Abu Dhabi long weekend events run across all three days from Friday 28 August to Sunday 30 August, with the public holiday for Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday adding a third day to the usual weekend. The holiday applies to both the public and private sectors, according to the UAE Government’s official public holidays list.
Friday 28 August is also Emirati Women’s Day, and events marking the occasion are running across the capital. Whether the plan is a cultural outing, a restaurant booking, or a film screening, here is a day-by-day guide to what is on.
Friday 28 August: Harry Potter returns, pub quiz and a candlelit dinner
The 25th-anniversary re-release of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone opened in UAE cinemas on 27 August. The film runs for 155 minutes and includes 12 minutes of footage not seen in the original theatrical release, according to VOX Cinemas UAE. Screenings are running at Dalma Mall, Yas Mall, and The Galleria Al Maryah Island over the weekend. Further films in the franchise will follow over coming weeks.
For dinner on Friday evening, Villa Séléne at Yas Links Golf Club is hosting Oumsia, a Mediterranean sharing menu served with live piano and views across the golf course toward the Arabian Gulf. The event runs from 6pm to 9pm. Pricing is Dhs240 per person, Dhs390 for two, or Dhs960 for a table of five, with the fifth guest dining complimentary. Bookings via 054 990 4246 or villa.selene@viyagolf.com.
Atlon Bar and Bistro at Souk Qaryat Al Beri runs the Big Phat Quiz from 7pm to 9pm, followed by Ladies Night from 10pm to midnight. Deals start from Dhs99.
Saturday 29 August: Jalsa at Manarat Al Saadiyat and Porters’ birthday brunch
Jalsa, an artist collective founded by Emirati brothers Hamad Alshamsi and Abdullah Alshamsi, holds its third chapter at Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saturday 29 August from 6pm. The edition is themed ‘The Sea’ and will feature musicians, spoken-word poets and other performers. Entry is free but places are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis via registration. Manarat Al Saadiyat sits in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island and has a 250-seat auditorium alongside multiple gallery and events spaces, as noted on the Manarat Al Saadiyat venue page.
Porters Abu Dhabi at Millennium Hotel Al Wahda is marking its 14th birthday on Saturday with live music, karaoke, food and drinks. The celebration continues on 4 September. Tickets start from Dhs399 for two. Contact @portersabudhabi for details.
Open across the weekend: noodles, a quiz room, and afternoon tea
Sontaya Abu Dhabi at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers handmade Southeast Asian noodles daily. A signature noodle bowl costs Dhs150 per person. Reservations via 02 498 8443.
Quiz Room at Al Wahda City Walk runs team quiz sessions for groups of one to 18 players, aged eight and above. The format replicates a TV quiz show, covering trivia and music. It opens Sunday to Thursday from 9:30am to midnight, and Friday and Saturday from 9:30am to 2am. Prices start from Dhs144.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi is serving an afternoon tea curated by Executive Pastry Chef Rasika Weerasinghe, drawing on locally sourced ingredients and UAE culinary traditions. Savouries, pastries, scones, and a selection of teas and specialty coffees are included.
Jalsa’s registration window for Saturday’s free event closes once capacity is reached, so early sign-up via @harmonyabudhabi is advisable.
