muscle behind that claim. HIIT classes take place in their famous Red Room (with a low-red rave vibe to keep everyone looking good) and can burn up to 1,000 calories in a single session. Here, your workouts are separated by intermittent switching between floor work and treadmill beasts, allowing for a total body adjustment.

Barry’s, The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 582 0755, @barrysuae

Seoul Food

If you’re wondering where to satiate your Korean BBQ cravings in the capital – Mukbang Shows, the show is pretty good. They are currently offering a BBQ Buffet deal for only AED 49 during weekday lunchtime (Monday to Thursday, noon to 5pm), which includes beef, chicken, squid, prawns, and a la carte service of famous Korean street food – gimari, haemul pajeon and eomuk guk. Literally don’t know what that is, but it all sounds lovely. Premium options are available for Wagyu, Ribeye, Tenderloin and Tenderloin for AED 189, and the interior is 150% Sakura K-Pop-Art. They currently have two branches, one in Muroor and the other in Elektra. Oh, and they offer that too.

Sultan Bin Zayed The First St-Zone 1, 10am-1am. Tel: (02) 564 04 46 (Elektra), Tel: (02) 886 5150 (Muroor), @mukbangshowae

Saturday, September 24

firm favorite

The UEFA Nations League will host some big international football matches this weekend, including the Republic of Ireland v Scotland game, which kicks off at 10.45pm UAE time. But want to watch?We have the complete guide to football fan favorites here, but why not try the golden oldies? Reopening after a massive stadium expansion and refurbishment – Captain’s Arms is a British pub that showcases its frugal tekkers every night of the week, with more than 90 minutes of happy hour every day. Enjoy dramatic deals from 12.30 to 8pm on selected drinks for only AED 25 per drink.

Coming on Saturday, September 24th, PJ O’Reilly’s invites you to celebrate South African Heritage Day through meat in the most South African way possible. PJ’s is lighting up the grill to grill and serve flame-cooked South African classics, beer carts, and spiced teas and lemonades. Live entertainment comes in the form of Sweet Chilli Jam – they’ll be performing on Jameson’s stage and you can add a pool pass to the package for AED 50. Just don’t call it BBQ. It’s a roast.

Saturday 24th September, 1pm to 5pm, Dhs199 for soft, Dhs225 for house, Dhs275 for senior.

garage band

Garage’s popular multi-kitchen BIG brunch has returned to W Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Garage is an upscale concept restaurant located at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island overlooking the iconic Yas Marina circuit. It has five distinct areas, each with its own culinary focus. It’s like having brunch at five different restaurants at the same time. Offering Asian, Levantine, meat feasts, mezze, Japanese-Peruvian dishes and “van pie” from the iconic “Tap On Wheels” cart while the resident DJ creates the perfect brunch vibe cold drink. Indeed, go big or go home.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Saturday 1pm to 4pm, soft drinks AED 279, house drinks AED 379, sparkling wine AED 529. Tel: (0)2 656 0000. @wabudhabi

Sunday, September 25

a stone or two

Headlining the Oktoberfest festivities at this Centro Capital Centre pub includes a selection of five limited-edition menu items including German sausages, spätzle and lamb shanks. But that’s not all.Some are great value happy Hourly trades you can get busy doing, including two hours of youAED 99 for unlimited draft beer (or other selected house beverages); one Oktoberfest dish and two beers (or selected house beverages) for AED 99; or any three courses and A three-litre beer tower for just AED 299.

Centro Capital Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, near ADNEC, 17th September to 3rd October, noon to 1am daily. Tel: (02) 409 6514, @centrocapcentre

Celebrity BBQ

Abu Dhabi Edition Chef Tom Aikens’ Abu Dhabi steakhouse Oak Room is offering Sunday roasts, a three-hour, three-course menu from AED 245 , with all the rockstar side dishes and implied country hopes about the outcome.You can read the full review herebut our verdict is as follows: No gimmicks, no baseless peacocks here, Oak Room Roast takes all your prejudices against British food and shreds them in a punk rock rebellion. Is this the best BBQ dinner in Abu Dhabi? Unless you want to invite us to your house on Sunday to prove otherwise, we will agree.

Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen Marina Abu Dhabi, Sunday 12.30pm to 5pm, Soft Dhs245, House Dhs365, Bubble Dhs485. Tel: (02) 208 0000, @OakRoomAbuDhabi

West Side Story

A gorgeous waterfront leisure complex, West Bay recently opened with a new wave pool and lazy river combination, adding a new addition to an already sizable lineup of recreational facilities. Lazy River is a small selection of things that hardly anyone dislikes (which also includes cheesecake, salary text messages, and music by Bob Marley). Free access to the swimming pool and lazy river with the West Bay Day Pass. On weekdays, adults are only 150 dirhams, but can get 100 dirhams from food. It’s AED 200 on weekends, but you can still get AED 100 as a credit.

West Bay, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Pool and Adventure Park, 10am to 6pm, AED 150 for a day pass (AED 100 for food and beverages). Tel: (02) 692 437, @westbayabudhabi

Image: Provided