8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: June 9-11

What a wicked little weekend this could be…

More than once, when I was young, if something I wanted so badly (a new bike, a newspaper, or passing an exam) slipped through my fingers, my dear grandmother would say to me, “You want things that don’t pass you by.” But more of a Scottish accent. Essentially: there is a plan that works for you, so if you don’t get it – it’s not meant to be. While I admit that these are indeed sensible words, they should be attached in an appendix. You can’t be passive about your dreams, you have to stand up and chase them, because if it’s not meant to be – you might fall, but there’s always a chance you can fly.

Friday 9 June

A whole lot of fun rolled into one

Fancy a luxurious stay for two in the UAE with access to two of the best golf courses in the country? Look no further! The Play & Stay tournament at Golf Digest Middle East is back – this time we’re heading to Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, offering one of the best golfing experiences in the capital. For AED 1,295, you and a friend (twin or couple) can enjoy a two-day stay on Yas Island, with one course each at Yas Links and Yas Acres Golf and Country Club, Abu Dhabi June Indulge yourself at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island on 9th and 10th. Non-golfers can relax on the Crowne Plaza’s teal beach or pool, and enjoy discounts at the Crown Fitness Spa and Sauna.you can learn more hereor book directly here.

Cha Zong

Café 302 in Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana offers an extensive menu of summer specials, menu items known for their nutritious delicacy and combo deals on non-alcoholic wine and beer. Take for example their afternoon tea (including vegetarian options), which includes finger sandwiches, cakes and tea for Dhs85, and comes with a full bottle of zero-alcohol sparkling wine for Dhs75.

Café 302, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Otaiba Street 302, (0)2 610 6688, @almaha.generous

blockade

Drawing inspiration from iconic TV shows, Crystal Maze and fort boyard, Prison Island – Beat the Bars is a brand new adventure experience, now open at Abu Dhabi Mall. Spanning 1,000 square meters, this isn’t an escape room – it’s a network of 26 individual “units”, each tasked with a harder (shh, that’s a word) task than the last, and if you have to beat them If you want to escape from the island, you have the bragging capital of the winner.

Abu Dhabi Mall, Dhs125, @prisonisland.abudhabi.

Saturday 10 June

snow merchant

As temperatures in the UAE now tickle 50 degree mark, we have very welcome news. They finally opened the door, and for the first time ever— Snow Abu Dhabi Now open at Reem Mall. It probably doesn’t have the slopes of Ski Dubai – so no skiing or snowboarding, because the point here is that true “resistance piste” is a more inclusive form of recreation. Regulated to a super-cold 2ºC, the 9,732-square-meter space offers more than 20 rides and attractions, as well as three food and beverage outlets (including a café stand where you can get a piping hot chocolate cream).

Reem Mall, Sunday-Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-midnight, from AED 215. @snovauh

go all out

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is breathtaking, and this UAE hotel’s premium all-inclusive package ensures everything is included. In addition to all-inclusive food and beverages, guests can enjoy daily yoga, cycling, paddle boarding and free use of the tennis court. Think bright and airy bedrooms, opulent interiors and a lagoon-sized swimming pool, all opening onto a private stretch of Saadiyat Island’s enviable white waterfront. For most dates a minimum two-night stay is required, with prices starting from AED 1,850 per night.

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, from AED 1,850. saadiyatisland.rixos.com

X plan

The Galleria Al Maryah Island location of the Xtreme Zone offers an orchestra of casual adventures. There’s the synaptic stimulation of electronic entertainment; all the button-pressing fun of a video arcade; and the intense virtual reality (VR) experience. Prefer your events to be a little more simulated? You can play the sticky splits at their 12-lane bowling alley, double jump your pals at the trampoline park, beat the heights on the climbing wall, or take the Tag Arena’s limited-time obstacle course for leaderboard bragging rights.

Al Maryah Island Galleria, Abu Dhabi Al Maryah Island Saturday-Wednesday 10am-10pm, Thursday-Friday 10am-midnight. Tel: (02) 493 7400, thegalleria.ae website

Sunday, June 11

BBQ Squad

Did you know that Punjab Grill’s weekend brunch is now available on Fridays (starts at 6:30pm), Saturdays (noon to 4pm) and Sundays (noon to 4pm)? What you do with this information is of course up to you, but we can’t help but think it might be a good idea to test it. A la carte set menu for just AED 195, South Asian-inspired delights including avocado papdi chaat, chicken tikka chaat, pani puri, fish tikka, green masala prawns, dal makhani, biryani rice, and mango cheesecake and indulgences Dessert choice is in a mouthful of paan ki rasmalai.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal, Venice Village, Khor Al Maqta’a, Tel: (0)2 449 9839. @punjabgrillabudhabi

put on your skates

Zayed Spot City offers a whole host of indoor sports and entertainment facilities, but one of our favorite activities to highlight is the ice rink – a great way to cool off for just AED 55 – and if you’re like us, you can even take lessons You’re still a bit of Bambi on stilts. You can also strike out with Cosmic Bowling (every Wednesday at 7pm) at the Khalifa International Bowling Center on the compound. Because in space, no one can hear you.

Image: Supplied