Nine reasons why Abu Dhabi is the place to be this weekend

Congratulations, you’ve made it: the working week is over and that weekend feeling has already kicked in.

With a world of opportunity in front of you, there’s plenty to do this weekend in the capital whether you want to relax, soak up some culture, kick back with the family or let your hair down.

Here are Abu Dhabi World’s nine top picks for a weekend to remember.

Thursday 11th May

Get Fresh

Recording a Netflix-style comedy special, Brooklyn-born comedian Simeon Goodson has called the UAE home for the past two years. A regular on the circuit here and in neighbouring Dubai, the American funnyman is recording his routine in front of a live audience as a comedy special called Emirati Fresh. With jokes about expat life, dealing with the move from New York to Al Ain, and much more, you don’t want to miss one of the best comics in the country doing what he does best. Free entry, seating on a first come, first served basis. Up and Below, Courtyard by Marriott, World Trade Center, Hamdan Street. Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm. Contact: yallalughs.com

Tune in to something new

We bet you’ve never seen anything quite like this. Making his cinematic debut, Canadian DJ and author Eric San, better known as Kid Koala, presents Nufonia Must Fall. Based on the DJ’s own self-penned graphic novel, the show follows the story of two robots on the cusp of becoming obsolete who end up falling in love. Presented in real time, guests will see live puppetry, a string quartet, a DJ and a cinema screen as they watch it all unfold. Free, but be sure to reserve a seat prior to attending. Red Theater, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. Thursday 8pm, additional show on Friday at 4pm. Contact: nyuad-artscenter.org

Get jazzy

If you’re in the market for some live music then this one’s for you. Performing at Jazz@PizzaExpress, American RnB singer Robert Carter will take to the stage. Be swept away by the soulful tones as Carter performs jazz, soul, RnB and Motown for music fans alongside the house band Uptown. Free. Jazz@PizzaExpress, The Hub, The Mall at World Trade Center, Khalifa Street. 7.30pm-10.30pm. Visit: facebook.com/events

Friday 12th May

Stretch out

Do you get a sore back from life as a desk jockey? Or maybe you work out hard all week and sometimes your body can feel the strain. Limber up, recover and take it down a level with this two-hour workshop where you can release the tension by learning how to self-release muscles and stretch to open your hips and hamstrings. AED 150 for members, AED 200 for non-members. Haddins Fitness, Zayed Sports City, near Hilton Capital Gate. Contact: 02 403 4233, haddins.com

Do the robot

If you’re excited about the sound of Kid Koala or just want to unleash your inner robot, now is your chance. Little androids (we mean real kids) are being invited to do the robot at this dance party for families. All you need to do is create a robot costume and bring your best dance moves to take part in all the fun. We’ll see you on the dancefloor. Free, but be sure to reserve a spot prior to attending. NB: Tickets are currently sold out but put yourself on the standby list and cross your fingers. The Arts Center, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. 11.30am. Visit: nyuad-artscenter.org

Have a ball at the mall

Feeling the heat already and want to quit your outdoor exercise routine? Well, helping people in the capital stay cool, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council Run is going indoors at Yas Mall this weekend. Stretch your legs and take part in a 2.5k, 5k or 10k walk or run, all in air-conditioned comfort. The race will start and finish at the town square in the heart of the mall. Some age groups are already sold out, so make sure you register soon if you want to take part. Not taking part? Make sure you give participants a cheer as they zoom past. Free. Yas Mall, Yas Island. 8.30am-10am. Visit: facebook.com/events/424621287914830/

Hit the decks

In town to spin the decks and provide the soundtrack to your Friday night, Turkish DJ Mahmut Orhan will be throwing out the tunes at Iris. Known for his big summer hit Feel with Sena Sener and many other big beats, he’ll be on the turntables all night long so get down and get throwing some shapes. Expect deep house, indie dance and nu disco as the night turns to early morning. Free entry. Iris, Yas Marina, Yas Island. 9pm-3am. Contact: 055 160 5636, reservations@irisabudhabi.com

Saturday 13th May

Get your shop on

Back to meet your shopping needs, the popular Al Seef Pop-up Market has made moves indoors to escape the summer heat. Head along to Al Seef Village to get your hands on loads of unique goods from accessories, arts and crafts, clothing and much more straight from UAE vendors. Free entry. Al Seef Village Mall, off Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street, near Khalifa Park. 11am-7pm. Visit: facebook.com/events

Have fun with mum

Mums and kids are invited this weekend for a fun-filled day of activities and laughter. At the Yummy Mummy Show, you can get expert advice, play games, enjoy a pampering session, top up with some refreshment and kick back and watch some live entertainment. All guests will also get the chance to win some exciting prizes including a family staycation and a spa treatment. Free. Saadiyat Ballroom, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street. 10am-3pm. Visit expatwoman.com

Looking for other ways to keep busy? Find more events in our online diary at adwonline.ae

And don’t forget to tag us in your photos at @adwuae on Twitter and Instagram and @abudhabiworld on Facebook – who knows, you might even be featured in the magazine!

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