Cheap & free
Having Friday fun needn’t mean extending your overdraft. If you’re looking for a frugal way to spend your day off, here it is.
Take a journey through time
The giant Khalifa Park is a great place to sit back and unwind on a Friday morning. But one of its biggest draws is the time tunnel train ride, where you sit on a monorail and ride by a procession of waxworks detailing the 7,000-year history of Abu Dhabi. Best of all, the experience will only cost adults Dhs3, while children go for free.
10am-10pm, Khalifa Park Maritime Museum (02 449 4303).
Go shopping on the cheap
If you want to spend your Friday wandering aimlessly around a mall, but don’t want to hurt your gold card, visit the Hamdan Centre (pictured). The shops here sell cheap T-shirts, handbags tourist tat and low-cost jewellery.
4pm-11pm. Hamdan Street (02 632 8555).
Play some low-cost golf
Smashing a few dimpled balls around a grassy expanse is one of the most popular Friday pastimes in the UAE. But with extortionate green members’ fees, it’s also one of the most costly. The answer? Ditch the grass and go and play at Al Ghazal Golf Club where it costs just Dhs165 for 18 holes on the UAE’s only sand course. 6am-sunset.
Behind Masdar City (02 575 8040).
Shoot some hoops for free
You know you’ve got game, so prove it on the free-to-use basketball courts opposite the Hilton Baynunah. They’re particularly popular in the early evening, so be sure to get there early.
Smash some sixes
Every Friday, groups of Sub-continental expats gather in the car park next to Hilton Abu Dhabi for a giant game of cricket (we’re talking at least 30 fellas per team). They’re happy to let anyone join in, but be warned – these guys are seriously good. Last time we played, our middle stump was clean bowled on the second ball we faced.
Early riser
8am
Abu Dhabi Mall Walkers: If you’re one of those people who’s usually up with the larks on a Friday and doesn’t want to waste a single hour of your day off, good on you. As you clearly have energy to burn, start your day by heading to Abu Dhabi Mall to join the regular, slightly eccentric mall walking club. On our last attempt to join the walkers, numbers were thin on the ground, but it’s still a great way to burn off some early morning calories without ending up a sweaty mess.
Free. 7am-9am. Abu Dhabi Mall (02 654 4858).
10am
If you still haven’t had your fill of exercise, head next door to the mall for aqua aerobics at the Beach Rotana Hotel. Aerobics is strenuous enough anyway, but exercising underwater is even more tiring.
Dhs45 non-members, Dhs35 members. Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Midday
After burning off all those calories, treat yourself to one of Jones the Grocer’s deluxe burgers. It’ll cost you a whopping Dhs99, but, as well as a huge, juicy slab of burger, it’s packed with fois gras, truffle mayonnaise and caramelised onions.
9am-9pm. Muroor (02 443 8762).
1.30pm
You don’t want to waste your whole day indoors, even if it is baking hot outside. Cool down at Abu Dhabi’s little known Corniche Water Park, in front of the Hilton Baynunah Hotel, where there are water cannons tethered to the ground for a good, old fashioned water fight. It’s free, though you’ll have to wrestle the guns from the kids first.
3pm
If grocery shopping is one of your necessary weekend chores, make sure you get to Lulu Hypermarket at Khalidiyah Mall mid-afternoon. Around this time, the in-store bakery finishes a batch of khubz bread. Staff readily hand out bags of baking hot loaves which you can munch on while filling your trolley – don’t forget to pay for your bread, though!
Late starter
2pm
If you’re free and single (or have surprisingly self-contained children), there’s no need to leave you snooze pit before the sun’s riding high. Instead, enjoy some quality pillow time before heading to the Yacht Club’s late afternoon brunch. For a mere Dhs165, you can order as many a la carte dishes off the Far Eastern menu, with unlimited Cuban drinks thrown in.
2pm-6pm. Intercontinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888).
6.30pm
Next up, we recommend heading over to Hakkasan bar. As well as being a high-end Chinese eatery, at the far end of its maze-like interior is one of our favourite new bars in the city. Perch on a bar stool, watch the water reflection light show and pretend you’re David Beckham.
6pm-2am. Emirates Palace (02 690 7999).
7pm
If a more rowdy evening is what you’re after, then pop into The Tavern. From 4pm, the improbably named house band Gabyloo Duo pump out some pop/rock classics. Also, it’s 20 per cent off drinks until 8pm.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 677 3333).
8pm
Seeing as you’re at the Sheraton already, why not learn a few Latino dance steps? This month, Salsa lessons are starting at Zenith nightclub, where you’ll be transformed into a Latino dance genius in no time.
Dhs35. 8pm-10pm, Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 677 3333).
