Your weekend guide to things to do in Abu Dhabi, from family Easter fun to ladies’ nights and relaxed pool days
The weekend is shaping up nicely. There is a bit of everything, from slow island escapes to easy nights out and family plans that actually keep everyone happy. If you are looking for things to do in Abu Dhabi, this list should sort you out.
Easter at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
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If you want to properly switch off, this is where you go. Easter at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island is a full weekend of experiences, from a Boma dinner under the stars at Savannah with live grills and lantern-lit tables, to spa rituals that lean into rest and reset. There are plenty of things to do this weekend. Start with the Easter Boma Under the Stars at Savannah on April 3, set at Al Sahel Villa Resort. If you are leaning into rest, the 90-minute Easter Spa Ritual at Desert Islands Resort & Spa combines a botanical scrub, aromatherapy massage and hydrating finish. There is also the Spring Spa Renewal programme running throughout April, with 60 and 90-minute treatments designed to ease tension and reset your pace. For something outdoors, the beginner horse dune ride is a calm, guided experience through shaded groves and soft dunes, open to anyone over four years old. If you want to make a weekend of it, the Island Discovery stay offer includes breakfast, late check-out and rates starting from Dhs595++.
Location: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island
Time: April 3 to 5 (selected experiences run throughout April)
Cost: From Dhs360 (Boma dinner), Dhs800 (spa ritual), Dhs600 (spring spa), Dhs400 (horse ride), stays from Dhs595++
Contact: (02) 895 8700
Rosewood pool escape
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This is one of those easy, no-thinking-required days. You check in, find a lounger and let the afternoon do its thing. The added food and drink credit makes it feel like a proper treat without trying too hard.
Location: Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Time: Daily
Cost: Dhs180 per person (includes Dhs100 F&B credit)
Contact: rosewoodhotels.com
Easter at Emirates Palace
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Kids Palace at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental turns Easter into a full programme of activities. There are a few different experiences to choose from. Underwater Easter on April 4 brings themed games, obstacle courses, foam dance sessions and even an underwater egg hunt, alongside animal encounters and craft workshops. Easter Sunday on April 5 keeps things lively with egg painting, golden egg hunts, family challenges and live dance entertainment. Running across April 3 to 5, the Kids Easter Afternoon Tea adds a softer moment, with Alice in Wonderland-inspired treats, interactive games and a setting that leans into imagination and play.
Location: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Time: April 3 to 5 (12pm to 5pm for main activities, 4pm to 6pm for afternoon tea)
Cost: Dhs200 per child
Contact: 02 690 7220
Ladies’ night at W Lounge
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This is not a quiet sit-down kind of night. The music builds, the lighting is low and the energy shifts as the evening goes on. You start with drinks and before you know it, you are on the dance floor.
Location: W Lounge, W Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Time: Friday, 6pm to 11pm
Cost: Dhs85 for unlimited selected beverages (with one drink purchase), food from Dhs40
Contact: 02 656 0000
Movie night at Bab Al Nojoum
A movie by the beach just hits differently. You get the sea breeze, a big screen and a laid-back crowd settling in for the night. It is free to attend, but the snack package is worth it if you are staying awhile.
Location: Bab Al Nojoum, Hudayriyat Island
Time: 7pm
Cost: Free (Dhs99 optional F&B package)
Contact: 02 691 0208
Yas Mall Run
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If you want to move without melting, this is your answer. It is relaxed, social and air-conditioned, which already makes it a win. Show up, walk, get your steps in and start the day feeling slightly smug.
Location: Yas Mall
Time: 8am to 9am (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Cost: Free
Contact: 800 927 6255
AperiPizza at Verso
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Pizza that keeps coming and drinks that keep flowing. It is simple, social and exactly what you want after a long day. Verso at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel has a great offer that includes two hours of free flowing pizza and drinks.
Location: Verso, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Time: Daily, 4pm to 6pm
Cost: Dhs99
Contact: (02) 510 1234
Easter brunch at Yas Acres
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This is a proper family day out. Big buffet, live cooking stations and plenty to keep kids occupied, from egg hunts to face painting. There is even a visit from the Easter Bunny, which seals the deal.
Location: Yas Acres Golf & Country Club
Time: Sunday, April 5, 12:30pm to 3:30pm
Cost: From Dhs295, kids from Dhs149 (under 6 free)
Contact: 050 757 4808
Sheikh Zayed Festival
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There’s still time to catch one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest cultural festivals before it wraps. Evenings here are lively, with food stalls, shows and roaming performances that keep things moving. It’s the kind of place you wander through slowly, stopping for snacks, music and whatever catches your eye.
Location: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Time: 4pm to 12 midnight
Cost: Free
Cinemacity Starlight experience
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If you are looking for things to do this weekend, then the newest Cinemacity Starlight in Abu Dhabi is just the experience. It turns movie night into a full evening out, with plush seating, a more social setup and an atmosphere that feels closer to an event than a standard screening.
Location: Cinemacity Starlight Marina Mall
Time: Daily (timings vary by screening)
Cost: From Dhs55
Contact: Cinemacity
