Roam Free
You can’t keep using this hot weather and excessive cost of living as an excuse to stay locked up indoors. The weather’s cooling down and there’s plenty of free stuff to see and do.
See a camel race: Every weekend, locals gather at a futuristic stadium just outside Al Wathba (not dissimilar to Tatooine) for some highly competitive camel racing. Although the creatures can seem a bit ungainly, they’re incredibly fast, especially when spurred on by a small electronic, remote control ‘jockey’ strapped to their backs. Bring your own 4×4 and you can join the mad convoy of vehicles that drive alongside the camels, while the occupants scream at the animals to make them go faster. It’s a chaotic spectacle, but great fun to be had for free.
Follow Al Ain Road to Al Wathba for about 45 minutes, then follow the signs. 6.30am-8.30am, Thursday and Fridays. Al Wathba Racetrack
Climb a mountain: Jebel Hafeet is often mistakenly thought of as being the UAE’s tallest mountain. It’s actually only the third tallest (Jebel Yabir in the Hajar Mountains holds the record), but, as the imposing mount rises out of nowhere from the flat surrounds, it’s probably the most impressive. There’s a road leading all the way from the ground to the top, which you can drive up or, if you’re feeling particularly spritely, is wide enough for you to walk the whole way without being hit by a speeding Land Cruiser. At the top stands a forlorn café, but the views and considerable temperature drop are grand.
Follow signs from Al Ain town centre
See some big cats: This hidden animal sanctuary is run by dedicated naturalist Ronel Smuts, and is home to a collection of exotic beasts, including cheetahs, tigers, lions, wolves, crocodiles and many more. You have to book an appointment, but it’s an amazing experience. Entry is free, but we’re sure they’d appreciate a donation.
Entry by appointment only (050 614 4024)
Meet the stars: Unless you’re a VIP or a member of the press pack, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to do any celebrity spotting on the red carpet of this year’s Abu Dhabi Film Festival. But if you’re dying to see an A-lister in the flesh, don’t panic. Last year, free public events included a Q&A session with the beautiful and charming Naomi Watts, and the organisers say there will be more of the same this year, although times, dates and the celebs in question have yet to be confirmed.
Oct 14-23. www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae
Get smart: Expand your mind with the public lectures at Abu Dhabi’s own New York University. For example, on October 4, Helen Nissenbaum, the university’s professor of media and communication, will be leading a discussion on privacy in context. Sounds very clever to us.
Oct 4, 7pm-9pm, Al Manouma Auditorium, New York University, Muroor Road, www.nyuad.nyu.ed (02 628 4000)
Get cultural: Buying tickets to see world-class musicians at the great Abu Dhabi Classic concert series isn’t cheap. If you love the tunes but can’t afford the tickets, there are free classical music lectures and workshops available throughout the season, which starts on October 6 with a performance by the world renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam.
Check the website for more details – www.abudhabiclassics.com
See crazy cars: This totally madcap collection of cars is a hilariously kitsch experience. Entry is usually free, although occasionally there will be an attendant on the door who asks for a small donation.
8am-1am, 2pm-6pm. The Emirates National Auto Museum, near Hafeen, www.enam.ae (02 667 6999)
Play but don’t pay
Joining an organisation or a group in Abu Dhabi is rarely too costly, because most will only ask for a nominal membership fee. But if you insist that you don’t want to pay a single fil, providing you have some sought-after talents, there is a handful that won’t charge.
Abu Dhabi Big Band: This 18-piece brass band plays regular gigs around the city, hitting crowds with their infectious blend of Glenn Miller classics, jazz and pop. They’re always on the lookout for talented musicians to join their ranks, especially trombone players. Provided you’re musically competent, membership is free.
www.abudhabibigband.com (050 499 4663)
House Of Oud: These virtuosos on the Arabic stringed instrument just love to jam. Time Out gave them a run for their money on a few Jimi Hendrix classics – oddly beguiling on the oud. Give them a call beforehand and turn up with your instrument, before settling down to some intensive Middle Eastern musical stylings.
