Make the most of your weekend with things to do in Abu Dhabi, from beach workouts to brunches and laid-back Sunday plans
The weekend shows up fast in Abu Dhabi, and suddenly you need a plan. If you are looking for things to do, this one covers all bases, from early beach workouts to late lunches that turn into dinner. You can keep it active, keep it social, or do a bit of both. Either way, there is no reason to stay home.
Test your trivia at Roots quiz night
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Friday nights at Roots are easy and social. You gather a team, order something cold, and see how much you actually know. The questions keep things moving and the crowd is in it for a good time. It is low effort, high reward, and a solid way to start the weekend.
Location: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Time: Friday, 7pm onwards
Cost: Free
Contact: 050 757 4808
Stretch it out for World Pilates Day
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Saturday morning at Jumirah Saadiyat Island starts quietly. You roll out a mat with the sea in front of you, the air still cool, and the only soundtrack is the tide. Sessions run through the day, from beginner reformer classes to more focused core work, so you can pick your pace. It is simple, well-paced movement in a setting that’s pure perfection.
Location: Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island
Time: From 7am, sessions throughout the day
Cost: Complimentary
Contact: 058 100 1646
Do brunch by the pool at Glo
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Glo at Rosewood makes brunch a family affair You move between a generous buffet and your table, dipping in and out while live music hums in the background. There is pool access, so it never feels like you are stuck in one place. If you are bringing kids, they disappear happily into the Explorers Club while you stay put.
Location: Glo, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island
Time: Saturday, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs290 soft, Dhs390 house, Dhs490 champagne
Contact: (02) 813 5520
Go big at Barbossa’s Rio brunch
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Barbossa turns the volume up the moment you walk in. There are dancers, a DJ, and enough colour to make it feel like a proper celebration. The food keeps up, with bold Brazilian dishes that match the mood. Add the Yas Bay waterfront and you have a brunch that does not sit still. Read our review here.
Location: Barbossa, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island
Time: Saturday, 1pm to 5pm
Cost: From Dhs249
Contact: 050 185 8068
Book the signature menu at LPM
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If you want a proper sit-down, LPM delivers. The set menu covers all the favourites, from burrata to sea bass, and it is built for sharing. Plates arrive steadily, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the meal. It is polished without feeling stiff, which is exactly the point.
Location: La Petite Maison Abu Dhabi, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island
Time: 12pm to 1am
Cost: Dhs450 per person
Contact: (02) 692 9600
Catch the last BBQ Par-Tee of the season
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This is your last call for an easy afternoon outdoors before the heat takes over. You sit out on the grass, pick at flame-grilled food, and let the kids run off some energy. There is live music, but nothing too loud. It is the kind of afternoon that stretches without trying.
Location: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Time: Saturday, 1pm to 5pm
Cost: From Dhs199
Contact: 056 660 8780
Wander the flower festival at the park
Sheikha Fatima Park feels different when it fills with flowers and families. You move between stalls, stop for a show, then settle in for a movie once the sun drops. Kids have plenty to do, which gives you room to slow down. It is simple, outdoorsy, and easy to dip in and out of.
Location: Sheikha Fatima Park, Abu Dhabi
Time: Friday and Saturday from 5pm
Cost: Free entry
Contact: 058 579 8026
Do an Italian family dinner at the golf club
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Saturday evenings at Abu Dhabi Golf Resort are all about comfort. The menu sticks to the classics, so everyone finds something they like. Kids are sorted with discounts, which helps if you are feeding a crowd. You stay longer than planned, and no one minds.
Location: Abu Dhabi Golf Resort
Time: Saturday from 6:30pm
Cost: Varies
Contact: 056 536 2230
Get moving with beach games at Hudayriyat
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If sitting still is not your thing, this one keeps you busy. You move between beach games, water sports and quick dips in the sea, with a DJ keeping things upbeat. It is social without being overwhelming, and you can join in as much or as little as you like. By the end, you feel like you have earned your sunset.
Location: 25 Minutes to Tulum, Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat
Time: Saturday, 12pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs99, kids under 12 free
Contact: (02) 691 0208
Ease into Sunday with Ilios brunch
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If you’re looking for things to do this Sunday, that’s slower, but still has energy. Ilios is the answer. You sit by the pool, music playing in the background, and let the afternoon unfold. The food is fresh and coastal, with enough variety to keep things interesting. It is an easy way to close out the weekend without rushing it.
Location: Ilios Restaurant
Time: Sunday, 12pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs250 soft, Dhs350 house
Contact: (02) 419 8508
