Got a secret? Go on, you can tell us. We at Time Out Abu Dhabi are the epitome of trustworthiness, and when we hear about hidden shops, quirky little restaurants or private natural havens we wouldn’t dream of passing that on to anyone. Well we try not to – we try really hard. All right so we’ve never been that good at keeping things to ourselves, but, hey, you get a cool insider’s guide out of it so our collective conscience is clear.
Restaurants for those in the know
Kennedy
A fine dining restaurant for those on a budget? This is a cat we really have to let out of the bag. Kennedy is a modern European restaurant hidden away inside the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel, with simply excellent food and service. Don’t be daunted by the slightly intimidating walk through AFOC to get there – the inside is welcoming and stylish. And at just Dhs160 for three courses and two glasses of house red or white, to keep schtum about this spot would be bordering on criminal.
AFOC Al Maqta (02 441 5900).
Al Qasr
We have it on good authority that this backstreet Lebanese joint serves the best spicy batata harra and mixed grill in the capital. Whether you want to sample authentic Levantine grub for the first time, or are feeling homesick and want food that tastes like it was cooked in Beirut, this is the place to head.
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 9933).
Pizza Amore
This scruffy little spot stands virtually empty most of the time – and for this we’re grateful, since it means we get served bargain pizzas in no time at all. The signature Pizza Amore itself is our all-time fave here – shrimp, chilli and spinach makes for a winning combo. Wanna know another secret? You can have caviar added to your pizza for just Dhs6 – making it the cheapest delicacy in town.
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 9990).
Ruchi
Think all the cheap Indian restaurants in the TCA are much of a muchness? Oh you’re so, so wrong. The quality of Ruchi’s fluffy naan, tender chunks of meat and super-spicy sauces put it head and shoulders above most of its competitors – and we’ve researched long and hard to bring you that snippet of info, so don’t waste it. Visit tonight.
Behind Al Mariah Mall (02 679 5679).
Jun Encarnacion
Some of the tastiest Thai and Chinese grub in Abu Dhabi with a side of karaoke? It’s a tall order, but we can deliver. Jun Encarnacion lets you warble love songs while you chew on chicken satay or spoon up creamy curries. Just try to avoid singing with your mouth full. Ew.
Hamdan Street (02 627 4066).
Hidden art and photography
The Yas Hotel
Follow a series of winding corridors and long passageways to find The Crossroads art display, tucked away in The Light Box at The Yas Hotel. Stop by this month to check out the work of two Emirati artists: Fatma Lootah, whose romantic series of paintings are called ‘Ghazal’, alongside the works of Musab Abdul Qader Al Rais entitled ‘Nature’.
Light Box, Marina Wing Lobby, The Yas Hotel (02 656 0700).
Café Arabia
Part painting, part collage, the colourful canvases by Jennifer Simon depict iconic scenes of the capital in bold and bright colours. Go upstairs and turn left to find them on the walls in the back room.
Café Arabia (02 643 9699).
Tiara
Abu Dhabi’s second revolving restaurant is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the mall 55 floors below – dark wood and brass decor and soft lighting sets the scene, and if you can tear your eyes away from the stunning city views, the back wall is plastered with black and white shots of olden day Abu Dhabi, as well as the obligatory fort and camel shots.
Marina Mall (02 681 9090).
Hilton
As one of the first Corniche-facing hotels, Hilton Abu Dhabi enjoyed a brief period of seafront supremacy in its heyday. If you fancy a glimpse into the hotel’s past, there’s a collection of photographs hung on the lobby wall that depicts a rather lonely looking Hilton.
Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
Al Ain Palace
One of Abu Dhabi’s oldest hotels, Al Ain Palace opened in 1967 and watched the city practically materialise around it. The lobby walls display a proud testament to this, with some rather odd photographs of the hotel standing alone in the middle of a desert. Strange stuff, and worth a look if you’re in the area.
Al Ain Palace, Al Markaziyah (02 679 4777).
Paris Abu Dhabi
If you’ve got some cash to spend (or can at least do a darn good impression of someone who has), make an appointment at Paris Abu Dhabi, a small, apartment-based gallery in Khalidiyah. Owner and proprietor Marc Laurenti is an enthusiastic Frenchman who’s lived in Abu Dhabi for 31 years, and will gladly give you a one-on-one audience with his contemporary canvases and ancient Qurans.
Al Sahel Towers, Corniche Road (02 635 9194).
Abu Dhabi Pottery
Abu Dhabi Pottery’s Homa Farley may be an excellent tutor, but she’s also a widely exhibited artist in her own right, having had her delicately crafted ceramics displayed in shows across the Middle East. It’s a little-known fact that her Khalidiyah workshop also doubles as a small gallery space – drop in, have a browse (and, if you’re lucky, a chat with the woman herself) and bask in the glory of some of the city’s most impressive unseen art.
16th Street, Khalidiyah (02 666 7079).