9am-2pm, 5pm-9pm. Al Nahyan Camp (02 641 5699)
Cash-free culture
Fancy soaking up some of the capital’s culture without spending a fil? These galleries and exhibitions are free for all to enjoy.
Alliance Française: More of a wall space than a gallery, nevertheless David Helderle, the art-obsessed manager of this cultural centre, uses the limited room to give exposure to up-and-coming artists in the capital, making it the place to see work by the art superstars of the future.
Sun-Thur, 9am-1pm, 4pm to 9pm, Sat, 10am-6pm. Behind Choithram, Khalidiyah, www.af-aboudabi.net, (02 666 6232)
Ghaf Ghallery: This villa-based gallery is only a little over three years old, but has established itself as one of the most interesting in the city, showing off works by up-and-coming artists from both home and abroad. Check out Sumayyah Al Suwaidi’s exhibition, an Emirati artist who makes digital cartoon images, from October 3-13.
Sat-Thu 9am-1pm, 5pm-9pm. Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 666 0361)
Manarat Saadiyat: In most major cities around the world, entry to an exhibition full of pieces by the 20th century’s most celebrated artists would cost you a tidy sum. Not so in Abu Dhabi, where Manarat Saadiyat costs nowt to enter. Make sure you don’t miss this month’s Gagosian exhibition, the private pop art collection of New York dealer Larry Gagosian.
10am-8am. Saadiyat Island (02 406 1400)
Al Fanaan exhibition: This multinational art collective is showing off the colourful and inventive creations of members at The National Gallery. A great way to keep abreast of Dhabi’s burgeoning art scene – completely gratis.
Until Oct 6, Sat-Thu, 10am-10pm. National Theatre, Al Manhal (02 621 5300)
Acento Gallery: Finding this hidden gallery, located in the dark depths of Mina Port, can be a bit of a mission, but if you get there you’ll find a fine collection of Spanish and Mexican art. Well worth the odd missed turn for.
Sun-Fri, 10am-2pm. Street 13, Mina Port (02 676 8614)
Romanian Art: Since recovering from the oppression of the communist regime, Romania has developed one of the most lively art scenes in Europe. See for yourself at this exhibition at Salwa Zeidan Gallery.
Until Oct 10, Sun-Thurs, 9am-7pm. Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Khalidiyah (02 666 9656)
Beauty bonuses
You don’t have to have the bone structure – or salary – of a supermodel to look beautiful. In the city, there are a few places where you can try on make-up and get beauty tips for free.
Mac Cosmetics: The kind ladies on the Mac counter at Abu Dhabi mall will give you a free makeover if you pretend to be interested in purchasing some of their products. Just pop by and tell them what you want to sample – eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick etc – and they will apply it professionally for you. Then it’s time to take those smoky eyes out on the town!
Mon-Wed, 10am-10pm, Thu and Sat, 10am-11pm, Fri, 3pm-11pm. Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club Area (02 645 4938)
Inglot: The Polish make-up specialists claim that, by mixing colours, they can create one billion variations of lipsticks, blushers and eyeliners. As long as you’re interested in buying something, they’ll let you try on all the make-up you want first – though trying on one billion hues of make-up would probably be taking it too far.
Sat-Thurs, 10am-11pm, Fri, 3pm-11pm. Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070)
Calorie discounts
Keeping fit in the UAE can be a costly experience, and taking out a gym membership can cost so much you may have to do without your summer holiday. There are, however, a few no-cost ways to prevail over the inevitable weight gain.
