Coolest Things to Do in Abu Dhabi This Weekend, 16-18 January

January weekends in Abu Dhabi are all about good timing and epic 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, these are the things shaping the city from 16 to 18 January.

Grab a juicy burger at the newest spot in Yas Bay

Abu Dhabi This weekend

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 to 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 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

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 enjoy poolside or drift down to the shoreline.

Sunday, 18 January 2026, 9am – 11am
Price: AED199 per person (including breakfast)
To book, visit beyond-wellness

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.

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

Mariam Khawer
Mariam Khawer
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