DO OR DINE: 8 FABULOUS THINGS TO DO IN ABU DHABI THIS WEEK

If your fancying a weekend hunting for bargains, enjoying a drink with a view, running for charity, or having a blast at an Abu Dhabi statement festival, we've got something for everyone this week. Read on to find out all the goss!


IT'S DO OR DINE!

DO: MOTHER OF THE NATION FESTIVAL


MOTN is back on the Abu Dhabi Corniche for 2022 and it's bigger and better than ever. With 6 exciting zones, expect world-class live entertainment, pop-up stores, culinary experiences, fun activities for all the family, and much more!


Here at BB we are so excited for the arrival of London favourite, the iconic Peggy Porschen Cakes who's bringing their delectable cakes, pastries, and extremely pink vibe to the national's capital for a pop-up at the festival. Also featuring is the incredibly insta-worthy The Knot Churros with their ice cream mixes worthy of a science experiment - with candy floss and popcorn toppings! Mmm... count us in!


Location: Mother of the Nation Festival, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Date: 9th - 18th December 2022

Time: Mon - Thurs 4PM - 12AM | Fri - Sun 4PM - 2AM

Price: General online AED30, at the door AED35 | Cocomelon, Amusement Park & Thrill Zone bundle +AED85 | MOTN Fun House x Anima Bundle +AED140

Book: https://www.motn.ae/en/tickets

DO: VISIT A THAI FESTIVAL


It’s DO OR THAI this weekend as a brand new, free, Thai Festival comes to Abu Dhabi. Taking place at Umm Al Emarat Park there is a full weekend of activities planned including Thai cultural performances, a Thai fabric fashion show, live cooking shows, and even a Thai boxing tournament by UAE Muythai and Kickboxing Federation. 


Thai culinary masters will be on hand for you to try authentic Thai cuisine and you grab a purchase at the many market stalls. Run by the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand this is sure to be a fun weekend celebrating Thai culture and traditions.


Location: Umm Al Emarat Park

Date: 9th – 11th December 2022

Time: Friday 3PM – 10PM | Saturday/Sunday 10AM – 10PM

Price: AED10 entry to the park

DINE: GO FESTIVE WITH AFTERNOON TEA AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN


Chef Sudhanshu is back at it and has yet again created his whimsical festive afternoon tea for Marriott Al Forsan. Utmost care has been taken with pairings and presentation, and the finished product; a chic stand chock-full of festive delights, such as a roasted turkey tart, caramelised fig on a ginger sable, a raspberry and white chocolate Santa’s belt, and, something the kids will love,a dulce de leche and butterscotch reindeer! 


Scones can be hit or miss in Abu Dhabi but here they are most certainly a hit – especially smothered in the apricot and vanilla jam, and a delightful fruity festive stollen. Coupled with unlimited tea and coffee, this could be the festive pick-me-up you’ve been looking for! And it’s got a massive 2for1 deal with BB+, which even the Grinch would approve of!


Read the full review here.


Location: Lobby Lounge, Marriott Al Forsan

Date: 7th December 2022 – 7th January

Time: 2:30PM – 5:30PM

Price: AED120 pp, AED60 after BB+ discount | AED210 for two, AED105 after BB+ discount

Book: Must be booked 24 hours in advance 02 201 4131

DO: RUN FOR SMILES AT AL AIN ZOO


If you’re anything like me you’ve already started the major festive overeating. Chocolate for breakfast anyone? So, to stave off that Christmas paunch why not get out into the gorgeous winter weather, enjoy some outside exercise and raise some money for a really good cause while you are at it. On Sunday the 11th of December grab your jogging shoes as you join the Al Ain Zoo residents including zebras, camels, and giraffes and race round the safari, world desert and African habitats on a 2.5km short lap, 5km full lap or two full laps at 10km. The entrance fee is AED95, and all proceeds go towards Operation Smile UAE, who provide free surgeries to repair cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities to children around the world.


