Thursday 28
Stare at the monkeys: If you haven’t taken the kids to see the Al Ain Zoo yet, the quiet month ahead may be just the time for it. Big cats, reptile houses, monkey compounds and more will be available for the kids’ staring and pointing needs. Might be a good time to brush up on your zoology, in anticipation of all the, ‘Mommy, daddy what’s that?’ moments.
Dhs15 for adults, and Dhs5 for children under 12. Open 4pm-10pm until July 31, and 6pm-midnight during Ramadan, (800 2977)
Boogie at Zenith: If you’re determined to get as much partying in before Ramadan as possible, head to Boogie Box tonight, which is being held at Zenith. Jixo and Danz will be on the decks spinning House, Deep House and Tech House tracks, so dress up and get down there.
Zenith, Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 697 0238)
Drop in to the city’s biggest summer closing party: It’s taken less than a year for Allure to establish itself as the de facto destination for the city’s hardened revellers, and tonight’s summer send-off is shaping up to be their gnarliest bash yet. The dress code is ‘white’, so best stock up on stain remover – this one could get very messy indeed.
Free. Yas Marina & Yacht Club (02 565 0050)
Get your face tattooed: Fed up of spending ages doing your make up every morning, when you could have spent an extra 15 minutes in bed? How about trying out semi-permanent make up? It doesn’t hurt and can last for years. Read more about it in next week’s TOAD.
Contact Candice Watson on 050 714 8658
Friday 29
Treat the little ones: With a long hot summer, school holidays and Ramadan just around the corner, it’s well worth investing in a few toys to keep the little ones out of your hair. Don’t fancy braving the heat? Online store Journey Toys delivers for free.
www.journeytoys.ae
Catch a sponge: Summer in Abu Dhabi is still on, but not for long. If your little angels haven’t poked SpongeBob, chatted with Fulla or zapped aliens with Ben 10, you’ve only got another two days to do it. So head on down, there are still plenty of shows and miscellaneous entertainment on offer.
Adnec, halls 9,10 and 11, (800 555)
Get a 25 per cent discount: There’s very little we love more than discounts, and if you’re up for eating at Le Méridien’s Talay or Pappagallo then try to spend more than Dhs450. Do that, and your next dinner will come with a 25 per cent discount. The eateries are pretty budget-friendly, so you’ll need a few people to hit the 450 mark.
Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666)
Sink a last-chance brunch: Today’s your last chance to enjoy a decadent Abu Dhabi Friday brunch before the city’s restaurants turn their attention to Iftars. Like healthy salads, sushi, pizza and doughnuts? You’ll find the best (plus much, much more) at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.
Dhs249. CuiScene (02 654 3333)
Saturday 30
Let off some rounds: We all get angry from time to time, but there’s no need to let your pent-up rage fester away in your brain like a bad sandwich. Head down to Caracal shooting club at Armed Forces Officers Club and you can vent your grievances via an actual, real gun. Now all you need to do is imagine that paper target is your boss’s stupid squinty face.
Dhs205. AFOC (02 441 6404)
Watch a wizard blow things up: Haven’t seen the final Harry Potter yet? Go go go; the series’ final instalment may very well be its best. For kicks and giggles, download a picture of the Potter crew from the first movie for comparison. You may not believe it, but the first Harry Potter came out over a decade ago. No really, go check; we’ll wait.
In cinemas now.
Check out some rad sculptures: We’re not sure about you, but we like to set aside some time on a Saturday for a spot of cultural enrichment. The best brain-expanding exhibition currently on in the city is Art in Space, a showcase of creations from some of the world’s most respected sculptors. Check it out.
Free. Salwa Zeidan Gallery
Get some snazzy new furniture: BoConcept has a new collection in store – think bright modern pieces and cool geometric shapes. Fancy jazzing up your sitting room? Head on down.
