Thursday 9
Salute the King of Pop: Off-stage controversies aside, there’s no denying that Michael Jackson was the most iconic performer of his generation. Though it was conceived before his death, Thriller Live – a glitzy stage show based around the star’s biggest hits – is still a fitting tribute.
Dhs100-195. 8pm. Flash Forum, Yas Island. Also tomorrow at 3pm and 8pm
Have a bargain pampering session: Tips&Toes is offering an epic deal for summer that includes a mani-pedi, mini-facial, full body massage and a 100ml bottle of perfume to take home with you – all for Dhs560 (that batch of treatments would normally set you back Dhs700).
Call 04 399 0550 to find your nearest branch and to book appointments
Join a gym: Yes, you’ve probably eaten too much today, and yes we’re sure you plan on burning it all off in the not-too-distant future. But until that day comes, why not actually join a gym and practise? Bodylines Gym at the Park Rotana has come out with some interesting membership offers, so head on down and check it out.
Dhs80-100 per day, or Dhs800 per month. Other membership packages available (02 657 3333)
Cook tempura like a pro: This morning, the Yacht Club’s new chef Julyss Albor will be hosting the first in a series of monthly cooking classes, where you can learn how to cook seafood, vegetable and even dessert tempura. The price also includes a three-course lunch.
Dhs200. 11am. Call 0800 423 463 to book
Friday 10
Get your car washed: Radisson Blu Hotel and Park Inn Abu Dhabi, Yas Island are trying to raise money for the Hamad Centre for Special Needs (a newly opened non-profit organisation for educational placement for children with autism and related disorders) with a charity car wash. Staff from both hotels are volunteering their time, and will wash your filthy motor with eco-friendly cleaning products for Dhs50.
9am-5pm. Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels. Includes free drinks and snacks
Discover a day-long brunch: While most round up their Friday feast around the 4pm mark, over at The Yas Hotel you can keep the fun flowing well into the evening. The Big Brunch deal includes food and drink at Origins from Dhs180, then either access to the hotel pool or free-flowing beverages at Skylite for an extra Dhs100. It’s not the sort of thing we’d recommend you subject your digestive system to every weekend, but if you’ve earned a treat, go ahead and eat, drink and be extremely merry.
(02 656 0600)
Guess the weight of your steak: If you guess correctly, Rodeo Grill will give you your steak for free. And sneakily sawing a little off the corner until your leftovers match the estimate is strictly not allowed.
Rodeo Grill, Beach Rotana (02 697 9000)
Exercise the easy way: Try out the Grand Millennium Al Wahda’s new Easy Line exercise class – it’s a 30-minute, high-impact circuit training session that works by having short bursts at different stations.
6pm. Grand Millennium Hotel (02 495 3822)
Saturday 11
Hear people sing: Just Voices is back; an a capella music festival with a wide variety of singing styles with absolutely no instruments. This year, Voices of Harmony (female barbershop and rock’n’roll) and Blue Fever (a capella jazz) are in the headlines, along with two newly founded groups: Cantus Abu Dhabi, singing mainly madrigals of the 16th century and The Harmaniacs, a mainly male barbershop quartet.
Dhs30. 6pm. Abu Dhabi Theatre, Breakwater, next to Marina Mall. www.timeouttickets.com
See some wildlife: Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort has kicked off its summer hours, and families can now enjoy the zoo attractions throughout the evenings. These new hours will be in effect until July 31, and the park will open daily from 4pm-10pm. The venue’s popular bird show will also take place at 7.30pm during weekdays and twice on Fridays, at 6.15pm and 7.30pm.
Turn your little girl to football: Not just for boys! The latest Manchester United Soccer Schools class has seen the greatest number of girls yet, but the female footballers in the current line-up need more recruits. So kick those Barbies out the door and turn your girl into the star you’ve always wanted. Registration is now open.
Dhs995 includes Nike Manchester United training kit of shirt, shorts and socks, MUSS drawstring bag and water bottle, www.manutdsoccerschools.ae (02 449 8480)
Cook up a storm: If you’ve sampled the delights on offer at foodie heaven Jones the Grocer, you’re probably curious as to the secrets behind its simple yet delicious fare. Head along to the Muroor store’s latest cooking class tonight for an exclusive insight.
Dhs375 (02 443 8762)
Sunday 12
Buy a book of Emirati art: Get yourself a copy of a glossy new book that charts the artistic development of Hassan Sharif, one of the UAE’s leading contemporary experimental artists. Hassan Sharif: Works – 1973-2011 has just been launched by ADACH.
