Shoot the stars
Anyone up for some astrophotography? Taught by celestial enthusiast Andy Palado, you can pick up a camera and learn a different techniques and use a telescope to capture some amazing scenes, ‘I am teaching a class on July 18 at New York University with the Emirates Astronomical Society about astronomy,’ he says. Andy is also the founder of the Abu Dhabi Astronomy Club, and the group regularly host meetings to gaze at the night sky. Their website is jam-packed full of useful information for beginners as well as those at an intermediate level.
wwwabudhabiastronomy.blogspot.ae (050 225 9963).
Be a mocktail master
If you’ve always wanted to learn how to mix a mocktail then head to Havana Bar and try their Learn, Make…Taste classes. During the session you’ll be guided through the steps by the bar’s mixologist with some hands-on classes. You’ll get to make about eight very refreshing drinks. ‘During summer we will also be offering these classes at our pool bar for something different and [it’s] a great way to cool down,’ says Havana Club’s mixologist Sacha Toussaint. Classes take place once they are fully booked and happen from 4pm-6pm. The price is Dhs250 per person. There is a minimum of six and a maximum of 16 people for each class. Booking is required two days in advance. Havana Club is open daily 6pm-2am, Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999).
Write beautifully
Ever wondered how the historic art of calligraphy was invented? Well now you can find out at New York University. Take up a summer course and learn to write like back in the day. Learn the techniques and skills to produce those perfectly carved letters, at these expertly taught classes. Sign up at New York University Abu Dhabi Campus this summer.
NYUAD, Al Nasr Street (02 628 4000).
Find inner peace
For a stress-free summer, be sure to join the new Inner Space ‘Meditation’ courses, which provide you with an opportunity to get to know yourself better, and learn to meditate practically and professionally. These courses will give you the chance to experience peace and tranquility.
Inner Space, Shop No. 202, 2nd Floor, Bain al Jessrain Coop Building(050 515 9646).
Learn a new language
At the last count it was thought somewhere in the region of 200 different nationalities live in the UAE – that’s a lot of people and an awful lot of languages. For many expats the first port of call would be to learn some Arabic to help them with their everyday lives. However, we’re lucky to have the Eton Institute here in Abu Dhabi which offers over 100 language courses: so if you fancy getting stuck into a new lingo there’s no better time than right now while you’re sheltering from the sun. ‘There are lots of deals coming up over the summer. For example at the moment we’re doing a deal on the Arabic Conversation course which runs every weekend for Dhs600 including registration,’ Vanessa, a course coordinator, says.
Eton Institute, near Khalifa Park (02 449 9649/02 449 6947) www.abudhabi.eton.ac.
Become an artist
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at painting or maybe pick it up again after a break from the canvas, then try the National Theatre oil painting classes. They can also teach you how to mix your paints to develop the best colours for your work, so all you need is some inspiration to create your masterpiece. The National Theatre are also offering other art classes throughout the summer including sketching.
Dhs500 per month. National Theatre, 17th Street, between 2nd and 4th, (02 657 6355).
Shake your body
Whether you can fire up the dance floor or shuffle about clumsily, everyone can benefit from a few salsa lessons. Let the vibrant professionals at Abu Dhabi Salsa show you some moves that will have all eyes on you as you sway to the rhythm. The Latin dance steps come in handy with any type of music and will boost your confidence. Head trainer Moe Flava tells us about a fun class they host at Zenith at the Sheraton every Wednesday evening: ‘From 8pm-10pm, you can learn some moves in a fun environment. The charge for the two hours is Dhs35 and the first hour is reserved for pros and intermediate levels, while the second hour is for beginners.’ Plus, you get to work out while having an absolute blast!
Abu Dhabi Salsa, Corniche Road, Al Khubeirah, www.abudhabisalsa.com (050 414 0015).
Save face
If your cosmetic bag is jam-packed with loads of products that you aren’t quite sure how to use then it might be time for a make-up lesson. Hightail it to Bobbi Brown who offer free classes to the public. They’ll give you loads of great tips and will help you tailor a couple of looks to suit your skin and your lifestyle. All of the steps are demonstrated in a mirror, so that you can recreate the look yourself at home with ease. ‘We’re offering all our normal classes during summer but if you want to change your make-up style we can help you out’, says Ade, make-up artist at Bobbi Brown. These lessons at Bobbi Brown are complimentary and you can choose anything from a five-minute lesson to a 45-minute lesson.
Bobbi Brown, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7178). If you want a more advanced lesson then you can also check out Lina’s Make-up Artistry. Call 050 937 6640 or visit www.linasmakeup.com for an extensive list of prices.
Cook up a storm
Do you love the food at Jones the Grocer? Have you ever wondered what the secret ingredients are to their fabulous meals? Well, now you have the chance to find out, with special cooking classes this summer, giving you the opportunity to understand and master the art of cooking. events@jonesthegrocer.com.
Mamoura Building, B Ground Floor 06/07 Corner 4th Muroor & 15th Street, Al Muroor, (02 443 8762).
Teach the kids soccer
Get them learning the beautiful game early. While some of the big name clubs in the sport such as Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona have their own soccer schools in the city the Abu Dhabi Country Club also run an indoor soccer academy for kids aged three-and-a-half to 14 with the aim being to help youngsters develop their skills, potential and confidence. Sounds like a winner all around. They even have a ‘baby football’ class for kids aged three-and-a-half to four years old every Saturday. Indoor summer camp fees start from Dhs700 for one week.
www.adcountryclub.com (02 657 7777).
Design your own pottery
Initially established in 1994, Abu Dhabi Pottery is definitely well worth a visit. You can learn how to mould your own creations and pick up some really handy skills along the way. Classes are available for all ages and the venue also hosts a permanent exhibition of Homa Vafaie-Farley’s works. There’s also a summer camp running until August 31 this year and Homa herself told us: ‘The summer camp is such fun. We get the kids involved with drawing and painting before bringing their creations to life with clay.’
Open Sat-Thu 9am-1pm, 4.30pm-9pm. 16th Street, Al Khalidiyah, www.abudhabipottery.com (02 666 7079).
Make some noise
Fancy rocking out? If you have always dreamed about learning how to play guitar or are tempted by the bass, then you should sign up for some lessons at the Modern Art Music Institute. You can learn anything here, from theory to singing and all kinds of instruments. The institute even helps students set up bands so you can start jamming with people that share your own musical tastes. The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating and prices are reasonable. The institute is open daily from 9am-9pm and is located on the first floor of the Posters building behind Capital Hotel, Tourist Club Area.
www.emiratesjazz.com (02 673 8380).
