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7 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: February 28 to March 2

7 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: February 28 to March 2

What's On28-02-2025

It's a new month…
And on that note, we're bringing you all that's good in the capital. Here are 7 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Friday, February 28
If you're a java connoisseur like we are, you'll want to give this one a try. Juan Valdez has arrived in the capital with its amazing line of Colombian coffees, and the brand new Abu Dhabi outlet promises a dining experience that complements its signature brews. Savour specialty offerings and desserts such as the matcha cheesecake, almond croissant, red velvet cookies and more.
Juan Valdez Coffee, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, 10am to midnight daily. @juanvaldez.mena Enjoy the weather at Saadiyat Beach Club
Are gorgeous turquoise waters and wonderful white sand what come to mind when you think of Saadiyat Island? We thought so. Enjoy shoreside views alongside a 9-kilometre stretch of beach and simple luxury at their lovely food and beverage outlets, including Safina, De La Costa, and Cabana 9. They also have a host of exciting Ramadan offerings, including redeemable day passes, ladies' nights and more.
Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8:00am to 7:30pm daily. Tel: (0) 2 656 3501, @saadiyatbeachclub Head down to Feels at Marsana
Feels juice bar is now in Abu Dhabi's Marsana on Hudayriyat Island, and brings its line-up of clean food, fresh juices and smoothies to one of the city's most exciting destinations. From nutrient-packed bowls to cold-pressed juices, they serve it all.
Feels, Marsana, Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 3am (Ramadan timings). @wearefeels Saturday, March 1
This is the largest mosque in the UAE, and easily one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Whether you're a resident or visitor, you haven't truly experienced Abu Dhabi if you haven't visited. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a total of 82 domes, over 1,000 columns and is surrounded by reflective pools, and this stunning structure's sight is truly breathtaking. From marbled halls to gold-plated chandeliers, mosaic artwork to amethyst-and-jasper-embedded columns, the place of worship is a sight to behold.
szgmc.gov.ae Discover the beauty of the Abrahamic Family House
This is another beautiful structure you absolutely must visit when in the capital. It holds places of worship for the three Abrahamic religions. This Saadiyat Island-housed symbol of love, tolerance and peace is open to the public, free of charge. Just make sure you book in advance to secure a spot, so you can experience the three individual sites of worship, a mosque, a church and a synagogue, as well as the peace garden and a Document on Human Fraternity, signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb.
Abrahamic Family House, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tues to Sun 10am to 5pm. Tel: (0)2 657 5900. @abrahamicfh Sunday, March 2
Abu Dhabi's pyramid-shaped Emirates National Auto Museum is an unmissable pit-stop for any car lover and is home to over 200 cars owned by H.H. Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The Al Dhafra attraction will have you snapping away before you enter the facility, with a retired aircraft and the world's largest model SUV at the entrance. Once inside, classic American muscle, rugged off-road machinery and a prized Mercedes rainbow collection await.
Emirates National Auto Museum, Hamim Road, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 5pm daily, Dhs50. And when you need to look sharp…
…head to AKIN, who have opened their first abu dhabi store in al raha beach. this new york style barbershop sits in a gorgeous location overlooking the water, so you can take in gorgeous views as their master hairdressers get you looking sharp. From a welcome coffee to attentive stylists and an incredible hot towel shave experience that will find its way to the top of your self-care routine, this is one spot you must check out when you're looking for a trim, beard tune up or full makeover. They also have a great line of grooming products and a cool clothing range, so you know you'll walk out a brand new man. Don't be surprised if you find yourself tapping your feet to their cool tunes.
AKIN, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 8pm daily. @akinbarber
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You can now pay for parking using your Salik account
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You can now pay for parking using your Salik account

