Thursday 20
Watch the exploits of a crooked politician: Casino Jack, which goes on general release in the UAE today, stars our favourite creepy actor Kevin Spacey as real life political lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who was convicted of bribing numerous members of the US government. The critics are raving about Kev’s performance, with whisperings of Oscar glory already being mentioned by some.
Chuckle at a Chinese man: Never one to shy away from a bizarre spectacle, Abu Dhabi is generally happy to welcome the world’s weirdos with open arms. Wang Jackson (China’s premier Michael Jackson impersonator, we’re reliably informed) is the latest loony bound for the capital – he’ll be performing his impersonation of the late King of Pop this evening.
From Dhs100. Doors 7pm. Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, www.timeouttickets.com
Get into the swing: Tartan trousers on standby, people – today sees the start of the 2011 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship. Englishman Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer – who won last year’s competition – are both expected to set the fairways ablaze. Not literally, of course.
From Dhs125. Abu Dhabi Golf Course, www.timeouttickets.com
Shop till you drop: Need to ease those January blues with some retail therapy? We’d recommend jumping in your car and visiting Dubai’s malls for the Dubai Shopping Festival, which kicks off today. Most mall-based shops will be flogging their wares at discounted prices, plus there’s the chance to win cars, jewellery and cash prizes.
www.dubaishoppingfestival.com
Friday 21
Brunch like a king: One of the best ways to start your Friday in Abu Dhabi is with a top-notch brunch. There are a wealth of great choices to be had, but if you’re after something a little different to your standard buffet, why not give Shuja Yacht a go? It’s the perfect solution for those who want to combine filling their faces with ocean travel.
Dhs215, including free-flow sparkling beverages. Fri and Sat 12.30pm-3pm. Shuja Yacht, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)
Watch a mum get up to no good: The sixth season of hit TV show Weeds starts on OSN Comedy tonight. It stars Mary-Louise Parker as Nancy Botwin, a down-on-her-luck mother who decides to sell certain illicit substances to make ends meet. Will Nancy get her comeuppance this time around? Tune in to find out.
10.30pm. OSN Comedy
See an all-new art show: After a few quiet months, the Abu Dhabi Art Squad have recently returned with brand new show Seven Perspectives, which has just started a two-week run at the National Theatre. A great opportunity to check out an international collective with some bright and inspiring ideas.
Free. Until Jan 31. National Theatre (02 621 5300)
See some horses go the distance: Continuing a busy season of equine-flavoured events, this evening sees the start of two days’ worth of endurance horse races at Emirates International Endurance Village.
EIEV, Al Wathba (02 445 5500)
Saturday 22
Stretch your limbs at the beach: Become part of the capital’s growing yoga community, and join this early morning Beach Yoga class before the crowds descend. The air is fresh and cool at that time of the morning, so don’t forget to bring a warm jumper to put on afterwards.
Dhs50 (plus Dhs10 beach entry) 9am-10.30am, Gate 2, Corniche Public Beach
Go deep sea fishing: Charter a boat with up to four of your friends and head out on to the ocean to hook yourself a whopper. Then bore your friends and family for hours with exaggerated tales of the one that got away. Prices vary.
Arabian Divers and Sportfishing (050 614 6931)
Become a teen art genius: The brilliant RSTW show at Manarat Al Saadiyat is nearing the end of its run in the capital, but if it has inspired your teenager to become an art legend in their own right, send them along to the gallery today, where a workshop for teens, called Make A Statement is taking place.
Free, although pre-registration is essential. 4pm-6pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 643 5781)
Treat the littl’uns to a shoot out: Let your little monsters work off some weekend excitement by shooting at each other with rubber pellet guns. Strike Zone, a sort of mock post-industrial wasteland at the back of Wanasa Land, offers the chance to gun each other down while safely encased in protective clothing. Adults are also allowed to join in, should you feel the need to work off some pent up aggression.
Dhs40 for 15 minutes. 3pm-11pm. Strike Zone, Wanasa Land, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7654)
Sunday 23
Play some volleyball: If you’re the kind of person who loves the beach, but gets bored of lying around, then volleyball is the sport for you. Abu Dhabi Ladies Club provides weekly training for the girls’ team on their volleyball courts.
