Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do this week

Discover emirati culture, have a barbecue and more Abu Dhabi fun

Wednesday 8

Have a bargain blend: True, most ladies nights let you have the good stuff absolutely free. But while Left Bank’s offering sets you back a whole dirham for every drink you have, not many places can boast the the same well-mixed blends, cool beats and stunning views.
Dhs5 for five drinks, 8-10.30pm. Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)

Give time: If you’re scratching your head over what to give your Valentine this month, think no more! Chocolates and jewellery is so last year. What you ought to give is the gift of time, and it’s available at Espa. Still scratching your head? Well it’s like a gift voucher (that can be used in any way the recipient chooses) but for one of the swankiest spas in Abu Dhabi.
Prices start from Dhs1000. Espa, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0862)

Improve your child’s maths: We all remember (with a chill in our spine) what it was like to have to learn maths at school. At Whiz Kids Skill Development, your kids will be helped through their difficulties in an engaging, nurturing and supportive environment.
Jumbo Electronics Building, Defence Road, Al Markaziyah (02 641 7450)

Get zapped! Well, not literally. But if you’re tired of waxing and shaving and whatever else you need to put yourself through to stay smooth, here may be a permanent solution. Kaya’s February offer is 20 per cent off laser hair reduction packages across all branches.
Kaya Skincare, across Abu Dhabi (02 443 3709)


Thursday 9

Discover Emirati culture: If you feel like learning something new and different, don’t miss the Khannaga Craft Workshop at the Souk Central Market. Khannaga is a traditional braiding technique that’s exclusive to the Gulf, and here’s the ideal opportunity to add a new string to your bow.
From 10-11.30pm. This event is organised by the French Alliance in partnership with Sougha (02 666 6232)

Make a splash: Swimming is a great way to get fit so why not head to the Beach Rotana where private and group lessons are available for kids and adults. Sit and relax in the comfortable, poolside chairs while you watch your little ones have their lesson.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, (02 697 9000)

Feel fishy: An evening of seafood awaits at Park Rotana’s Ginger, where every night is a different theme night. From Italian to Indian, they’ve got all cuisines covered and Thursdays are when fresh fish is on offer. It’s Dhs160 per person, which is fair for five-star hotel dining. And if the weather’s nice, you can take your supper outside.
Ginger, Park Rotana (02 657 3333)

Try a different type of exercise: Walking on a treadmill can become very boring very quickly so why not try a kickboxing class. This is a great full body workout that will have you fit and toned in no time.
Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900)


Friday 10

Shine like a diamond: Skin feeling scaly, lackluster and in need of some tender, loving care? Silkor offer an amazing Diamond dermabrasion Facial that exfoliates the skin with a diamond studded wand. A vacuum then removes the dead skin cells and excess sebum. The treatment will leave you with noticeably clearer and brighter skin.
Silkor Abu Dhabi, Villa 1, Khalidiyah (02 681 6070)

Have a beach BBQ: The Park Hyatt are turning up the heat on Fridays with ‘Barbecue by the Beach.’ If you fancy goodies off the grill this weekend, head over to Saadiyat where the beach is breathtaking, the music chill-out and the barbecue stations are on fire.
Dhs300 or Dhs390 including house beverages. 12.30-4pm at the Beach House, Park Hyatt, Sadiyat Island (02 407 1234)

Celebrate Operation Smile’s first birthday! Operation Smile have been helping out kids with facial deformities for a whole year now, and are throwing a party to celebrate. Expect stalls, games, birthday cake, prizes and of course, plenty of smiley faces.
Entrance Dhs10. Noon-4pm. Abu Dhabi Golf Club. Call 02 658 4790 for details or visit www.operationsmile.org.ae

Learn the piano: Book yourself in for a course of 15 piano lessons for beginners and you’ll be playing in no time.
International Music Institute, Zayed the 1st Street, Khalidiyah (02 622 6105)


Saturday 11

Have lunch at The Café: Enjoy a yummy brunch with a wide selection of Arabic and international dishes, as well as a dessert buffet with a chocolate fountain. Popular dishes include oysters, smoked salmon, marinated kingfish and king prawns.
Prices start at Dhs220per person. Every weekend, 1-5pm. Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138)

