Traditionally in the UAE, the summer months see an expat exodus, with thousands of people leaving the country to spend the hottest months of the year back in their home countries or on holidays around the world. However, 2020 has been a bit different to most others and due to many international borders still being closed, a reduced number of flights and changing regulations around returning to the country, many residents are staying put this year.
To capitalise on the audience, hotels, malls, restaurants and bars have introduced deals for the summer. In fact, The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) has introduced the campaign Rediscover Abu Dhabi to tempt people back outdoors once more. There are also heightened health and safety measures around the city, with the DCT Go Safe label being attached to hotels and attractions. The label not only means that the venue has been passed as safe to open and operate, it also means all staff will undergo regular COVID-19 checks.
Over the next ten pages we’ve rounded up some of the brilliant deals on offer this month – so go out there and enjoy yourself.
DAYCATION DEALS & POOL PASSES
Al Maya Island
Book online and you can take the short boat trip to Al Maya Island to relax in the sun. Day passes start from Dhs199 and include Dhs150 credit to spend at the venue. A family pass has also been launched for Dhs495 that gives two adults and three children access to the facilities and Dhs350 vouchers to spend on food and drink. Plus, a daily happy hour promotion has been launched that includes six bottles of hops for Dhs99.
From Dhs150. Al Maya Island, boat transfer from Al Bateen Marina. www.almayauae.com.
Andaz Capital Gate
The hotel – the world’s furthest leaning man-made building – has a great day pass deal at its newly opened pool. From Saturday to Wednesday you’ll be use of a single of double room from 9am to 9pm and the pool from 9am to 7pm for Dhs350, and you’ll get Dhs150 back in credit to spend at the pool bar. Sounds good to us.
Dhs350. Sat-Wed 9am-9pm. Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (02 596 1234).
Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace has reopened its pool and relaunched day pass offers for UAE residents. Head along to the luxurious hotel and settle in for the day at the 1.3km private beach or lounge by one of the hotel’s two pools. Plus, kids can run riot in the hotel’s waterpark to burn off some energy. On weekdays prices start from Dhs295 per adult with Dhs100 back to spend on food and drinks. There are also 6km of cycling paths, football fields, tennis courts and a gym on offer with the day pass, if you want to keep active. Kids under the age of four go free. The beach club is open daily from 7am to sunset, so if you’re an early riser you can make the most of it.
Dhs295. Emirates Palace, West Corniche, www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/beach-club-and-membership.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
For Dhs500, you’ll get five day passes to the hotel’s beach and Dhs300 back in credit to spend on food and beverages. Children are also welcome and kids under 12 can accompany paying adults free of charge. The beach will be subject to strict social distancing rules and must not exceed a maximum capacity so you’ll have to book ahead before arriving. There are also day-pass deals, which cost Dhs149 per person on weekdays and Dhs199 on weekends with Dhs100 in credit for food and drinks. For both deals you’ll have to take your own towel.
From Dhs149. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Rabdan (02 654 3160).
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl
Standing tall at the end of the Corniche is the impressive Grand Hyatt, which has a truly stunning pool and beach area. You can get a day pass to the beach and facilities for Dhs150 right now, which is fully redeemable against food and drinks.
Dhs150. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates Pearl, West Corniche (02 510 1234).
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Two adults can use a deluxe room, access the hotel’s private beach and get 25 percent discount on all food and drinks. It costs Dhs350 on weekdays and Dhs450 on weekends. Got kids in tow? Children under the age of three go free, children under the age of 12 cost Dhs50 and children between 12 and 16 cost Dhs75. You need to book ahead to make sure the hotel doesn’t exceed capacity and the offer is valid until August 31.
From Dhs350. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche West (02 811 5555).
Saadiyat Beach Club
One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular beach destinations has now opened to the public. Saadiyat Beach Club, located on Saadiyat Island, is now open for bookings. The beach club will not be accepting walk-ins so if you want to visit you’ll have to book ahead. On the weekend a day pass will cost you Dhs250 and all guests must bring their own towels to use the facilities. The pool here is absolutely amazing, so if you need to top up your tan there’s now another option. Just remember your sunscreen.
