Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do this week

Brunch on a boat, experimental theatre, charity auction and more

Thursday 29

See some experimental theatre: Tonight sees Resuscitation Theatre put on the first of six shows at One to One Hotel. The source material – TS Eliot’s The Cocktail Party – may be fairly straightforward, but Resuscitation’s style is anything but, so expect to be shocked, stirred and unsettled at tonight’s curtain-up.
Dhs50. www.resuscitationtheatre.com

Update your make up: There’s an amazing sale on at the Mikyajy stores across town at the moment, with 75 per cent off selected items. Invest in some glittery eyeshadows, berry lipsticks or soft blushers to be bang on trend this season.
Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7109)

Take a desert break: If you’ve always fancied a stay at the plush Qasr Al Sarab but didn’t want to fork out too much for it, you’re in luck. The nice people at Anantara are currently offering a range of packages and deals, including four days of wellness and desert experience, an oasis dining special and a stay three nights pay two offer. Hurry, though – you only have until October 31.
www.qasralsarab.anantara.com (02 886 2088)

Enjoy Himalayan healing: Need a little help unwinding this month? Chi, The Spa has launched a brand new treatment we’re all dying to try out. The Himalayan tsangpo ritual is an hour-long body therapy that will leave you feeling soothed and completely rejuvenated Dhs500.
Chi, The Spa, Shangri-La (02 509 8900)


Friday 30

Brunch on the high seas: Sick of shovelling down your weekly banquet on boring old dry land? Hop aboard Shuja Yacht and try out a brunch with a difference, including stunning views of the city’s skylines and a buffet of hot and cold grub to suit all tastes. And if it’s still too hot for you out there, you can always jump in the sea to cool off (but don’t, obviously).
Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)

Check out an all-new house band: Having had a few weeks to settle into their new home, now’s the time to head down to PJ O’Reilly’s and find out what new house band The Providers are made of. For the record, we reckon they’re about 35 per cent meaty power chords, 42 per cent finger-melting solos and 23 per cent shaggy hair.
PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)

Party in a pool: Still dancing away your Friday nights in the comfort of an air-conditioned room? Pfft – that’s so yesterday. It’s pool party season, so get along to Radio 1’s Liquid Rain party at Aloft. Big name DJs are promised, and there are even prizes up for grabs. Awesome!
Free for girls, Dhs100 for guys. 4pm-3am. Aloft Abu Dhabi (02 654 5078).

Book a bootcamp session: All upcoming Original Fitness Company bootcamps, running and combat fitness courses are half price at the moment, so if you’re planning to get in shape for beach season, book now. The training might be ferocious but it certainly works.
OFC (02 406 9404)


Saturday 1

Buy a ticket for a charity auction: Hot tickets go on sale today, for the Divine Desserts and Heavenly Handbags Charity Auction, where beautiful designer bags and shoes will be auctioned off for a good cause. The event itself isn’t until October 11, but spaces are limited so make sure you snap up your ticket today!
Email pabdalla5@gmail.com for on-island tickets or mark-and-lisa@hotmail.com for off-island tickets

Try out some fancy French fare: As the latest winner of TOAD’s coveted Restaurant of the Year award, Bord Eau is known for serving up some seriously classy nosh. As of this week, there’s a new man in the kitchen – chef de cuisine Alexandre Pernetta – and a whole new menu to indulge in. For what it’s worth, we reckon the venison with girolle mushrooms and five spice sounds like a winner.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888)

Enjoy Punjabi food: Tuck into some of the finest Punjabi tandoori food in the capital at Indigo this evening, on the final day of their Punjabi food festival. Authentic bites will be prepared by popular chefs the Qureshi brothers.
Indigo, Beach Rotana (02 697 9011)

Eat an oyster: Intimidated by those slimy, shell-clad, supposedly romantic bivalve molluscs that everyone’s raving about? Don’t be – they’re really nothing to be afraid of. They’re in season, too, meaning now’s the time to learn more about them.


