Thursday 19
Kill some prawns: Well not literally, because they’ll already be dead when you’re served them, and they’ll be tasting mighty fine to boot! If you have a weakness for seafood and particularly the grilled kind, then head over to Jimmy’s Killer Prawns. Their unmissable New Years promotion of all you can eat prawns at only Dhs99, continues.
Jimmy’s Killer Prawns, Mushrif Mall (02 650 0300)
Bat your lashes: Abu Dhabi ladies are proud owners of pretty peepers. But really, the secret is in how you frame those eyes. Don’t believe us? Head down to Tips & Toes where they have a January promotion on fake lashes. They’ll give you a full set plus a mani-pedi for Dhs540 (instead of Dhs500 for just the lashes), Now there’s a good reason to test a theory, eh?
At various locations across town (02 681 8386)
Get the kids pottering: The little ones driving you crazy before the weekend’s even rolled in? How about channelling all their energy into something creative to keep them quiet? Take them to Abu Dhabi Pottery, where they run classes for kiddies and adults alike. Hey, maybe you’ll enjoy it too.
From 9am-1pm and 4.30-9pm (02 666 7079)
Party the night away: Wanting a big night out? Head to Etoiles on a Thursday night after work where you can party with DJ Jack on the decks spinning a selection of House/RnB and HipHop, accompanied by George Safi the percussionist setting the club on fire.
Etoiles, Emirates Palace (02 690 8960)
Friday 20
Get a new do: If you fancy a fabulous new do to start the year off, why not pop into Hairworks and let the lovely ladies look after you. Hairworks specialise in the latest hair technology and are great at perfecting blonde hair. You can also get a manicure or pedicure while you’re there.
Hairworks, above Spinney’s, Khalidiya (02 681 6678)
Have fun with the kids: Why not head to Al Ain to visit Hili Fun City. This theme park now has a total of 31 attractions, ranging from thrilling rides for teenagers and young adults to fun family rollercoasters and gentle rides for the little ones, as well as an amphitheatre and a 3D Action Cinema.
Hili Fun City, Al Ain (03 784 5542)
Take a swing: Looking to start to playing golf but don’t know where to start? Head out to Abu Dhabi City Golf Club to have a hit at their driving range. Even if you are just a beginner, the driving range is a great place to start so get out and have a practice.
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club (02 445 9600)
Have a Mediterranean brunch: Bored of the usual brunch scene? Here’s a new addition. 18 Degrees have now launched their new, ‘exclusive’ Sky Brunch experience. Chef Ivan Musoni will be wowing brunch-goers with authentic Eastern Mediterranean dishes. They’ve got three beverage packages ranging from Dhs350 to Dhs550. You will need to make a reservation, so be sure to ring them up in advance.
Every Friday from 12.30-4pm at 18 Degrees, Hyatt Capital Gate (02 596 1440)
Saturday 21
Listen to a DJ: Decadent Entertainment presents So.Be at Monte-Carlo Beach Club. So.Be transports the laid back and funky vibes of Miami Beach to Abu Dhabi, with the perfect soundtrack to an amazing Saadiyat Island sunset. Expertly mixed by Radio 1’s own Rone Jaxx and Cliff Townley. Every Saturday from 4pm ’till midnight.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500)
Catch a film: Fancy a night of good old fashioned entertainment? The word on the wind is that Tinker, Talor, Soldier, Spy is destined to collect a few gold trophies. Based on John le Carré’s spy novel, and boasting an impressive all-star cast, here’s one that’s not to be missed.
Showing at cinemas across Abu Dhabi now.
Say cheese: Emirati Expressions is coming to a close at the end of this month, so if you haven’t already been, go now! And don’t miss their photo booth instalment. It’s a giant photo booth, it prints giant photos and it’s all about public involvement. Strike a pose and make art!
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 643 5781)
Kick it: Feel like trying a new workout? Head to Crowne Plaza Fitness Centre to try their new class Kick and Jab. This awesome workout aims at toning your arms, legs and abs and will have you looking toned and feeling fabulous in no time.
