Summer is hotting up, and so is your social calendar.
Here are the very best things to do in Abu Dhabi in August.
August 2
Watch the Tokyo 2020 action unfold at 49ers
Looking for a place to watch the Olympics in Abu Dhabi in August? Shoot over to the Wild West themed bar at Le Méridien where you can enjoy a slab of sirloin steak (250g) alongside two glasses of red or white grape for Dhs249 every Saturday and Sunday evening.
Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah (02 645 8000).
For more places to watch the Olympics in Abu Dhabi click here.
August 3
Listen to some live music at Time Out Market Dubai
There’s yet more reason to get jump in the car and get down to Time Out Market Dubai, with the announcement of live music coming to the Souk Al Baha hot spot. Acts will take to the Time Out Stage from 7pm until 10pm every Tuesday, so make sure you get down in plenty of time to secure your spot. Entertainment is being launched in collaboration with The Fridge, so expect top local talent and a truly eclectic August.
Tue 7pm-10pm. From Aug 3. Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
August 4
Show your prowess at Ultimate Athletics
The Games are all anyone can talk about in Abu Dhabi this month. And the athletics are the quintessential contest of the Olympics, as some would call it. Tots, youths, teens and adults are welcome to join this track and field academy regardless of whether they want to improve their fitness or potentially be an Olympian one day. Nearly all of the major track and field events feature here as disciplines to be learned and refined.
Open daily 8am-9pm. NYU Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayhan Highway (050 225 7024).
For the full list of Olympic sports you can try in Abu Dhabi, click here.
August 5
Settle in for afternoon tea at Alba
The afternoon tea at this swanky hotel is a truly regal affair and one you should considering signing on to in Abu Dhabi this month. Enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres, scones and chocolate treats at Alba in the lobby of the lavish Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi for Dhs160.
Dhs160. Daily 2pm-5pm. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Al Maqta ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi (02 818 8888).
August 6
Grab a tasty slice of manakish from Gulf Pastry
Grabbing a bite is always a good thing to do in Abu Dhabi. The manakish is arguably the quintessential food of any of the emirates. Carby, usually cheesey and always satisfying, it takes a few to find the perfect one. Well, we recommend the manakish at Gulf Pastry, filled with gooey cheese and zaatar, too.
Dhs8. Various locations including Muroor Road and Tourist Club Area, gulfpastry.com.
August 7
Take up a flower arranging workshop at Designer Floral Studio
Dreaming of being a florist or just love flowers? Either way, head to Designer Floral Studio at the Abu Dhabi EDITION. The studio offers flower workshops for up to ten guests. If you’re just stopping by, the studio is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Premium bouquets start at Dhs350 and we can fully confirm that they are indeed worth it.
Sun-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. goshá at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi.
August 8
Take the plunge with Red Buoy Abu Dhabi
Learning to dive, or mastering the art, is a brilling thing to do in Abu Dhabi in August. Close to the capital is this scenic diving site. With clear visibility and an 11m descent, your shots of the marine life will be as high resolution as they could be.
Sun-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 8am-5.30pm. Al Mahara Diving Centre, Al Mina Road divemahara.com (050 111 8125).
August 9
Fill your boots at India Palace Biriyani
Another top thing to do in Abu Dhabi in August for those who love Indian cuisine. Everyone thinks of biriyani as being representative of India as a whole. But at India Palace, each region of the subcontinent is on a plate of its own. During the Biriyani Khaas festival, a six tasty plates will be on offer for hungry guests, including raan, noor mahal, coorgi murgh, shahi jheenja, lucknow murg and subzi qabuli pulao.
Ongoing. Prices vary. Various locations including Tourist Club Area and Al Salam Street, indiapalace.ae
August 10
Secure that deal over a business lunch at Din Pai Dong
Business lunches are essential in Abu Dhabi in August. However, a truly special Chinese business lunch is quite rare. But we think we’ve found one. With classic Chinese street food dishes and an all-you-can-eat dumpling deal for just Dhs118, you’ll be very satisfied returning to the office.
