Abu Dhabi Verse

Abu Dhabi Things To Do This Weekend, 16-18 January 2026

January weekends in Abu Dhabi are all about good timing and better plans – think beachside movement, buzzy new openings, long lunches that stretch into sunset, and family-friendly afternoons done with style. From low-effort wellness to food-led hangouts worth leaving the house for, these are the things shaping the city from 16 to 18 January.

 

Grab a juicy burger at the newest spot in Yas Bay

There’s a new reason to drift down to Yas Bay. Bayside Burger Co. has officially opened, bringing a dose of retro beach culture, neon-lit interiors, and burgers that don’t apologise for being indulgent. Set right on the waterfront overlooking Yas Beach, it’s casual in all the right ways.

Inside, it’s sunshine-yellow accents, playful details, and a touch of good chaos; outside, a terrace made for people-watching and post-beach hangs. The menu sticks to classics, done properly: wagyu smash burgers stacked into house-made Hokkaido-style soft buns, fries that fully steal the spotlight (the Big Kahuna Loaded Fries are not subtle), and a sweet finish of soft serve, sundaes, milkshakes, and soda fountain nostalgia.

Drinks keep the mood light – frozen Margaritas and Mai Tais, ice-cold beers (including the city’s first topless cans), plus wine, bubbles, and slushies for all ages.

Open daily, noon – midnight.

For bookings and enquiries, call 025 639 329 or email enquiries@baysideburger.ae.

 

Enjoy unlimited sushi at Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori in Marina Mall
Saturday afternoons just got an upgrade. Sushi Unlimited is Goldfish’s new weekend ritual – a relaxed, unhurried way to do sushi that feels made for long lunches and easy plans. Available every Saturday from 3pm to 7pm, the experience is priced at AED149 per person and centres on a tightly curated selection of the restaurant’s most-loved bites.

Expect a smart mix of maki, hoso rolls, and nigiri, prepared fresh and served with Goldfish’s signature finesse. Highlights include Spicy Salmon Maki, Spicy Tuna Maki, classic Salmon and Avocado Hoso, plus richer rolls like Dragon Maki with tempura shrimp and gochujang mayo, and Soft Shell Crab Maki with sweet lemongrass chilli. The lineup is rounded out with Salmon and Hamachi Nigiri, finished simply with nikiri and wasabi.

Saturdays, 3pm – 7pm
Price: AED149 per person
For bookings and enquiries, call (02) 665 6485 or email  info@goldfishsushiyakitori.com.

Sweat & Shine at Fahid Beach Club by Barbossa, in partnership with Beyond Wellness
Sunday mornings at Fahid move differently. Sweat & Shine brings a barre-inspired workout to the beach club’s outdoor terrace, blending strength-focused movement with grounding breathwork – all set to the sound of the sea.

The flow continues with a nourishing seaside breakfast, before the option to linger poolside or drift down to the shoreline. It’s wellness without the performance – social, energising, and perfectly in tune with Fahid’s easy island rhythm.

Sunday, 18 January 2026, 9am – 11am

Price: AED199 per person (including breakfast)

To book, visit
https://beyond-wellness.zbooni.com/products/saturday-31st-january-sweat-shine-saturday-s-fahid-island-abu-d

 

Join the new Fiesta De Familia Brunch at Barbossa
This Sunday, Barbossa leans fully into family mode with a new Fiesta De Familia Brunch that blends bold modern Mexican flavours with easy waterfront energy – relaxed enough for parents, lively enough to keep younger guests engaged.

The sharing-style menu opens with three starters, followed by two tacos and one fajita dish, and finishes on a sweet note with churros to share. Adults enjoy three drinks of choice from a selection of cocktails, beers, wines, and more, keeping the afternoon light and social.

Kids get their own moment, too: a dedicated children’s menu with a main dish and three drinks, plus playful signature mocktails, from the Purple Colada topped with colada foam, to Cotton Candy crowned with a pink sugar cloud, or the fresh Ultra Azul with passion fruit, lime, mint, and soda. Add a dancer, face painting, and interactive entertainment, and the tone stays upbeat without ever tipping into chaos.

Sundays, noon – 4PM

Price: AED199 per person; AED49 per child (8 years and older)

For bookings and enquiries, call +971 50 185 8068 or email reservations@barbossa.ae