Christmas for singles in Abu Dhabi

Helping hand

The festive period is all about giving something back, so why not volunteer?
Instead of fundraising, Cause Connect provides tangible gifts to existing charities. Its next project is a festive dinner on December 20 for women at a labour camp in Mussafah or Mohammed Bin Zayed City – the location depends on how many volunteers come forward. Decorate a tree, bake festive treats and provide presents, or from 4pm-9pm on the day sing, play musical instruments, host a raffle or organise musical chairs. You will also prepare and serve the meal at 6pm. Email suparna@abudhabicauseconnect.com.

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City Hospital on Karamah Street always needs extra hands. IT whizz? Teach your skills in the computer room. Love kids? Entertain them in the playroom. You can also talk, read or sing to elderly patients, host English classes, run craft sessions or play guitar. Your age will usually be matched to the patients you’re keeping company. You must commit to five hours a week. Email volunteers@skmc.ae, www.skmc.ae (02 819 4505).

Dinner for one

Festive microwave readymeal, anyone? If that doesn’t appeal, don’t cry into your gravy – Christmas dinners for one have come a long way

The premium supermarket, Waitrose, has three branches in Abu Dhabi; in Boutik Mall on Reem Island, Avenue at Etihad Towers and Al Zeina. Pop in to any for turkey breast from the butcher – a portion is 250g and costs around Dhs20. Alternatively, opt for 250-300g Wagyu steak for Dhs75-90 or a 300g pack of duck confit (Dhs35) from Silver Hill, an Irish family-run farm. Boutik Mall (02 674 0210), Avenue at Etihad Towers (02 447 1987), Al Zeina (02 556 2045).

While everyone else slaves over Christmas dinner you can feel smug as you collect a few slices of turkey (100g) from the deli counter of Spinneys Khalidiyah off the Corniche (Dhs10, Dhs5 for steamed veg). You can also buy a portion of sage and onion or apple and herb stuffing for Dhs10.75, or sage and onion, orange, cranberry and walnut, and roast chestnut stuffing for Dhs11.75. While you’re there pick up a medium cheeseboard made up of brie, cheddar and blue cheese with crackers for Dhs75. (02 677 4667).

Pop by Marks & Spencer in Marina Mall to pick up festive treats for one. You can buy a single portion of fruit cake with a gold leaf iced decoration for Dhs14 (or Dhs28 for 600g), a bubbly chocolate Santa (23g) or a chocolate caramel crunch Christmas tree, each Dhs5, or a gingerbread cookie with an iced Santa for Dhs12. Marina Mall, Breakwater (02 679 6920).

Swing by Jones the Grocer in Al Nahyan for individual gingerbread cookies (Dhs36) and a Christmas tree lollypop (Dhs31). As you nibble on your made-for-one items it’s okay to feel smug that you won’t be battling the bulge come January like everyone else. You can also pick up cranberry, walnut and thyme stuffing for Dhs105 and six mince pies for Dhs61, because who doesn’t eat their body weight in pies at Christmas? Al Mamoura Building B, Corner of 4th Muroor and 15th Street, www.jonesthegrocer.com (02 443 8762).

Talking turkey

If Christmas isn’t Christmas without someone else to pull your cracker, join these communal meals

Every Friday, Cornerstone Church meet in CineRoyal in Khalidiya Mall 8.30am-10am. Newbies are welcome, so go on December 19 and 26 for a festive carol service. While there, ask about their open lounge nights, which are family-style meals held in members’ homes Mondays 7.30pm-10.30pm, and about volunteering at their annual picnic for labourers on New Year’s Day at 3.30pm. Last year, over 170 workers played Frisbee and cricket in the park opposite ADNEC. www.cornerstoneabudhabi.com (050 457 5319).

As Christmas is all about charitable acts, why not spend Christmas Day deciding which unwanted gifts you’ll give away? Then you’ll be prepared to donate to the 1,000 construction workers who will gather for a late Christmas party at the Worker’s Village in Mussafah 7pm-9.30pm on January 17. As well as presents, they’ll sing carols and have a turkey dinner with cake. Why not volunteer to help? www.abudhabimarthomachurch.com (02 446 4562).

Advent accommodation

Don’t fancy spending the big day stuck at home? Then pack up and check in to a swanky hotel

A night in a deluxe suite at Rosewood Abu Dhabi costs Dhs700 for single occupancy December 22-26, which includes breakfast at Aqua. Email AbuDhabi.Reservations@rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5555).

A night in a classic room at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort on Christmas Eve is Dhs650. Check in at 3pm, check out on Christmas Day at noon. www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com (02 677 3333).

Treat yourself to a night at Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island. A standard room for one person costs Dhs499 including breakfast. Check in at 3pm, check out at noon. www.radissonblu.com (02 656 2000).

A deluxe room costs Dhs750 based on single occupancy on Christmas Eve at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. Check in is 3pm, check out is at noon. www.ritzcarlton.com (02 818 8888).

A single room in the Grand Continental Flamingo Hotel over Christmas costs Dhs450. Check in is 2pm, check out is noon. www.gcfh.ae (02 690 4000).

Splash out on a night in a King room at the Hyatt Capital Gate, which costs Dhs700 on Christmas Eve. Check in is 2pm, check out is noon. www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com (02 596 1234).

A single room at Aloft on Christmas Eve is Dhs400; stay two nights and you’ll save 10 percent; stay for three and save 20 percent. Fancy company? Then stay Christmas Day because that night Club So-Hi has a mix and mingle event 6pm-9pm for Dhs189 with unlimited house beverages and festive bites. www.aloftabudhabi.com (02 654 5000).

A night in a superior sea view room at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi costs Dhs1,100. You’ll get breakfast, a 25 percent discount on treatments in Rémede Spa and double Starpoints to use for future bookings. Check in is 3pm, check out at noon. Nation Towers, Corniche Road West. www.stregisabudhabi.com (02 694 4444).

A stay in a deluxe room at InterContinental on Christmas Eve is Dhs700 on a single occupancy basis, or Dhs775 with breakfast. Check in time is 2pm, check out is noon. www.ihg.com (02 666 6888).

Advent spa session

Looking after number one – swap those chocolate coins in your stocking for a fancy spa treatment

Treat yourself to a massage at Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi 1pm-3pm on Christmas Day – singles are entitled to a 20 percent discount. See? Christmas alone ain’t so bad. www.igh.com (02 657 4888).

Buy yourself the Christmas deluxe package at the spa in Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Treatments include a rose or deep cleanse facial, aromatherapy pressure point massage with lymphatic drainage and scalp massage. Dhs550 for two hours. www.radissonblu.com (02 656 2000).

If you’re staying at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi over Christmas, make the most of the spa as you’ll get 25 percent off. Email AbuDhabi.Reservations@rosewoodhotels.com (02 813 5555).

Splash out on the Christmas triple indulgence package at Rémede Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and you can pick any three 20-minute treatments. Choose from a facial, Oriental body scrub, eye rejuvenation ritual, or a scalp, foot or hot stone massage. You’ll leave with a Christmas Gift. Dhs389, valid until December 31. Nation Towers, Corniche Road West. www.stregisabudhabi.com (02 694 4444).

The InterContinental spa’s body dreams ritual starts with a body scrub and rose gel to soften and hydrate the skin followed by a body massage to release stress and stiff muscles. You’ll then have a warm body wrap and facial. The whole experience takes two hours. Dhs500. www.ihg.com (02 666 6888).