Wednesday 2
Find calm in the chaos: If you’d like to beat stress try yoga therapy at Bodytree Studios. The eight-week course with Pam Greer commences on May 29. We’re giving you the heads up now, because if you book before May 9 you can get the early bird price and only pay Dhs1,000 instead of Dhs1,250.
Bodytree Studio (02 667 6579).
Plan a summer escape: The Yas Viceroy are offering a summer package which has the divas and the adrenaline junkies covered. It includes two-day tickets to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and a treatment of your choice in Espa. Prices start from Dhs950 per night in a Deluxe room for two with breakfast as well as lunch or dinner in the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant Origins.
From May 1-September 15, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0700).
Get some bling: If you’re bored of your jewellery or need a new timepiece, you won’t want to miss the International Jewellery and Watch show this week. Exhibitors from Hong Kong to Turkey will be showcasing the best bling of 2012 and you’ll also have the chance to win something pretty simply by purchasing the Dhs20 entry ticket.
From May 1-5, ADNEC (02 444 6900).
Show them how smart you are: Are you competitive with a brain full of useless trivia? Take the hot seat at the Black Pearl as they open the season with a new quiz night. There’s guaranteed fun and prizes galore.
Every Wednesday from 8pm. Black Pearl, Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 508 0555).
Thursday 3
Play golf: Summer packages for golfers young and old are now available at the Golf Academy, Yas Viceroy. There are many packages to choose from and prices start at Dhs1,200.
For more information email theacademy@sbgolfclub.ae (02 557 8000).
Marvel at some treasure: In the lead up to the opening of the Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Cultural District in collaboration with the British Museum is hosting Treasures of the World’s Cultures. Showcasing some of the globe’s most maginificent objects, which tell the story of over two million years of human history.
Free Entry. Open daily from 10am-8pm until July 17, Manarat Al Saadiyat (02 657 8000).
Beat the munchies: The Munchy Mix Menu for those who’ve got the munchies includes club sandwiches, pizzas, burgers, nachos and salads plus three drinks. Proof that Dhs100 can go a long way.
Available everyday from 11am-5pm. Maï Café, Aloft Abu Dhabi (02 654 5111).
Support Palestine: The Palestine MMA, together with Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, has organised a fundraiser in support of a non-profit sports programme for the children of Palestine. A contribution of Dhs220 will get you dinner and drinks for the evening as you enjoy a celebration of Palestinian culture with live musical performances and dances.
From 8.30pm-1am, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi (050 121 7285).
Friday 4
Have brunch under Dhs100: Not only is it affordable, it’s also at one of Abu Dhabi’s coolest, most arty joints. The Café Arabia special brunch will cost you Dhs65 (excluding drinks) and you’ll have access to a rich buffet of Arabic and continental breakfast foods.
From 8am-3.30pm, Café Arabia (02 643 9699).
See environmental art: There are many ways of protecting mother earth and a handful of socially conscious artists have joined together to do it through art. Hosted by the Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi ‘Against the Tides’ is an exhibition about saving the planet.
Free entry, May 4 from 2pm-10pm at Al Dana Ballroom, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi (02 657 4856).
Be a superhero: Hands up if you’ve been keenly anticipating the new Marvel movie The Avengers. Us too. So join the crowd at Heroes tonight, but make sure you come dressed for the occasion as your favourite superhero. Heroes is having a party to celebrate the release of The Avengers and they’ve got prizes for the best dressed hero or villain.
Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6132).
Catch Avenged Sevenfold: Avenged Sevenfold are performing for the first time in the UAE, and it’s all happening tonight. If you’re the type that likes your nightmares brought to life, don’t miss this show!
From 8pm at Yas Arena, general entry tickets are Dhs315 and available from www.thinkflash.ae
Saturday 5
Pamper yourself: Bask in the truly indulgent combination of treatments that is the Four Steps to Paradise Package at the Al Raha Beach Hotel spa, Body & Soul. It includes an aromatherapy massage, body scrub, scalp massage and a mini facial, all for Dhs499.
Valid until May 31 at Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 508 0421).