Dhs250. Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, www.bookings.saadiyatbeachclub.ae.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Two adults can enjoy a day on the beach with access to a room for the day for Dhs299. There is also an option for singles, for Dhs195. With both packages you’ll also get Dhs150 in credit to spend on food and drink and kids under the age of 12 go free. Beach access is available from 9am to sunset each day and room access from noon until 8pm.
From Dhs195. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche East (02 677 3333).
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas
Enjoy access to the private beach and pools any day of the week for Dhs400 per person with Dhs200 redeemable on food and beverages. Got little ones? Children aged between six and 12 pay Dhs200 and get Dhs100 in resort credit and kids under six go free. The package is available every day except for Fridays and guests are asked to bring their own towels to meet the safety requirements.
Dhs400. Sat-Thu. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1234).
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island
Enjoy access to the resort’s beach, breakfast and lunch in Turquoise as well as unlimited beverages at the Beach Bar and Lobby Bar. Packages cost Dhs550 per person, children from six to 11 are half price and children under the age of five go free (with a maximum of two kids). You can enter the resort at 10am and it finishes at 6pm. Breakfast is served from 10am to 11am, lunch from 12.30pm to 5pm. It must be booked ahead of time to ensure that the resort doesn’t exceed the maximum capacity allowed.
Dhs550 per adults, half price (kids six to 11), free (five and under). Sun-Thu 10am-6pm. Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (02 492 2222).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Two adults can enjoy a day on the beach with access to a room for the day for Dhs299. There is also an option for singles, for Dhs195. With both packages you’ll also get Dhs150 in credit to spend on food and drink at the hotel and kids under the age of 12 go free. Beach access is available from 9am to sunset each day and you’ll get access to the room from noon until 8pm.
From Dhs195. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort, Corniche East (02 677 3333).
Yas Beach
The stunning beach club is now open every day from 10am to 7pm and will operate with a reduced capacity to ensure public safety. All visitors are required to bring their own towel and strict social distancing will be in place. Day passes start from Dhs60 for weekdays and Dh120 on weekends and public holidays. Children under the age of 11.
From Dhs60. Yas Beach, Yas Island, www.yasbeach.ae.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Head along the Corniche and you can spend the day on the beach at Nation Riviera Beach Club with the Abu Dhabi skyline as a backdrop for Dhs160 per person. The beach club is home to a 200-metre private beach, secluded cabanas, a spacious infinity pool complete a swim up pool bar and a fitness centre. We can already picture ourselves there shamelessly taking a selfie to make our mates jealous.
Dhs160. Sun-Thu. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche West (02 694 4444).
DINE & STAY DEALS
This summer, the Departure of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has launched a Dine and Stay campaign for the UAE residents.
Running until the end of August, the campaign offers you the chance to enjoy a meal and an overnight stay at some of Abu Dhabi’s best hotels.
Packages start from Dhs320 and the menus available are only on offer for a limited time as part of Abu Dhabi Culinary Season.
Here are all the deals to check out.
For more information and to book, head to www.adculinaryseason.ae/dine-and-stay.
Abu Dhabi EDITION
Settle yourself in to a room at this beautiful hotel in Al Bateen and you can also enjoy a Mediterranean meal at Alba Terrace as part of the package for Dhs800++.
Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
Check in to this handy downtown hotel and you can tuck into a three-course meal at Time Out favourite Café 302 as part of the deal for Dhs320++.
Al Raha Beach Hotel
Head along to this hotel and you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch of dinner at Sevilla as well as a night’s stay for Dhs400++ on weekdays and Dhs450++ on weekends.
Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi
Get your fix of tip-top Thai food at this hotel with dinner at Ingredients when you can enjoy a four-course menu before sleeping off a food coma in your room for Dhs525++.
Bab Al Qasr Hotel and Residences
Book in for a stay at this landmark of the Abu Dhabi skyline and you can enjoy a three-course Mediterranean dinner at Rosemary restaurant for Dhs599++.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Chill out waterside at this swish hotel and you can enjoy a short stay as well as brunch at Marco’s New York Italian, and breakfast and lunch at the poolside restaurant as part of the package for Dhs850++.
Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi
Head along the Corniche to this stylish hotel for a stay and you can also enjoy a lunch or dinner at Tuscan restaurant Verso as part of your stay for Dhs500++.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Check-in to this luxury hotel along the Corniche and as well as a night’s stay you can enjoy a three-course set menu at Italian restaurant BiCE as part of the deal for Dhs510++.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island
There’s not many more picturesque beach hotels than this one in the emirate and when you check in for a stay you can also tuck into a three-course set menu at super Lebanese restaurant Tean as part of the package, which starts at Dhs1,117++.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi
Get yourself booked into this popular hotel and you can enjoy a stay as well as a three course meal at Market Kitchen as part of the deal for Dhs406++.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
This stunning Saadiyat Island hotel is ready to offer you a night’s stay as well as dinner at The Park Bar and Grill included as part of the deal for Dhs800++.
Park Rotana Abu Dhabi
This comfortable hotel is ready for you to check in for a night’s stay and to enjoy a three-course set menu meal at Teatro as part of the package for Dhs599+++.
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre
Pack your bags and head to Pearl Rotana for a night’s stay and when you’re there you can tuck into dinner at Dino’s Bistro Italiano included as part of the deal for Dhs420++.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Head along to Al Maryah Island for a night’s stay at this classy hotel and you can also enjoy a meal at Lebanese restaurant Sambusek as part of the package for Dhs770++.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas
Set on the pristine Saadiyat Island coastline this beautiful hotel is ready for you to check in for a night’s stay and enjoy a set menu at Si Ristorante Italiano and Bar all as part of the deal. The packages start from Dhs1,039 per night for two.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi
Stay the night at this hotel right on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche and you can also tuck into a dinner at Parmigiana Restaurant as well as enjoy a trip to Louvre Abu Dhabi, with free tickets included as part of the package for Dhs595++.
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Enjoy a luxury break at this stunning hotel and you can also take your pick of meals from Italian restaurant Giornotte, pan-Asian restaurant Li Jiang or steakhouse The Forge as part of the deal for Dhs750++.
Tilal Liwa Hotel
Take a scenic drive into the Liwa desert to discover this cool hotel and enjoy an Arabic dinner at Al Badiya restaurant as part of the package for Dhs699++.
FOOD & DRINKS
90 Centigrade
On a Friday between 12.30pm and 4pm and you can enjoy an a la carte brunch alongside two house beverages for Dhs135. There’s also a daily breakfast deal. You can tuck into a breakfast and a glass of juice or coffee for Dhs95 every day between 6.30am and noon.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Al Wahda (02 495 3968).
Appaloosa Sports Bar
Get 50 percent off selected beverages at this racing themed sports bar between 3pm and 6pm every day.
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi (02 201 4131).
Belgian Café
Selected drinks have 50 percent off between 4pm and 7pm every day at this classic watering hole.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdulzaziz Al Saud Street (02 666 6888).
Blu Sky Lounge & Grill
Head here for selected pints from Dhs20 every single day. There’s always sport on the TVs and the bar does some cracking food, too.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 818 4888).
Butcher & Still
This 1930s-themed steakhouse also has a very cool bar area and a nice terrace outside. Drinks are buy one, get one free from 4pm to 7pm every day.
Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island (02 333 2222).
c.mondo bar
There are half price drinks between 5pm and 9pm every day. There’s a two pints and snack package for Dhs99 every day from noon until 9pm and at a weekend you can get a main course and a pint for Dhs89.
Centro Capital Centre, near ADNEC (02 409 6514).
COYA
There’s a new set lunch menu to showcase some of the restaurants best and new dishes. Available on weekdays between noon and 3.30pm for Dhs110 per person, you can enjoy a starter and main course alongside mocktails.
Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Hotel at Al Maryah Island (02 306 7000).
COVER STAR!
Easy Tiger
The casual sports bar is the proud owner of the massive burger you see on this issue’s cover. Until the end of August you can get it with two pints for Dhs79. Now you have to agree that is a bargain.
Al Ain Palace Hotel, Corniche Road (02 678 0522).
El Sombrero
All you can eat and drink Mexican food and beverages for Dhs199 with soft drinks and Dhs249 with house beverages on Fridays from 5pm to 9pm.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road (02 677 3333).
