Things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: The ADR Week: 27 April – 2 May

If the last week of April is looking quiet, it shouldn't be. There's enough happening in the capital for everyday, like poolside working and late-night brunches, to full moon activities and live music somewhere in between. Here's where to point yourself.

Monday 27 April

Work by the sea at Saadiyat Beach Club

For anyone working remotely and tired of doing it from the same spot, this is worth looking at. The Residents' Weekday Club at Saadiyat Beach Club gives you a private cabana, Wi-Fi, charging and light refreshments. Arrive before 1 pm and you get breakfast: an organic plate with omelette, salmon and fruit, or a fry-up if you'd rather. After 1 pm, it switches to lunch: club sandwich, California rolls, shawarma and hot mezzeh. One meal per booking. It runs Monday to Thursday, so you've got most of the week to actually use it.

Where: Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island

When: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM

Price: AED 699 (1 guest) / AED 999 (2 guests, poolside cabana)

More info: saadiyatbeachclub.ae or +971 2 656 3500

Wednesday 29 April

Business lunch at Ilios

Hudayriyat Island has enough going on now that a trip out there midweek makes sense on its own. Ilios is the restaurant at Surf Abu Dhabi, overlooking the wave pool, and the weekday business lunch is a solid excuse to get there. The menu is Greek-Mediterranean with a Japanese section: fresh fish from a daily counter, grilled octopus, Florina peppers, Greek salad and sushi. It runs from noon to 4 pm, which gives you plenty of time not to rush it.

Where: Surf Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat Island

When: Mon–Thu 12:00 PM–4:00 PM (Lunch) / Fri–Sun 11:00 AM–4:00 PM (Lunch)

Price: Business lunch from AED 145 per person (Mon–Fri)

More info: surfabudhabi.com/ilios or @ilios.abudhabi

Thursday 30 April

A sound bath under the full moon at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

April 30 is a full moon, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is hosting an immersive sound meditation session held inside the museum itself, concluding its April wellness series with a T-rex and a 7-billion-year-old meteorite among its permanent exhibits. Experiencing a sound bath, at night, is a genuinely different way to spend a Thursday evening. It's free with a museum ticket, but you need to register in advance.

Where: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District

When: Thursday, 30 April

Price: Complimentary with museum ticket (AED 70 adults / under-18s free). Registration required.

More info: luma.com/ouwwf8zw

Mama Quilla at COYA Abu Dhabi

COYA's Mama Quilla evening gives you a reason to bag a table beyond the food. The annual initiative runs in partnership with Dubai Cares, which funds education for children in developing countries, and 15% of the set menu goes directly to the cause. The menu features Yellowfin Tuna Tartare, Salmon Tacos, Chilean Sea Bass Croquettes, and Slow Cooked Short Rib Baos. While you're there, don't miss Testimony of Life, an exhibition by contemporary painter Lavi Li, curated by Zhukava Maryam, whose work documents cultures and landscapes across remote regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula that are at risk of fading.

Where: COYA Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

When: Thursday, 30 April from 7:30 PM

Price: AED 299 per person (set menu)

More info: coyarestaurant.com / +971 02 306 7000

Rashed Al Majed at Etihad Arena

Rashed Al Majed has been one of the most influential voices in Khaleeji music since 1984. If you've grown up listening to him, you already know what a live show feels like. If you haven't, Thursday at Etihad Arena is a decent place to start. The concert is open to ages 4 and above; guests under 16 need to be with an adult aged 21 or over.

Where: Etihad Arena, Yas Island

When: Thursday, 30 April

Price: From AED 350

More info: etihadarena.ae

Friday 1 May

ADIB Cup Final: Al Ain vs Al Wahda

Al Ain and Al Wahda meet for the ADIB Cup at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium on Friday. Al Wahda holds three titles, Al Ain has two, so there's something on the line. If you've been meaning to catch a proper football match this season, this is the one to go for. 

Where: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Al Nahyan

When: Friday, 1 May. Doors 5:45 PM / Kick-off 8:45 PM

Price: From AED 50

More info: abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net

Saturday 2 May

Saturday brunch at Barbossa

Barbossa's Saturday brunch at Yas Bay Waterfront runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, and is definitely more of a party than a quiet lunch. You’ll get shared plates of tacos, quesadillas, lamb barbacoa, eight-spice salmon, tres leches and churros, plus a DJ, live sax and dancers as part of the deal. There's an after-brunch package from 5 pm to 7 pm for AED 150 if you're not ready for your Saturday evening to be over. 

Where: Barbossa, Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island

When: Saturday, 2 May, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Price: AED 249 (soft) / AED 399 (house) / AED 599 (champagne)

More info: barbossa.ae or @barbossa_auh / 050 185 8068