Salik is offering ticketless parking to residents of Deira Enrichment Project… In the latest from a slew of road network and parking updates in the city, Salik has now introduced ticketless parking for residents and visitors of the Deira Enrichment Project. A new ticketless system implemented through Salik's partner firm Parkonic will allow some residents to enter and exit parking zones using their vehicle licence plates as digital tickets. No need for physical tickets or payment apps. Residents can have a yearly membership through Parkonic's app, costing Dhs5,000. Surprisingly, visitors can also have an annual membership, albeit a little pricier, for Dhs7,500, both of these prices excluding a five per cent value-added tax. Including VAT, an hourly parking costs Dh5 and Dh25 for overnight, including VAT across eleven districts. Parkonic, like Parkin, is one of the largest private parking operators in the UAE. Salik has collaborated with them to enhance parking and payment systems across the UAE by eliminating the need for apps and tickets and using Salik's e-wallet system. According to a report by Khaleej Times, the partnership is based on a five-year contract, during which the collaboration will result in the integration of Salik's e-Wallet into 107-plus locations under it's operation and any future locations it may operate in the UAE. Earlier this year, Salik introduced variable toll pricing. The new dynamic pricing applies for all days of the year, except Ramadan, which will have separate rates, and was implemented starting January 31, allowing motorists to travel toll free in certain passages of time in the day. Adjustments have been made according to peak and non-peak weekdays, the toll sits at Dhs6 during morning peak hours (6am to 10am) and evening peak hours (4pm to 8pm). During off-peak hours, between 10am and 4pm, and from 8pm to 1am, the toll is Dhs4. On Sundays, excluding public holidays, special occasions, or major events, the toll is Dhs4 throughout the day and free from 1am to 6am. @ Images: Getty > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

What Donald Trump will see inside Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House
What Donald Trump will see inside Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House

The National

time16-05-2025

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What Donald Trump will see inside Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House

Abu Dhabi's dedication to religious tolerance is enshrined in the Abrahamic Family House, the stunning cultural and spiritual precinct on Saadiyat Island. The complex is also on the schedule for US President Donald Trump on the final day of his four-day Gulf trip. He has already visited Riyadh and Doha before arriving in the UAE capital. Launched in 2023, the space celebrates the shared values of Islam, Judaism and Christianity with a mosque, synagogue and church on one site. Designed by Ghanaian-British architect Sir David Adjaye, the Abrahamic Family House is open daily to worshippers and visitors for tours and prayer services. If you are visiting for the first time, here is what to expect. Driving to the Abrahamic Family House is relatively straightforward. Take the Saadiyat Island exit off Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street. The site is beside the soon-to-open Zayed National Museum and Louvre Abu Dhabi is also nearby. After parking in the underground car park and passing through a security scan, visitors are ushered towards the Welcome Centre. The large rectangular space is filled with warm lighting and has an elegant yet minimal reception booth. It also doubles up as an events space. The walls display historical milestones that led to the creation of the Abrahamic Family House. The centrepiece is the Document on Human Fraternity – a joint statement signed by the late Pope Francis as head of the Catholic Church, and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, in Abu Dhabi in 2019. The overall atmosphere is calming and sets the tone for a journey of contemplation and reverence. The elevated space, accessed via a set of stairs or a lift, is an ideal point to begin your visit. It allows you to appreciate the Abrahamic Family House's collective objective as the garden, which contains more than 200 local plants, connects all three houses of worship. Look carefully and you can see surrounding Saadiyat Island residential communities, Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYU Abu Dhabi and Berklee Abu Dhabi university. It brings the significance of the Abrahamic Family House to light. This is a place that connects faith with community, and the wisdom and treasures of the past with the enterprising promise of the future. The three houses of worship share similar architectural elements and materials, but each has its own style. Named after the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, the Imam Al Tayeb Mosque can hold 300 people. The exterior's minimalist design is made up of seven arches, reflecting the importance of the number in Islam. Separate ablution areas flank the mosque and there are plenty of cubby holes in which to place shoes before entering. Step inside and you enter a space as intimate as it is cavernous. Instead of ornate chandeliers, a feature of most mosques, there are discreet and powerful spotlights. The high ceilings are domed to ensure the sound reverberates richly, while the soft auburn carpet has ingrained lines to help worshippers align themselves for prayer. Generous shafts of light pierce through windows, which are engraved with Islamic motifs. It is a tranquil space suited for moments of reflection. The Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue has seven pillars on the ground and eight above, supporting the roof. The message being, according to our guide, that God is bigger than any human creation. The synagogue is named after the 12th-century Jewish scholar and astronomer who worked in Morocco and Egypt. There is a mikveh – a bath used for ritual immersion – outside the prayer hall, as well as a smaller space for religious studies. The Ten Commandments are printed in Hebrew and flank the walls of the prayer hall. A suspended bronze mesh structure descends from a central skylight inside. Our guide says the zigzag shapes of the structure are similar to tents and represent the Jewish communities of old congregating to practise their religion. A plain golden crucifix hangs in the middle of the Catholic St Francis Church, to welcome Christians of all denominations. It is an airy and acoustically pristine space defined by floor-to-ceiling windows and a wooden canopy. The altar is slightly elevated and the pews are spacious enough to accommodate up to 300 people. Outside is a small triangular pool of water to symbolise the Trinity of Christianity and the three Abrahamic faiths. Regular prayer services take place, including the predawn fajr at the mosque. A programme of events, from cultural discussions to community gatherings, take place across the site. In addition to ticketed daily guided tours, each house of worship organises events relevant to its faith. Interfaith events, from guest lectures to conferences, are also held at the venue. All events are regularly updated on the Abrahamic Family House's website and social media channel. Information about the Abrahamic Family House is available at