Glow – Poolside Sports Bar
Every Thursday and Friday you can get 60 minutes of unlimited quick bites and selected beverages for Dhs60 between 6pm and 10pm and house hops for Dhs20.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC (056 657 0808).
Hamilton’s Gastropub
There are loads of deals here throughout the week, including half price drinks and food for healthcare workers. Teachers also get half price drinks and food on Sundays and Mondays. Everyone can enjoy 50 percent off drinks until 10pm all week long, however.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 697 0120).
Hemingway’s
Head along to the pub on a Saturday or Sunday and you can tuck into a curry with a pint for Dhs66. Plus on a Saturday you can get a burger and a litre of hops for Dhs99. On Mondays and Tuesdays you can get two tacos and two bottles of hops for Dhs99 or enjoy five hops and the choice of chips or onion bhajis for Dhs99. On Fridays you can enjoy unlimited house drinks and a platter of bar bites for Dhs149 between 4pm and 7pm. There’s also a happy hour promotion every day from 4pm to 8pm with drinks starting from Dhs23.
Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche West (02 681 1900).
Hidden Bar
There’s a new Tuesday night deal here called SOS (Sushi, Oysters and Sashimi). Tuck into a host of fresh seafood and enjoy unlimited grape, hops or bubbly for Dhs195 per person every week from 6pm to midnight (it’s a two hour package). You can get two-for-one drinks from Sundays to Thursdays daily between 6pm and 8pm and midnight to 4am.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
La Cava
Get two hours of unlimited grape beverages and cheese and cold cuts, served to your table, for Dhs195. Each additional hour priced at Dhs80. It takes place every Wednesday from 3pm to 9pm and Thursday and Friday from noon until 9pm.
Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island (02 813 5550).
Loca
Taco Thursdays is for two people and includes unlimited tacos and two mixed drinks or bottles of hops each for Dhs195 from noon until 1.30am.
Loca, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Mr Miyagi’s
The fun spot has buy one, get one free on drinks and bar bites between Saturday and Wednesday from 5pm until 8pm and three courses and unlimited drinks for Dhs149 all day Sunday to Wednesday.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 5651150).
Relax@12 Lounge
Hops and house short drinks start at Dhs35 here and are buy one, get one every day between 5pm and 8pm. There’s also a new brunch on Fridays between 1pm and 4pm for Dhs199, offering unlimited sushi and sliders.
Aloft Abu Dhabi, near ADNEC (052 837 0047).
Stars ’N’ Bars Yas Island
The fun Yas Marina-side spot has drinks from Dhs20 between Saturday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
The Foundry
What: Get two steak main courses and two sides with a bottle of grape for Dhs299 from Friday to Wednesday from 6pm to 9pm.
Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya (02 818 4888).
The Scene by Simon Rimmer
At the celebrity chef’s casual spot you can get a pint for Dhs1 with a meal from noon to midnight every day. There’s also buy one, get one free happy hour drinks from noon to midnight every day and two pints for Dhs50.
Yas Marina, Yas Island (050 797 0331).
Viewz Bar
Get selected draught hops from Dhs20, short measures from Dhs24 and two-for-one mixed drinks starting from Dhs30 very day from noon until 8pm. You can also buy a main course and get a pint for Dhs10.
Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi, next to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre (02 652 0132).
Waves Bar
Every Monday, the My Sandwich promotion offers you a pint completely free with every order of any dish with bread including sandwiches and burgers. Head along on Fridays and you can enjoy unlimited mixed drinks for Dhs149 per person. On Saturdays you can order a steak alongside two glasses of grape for Dhs155 per person. Finally, on Sundays, you can enjoy a cheese platter alongside two glasses of grape for Dhs95.
Novotel Al Bustan (02 501 6444).
Up and Below
Head along and order any item on the food menu and you can get a drink for Dhs1. Dishes on offer include Bahamian beef nachos, Caribbean shrimp tapas, Jamaican jerk chicken, salads and the venues signature chicken wings. If you’re not hungry, all drinks will cost Dhs17 until the end of September.
Up and Below, Courtyard by Marriott, Hamdan Street (052 914 1207).
