Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do in Abu Dhabi

Hit the ultimate cheese night or fight the frizz this week

Thursday 5

Visit the night zoo: No one wants to see wildlife when they’re sleeping under the summer sun. That’s why Al Ain Zoo have changed their opening times for the summer. This means your kids can enjoy the animals when they’re up and lively in the cool of the evening. Visitors are welcome from 4pm-10pm.
Al Ain Zoo, www.awpr.ae (03 782 8188).

Relax: Don’t dawdle and head straight to B-Lounge by Beachcomber at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. You can sit back on comfy couches and listen to chilled-out music and every now and then they have live performances too. Well worth a visit of an evening.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 656 0862).

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Enjoy bubbly and sushi: There are plenty of great ladies’ nights on offer in our fair city, so why not take advantage and make a plan to head to one tonight. The Yacht Club is always a great option, with a free flow of bubbly from 7pm-1am for the girls. While you’re there make sure you try some of their great sushi.
The Yacht Club, InterContinental, Al Bateen (02 666 8888).

Have cheese: Fromage fiends should head down to the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, where you can revel in the ultimate cheese night on the heavenly Saadiyat Island. Enjoy the choicest options and great grape at Bubbles bar, from only Dhs149 per person.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 646 3500).


Friday 6

Go swimming in style: If you want to get out of the house this weekend and chill by the pool or on the beach, then go to Monte-Carlo Beach Club. You can enjoy the gorgeous infinity pool or swim in the beautiful sea. A weekend pass is Dhs600 per person or Dhs900 per couple. A very luxurious way to spend a day.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).

Head out on the town: Don’t sit at home tonight. Get dressed up and head to Etoiles. Every Friday they have a theme evening called Bring Down the House and it’s always a very popular choice. You’ll hear beats from DJ Jack and dance to the best of Hip Hop and RnB. Try it out.
Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel (02 690 9960).

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Get a free drink: Go for brunch at Café Arabia this Friday and you’ll get complimentary orange juice and a hot beverage for every Friday brunch ordered before 10am.
Brunch is Dhs65 per adult and Dhs35 for children under 12. Café Arabia (02 643 9699).

Put a ring on it: If you’re planning to get hitched this year, head down to the Hilton for the wedding fair. There’ll be everything from wedding dresses to honeymoon packages, with all the advice and inspiration you’ll ever need. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to win your own fantasy wedding!
Free entry. From 11am-9pm at the Al Qasr Ballroom, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 9000).


Saturday 7

Celebrate change: Join life coach Chrissy Mahoney and her puppet named Joy for a morning of reflection, inspiration and meditation as they give you tips on how to embrace change. Organised by Inner Space, this event is for adults and runs from 10am-noon.
Free, but book in advance at innerspace.abudhabi@gmail.com.

Buy some kids clothes on sale: If you want to get some new outfits for your children but don’t want to spend a fortune then head to Chipi where, until July 27, they are offering up to 50 percent off selected items. Make sure to hurry on in before all the good stock goes.
Chipi, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).

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Try Ayurveda: Want to know what all the hype is about this special kind of treatment? Try the Ayurveda body polish at Eden Spa, with a cooling oil massage, and pay just Dhs449 for a delicious and delightful 80-minutes.
Eden Spa, Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).

Have a chic blend: End your weekend on a fun night and head out to the St Regis at Saadiyat Island, where you can kick back in the very comfy club chairs with a cool drink. You might even forget that you’re in Abu Dhabi and think you’re in New York.
Manhattan Lounge, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).


Sunday 8

Shop, shop, shop: Everyone loves a good bargain, and where better to get one than a sale? Hot foot it to Mango at Al Wahda Mall where you can grab up to 50 percent off selected items. This sale has been on for a while now but there are still great pieces left so hurry.
Mango, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).

Do your nails: Here’s a great run-up-to-Ramadan offer from Espa. Get a 25 percent discount on their luxury manicure and luxury pedicure. The luxury manicure is now Dhs245 and the luxury pedicure Dhs305. You’ll also enjoy full access to Espa’s fantastic relaxation facilities.
Espa, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0862).

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Have a camel burger: Head down to Le Café at the Emirates Palace and order yourself their jaw dropping camel burger for an unusual taste sensation. It’s made with a zataar brioche bun, harissa mayonnaise, rocca lettuce, mint and, of course, camel meat.
Le Café, Emirates Palace (02 690 7999).

Go out after work: If the working week is already getting to you then why not head to Level Lounge where you can chill out after a hard day. Luckily there is still a nice breeze on the rooftop so get there soon.
Level Lounge, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000).


Monday 9

Have afternoon tea: Take yours with a decadent Yas Viceroy twist. Starting at Dhs110, they have a variety of menus to choose from including the traditional variety and a French bubbly one (bubbly for tea? What next?!) so you’ll be spoilt for choice and then some.
Available from noon-6pm, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0000).

Spring clean: Well, it’s the summer now, but if you’re still looking for a good home for all your old stuff we’re got the answer. Now you can clear out the clutter and feel good about it to boot. Take My Junk will take it off your hands and sell it (for peanuts) or give it away to low income families or individuals.
Contact them at info@takemyjunkuae.com (050 179 4045).

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Head out with the girls: Grab all your best girl friends and go to Cristal at the Millenium Hotel on Khalifa Street where from 7pm-9m you can drink free bubbly. This cool, laid back bar plays jazz tunes and has a great old-school vibe so make a night of it.
Cristal, Millenium Hotel (02 614 6000).

Have a massage Feeling all knotted up? Beach Rotana offer a great range of massages that will have you feeling better in no time. If you work in the area then head over on your lunch break.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 644 3000).


Tuesday 10

Update your clothes: If you’re in need of some new and funky clothes to update your wardrobe head over to Oysho where until July 21 they are offering up to 50 percent off selected items. Pick up some great clothes for a great price.
Oysho, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).

Hold a golf event: Enjoy summer with your golfing buddies and hold your own private tournament and function. Yas Links are offering great rates for groups of 20 and above. With prices starting from Dhs199 per person and a dinner buffet at Dhs99 per person, you’ll be looking for any excuse to throw a golf party.
Yas Links (02 810 7710).

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Laugh out loud: Yep, they’re back and they’re as funny as ever. We’re talking about The Laughter Factory of course. Tonight’s line up includes Sean Collins, Rainer Hersch and JoJo Smith. You know it’s going to be a side-splitting night of comedy entertainment at Heroes, so don’t miss out!
Tickets are Dhs140 and are available from www.timeouttickets.com.

Learn to horseride: If your kids want to learn to ride then take them for lessons at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. where they not only learn to ride but also how to care for horses.
Al Mushrif, www.adec-web.com.

Wednesday 11

Cuban Sunsets: Head to Relax@12 to usher in the sunset with delicious Cuban blends. As their bartenders reach for their muddles and mint leaves, soak in the view over the city and let the DJ get you in the groove.
Enjoy buy-one-get-one-free Cuban blends from 5pm-7pm every Wednesday. Relax@12 (02 654 5138).