Thursday 22
Spice up your evening: Try out Korean food for a change at Silk Route Cafe’s dinner buffet. You’ll find everything from kimchi to spicy meat dishes included in the spread, and all sorts of other regional specialities that we can guarantee will have your eyes watering (in a good way).
Dhs125 per person. Holiday Inn (02 657 4888)
Play giant chess: Fed up of conventional beach activities? Yeah, us too. Challenge a mate to a game of chess at the Hiltonia Beach Club using their mammoth outdoor chess board. But don’t worry, those pieces aren’t as heavy as they look – this game is all about using your brains, not your brawn.
Hiltonia Beach Club (02 681 1900)
Party with Mr Mr: With summer but a distant memory, the city’s party season is back in full swing, and Audio Tonic – now firmly ensconced in its new home on Saadiyat Island – is proving to be one of the biggest hitters. Head down tonight to catch DJs Mr Mr, Soulfisher and Raxon dropping the freshest house tunes as only they know how.
Free. From 4pm. Sea Lounge, Monte-Carlo Beach Club (02 656 3500)
Have a laugh: In need of a bit of a giggle? Why not make the drive out to Al Ain this evening to catch a spot of stand-up comedy? Ali Al Sayed and four other comedians will be performing at Moodz tonight, so expect gags aplenty.
Dhs125 inclusive of finger food and three drinks. 8.30pm-10pm. Moodz, Al Ain Rotana (03 754 3111)
Friday 23
Get pampered like the ancients: Be rejuvenated by ancient Ayurvedic therapies at Kairali Spa, and pay less for the privilege this month. Ayurvedic massage costs Dhs150 for one hour instead of the usual Dhs174. Or you can book 10 sessions of head massage, face massage, body relaxation and steam bath for Dhs1150.
Ayurvedic Health Spa, Mourouj Hotel Apartments (02 641 3555)
See the Aussies take on the Yanks: Expect an almighty buzz in the city’s sports bars this afternoon as Australia take on USA in the Rugby World Cup. Having lost their opening game against Italy, the Americans are desperate for a win, but, with the Wallabies in fine form, our money’s on choruses of ‘U-S-A! U-S-A!’ being decidedly muted.
12.30pm. OSN Sports
Learn loads about water: Believe it or not, that wet stuff that comes out of the tap is an incredibly precious commoditiy. So if you’ve been wantonly tipping the stuff down the sink without a second thought for the consequences, get along to H20 = Life, a new interactive exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn designed to educate visitors about the intricacies of the planet’s all-important natural resource.
Free. Qasr Al Hosn, Hamdan Street
Try a brand new brunch: While its metre-long pizza has become the stuff of Abu Dhabi legend, Spaccanapoli is a relative newcomer on the brunch scene. Still, with antipasti, pizza, pasta and traditional Italian desserts in the offing, we reckon it’s a nailed-on hit.
Dhs115. Crowne Plaza (02 616 6261)
Saturday 24
Have coffee with a side of culture: Drop into Café Arabia this afternoon and, as well as a selection of excellent grub and invigorating brews, you can also get involved in some stimulating conversation. Alliance Française have organised a chat with Vincent Garrigues, author of a best-selling Abu Dhabi guidebook, who’ll also be signing copies after the chat.
Free. 5pm-7pm. Café Arabia (02 643 9699)
Go shopping! Need some new threads? Make sure you don’t miss out on Splash’s sale this month. They’ll be offering men, women and kids’ fashion at slashed prices, with up to 60 per cent off.
Until October 9. Splash, Mushrif Mall (02 673 7911)
Stuff yourself with sushi: Not sure what’s the best way to make the most of the last night of the weekend? Well, we’ll tell you. It’s by visiting Soba to take advantage of their all-you-can-eat deal on sushi, sashimi, noodles, fried rice and soup. It’s only Dhs150 and they’ll throw in some Japanese beverages too.
7pm-9pm, Soba, Le Royal Méridien (02 695 0450)
See England’s giants clash: After an extremely strong start to the season, Manchester City face a tough test this afternoon as Everton pay the blues a visit in the pick of the day’s Premier League action. Can Mancini’s men keep their title bid on the right path? Tune in from 3.45pm to find out.
