Wednesday 22
Go to a new bar: B-Lounge by Beachcomber at the Sheraton officially opens today. This new outdoor venue is nestled in the lush palm tree garden of the resort area and features a bar, chill out seating, a fire pit for bonfires, occasional live performances and a DJ playing popular chill out tunes every Thursday night. Don’t miss this new hot spot in town, daily from 6pm until late.
The Sheraton Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi (02 697 0257).
Watch the creative process: If you want to know how two Emirati artists and three UK artists can turn a pile of junk into art, then head over to L’atelier des Arts to watch it as it happens. The junk is courtesy of Masdar who will also be around to take questions.
From 11am-8pm; L’atelier des Arts, Fotouh Al Khair Centre (02 639 7104).
Have a drink with a view: Enjoy Cuban blends every Wednesday as evening falls over the city and the Relax@12 DJ gets you in the groove.
Enjoy buy-one-get-one-free from 5pm-7pm. Relax@12, Aloft Hotel (02 654 5000).
Be inspired: Catch the new exhibition at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers before the week’s out. Changing Landscapes brings together the diverse works of Emirati artists and includes a must-see installation by HH Sheikha Shaikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan.
Open daily from 2pm-9pm until February 28, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (02 811 5555).
Thursday 23
Walk, run or jog: Join the Abu Dhabi Striders running club, whether you’re a walker, jogger or a runner you’re welcome to the regular weekly meets to exercise with like-minded people.
The group also arranges annual races. www.abudhabistriders.com (056 109 2346).
Try evening brunch: Now the logic behind brunch is that it’s the meal the merges breakfast and lunch, right? Well Maï Café have decided they can pull this off in the evenings. You may beg to differ and think ‘call it something else then!’ (we did) but it’s worth checking out to see what all the fuss is about. They promise international fare and a BBQ with drinks starting from Dhs135 to Dhs199.
Thursdays from 6.30pm-10.30pm at Maï Café, Aloft Abu Dhabi (02 654 5111).
Listen to music: Head over to Café Arabia to get a dose of live music with Jason Carter, who’ll be performing in town for three nights only. Entry is Dhs90 and includes access to a light food and drinks buffet, so that’s your evening’s entertainment and meal sorted.
From February 23-25 at Café Arabia (02 643 9699).
Get some great discounts: Looking to update your wardrobe in time for spring? Head over to Nautica at Al Wahda Mall and pick out some new clothes.
They are currently offering 25 per cent off on selected items until March 10. Nautica, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070).
Friday 24
Buy some new make-up: Have you noticed the new Sephora kiosk in Abu Dhabi Mall? Well we have, and it is definitely worth a visit. Stock up on foundation, blush, eye shadow and a huge range of nail polish.
Sephora kiosk, ground floor, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4668).
Buy Himalayan body products: Add some exoticism to your life with Chi the Spa’s March promotions. They’ve got a 50 per cent discount on Wild Earth herbal products handmade in Kathmandu, Nepal from Himalayan plants that are meant to enhance wellbeing. But it gets better, because by treating yourself you’ll also be contributing to a Nepali women’s rural economic development project.
Chi the Spa, at Shangri-La (02 509 8900).
Have a roast brunch: If you’re nostalgic for Sunday roast, Park Rotana has got the answer for you. Tuck into something succulent for brunch this Friday (if you’re so inclined) at the Cooper’s Carvery Brunch. They’ve got various roast options, sausages for the little ’uns and trimmings galore.
Dhs179 with selected beverages. From 12 noon-4pm at Coopers, Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Kick a football: Abu Dhabi Auskick is a great way for kids to learn the rules of Australian Rules Football. Auskick offers fun activities for boys, girls and their parents based on the rules of AFL. Guaranteed fitness as well as fun.
Every Friday, 10am-11am, Al Karamah (050 811 9749).
Saturday 25
Overdose on sushi: If you’re feeling fiendish for some sushi, then go and eat all you can at Benihana’s Sensational Sushi Saturday buffet. For Dhs160 including soft drinks or Dhs199 with selected house beverages, it’s a deal you won’t want to miss.
Saturdays from 6pm-10pm at Benihana, Beach Rotana (02 697 9122).
Spoil your girl: If you’re looking to treat your lady, or you’ve done something bad and need to atone for it, invest Dhs510 in a Blissful Package at the Spa at Radisson Blu. It’s a combination of massage, facial and mani-pedi, which is bound to earn you brownie points.
Offer expires March 31, The Spa, Radisson Blu, Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Have a family fun day: Why not take the kids out of the city for a day at Hili Fun City. The park now has a total of 31 attractions, ranging from thrilling rides for adults and teenagers to fun family rollercoasters and gentle rides for the little ones.
Hili Fun City, Al Ain (03 784 5542).
Go fishing: Set sail for a day of fishing with the Hiltonia Beach Club. They can organise fishing trips for a maximum of six people, with special additional hourly rates if you want to extend your day on the boat.
Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
Sunday 26
Feast on dumplings: All hail the dumpling festival at Shang Palace throughout March. If you love those little parcels of deliciousness, you can experience them in every shape and form, all lovingly prepared by Chef Wu.
Dhs48 per dish. Available for lunch and dinner at Shang Palace, Shangri-La (02 509 8555).
Have some fun: Take your kids to Fun City at Marina Mall. They will have a great day on the shark roller coaster and the very popular dodgem cars. Perhaps you could do a spot of shopping as well.
Marina Mall (02 681 5527).
Catch some taiko: Don’t miss an evening of taiko drumming by legendary drummer Eitetsu Hayashi to celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Gulf. It’s a free event and if you show up early you could catch a food demonstration and photography exhibition to boot.
8pm at Abu Dhabi National Theatre (02 445 2501).
Monday 27
Kill the pain: So you’re tired of waxing and epilating and all the pain that comes with it. What else is new? We’ll tell you: The painless laser hair reduction that Kaya have just launched. They guarantee no skin irritation, discoloration or pain.
Available across all Kaya branches (02 443 3709).
Eat fish: If you have a passion for anything that comes out the sea, celebrate your love with Sofra bld’s Jewels of the Sea. It’s a feast for seafood fiends, you can enjoy an extensive array of fresh seafood for Dhs199.
Every Monday from 7-11pm at Sofra bld, Shangri-La (02 509 8555).
Have a ladies’ night: Head to Cristal at the Millennium Hotel on Khalifa street on a Monday night and the ladies can sip on free bubbly while listening to jazz. How very ladylike.
7pm-9pm, Millenium Hotel (02 614 6000).
Tuesday 28
Take five at Left Bank: Every Wednesday is ladies’ night at Left Bank. Ladies can enjoy five delicious mixed beverages for Dhs5 in this cool venue. Enjoy the beautiful view while you hang out with your girlfriends.
9pm-10.30pm, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680).
Visit a new spa: There are a string of new spas in town, but you can only get through them one spa at a time. How about visiting the Iridium at St Regis spa this week? Ayurvedic massage is one of their specialties.
Open daily from 9am-10pm, St Regis, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8996).
Ride a horse: Have you ever dreamt of riding a horse along a beach? First step is to learn to ride a steed like a pro.
Try the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Lessons are Dhs110 for 30 min from Monday to Wednesday. Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Al Mushrif (02 445 5500).
