12 fantastic things to do this week in Abu Dhabi

New week, new things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Read on for 12 cracking ways to make the next four days in the capital sparkle.

For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.
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Grab the gals for Ladies’ Night at She is ANNEX

Head to ANNEX Lounge on Wednesday for an elegant ladies’ night. From 5pm to closing you can sip unlimited fresh drinks for three hours for Dhs128 and enjoy 30 percent off the menu. Upgrade the package and you’ll also get a tasting plate of bites for Dhs188.
Dhs128 (mixed drinks) Dhs188 (drinks and bites). Wed 5pm-2am. ANNEX LOUNGE, The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/ (02 418 2432).

Try Kitesurfing with KiteSURF

At KiteSURF you don’t need any previous experience to have a totally tubular day. Lessons start from beginner level and instructors will take you through everything you need to know. It’s an intense workout plus a great way to beat the heat while getting outdoors this summer. Experience the sheer thrill of controlling the power of your kite and the adrenhaline rush of sliding across the water. KiteSURF follows the International Kiteboarding Association standards and offers three levels which will eventually get you riding on your own.
Daily 10am-7pm. kitesurf-uae.com (052 709 9797).

Watch Late Shift at VOX Cinemas

This is a whole new kind of cinema experience. Late Shift, an interactive feature-length film, allows audience members to make decisions for the main character using an app. During the screening of the high stakes action thriller, which has countless storylines consisting of 180 decision points and seven alternative endings, you get to decide what happens. Late Shift was directed and co-written by Tobias Weber, an award-winning filmmaker and a Co-Founder of Kino Industries and Michael Robert Johnson, author of Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes. Late Shift is the world’s first interactive feature-length film, and tells the story of Matt, who becomes embroiled in a heist at a famous London auction house after a car theft goes wrong. The film is rated PG13.
VOX Cinemas uae.voxcinemas.com/

Learn more about VOX Cinemas’ new CTRL movie experience here.

Tuesday Noodle Night at Benjarong

Jonesing for oodles of noodles? Head to Benjarong on Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm for an all you can eat noodle experience you’re not going to forget. Loosen your belt and tuck into ten different noodle recipes full of flavour for Dhs89. Upgrade to unlimited Thai hops for Dhs109. That’s a deal udon want to miss.
Dhs89 (food) Dhs109 (hops). Tues 7pm-11pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road (02 636 3333).

Enjoy Monday happy hour at McGettogether

McGettigans never lets us down, and the newest branch in Al Muroor is no exception. Head to McGettigans in Dusit Thani from 6pm to 11pm for a manic Monday deal. The McGettogether deal gets you three house beverage vouchers when you order one main dish from the menu. Sounds like the ideal Monday to us.
Mon 6pm-11pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road (02 636 3333).

Have a getaway at Qasr Al Sarab Anantara Spa

Looking for a luxurious mid-week spa getaway? Head to Qasr Al Sarab Anantara for a getaway that will take you into the desert. The spa ritual package combines a 30-minute salt scrub and 30-minute back massage for Dhs450. You can also try the 60-minute Anantara Signature Massage or 60-minute Desert Fusion Massage with a free 30-minute foot reviver massage for Dhs750. Take the relaxation home with you with 20 percent off selected luxury spa products when you book any treatment. Straight up zen.
Prices vary. Ongoing. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Ananatara (02 886 2088).

Try a HIIT dance class at Universal Dance & Music

Some might argue that the ultimate fitness HIIT class you can do is dance. Not only will it improve your fitness, it will also increase your chances of embarrassing yourself on your next night out when you whip out your newly acquired moves. Ginger and her troupe at Universal Dance & Music offer a dizzying array of lessons (from salsa to hip hop, ballet to bachata, zumba to kizomba). You can also chance your arm at some capoiera or send the kids to a K-Pop class or two. The vibe here is truly Universal. And who knows, you might be a dancing queen (or king) after all.
Prices vary. Open Sun-Wed 10am-9pm, Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 3pm-6pm, Sat 4pm-8pm. Al Niyadi Building, Airport Road, universaldmauae.com (02 644 5557).

Looking for more HIIT classes? Click here for the full list.

Go for a round of golf at Al Ghazal Golf Club

If you’re looking for a cheap golf rate for the summer in Abu Dhabi may we suggest this course? While it might not hold the same sway or illustriousness as its golfing neighbours, shooting a round of golf at Al Ghazal Golf Club has the charm of a smaller community. A welcoming golf club for those who may not have mastered the basics (keep your eye on the ball), it’s a great place to go if you’re just starting out. The daily green fees are Dhs220 but should you fancy only a quick nine, the price varies, with Dhs150 between Sunday and Thursday and Dhs180 at the weekend. And don’t forget about the driving range. Open until 11pm, you can whack a bucket of 50 balls for Dhs26.
Summer rates until Aug 31. Golf course: daily 7am-until dark (last tee-off is 4pm). Driving range: daily 8am-11pm. Masdar City (02 5o5 3314).

Looking for more golfing options? Click here for the full list.

Get caffeinated at the new % Arabica venue

Need to get caffeinated ASAP? If you’re searching for a strong cup of coffee, many Abu Dhabi residents would point you in the direction of % Arabica. This popular chain of cafés originated in Japan and features a minimalist aesthetic with a strong focus on the beans. There is a new branch open now at Marina Mall with a cool % Arabica pod that reminds us of a coffee-lover’s spaceship. If you’re already a % Arabica fanatic (you will be soon) you can also pick up some exclusive merch. We love the buzz.
Marina Mall, arabicacoffee.ae.

Celebrate world laziness day with this laundry service discount

Citizens of the UAE won’t be short of options to help them unwind ahead of the upcoming Islamic New Year Holiday, as leading laundry service provider Laundryheap announces a 35% discount on its services for the occasion of World Laziness Day, Tuesday August 10. It’s the perfect day to snooze your alarm, skip work, and avoid your house chores. Laundryheap will take care of your laundry at a 35 percent discount with a guaranteed turnaround time of 24 hours. To avail the offer, visit the Laundryheap website and enter the LAZYDAY35 code on the final bill. The offer is applicable for up to two orders.
Aug10-11. www.laundryheap.ae/

Get your biryani on at India Palace

Love biryani? (Who doesn’t?) India Palace is hosting the Biryani Khass Festival in its various outlets throughout Abu Dhabi, and we can’t get enough. For the occasion, the famed Abu Dhabi institution has crafted six biryanis including raan, noor mahal, coorgi murgh, shahi jheenja, lucknow murg and subzi qabuli pulao. We’re planning to feast.
Prices vary. Until Aug 31. Various locations including Tourist Club Area and Al Salam Street, indiapalace.ae.

Try the business lunch at Cyan Brasserie

If you’re hungry in the middle of the workday, or need to take an important client out, you’ve got to try the business lunch at Cyan Brasserie. Take a break from the working day and gaze at city views which stretch out towards the Corniche at this wonderfully classy French-Levantine restaurant. For Dhs115, you can get a two-course meal or enjoy three courses for Dhs135 for your business lunch in Abu Dhabi at Cyan Brasserie.
Dhs115 (two-course menu). Dhs135 (three-course menu). Daily 12.30pm-3pm. Andaz Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (056 544 8158).

For more things to do in Abu Dhabi, click here.