AD Sports
Sunday 25
Get some fab gifts: To celebrate five years in the MENA region, New Look is offering the chance to win a luxury Malaysian holiday. There will also be in-store gifts and a 50 per cent discount on selected items. Head on down! Till October 5.
New Look, Mushrif Mall, www.newlook.com
Branch out with brand new designs: Bored of the same tired old brands? Pineapple sportswear, the glamorous Julian McDonald collection and funky brand Red Herring are now available at Debenhams – refresh that wardrobe with some new names.
Debenhams, Khalidiyah Mall (02 635 4994)
See an F1 champion crowned (probably): With a 112 point lead over his nearest rival, Sebastian Vettel stands to pick up his second Formula One world championship title if he runs well at today’s Singapore Grand Prix. And given his form so far this season, we’re already brushing up on the German national anthem in preparation.
4pm, AD Sports
Gorge on the grape: Piano Lounge has its usual offering of unlimited pours of red and white and a tempting cheese selection for just Dhs85.
InterContinental (02 666 6888)
Monday 26
Have a hammam (and a free pedi): Treat yourself to a luxurious hammam treatment at Espa and you’ll be rewarded with a free pedicure. Hurry, though – the offer ends on September 30. Dhs345 for a 50-minute hammam with pedicure.
Espa, The Yas Hotel (02 656 0862)
Do some home pampering: Ditch the spas for a day and try out The Body Shop’s new Ananya range. Pick up a pack of shower gel, body lotion, body spray and eau de toilette for Dhs270, or the body butter duo made of brazil nut and shea butter for Dhs69.
The Body Shop Abu Dhabi Mall (02 645 7300)
Eat a mountain of mussels: Head to Stills where you can enjoy unlimited mussels served in your choice of sauce for a wallet-friendly Dhs130.
From 7pm-11pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 3053)
Bag a bargain: Get a cut-price fashion fix at Zara, where there’s currently up to 70 per cent off selected clothes and shoes. Hurry, though – it ends when the stocks run out.
Zara, Marina Mall (02 681 8080)
Tuesday 27
See some seriously chic ladies: Today is the first day of the Chic Lady Show, Abu Dhabi’s annual fiesta of all things glamorous. Head down to check out the latest wares from the world of fashion, cosmetics and hair-care.
Free. Until October 1. Adnec (02 622 2733)
Toast a legendary Abu Dhabi bar: It’s not the swankiest venue in the capital, but brews ’n’ burgers joint Rock Bottom certainly has plenty of fans. It’s the bar’s ninth birthday today, and it’s having a special bash to celebrate. Slip your dancing shoes on and get down there for 8pm.
Al Diar Capital Hotel (02 678 7700)
Toughen up: Learn the art of self-defence at an Aikido class with throws, manoeuvres and strength training.
Dhs35. 8pm-9pm. Hiltonia Health club and Spa, Al Khubeirah (02 692 4324)
Think pink: Fancy checking out a ladies’ night with a difference? Get along to Eight at Souk Qaryat Al Beri tonight and, as well as free fizz for femmes, there are bonus beverages for those who come dressed in pink. And the guys? Wear as much pink as you like, but you’ll still be paying for you drinks.
Free. Eight, Souk Qaryat Al Beri. 10pm-3am (050 323 0925)
Wednesday 28
Get some new winter togs: A new season, a new excuse to hit the shops, and Koton’s latest collection of winter clothing is in stores now – think swimwear, dresses, cardigans, knitwear, sunglasses, and elegant designer bags.
Koton, Marina Mall (02 681 6505).
Get your kids putting! Take your little ones to a golf lesson and introduce them to this sociable sport.
Dhs55 for 30 minutes. 8am-5pm. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 575 8040)
Hit a big juicy sale: Juicy Couture and Mexx are both starting part-sales today. Bag up to 50 per cent off selected items, but hurry – the sale ends on October 15. Juicy Couture, Marina Mall (02 443 8762); Mexx, Marina Mall (02 681 4575)
Accessorise your outfits: Jazz up your wardrobe with Aldo’s new range of accessories – including bangles, earrings, wallets and handbags featuring tiger and peacock prints.
Aldo, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7184)