Hidden shops
Cheese and pickles
Like cheese? You’ve come to the right place. Backstreet store the Cheese and Pickle Centre is a little tricky to find, but once you do you’ll be glad you made the effort. Big containers of fresh, creamy local cheeses line one wall, while opposite is a counter full of hard slabs of European imports. Ask nicely, and the friendly staff will let you sample a few varieties. Whether you’re in the mood for rich, tangy feta, mild and heavy spreads or big chunks of sharp cheddar there’s guaranteed to be something to pique your interest. And don’t forget about the pickles – more than 40 varieties from across the Middle East are on display, so you can find the perfect accompaniment to your cheese of choice.
King Khalid Street near Electra Street (02 644 0704).
Honey
A quirky little store, Bee Kingdom has jar after enticing jar of gloriously rich honey lining the shelves, in colours ranging from light, toasty gold to deep, rich caramel. And, best of all, they keep a big box of disposable tasting spatulas on the counter…
Sheikh Zayed the First Street, Khalidiyah (02 666 8410).
Furniture
Cheap furnishings. Is there anyone in this city who isn’t looking for cheap furnishings? Nefertiti is a one-stop-shop for everything you might need for your house – beds, sofas, lamps, knick-knacks… the list goes on. Owner Ahmed seems to have a mental database of practically every item in the warehouse, so pop in, tell him what you’re after and let him make some recommendations, even arranging for delivery and assembly the same day.
Corner of Corniche and Khaleej al Arabi Street, www.useditemsuae.com (050 641 9861).
Dead Sea soaps
These delicious bath products are hugely popular in their native Jordan, where they are created using minerals and mud from the Dead Sea – and they have finally found their way to Abu Dhabi’s shores. We especially love the Dead Sea mud mask, which is packed with minerals and leaves your skin smooth, soft and incredibly clean, and the moisturiser, which is thick, creamy and smells faintly of banana – you can practically feel your skin drinking it in. Best of all, the products are really affordable; head to Bubbles at Al Wahda Mall and stock up.
Bloom Dead Sea products are stocked at Bubbles, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 9100).
Fashion
Sick of samey high street stores? Well, Grafika is the perfect antidote to all your clothing woes. This cute boutique stocks a wide variety of clothing and accessories, with pieces created by up and coming local designers, as well as trend-led abayas, glitzy evening gowns and simple blouses and tunics by cult international brands. Think colourful clutches by Mahin Hussain or fun and flirty outfits by Jolie New York. Absolute bliss for the city’s fashionistas.
Al Wahda Mall, www.grafikauae.com (02 443 7111).
Spices
Sackfuls of spices, teas and herbs rest outside the Wadi Az Zafran store and we’ve found heaps of cooking ingredients here that are impossible to find elsewhere in the city. Sample the rose tea, saffron and frankincense.
Wadi Az Zafran The Souk at Central Market 02 628 2680.
Games
When compared with Abu Dhabi’s glitzier new arrivals, the Hamed Centre is a pretty sorry looking mall. But that doesn’t mean you should pass it by. Head up to the top floor and you’ll find a treasure trove of game shops, with new releases and old favourites stacked side by side in glass display cabinets. Haggle your way to a time-wasting bargain, or if you’re not in the market for games the giant Mario statue makes for an excellent photo opportunity.
Hamed Centre, Electra Street (02 632 3255).
Manga
Located in the Khalifa Centre, the rather dusty Japanese Animation and Manga store store might be a little rough around the edges, but if you like anime it will appeal. It’s packed with everything from box sets of Hayao Miyazaki’s iconic movies to DVDs of girly favourites, such as Sailor Moon. And there’s plenty for the boys to get their teeth into, too, with more shojo than you can shake a stick at. If you’re not into movies, there are also books and cute accessories to browse.
Japanese Animation and Manga, Khalifa Centre, Tourist Club Area (02 667 2090).
Natural beauty products
It can be hard to track down environmentally friendly and organic ranges her in Abu Dhabi when all the shops seem to just stock artificially scented potions that are full of chemicals. But Laverne sells Wild Ferns thermal mud products and a range of lip balms, creams and serums with high levels of super-potent ingredient manuka honey.
Laverne, Souk at Central Market (02 628 0456).
Bargain perfumesibi Perfumes
Promise to keep this to yourself? We’ve found a place that sells brand name fragrances at bargain prices. Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes sells international fragrances, a selection of oud wood chips and, of course, bottles and bottles of glamorous Arabian fragrances. Brand names everyone will recognise – Gucci Rush, Burberry Weekend, Caroline Herrera 212 Sexy to name a few – are sold in plain packaging so they only cost (shh!) around Dhs100.
Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes, Souk at Central Market (02 622 8739).
Secret sports
Ninjitsu classes
There’s no art that’s darker and more secretive than the art of ninjitsu. What other sport allows you to dress head to toe in black and disappear mysteriously after exacting revenge on your enemies? A rather more peace-loving, self-defence class is held downtown by Ninjitsu sensei Shohei that’s completely free of charge.
Ninjitsu class. Fridays, 10.30am, free of charge. Muay Thai studio, International Cinema building, Tourist Club Area (050 445 7095).
