logo
8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: March 7 to 9

8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: March 7 to 9

What's On06-03-2025

New month, new weekend…
What's On in Abu Dhabi this weekend? Check out our guide to find out. Here are 8 things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Friday, March 7
The Mirbad popup is back in Abu Dhabi for its 18th edition, taking place at cultural hotspot, Manarat Al Saadiyat. Over five days, it will feature over 120 local and international brands showcasing fashion, homeware, high-end jewellery, and art. it will also host exclusive themed collections and a bustling programme of entertainment, workshops, and curated culinary experiences.
Mirbad, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, March 6 to 10. @by.mirbad Head out on a food walk
Explore the UAE capital, a culinary destination that's growing in might every day, with a unique food walk experience. During Abu Dhabi Food Trails: Hidden Gems , you'll be able to explore a direct connection between the city's cultural fabric and its history. Each session will follow a different theme, aiming to highlight lesser-known cuisines and dishes.
March 7, 10pm to midnight, Dhs120. 421.online Explore a cool Bentley x Saddle collab
This Ramadan, Bentley and Saddle cafe invite you to an exclusive pop-up experience at Saddle House, Marsa Al Bateen. Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of the luxe automobile giant's luxury and Saddle's signature ambiance, where automotive artistry meets Ramadan indulgence at one of the capital's leading cafes. The special 'Continental Collection' beverages are available to savour between Iftar and Suhoor throughout Ramadan, and make sure you catch the stunning new Bentley Continental GT.
Saddle, Marsa Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 4am daily. @saddle Saturday, March 8
Alongside the ongoing kings & queens of africa: Forms and Figures of Power exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Fouquet's Abu Dhabi is celebrating African art and heritage with a limited-edition tasting menu. The four-course experience showcases authentic African ingredients and culinary traditions, crafted by Chef Balveer Balkissoon. Highlights include grilled West Coast calamari, slow-roasted beef short ribs with jollof rice, and South African rooibos tea ice cream, with optional South African wine pairings or a signature mocktail.
Fouquet's Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, until May 25, Dhs350 per guest. @fouquetsabudhabi Savour a special Ramadan menu at Zaatar W Zeit
Zaatar w Zeit has launched its specially-curated Ramadan meal selection Selection, featuring flavourful options such as the W rap Iftar, Skillet Iftar, and Iftar Duo, accompanied by a selection of signature desserts to complete the meal. The menu also offers Suhoor Favorites and the Mega Suhoor, carefully crafted to provide a w holesome and satisfying pre-da w n meal. It's available across all outlets in the UAE.
Zaatar w Zeit, various locations, Abu Dhabi, throughout Ramadan. Tel: 600 522 231. @ zaatar w zeit uae Check out AVLU at Yas Mall
AVLU Greek & Turkish Cuisine is now open to you at Yas Mall, and this is a great new spot to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and warm hospitality of the Aegean region. From freshly caught seafood to slow-cooked meats, dishes on the menu are crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, blending traditional Greek and Turkish flavors. Bon appetit.
AVLU, Yas Mall, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10.30pm. @avlu.restaurant Sunday, March 9
Remake Ramadan will air on beIN gourmet throughout Ramadan, will keep you on the edge of your seat while celebrating the rich flavours of the Arab world. Tune in to catch a high-stakes competition, where top chefs and talented cooks go head-to-head over 30 episodes, reimagining classic Ramadan dishes and putting their skills to the test as they transform traditional recipes into innovative masterpieces.
@bein Explore the Al Jahili Fort
Another heritage-infused site that was built close to two centuries ago, the Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest that have ever been built in the UAE. Located in Al Ain, it was built to serve as the summer residence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, before British forces assumed military use of the tower until 1970. Today, with major rehabilitation completed and the addition of interesting visitor features, the Al Jahili Fort welcomes one and all.
Al Jahili Fort, Castle Park, Al Ain, 9am – 7pm daily. Tel: (0) 3 711 8311. @visitabudhabi
Images: supplied, unsplash, Instagram, What's On archive

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Canvas and sky: Reputed artist Andrew Thompson is also an aircraft engineer
Canvas and sky: Reputed artist Andrew Thompson is also an aircraft engineer