Go running: One of the few sports that won’t cost you a dime. Strap on your pumps and stretch your legs in the great outdoors. The Corniche is definitely the prime spot for runners in Abu Dhabi. It boasts some pleasing views, cooling sea breezes, plenty of other runners to try to overtake and a few public toilets in case you’re caught short during your jog. The knee-crunching hard brick pavements and the constant risk of being knocked down by a pedaloe or a cyclist are negative points, however. There’s also a bouncy running track on 32nd Street, running between 19th and 13th streets, while if you head along 19th Street near Abu Dhabi Country Club, there’s a huge grass park, both of which are a lot kinder to your knees than running on concrete surfaces. While it’s still under construction and traffic is at a minimum, Yas Island is a pretty popular place for joggers to burn off some calories. Just watch out for reversing diggers.
Shoot hoops: On the Corniche, opposite the Hilton Baununah, the free-to-use basketball courts are a great place to practice your slam dunk. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
Radical skating: If you’re the kind of person who regularly drops phrases like ‘bust an ollie’ or ‘stoked’, head down to the skate park on the Corniche to meet like-minded enthusiasts. And better yet, entry is free. Totally rad, dude!
Swimming: With most hotel pools and beach clubs costing a pretty penny to have a splash in, try the free public beach on the Corniche, and there’s an adequate stretch of water for you to doggy paddle around in, too.
Rich history for the poorer pocket
The UAE may only be 39 years old, but the region itself has a rich history. Some of it may have been overshadowed by the odd world-beating skyscraper, but, if you look hard enough, there are plenty of historic buildings to be explored. And, best of all, a lot of them are free to enter.
Liwa Forts: If you’re heading out to the desert oasis of Liwa, in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, you should make a concerted effort to visit the nine ancient forts in the area. The dusty ramparts make for perfect picture opportunities to impress your friends back home, though finding them can be difficult. Qutuf Fort, which features in Thesiger’s Arabian Sands, is currently located in someone’s back garden.
Near Mezaira, Western Region, Abu Dhabi
Al Jalili Fort: This 19th century fort has recently undergone a major refurbishment, turning it into a stunning focal point for the garden city of Al Ain. Entry is free, and while you’re there you can check out a decent permanent exhibition on Wilfred Thesiger, the British explorer who chronicled the lives of the Bedouin before oil wealth transformed the Emirates.
Follow signs from Al Ain town centre
Nights out for the nowt
A night on the tiles is notoriously expensive in the capital. Chaps, we’re afraid you’ll just have to live with it. Ladies, however, are in luck, as there are numerous nights where your drinks come for free.
Cho Gao: As well as some fine Asian food and a cool rustic-style décor, this restaurant has a great bar area. On Saturdays and Sundays, ladies get free cocktails, which you can sup while enjoying the chilled beats from a live DJ.
9am-midnight, Sat-Sun. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6149)
Belgian Café: This high-end bar has an authentic, fin de siècle European feel to it. It also does some fine Belgian cuisine, specialising in mussel dishes and chocolate-drenched waffles, which are perfect accompaniments to the free selected drinks for the ladies.
5pm-6.30pm, Sat. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888)
Étoiles: ‘A night that’s special everywhere, from New York to Hollywood. It’s ladies’ night and the feeling’s good!’ So sang ’70s disco kings Kool & the Gang, but they failed to mention that the good vibes extend all the way to Abu Dhabi on Tuesdays and Fridays, when notoriously costly beverages at this high-end nightclub are given to the girls for free.
7pm-11pm, Tues. Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999)
Pearls Bar: A chic rooftop bar, cool house tunes, great views over the nearby creek and selected drinks are complimentary. Whoever said it was a man’s world was so wrong.
9pm-midnight, Mon. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888)
Cooper’s Bar: The out-of-town haunt has a quaint, English country pub feel to it, making it a top spot to share a relaxed, free glass or two of grape-based beverages with your pals.
8pm-midnight, Wed. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park, Al Maqtaa (02 657 3333)
Relax@12: Now that summer is coming to an end, it’s time to check out this lofty bar’s alfresco area for a few free selected drinks on a Tuesday while taking in the stunning views over the city. That is unless you have a fear of heights.
8pm-2am, Tues. Aloft Abu Dhabi, Adnec, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 654 5000)
Level Lounge: The Crowne Plaza’s poolside rooftop bar is a spot so relaxed it’s bordering on comatose. A few free drinks for the lasses on Saturdays ought to liven it up a bit.