Yas Marina Circuit cycling
Did you know the Yas Marina Circuit isn’t just reserved for the likes of Lewis Hamilton? It’s also quietly becoming the training destination of choice for serious runners and cyclists. The 5.5km track is opened up to athletes on Tuesday evenings, when you’ll find lots of people training from the Abu Dhabi Tri Club, as well as those focusing on just one sport. So pretend you’re a racing car driver as you speed round, and make the most of the access to this amazing track. Join the Yas Marina Circuit Cycling and Running Facebook group for maps and further information.
6pm-8pm. Yas Marina Circuit.
City running track
This little-known track is perfect for those who just want a some gentle exercise. It’s the running path of choice for anyone who want to take a slow pace, so expect to see lots of the city’s older residents taking a brisk stroll or easygoing jog under the trees’ shade.
The 1.5km track starts at 32nd street and runs four blocks from 19th to 13th Street.
Private nature spots
Belevari Island
Only a few people know the exact location of Abu Dhabi’s most secret island. Known as Belevari Island, it’s a tiny beach (only about 100ft x 50ft) that surfaces for four or five hours a day, and boasts the cleanest, whitest sand in the UAE. The best way to access it is to book a trip with Belevari Marine. They’ll take you on a four-hour expedition that sets sail two hours before low tide, drops you off on the island and collects you two hours later. Meanwhile, you can picnic, barbecue, swim or do whatever else takes your fancy in relative peace and quiet.
Belevari Marine (02 6594 144).
Mangroves
Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests are just a short drive from the city centre, but are a completely hidden natural world. An integral part of the coastal ecosystem in the UAE, they’re home to several species of fish, sea snakes, turtles and seabirds. The best way to explore this largely ignored aspect of the capital is by kayak. Book a trip with Noukhada Adventure Company, which will take you exploring at dawn, or, more excitingly still, by full moon.
www.noukhada.ae.
Sandy stretch behind the flag pole
Sick of the screaming kids on the public family beach? Can’t afford membership to one of the classier beach clubs? Well there’s a small stretch of sand just behind the flagpole that’s clean and perfect for relaxing quietly. It’s also the spot where the Abu Dhabi Stand Up Paddle Group meet.
Breakwater Road.
Yas Island’s beach
Remember when Yas Island was, well, just beach? Now, of course, it’s home to race tracks, hotels and, um, Ikea. But there’s still a little stretch of nature left. When you drive towards Yas Island from Abu Dhabi Island on the Sheikh Khalifa highway, look to your left just before you get to Yas, and you’ll see a wild and windy stretch of sand. This has the best conditions for kite surfing in the capital, and if you know where to look, you’ll often see the Abu Dhabi Kite Surfing Club practising here when the wind is strong.
Sheikh Khalifa Highway.
Bu Tinah Island
Bu Tinah Island is so secret, almost nobody is even allowed on it. The island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi, has been shortlisted as a finalist from almost 500 sites of outstanding natural beauty from around the world, in what’s being touted as ‘The environmental World Cup’ or the new seven wonders of nature. You can’t go, we’re afraid, but you can read all about it (and vote for the site to win) at www.butinah.ae.
Five cuisines you didn’t know existed in Abu Dhabi
Mongolian
Mongolian Chinese restaurant
The Mongolian element of this restaurant is a little dubious – you won’t find platefuls of salty yak cheese or lamb skewers here. But among the Chinese, Korean and Singaporean offerings are a few brave attempts at Mongolian dishes – Mongolian Special Chicken and Mongolian Duck – both prepared in sticky, tangy sauces.
Opposite Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalifa Complex Building (02 645 1500).
Russian
Russian Kitchen House Cafeteria
Borscht, cabbage dumplings, potato pies and uh, more cabbage. If you want that soviet taste then venture into the backstreets of the Tourist Club area to uncover this Russian cafeteria. The flavours are authentically sour and salty, the portions huge and the waitress is possibly one of the chattiest people we’ve ever met.
Russian Kitchen House Cafeteria (02 674 4342).
Yemeni
Happy Yemen
This busy Yemeni restaurant on Airport Road has a selection of chicken and fish dishes that come with rice and freshly baked breads. Go for the barbecued fish, which comes whole and grilled to perfection – charred on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. They serve liver, heart and kidneys for breakfast, so if you’re made of sterner stuff than we are, you can opt for those.
Happy Yemen (02 445 2412).
Uzbekistani
Sayhoun
Tried Uzbekistani food before? We’re proud to say we just have, from a joint behind Najda Street. Part Uzbekistani and part Russian cuisine, we can highly recommend you try the fried mushroom and potatoes, the stuffed eggs and the pancakes with sour cream. Staff don’t speak much English (or any at all), but the slightly mistranslated menu will help you out if you don’t speak Russian or Uzbek.
Najda Street (02 6747871).
Nepalese
The Curry House
Perhaps the heavy curtains put the punters off trying out the Curry House – otherwise its emptiness is inexplicable. As well as Chinese and Indian fare, The Curry House does a great selection of Nepalese food. Bhuteko masu (spicy garlic flavoured lamb) Kathmandu special chicken, and our favourite, the steamed mystical momo. You might feel a million miles from the cool air and dizzying views of the Himalayas this summer, but at least you can sample its delicious flavours.
Behind Janata Bank, Electra Street (02 632 8860).