Dhs118. Sun-Thu 12pm-3pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588).
August 11
Celebrate with a ladies’ night at ANNEX Lounge
When looking for top things to do in Abu Dhabi in August, it’s always a good idea to grab the girl gang. Enjoy a classy ladies’ night at the ANNEX Lounge. From 5pm onwards on Wednesdays, its unlimited drinks for Dhs128 and tasting plate for extra Dhs60, while the food menu is 30 percent off as well.
Dhs128 Wed from 5pm. The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen, editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi (02 418 2432).
August 12
Beat the heat with a refreshing pool day at Cove Beach
The only downside to a pool day in Abu Dhabi in August is the dreaded sunbed struggle. Well, lucky for you, your own sunbed comes included in this pool day deal. The Cove Beach is a stunning shore just outside of the city, so don’t worry about a long trip. Plus, you’ll get the full amount you paid back to spend on food and drink. Yes please.
Sun-Thu 11am-sunset: Dhs200 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B); Fri-Sat 11am-sunset: Dhs300 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B). Ongoing. Makers District, Reem Island, covebeachabudhabi.com (056 398 7895).
August 13
Be king (or queen) of the ring at PUNCH Club
For both the boxing watcher and boxing pro, PUNCH Club Abu Dhabi has you covered this month in the capital. There are classes for those who are looking to either get fit or don’t mind getting hit. Ladies can join in Punch: Ladies while other classes are available for high intensity interval training and boxing fitness. Once you’re done with your lesson, do some bag work and relieve that midweek stress before cooling down.
Open Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30am-11.30am, and Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
August 14
Be served by robot waiters at Dolci & Capricci
Dinner time has gone all futuristic this month in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re here for a quick coffee for breakfast, a hearty bowl of pasta for lunch or a cut of meat for dinner, Dolci and Capricci has you covered on all ends. For those with a sweet tooth, there’s an especially sweet emphasis on desserts as the restaurant also doubles as a bakery. It doesn’t end there, though. If you’re lucky, you may spot the resident robot waiter helping with orders. Cake and robots? Sign us up.
Daily 9am-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Istiqlal (02 631 1030).
August 15
Grab the popcorn and settle in for a screening of Jungle Cruise
Fancy a comedy that’s suitable for the whole family? Well, look no further than Disney’s Jungle Cruise (PG13). Fan favorites Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson play adventurers Lily Houghton and Frank Wolff, respectively. Join them as they try to uncover a special petal that has the ability to cure any illness in the world and have some misadventures along the way. Will they get to the tree, or will the forest and its creatures get to them first?
August 16
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Plumb the cool waters of Deep Dive Dubai
Here’s another top reason for a road trip out of Abu Dhabi in August. With eyes on it from all over the world, Deep Dive Dubai is the newest body of water in the emirate and it’s breaking all the records. If you’re a snorkeling, freediving or scuba diving beginner, enjoy one of their classes and plunge new depths in the mega 60m deep pool. If you find yourself to be aqua-adept, throw on your flippers and prepare to be blown away.
Read our full review here.
From Dhs400. Wed-Sun, noon-8pm. Nad Al Sheba, www.deepdivedubai.com
August 17
Turn up the noise at W Lounge
Lately, the sound of live music and chatter have quieted down. Until now. Every Tuesday at W Lounge Abu Dhabi, the resident DJ Darko De Jan will be bringing it back to the ’80s and ’90s for Throwback Tuesday. There’s also two-for-one on select drinks for those needing a little pick-me-up.
Tue 6pm-1am. W Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 0000).
August 18
Join the gang for happy hour at Hawksbill’s Saadiyat Social
When we say happy hour, we mean full-on toothy grin happy hour. This month in Abu Dhabi, Hawksbill will be pulling pints at just Dhs23 a go 6pm-10pm every Saturday through Wednesday.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (02 499 8100).
