Dance
Abu Dhabi Dance
Learn Latin, ballroom and salsa dancing. Both beginners and advanced dancers are welcome to join in.
InterContinental, www.danceabudhabi.com (050 410 1535).
Abu Dhabi Salsa
All the thrills of your standard salsa class, with the added benefit of a nightclub environment.
Corniche Road, Al Khubeirah, www.abudhabisalsa.com (050 414 0015).
Expressions of Dance & Drama
Internationally qualified instructors give tuition in 17 different types of dance, from classical to modern. All levels of experience are welcome, and there are classes for both kids and adults.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-1pm, 2.30pm-5.30pm. 23rd Street, Muroor Road, www.expressions-dance.net (02 448 2778).
Fitness and gyms
Bodytree Studio
All sorts of yoga and pilates variations are taught here, including hatha, ashtanga and kripalu yoga. For something different, try the belly-dancing class too.
Open Sun-Wed 8am-8pm; Thu 8am-7pm; Sat 9am-2pm. Khalidiyah, between 26th Street and 11th Street (02 443 4448).
Eden Studio
The exercising sister of the Eden Spa at Le Méridien, this place runs some exciting classes ranging from capoeira to salsa, yoga to inner dance.
Eden Spa, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 697 4354).
FIT
FIT offers high quality ladies only and mixed group excersise classes such as RPM, Bodypump, TRX, pilates, yoga, Bodyattack, Bodycombat and Bodystep in a boutique studio setting.
Classes are Dhs50 each. Open Sun-Thu 6am-10pm; Fri, Sat 8:30am-11:30am. Al Mamoura B, Muroor Road (next to Jones the Grocer), www.fitstudio.ae (02 445 3395).
Haddin’s Gym
State of the art gym equipment and regular classes, training programmes and fitness events make Haddins one of the capital’s favourite gyms.
Open daily 6am-11pm. Zayed Sports City, Al Madina Al Riyadiya, www.haddins.com (02 403 4233).
Hiltonia Health Club & Spa
This health club colossus has the whole fitness spectrum covered, with squash and tennis courts, a gym, swimming pool, watersports and personal trainers all available.
Open daily 8am-9pm. Dhs150/185 weekends, children Dhs70/90 weekends. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, www.hilton.com (02 692 4324).
Original Fitness Co.
Abu Dhabi’s original bootcamp also offers personal training, combat fitness, corporate wellness and kids programmes. Catering for all ages and levels of fitness.
Daily sessions are held in the mornings and evenings. Individual sessions are Dhs100, sign up for a four week course of 12 sessions for Dhs900. www.originalfitnessco.com (02 406 9404).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Offers lagoon pools, tennis courts, squash courts and yoga classes, as well as a gym that boasts all the latest equipment. Certified personal trainers are available for one on one sessions.
Open daily 6am-midnight. Corniche Road East, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0272).
The Leisure Club
There’s an interesting range of classes to try out here, with the likes of spinning, tae-bo, salsa, ballroom dancing and power cardio workout available throughout the week.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Bateen, www.intercontinental.com (02 666 6888).
The Village Club
Fitness Facility with Fitness & Abs classes, Muay Thai Boxing and Yoga. Also included in the fully equipped gym is a swimming pool and spa.
Open daily 6am – 11pm (Gym) 8am – 8pm (Pool). Personal Trainers available. Open daily 6am-11pm (gym), 8am-8pm (pool). One to One Hotel-The Village (02 495 2070).
Hair salons
Amisque
Specialising in hair extensions, Amisque also offers a range of other services including waxing, make-up, facials, mani-pedis and massage.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-9pm. Vision Hotel Apartments Deluxe, Tourist Club Area, www.amisque.com (02 699 2699).
Beauty & More Day Spa & Wellness Centre
Busy beauty shop for facials, nails, hair and make-up. Bookings are essential.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri 2pm-9pm. Dubai National Bank building, intersection of Moroor & Electra Roads, Madinat Zayed (02 632 0779).
Changes Hair and Beauty Salon
This one-stop-shop offers haircuts and colours, specialising in blondes and colour correction. It also does facial treatments, airbrush spray tans, waxing, massage, minx nails, crystal peeling and more.