20 of the best restaurants in Sharjah right now
20 of the best restaurants in Sharjah right now

FACT

time14-05-2025

  • FACT

20 of the best restaurants in Sharjah right now

Explore the flavours that define this cultural hub, from quaint hideaways to lavish feasting grounds. If you've been in the UAE for some time, chances are you've made a trip to Sharjah – but perhaps not nearly enough. While navigating through the traffic to this emirate may seem daunting, it's a small price to pay for the culinary wonders that await. Whether you're seeking the cosy ambience of a cafe or the sophistication of fine dining, Sharjah boasts a culinary scene that caters to every taste. And FACT has curated a list of the finest restaurants in Sharjah, ensuring that your dining adventures are nothing short of extraordinary. 71 Steak & Grill Located at City Centre Al Zahia, 71 Steak & Grill is a haven for steak enthusiasts. Led by Head Chef Brando Moros, the menu is a testament to open-flame cooking, drawing inspiration from his Colombian heritage and artistic background. The menu offers tantalising options such as Coffee Spiced Steak, Spiced T-bone Steak and Sticky Lamb Ribs. Seafood lovers can indulge in Grilled Sea Bass, while vegetarians can relish dishes like Clay Hummus and Smoked Truffle Burrata. To conclude the culinary journey, desserts like Alfajor's Biscuit and Grilled Peach's Caramel Flan await. GO: Follow @71steakandgrill on Instagram for more information. Located in Sharjah's Al Mareija district, Bait Elowal is a tribute to the emirate's rich past. It's an Arabic name which translates bait to 'home' and elowal to 'travellers who return from their trips with stories and much more to share.' True to its name, this space embodies the spirit of those who return with stories, souvenirs, and new flavours from their journeys. The menu pays homage to the flavours of Morocco, Persia, India, and Türkiye in a two-story heritage house. GO: Visit for more information. Beit Setti Immerse yourself in the culinary charms of Damascus at Beit Setti, nestled in Al Qasba along the Qasba Canal. This restaurant offers an authentic experience within its Syrian setting, adorned with intricate decorations that evoke nostalgia. Beit Setti offers a culinary journey through Damascus, starting with a breakfast spread featuring traditional specialities like foul, hommos, and manakeesh, whereas lunch and dinner bring an array of salads and mezze, shawarmas, and more. GO: Visit for more information. Berenjak The popular Persian restaurant Berenjak has made its way from London to Sharjah. Located in Al Jada, Berenjak prides itself on its traditional take on Persian cuisine. The restaurant focuses on Iranian dishes, with a specialisation in small mezze-style sharing plates and charcoal-grilled kebabs. As you sit down at Berenjak, you'll have the opportunity to try Balal, a tempting dish featuring corn, chilli, lime, and chives, or Sibzamini, crispy fried potatoes served with kordi sauce and Rezet yoghurt. Berenjak takes its name from a whimsical source — the brightly coloured, toasted rice eaten as a snack at funfairs in Persia. GO: Visit for more information. Black Salt Tucked away in Sharjah's Muweilah district, Black Salt offers everything from pasta and pizzas to burgers and Turkish kebabs. The restaurant may promise a memorable meal for all tastes, but it's the desserts that steal the spotlight with their irresistible flavours. Whether you're craving comfort food or gourmet delights, this restaurant delivers an experience that is both satisfying and visually appealing. GO: Follow @blacksaltae on Instagram for more information. Casa Samak Perched along the sea at the Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, Casa Samak invites diners to savour the finest seafood offerings. The menu boasts an array of seafood delicacies complemented by barbecue delights. From the catch of the day to signature dishes like penne with salmon in pink sauce, Casa Samak promises a meal filled with rich flavours and fresh ingredients. With outdoor seating overlooking the sea, you can unwind while indulging in the finest seafood. GO: Visit for more information. Caya Craving Mediterranean fare in Sharjah? Look no further than Caya Restaurant. This popular spot, located in the heart of Nshama Town Square in University City, offers a delightful escape into a world of flavorful grills, pizzas, and classic Mediterranean dishes. Their menu highlights include favourites like the Baked Chicken Shawarma Alfredo Pasta, Caramelised Mango Cheesecake, and the Zaatar Burrata pizza drizzled with truffle oil. Don't miss out on the unique Vimto with baklava, a delightful concoction that promises to surprise and delight. With warm and inviting outdoor seating, adorned with earthy tones and wooden furnishings, Caya is the perfect culinary escape. GO: Follow @cayauae on Instagram for more information. Chie Nestled in Sharjah's House of Wisdom, Chie offers an innovative dining experience that celebrates the art of food through unconventional flavour combinations. Helmed by renowned chef Akmal Anuar, Chie's menu presents dishes such as Chicken Sando with zesty mayo and succulent Australian Lamb Chops. Chef Anuar's distinctive style and creativity have earned acclaim worldwide, making Chie a destination for those seeking a contemporary dining experience in a welcoming atmosphere. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Entrecôte Café de Paris Step into Entrecôte Café de Paris, located at Zawaya Walk. Rooted in the legacy of the iconic Cafe de Paris in Geneva, this Parisian-style restaurant offers a glimpse into culinary history with its meticulously crafted secret sauce dating back to 1930. The indulgent 180-gram Entrecote Steak, accompanied by the renowned Cafe de Paris sauce, crisp Green Salad, and homemade French Fries, makes this Sharjah spot a must-try. GO: Visit for reservations and more information. Fen Cafe & Restaurant Founded by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, Fen Cafe & Restaurant has locations in Al Majaz and Zero 6 Mall. Whether you crave a casual breakfast (served until 5pm), a hearty salad, or a decadent dessert, Fen caters to diverse appetites. Brightly lit and welcoming, the restaurant offers a menu featuring everything from eggs and pasta to croissants and desserts that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. GO: Follow @fenrestaurant on Instagram for more information. Located on Al Muntazah Street, not too far from Sharjah Public Beach, La Bohème is a 'love letter to French-Mediterranean dining' and is designed to look like a French home. A beautiful maroon door welcomes you into a space defined by Parisian elegance. Think white walls, soft lighting, and a dining room that feels cosy, charming and is filled with art. Must-try items include Caviar Potatoes a la Royale, Escargots de Bourgogne and Wagyu Beef Carpaccio to start. Mains consist of Fettuccine Alfredo alla Noisette, La Bohème Burger and Le Petit Poulet a la Truffe. For desserts, you get to indulge in the likes of Crème Brûlée, Reve de Pistache Cheesecake and much more. GO: Follow @ on Instagram for more information. Moon Slice In Aljada, Moon Slice Pizza stands out as a beacon of culinary innovation. Conceived by Emirati restaurateur Mahmood AlKhamis, Moon Slice offers a pizzeria that's out of this world. The Moon Slice menu features a selection of light antipasti and playful desserts but the main focus is the pizza with its elevated versions of commonplace toppings. FACT can vouch for the Diavola, laden with Wagyu carpaccio, spicy meatballs, and olive aioli. Other appealing options include Frutti di Mare with its topping of shrimp and octopus carpaccio and the MS; a truffle lover's dream adorned with truffle paste, truffle foam and grated truffle. GO: Follow @moonslicepizza on Instagram for more information. Nomani Nestled within the Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Nomani offers an exquisite fusion of Japanese and Korean cuisine. The restaurant's name itself, 'Nomani,' meaning 'in between' in Japanese, aptly reflects its core concept, from delicate sushi rolls to savoury Korean barbecue, each dish at Nomani is a testament to culinary craftsmanship. Indulge in crispy baby squid, Nomani