Thursday 31
Party above a racetrack: Rush Bar at The Yas Hotel is one of the city’s coolest bars. Why? Partly because of the sleek, modern interior but mainly because it’s built into a bridge overlooking the F1 racetrack, Tonight, Twice As Nice, one of London’s biggest R&B nights, makes its Abu Dhabi debut here, making for another reason to pay it a visit.
Dhs50 before midnight, Dhs100 afterwards. Ladies and cabin crew free before midnight. From 9pm. Rush Bar, The Yas Hotel (056 108 2472)
Be astounded by amazing relics: Mesopotamia is known as the birthplace of modern civilisation, what with the inhabitants of the region – which includes modern day Iraq, Iran and Syria – inventing agriculture, maths and metallurgy to name just three. Get along to Manarat Al Saadiyat, where the Splendours of Mesopotamia exhibition of stunning treasures of yesteryear has just recently opened its doors.
Free. Until June 27. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 406 1400)
Learn what Kazakhstani food is: It’s the last day of the Park Rotana’s Taste of Kazakhstan festival, where you can try some authentic foods while being serenaded by a 25-piece folklore group.
Ginger All Day DIning, Park Rotana, near Khalifa Park (02 657 3333)
See a six-year-old in a sombrero: Today sees the return of the city’s annual Small World fundraiser, a day of culturally diverse goings-on at Emirates Palace. It’s being held with a view to raise cash for the world’s less fortunate kids, but with costumes and activities promised, even the miserly are guaranteed a good day out.
Emirates Palace, www.smallworlduae.com
Friday 1
Stare at some cars as they skidthrough the dunes: Some of the world’s greatest rally drivers will be lining up in the Liwa desert for this five-day race, which is the season opener for the World Cross-Country Rally Championships. You’re more than welcome to head out there to watch, but expect to have to peer through giant clouds of dust if you want to actually see any racing.
www.abudhabidesertchallenge.ae
Play a practical joke: It’s April Fool’s Day today, and pranksters will be busy filling their fake squirty flowers with water and putting shoe polish on the eyepiece of their telescope. Should you feel like getting up to some high jinks yourself, head to Stills Bar, where there are special drinks promotions and games taking place to celebrate the once yearly day of tomfoolery.
7pm-late. Stills Bar, Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3030)
See some dainty women tiptoeing: A lot of children dream of becoming a ballet dancer, but only a select few have the determination, grace and skill to actually reach the top. Appearing at Emirates Palace tonight are members of the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Theatres, who’ll be prancing through some famous ballet pieces. And yes, if you’d only stuck at your ballet classes, we’re sure you’d be up on stage with them.
Dhs295-Dhs495. 8pm. Emirates Palace, www.timeouttickets.com
Watch some watersports: It’s the first day of the weekend, and also the penultimate day to catch the exciting 10-day Al Gharbia Watersports Festival, where you can have a go at kitesurfing, wakeboarding and parasailing.
Until April 2. Mirfa Beach, Al Gharbia, www.algharbiafestivals.com
Saturday 2
See a keyboard genius: Russian pianist Yefim Bronfman has picked up a Grammy for his amazing skills on the ivories. Watch him play tonight, supported by the Russian National Orchestra conducted by renowned Italian baton waver Nicola Luisotti.
Dhs295-Dhs495. 8pm. Emirates Palace, www.timeouttickets.com
Become a Wii Olympic champ: If you faired miserably at the recent Wii Olympics at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi, now’s your chance to redeem yourself because the second season is starting today. It’s all about knocking over pins tonight with Wii bowling.
Free. 7pm. The Tavern, Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333)
Write off the day to watch cricket: Even the 50 over format of cricket can be pretty time consuming. However, the ICC Cricket World Cup final only takes place once every four years, so you’ve got a very good excuse to find a comfortable bar seat and enjoy some tense batting and bowling action. Heroes at Crowne Plaza is as good a sports bar as any for such an activity.
Noon. Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 621 0000)
Roll up some rice and fish: Ever wondered how Japanese chefs manage to create perfectly shaped maki and nigiri? Book yourself one of the sushi classes at Soba restaurant and you’ll be able to find out how difficult it really is.
Dhs87. 10am-noon and 4am-6pm. Soba, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 674 2020)
Sunday 3
Get a dose of Al: If you don’t know who Al Jarreau is, turn to page 60, where you’ll be able to read all about the legendary jazz singer. He’s been bebopping and scatting for a good half a century, so head down to Emirates Palace tonight to see him do his thing.