Every Saturday from 6pm to 7pm. Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000)
Sunday 22
Hit the sales: Every season is shopping season in the UAE, but when things get cheap then you really have no excuse to abstain. Now Next has just jumped the sale bandwagon. So if you haven’t maxed-out those cards yet, take advantage of their 50 per cent off selected tems.
Next, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7070)
Make a splash: Want to learn to swim, or simply improve your stroke? Lessons are available for both kids and adults at the Abu Dhabi Country Club. Discounts are available for club members. Private coaching is also on offer.
Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Mushrif (02 657 7777)
Munch on mussels: Fancy a Belgian brew with your moules frites? Or maybe you can’t be bothered with the shells and you just want the morsels on their own. Either way Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant is all about mussels from brussels every Sunday, and you can have the lot for Dhs85.
Cooper’s, Park Rotana (02 657 3333)
Throw a party: Do you have a special occasion coming up? The Party Centre is the biggest party supply store in the Middle East, with more than 15,000 exciting items including balloons, accessories, costumes and decorations for both kids and adult parties. Just visiting this store is a must.
Al Raha Mall (02 556 5563)
Monday 23
Bid wrinkels goodbye: Skin feeling the strain after too much partying over Christmas and New Year? Pop into Clarins to check out the new Vital Light Serum. This amazing serum will soften fine lines and help to diminish those pesky wrinkles.
Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 4858)
Sing your heart out: Can you carry a tune? Are you a born performer? The Abu Dhabi Coral Group is preparing for their annual musical, coming up this spring.Once Upon a Mattress has rehearsals every Monday and they’re calling out to all musical souls to get involved.
Email abudhabichoralgroup@gmail.com
Downsize: If you’re having a clearing out for the new year, give the guys at Take My Junk a call. Items large and small, they’ll take it all off your hands and put it to very good use.
info@takemyjunkuae.com (050 179 4045)
Welcome the dragon: And yes, we’re celebrating the New Year, again! From this day forth (until Feb 29) Cho Gao is heralding in the Chinese New Year with a special à la carte menu that offers some fantastic Chinese specialties. So head on over to get into the mood…
Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza (02 616 6149)
Tuesday 24
Organic overload: Have you gone organic mad? Well now you can even convert your favourite massage to the wholesome way. Only this month, Zen Spa is using 100 per cent organic products (for an additional Dhs30) across all of their massage treatments.
Zen the Spa, Beach Rotana (02 697 9000)
Get a sugar rush: Need to satisfy a sweet craving? Head on over to super cute Maison Sucre and stock up on cupcakes, macarons and cheesecake guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. A huge range of flavours are available from traditional to the more adventurous green tea and wasabi.
Maison Sucre, Khalidiya (02 639 6622)
Skate about: Feel like taking a spin on the ice? Abu Dhabi’s Olympic-sized ice rink is open to the public for skating as well as ice hockey and special events. Lessons are available throughout the week.
Dhs35 for 1.5 hours, Zayed Sports City (02 810 7777)
Spoil yourself: Head into Grafika to see the new collections in store. The beautiful new Polka Dot Cat range is not be missed, featuring feminine dresses and punchy colours. Grafika also offers glitzy evening wear, trend-led abayas and toiletries from cult Hollywood-based brands.
Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7270)
Wednesday 25
Try a new bar: Want to try a sophisticated beverage in new surroundings? Have a night out at Privé. Recently opened at the Hyatt Capital Gate, Privé is a sleek contemporary bar meets urban lounge, ideal for gathering with friends and business associates to unwind after a long day.
Hyatt Capital Gate (02 596 1234)
.
Partake in pasta: Fancy filling your belly with some wholesome Italian fare? Park Rotana’s Ginger has now declared every night a theme night. And Wednesday nights are when the pasta is al dente and the pizza is piping hot. It’s Dhs140 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)
Find a bargain: The Tammy sale just got better since they’ve whacked 70 per cent off the price of selected items. Not to mention it’s the last week. So pop in for a quick browse…or forever lose sleep over the bargains you could have picked up.
Tammy, Al Wahda Mall(02 443 7070)
Buy a phone case: The Sougha kiosk in Souk Central Market sells everything from bags to bookmarks and they’re all hand-crafted by Emirati women who are reviving the art of weaving.
Sougha stall, Souk Central Market