August 19
Swing in and grab nachos and a pint at Hickory’s Restaurant
Get the best of both worlds with a cold pint of your favourite hops and a cheesey plate of crunchy nachos at this popular golf course spot in Abu Dhabi this August.
Until Aug 31. Yas Links Abu Dhabi (02 404 3077).
August 20
Paint your own plate at Art House Café
If you’re looking for a more low-key art activity and aren’t ready to commit to a full class just yet, you should definitely try painting your own plate at Art House Café. For Dhs20 you get your own plate, paints and brushes. Let your imagination go wild and add your plate to the wall of plates that line the café’s interior, or take it home with you as a souvenir. This café is also a great place to have a coffee or snack while you read, talk about art or chill out with friends.
Dhs20, 9am-12am. Al Bateen (02 666 0175).
August 21
Pick up something nice for half price at The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Another day and another sale in Abu Dhabi in August. At The Galleria Al Maryah Island savvy shoppers can get more bang for their buck with discounts of up to 75 percent lopped off. That’s just good maths.
Until Aug 31. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, thegalleria.ae/summersale.
August 22
Swing around Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Play the golf course of champions underneath the floodlights of the world famous Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Between Sunday and Thursday, it’s only Dhs225 to smack a ball around the prestigious course, with it being Dhs285 at the weekend. Definitely one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in August.
For the best summer golf rates in Abu Dhabi click here.
Summer golf rates running until Aug 31. Daily 7am until late. Khalifa City A (02 885 3555).
August 24
Book on to a luxe stay at Emirates Palace
A night in a palace? Oh, go on then. This summer, UAE residents can take advantage of up to 20 percent off the best available rates at Emirates Palace including breakfast for two. If you’re staying for two consecutive nights, you can get 50 percent off the second night with breakfast included too.
Prices vary. Until Tue Aug 31. Emirates Palace, Corniche, mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi (02 690 8888).
August 26
Relax and let your worries drain away at Chi, The Spa
Do you want a massage that is long enough to make you forget all of your woes? Chi, The Spa has the perfect package to help you feel refreshed for the UAE’s hotter months – and it lasts (almost) forever. The Summertime Ultra Relaxation package includes a rejuvenating 30-minute body scrub, a 60-minute full body massage, and a 60-minute deep cleansing facial to restore your complexion. The two and a half hour experience is Dhs500 and available until Tuesday September 30. Bring on the relaxation (we know you need it).
Dhs500. Daily 10am-midnight. Until Sep 30. Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, Khor Al Maqta (02 509 8904).
August 28
Eat out at Yas Marina with the little munchkins dining deals
This offer ends today, so get your skates on. Yas Marina has a whole whack of dining deals for little ones to keep them entertained all summer long. The area features dancing fountains, a shaded sponge floor playground, and loads of venues offering dining deals for kids until Saturday August 28. Wondering where you should head to first? Boroughs café is offering a free cookie for kids plus colouring books and crayons while Mum and Dad kick back and have a coffee. Stars N Bars has a kids menu with a main course, soft drink, and dessert for Dhs30. Cipriani Yas Island is giving a free sorbet with every kids’ meal. Kids eat for free at Aquarium on Fridays and Saturdays from 1pm to 8pm. Finally, Diablito Food & Music is offering a special kid’s menu for Dhs50 from 3pm to 12am.
Until Aug 28. Yas Marina, Yas Island yasmarina.ae/
August 30
Detox at the Iridium Spa
Looking to pamper yourself this summer? Look no further than Iridium Spa at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Just a stone’s throw away from the resort, the swish spa is offering summer specials including the ‘Detox and Relax’ traditional hammam for Dhs980 and the Caviar Collagen Boost Facial for Dhs850. And once you’re done getting that summer glow, you can unwind at the in-house sauna, steam room or whirlpool.
Prices vary. Until Tue Aug 31. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi (02 498 8888).