Gulf Today

time2 days ago

  • Gulf Today

Canvas and sky: Reputed artist Andrew Thompson is also an aircraft engineer

Artist Andrew Thompson points out that by profession, he is a Licensed Aircraft Engineer and currently the Maintenance Manager for a Dubai VVIP flight operation. 'I have lived in the UAE for the past 31 years,' he says. Born and raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, he has had a 'very much of a free outdoors childhood,' in Zimbabwe. A self-taught artist with no formal art training, the inspiration for much of his earlier paintings comes from the surroundings he inhabited during the extensive travelling he did due to his work as an Aircraft Engineer. He admires man's many engineering feats from the past in machinery and architecture, and his work often reflect these muses. 'I also find inspiration from the desert sands of Dubai which may seem bleak and featureless to some, but to me they are alive with shapes, shades and colour, constantly shifting and offering something new,' he underlines. He says he is yet an experimentalist with his art, trying different forms, and taking inspiration from other fellow artists. He recently won second prize in the NBF (National Bank of Fujairah) art competition 2025 and is now showing some of his works at Perspectives – II group exhibition at the Capital Club, Dubai, curated by Patricia Millns, where Andrew's works are curated by Bhairavi Mistry of Noora The Divine Spark. Many of Andrews's pieces have found homes in Dubai and abroad. He speaks to Gulf Today Andrew Thompson looks at the world. Which are the unusual places that have inspired you as an artist? The Great Karoo region of South Africa. Vast open vistas of semi-arid country interspersed with flat topped mountains and hills. The earth tones that pop out of the landscape at sunrise and sunset are breathtaking. The Geilo, Norway. The contrast between light and shadow is extreme and when combined with the blue shadows, caught my attention. It reminded me of the desert in the UAE with a random Ghaf tree casting shadows on the sand. What has kept you in the UAE for over three decades? It is the country that has kept me here. It might get hot and there might be too much dust at times, but it is a special place, special people. The UAE also has pride in its identity which I admire, something that many western countries could look on as an example. It has looked after me. Ghaf Tree. What is the advantage of not having formally learned art? Not to be bound by convention, not to be confused with what you are told, as opposed to what you feel. Watercolour was the medium I first chose, and now many years later, I am well immersed in oil painting. It is only now that I listen to other 'formally' trained artists on social media and compare my notes and my experiences. Not all of it I agree with or follow. How has Africa influenced you as an artist? The land influenced me. In my high school years, I spent most of my holidays in the African bush. This probably influenced my senses of listening, smelling and looking. The golden hours just before sunset sitting high up in the hills above my home watching the light and colours change from the sky above to the dark valleys below. Africa has a special feel at this time of the day. Hajar Thunder. Which is the architecture you admire? I admire most architecture, but I think the style that pulls my eye in is Brutalism. It's the combination of big structure and the raw face of concrete. This is enhanced when sunlight creates sharp zones of light and deep shadow. This contrast of light and shade have offered some inspirational ideas for my art. Why are you still an experimentalist as an artist? I think this comes about due to my sporadic spurts of creating pieces of art. I cannot dedicate a period each day to paint. My painting sessions are grabbed when I am not working in my day-to-day profession or spending time with my family. Hence why I believe I am an experimentalist painter. Night Walk. Who are the fellow artists you look up to? Why? Maynard Dixon, an American West landscape painter. His paintings of big open spaces have always made me pause and look long at his work. He was a minimalist landscape artist, who created big open vistas of the American West, using a subdued colour palette. Very similar to the UAE desert landscapes. Another artist is Andrew Wyeth, also an American artist. He was known as a realist in his style. Besides the sands, what is your Emirati muse as an artist? The Ghaf tree. Strong, resilient and silent. When the wind blows, you can hear it whispering quietly to you. It is a complex tree to paint, its canopy is multi-faceted in shape and subtle colour, all balanced on a rough trunk. The time of day also changes its character. They are the ancient sentinels of the sands. The isolation of these trees has always drawn me to them. Wind Whisperer. Is there a link between aircraft maintenance and art? Yeah, I think there is. Both require your hands, your eyes and your brain. You need to be able to 'think' with your hands at the same time as engaging the brain. There is a natural pride when you walk past your finished painting or when you see the aircraft that you have just worked on, takeoff and fly.