It is estimated that every 3 minutes a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate, and in as little at 45 minutes and for as little as AED880 Operation Smile can provide life changing surgery for a child in need.


Location: Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain

Date: Sunday, 11th December 2022

Time: Registration from 6AM, race starts at 7:30AM

Price: AED95 | Juniors AED65

Book: https://gulfmultisport.inphota.com/en/event/al-ain-zoo-run-for-smiles/

DINE: TUCK INTO A SUNDAY ROAST AT THE ROSEWOOD


Sunday dining at its best! Head to Aqua at the Rosewood for a deal that will knock your socks off. Enjoy a huge buffet of starters, including a huge salad section, an impressive cheese display, and take it from me the fish pie is delish! Then make your way outside for the main event. Not a traditional roast in a sense, but this is any meat lover’s dream with a wide selection of meat on offer including lamb, sausage, chicken, beef tenderloin, brisket, skirt and flank steak, big ‘ole Yorkshire puddings, roasted veg, gravy, and an array of mustards. Save room for the surprise dessert – this will have the whole family reaching for a spoon! 


And here’s the best part: the price! With BB+ it’s 2for1 on soft package, that means it’s just AED155 for two people! Crazy right!? And to top it off you get pool and kids club access as well so you can spend the rest of the day recovering!


Location: Aqua, Rosewood

Date: Sundays

Time: 12:30PM – 4:30PM

Price: AED155 pp | 2for1 with BB+

Book: 02 813 5550

DO: GO SWISS AT THE SWISS CHRISTMAS MARKET


From 8th – 11th of December the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal will be transforming into a Swiss winter wonderland. The Swiss Christmas Market, under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland and the Swiss Business Council, will take guests on a journey to Switzerland, walking through wooden chalets, tucking into Swiss delicacies, and buying a beautifully crafted gift. All that’s missing is the snow! 


There will be daily entertainment to entertain the kiddies and live music to add to the festivities. Entry is free.


Location: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Dates: 8th – 11th December 2022

Times: Thursday/Friday 2PM – 10PM | Saturday/Sunday 10AM – 10PM

Price: FREE

DINE: DRINK TO THE SUNSET AT 18 DEGREES BAR


Drink in the beautiful and unparalleled sunset from the ‘leaning tower’ of Abu Dhabi, while sipping on a pretty awesome deal that’s just perfect for Christmas party season! For just AED149 you can snap up unlimited drinks for 2 hours with 2 bar bites. With 5 classic cocktails on the menu, including Appletinis, Cosmopolitans, Moscow Mules, Cuba Libras and the deadly Screwdriver, as well as house wines, spirits, and draught beers, every person at the office party will find a drink-of-choice, and the bar bites are delicious. We're big fans of the camembert bites and the truffle parmesan fries. Top tip: go with a group so you can try all the bites! 


You can grab this deal every day of the week, yes, even the weekend (!) and you can choose your two-hour slot anytime in between 3PM and 10PM. For any night owls you can get 2 hours unlimited pouring from 10PM with one bar bite for AED129. See you at the top!


Read the full review here.


Location: 18 Degrees Bar, Andaz Capital Gate

Date: Everyday

Time: 3PM – 10PM

Price: AED149 with 2 hours unlimited drinks and 2 bar bites

Book:

DO: GET FESTIVE AT THE GREEN


Dig out your Santa hats and reindeer antlers, it's time to get warm, cosy, and Christmassy at The Green, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Visit this one-day Christmas market on Sunday 11th of December with a full day of festive entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy festive movies, complimentary mulled wine samples, live performances, gift stalls, bouncy castle, live entertainers, carol singers, and lots more. And there's even a rumour the big man in red will be making an appearance - have you been naughty or nice this year?


Location: The Green, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club

Date: 11th December 2022

Time: 1PM - 9PM

Price: FREE

Contact: info@thegreen.ae

Lorenna White

12/7/2022