10pm
After all this dancing you’ll probably need to turn the tempo down a few notches. Hop in a taxi to Escape Lounge, the capital’s most laidback beachside bar. Grab a beanbag, pull over a fan and watch the twinkling lights reflected in the bay.
8pm-1pm. Hiltonia Beach Club (02 681 1900).
Midnight
If you’re not ready for bed yet, then the Splash Pool Party will see you through to the early hours. There’s one taking place on September 17 at Aloft Hotel with house spinner DJ David Craig manning the ones and twos.
Dhs100. 8pm-late. Aloft, Khaleej Al Arabi Street (02 654 5131).
Family
Fun
When we were young, the only place we could play on a weekend was in the woodland at the top of our road, full of broken glass and rough kids. Luckily, in Abu Dhabi there are a lot more exciting and less hazardous activities going on for the youngsters
Fun City
With video games, fairground rides and a ball pit, this ever popular fun zone will tire your child out in no time whatsoever. You’ll have no difficulty getting them to sleep later on.
Dhs20. 2pm-midnight. Marina Mall (02 681 5527).
Wanasa Land
One of the few children’s centres where you can leave your youngster unattended while you go off and have a shopping splurge. They have computer games, magic shows, face painting, bumper cars and a bowling alley to keep the littl’uns amused for hours on end.
Dhs15. 9.30am-1am. Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7654).
My Playground
The play facility at the Fatour Al Khair Centre (better known as the Marks & Spencer Mall) is one of the newest in the city and has more activities for the kids than you can wave a crayon at. These include a maze, bouncy castle, library and ball pit.
Dhs15. 10am-11.30pm. Airport Road (02 634 0035).
Rock Climbing
Start your child’s path to becoming an intrepid mountaineer by setting them loose on The Club’s climbing wall. Don’t worry, an instructor is on hand to make sure they don’t come to any harm. Next stop, Mount Everest.
Dhs20 for 30 minutes. 9am-6pm. The Club, Mina Port (02 673 1111).
Cookery class
Being able to cook properly is a skill everyone should possess. These cooking classes will give your children a head’s up as they’ll learn how to prepare a simple dish, before being allowed to scoff the lot.
Dhs35. Noon. Abu Dhabi Ladies Club (02 666 2228).
Strike Zone
Let your youngsters blast away at each other with rubber pellet guns in this mock post-industrial landscape at the back of Wanasa Land. They’re given plenty of protective clothing so won’t suffer any injuries, and adults are allowed to join in.
Dhs40 for 15 minutes. 3pm-11pm. Al Wadha Mall (02 443 7654).
Get physical
Finding time during the week to fight the impending weight gain can be almost impossible. Don’t worry, there are more than enough high energy classes and activities to keep you trim on a Friday
Early Running
Forget your early morning snooze. Strap on your running shoes and head down to the Corniche where the Original Fitness Company (the same guys who run the energy-sapping boot camps) are organising a training run to get you in nick for November’s Abu Dhabi half marathon.
Dhs50. 6am. Meet at Adnoc gas station, by Spinney’s on the Corniche, www.originalfitnessco.com. (02 406 9404).
Charity Marathon
If you’ve been practicing your running, you can use your new-found fitness levels for charitable causes at the Road to Awareness Run, to be held on September 17. The event will see teams trying to run the furthest distance over a 12-hour period to raise money for underprivileged children in Africa.
7am-7pm. Aloft Hotel (02 654 5021).
Secret track
Pounding the rock hard pavements in the UAE might help you shift a few pounds, but it can play havoc with your knees. So take your Friday jog on this little known running track that starts on 32nd Street and runs four blocks from 19th to 13th Street. It’s made of bouncy tarmac so your knees will love you for it.
Go brazilian
The Brazilian martial art Capoeira has finally arrived in Abu Dhabi, with these training sessions held on Friday at the Beach Rotana.
Dhs45 non-members, Dhs35 members. 2pm. Beach Rotana Hotel (02 697 9000).
EXtreme fitness
The fittest of the fit are invited to join fitness company Haddins’ Ultimate Circuit training sessions at their centre in Zayed Sports City. The organisers promise to push you to the limit – how good of them.
Dhs80. 8.30am. Zayed Sports City, www.haddins.com (050 800 6492).
Kick off
If you’ve ever driven up Airport Road and wondered what that giant inflatable tent was near Carrefour, it’s actually The Dome, Abu Dhabi’s first indoor football pitch. It’s open on Fridays for five-aside or seven-aside games.
Dhs150 to Dhs300. 9am-2am. Al Maqtaa, www.thedome.ae (02 449 8480).
Ball control
These Body Balance classes use gym balls to strengthen your stomach muscles, burn calories and improve your balance.
Dhs50 for non-members, free to members. Noon. Abu Dhabi Country Club (02 657 7777).