Get arty: ‘UAE 40 –The Emirates Revisited’ is an exhibition by Fabian Edelstam and it’s only around until the end of the week. Stop by the National Theatre near the Al Jazira football stadium and be inspired by works that take their inspiration from the emirates.
From 7pm-9pm until May 8 (02 445 2501).
Overdose on sushi: Moorish for raw fish? Go and eat all you can at Benihana’s Sushi Saturday buffet. For Dhs160 including soft drinks, it’s a deal you won’t want to miss.
Saturdays from 6pm-10pm at Benihana, Beach Rotana (02 697 9122).
Grab the mic: If you’re packing some hidden talents, or just fancy a night of live music, head down to the open mic night at B-Lounge tonight. They’ve got performances by Voices of Harmony, Blue Fever and Jazan and Ibrahim. But best of all, you could be on that stage!
From 6pm at B-lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).
Sunday 6
Give a dog a home: Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital houses an animal shelter that is currently caring for hundreds of homeless pets that are waiting for a new family to adopt them. If you have a space to fill in your heart and household, pay them a visit.
ADFH Animal Shelter, Al Mafraq (02 575 5155).
Puff away: Fancy some shisha? Our current favourite shisha joint is Tarbouche at the Souq Central Market. They’ve got excellent food, a breezy rooftop terrace and some fine flavours. We bet you’ll be back for more before next week is out – make the most of it while you can.
Open daily, 8am-1am (02 628 2220).
Eat mussels: Fancy a Belgian brew while you chow down on some moules et frites? Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant at Park Rotana is all about mussels from brussels every Sunday, and you can have the lot for Dhs85. Cooper’s, Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Dine at 18°: For an extraordinary dinner experience, visit one of Abu Dhabi’s newest architectural marvels where, on the 18th floor, you’ll find 18° – the hip and buzzing Eastern-Mediterranean outlet that will blow your mind with its view and its staff, even before your starter arrives.
18°, Hyatt Capital Gate (02 596 1440).
Monday 7
Try Ayurveda: We bet you’ve been hearing a great deal about this lately, so maybe it’s time to try it. Head down to the St Regis, where Ayurvedic massage is one of the specialties.
Iridium Spa, St Regis, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8996).
Buy gifts: When you’re heading back home for a visit, there are only so many times you can buy people toy camels and get away with it. We think you should change your game, head over to the Sougha kiosk at the Souq Central Market and buy handmade Emirati crafts instead.
Sougha at Souk Central Market (02 696 0000).
Have pizza without the pain: Missing out on those Italian favourites because you’re gluten intolerant? Now you won’t have to worry about missing out, Spacanappoli have got gluten-free options for pasta and pizza on their new menu.
Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6261).
Eat fish: If you love anything that comes out the ocean, celebrate your love with Sofra bld’s ‘Jewels of the Sea.’ It’s a feast-fest for seafood fiends, where you can enjoy an extensive array of fresh seafood for Dhs199.
Every Monday from 7pm-11pm at Sofra bld, Shangri La Hotel (02 509 8555).
Tuesday 8
Volunteer: Got an itch to do a good deed? Sign up with Volunteer in Abu Dhabi on Facebook and connect with some do-gooders who’ll point you in the right direction.
www.volunteerinabudhabi.com
See street art: Head down to the Yas Viceroy to see the work of street art legends like Banksy at the ‘Crossroads 6’ exhibition, presented by Swiss Art gate. Tonight is opening night at the Light Box Gallery, Marina Wing.
From 6.30pm-9pm at Yas Viceroy (02 656 0000).
Get adventurous at Amador: Buy the Amador package at Park Rotana to lose yourself in an evening of imaginative cuisine at Amador Restaurant. Then get an overnight stay for two at the Park Rotana, with a buffet breakfast the next morning.
All for just Dhs1,450. Available Sunday to Friday, Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Lighten up a little: Don’t miss the Laughter Factory tonight with it’s side-splitting new line-up of Andrew Bird, Phil Nichol and Roger Monkhouse. You’ll be rolling on the floor laughing when these guys take the stage. Note, though, that this is a 21+ event and club restrictions apply.
Tickets are Dhs140 and are available from www.timeouttickets.com. 9pm at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6132).
