Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do this week

Oktoberfest fun, Mini festival, Lebanese DJs and more Dhabi fun

Thursday 27

Buy some new shoes: There is nothing better than the excitement of a new pair of shoes. So if you need to replace your tired old soles then pop into Nine West, which is offering up to 40 per cent off selected items until November 4.
Khalidiyah Mall (02 635 4000)

Unwind at Emirates Palace: Head to Emirates Palace from 7-11pm every Thursday to enjoy the newly opened Breeze Lounge. Soak up the sea air while sipping a glass of fizzy grape and feel the stress of the work week disappear.
Breeze Lounge, Emirates Palace (02 690 8888)

Celebrate German Gemütlickeit: Catch the last two nights of Oktoberfest fun and frolics at Brauhaus. With live music, festive games, traditional delicacies and brewed beverages all around.
From 7pm onwards, Brauhaus, Beach Rotana (02 697 9118).

Spread the Mini love: Don’t miss the Drive Out Loud celebration at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, to kick start the Mini festival. An exclusive gathering for all you Mini owners begins at 6.30pm and will be followed by some entertainment and a BBQ. Don’t own one, but still a big fan? Come along for the stunt show at 7pm, as the world’s leading Mini stuntman will wow audiences with daring tricks.
Find out more information at facebook.com/MINI.MiddleEast.


Friday 28

Dance to Lebanese DJs: Head to Sax tonight to enjoy the cutting-edge sounds of Beirut. DJs will be playing all the latest tunes to a chic crowd who will be partying right through until the wee hours. Even if you are not the type to join in on the dancefloor, the style-conscious clientele at Sax will be enough to entertain even the most discerning of people-watchers.
Le Royal Meridien (02 674 2020)

Try a new location for retail therapy: Head to newly opened Mushrif Mall to check out all sorts of fashion stores including Giordano, Splash and Charles and Keith. A second branch of London cupcake specialist Bloomsbury’s has also opened there, guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth in the capital.
www.mushrifmall.com (02 690 4422).

Get your nails done: If you’re in dire need of a mani-pedi and want to add a splash of colour to your nails then head to Nails for a relaxing hour spent getting polished and painted. All three branches of this chain are perpetually busy, becuase they do such a good job.
Various branches including Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 4188)

Select some sizzling steak: Blue Grill has a mouthwatering deal on for lunch today. The ‘AAA’ offer means for Dhs175 you can indulge in a three-course meal with three glasses of grape from America, Australia and Argentina. Just choose your favourite steak and they’ll serve it with a corresponding glassful from that region.
Noon-3pm. Yas Island Rotana (02 656 4000)


Saturday 29

Find a new fragrance: Need a new scent to freshen up your home? Head to Lifestyle where you’ll find a great range of candles, aromatic oils and aroma diffusers to choose from. Infused with seasonal spices and blossoms, the new collections recreate a romantic winter’s night inside your home.
Dalma Mall (02 551 2151)

Row a boat: The Shangri-La’s annual Dragon Boat Racing Festival takes place at Maqtaa Creek today. Teams of determined rowers will be desperately trying to overtake each other on the scenic waters, while spectators will be able to enjoy views of the boats and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at the same time. The perfect afternoon out!
For more information email info@sirenevents.com

Buy some new bling: Eid is just around the corner so why not buy something new and sparkly for the occasion? Juicy Couture has a large selection of amazing jewellery instore right now. Pop in to find the perfect piece to brighten up your holiday outfits.
Marina Mall (02 658 0397)

Learn to ride a horse: Little ones looking for something fun to do? Try taking them to the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. They can take riding lessons here as well as learn about taking care of horses in terms of grooming, feeding, and treating them well. Children get to spend time with the animals that the centre saves too.
Al Mushrif (02 445 5500)


Sunday 30

Learn to dive: Explore the Arabian waters at Al Mahara Diving Centre, which offers PADI scuba courses for kids, private courses, lessons for corporate groups and ladies-only courses.
Muroor Street, across from the Abu Dhabi bus terminal (02 643 7377)

Find a Halloween costume: Head to The Party Centre for the perfect costume and party supplies to make your night go with a bang. You’ll find a huge range of decorations, balloons and accessories pefect for Halloween.
Al Raha Mall, Al Raha Beach, www.mypartycentre.com (02 556 5563)

Learn pottery: Kids can learn the art of pottery with friendly teacher Homa, who is great with kids and very passionate about pottery.
16th Street, Khalidiya Gardens, Al Khalidiyah, www.abudhabipottery.com (02 666 7079)

Deck out your pad: …with a beautiful new carpet. Check out the Carpet Souk to seek out a genuine gem, many of which can be bartered to an affordable price. Be prepared to bargain hard though, to avoid getting ripped off!
Corniche Road East, Al Meena


Monday 31

Add some music to your meal: Enjoy fine flavours at the Piano Lounge, while you listen to their brand new act, The Laura Duo. And now you can also mix business with pleasure, with their Business Bite offer, a selection of fresh salad and sandwiches for only Dhs99.
InterContinental (02 666 6888) 12noon-2.30pm

Get a new do: If you your locks are feeling a little lank and are in need of cut, then head to Changes Hair and Beauty Salon. This one-stop-shop offers haircuts and colour specialising in blondes and colour correction.
Liwa Centre, Block-C, Hamdan St (02 634 1147)

Play a picturesque game of golf: Designed by golfing legend Garry Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the Arabian’s Gulf’s only ocean course. It features several beach front holes with spectacular views.
Saadiyat Island, (02 557 8000) www.sbgolfclub.ae

Catch a fish: The Hiltonia Beach Club can arrange fishing trips for a maximum of six people, with additional hourly rates if you want to extend your day on the boat. They’ll take you miles out to sea on your trip, until you can’t even see the city — what a treat!
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, www.hilton.com (02 681 1900)


Tuesday 1

Munch on some mussels: Already one of the finest pubs in the city, Belgian Cafe gets even better on a Tuesday, when it offers unlimited mussels all night for only Dhs120. Get some nice salty chips to eat too for the perfect dinner.
InterContinental (02 666 6888)

Enjoy a night on the town: Make an appearance at Cloud Nine where you will find animal print décor, tables strewn with cigar mags and a menu complete with caviar and oysters. This is one classy spot.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0323)

Visit the zoo: Fancy a day out of the city? Why not take the kids to Al Ain Zoo for a family day of fun. See giraffes, lions, monkeys and even kangaroos.
Al Ain Zoo, (800 2977) www.awpr.ae

Try paddle boarding: This gentle and easy watersport is available on the Corniche and at other locations around the city. Lessons, tours and board rental are also available.
www.abudhabisup.com (050 905 9743)


Wednesday 2

Be an artist: Alliance Francaise are now holding art classes for adults and children which include painting, sculpture and photography. Kids can get involved for just Dhs5 each.
www.af-aboudabi.net (02 666 6232)

Enjoy a night out with the girls: Head to The Yacht Club on a Wednesday night to catch up with your girlfriends. Sip free bubbly, enjoy the marina views and rub shoulders with the who’s who of Abu Dhabi.
7pm-1am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888)

Try a new type of exercise: Ditch the same old boring exercise routine and give Zumba a go. Zumba is a high-impact routine that is all about having fun while getting fit.
Bodylines, Beach Rotana (02 697 9000)

Tuck into Japanese: Tired of sub-standard sushi? Hilton Abu Dhabi’s Toki boasts one of the most imaginative sushi menusin town. We recommend the chef’s special: Asari Sakamushi-steamed clams.
6.30 -11pm Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 4151)