8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: May 16 to 18
Here's what's hot in town…
Can't really complain about how this week's been going, but a weekend is still a weekend. On that note, here are 8 fun things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Friday, May 16 Round out the week with a business lunch at L'ETO
Whether you're looking to grab a bite between meetings enjoy or a relaxed midday catch-up with friends, L'ETO's business lunch serves some great starters such as the beef borsch soup and pampushki, and mains such as the organic tomato strozzapreti and porcini risotto with truffle oil. They sure mean business when it's lunchtime.
L'ETO, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, weekdays noon to 4pm, Dhs110 (two courses), Dhs135 (three courses). letocaffe.com
Leo & Loona has opened a fun new location at Dalma Mall, with playful adventures, racing tracks, trampolines and more waiting to be discovered. With over 30 immersive experiences across a whimisical 650 square metre fantasy dining area, there's tons of fun to be had for the little ones.
Leo & Loona, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi. @leo.loona Saturday, May 17 Say Mamma-Mia! at a beach party
This is a one-night-only celebration of the famous musical everyone's waiting to catch right here in Abu Dhabi next month, so get ready for a night of fun, iconic tunes, and barefoot dancing at Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa this Saturday. Disco beats and ABBA hits shall set the stage in this celebration for the ages.
Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa, Fahid Island, Abu Dhabi, Saturday May 17. @fahidbcbybarbossa Go on a Cantonese journey with Hakkasan
This Michelin-starred restaurant's signature experience pays homage to traditional Cantonese flavors with a modern touch. You can dine on a terrific three-course set menu priced at Dhs398 a guest, and expect to taste specialities such as the jasmine tea–smoked mala chicken, wok-fried sustainable grouper, a dim sum trio, and pistachio kunafa with yoghurt ice cream.
Hakkasan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, May 15 to July 15, 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs398 per diner (min. 2 guests). Tel: (0)2 690 7739. @hakkasanabudhabi
This brand-new summer beverage menu is cool, smart and clever – a mocktail list of 10 beverages, and a cocktail list serving 10 of its own – placed next to each other, the creations complement each other – all celebrating the Golden Age of the French Riviera. Look no further when you're looking to kick the summer off in style.
La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, noon to 1am. @lpmabudhabi
If you haven't caught Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power at Louvre Abu Dhabi yet, there's good news, folks: the exhibition is now available to visit until June 8. Experience this groundbreaking exploration of African artistic heritage in a first of its kind exhibition that presents over 350 exceptional artworks from the 11th to the 21st centuries.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, until June 8, Dhs65. louvreabudhabi.ae Enjoy a showcase of contemporary Korean art
Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMa) are proud to present the first showcase of contemporary Korean art in the region, titled Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits – Contemporary Art from Korea, 1960s to Today – and it will be available for you to admire and appreciate at Manarat Al Saadiyat from May 16 to June 30. Co-curated by Maya El Khalil and Kyung-hwan Yeo, the showcase will bring a compelling perspective to town, that covers six decades of Korea's avantgarde art movement.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, May 16 to June 30. @admafsocial Enjoy afternoon tea at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri Abu Dhabi
Available from 2.30pm to 6pm daily, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri's traditional afternoon tea experience includes a freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, bite-sized sandwiches, and an array of mouthwatering pastries. Pick from a variety of premium teas or coffee brews to go with it, and you can really make an afternoon of it. Also, watch out for the tea sommelier's precision.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi, 2.30pm to 6pm daily, Dhs220 (2 guests). @shangrilaabudhabi
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What's On
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13 fun things to do in Dubai this Eid Al Adha 2025
