Wednesday 18
Relax after work: For a relaxed beverage after work, why not head to Cho Gao. Happy hour is daily from 4-7pm and you can enjoy two-for-one standard drinks. A great place to get together with friends to let the stress of the work week melt away.
Cho Goa Abu Dhabi, Hamdan St (02 616 6149).
Witness the wild side: You don’t have to travel too far to discover Arabia’s most majestic species. Just head down to the Corniche where Dolphin Energy present the world premiere of Wild Arabia with National Geographic Al Arabiya exhibition. This open air gallery and message on positive conservation is not to be missed.
Until April 21. Abu Dhabi Corniche, East Plaza. www.wildarabia.com
Tuck into risotto: Have you ever tried risotto with strawberries? Well you can now. La Mamma Italian restaurant are holding a risotto week and their chef Andrea is out to wow and surprise guests with his personal twists on the classic risotto dish. It’s sure to be a taste sensation.
Until April 20 at La Mamma, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort (02 677 3333).
Get fit in a new gym: Fit offers high quality ladies only and mixed group exercise classes such as RPM, Bodypump, TRX, Pilates, Yoga, Bodyattack, Bodycombat and Bodystep in a boutique studio setting.
Open Sun-Thur 6am-10pm and Fri-Sat 8.30am-11.30am. Classes are Dhs50 each, Fit is located in Al Mamoura B next to Jones the Grocer, Muroor Road (02 445 3395).
Thursday 19
Have a BBQ with a band: Head to Café 28 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club for an Abu Dhabi version of the classic Australian backyard BBQ, complete with live music from three piece band Acoustica playing contemporary tunes to help set the mood.
Dhs110 per person, Dhs65 for children aged 6-12 years, children under 5 years complimentary. 7pm, Abu Dhabi Golf Club(02 558 8990).
Be enlightened: Catch a lecture and learn a little bit about how the West received knowledge from the Arabic-speaking world between the Middle Ages and the 19th century. ‘Bridge of Knowledge: From East to West’ by Professor Alastair Hamilton is open to the public at NYUAD.
From 6.30pm-8.30pm at NYUAD Downtown Campus. RSVP at www.nyuad.nyu.edu
Do the samba: Add some Latino fire to your evening on the Stills terrace garden. They’re turning up the heat with a sizzling BBQ, live band and samba dancers. Dhs140 means you’re sitting pretty for the whole evening, with a mixed drink in hand.
From 7pm ’till late. Stills, Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3053).
Punch it! If you want a new way to get fit for summer then why not try out a boxing class at Haddins Gym. You will learn the art of boxing while having fun and getting fit, you certainly won’t be bored.
Thursday 7pm-8pm, Dhs60 per class, Haddins Gym, Zayed Sports City (02 402 4233).
Friday 20
Party at Etoiles: Bring down the house every Friday at Etoiles with their new Urban night. Bringing you celebrity DJ’s and live performances from R’n’B and hip-hop stars from around the globe.
Free entrance before 1am. Etoiles, Emirates Palace (02 690 8960).
Indulge in a brunch: We can’t stop raving about how amazing the St Regis is, so why not head out to Saadiyat Island today to experience their fantastic al fresco brunch at Oléa. Soak up the views of the grounds and the beach while enjoying some unique Arabic dishes and sensational sushi.
Every Friday from 12.30pm, prices from Dhs300 – Dhs450 depending on packages, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8888).
Help a good cause: A brunch will be held at The Yacht Club today to raise money Habitat for Humanity, a housing charity which seeks to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and provide decent shelter.
Email rsvp.charity.brunch@gmail.com. Prices are Dhs295, or Dhs275 per person for tables of six or more.
Be geeky: We don’t often tell you to visit other emirates over the weekend, because there’s so much to do in Abu Dhabi. But this weekend, we think you should go on a road trip and hit the Middle East Comic Con.
The MEFCC will be held on April 20 and 21 at the Dubai International Marine Club, Dubai Maria (04 399 5777), tickets from timeouttickets.com.
