Thursday 13
See some awesome films: Arguably the most glamorous event on the city’s calendar, Abu Dhabi Film Festival kicks off today – think movie stars, exclusive parties and, of course, the chance to see some wonderful films.
www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae (02 556 4000)
Watch the legendary Janet Jackson: The second-most-famous Jackson sibling will be taking the stage at Yas Arena tonight for the Middle Eastern leg of her Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour. Expect a smashing set of retro pop hits, including That’s the way love goes, Black Cat and Together Again.
Get your tickets at www.eticketing.co.uk
Explore some themed cuisine: Bored of the same old buffets? Head to Gems all-day dining restaurant at Cristal Hotel has a launched a variety of theme nights, including Middle Eastern night, seafood night, curry night and a family brunch to name a few.
Gems Restaurant, Cristal Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 652 0000)
Eat cheap chocolate: Fancy something to satisfy your sweet tooth? Choco’a is celebrating its seventh anniversary today and is offering customers a celebratory 17 per cent discount on all products throughout October. In addition, it will be hosting a special cake tasting today, so drop in for a free sample.
Marina Plaza Tower (02 628 9939)
Friday 14
Listen to a DJ on Saadiyat Island: Looking for the party? MustHaveSoul has recently moved to Sea Lounge on Saadiyat Island. Make the trek and dance the night away, or simply sip a blend while you gaze out over the pristine beach.
Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Resort, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500)
Enjoy a range of hoppy brews: This week The Tavern Pub at Sheraton Abu Dhabi is giving punters the chance to try five different types of a selected draught, along with bite-sized bar snacks, for just Dhs95. The perfect way to spend the evening as far as we’re concerned!
Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333)
Have unlimited à la carte Indian: Pick up the menu and order! And order, and order! That’s right, Rangoli has a selected menu today that you can keep ordering from until your belt breaks, and all for Dhs119. So if you’re not in the mood for buffet food, head here for some modern Indian cuisine.
Dhs119 with soft drinks or Dhs159 with selected house beverages, Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4000)
Grab a bargain: If you are looking for some new outfits but don’t want to pay top dollar, head to Al Wahda Mall where stores such as Gap and Banana Republic are offering between up to 40 per cent off. Offers end on October 28.
Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi (02 443 7070)
Saturday 15
Treat the kids to an active afternoon out: The new term of Haddins Youth Athletics has commenced. Kids will be able to try their hand at both track and field events including sprints, long jump, high jump, hurdles, shot put, discus and javelin.
Al Yasmina School, Abu Dhabi(050 745 3129)
Shop with a difference: If you are looking for that special shopping experience, check out Maison Sez boutique. Recently launched earlier this year, Maison Sez is bringing the best in designer fashion to the region. Marina Office Park
Villa A28, next to Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (02 639 6900)
Keep the kids entertained: The Abu Dhabi Drama Society has recently got its residential kids’ entertainer from UK for a wide range of parties. Let your kids and teens enjoy those well-planned, entertaining parties.
Abu Dhabi Drama Society, www.abudhabidrama.com (026731111).
Get a good deal on make-up: Fancy a freebie? Buy three items of Bourjois make-up worth more than Dhs175 at Faces and you’ll be rewarded with a free nail polish and eyeliner. Even better, you can also take part in their prize draw, where the lucky winner will get one Cobone voucher for make-up every month throughout the year. Today’s the last day, though – so you’d better be quick.
Faces, Mushrif Mall (02 673 7710)
Sunday 16
Get a discount on pampering: We all deserve a pampering blow-out every now and again, and if you’ve been saving up for an ultimate session head to Anantara Spa this month. Book a treatment worth more than Dhs1,000 and you’ll get 20 per cent off.
Valid till October 31. Emirates Palace (02 690 9000)
Learn about Bollywood: Stop into this industry panel debate – Beyond Hollywood and Bollywood: The Future of Independent Cinema in the Region. Experts will discuss the decision-making process behind deals for films in the MENA region.
Held from 11am-12.30pm, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, www.adff.ae
Try a taste of the Far East: One of the most bargainous buffet restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Gems, is holding a Far Eastern night tonight. That means all you can eat noodles, stir fries and other Asian fare for just Dhs129 per person.
Gems, Cristal Hotel (02 652 0000)
Win a plane ticket: Celebrate Oktoberfest at 3rd Avenue any day this month and get a chance to win two return tickets with Air France – KLM for every Dhs99 you spend. Offers on brews and other entertainment to be had ever day from noon onwards.
Sheraton Khalidiyah (02 692 8500)
Monday 17
Pick up some great pieces for the kids: Mothercare is offering up to 25 per cent off selected items until the October 27, so get in quick and make sure you don’t miss out.
Al Wahda Mall (024437252)
Put on a few kilos: … by gorging on all the cheese, antipasti and glasses of red or white you can manage at Spaccanapoli. The price? A mere Dhs75. See you there 6pm-11pm.
Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza (02 616 6261)
Watch The Double outdoors: An amazing outdoor cinema is part of this year’s Abu Dhabi Film Festival, so get yourself down to the Fairmont Bab al Bahr and make the most of it tonight – they’re screening The Double, a spy thriller starring Richard Gere, Martin Sheen and Topher Grace.
7.30pm-9.15pm. www.adff.ae.
Sing with the French Alliance: The French Alliance choir practises from 6.30pm-8pm, so if you’re over 14 and you like singing, why not join in?
www.af-aboudabi.net
Tuesday 18
Brush up on your trivia: Head down to Harvesters at the Sands Hotel every Tuesday night at 8pm to test your intellect and win great prizes – including the chance to get your bar bill on the night scratched. Maximum six players per team, question master’s answer is final.
Harvesters Pub, Sands Hotel, Abu Dhabi (02 615 6666)
Treat the kids to a shopping spree: Online, that is. Let’s face it, taking the kids to a real live toy store is a disaster waiting to happen, so check out Journey Toys, which has everything from educational games to arts and crafts kits and a wealth of games for sportier kids. Best of all, delivery in Abu Dhabi is free.
www.journeytoys.ae (050 622 6105)
Go behind the scenes of modeling: There’s a ladies-only screening of Girl Model on tonight, a fascinating documentary feature about a young Siberian model and a scout who specialises in finding particularly young girls for the Japanese market.
Vox Cinema 4, Marina Mall, 9.15pm
Wednesday 19
See some pretty pictures: Having debuted at Manarat Al Saadiyat back in 2008, the Emirati Expressions photography exhibition is due to return to the gallery today. The exhibition will feature new works by both Emirati and guest photographers that have been created during ongoing workshops.
www.artsabudhabi.ae
Practice Pilates: Starting today, the Manchester United Soccer School will be running a Stott Pilates class once a week for ladies only. The classes will be conducted in the indoor football facility at the dome@rawdhat, that means indoor but on the grass! The first session is free, and six session will set you back Dhs300. Mood music included.
Manchester United Soccer School (02 449 8480)
Enjoy a ladies night out: Grab the girls and head to Left Bank where ladies can enjoy five mixed drinks for Dhs5 from 8pm-10.30pm.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 168)
Get some cut-price accessories: Accessorize has a part sale on, with 25 per cent off selected items. Fancy something new and shiny to brighten up a boring outfit? You’d better hurry – the sale ends on October 21.
Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7339)
