Thursday 19
See a DJ play: Kick off the weekend with a hefty dose of house music when DJ David Craig will be dropping the beats at Relax@12. Fuel up on the imaginative menu of Asian snacks and long list of mixed drinks to carry you through to the early hours.
Relax@12, Aloft hotel (02 654 5138)
Hear some R&B beats: R&B fans can head to Rush Bar tonight where the Big R&B Abu Dhabi night means DJs Cliff Townley, Neil T and Keith Dobbs will be churning out all the smooth grooves you could possibly hope for. Entry Dhs50 before midnight, free for ladies and airline crew.
Rush bar, The Yas Hotel (02 656 0000)
Get soaked: For a quick weekend getaway why not head to Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, and take them up on their special offer. For Dhs895 you can nab yourself a deluxe room as well as free access to the Aquaventure Waterpark, free access to The Lost Chambers, home to 65,000 marine animals, and a free kid’s session at Kids Club or Club Rush.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. (04 426 1000)
Book a bargain massage: Ever tried out the spa at One to One – The Village? If not, now’s your chance, as they’ve just announced a special summer offer. If you buy any two rejuvenating treatments, you get the third one free. So if you have a stressed-out friend you want to treat, or think you could do with a bit of TLC yourself, book now.
One to One – The Village (02 495 2070)
Friday 20
Hear a rap legend: Super fast rapper and all-round musical genius Busta Rhymes will be taking the stage in neighbouring Dubai. Relive the ’90s to tunes such as ‘Woo Hah!! Got You All in Check, and ‘Gimme Some More’.
Dhs150-Dhs250. 9pm-3am. Over 21s only. Chi@The Lodge, Dubai, www.timeouttickets.com
Hang out with models: Head down to Étoiles tonight and you can bask in the company of actual, genuine, professional pretty people, who’ll be adding an extra dash of glamour to the Emirates Palace party spot as part of the venue’s second collaboration with Fashion TV. The waifish creatures will even pose for a picture with you, providing you ask nicely and keep your hands to yourself.
Free. 11.30pm. Étoiles (02 690 7999)
Get wings: If you get a thrill from the heady scent of petrol and burning rubber, head down to the Corniche car park this evening at 6pm. It’s the Red Bull Car Park Drift qualifying sessions and there are bound to be some spectacular motoring skills on display to ooh and aah at. The winner will represent the UAE at the Red Bull Car Park Drift finals 2011.
Free. Corniche car park.
Bag a budget brunch: With a clear week to get through before payday, this could be the time to check out one of the city’s frugal-minded Friday feasts. At C Taste, Dhs119 gets you all the usual buffet fare, free-flowing grog plus access to the hotel’s swimming pool and tennis courts. Really poor? Maybe just stay at home and have some toast.
Centro Yas Island (02 656 4444).
Saturday 21
Watch fast cars: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will be transformed in a blaze of Spanish festivities as the Grand Prix season moves to Barcelona this weekend. Go and be serenaded by Spanish guitarists complete with flamenco dancers, and watch the Grand Prix live from Barcelona throughout the park while enjoying the atmosphere and the Park’s rides and attractions.
Starting Dhs225 (Dhs165 for kids). May 20-22, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (02 496 8001)
Make a mug: There’s a Patrick Swayze in every one of us; or was it Demi Moore that made that jar? Either way, if you’re in the mood for pottery then head to this Time Out tried and tested class at Abu Dhabi Pottery. If you come out with a winner, then send us a picture (letters@timeoutabudhabi.com) and maybe we’ll put your pot in the mag!
Dhs150 per session or Dhs480 for four weeks. 4.30pm-6pm for kids and adults, 6pm-7.30pm for adults only (02 666 7079)
Relax with a massage: Give yourself a day off with Eden Spa’s summer Spa offer – Dhs215 buys you a 50-minute massage, with access to their aquamedic and hamam pools, Jacuzzi and steam rooms for the rest of the day. If that doesn’t unwind you, then nothing will.
Offer valid Sun-Thu, 10am-3pm until August 31. Eden Spa, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666)
Score a virtual strike: If you’re your household’s undisputed Wii Sports champ and you’re looking for a bigger challenge, get down to The Tavern’s popular Wii Night. Here, the city’s toughest pixel heads gather to duke it out to win big prizes, while simultaneously looking slightly ridiculous.