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From café interiors made for your grid to dishes that double as art, these spots go beyond the usual avo toast. Here are 38 of Dubai's most Instagrammable breakfast spots. Spend the day at a J1 Beach Club If you haven't checked out J1 Beach yet, now's the time. Grab a sun lounger, enjoy the beach vibes, food, and drinks with your entrance fee fully redeemable. With stunning beach clubs and restaurants, it's the perfect way to spend a sunny day in Dubai. If this sounds like your scene, check out La Baia, Baoli, Sirene by Gaia, and Gigi Dubai. Go for a long, relaxed Eid lunch with live music If you want to slow down the Eid Al Adha 2025 long weekend, Maison de la Plage is bringing back its live band for a chilled Saturday lunch on June 7. Whether you're inside the chic glass-fronted dining room or outside by the pool, expect a relaxed vibe with Mediterranean-inspired dishes from Chef Izu. Highlights include the IZU Burger, burrata salad, and more. It's a great spot for a long, leisurely lunch with Riviera-style energy. Timings: Saturday, June 7 at 3pm Location: Palm West Beach – Palm Jumeirah – Dubai Contact: (0)4 452 3344. @ maisondelaplage_ Gather your crew and go to a new karaoke lounge If good company, music, and a mic in hand is your kind of night, you'll want to check out Replay. Just launched on the upper floor of Bla Bla Dubai in JBR, the new karaoke lounge built for Dubai's summer nightlife. With seven private themed rooms, a main lounge with a DJ booth, and over 80,000 songs across 20+ languages, it's made for post-brunch hangouts, group celebrations, and spontaneous sing-offs. The menu keeps it casual but solid – salmon tacos, dynamite shrimp, truffle pizza, and other shareables. Offering: Private karaoke sessions are priced at Dhs45/hour (2+ hours) or Dhs55/hour (1-hour bookings). Timings: Open daily from 5pm to 3am Location: Replay, Bla Bla Dubai, JBR Contact: (0)4 584 4111. @replaydubai Dine at a new Cantonese restaurant If you're craving something rich and flavorful in a stylish setting, this iconic London-born Cantonese spot – China tang – has landed at The Lana Promenade. The space channels 1930s Shanghai with mirrored ceilings, stained glass, and an intimate cocktail bar. The menu, crafted by Chef Li Zhenjun, features Xiao Long Bao, Sir David's Hot & Sour Soup, Whole Lobster with E-Fu Noodles, and Beijing Duck roasted and carved tableside. Dubai exclusives include Foie Gras Cherries, Da Hong Pao Lamb Cutlets, and Honey-Glazed Beef Char Siu. Timings: Opening daily 12pm to 11pm Location: China Tang, The Lana Promenade, Dorchester Collection, Marasi Bay Marina Contact: (0)4 295 7464. @chinatang_dubai Sip and paint by the sea Wind down your weekend with a creative sunset session at La Cantine Beach. Every Sunday, Design & Dine hosts a guided painting class by the shore – two drinks included. It's relaxed, artsy, and the sea view doesn't hurt either. Offer: Guided painting session + 2 beverages for Dhs299 Timings: Sundays, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Location: La Cantine Beach, Dubai Contact: @lacantinebeachdubai Go for a new brunch Brunch in Dubai hits different in the summer – think creative indoor setups, new menus, and a good excuse to catch up over a long meal. Whether you're in it for the food or just the vibe, there are plenty of new options worth checking out. Here are 15 new brunches in Dubai to try this summer. Let the kids burn off some energy Looking for family-friendly fun? Dubai has no shortage of indoor activities to keep the little ones entertained. From trampoline parks to interactive museums, there's something to spark creativity and let them play all day. Check out the best soft play areas in the city for endless fun. Check out Olioli, Orange Wheels, and Magic Planet. Catch up at an Instagrammable café with your bestie Craving a fun, girly day out with your best friend? Head to one of Dubai's most gorgeous cafés for a mix of stylish décor, sweet treats, and refreshing smoothies. It's the perfect spot to chat, laugh, and snap a few pics while indulging in some cute pastries. Spend Saturday night with a custom mixed grill and live entertainment If you're into grilled food and live vibes, head to The Restaurant at Address Dubai Mall this Saturday for their Twilight Grill Night. You'll start with a generous sharing platter of appetisers – think creamy hummus, baba ghanoush, fattoush, cheese rolls with tahina, and crispy calamari with tartare sauce. Then it's over to the live grill where you pick your own mixed grill plate: choose two from lamb kofta, shish tawook, beef shashlik, chermoula prawns, or seabass, plus one premium cut like wagyu ribeye, tenderloin steak, Australian lamb chop, or Canadian lobster tail. Sides like roasted potatoes, asparagus, saffron rice, and sauces come to share at the table. Finish with desserts including opera mille feuille, sticky date pudding, and seasonal fruit. Offer: Dhs295 (soft drinks), Dhs395 (house beverages) Timings: Every Saturday, 7pm to 11.30pm Location: The Restaurant at Address Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai Contact: (0)4245 8888. @addressdubaimall Hit up a free beach Who says you need to pay for a great beach day? Dubai has plenty of free stretches of sand where you can chill, swim, or people-watch – no entry fee required. Grab your towel and sunscreen, and enjoy a relaxing day by the water at some of the best free beaches in the city. Go for an Afternoon tea Tea, cake, and the perfect excuse to relax – what's not to love? Think plush settings, picture-perfect decor, and ocean views – Dubai has afternoon tea down to an art. Whether you're here for the endless pours of tea or just in it for the pastries, from classic and laid-back vibes to creative and over-the-top indulgence, there's no shortage of the best afternoon teas in Dubai to get your tea fix. Here are 13 of the best afternoon teas in Dubai to check out right now. Images: Supplied/Instagram