Jump around
Spend your late Friday afternoon jumping from wall to wall at this regular Parkour meet-up on the Corniche. If you don’t mind the odd tumble and scraped knee, this is the group for you.
Free. 4pm-7pm. Opposite Hilton Baynunah (050 721 8169).
Burn rubber
We find our morning drive to work down Airport Road enough to get our heart racing, but if you crave more adrenaline, head along to Yas Marina Circuit on a Friday where you can race supercars – providing you’re
aged over 18 and have a UAE driving licence.
Dhs950, www.yasmarinacircuit.ae (800 927).
Hit out
Think you could be the next Mike Tyson? This new Friday morning boxing class at Haddins will prove whether you have the makings of a title contender or a punch drunk washout.
Dhs80. 10am. Zayed Sports City (050 800 6492).
Mortal combat
Spend your Friday learning the deadly martial art of Muay Thai at One to One Hotel’s health club.
Dhs40. 8am and 7pm. Al Nahyan Camp (02 495 2000).
Make a splash
Abu Dhabi’s azure waters are just crying out to be explored on a Friday. So strap on a life jacket and go and get wet.
Go desert island camping
We’re surrounded by islands, but most of them are owned by royalty and are strictly off limits. Not so for Bahraini Island, so why not head there on Thursday evening and make a weekend of it? You’ll need a boat to get you out there and back, so give charter company Empros a call.
Boat charter Dhs300 per hour, www.empros.ae (02 673 2200).
Join a desert island pool party
Al Maya Island is home to a luxury hotel and swimming pool. After Ramadan, the popular pool parties will be starting up again on Fridays. A boat will take you there from Al Bateen Marina, giving you the chance to laze in the pool all afternoon, sipping drinks and listening to some chilled house music.
Dhs100 including boat journey. 2pm-11pm, www.adhfc.com (02 657 7777).
Learn to scuba dive
If you dream of becoming an ace scuba diver, you can learn all about the sport within our city limits at the Beach Rotana Hotel’s own dive centre.
Dhs2,300 for six lessons. Tourist Club Area (02 697 9000).
Go jet skiing
Nipping around on a jet ski is a hugely popular weekend pastime. Empros hire out jet skis for Dhs280 an hour, and if two or more people book, an instructor will accompany you for free.
www.empros.ae (02 673 2200).
Explore the mangroves
Dragging yourself out of bed at 6am on a Friday morning may be the last thing you want to do, but when you’re heading out to Abu Dhabi’s mangrove swamps in a kayak, it’s well worth it. Getting up this early gives you a chance to see the abundant wildlife. On our last visit we spotted kingfishers, herons and crabs.
Dhs150 per person, www.noukhada.ae (050 721 8928).
Try Deep sea fishing
Charter a boat with up to four of your pals and head out into the Gulf for a spot of marine life plundering. If you’re lucky (and have arms like tree trunks) you might even be able to haul in the legendary blue marlin.
Prices vary. Arabian Divers and Sportfishing (050 614 6931).
Out of town
There’s lots of fun to be had at the weekend outside the city limits.
Al Hili Fun City: This Al Ain play park used to be so decrepit it looked like a set from a horror film. But it’s undergoing a major revamp at the moment, which means it’s farewell to the rusty, squeaking swings and time to welcome a shiny new play park, complete with roller coasters, pedaloes, bumper cars and an ice rink.
Dhs20, free for children. 9am-11pm (03 784 5542).
Emirates National Auto Museum: This eccentric museum contains some of the craziest cars you’ll ever see. We particularly like the collection of multi-coloured Mercedes, the giant globe-shaped caravan and the translucent disco car, complete with a glitter ball above the driver’s seat. You may need to find someone to open it up for you, but it’s well worth the 45-minute drive.
Free. 8am-1pm and 2pm-6pm.Near Hafeen, www.enam.ae (02 667 6999).
Al Ain Zoo: If you haven’t visited the UAE’s best zoo yet, then a Friday is the perfect time to do it. We spent hours viewing the African animal enclosure with its rhinos, giraffes, zebras and wildebeest. It’s almost as good as being on safari in the Serengeti. Until the end of September, the zoo will be lit up by floodlights for night viewings.
Dhs25 for adults, Dhs15 for children. 10am-midnight, www.awpr.ae (03 782 8188).
Brunch Bunch
The Friday brunch is an institution for ex-pats. If you’re bored of the same old fare, try these ones that have sprung up in recent months.
Pearls & Caviar: One of the finest restaurants in the capital is also is home to one of the best brunches. It’s all about the delicious seafood and free-flowing bubbly.
Dhs299. Noon-3pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888).
Cooper’s Bar: If you love roast meat, roast potatoes and gravy, Cooper’s is the place for you. If it wasn’t so hot outside, you could be fooled into thinking you were having lunch in a quaint country pub.
