Thursday 16
Salute a hump-backed legend: With their long eyelashes and pouty lips, there’s no denying that the UAE’s national animal is a rather handsome beast. From today, celebrate all things camel at the Al Dhafra camel festival, where milking contests and a beauty pageant are both on the bill.
Until December 25. Madinat Zayed, Western Region
Get Welcomed to the Jungle: Legendary rockers Guns N’Roses round off a blockbuster year of live music for the capital with an all-out assault of power chords and merciless, screechy vocals. Who knows when you’ll next get the opportunity for a spot of Abu Dhabi crowd-surfing?
Dhs150. Doors 7pm. Yas Arena. www.timeouttickets.com
Let spy games thrill you: Fair Game, starring Sean Penn and Naomi Watts, was one of the biggest hits at the recent Abu Dhabi Film Festival. The fast-paced thriller tells the tale of Valerie Plame, an undercover CIA agent whose cover was blown by the US government after her husband criticised the Iraq War. if you missed the film fest showing, it goes on general release today in the UAE’s cinemas.
Friday 17
See the King of Space: After lengthy residencies at super-clubs such as Cream in Liverpool, The End in London and Space in Ibiza (where he picked up his moniker The King of Space), Lawler’s a bona fide house music legend. He’ll be seamlessly mixing tunes at Abu Dhabi’s new superclub tonight.
Allure, Yas Marina, Yas Island
Rock out to the Summer of ’69: Raspy-voiced Canadian Bryan Adams will be croaking his way through some of his classic tunes, inckuding ‘Run to You’ and ‘Everything I Do’ this evening giving diehard rockers a chance for two nights of hard rock after yesterday’s Guns N’ Roses gig.
Dhs250-Dhs500. 7.30pm. Dubai World Trade Centre Arena. www.timeouttickets.com
Try out paddle boarding: Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle Club and UAESUP will be having a free demo day. Test out your balance and explore Abu Dhabi’s waters.
Free. 8-11am. Corniche, Public Beach gate one (050 905 9743)
Saturday 18
See some champions crowned: After all the hype, the build-up, the drama and the commentary cliches, today is the final of the FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Milan are hotly tipped to lift the trophy, but regardless of whose fans end up dancing in the streets come the final whistle an incredible atmosphere and a memorable occasion are guaranteed for all.
From Dhs70. 6pm. Zayed Sports City (800 35274)
Have some family fun: Back by popular demand, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club has continued the run of its popular Family Fun Day every Saturday (excluding Christmas Day) until the end of the year. Bring the nippers along for an alfresco barbecue, face painting, kids’ golf lessons and more.
Dhs80. Noon-5pm. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (02 449 8107)
Enjoy a festive sing-song: If you love a bit of Christmas carolling, get on down to the Hiltonia Beach Club Garden for an evening of open-air festive music. The entertainment will be provided by a choir, jazz band and dance group, with all donations going to the Future Centre for Special Needs.
Free. 6.30pm. Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 681 1900)
See an all-new art show: Having opened earlier this week, Globe – the latest exhibition at the Salwa Zeidan Gallery – has got the city’s intellectual types whipped up into a sweaty frenzy of cardigan-clad excitement. Keep your eyes out for pieces by local creatives Fatema Al Mazrouie and Wafa Khazendar.
Free. Until February 28. Salwa Zeidan Gallery (02 666 9656)
Sunday 19
Eat an Eastern-style festive feast: Throughout December, the sublime Hakkasan restaurant will be serving a special festive menu, with a range of new dishes available at reasonable prices.
Dhs333-Dhs800. Hakkasan, Emirates Palace (02 690 7999)
Stroke a lizard: Starting today, Al Ain WIldlife Park and Resort is running a series of five-day winter camps, where youngsters can get up close and personal with the wonders of nature by feeding giraffes and holding reptiles, among other really wild activities.
Until December 30. Dhs200 for five days. Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (03 781 1451)
Get hip: Get groovy while you get in shape at this funky hip hop action fitness class. Work up a sweat while you listen to the music – a much more fun way to stay in shape! Dhs35/70. 8-9pm.
Hiltonia Health Club and Spa (02 681 1900)
Fill up for free: Female? Thirsty? Staunch anti-capitalist? Head down to Cho Gao tonight and you can gorge yourself on endless quantities of free mixed beverages. You can’t say fairer than that.
9pm-1am. Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street, (02 616 6149)
Monday 20
Adopt a stray dog: Strays of Abu Dhabi help to find owners for dogs who have been rescued from the streets. All are vet-checked, sterilised and vaccinated, so if you have room in your home, why not do a good turn and take one in as a new addition to your family?
www.straysofabudhabi.com
Listen to DJ Andy: If you’re an R&B fan, the only place to be on a Monday evening is Étoiles, where you can dance the night away to DJ Andy’s inspired selection of hits.
Free. 9pm-3am. Étoiles, Emirates Palace (02 690 7999)
Take flight: Get a bird’s eye view of the city with a ride in a helicopter. You can see all the familiar sights, only this time from a much more exciting angle.
Falcon Aviation (02 444 8866)
Try award-winning Vietnamese food: Hoi An is offering a three-course set menu for a bargainous Dhs190. Tables are booking out fast, and guests must have arrived by 7pm to take advantage, so make sure you reserve early.
Hoi An, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Tuesday 21
Hit the shops: With many of us heading home for the festive season, now’s your last chance to pick up classic gifts such as stuffed camels and mosque alarm clocks. Venture out and fill your suitcase for the folks back home – go on, you know it’s what they really want for Christmas.
Hamdan Centre, Hamdan Street (02 632 8555)
Quiz yourself: It’s quiz night at Brauhaus, so get a team together for German brews and brainteasers aplenty. Wunderbar!
Free. 8pm-10pm. Brauhaus, Beach Rotana (02 644 3000)
Sing your socks off: Sometimes, if you need a decent soundtrack to your night out, you’ve just got to clear your throat, take a deep breath and do it yourself. Such is the case at Sax’s new karaoke night. Just don’t be tempted to tackle YMCA. Nobody wants that.
From 11pm. Sax, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)
Go to Ferrari World: If you haven’t been yet, now is the time to launch yourself at 240kph on Formula Rossa. Take the littl’uns down to enjoy some of the gentler rides and burn off a bit of that pre-Christmas excitement
Dhs165-375. Noon-midnight. Yas Island, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Wednesday 22
Look at some pretty pictures: Check out the Abu Dhabi Through Your Eyes touring display, which features the best 10 pieces from last year’s photography competition.
December 19-29, Marina Mall.
Be one of the beautiful people: Or at least mix with them at Eight Bar’s regular Models Night Out, which promises an evening of glamour and some top tunes. And if you’re cabin crew, things just get better and better with a 50 per cent discount on everything. By reservation only (reservations@eightabudhabi.com).
Eight Restaurant & Bar (02 558 1988)
Be a beach bum: Head down to the beach for a relaxing yoga session on the sand, and you’ll feel rejuvenated in body and soul – we promise! Suitable for all ablities – bring your own mat.
Dhs50, plus Dhs10 beach entrance fee. 6.30pm. Corniche, Public Beach gate two
Get painted: Hands looking a bit boring? No matter, have them marked up with Henna for a pretty, non-permanent pattern that will be the envy of all your non-patterened friends.
Al Lulu Beauty Centre, Tourist Club Area (02 644 5112)