Contact ADACH on 02 657 6001 for details of where to buy a copy
Feast on Japanese: You’ve covered your Friday with a good brunch, and your Saturday with another; but you’re still hungry. Head down to Sho Cho Restaurant and Lounge for the open buffet Sunday Night Feast, featuring a line-up of hot and cold menu items, along with sushi, sashimi and maki rolls, all for a mere Dhs150.
6.30pm-11pm. Souk Qaryat al Beri (02 558 1117)
Eat some pancit palabok: Today is Araw ng Kalayaan, otherwise known as Philippine Independence Day, so don’t be surprised to see your Filipino neighbours going absolutely mental. You can get involved by trying out some of the nation’s excellent.
See the world’s best go wheel-to-wheel: While it looks like Sebastian Vettel may have a second world title sewn up already, with the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve historically not suited to his Red Bull car, tonight’s Canadian Grand Prix could throw up some surprises.
9pm. AD Sports
Monday 13
Dress to impress: Need some smokin’ hot new evening wear for summer? Stop by S*uce boutique to check out the new range of Toujouri numbers – high octane cocktail dresses, glitzy jumpsuits and glamorous kaftans are the name of the game. Just be prepared to watch your credit card melt.
S*uce, Marina Mall (02 681 8650)
Become an animator: The Cartoon Network Animation Academy is gaining in popularity, and while plenty of would-be animators have already jumped into the wave, some might not be able to afford it. Good thing, then, that the academy is offering a year’s free tuition to the winner of its latest drawing contest. To enter, head to tadreeb.twofour54.com/en/getanimated and sign up. Good luck!
Call 02 401 2454 for more information
Try a new menu: One of the classiest pubs in the city, Cloud Nine’s food menu has just been overhauled, with the addition of dishes such as beef tartar, yellow fin tuna and Scottish salmon and black truffle macaroni and cheese. No really.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333)
Order in: Cho Gao and Spaccanapoli have launched a new delivery service and are offering a 50 per cent discount on takeaway orders placed between 4pm and 7pm on 800 4788.
Tuesday 14
See some off-the-cuff comedy: After going down a storm last year, Whose Line is it Anyway? returns to Yas Island tonight for another round of improvised antics. There’s no script and audience participation is key, so be prepared to pitch in with something clever.
Dhs150. 8pm. Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3053)
Watch a pianist: An already decent restaurant, Frankie’s ups it Italian tonight with its L’Apri Cena antipasti buffet, including bruschetta, carpaccio di manz and buffalo mozzarella, as well as two glasses of house red or white, select hoppy beverage or soft drinks. Resident Pianist Andrea Lattari completes the atmosphere with Italian goldies.
Dhs95. 7pm-10pm, Fairmont Bab al Bahr (02 654 3238)
Watch a time lapse film of Abu Dhabi: It’s become something of an internet sensation – Beno Saradzic’s four-minute film of the capital depicts a city that’s pulsating with energy and movement. Watch planes land at the airport, the sun rise over the Corniche and the Emirates Palace dome change colour – all at top speed. Search for ‘Abu Dhabi 2011’ at www.youtube.com
Sing your heart out: It’s karaoke night tonight so hang your arms round each other’s shoulders and bellow ‘We Are Family’ together. Or something.
Sax (02 674 2020)
Wednesday 15
Get your kids boxing Thai-style: If your kids are bursting with energy and pummelling each other every chance they get, why not let them burn themselves out at a Muay Thai class? For ages five-12.
4.15pm-5pm. Cobra Muay Thai (055 616 0996)
Sink a bento box: When it comes to lunchboxes, the Japanese know what they’re doing better than most. Check out the authentic new bentos at Wokcano, priced Dhs99 for a selection of sushi, tempura and salads.
(02 495 2000)
See a lunar eclipse: One of the longest total lunar eclipses of the century takes place tonight at 10.22pm. The Earth’s dark shadow will start to eclipse the full moon, taking three hours and 40 minutes and finishing just after 2am. So find a terrace, grab a late-night drink and make sure you don’t miss seeing this eerie phenomenon.
Get fit: One of the most popular fitness systems in the world, pilates is said to improve strength, flexibility and control, as well as endurance and coordination. Practitioners swear by it, and if you’d like to give it a try then head to Espa at The Yas Hotel. They’ve just started their Pilates classes and you can jump into one tonight for a mere Dhs55. 7pm, every Wednesday, booking recommended (02 656 0862)