Open Sat-Wed 9am-7pm, Thurs 9am-3pm. Liwa Centre, Block-C, Hamdan Street (02 634 1147). For beauty appointments call (050 642 4915).
Glamour Hair Salon
The team of UK hairdressers here will soon have your locks in tip-top shape. The salon also sells a range of products from funky brands such as Love And Toast, Lollia and Tokyo Milk.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-8pm; Sat 10am-6pm. El-Nilen Bank Building, 4th Street by Corniche Road (02 626 3002).
Hairworks Abu Dhabi
This popular hair salon has developed a loyal following over the past eight years. It specialises in haircuts and treatments, but also does a mean mani-pedi and a professional line in waxing.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-7pm. 2nd Floor Spinney’s Khalidiya (02 681 6678).
Man/Age Luxury Men’s Spa
In addition to standard salon services, shaves and haircuts, Man/Age specialise in skin firming and anti-cellulite treatments targeted at men.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thu 10am-11pm; Fri 2pm-11pm. Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar (02 681 8837).
Sisters Beauty Lounge
This lovely three-storey villa is devoted to beautifying you top to toe. Whether you need a blow-dry, massage, body scrub or manicure, the expert beauticians here will help you out. Don’t miss out on their hamam treatment.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri noon-9pm. Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Street, Al Bateen (02 222 2502).
Sugar
Trendy salon. The staff at Sugar do a mean mani-pedi, and a scalp massage that’s highly recommended. All the usual additional beauty services are also on offer.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri 3pm-10pm. Corniche Tower A, Al Khalidiyah (02 681 8784).
The Beauty Spot Salon
This popular British-owned hair, beauty and tanning salon will take care of all your hair needs, including extensions and specialist treatments.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-8.30pm; Fri 2pm-8.30pm. The Royal Marina Health Club, Marina Villa Complex, The Breakwaters, Ras Al Akhdar (02 681 8817).
The Lounge
One for the gents, this ‘executive grooming’ male-only salon has a spa, Turkish baths, a salon with a choice of massage and IPL treatments, and a full range of grooming products.
Open Sat-Thu 11am-10pm. Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Bateen (02 667 7377).
Life coaching
AA Meetings
Abu Dhabi’s branch of Alcoholics Anonymous holds regular meetings every day of the week for group support and counselling for alcohol addiction.
Le Meridien: Fri 10am-11am; St Andrews: Fri, Sat, Mon, Wed 8pm-9pm, Tue 1pm-2pm; St Josephs: Thu 8pm-9pm; Sheikh Khalifa Hospital: Sun 7.30pm-8.30pm (050 414 3042).
Anna Wallenten
Life coach Anna works with individuals on all manner of personal issues.
pannimi72@hotmail.com (050 398 7521).
Classical Feng Shui
Vicky Moane will have your qi, or energy, flowing freely in no time. She practises classical feng shui using traditional dagua and water feng shui methods to help you make the most of your environment.
www.fengshuiresearchcentre-uae.com (050 646 1417).
Food for Life
Part nutritional therapy, part diet management, Laura Holland can help you tackle blood pressure, bloating, diabetes, sleep problems and other diet-related issues.
www.inshallah.org.uk (050 504 8523).
Hanan Nagy
Hanan specialises in personal development, finance and career coaching.
hanan@hni.ae (050 145 7055).
Pyramid Feng Shui
Book a session with certified practitioner Layla Ezzedeen, who will adjust your physical environment to help you reach your life goals.
www.fengshui-institute-of-america.com, layla.ezz@gmail.com (050 689 6078).
The Well-being Zone
Houry Pappin offers a range of services to get your life back on track, including emotional freedom therapy (EFT), hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and reconnective healing.
www.thewell-beingzone.com (050 445 7370).
Massage
Crowne Fitness
A range of massage, aromatherapy , Swedish and reflexology treatments. Dhs275 for 50 minutes, Dhs360 for 80mins and Dhs550 for 110mins.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 621 0000).
Oryx Hotel
Sports, leg, full body, upper body and therapeutic massages are perfect for anyone who’s overdone it in the gym or sports field, then try the traditional hamam or relax by the pool.
