12 awesome things to do this week in Abu Dhabi

Beat the rising heat at the ice rink
Summer is on the way, and if you’re looking to keep your cool (without diving into the pool), we think you should be strapping on the skates and sliding over to the local ice rink. Zayed Sports City is home to one such sheet of ice, and even total beginners will be whizzing around the room in no time at all. Click here for more information and other indoor sports to try.
From Dhs55. Zayed Sports City, zsc.ae (02 403 4200).

Explore the Eastern Mangroves by boat
While we love to get active and hit the waves on stand-up paddle boards or kayaks, some like to take in the views without the physical exertion. For brilliant views of Eastern Mangroves without having to pump the biceps, climb on board one of Captain Tony’s eco-conscious tourist boats. Time to set sail.
From Dhs180. Daily tours depart hourly from 7am until sunset. captaintonys.ae (050 133 2060).

Get fit by trying sand boarding
Love snowboarding? Tried its desert-based alternative? Grab a board and head out to the dunes, and before you know it you’ll have burned some serious calories – without stepping foot in a gym. Click here for the full details and more ideas for alternative sports.

Gram the Long Salt Lake
In need of some new content for the ‘gram? Well it’s good news insta-huns because Abu Dhabi has a new snaptastic spot for you at which to look fabulous. The Al Wathba Long Salt Lake has recently exploded in popularity, garnering social media fame for its crystal clear waters and mushroom-like stacks of sodium chloride. Why is this cool you ask? Because photos give off a snowy, not sandy, aesthetic, which we all know is not too common here. So, what filter are we all using?
Co-ordinates. 24.1589° N, 54.5025° E.

Marvel at a sunrise at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Beaten the alarm clock to the jump? Why not use that spare time in the morning to appreciate one of nature’s greatest phenomenons at one of Abu Dhabi’s greatest cultural hubs? The Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts kayaking sessions every day of the week at 6am (except for Monday) where visitors can learn about the museum while being able to greet the big yellow raising his weary head. Now that’s a bright idea.
Dhs126. Tue-Sun 6am. Saadiyat, louvreabudhabi.ae.

Push the tempo at F45
The holidays are over and it’s time to get back into the gym. Show your body (particularly your belly) who is the boss at F45 in Zayed Sports City, where trainers will make sure to test every muscle and sinew in your temple with a 45 minute (what gave it away) class of HIIT and circuit training. Now, where are our sweat bands?
Open Sun-Wed 5.30am-8pm. Thu 5.30am-7pm, Fri 6am-11.30pm, Sat 7.30am-11pm. Ramp 40, Zayed Sports City, www.f45training.ae/zayedsportscity (056 332 3113).

Reverse back in time at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Arguably the world’s most iconic car brand is taking a trip down memory lane with an exhibition of its famous hypercars. Hypercars – Evolution of Uniqueness’ is currently on show at Ferrari World on Yas Island and supercar lovers will get the chance to see a number of limited-edition hypercar models. Cars on display include LaFerrari, a hypercar dedicated to Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, and the extremely rare Ferrari 250 GTO of which only 272 were produced. Let’s roll!
Dhs295 (park entry). Open Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com (02 496 8000).

Swoon over the interiors at Brunch & Cake
This Instagram-favourite has been blowing up our feeds since opening in the capital, and we headed down to try it out (anonymously, of course) earlier this month. The plates are just as tasty as they look, and any frowns will instantly be turned upside down with the desserts. Need to know more? Check out Time Out’s review here.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-1am, Thu-Sat 10am-2am. Unlicensed. Al Bateen Marina (800 4726362).

Tuck into a fantastic fish supper at McGettigan’s
The recipe for success when it comes to fish and chips is perfectly flaky cod, crunchy batter and thick cut chips. McGettigan’s at the Dusit Thani does this oh-so-well, and we can never say no to a fish supper at this wonderful Irish establishment. Click here for all the details, plus other top catch of the day options across the city.
Dhs95. Open daily noon-1pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (02 698 8888).

Unwind at the pool at the Grand Hyatt
There are tonnes of options when it comes to pool days in Abu Dhabi, but the Grand Hyatt is easily one of our favourites. This spot offers up sensational views over Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi beyond, and it’s basically made for your Insta feed. A day pass will set you back Dhs150, and is fully redeemable on food and beverages.

For more pool deals in Abu Dhabi click here.
Dhs150 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B). Daily 8am-8pm. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, West Corniche (02 510 1234).

Visit a piece of history at Abu Dhabi at Qasr Al Hosn
The capital is a city punctuated by stunning, sky-touching and modern architecture. But it is impossible to resist the charms of older buildings that were raised from the ground without the assistance of mega-cranes and new age tech. Ancient fort Qasr Al Hosn is on the best cultural attractions in the country and provides a glimpse into a life gone by.
Dhs30 (under 18s free). Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street (02 697 6400).

Work up a sweat on with Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Kick-start your fitness regime with the Escape & Evolve fitness plan at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. Running over Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22, staycationers will be put through their paces by BR Perfomance Studios and Bodyism in a series of fitness workshops including swimming, running, endurance and strength conditioning on the pristine Saadiyat Beach, before refueling and recovering at the hotel’s restaurants. Pack those trainers, you’re going to need them.
Dhs650 plus VAT (weekend pass, no hotel stay). Dhs1,250 plus VAT (single occupancy). Dhs1,850 plus VAT (double occupancy – Dhs925 plus VAT each). Fri May 21-Sat May 22. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (050 641 7965).