Thursday 20
See some people hunting trolls: If you’re anywhere near as cultured as us, you’ll have already seen more than your fair share of the stirring, thought-provoking movies ADFF has to offer. But for those who like their films action-packed, thrilling and, uh, Norwegian, TrollHunter is a must-see. It tells the story of a group of students who are convinced of the existence of trolls – and set out to prove it. Think wild special effects and wintry, Nordic scenery.
4pm. Vox screen 8, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, www.adff.ae
Watch some cricket: The Abu Dhabi Cricket Club will be hosting the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan series right here in the UAE. Head out to Sheik Zayed Stadium to catch the last days of the First Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan and watch these two teams go head to head.
ADCC, Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium (02 558 8381)
Drink somewhere special: Visit the brand new Breeze Lounge set on the pristine beach of Emirates Palace where you can expect a rather glamorous crowd, delicious mixed drinks and of course, some of the finest views in Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Palace (02 690 9000)
Enjoy fine Turkish fare: If you enjoy Turkish cuisine, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is hosting the Turkish Art & Food Festival from October 20-27 at Flavours Restaurant. Three guests chefs from Sheraton Cesme will be flown in and there will be an array of Turkish Art for your viewing pleasure.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 697 0224)
Friday 21
Catch the last day of sales: Plenty of Abu Dhabi’s stores have been treating you to a heathy 25 per cent discount this month. Well, the sales end today, so if you fancy something shiny from Accessorize, classy furnishings from Dwell or some quality clothing from Nautica, you’d better be quick.
Try a new brunch: Head down to Filini to try their all new Italian brunch, served straight to your table from a specially designed menu. And once you’ve stuffed yourself beyond all decency, head out to the terrace for the drinks, pool and view. Dhs145 with soft drinks, or Dhs190 with selected beverages.
Radisson Blu, Yas Island (02 656 2000)
Watch a marathon: We’re not entirely sure how it does it, but running a marathon seems to bring a lot of people a dose of inner peace and a great sense of accomplishment. We ourselves would rather stare at healthy people, so, if you’re anything, like us, why not head down to Zayed Sports City and watch the ADCB 10k run? It might inspire.
Haddins Fitness Center (02 403 4200)
Set sail: Now that the weather is cooling down, head out to Abu Dhabi Sailing Club to enjoy some time out on the water.
Al Mina Zayed, Al Meena, www.abudhabisailing.com (02 673 1111)
Saturday 22
Indulge in Saturday brunch: One brunch session per weekend just not enough for you? Well you greedy lot will be pleased to hear that Selections at InterContinental has its Bubbly Brunch on Saturdays now too. Visit and make merry.
InterContinental (02 693 5125)
Bag some antiques: Estuary Auctions will be holding a Fine Art and Antique Sale at Emirates Palace, ballroom one, and this is your chance to bag some awesome (and pricey) items for your fancy home.
For more information, call Estuary on 02 6264 666, or email at info@estuaryauctions.com
Take in the view: Looking for a classy establishment to head to on a Saturday? Try out chic Left Bank to relax with friends while watching the sun go down over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. A perfect note to end your weekend on.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)
Enjoy a classy barbecue: It’s possible you’ll read the name BBQ Al Qasr and think to yourself any restaurant that spells barbecue without any vowels is not the place for a classy dinner. Well, you’re just plain wrong. This über-romantic spot at Emirates Palace has reopened after the summer with a brand new menu – enjoy perfectly cooked cuts of tender meat and a view to melt even the stoniest of hearts.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 697 0257)
Sunday 23
Save your pennies: Enjoy the last days of Debenhams sale offering up to 50 per cent off selected items. Valid until October 27 so be quick and don’t miss out on a bargain.
Khalidiyah Mall (02 635 4000).
Explore Italy in Abu Dhabi: Italian Cultural Week is on from October 23-27 at Zayed University and Abu Dhabi University. Enjoy all things Italian, from food and music to cinema and language.
For more info email culture2.abudhabi@esteri.it
Get Oktober-festive: There are parties going on all over town this week, but make sure you don’t miss out on Brauhaus’s celebrations. Authentic brews, Teutonic games and live music means you’ll be guaranteed a fun night out.
Brauhaus, Beach Rotana (02 697 9011)
Enjoy a new shopping location: Head to Marina Mall to check out the new 30,000sq ft Marks & Spencer store, located on the ground floor. Shop from a wide selection of ladieswear, menswear, children’s clothing, lingerie, beauty and food.
Marks & Spencer, Marina Mall (02 681 8300)
Monday 24
Go Bananas: Hurry into Banana Republic to take advantage of up to 35 per cent off selected items.
Valid until October 28. Run, don’t walk. Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7270)
Pump yourself up: Need to get ready for beach seaons? Drop into a BodyPump class, a 60-minute workout that challenges all your major muscle groups with weight-room exercises such as squats, presses, lifts and curls.
Dhs 40/50 Khalidiyah Palace Rayhaan by Rotana (02 657 0182)
Develop your child’s inner artist: Sketching, watercolour, mosaic classes and more are all available for kids at new arts centre L’atelier des Arts, which is set to become quite the hub for both budding and professional artists. Book now for November’s sessions.
Fotouh Al Khair Centre (Marks & Spencer Mall) (02 6397104)
Update your abode: With the recent change in weather, now is the perfect time to update your home with new seasonal looks. The new collection at The One is all about opulent appeal, blending modern elegance with a dash of classic glamour.
Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 8100)
Tuesday 25
Hear a face-melting solo from Metallica: Get those rock horns at the ready – the undisputed kings of metal music are headed to Yas Island for what’s set to be a killer one-off performance. Could this finally be the moment we see some crowd-surfing in the capital? Here’s hoping.
www.thinkflash.ae
Eat some meat: Spaccanapoli’s ‘Gamefest’ is running throughout the month of October. Meat-lovers should sample the specially crafted evening menu while there’s still time.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6261)
Munch on some mussels: Tonight is all-you-can-eat mussels night at Belgian Café, where a bottomless pot costs a piffling Dhs120. Chips, mayo and a glass of something frothy will make the evening perfect.
Belgian Café, InterContinental (02 666 6888)
Get your little ones learning piano: Sick and tired of hearing your kids saying, ‘I’m bored?’ Book your little ones in for a course of 15 piano lessons for beginners at the International Music Institute.
Bin Halyal building, Zayed the 1st Street, Al Khalidiyah (02 621 1949)
Wednesday 26
Gaze at some art: The city has been crying out for some new art for a while, and just when we thought we couldn’t hold out any longer Abu Dhabi Art Squad have announced their fifth exhibition. The group are known for their diverse works, so expect an eclectic mix of styles and media.
Until November 3. Millennium Hotel (02 614 6070). www.abudhabiartsquad.com
Bag a business meal on the cheap: Seal that deal with some Southeast Asian treats at One to One Hotel. Wockano’s business meal deal will set you back just Dhs49 for a set menu and iced tea. Available on all weekdays.
Wockano, One to One Hotel, Al Nahyan (02 495 2000)
Have a bargain blend: True, most ladies nights let you have the good stuff for absolutely free. But while Left Bank’s offering sets you back a whole dirham for every drink you knock back, not many places can boast the same well-mixed blends, well mixed beats and stunning views. Invest. Dhs5 for five mixed drinks.
From 8pm-10.30pm. Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)
Celebrate with ze Germans: Today marks the beginning of the three-day Oktoberfest celebrations at Crowne Plaza. Head down to get special offers on German beverages, a German band, and German food by a German chef. German. Dhs130 per person for a buffet dinner.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3053)