Saturday 21
See art at the palace: Fiona MacKenie’s vision of the Arabian landscape is a combination of the mystical, the mythical and the modern. Her exhibition ‘Building Blocks – Pathways and Treasures’ at Mezzaluna is a must see, whether you decide to dine at the Emirates Palace or want to arrange a private viewing.
Until May 29. Contact Kurt Blum for private viewing (050 225 1783).
Get some stylish accessories: Need some new accesories for spring? Head to Accessorize where from now until May 1 you can take advantage of up to 25-40 percent off selected items.
Accessorize, Al Wahda Mall (02 681 2310).
Eat Indian: Park Rotana’s Ginger has a theme night every night and Saturdays are when things get spicy. It’s Dhs140 per person, and if the weather’s nice you can take your supper outside.
Ginger, Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Get free munchies: Amador isn’t just a fine diner’s fantasy, it’s also becoming a social destination. Head down to the Cellar for a drink with your friends and they’ll serve you a selection of imaginative tapas on the house!
Sun-Fri, 4-8pm. Amador and Cellar, Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Sunday 22
Have a pub supper: We hear the Westin’s gastro-pub just got better. So if you fancy watching a bit of sport after a game of golf, or you just happen to be in the area, head down to the Retreat and sample their new menu while you’re at it.
The Retreat, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort Khalifa City (02 616 9999).
Learn ballet: Ballet is a great skill that children can learn from a young age and, more importantly, it is fun too. Turning Pointe is a great place for your little ballerina to learn.
www.turningpointe.ae (800 32623).
Try a new spa: If you’ve been pamperd by the best of the best in Abu Dhabi, and are a bit bored with the same old, we dare you to go on a little drive. Head out to Khalifa City A to visit this new and little-known boutique spa. Anahata offers a more intimate experience all together.
Anahata, Khalifah City A (02 557 7722).
Spring change: There really is no better time to update your home than spring. If you are looking for new accessories or furniture to give your home a much needed change then why not pop into ID Design where until April 30 you can get 25 percent off all furniture and accessories.
ID Design, Al Wahda Mall (02 681 2310).
Monday 23
Buy some baby clothes: Mamas & Papas is a children and maternity brand well known for its huge range of super-cute kids clothing, catering for babies, older children and mothers. Until April 28 you can now get 25 percent off selected items.
Mamas & Papas, Al Wahda Mall (02 681 2310).
Get rid of junk: Looking for a good home for all your old stuff? Now you can doubly go about clearing out the clutter. Take My Junk will take it off your hands and sell or give them away to low income individuals.
Go to www.takemyjunkuae.com or you can contact them on (050 179 4045).
Shop for a cause: Support Abu Dhabi Cause Connect’s campaign to collect in-kind donations of games, art and sport supplies for Palestinian kids. The collection is running until April 30.
To find out how you can contribute to the campaign email: AbuDhabiCauseConnect@gmail.com.
Go fast: Head to Ferrari World for a real thrill. It is an intense multi-sensory experience and a must-visit for families, fans and enthusiasts. The Park offers more than 20 Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (02 496 8001).
Tuesday 24
Spritz a scent: A new season means it’s time for a new scent. Calvin Klein Eternity has just launched the classic fragrance with a twist with their summer fragrance for men and women. One spray of this and you’ll think you are on a summer holiday.
Available at Paris Gallery, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 681 2310).
Sample new sushi: If you felt things were getting a bit boring on the Japanese food scene lately, then spice up your sushi-passion at the Yacht Club. The new menu is guaranteed to knock your socks off.
Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888).
Beat the heat: May is around the corner and we’re already feeling that summer heat. Espa want to help you combat the dryness with a luxurious Skin Hydrator Body Envelopment. Until May 31, quote ‘renew’ when booking and pay just Dhs380 for a rejuvenating treatment and some relaxing time out of the city.
Espa, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0862).
Head to Hili: Hili Fun City 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.
Al Ain (03 784 5542).
