Thursday 25
Be the king of Pong: Thursday night is Pong night at PJ O’Reilly’s, and all the city’s fans of slightly morally questionable games will be in attendance. If you’re not the competitive type, tables are available seven days a week outside the weekly tournament as well.
From 8pm, PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Get fit for the future: The ‘Fit for the Future Ramadan Football Challenge’ is on for its final night tonight, so head to Adnec for a sporty evening. Matches will be commentated by Radio 2’s DJ Fadi, and there are numerous other activities to participate in as well as prizes to win.
9pm. Adnec (050 616 8716).
Throw a pet party: If you have a dog at home, invite fellow pooch-lovers over for a canine social party so you and your pup can make friends while getting him or her groomed. If you don’t have a dog, borrow one from a friend.
From Dhs200 per dog. Tail-Waggin’ (050 366 6622).
Try an all-new Iftar: Never want to see another steaming bowl of umm ali as long as you live? Don’t worry – we know the feeling. But rather than heading over to Emirates Palace and turning the tables over in a rage, why not head out and try a traditional Egyptian, Iranian or Indian Iftar instead?
Friday 26
Take a walk on the wild side: The Al Ain Zoo has extended night-time opening hours during Ramadan, so take advantage while you can and go see the beautiful white lions and other wild animals in the cooler evening hours.
Dhs15, kids Dhs5. 6pm-midnight. Al Ain Zoo (800 2977)
Feast in a tent: Have a sumptuous Iftar in the Layali El Hilmiya Ramadan tent at Le Royal Méridien, with mezze, juices, teas and shisha. A live band will provide soothing tunes to help you digest the enormous amounts of food you will have just eaten.
Le Royal Méridien (800 101101).
Experience bargain luxury: If you need a mini break, maybe a night at the Shangri-La hotel is just what you need. They have a 50 per cent discount offer for UAE residents at the moment, incidentally.
Shangri-La hotel (02 509 8630), quote ‘Summer Escape Offer’.
Study some three-dimensional art: This week is your final opportunity to go take a look at Art in Space, the sculpture exhibition over at Salwa Zeidan Gallery that’s been moistening the brows of the city’s culture nuts for the past few weeks. There are some fairly big names involved, so catch it before it goes.
Free. Salwa Zeidan Gallery (02 666 9656)
Saturday 27
See some pretty paintings: Lisa Mounteer-Watson is exhibiting her latest collection Echi Nel Tempo at Mezzaluna, Emirates Palace; an array of abstract paintings in vibrant desert colours. You might as well have some great Italian food too while you’re there.
For a tour, call May Karam (056 6966 601), Mezzaluna reservations (02 690 7999)
Feel the rush: Experience racing an open-cockpit sports car along Yas marina circuit, with Yas Supersport SST. Adult drivers in possession of a valid driver’s license and a strong stomach only.
Dhs1200. Yas Marina Circuit (02 446 0384).
Catch the battle of the Brummies: Expect midlands accents to be in strong voice at your favourite watering hole this afternoon, as Wolverhampton Wanderers travel to Aston Villa in the pick of the day’s Premier League fixtures.
3.45pm, AD Sports.
Show a labourer some love: Yet to demonstrate a bit of Ramadan charity? Give your karma a boost by taking part in The Box Appeal – a joint effort between the Radisson Blu and Park Inn hotels, whereby you can help out the city’s poorer folk by filling a small box with a few essential items. The campaign runs until September 15, so dig out whatever you can spare.
Call 02 656 2222 for more information
Sunday 28
See F1 hit Belgium: After a three-week break, the world’s fastest sport is back in action. The venue? Spa-Francorchamps – a twisting, high-speed track set within a lush European forest. Can defending champion Sebastian Vettel pick up his patchy form, or could revitalised brit Jenson Button pinch another surprise win?
4pm, AD Sports
Buy a creative Eid gift: The kids at the Al Noor Special Needs School in Dubai make all kinds of arts and crafts, and the wonderfully creative products of their efforts are for sale on the school’s web shop. All money raised from the sales goes to the upkeep of the school.
www.shop.alnoorspneeds.ae
Catch an edgy action thriller: Renny Harlin – the director behind Die Hard 2, Deep Blue Sea and similarly macho ’90s classics – returns with latest offering 5 Days of August, a moody action romp set amid the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Val Kilmer stars.
Vox Cinemas, Marina Mall
Browse some video games: Is your Wii or Xbox gathering dust? Head down to Madinat Zayed shopping centre and pay a visit to the game shops upstairs. We bet you’ll find something to keep you entertained for a while.
Games World Electronics, Madinat Zayed (02 634 7602).
Monday 29
Send the kids to camp: If you’re completely out of ideas to entertain the kids in the last week of the holidays, the annual summer day camp at the Hilton is there to save you, with outdoor fun in the morning and indoor activities in the afternoon.
Dhs170 per day, Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 6924205).
Play a lovely game of rummy: Within the city’s Suhoor tents, card games are serious business. Still flummoxed by snap?
Soothe your skin: If your face resembles old leather after a summer in Abu Dhabi, try out the Sunlight Soother treatment at Chi, the Spa, to help your skin recover after the assault of sunlight and heat.
Dhs500. CHI, the Spa, Shangri-La hotel (02 5098900/8907)
Watch some TV series: It’s still hot outside, so we’re refusing to leave the house and prefer to stay home watching TV instead.
Tuesday 30
Have one last Iftar: It’s the final, final night of Ramadan, meaning it’s also your last opportunity to soak up the warm hospitality and belt-busting grub of a traditional Arabian Iftar feast. To go out with a bang, hit Emirates Palace’s Iftar tent, where you can round off a buffet of mezze, ouzi, baklava and more with top quality shisha and an hour or two of thoughtful reflection.
Dhs230 (02 690 9000)
Bag some local art: Though the walls may be a tad bare by now, Ghaf Gallery’s Ramadan Art Bazaar is still very much on, and still offering the chance to pick up works by acclaimed local and expat artists at huge discounts. Dust off your cheque book and get down there while you still can.
Free. Ghaf Gallery, Khalidiyah (02 665 5332)
Build an empire: In this country, you shouldn’t feel bad for spending the summer indoors. On top of that, Age of Empires Online is out now, so you can start conquering the world from the comfort of your A/C.
Virgin Megastore, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 7882)
Have a welcome back gathering: Chances are you’ve got some expat friends who are returning from their various summer escapes around this time, so why not catch up on the gossip over a feast of all-you-can-eat mussels at the Belgian Café?
Dhs120. Belgian Café, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888)
Wednesday 31
Have lunch: With Ramadan over, ditch the takeaway menus and head out to fill up with a proper midday meal. TOAD award-winning café Jones the Grocer is a pretty safe bet -– try the wagyu burger and you’re guaranteed a grin for the rest of the afternoon.
Jones the Grocer (02 443 8762)
See the Grand Mosque: We don’t think there’s a more suitable day of the year to go and visit Abu Dhabi’s greatest architectural wonder. Make sure to tag along with one of the great free tours.
Free. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (800 555)
See the future: If you still haven’t seen The Saadiyat Story yet, well, you should. There are extended Ramadan opening times in the evening, so plenty of time to go and get a glimpse of what is to come.
Free. 10am-2pm and 8pm-11pm. Saadiyat Island cultural district
Have an Eid feast: The first day of Eid is not complete without a delicious meal, and Café Arabia is serving just what you need. Dishes range from Jordanian mansaf to Lebanese ouzi, plus a delicious selection of Eid desserts.
Dhs130 (Kids Dhs45). 8pm to 11pm. Café Arabia (02 643 9699).
