6 AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI THIS WEEK

Wowza! With all eyes on Abu Dhabi for the finale race of the F1 season, this week is set to be a busy one in the capital. After Netflix's Drive To Survive, Formula One just keeps getting more and more popular, so much so that there is an even an extra grand stand built for the race this year. What with that, a massive broadway show opening up at the Etihad Arena this week and a world famous charitable running race, Best Bites has the low down on the best things to DO or DINE in Abu Dhabi this week.


DO: CATCH A WEEKEND OF RACING AT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT


This weekend sees the last race of the F1 racing calendar at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island. Although Max Verstappen has already clinched his second world championship, this is still set to be a weekend of thrills and high adrenaline racing, especially after the nailbiter that was the 2021 Abu Dhabi grudge match. 


Whether you’re enjoying the race circuit-side, at one of Abu Dhabi’s bars (check out some of our favourites here) or from the comfort of your own home, it's set to be an epic weekend for petrol heads.


But it’s not just about the racing – the after-race Yasalam concerts are set to be a blast this year, with British rapper, Dave, and R’n’B superstar Usher hitting the stage Thursday, mega beats with Swedish House Mafia on Friday, multi-platinum Grammy-award winning Kendrick Lemar on Saturday, and finishing with rock-legends Def Leppard on Sunday.


Although tickets have been sold out for a while, you might be able to grab one on the Where To UAE ticket thread here. 


Location: Yas Marina Circuit | Yas Island

Dates: 17th – 20th November 2022

More info: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/formula1

DINE: GO ITALIAN AT ANTONIA BRUNCH


This not-so-small (hello new extension!) Italian resto on the Mamsha shoreline has quickly become one of the capital’s go-to-places for casual Italian dining - for good reason. The unbelievably light, house-proved pizza dough, paired with a refreshing licensed beverage, has made Antonia one of Abu Dhabi's top Italian restaurants - especially since you can enjoy it while drinking in the views of the fabulous Soul Beach.


This coming Sunday, the 20th of November, brings the return of Antonia’s once-a-month table brunch. Antipasti includes some great coastal Italian favourites: mussels in a rich tomato sauce, crispy calamari, and beef carpaccio. Enjoy sharing pasta dishes or pizza by the slice as well as veal meatballs and grilled tiger prawns and finish with Nonna’s favourite desserts such as the legendary tiramisu. 


Location: Antonia | Mamsha

Date: Sunday, 20th November 2022

Time: 3PM – 6PM

Price: Soft AED195 | House AED245


See our full brunch list here.

DO: HAKUNA MATATA, THE LION KING IS IN TOWN!


Opening this week at Etihad Arena, is the award-winning production of the Disney musical the Lion King. Now in its 25th year, the production which opened on Broadway in 1997, has now been experienced by more than 110 million people in over 100 cities across 21 countries. 


Head to the plains of Africa and join lion cub Simba as he battles to take his rightful place of King of the Pridelands. This spectacular show uses over 232 puppets and 50 cast members ... it needs to be seen to be believed. 


The show has proven so popular, that the run has now been extended until Sunday the 10th December and tickets start at AED200 on weekdays and AED250 on weekends. Tickets can be purchased from the Etihad Arena website with 10-15% off tickets for ADCB cardholders.


Why not make an evening out of it and grab dinner at Yas Bay beforehand? You could try out the brand new BB+ winter menu at Asia Asia. Check it out here!


Location: The Lion King | Etihad Arena

Date: Wednesday 16th November – Saturday 10th December

Time: Doors open at 7PM (Matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 1PM)

Price: From AED200 weekdays and AED250 weekends

Book: https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/the-lion-king


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With BB+ you can get all these restaurant discounts plus loads more at a huge range of venues across Abu Dhabi. We also have offers for brunchbusiness lunches and more! Sign up today!

DINE: GO NY AT BROOKLYN CHOP HOUSE AT ANGAR


To celebrate the F1 race weekend we are seeing a switch up on the Abu Dhabi food scene with top name restaurants participating in restaurant ‘take-overs’. We are excited to see New York darling the Brooklyn Chop House making their debut in the city and taking over Angar at the W Hotel, Yas Island Abu Dhabi for the weekend. 


This ain’t no ordinary steakhouse! Playing on the word “chop”, this culinary experience sees diners swapping from chop steak to chop sticks, mixing prime cut steaks with Chinese/Asian fare. The gamechanger comes when BCH reimagines the classic deli sandwiches (think Philly cheesesteaks and Reubens) into dumplings. 


At AED800 minimum spend per person this is certainly not going to be a cheap night out but judging by their reputation it should be a tasty one!



Location: Angar | W Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

Date: Thursday 17th – Sunday 20th November

Time: 12PM – 12AM

Price: AED800 minimum spend pp on F&B

Book: 02 656 0000

DO: RUN FOR A GOOD CAUSE AT ZAYED CHARITY MARATHON


It’s time to dig out those running shoes for the Zayed Charity Marathon on Saturday the 19th of November 2022. Starting from ERTH Hotel at the Armed Officers Club, runners will be guided around the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, past the beautiful memorial Wahat Al Karama and back to the Armed Officers Club. With routes available for 3K family run, 5K intermediate course, and 10K advanced route, there's a route suitable for all ages and fitness levels. 


All proceeds for this race will be donated directly to the Organ Donation Programme, organised by non-profit organisation the ERC. All participants will receive a participation medal and a t-shirt.


This annual race which represents the UAE’s vision of spreading peace and love worldwide, was established in 2001, to be held in tribute to the founding father of the nation, the late Sheikh Zayed who was a passionate humanitarian.


To register visit https://www.premieronline.com/event/zayed_charity_marathon_6043


Location: ERTH Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Date: Saturday, 19th November 2022

Time: 7AM start

Price: Donations

Book: https://www.premieronline.com/event/zayed_charity_marathon_6043

DINE: ENJOY A WINTER SET MENU AT JADE


For a yummy treat this winter season at a very affordable price, you should check out the winter set menu at JADE restaurant at Etihad Plaza. This three-course menu, available at lunch or dinner, is inclusive of a soup, starter, and main course for just AED90 for lunch and AED145 for dinner per person. 


The lunch menu has specialties such as prawn mango salad, duck croquettes, and baked salmon in filo pastry. And dinner menu includes delights such as pumpkin and ginger soup, shish tawook and rib-eye steak with roasted potato


This relaxing, casual dining spot is the perfect place to enjoy a fresh and flavourful meal at a great price. This could be the start of your festive celebrations! For a great dining deal, check out Jade!


Location: Jade Restaurant, Etihad Plaza

Time: Lunch 1PM – 5PM | Dinner 5PM – 12:30AM

Price: Lunch AED90 | Dinner AED145

Book: 02 886 5277


See other lunch deals here, and dinner deals here.

Lorenna White

11/21/2022