Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do this week

Cheese night, rat pack spectacular, turtle adoption and more

Wednesday 6

Cool off: Don’t sweat it this summer, because Emax is running a Home Cool Home offer. With every purchase of refrigerators, freezers, window air-conditioners, portable air-conditioners and split air-conditioners, you can get up to 25 percent back in Home Centre vouchers.
Emax, Hamdan Street (02 674 4937).

Enjoy a Cuban sunset: Okay, well not quite – but you’ll feel like you are somewhere exotic when you head to Relax@12 and sip on a Cuban blend while you enjoy the sunset over the city. Enjoy buy-one-get-one-free Cuban blends from 5pm-7pm.
Relax@12, Aloft Hotel, near the ADNEC building (02 443 9999).

Get cultured: Don’t miss Artscape of World Cultures, at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Inspired by the latest exhibition, ‘Treasures of the World’s Cultures’, this international bazaar of artists, craftspeople and performers will take you on an exploratory journey through contemporary culture from around the world.
From 6pm-10pm at Manarat al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 657 8000).

Have a girls night: There are plenty of great ladies nights in the capital, that’s for sure. In our opinion, the one offered at Left Bank every Wednesday night is among the best. Ladies can enjoy five mixed beverages for only Dhs5 from 8pm-10.30pm. This is a great night out that certainly won’t break the bank.
Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680).


Thursday 7

Take a dip: The Westin gives you the opportunity to indulge in a spot of swimming at their great pools. The family-friendly lagoon-shaped main pool, with its adjoining children’s area, is perfect for a refreshing dip. The 250m lap pool, meanwhile, is sure to leave swimmers reinvigorated and recharged.
Call for special summer offers, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa (02 616 9999).

Try a new menu: If you are in the mood for Italian this week, but you’re tired of the same old same old, then here’s a bit of good news. Amici has got a brand spanking new menu, and apparently it’s so genuine it’s making the chefs’ mamas proud. Featuring classics like lobster risotto all’aragosta and designer pizzas like the Frutti.
Amici, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0862).

Get cheesy: Cheese fiends rejoice and revel in the ultimate cheese night on the heavenly Saadiyat Island. Head down to the Monte-Carlo Beach Club to enjoy a cheese and grape feast at Bubbles bar, from only Dhs149.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 646 3500).

Get fit for summer: If you want to get that perfect beach body then the Hiltonia Health Club & Spa is the place for you. They are offering special workout classes – such as the Summer Six Pack – throughout the hot months, so give them a call to find out more.
Hiltonia Health Club, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 692 4324).


Friday 8

Watch the football in style: If you want somewhere glam to watch the Euro 2012, or you just want to hang out somewhere stylish, then the Pool Lounge at Jumeirah Etihad Towers is just right for you. And after the game stick around to enjoy entertainment with live DJs.
Until 8 July. Jumeriah at Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).

Enjoy a tasty brunch: Looking to indulge in a super brunch this weekend? We’ve got a great one for you. Sofra Bld offer a fabulous brunch with live jazz music, amazing chocolate fountains and an area for the kids. At Dhs270 with free flowing bubbly this brunch is great value for money.
Sofra Bld, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888).

Hit the Tavern: Grab your friends and watch the Euro 2012 live on-screen at the Tavern Pub. Enjoy the special menu representing the different countries of the Euro Cup such as German chicken schnitzel or some Irish cheesecake.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).

See the Rat Pack: For one night only, go back to those heady toe-tapping days that were the golden age of Las Vegas. ADNEC is hosting the Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular, the show brings to life the cool trio that was Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr and Dean Martin.
Tickets start at Dhs125 and are available from BoxOfficeMe.com ADNEC (02 406 3475).


Saturday 9

Make sushi: Impress your friends with your far-reaching culinary skills and take a sushi class at Soba. For Dhs150, chef Dante Claveria will show you how to make the most aesthetically pleasing maki.
Every Saturday from 10am-11.30am, Soba, Le Royal Méridien (800 101 101).