Dhs295-Dhs495. 8pm. Emirate Palace, www.timeouttickets.com
Overindulge in Japanese food: Yacht Club has just introduced a Tabehodai night, where you can eat as much Japanese food from the menu as you desire. Call yourself a sushi fan? Go on then, put your money where your mouth is. Dhs165, including unlimited house brews.
7pm-10pm. Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888)
Go pasta crazy: Don’t blame us if you get some serious carb palpitations, but there’s an all-you-can-eat pasta offer on at Amalfi Italian restaurant tonight. We did warn you! Dhs130 with one glass of grape. From 8pm. Amalfi, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 674 2020)
Lighten your wallet: At the Adnec Spring Show shopping extravaganza.
Adnec. 4pm-midnight
Monday 4
Hear some warblers: Abu Dhabi Festival comes to a fitting conclusion tonight with an Opera Gala. Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky will be vibrating his tonsils and belting out some songs. There’s a good chance you won’t understand the words, but the tunes are sure to be catchy.
Dhs295-Dhs495. 8pm. Emirates Palace. www.timeouttickets.com
Drink for a dirham: Should your bank balance be looking worryingly slim but you’re still up for a night out, try Hilton Abu Dhabi’s new offer. If you buy a starter and main course at La Terrazza restaurant, you can wash it down with selected house beverages for only Dhs1 each.
La Terrazza, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road(02 681 1900)
Watch a rooftop movie: Don’t spend your evenings watching films cooped up in a cinema like a chump. Make the most of Abu Dhabi’s dry weather and watch a movie outdoors, on One to One’s rooftop terrace, courtesy of the New York Film Academy. Free. 8pm.
The Village Club – Roof Top, One to One Hotel (02 446 6442)
Try touch rugby: Today is the deadline for registering yourself in the Abu Dhabi Harlequins’ Touch Rugby Spring Tournament, so make sure you don’t miss out!
Email touch@abudhabiquins.com
Tuesday 5
Quaff like Gordon Gekko: If you’ve yet to check out Wall Street Night at Cristal, you’re missing out on a whole world of cut-price frivolity. Contrasting collars and braces aren’t essential – just rock up and enjoy the fluctuating stock exchange-style bar prices.
Free. 6pm-10pm. Cristal. Millennium Hotel (02 614 6000)
Party Latino style: It’s Salsa Night at Trader Vic’s tonight, where an authentic South American band will be there to provide the tunes and there’s a 50 per cent discount on Cuban minty drinks.
From 9pm. Trader Vic’s, Beach Rotana (02 697 9011)
Get ready to laugh: The funsters from the Laughter Factory tour make their first touchdown in Abu Dhabi tonight at the Crowne Plaza Yas Island. Comics Phil Nichol, Stephen Grant and Mick Ferry are tasked with turning your frowns upside down.
Dhs115. 9pm. Stills Bar, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, www.timeouttickets.com
Reminisce with a revamped cop show: Hawaii Five-O has been given an overhaul. Catch the ’60s cop show in all it’s modern day glory as a new batch of stars, including Scott Caan, hunt down the bad guys.
10pm. MBC Action
Wednesday 6
See if your Yaris can beat a Ferrari: One of Yas Marina Circuit’s weekly track days is taking place today. Take the chance to race your own vehicle through the straights, turns and chicanes of the course. You never know, you might beat F1 ace Sebastian Vettel’s 1min 40.28sec lap record.
7.30am-8pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island (800 927)
Revel in some classic football: Chelsea take on Manchester United and Barcelona play Shakhtar Donetsk in tonight’s Uefa Champions League quarter final encounters. We’ll be staying up late to catch the games at Hemingway’s. See you there.
10.45pm. Hemingways, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900)
Hug your mum: A quick heads up for all our British, Irish and Nigerian readers – today is Mother’s Day. If your old woman is in town, Shakespeare & Co at Central Market Souk is your best bet for the city’s finest floral bouqets.
Stretch your limbs on the beach: Head to the Corniche sands for some body and soul soothing Vinyasa Flow yoga with the Yoga Juice group. Dhs50 plus Dhs10 to enter the beach.
6.30pm-8pm. Bake Cabana, Gate 2, Public Beach, the Corniche