Dhs159. Noon-4pm. Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Heroes: This no-frills underground pub is a prime spot for escaping the blazing heat on a Friday. It also serves up a cheery low-cost brunch.
Dhs65. Noon-4pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000).
Jing Asia: Watch the chefs rustle up a stir fry right in front of your very eyes at this Far Eastern restaurant’s live cooking station. The brunch price also includes pool access, so don’t forget your bathing costume.
Dhs170. 12.30pm-4pm. Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3000).
Assymetri: A family friendly international diner. The terrace has some great views over the nearby Yas Links Golf Course, meaning you can enjoy your brunch while watching golfers hacking their way through the earth’s crust.
Dhs160. 12.30pm-3.30pm. Radisson Blu Yas Island (02 656 2000).
My perfect friday
Borhan Ghofrani
Age: 28
Nationality: Iranian
Occupation: Architect
My perfect Friday starts with me rolling out of bed as late as I can. Then I head to Jones The Grocer’s restaurant in Muroor, and I always order the same thing – a mochaccino, extra hot and with extra cream. After that, I might head down to the Hiltonia Beach Club and chill there for a few hours with some friends. Sometime I’ll go to Al Ibrahimi Pakistani restaurant, buy a load of biryani and then go to a construction site near my house. I open the trunk up of my car and hand out the food to the workers. They’re a bit suspicious at first, but they soon realise there’s no catch involved. Then I feel I’ve done my good deed for the week. In the evenings, I might catch a movie, but at least once a month I make a point of eating at Russian Kitchen café in Khalidiyah. The food feels like it’s a grandmother’s cooking. In fact, it’s run by a woman who resembles a grandmother. She must think I’m Russian because she speaks to me in Russian, so I just nod at her. But the food there is amazing.
Claudia Klingbeil
Age: 25
Nationality: German
Occupation: Marketing executive
For me, the weekend’s just about relaxing. I tend to spend most of my Fridays at the swimming pool at Aloft Hotel. I’ll just be there, lying on a lounger, soaking up the rays, eating some food from the barbecue and recharging the batteries. It only costs Dhs50 to get in for the day, which is so much cheaper than most of the other beach clubs in the city. In the evening, I’ll head to Pearls & Caviar at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. Upstairs they have a really cool terrace with views over the Grand Mosque. I live just around the corner from the Shangri-La, so it’s right on my doorstep.
High Brow Vs. Low Brow
Go on tour
High
If you’re not rich enough to own your helicopter, you can always live the dream for a short while courtesy of Falcon Aviation’s helicopter tours of the city. Prices vary from Dhs1,250 for a full 30 minutes to Dhs490 for the 10-minute whistlestop tour.
Abu Dhabi Breakwater, www.falconaviation.ae (02 444 002).
Low
Catching a bus may be a lot more mundane than a helicopter flight, but Abu Dhabi’s Big Bus tours cost a lot less than the aerial equivalent. And the double deckers buses are a great way to give visiting friends and family a look at the city’s landmarks.
Dhs202 per day for adults, Dhs100 for children, www.bigbustours.com (800 24 4287).
Catch a movie
High
If it’s the height of luxury you’re after book a Gold Class seat at Marina Mall Cinestar. Dhs110 may seem like a lot to see a movie but you’ll be abe to sit in a La-Z-Boy leather seat with enough legroom to keep a basketball player happy.
10am-1pm. Marina Mall (02 681 8484).
Low
El Dorado Cinema is the oldest in the city, and, to be honest, it shows. However, the place does have a certain old school charm, so we’re not averse to grabbing a bag of Bombay Mix from the lobby and munching our way through a Bollywood film.
Dhs25. 1pm-1am. Electra Street (02 676 3555)
Weaving Magic
High
The clock is ticking if you want to see the antique carpets, tapestries and embroidery at the Story of Islamic Embroidery exhibition at Emirates Palace. The exhibition has been extended twice already, but organisers say that September 25 is the show’s final curtain call. Free.
10am-10pm. Emirates Palace (02 690 0000).
Low
If the Emirates Palace exhibition has made you crave your own hand-woven carpet, get along to the capital’s carpet market in Al Meena to purchase one. Be prepared to haggle like you’ve never haggled before and you may come away with an authentic piece for as little as Dhs400.
Get Arty
High
Sitting at the centre of the Saadiyat Island construction site is Manarat Saadiyat, the newest gallery space in the capital. From September 22, you will be able to view some pop-art masterpieces by Andy Warhol, and Robert Rauschenberg.
Free. 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Island (02 406 1400).
Low
Folklore Gallery in Khalidiyah is our favourite spot for picking up low-cost paintings. Among the tourist tat, there are a few masterpieces to be found at rock bottom prices.
5.30pm-9pm. Khalidiyah (02 666 0361).