Chill out: Why not end the weekend on a fun note and head to Pearls & Caviar to watch the sunset. Sip creative mixed beverages and gaze out at the amazing view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We promise that it will be the perfect end to your weekend.
Pearls & Caviar, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888).

Get fit on the weekend: Grab the Mafraq Hotel fit weekend package for Dhs299 and enjoy an overnight stay, breakfast at Olive Branch, 20 percent discount on the health zone services, one-hour complementary racket club package, and more.
Mafraq Hotel, Al Raha (02 659 6666).

Have an Arabian night: Don’t miss this orchestral performance which brings to life the perfumed gardens, bustling bazaars and utterly unforgettable adventures of the thousand and one nights.
Tickets from timeouttickets.com. At Zayed University, Khalifa City (02 599 3111).


Sunday 10

Shop a new collection: Anyone who loves clothes loves Coast, and you will love them even more now with their new graduation and Prom range. Check out this gorgeous collection of cute dresses.
Coast, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4858).

Learn to ride a horse: If your kids are budding horseriders and you would like them to take lessons, try the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club where they offer group or private lessons for children.
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif (02 445 5500).

Cool off at Ushna: If you think chilli and spice don’t go with this heat, think again. Ushna have a new drinks menu designed to refresh, with a list of summer exclusive exotic drinks that are guaraunteed to extinguish the curry-induced fire in your mouth.
Ushna, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1769).

Celebrate Filipino culture: Sheraton Abu Dhabi are celebrating Filipino culture this month. Flavours is hosting celebrity chefs from Manila and putting on a lavish buffet for dinner with live music every night. If you happen to stop by in the day time, check out the arts and crafts exhibition at the Oasis room from 2pm.
June 9-11, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).


Monday 11

Read a book: The joys of browsing through the musty shelves of a library in search of a good book should not die with the continued rise of electronic publishing. Head down to Al Shaheen Library and pick up an actual book, with actual pages that smell and which you can turn.
Al Shaheen Library (02 676 8995).

Buy some couture: Get your hands on some absolutely beautiful pieces, and save money, with the Petit Ann Russo sale at Al Wahda Mall. The store is offering up to 70 percent off selected items. Hurry in and check it out. We said hurry!
Petit Ann Russo, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).

Reach for the Skylite: If you want to head somewhere chic for afternoon drinks tonight then Skylite at the Yas Viceroy will definitely not disappoint. Sit on the comfy sofas and soak up the cool architecture and even cooler atmosphere.
Skylite, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0600).

Get some kids clothes: We all know how quickly children grow out of their clothes so why not use it as an excuse to stock up on some great items from Chipi at Al Wahda Mall. They are currently offering up to 50 percent off until June 26.
Chipi, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).


Tuesday 12

Buy one get one free: Until June 28, Pierre Cardin are offering a buy one get one free deal. What more could you ask for? Hurry before everything is gone.
Pierre Cardin, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).

Enjoy art: Discover French and Emirati crafts and handmade products at Art Souq. Buy something pretty and learn about the work that goes into making these things at the know-how demonstrations.
Free event, 11am-5pm at the French Alliance (02 666 6232).

Adopt a turtle: For just Dhs200 you could sponsor an endangered sea turtle with the WWF, and the process is easier than you think. Drop by Centro Al Manhal hotel and pick up your own Turtle Adoption Pack from the hotel shop. For Dhs200 it includes a cuddly toy turtle, adoption certificate and some fun facts so you can learn more.
Centro Al Manhal Abu Dhabi by Rotana (02 811 5000).

Visit the zoo by night: If you’ve been meaning to take the kids up to Al Ain Zoo, but the thought of the heat is putting you off, fret not! With new summer opening times the zoo will be welcoming visitors from 4pm-10pm, so you’ll be able to see the animals when they’re livelier in the cool evenings.
Al Ain Zoo (03 782 8188).