Think comics! If your little ones are into their comic books, then give them a dose of the French Alliance comic book workshop. Kids aged seven-10 will learn all there is to know about comics and their most popular heroes.
February 11 from 2-2.30pm at the French Alliance, Khalid Bin Abdel Aziz Street (02 666 6232)

Go to an art souq: The last community arts and crafts event at Café Arabia must have been a big hit with Abu Dhabi’s arty denizens because it’s back. This promises to be a celebration of talented artists from the capital’s multicultural craft-makers. So go along for a browse.
From 10am-5pm at Café Arabia (02 643 9699)

Get out on the water: Empros can accomodate parties and dinners on boats or yachts. Head out now while the weather is still pleasant.
InterContinental, Al Bateen (02 628 9704)


Sunday 12

Buy some kids accessories: Having a new baby or know someone who is? Mamas and Papas has a great range of toys, clothes, strollers, interiors and nursery accessories. Take advantage of their current offer of 30 per cent off, valid until February 27.
Mamas & Papas, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070)

Embrace your inner nerd: Calling all closet anime and manga fans – it’s time to come out! If you appreciate comics, cartoons and all things Japan related join ADAnime.
www.adanimeclub.com

Taste some Thai: If you have a hankering for something spicy, try Taste of Thailand at Al Ain Palace Hotel. With its friendly atmosphere and cheerfully romanticised oriental decor, you’ll find that Taste of Thailand is a good place to enjoy great food. It’s on the spicy side though, so be careful if you have a weak palate.
Al Ain Palace Hotel (02 679 4777)

Relax on the beach: If you are wanting to spoil yourself and have a truly luxurious beach experience then head out to the Park Hyatt to enjoy the beach for the day. This will be quite an expensive day at the beach but you won’t be sorry and will leave very relaxed.
Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island (02 407 1138)


Monday 13

Go bowling: Get those groovy two-tone shoes on your feet and knock down some pins! Bowling City is a mega fun zone and a great place to take the family. As well as bowling, they offer karaoke and billiards.
Al Mariah Mall, Al Markaziyah (02 676 0444)

Buy a new lippie: Estee Lauder is known for its beautiful range of make-up. The range of Pure Colour lipsticks come in a variet of shades and are very moisturising. Why not have a look at the latest selection of on-trend colours. You just might find that perfect shade you’ve been searching for.
Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4858)

Have a ladies night: Cure those Monday blues and get the gals together for a night on the tiles. Ladies Night at Zenith is every Monday night, offering free house drinks for the girls from 9pm-3am.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333)

Buy new threads: Keep you kids current in the fashion world. Pumpkin Patch are offering a very generous discount on selected item of up to 25 to 70 per cent. Offering a very cute range of on-trend clothing for kids and babies.
Offer ends February 29. Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070)


Tuesday 14

Embrace Valentine’s Day: So you’re a steak fan and the lady doth like pearls. Head over to MPW, where a four course meal of signature dishes awaits. Your special lady will receive a Valentine’s dessert, and if you’re lucky there might be a piece of pearl jewelry inside it.
Dhs799. Marco Pierre White, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333)

Shun Valentine’s Day: If the last thing you want to see this Valentine’s Day is mushy couples bedecked with followers and giant teddy bears, then Amerigos is a good place to get away from it all. They’re offering a Valentine’s menu for singles for Dhs230.
Park Inn, Yas Island (02 656 2222)

Get Minx nails: Bellacure Nails offer Minx Nails in cute loveheart shapes and beautiful red shades. Minx Nails are ‘baked’ on with a lamp so that your mani/pedi lasts longer.
Bellacure Nails, next to Al Mamoura Building (02 658 4100)

Spread the love: Get your Valentine the best gift ever this year, and adopt a cat from Feline Friends. If she’s partial to small, furry animals then you can’t go wrong, and at the end of the day you’re guaranteed to have one happy cat, one ecstatic missus, and we bet you’ll be feeling rather pleased with yourself.
(050 582 2916)