Sunday 2

See a famous derby: The north London derby is a killer fixture at the best of times, but with both Spurs and Arsenal getting their season off to a terrible start, tensions will be high when they meet at White Hart Lane today. Don’t miss it.
7pm, AD Sports

Attend a book show: Al Ain Reads book show is taking place today to boost an interest in reading and showcase Emirati culture.
9am-2pm, 4pm-10pm. Al Ain Mall, Al Ain, www.kitab.ae (02 657 6180)

Witness a Kiwi smackdown: Having breezed through their group so far, all eyes are on Rugby World Cup hosts and favourites New Zealand today, as they take on Canada in their final game before the knock-out stages. Can the Maple Leafs pull off the first big shock of the tournament? Get yourself up bright and early to find out.
6.30am, OSN Sports

Take part in a farmers’ market: Shhh, you heard it here first, but plans are afoot for a farmers market to be held this month in Abu Dhabi. Interested in taking part? There are still vacant spots for boutique food producers, artists and crafters at the market, so contact Abu Dhabi RIPE Market Manager, Susan Cherrey at susan@ripeme.com to book a space.


Monday 3

Shop at a shiny new store: Not content with its Abu Dhabi Mall and Hamdan Street branches, the ever-popular Bhs has now opened its doors at Al Raha Mall. Head on down and pick up some quality clothing and bright home ware.
Al Raha Mall (02 556 0988)

Check out a new boutique: No stores trendy enough for your fussy little ones? Katakeet Boutique has just opened a store at Abu Dhabi Mall – head on down and check out some classy kids’ wear.
Abu Dhabi Mall (02 650 3604)

Wear pink hair extensions: For a cause of course! Buy one at Tips & Toes and you’ll get a 25 per cent discount on selected treatments. Proceeds go to local breast cancer charities.
Marina Mall (02 681 8386)

Add some colour to your wardrobe: One of our favourite Abu Dhabi stores, Grafika, is now stocking bright and colourful gowns by Medici – get a new addition to your winter wardrobe.
Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7111)


Tuesday 4

Get the kids putting: Want to off-load the kids for a few hours? Golf lessons could be the answer. Let little ones can hone their skills with lessons at Al Ghazal Golf Club while you relax.
Dhs55. Mondays-Saturdays, 8am-5pm. Al Ghazal Golf Club (02 575 8040)

Gorge on mussels: Never dabbled with mussels? You’re missing out. Sure, they’re not much to look at, but, bathed in a creamy, garlicky sauce and served with a cone of thick, crispy fries, they’re one of the tastiest treats the sea has to offer. Sold? Head to Belgian Café tonight and eat as many as you like for Dhs120.
Belgian Café, InterContinental Hotel (02 666 6888)

Get a bit of home decoration help: The One has relaunched its home styling service. The stylist will help you choose and coordinate the perfect pieces for your home, as well as overseeing delivery, assembly and installation. Dhs1,200, Dhs12,000 minimum spend per room.
The One, Khalidiyah branch (02 681 6500)

Bag yourself a midweek freebie: Tuesday marks the middle of another week, and that’s enough of a reason to celebrate as far as we’re concerned. Relax@12 is offering free mixed drinks for ladies, with house tunes by DJs ChadPhunk and Stew Magoo.
8pm-2am. Aloft Abu Dhabi, Al Safraat (02 654 5000)


Wednesday 5

Grab a snappy lunch: Cho Gao’s absurdly popular Dhs50 weekday lunch offer is still going strong, giving you the chance to sample some top quality Asian cuisine for the sort of cash you’d easily lose down the side of the sofa.
Crowne Plaza (02 616 6149)

Nurture your child’s inner maestro: Think your kid’s got what it takes to be a concert pianist? Not without a few lessons they haven’t. Book your little one in for a course of 15 piano lessons at the International Music Institute – even if they turn out to be completely talentless, you’ll at least get a few hous of peace.
Dhs1,500. Open daily 9.30am-noon, 3pm-8.30pm. Bin Halyal building, Zayed the 1st Street, Al Khalidiyah (02 621 1949)

Have a drink for (almost) free: Female? Thirsty? Got five dirhams and a nice pair of stilettos? Get to Left Bank tonight and you can help yourself to five delicious mixed drinks for just a dirham a pop.
Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)

Spend some cash at J Dot: Junaid Jamshed has opened its first J Dot boutique in Abu Dhabi. The brand, created by former Pakastani pop star and now designer Junaid Jamshed, is renowned for fusing traditional and modern designs. Head on down and check it out.
Al Wahda Mall