Hit List: Outdoor BBQ season at Emirates Palace, see the wildlife at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Your weekend mantra

Enjoy an outdoor BBQ at Emirates Palace. Kempinksi

Delicious grills by the sea at BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace

If want to indulge in a good old-fashioned barbecue, you'll be pleased to hear that the popular BBQ Al Qasr at Emirates Palace is back for business. Who wouldn't want to spend an evening in a seaside gazebo enjoying a lavish meal on the beach under the stars? With it easier to be outside now thanks to the cooler conditions, the gentle sea breeze and natural soundtrack of the lapping waves are right on time. Open from 1pm Monday through Sunday. Check it out this weekend or go to www.kempinski.com

Al Wathba Wetland opens

When we heard a month ago that a record number of flamingo chicks had been born at Al Wathba, the news was met with a collective "awww" and a desire to get out there to see them. The problem was that the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve wasn't yet open to the public. That was then, this week we are pleased to tell you that the reserve, located just past Mussaffah, has re-opened. Visitors are welcome on Thursdays and Saturdays from 8am to 4pm (last entry at 2pm), and as it is the start of the migration season, you're sure to see an array of bird and animal life. There's a visitor centre and self-guided walking trails, the perfect nature escape. For more go to www.ead.ae

Visit the flamingo chicks and other birds and animal life at Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Christopher Pike / The National

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Tune up for Diwali with Neha

This week marks the start of the annual Diwali festival, and what better way to get into the spirit than to sing along with Bollywood singer Neha Bhasin at The Mall at the World Trade Centre in Abu Dhabi. The Dhunki and Kuch Khaas Hai singer has recorded songs in many Indian languages and began her career as a member of the pop group Viva. The “festival of lights” will see the mall transform into a Bollywood-inspired space with five classical Indian dance performances including kathak, bharatnatyam, bhangra, dandiya, and lavani. Celebrations will take place from 5pm to 10pm tonight.

Bollywood singer Neha Bhasin will perform at The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi for Diwali. Courtesy WTCAD

Get your freakshake fix at Cafe 302

We've all heard the term it's the "freakin' weekend", and there's a hotel in Abu Dhabi that is putting paid to that by offering some of the most drool-worthy freakshakes around. Cafe 302 at the newly renovated Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, has a menu full of shakes. If that's not enough, the chic cafe has included unique healthy shakes for fitness junkies. Try the Bananas over Acai and Passion Story or go all out with four delectable creations including Triple Trouble (pictured), Jigsaw and Thunder Wonder. Available all day long and well worth the Dh36. Go to www.rotanatimes.com/almahaarjaanbyrotana

Try the freakshakes at Cafe 302 including the Triple Trouble (pictured). Cafe 302