Open daily 9am-10pm. Corniche Road, Al Khalidiyah (02 681 0001).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
A wide range of massage and facials are available, including Sundari Services.
Open daily 6am-midnight. Corniche Road East, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0272).
Medi spas
Kaya Skin Clinic
Skin care chain with dermatologist-supervised treatments that include facials, laser hair removal, skin renewal peels and anti-ageing services for women and men.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-8pm. Villa 218/1, near Khalifa Hospital, Al Karamah, www.kayaskinclinic.me (02 443 3709). Other locations: Al Raha Mall (02 556 2911); Mazyad Mall (02 553 4246); Abu Dhabi Mall (02 643 5030).
Scientific Healthcare Skin Centre
The dermalogical facials, massages and colour light therapy available here are good bets for anyone looking for an antidote to Abu Dhabi’s harsh sunlight and air-con.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-8pm. Near Capital Hotel, Al Markaziyah (02 676 8740).
Nail salons
Bellacure Nails
Ultra modern spa specialising in nails but also offering body scrubs, massage and facials.
Muroor Road, Golden Tower A, Shop 3 (02 658 4100).
Dashing Nails
You can get a perfect mani-pedi at this super-girly salon, as well as various other beauty treatments such as waxing, threading and facials. Very reasonably priced.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri noon-10pm. Delma Street, Al Nahyan, www.dashingnails.com (02 643 1011).
Mosaic Nails & Spa
A nail salon and spa for luxuriating in. As well as the standard mani-pedi menu, there are Oriental and Moroccan bath treatments on offer. Bridal packages available.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-8pm; Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm. Karama Street, Al Karamah, www.mosaicnailsandspa.com (02 445 9660).
Nail It
This boutique nail spa wants to get their mitts on yours to show you how fabulous nails are done. Intimate and inviting with just the right amount of privacy, NAIL IT promises to offer a personalized blend of class, charisma and chic.
Corniche, Al Khalidiyah (02 650 5560).
Nail Lounge
A clean and trendy salon with friendly staff that offer complimentary massages while you’re getting your nails done. They also do waxing, threading and the usual maintenance treatments.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri noon-11pm. Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar (02 681 6333). Other location: (Al Nahyan Mall (02 658 4341) ).
Nails
All three branches of this nail salon are perennially busy because they do such a good job. The Muhairy branch now boasts a small café serving healthy snacks.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-9pm; Fri 4.30pm-9pm. Al Muhairy Centre, Al Khalidiyah (02 633 7750). Other locations: Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 4188), Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1880).
Spas
The city’s top relaxation spots
Anahata
Tucked away in Al-Raha, this boutique spa is a real treat for those lucky enough to live locally, and worth the long trip out if you’re an inner-city dweller. They offer everything from a haircut to hamam.
Open Sun-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 9am-7pm. Khalifa City A, Al Raha (02 557 7722).
Anantara Spa
Massages and facials galore in a palatial setting. Try anything from aromatic massages to hamam rituals. Extremely luxurious.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Emirates Palace Hotel, Ras Al Akhdar, www.emiratespalace.com (02 690 9000).
Atarmia
This arabesque luxury spa offers everything from alternative anti-aging facials to body-wraps and mind-blowing massages.
Open daily 10am-11pm. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1107).
Body & Soul Health Club & Spa
A simple, minimalistic spa with hot stone, Balinese, Swedish, aromatherapy and Thai massages available, as well as facials and tailored slimming packages.
Open daily 10am-10pm, last appointment 7pm. Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha Beach, www.ncth.com (02 508 0486).
Chi, The Spa
Shangri-La’s beautiful high-end spa is renowned for its therapies, which are based on the five elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth. The last word in pampering.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain, www.shangri-la.com (02 509 8900).
Color Me Spa
It’s all about the fruity, floral products at Color Me Spa. Visit for a coconut indulgence mani-pedi, a green tea scrub or a lime and ginger massage. A full range of waxing, bleaching and threading services is offered too.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm; Fri 3pm-9pm. Khalifa City A (02 556 4557).