BoConcept, Khalidiyah (02 639 6545)
Sunday 31
Brighten up your wrist: Boutique store Grafika has a new collection of brightly coloured and funky watches in stock by IO?!ON! – keep time with style.
Grafika, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7111)
Dance yourself fit: Burn off those calories and learn some cool new moves at hip hop action class.
Dhs35/70. 8pm-9pm. Hiltonia Health Club & Spa (02 681 1900)
See F1 hit Hungary: The tight, twisty Hungaroring circuit has been the stage for some classic races in recent years. Reckon Vettel, Hamilton and Alonso can deliver another nail-biter? Find out when they go wheel-to-wheel today.
4pm. AD Sports
Toughen up at bootcamp: It’s tempting just to completely let yourself go during August – after all you’ve every excuse with the stifling weather and all those Iftar buffets to attend. But keep yourself in check with morning and evening sessions from Original Fitness Company. Bootcamps are currently half price.
Original Fitness Company (02 406 9404)
Monday 1
Start feasting as you mean to go on: If predictions hold true, today will be the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Whether you’re fasting or not, you’ll be welcomed into the various Iftar feasts happening throughout the city, and we’d recommend kicking off at the lavish Sofra Bld. Dhs185 adults, children aged five-12 eat half price, children under five eat for free.
6pm-10.30pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8555)
Get fit in water: The perfect way to keep cool while you exercise – work out in the swimming pool. Join in an Aqua Aerobics session for a splashy hour of heart-pumping aerobics.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333)
Try out an alternative Iftar: Not down with hummus and tabbouleh? Quirky Chinese spot Bam Bu is serving up a buffet of lip-smacking Far Eastern dishes throughout the Holy Month.
Dhs100 (02 645 6373)
Shoot some hoops: Hit the basketball court at Abu Dhabi Country Club for a fun way to keep fit.
Abu Dhabi Country Club, Mushrif (02 657 7777)
Tuesday 2
Watch the Ramadan tournament begin: Tonight is the opening ceremony of Armed Forces Officers Club’s Open Sports Festival, which will see contests in boxing, chess, football, netball and even PlayStation throughout the month. Spectators have the chance to win prizes.
AFOC (02 4415 900)
Enjoy an authentic Emirati Iftar: With choices from every cuisine (head to page 10 for plenty of those) we wouldn’t be surprised if you went through the month without a single authentic Emirati Iftar. We just can’t let that happen; head to Emirate Palace’s Palace Terrace and enjoy their Iftar buffet courtesy of Mezlai.
Dhs230 for Iftar, Dhs100 for Suhoor. Emirates Palace (02 690 7999)
Win a quiz: Every Tuesday from 7.30pm throughout Ramadan, you can head down to PJ’s, test your guessing skills and waste your brainpower. Plenty of prizes to be won too.
Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 674 2020)
Stock up on time-wasters: As the city quietens down for summer, it’s time to blow the dust off your games console and show it some love. The third floor of the Hamed Centre on Electra Street is a hidden treasure trove of digital delights – we reckon Portal 2 and LA Noire ought to see you safely through to September.
Wednesday 3
Check out some funky local artwork: Feast your eyes (as well as your stomach) at Café Arabia, where the walls are currently adorned with Emily Gordon’s fresh and original artwork – collages of iconic Abu Dhabi scenes made with multiple layers of resin, acrylic, wax and gold leaf.
Café Arabia (02 643 9699)
Get a hot stone massage: Melt any tension away with Tips & Toes’ new signature massage, which uses heated volcanic basalt stones applied to different acupressure points on the body.
Dhs280. Tips & Toes (02 681 8386)
Hit the malls: With nowhere to get a retail hit during daylight hours, now’s the time for a spot of late-night shopping. What with all the Ramadan bargains, quite frankly it would be foolish not to.
Visit a Suhoor tent: Have some late night Arabic grub and smoke some shisha at the Hilton’s Sohoor Zaman tent. Live entertainment will be provided by a singer and oud and tabla players right up until the small hours.
Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900)