Nando's opens its biggest UAE spot at JBR
Nando's opens its biggest UAE spot at JBR

What's On

time4 days ago

  • What's On

Nando's opens its biggest UAE spot at JBR

If you thought Nando's couldn't get any bigger in Dubai, they've just raised the bar. The South African brand's largest UAE restaurant now stands tall on the bustling beachfront of Jumeirah Beach Residence. Spanning two floors with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, this flagship fits perfectly into the vibrant lifestyle of one of Dubai's busiest neighbourhoods. The space This two-storey spot offers indoor and outdoor seating, making it perfect for everything from casual catch-ups to late-night post-beach cravings. The space combines Nando's signature Afro-Portuguese style with thoughtful design – earthy tones, textured surfaces, and seating for both big groups and quiet corners. The art Beyond the food, this location doubles as a mini gallery, featuring one of the world's largest collections of contemporary Southern African art. It adds a cultural layer that makes the restaurant feel even more alive and welcoming, right where the city's pulse beats strongest. The food Nando's menu is all about flame-grilled chicken marinated in their famous peri-peri sauce, available in varying heat levels from mild to extra hot. Alongside their signature chicken, expect sides like peri-peri chips, corn on the cob, and spicy rice, all crafted to complement that smoky, spicy kick. It's casual, packed with flavour, and perfect for sharing or solo bites. About Nando's Founded in South Africa in 1987, Nando's has grown into a global phenomenon known for its Afro-Portuguese roots and fiery peri-peri chicken. With thousands of outlets worldwide, the brand is celebrated not just for its food, but for its vibrant culture and bold spirit. Nando's growth in Dubai This JBR opening is the latest milestone following new spots in Al Wahda Mall, Khalifa City, and Dubai Investment Park. Its prime location and foot traffic make it a key player in Nando's expanding UAE story. More details Location: The Walk Unit GM04, Rimal Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence Times: Monday to Friday from 11am to 1am, Saturday & Sunday from 11am to 3am Contact: 600 542 525 Images: Supplied/Nando's Official Website > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

Here's why flights in the UAE might be more expensive this summer
Here's why flights in the UAE might be more expensive this summer

Time Out Abu Dhabi

time5 days ago

  • Time Out Abu Dhabi

Here's why flights in the UAE might be more expensive this summer

Jetting off this summer? Brace yourself. Whether it's a quick hop to Mumbai or a long-haul to New York, flight prices from the UAE are soaring. Airspace restrictions across the region have led to ripple effects being felt across the skies, which means airlines are rerouting to avoid the no-fly zones and journeys are getting longer. Ticket prices are also climbing fast. If you've been dreaming of European escapes, African safaris, or simply heading home for the holidays, you might've noticed your usual flight budget isn't cutting it. Fare comparison sites like Skyscanner and Google Flights show prices from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas have jumped anywhere between 15 and 60 percent – all in less than a week (last week compared to this week). For the UAE's massive Indian expat community, summer trips home are usually routine. This year, they're coming with serious sticker shock. One-way tickets to cities like Mumbai and Delhi, which typically cost between Dh380 and Dh440, are now going for up to Dh800. That's nearly double – and if you're booking for the whole family, the cost hike adds up quickly. If you're heading Stateside, flights to New York are averaging between Dh1,210 and Dh1,325 – a notable jump from the previous prices of around Dh1,030. Round-trip fares to cities like Chicago and Houston are now pushing Dh2,475, with longer flight times and steeper fuel costs behind the spike. Flying to Nairobi? Prices have crept up from around Dh550 to as much as Dh750 for a one-way ticket. Round-trips are now averaging Dh1,195 – about 25 percent more than last week. Some airlines are even adding extra stopovers to reroute safely, increasing both travel time and overall hassle. Even routes that don't directly pass over conflict zones are feeling the squeeze. Fares to destinations like Frankfurt have climbed by 25 percent, with traffic rerouted over more limited air corridors, causing delays and congestion. Why are flight prices more expensive at the moment? While the reason hasn't been confirmed, longer routes mean extra hours in the air, which means more fuel, more staffing and more logistical complexity – and could lead to higher fares. Midweek departures or flying at off-peak times can still offer some relief. And flexible ticket options are your best bet in case plans suddenly shift. If you've got summer travel plans, get ahead of the surge and book wisely. Need some travel inspo? Travelling from Abu Dhabi is about to be so much faster Zayed International Airport is the world's first airport to make this change 18 countries offering visa-on-arrival to UAE residents Here's where to go UAE citizens now get visa-on-arrival for India: a game-changer for travellers That quick trip to India just got even easier

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store