Free. From 8pm Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333)
Sunday 22
Have the time of your life: Joe Cocker, the man whose singing voice sounds like he lives off a diet of Marlboro Reds and Scotch Brite pads, will be heading to Dubai to croak his way through hits such as ‘A Little Help From My Friends’ and ‘Time Of My Life.’
www.timeouttickets.com
Be a thrifty gourmet: An incredibly generous new offer at the TOAD award-winning Mombasa Grille means you can sample two courses of exquisite international fare for an incredibly reasonable Dhs145. It’s a popular spot, so get your reservation down early to avoid missing out.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1868)
Watch a battle in Barcelona: At this rate, it looks like reigning champ Sebastian Vettel could have the championship sewn up well before the F1 circus rolls into Abu Dhabi in November. Tune into today’s Spanish Grand Prix to see if Hamilton, Alonso and co can do anything about it.
4pm. AD Sports
Get tango-ed: How does a glamorous evening of live tango dancing and sizzling Argentinian food sound? If it appeals, then book a seat at the Tango Gala Dinner, which promises to be a lot of fun.
Grand Ballroom. Dhs250 per person (050 6663419)
Monday 23
Buffet without breaking the bank: Sick of spending a small fortune on buffets and then feeling pressurised to stuff in more than you want just to get your money’s worth? Oh, maybe that’s just us greedy cheapskates. But anyway Gems offers a very low rate for it’s all-you-can-eat deals, which are available all week. Perfect if you’re bringing the kids along.
Dhs115 per person. Gems, Cristal Hotel (02 652 0000)
Train hard! Fancy an early start this morning? Drag yourself out of bed and take part in the 50-minute Circuit Training class at Haddins Gym. You’ll be bursting with energy and feeling smug all day.
6am-7am. Zayed Sports City (02 403 4200)
Drink for free: You’ve survived the first two days of the week – sounds like something worth celebrating to us. Luckily, Left Bank is offering free bubbly for girls every Monday. Get down and take advantage.
8pm-1am, Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)
Eat Lebanese: If you’re after some Lebanese grub, there aren’t many places that outdo Awtar. The restaurant’s centrepiece may have seen better days, but the food is at its best. Keep an eye out for our review next week, and if you head down there tonight, make sure to order the house bread; it’s made the place famous.
Awtar restaurant, near Navy Gate, (02 644 1551)
Tuesday 24
Drown mid-week blues …for free, as long as you’re a member of the fairer sex. It’s ladies night at Chamas, so take advantage of their free-flow Brazilian mixed drinks to get you over that mid-week hump. We can’t promise you’ll feel better for it in work tomorrow, though.
7pm-1am. Chamas Bar, InterContinental (02 666 6888)
Splat your mates: Al Forsan sports resort in Khalifa City A has officially thrown its doors open to the public. And while we may have to wait until the mercury drops to make use of their shiny new watersports facilities, the three air-conditioned indoor paintball arenas are the perfect place to vent some pent-up aggression on your unsuspecting chums.
(02 556 8555)
Assess the local art scene: Having opened earlier this week, new show Truth at Salwa Zeidan gallery brings together a trio of incredibly talented Middle-Eastern artists, presenting collages and paintings that reveal deeply personal thoughts and beliefs.
Free. Until June 17 (02 666 9656)
Ditch the dimples: A new and extreme cellulite-blasting machine is in town, called the AK55 no less. It promises to do great things for orange peel thighs, so why not give it a try in time for the beach weather?
Serenity Day Spa by Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah Centre (02 667 8880)
Wednesday 25
Admire French art: Today is the final day of Regard Sur Les Emirats, an exhibition of artwork from six French artists based in the UAE. Pieces range from realist oil paintings to abstract photography, so check it out before it’s gone for good.
Free. 10am-1pm, 5pm-8pm. Ministry Of Culture, Youth & Community Development, near the National Theatre
Grab a kabab: Fancy getting curried away? Head to this upmarket curry house with great food and interesting dishes. Highly recommended for vegetarians and, despite being a little pricey, is well worth the visit.
Kababs & Kurries, The Souk at Central Market (02 628 2522)
Practise yer yarrrr! No one does pirates like Johnny Depp, and if you haven’t seen the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie yet make time for it tonight. Head to CineStar in Marina Mall and pick up your tickets. Shows start at 10am all the way till just after midnight.
CineStar cinemas, Marina Mall (04 681 8484)
Find your feet: It’s salsa night at Zayed Sports City’s The Clubhouse. Beginners lessons are from 7pm-8pm, while advanced sessions are 8pm-9pm. Both are free, as are the snacks they serve after 9pm, when the club stays open for you to socialise.
Zayed Sports City (02 403 4200)
