Thursday 6
Drink a camel coffee: Sup the produce of the UAE’s noblest beast, with a frothy camelccino at Le Café. Set in the opulent Emirates Palace, it’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the surroundings. And if that’s not special enough, munch a gold-flake sprinkled cake along with it.
Le Café, Emirates Palace (02 690 9000)
Rock out: Fancy a night out that doesn’t come with a fancy dress code attached? If you just want to don your finest pair of scruffy old jeans and enjoy some classic hits, then head on down to PJ O’Reilly’s for a night of rock music. Expect tunes from the likes of Aerosmith, Bon Jovi and various other ageing rockers to be belted out by the live bands.
PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien. (02 674 2020)
Watch Cher and Christina act: Let’s face it, music stars’ crossovers into the world of acting are not always successful. Just think of any of Elvis’s 31 awful movies, or Mariah Carey in the even more abysmal Glitter. So head along to see if Christina Aguilera and Cher’s star turns in the camp musical Burlesque, which goes on general release in the UAE today, bucks the trend.
Friday 7
Burn some rubber: While you’ll have to fork over a sizeable wad of notes for a spin on the proper Yas Marina Circuit, you can have a go on the nearby karting track for just Dhs100. Both kids and adults are welcome behind the wheel, and everyone gets to take home a print-out of their lap times at the end. A top family day out.
Yas Kartzone, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island (02 410 0888)
Brunch like a king: Spent 2010 dining on crisps and dry pasta like some kind of pathetic urchin? Get the new year off to a killer start by sampling one of the best brunches in the city at Al Fanar, where lobster, oysters and bubbly are all yours for the scoffing. Dhs220.
Le Royal Meridien (02 674 2020)
Enjoy some drag racing: Join in with a spot of drag racing at Yas Marina Circuit. Competitors can enter to race against other drivers from the UAE for Dhs300, and if you’re fast enough you might even take home the top prize of Dhs13,000. Those who want to enjoy the excitement from the sidelines can pick up a grandstand pass for Dhs30.
Yas Drag Racing Centre, Yas Marina Circuit, www.yasmarinacitrcuit.ae
Saturday 8
Be inspired by the masters: If the amazing collection of paintings and sculptures by the likes of Andy Warhol and Cy Twombly at the RSTW exhibition have sparked your creative juices, head along to the Manarat Al Saadiyat centre today. The Artful Afternoon event will involve a few cups of tea, a tour of the show and then the chance to paint your own works based on the pieces on display. Pre-registration is essential.
Free. 11am. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 643 5781)
Enjoy some Latin beats: There’s still one night left of the weekend, so celebrate by heading down to Eight Bar for an evening of Latin tunes, R&B music and expertly mixed drinks. Free selected beverages on arrival should get the party started.
By reservation only (reservations@eightabudhabi.com). Eight Restaurant & Bar (02 558 1988)
Harness the power of the wind: It’s the final day of the weekend, and what better way to spend it than by doing a spot of kitesurfing? Now that it’s cool enough to enjoy the ocean without the harsh UAE sun singeing your delicate skin to a crisp, there’s no excuse for not hitting the beach. Get out there and enjoy the adrenaline rush as you’re dragged through the water by a powerkite.
Various locations, www.ad-kitesurfing.net (050 562 6383)
See Arabian art at its finest: The good news is that Opening the Doors: Collecting Middle Eastern Art is one of the best art shows to be held in the city for ages. The bad news is that it finishes today. Luckily for those yet to go along, it’s absolutely free, so check out those provocative sculptures and vibrant canvases while you can.
Free. Gallery One, Emirates Palace (02 690 9000)
Sunday 9
Tap your toes to some jazz: While you can enjoy a dodgy covers band on any given night in the city, the refined sophistication of jazz music is somewhat harder to come by in Abu Dhabi. All the more reason to catch French trumpeter Erik Truffaz and chums as they deliver a rare night of classy tunes and upbeat revelry.
Dhs175. From 9pm. Aloft Hotel, www.timeouttickets.com
Get down and give them 20: The Beach Rotana gets in on Abu Dhabi’s boot camp craze with its very own month-long, high-intensity fitness programme, which starts today. You’ll feel plenty of pain, but will shed those festive pounds ultra-fast.
Dhs695 for members, Dhs795 for non-members. 6.30am. Beach Club, Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area (02 697 9302)
Refresh wrinkly skin: Throughout January, the Sheraton Health Club is offering a discount on its anti-ageing treatments – a facial and eye contour treatment package are available for a pretty reasonable Dhs390 for 75 minutes. A beautiful bargain.
Sheraton Health Club (02 6970 272)
Watch horses run: Head down to the Grand Stand at Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club to admire the Arabian horses compete in a classic flat race.
4pm-9pm. Grand Stand, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (02 445 5500)
Monday 10
Get a taste of Asia: Take advantage of this chance to taste all sorts of Asian flavours. Yacht Club is serving up mini portions of classic dishes for just Dhs45 each. Great for a light bite with drinks or share a selection for dinner. The offer is only available in the evening.
Until January 14. Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 66 66 888)
Stretch those limbs: Head down to the beach for a relaxing yoga session on the sand, and you’ll feel rejuvenated in body and soul. Suitable for all abilities – bring your own mat.
Dhs50, plus Dhs10 beach entrance fee. 6.30pm. Corniche, Public Beach gate two
Catch a whopper: Sick of going fishing and hooking nothing but an old shoe or a tin can? You’ll need a chartered boat to catch the really big stuff that lives out in the Gulf and Arabian Divers and Sportfishing are the guys who’ll provide such a vessel.
(02 665 8742)
Sip to smooth tunes: With its admirable selection of continental brews and breezy terrace area, we were already big fans of the Belgian Café. But now, with live jazz nights scheduled for every Monday and Thursday night, they really are spoiling us rotten.
Free. From 7pm. InterContinental Hotel (02 666 6888)
Tuesday 11
Chortle, titter, giggle and guffaw: The city’s monthly comedy night returns, and, if the form of recent shows is anything to go by, we could be in for a treat. On the bill this time round are Addy Van Der Borgh, Carey Marx and rising star Jimmy McGhie.
Dhs115. From 9pm. Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, www.timeouttickets.com
Get your funk on: It’s funk, jazz and soul night at Red Carpet Lounge and Bar, so head along to show off your best crazy-legged James Brown dancing impression.
8pm-1am. Red Carpet, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 7660)
Learn about the past: Sir Bani Yas Island has just unveiled the remains of a seventh-century Christian monastery as a tourist attraction, giving history buffs a rare insight into yesteryear.
Desert Island Resort, Sir Bani Yas Island (02 801 5400)
Stretch your lungs: As astutely pointed out by Will Ferrell in Elf, singing is just like talking, ‘except longer and louder and you move your voice up and down’. So get yourself down to the new karaoke night at Sax and have a crack for yourself.
Free. From 11pm. Le Royal Méridien (02 674 1286)
Wednesday 12
Get pampered: Hard week at work? Have the stresses of the office rinsed out of you at Chi, The Spa. Head on down for a little pre-weekend treat – after all, you’ve earned it (probably).
Open daily 10am-10pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8900).
Become a master sculptor: Richard Serra is an undoubted genius when it comes to creating sculptures. If you think you’re better than him, head down to the RSTW exhibition today where a workshop for adults is taking place to teach you all about the sculpture-making process.
Free. 4.30pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 643 5781)
Get a hedonistic head-start: If you’re struggling to keep your insatiable party urges under control until the weekend, let off some pre-Thursday night steam at Cooper’s, where ladies drinks for free between 8-10pm.
Park Rotana (02 657 3333)