Corpofino Spa & Slimming Center
All manner of weight loss and anti-cellulite treatments are available at this beauty centre – think gels, electrical pulses and massages – as well as facials, hair removal and nail treatments.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-8pm. Villa No 3/2, Airport Road, Behind Al Wahda Mall Next to Zayed University, www.corpofino.ae (02 445 2800).
Cristal Spa
This small spa offers a range of luxurious treatments, including a wide variety of massage, repairing facials and scrubs.
Cristal Hotel, Off Sheikh Zayed 2nd Street, www.cristalhotelsandresorts.com (02 652 0000).
Eden Spa
Massages on offer include deep tissue, aromatherapy, therapeutic, Oriental, shiatsu, ayurvedic, Chinese reflexology, pre-natal, duet, cryotonic, scalp and facials.
Open daily 8am-9pm (pool), 6am-midnight (gym). Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, www.starwoodhotels.com (02 697 4354).
ESPA at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
Make the trip to this mega-luxury spa on Yas island for facials, massages, hamam treatments and more in chic surroundings.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi (02 656 0862).
Heavenly Spa
This small, classy but understated spa is hiding some fantastic, insightful therapists who’ll give you a truly personalised treatment. Expect everything from massages with semi-precious stones to reflexology.
9am and 9pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9770).
Hiltonia Health Club & Spa
In addition to face and body treatments, massage and water therapies, this first-rate spa offers hot stone and Thai massages.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, www.hilton.com (02 692 4324).
Iridium
At the classy St Regis spa expect all the usual massage and beauty treatments.
Open daily 9am-10pm. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8996).
Le Club Health & Fitness
A range of massage, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments, including foot massage, full-body relaxation massage or medical massage for all your muscular aches and pains. Membership from Dhs600.
Open daily 6am-10pm. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah, www.millenniumhotels.com/ae (02 614 6000).
Madonna Beauty Spa
Modern and airy ladies-only day spa offering a range of massages, including hot stone, pregnancy and aromatherapy, as well as facials.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-9pm, last appointment 7pm. Salam Street, opposite Citibank, Al Markaziyah (02 674 0666).
Monte-Carlo Beach Club Spa
Classy indulgence at the heavenly Monte-Carlo Beach Club with strictly exclusive treatments. Grab a package that allows you to enjoy the pool and beach, these are not to be missed.
Monte-Caro Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).
Oriental Spa & Fitness
Think massages, manicures and make-up sessions, as well as the usual facials, body wraps, waxing and reflexology at reasonable prices.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 3pm-10pm. 32nd Street, Al Bateen (02 665 5707).
Rayana
The highest spa in Abu Dhabi, housed in the Capital’s newest architectural marvel. Brilliant staff and their signature ritual treatments are blissful.
Open daily 10am-9pm. Hyatt Capital Gate (02 596 1100).
Serenity Day Spa by Paris Gallery
This luxury day spa offers massages, mani-pedis, facials, hairdressing and body treatments as well as a fully equipped ladies’ gym.
Open daily Sat-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri 3pm-9pm. Khalidiya Centre (02 667 8880).
Talise Spa
This ultra decadent and modern spa will indulge you in complete and total relaxation. Featuring facials, massages, hamam rituals and many more treatments, Talise Spa is a cut above the rest.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, www.jumeirah.com (02 811 5858).
The Spa, Radisson Blu
The luxury spa at Radisson Blu offers a range of treatments in association with leading skincare specialists Aromatherapy Associates.
Open daily 9am-9pm, last appointment 7pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Zari Spa
Zari’s extensive spa menu, including Swedish, Indian and Thai massage, covers everything from head to foot, with reflexology, body wraps and facial treatments available.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Sheikh Zayed The Second Street, Al Manhal (02 617 9150).
Zayna Spa
Drop by this colossal spa for an impressive range of luxury beauty treatments. Think everything from caviar facials to deep tissue massages.
Open daily 9am-10pm, pool opens from 7am. Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wahda Complex (02 495 3822).
Zen The Spa
Excellent facility of bat-cave-esque proportions, with popular treatments for both men and women.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, www.rotana.com (02 697 9000).