Mon-Sat 10am-10pm; Sun 2pm-10pm. Past Emirates Palace and Presidential Palace, Ras Al Akhdar, www.adlc.ae (02 666 2228)
Do some street-style dance: Work up a sweat and learn some cool moves to wow your posse with at the Hip Hop Action Class.
Dhs35/70. 8pm-9pm. Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Al Khubeira (02 681 1900)
See an abridged cricket match: Australia may have taken a pounding from England in the recent Ashes series, but they have a chance to regain some dignity in the One Day Internationals taking place in January. The third of seven matches is on your screens today.
7.30am. ShowSports 2
Eat Indian food: Citrus restaurant is laying on a terrific spread of Indian flavours from January 23-26. Sample as many spicy dishes as you can handle and wash it all down with free-flow house beverages.
Dhs150, Millennium Hotel (02 614 6000)
Monday 24
Wave off some pop-art legends: Today’s your absolute last chance to check out RSTW, the blockbuster art show that’s had the city’s bespectacled types foaming at the mouth since it opened in September. The Warhol room in particular is fantastic, so head down before it’s gone for good.
Free. 10am-8pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 406 1400)
Visit a sick falcon: Take a fascinating tour of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where you can see these noble birds being brought back to full health. Booking is essential.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-2pm. Airport Road, Al Mafraq, www.falconhospital.com (02 575 5155)
Get fab abs: Join this intense stomach-focused workout class at Abu Dhabi Country Club and you’ll have a Megan Fox midriff in no time.
Dhs40, 6.30-7.30pm. Abu Dhabi Country Club (02 657 7777)
Explore the mangrove swamps: The desert isn’t the only piece of natural beauty Abu Dhabi has to offer – the mangrove swamps are a wonder just waiting to be explored. Head out early on a kayak tour and catch a glimpse of some of the UAE’s wildlife.
Dhs150, www.noukhada.a (050 721 8928)
Tuesday 25
Nail ‘I Will Survive’: Believe it or not, Abu Dhabi’s actually got some pretty good singers in its midst, the best of whom will be down at Sax tonight, warbling their tiny hearts out. Feel free to join in, or simply bask in the noisy ambiance.
From 11pm, Sax, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)
Pretend you’re on Wall Street: Recreating the work-hard-play-hard vibe of Wall Street, this themed night at Cristal will feature fluctuating drinks prices throughout the evening so pay attention to get the best deals 6pm-10pm.
Millennium Hotel (02 614 6000)
Shout ‘Hola!’: It’s Spanish Night at the Holiday Inn’s Lemon Tree restaurant, so get ready to mingle with some sexy señors and señoritas, snack on tapas and drink Spain’s signature fruity beverage.
Dhs145, Holiday Inn, Airport Road (02 657 4856)
Relive the decade that fashion forgot: If you’re adamant Rick Astley’s a true musical genius and Bros were the greatest band ever, then head down to Eight Bar’s ’80s night, where you’ll meet like-minded individuals.
Free. From 8pm. Eight Bar & Restaurant, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1988)
Wednesday 26
Enjoy some Gallic sounds: One of France’s hottest DJs, Wesley Aarons, hits the Yacht Club tonight, accompanied by singer Jessica Flores and the Secret Square Paris dancers, making for a perfect excuse to spend another night in one of Abu Dhabi’s most chic bars.
Free. Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888)
Throw another shrimp on the Barbie: Guess what? It’s Australia Day. That’s right, a whole 24 hours dedicated to our Down Under chums. Head down to Stills and check out their special Aussie barbecue. Just don’t bring up the cricket.
Dhs120. From 7pm. Stills Bar & Brasserie, Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3000)
See a stuttering king: It’s hard enough having a speech impediment, but when you’re the king and your country’s heading to war, making a rousing speech without getting tongue-tied is essential. The King’s Speech, released in UAE cinemas today, tells of King George VI of England’s attempts to conquer his stutter during the 1930s.
Get in shape: The cool weather means the outdoor exercise is once again more of a health benefit than a health risk, so why not run off the stresses of the day with a jog? The running track that starts on 32nd Street and runs four blocks from 19th to 13th Street is made of bouncy Tarmac, so won’t play havoc with your knees. So now there’s no excuse.