fried wings, and beef bibimbap, followed by the irresistible miso banoffee dome for dessert. There's a reason this sophisticated spot is a FACT award winner. GO: Visit for more information. Paper Fig Located in Muwailih, Paper Fig is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. Founded by Emirati husband-and-wife duo Nawal Alnuaimi and Ahmed Almazrouei, Paper Fig boasts a warm, inviting atmosphere perfect for a relaxed all-day dining experience. Mornings can be brightened with fluffy pancakes or a savoury labneh spread with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Lunchtime might see you indulging in their signature creamy mashed potato or a delightful shredded chicken wrap. But it's Paper Fig's desserts that draw a crowd, from decadent cheesecakes to intricately decorated pastries. GO: Visit for more information. Sand Situated in City Centre Al Zahia, Sand offers Middle Eastern cuisine, showcasing Emirati, Arabian, Uzbek, Moroccan and Georgian cuisine in a chic and modern setting. Sand's contemporary interior is inspired by the natural landscape, incorporating the textures, shapes, colours, and curvature of the desert dunes. Diners are greeted by a dune-shaped entrance that leads into the 100-seat dining room. Signature dishes include Chicken Kebabs, Lamb Shank with Quinoa, Sea Bream or Veal and Pumpkin Moutabal. GO: Visit for more information. Shababeek Shababeek, meaning 'windows' in Arabic, invites diners to indulge in Lebanese cuisine on the picturesque Al Qasba Canal. Helmed by celebrity chef Maroun Chedid, a familiar face from MBC's Top Chef Middle East, Shababeek's menu takes traditional dishes to new heights. Favourites include Dandelion Leaves in Oil, Goat Labneh with Marinated Vegetables and Jumbo Shrimp with Roasted Chili Pepper Emulsion. Don't forget to save room, for the Umm Ali dessert, a treat that perfectly concludes your meal. GO: Visit for more information. Tanuki Tanuki is inspired by Japanese izakayas, complete with a trendy and comfortable setting. Here, the innovative menu includes cold and hot bites, tempura selections, rice and noodles, yakitori, robata grill, hand rolls, speciality maki and more, blending a modern perspective with traditional Japanese cuisine. The interior design, meanwhile, features bonsai, stacked stones and contemporary sculptures in the entryway, evoking the zen gardens that Japan is famous for. A modern reimagining of traditional interiors across the country, the 82-seat dining room features carefully chosen natural materials elevated using artisanal skills. GO: Visit for more information. Thai Gate Restaurant With branches across various locations across the emirate, Thai Gate offers a taste of Thailand in the heart of Sharjah. The warm and inviting décor, adorned with traditional Thai ornaments and lush greenery, instantly sets the mood for an exploration of Thai cuisine. From Papaya Salad to Udon noodles, Thai Gate's menu is a celebration of Thai flavours, with a particular emphasis on seafood-inspired dishes. Indulge in mains like Beef Short Ribs and Panang Curry, and don't miss out on the OG Mango Sticky Rice for dessert. GO: Visit for more information. The View by the Wave Perched close to Al Rabi Tower in Khorfakkan, The View by the Wave offers a picturesque dining experience with stunning beach views and an impressive food selection. With its hut-like ambience and Insta-worthy interiors, you can indulge in various dishes, from Mango trifles to Tacos, Croissants to Pastas, and even Musakhan Rolls. The tempting dessert options include Rose Wheel Croissants and Kinder Umm Ali. GO: Follow @theviewbywave on Instagram for more information. Ushna Situated on Corniche Street at Al Majaz Waterfront, Ushna offers a contemporary taste of Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. From Punjabi Samosas to Gosht Roghan Josh, Ushna's menu is a harmonious blend of centuries-old recipes and innovative twists. Indulge in Chit Chaat Maza and Prawn Biryani, and don't forget to end your meal on a sweet note with Halwa for dessert. GO: Visit for more information.

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