7pm-11pm, Sat. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 621 0000)
Zenith: One of the most popular clubs in the capital has a revolving dance floor with under floor lighting and two ladies’ nights in a week. Get there to bust some John Travolta-style moves.
9am-2am, Mon and Wed. Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 677 3333)
Net for nothing
When it comes to the web, getting something for nothing is just a few clicks of the mouse away.
A free place to stay: Couchsurfing is an organisation set up by a bunch of American idealists whereby you swap details with someone, then get to stay in each other’s homes for free. It has recently been launched in Abu Dhabi, letting you become, or find, a temporary houseguest. We advise picking someone with good personal hygiene, though.
www.couchsurfing.org
Get rid of junk: The transitory nature of life in the UAE means people often have loads of unwanted items to get rid of. The Take My Junk organisation allows you to give away your unwanted clothes, furniture, books and electrical goods, all of which are donated to underprivileged people in Ajman – much friendlier than leaving it out for the dustmen to collect.
www.takemyjunkuae.com
Free stuff: Freecycle is an organisation through which you can give away and find almost any item for free. It’s ideal if you’re moving house and don’t want to see your household goods end up in landfill, or if you’ve just moved here and haven’t got ample cash to spend.
http://groups.freecycle.org/abudhabifreecycle
Free books: If you’re a bookworm without the funds to cough up for expensive paperbacks, there’s a number of sites you should be visiting. And, as a lot of old classic books are no longer under copyright, it’s completely legal. War And Peace will take a fair bit of finger work on your smartphone, though.
www.classicreader.com
Free films: Although there are many bittorrent download sites on the internet, most of these are illegal, and downloading a copy of Inception might land you an expensive lawsuit from the film’s producers. Instead, go to Emol, where old films that are no longer protected by copyright are free. Anyone up for scaring themselves silly with a bit of Nosferatu?
www.emol.org
Free music: Last FM is a radio station which reads your iTunes using a system called scrobbling, then creates a personalised radio station based on your tastes. If you’re a dedicated muso, you get to hear a lot of new bands that you might not have heard of. While the free version has limits, the music there to explore – from The Beatles to The Rutles – is still extensive.
www.last.fm
Giving it back
If you have a bit of free time on your hands, but don’t want to spend any money, why not volunteer for some charity work? Not only will you be helping out a good cause, you’ll also feel better about yourself afterwards.
Help unwanted pooches: Turn to the Community section of the magazine (p35), and you’ll see some snaps of some of the city’s homeless mutts. If their big eyes melt your heart, but you can’t afford to adopt one, the charity is always looking for volunteers to walk the dogs before they find a home. Plus, you’ll get fit into the bargain.
www.straysofabudhabi.com (050 130 7392)
Care for cats: If you’re more of a cat person, the Feline Friends charity needs volunteers to collect funds and care for the cute kitties.
www.felinefriendsuae.com (050 582 2916)
Become an eco-warrior: The environment’s under threat, and we all need to do our bit to save the planet. If you feel guilty about throwing all your glass and plastic out with the rest of your trash, or about the fuel consumption of your 4×4, then get in touch with the Emirates Environment Group. You’ll be joining up with like-minded environmental campaigners who organise fundraising events and meetings to sort this mess out before it’s too late.
www.eeg-uae.org (04 344 8622)
Help Pakistani flood victims: The Citizens’ Foundation promotes education for children in Pakistan. It is currently helping raise money for the devastating floods in the north of the country, which have been described as the worst humanitarian disaster in years. The Abu Dhabi branch of the charity needs fundraisers urgently.
www.thecitizensfoundation.org (02 602 3656)
Improve international relations: Joining the Abu Dhabi branch of Gulf4Good will give you a chance to make friends with people of all nationalities while raising money for orphanages and hospitals around the world. Sounds like a win-win situation to us.
www.gulf4good.com
