Thursday 1
See a parade: Yay! The UAE is 40, and we’re all expecting some serious celebration. One thing that’ll definitely be worth catching is the National Day Parade on Yas Island. There will be live music, decorated cars, motor bikes, marching bands, performers and face-painted kids; everything you can ask for from a parade!
Yas Marina Circuit, 5pm to 1am.
Get your kit on: With up to 25 per cent off selected items, there’s a good chance you’ll bag yourself a bargain at Orlando Sports. The deal is only valid until December 3, so this is your last chance. Once you’re looking at your sporty best you could put your new clothes to the test and go for a jog or something.
Orlando Sports, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7033).
Rock out: Sometimes you get a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. If you want to go to a venue where you don’t need shiny shoes, and can just rock out to a good power ballad or stadium anthem then consider Rock Night at PJ O’Reilly’s. There’s usually a live band belting out some crowd pleasing songs with face-melting solos and powerful choruses.
PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Tuck into a Turkish: Cheap and cheerful are the watch-words in Istanbouli – the staff are pleasant, the place is clean, and the food is reasonably priced. Expect to see some Turkish gentlemen in the midst of a heated debate in this roadside cafeteria.
Passport Road, Madinaty Zayed (02 621 2557).
Friday 2
Party all day: Fancy a mini holiday? Al Maya Island & Resorts, has joined up with Starlight events to throw a day party that will make you feel like you’ve gone to some far away party hot-spot. With shuttle boats leaving from Al Maya jetty, and music by celebrated DJs Brandon Block and Tall Paul, this should be a day to remember. Tickets available from the resort or ADCC.
VIP Reservation call 050 317 4696 or 050 817 4156. Shuttle boats behind Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.
Kayak around the capital: Sometimes, if you live somewhere long enough, everything starts to look the same – long avenues, straight roads, parks, sand and sea. What better way to put things into perspective, while doing some exercise, than to go out in a kayak and see the city from a different angle? Well, if you’re a morning person, why not get in contact with the Abu Dhabi Ocean Warriors?
6am, Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar (02 403 4200).
Go to the Candy Shop: Remember when Beastie Boys and Run DMC ruled the airwaves? If you want to go somewhere that can deliver a nostalgic evening, then you should head to the Candy Shop night at Pearls. With DJs Rone Jaxx and Cliff Townley, plus a surprise guest DJ every week, you are guaranteed a nice variety of R&B and Motown to help you get your groove on.
Pearls Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel (02 509 8555).
Live it up, Lebanese style: Thursdays and Fridays at Sax is Lebanese Night. Dance like no one is watching – even though they are – to the cutting edge sounds of Beirut and look around as the stylish clientele show you what looking good is all about. You really are unlikely to find a better place to gyrate wildly.
Sax, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Saturday 3
Take the kids to Capoeira: Capoeira is a Brazillian form of combat, invented during a time when fighting wasn’t allowed – as such, it looks a lot like dance. This is a pretty serious workout, it’s also great fun and good for balance and rhythm. But we’re not completely sold on its usefulness as self-defence.
New York University Abu Dhabi Downtown Campus, 10am to 10.45am (02 628 4000).
Catch a Xmas tree lighting: Nothing quite says ‘it’s nearly Christmas’ like watching a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. Crowne Plaza are going all out with traditional festive beverages, a visit from everyone’s favourite rotund gift-giver and a beautifully decked-out tree just waiting to be lit.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 616 6122).
Adopt a cat: Is your household missing that extra something? We suggest adding a bit of cute and character in the form of a feisty feline. And now’s the perfect time. It’s Feline Friends Adoption Day, so if you want to bring home your purrrr-fect pet, pay them a visit.
Noon – 4pm, Khalifa City A, Villa 2/B on Street 24 (050 823 1569 / 0566 414 728).
Go fish! Sometimes you just want to get away from it all and enjoy the simple things. Why not go fishing? Empros can find the ideal location for your skill level and provide everything you need, so grab a few mates and book now.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, www.empros.ae (02 628 9704).
Sunday 4
Try Korean: Korean food is spicy, tasty stuff with a fair amount of fish. If you’re new to this cuisine, might we be so bold as to recommend Hankook – between the rumbunctios atmosphere and heady flavours, we doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Dhs100-250. Defense Road, Al Nahyan (02 642 8800).
Get kids swimming: Now is the perfect time to have a refreshing dip in the sea. But if your kids can’t swim it’s not likely to be relaxing. Fortunately Le Méridien has you covered with swimming lessons in a scenic location.
Le Méridien, Electra Street, Tourist Club area (050 782 1337).
Volunteer! Takatof offers people the chance to volunteer in various ways, depending on the amount of time you have to give. You could help renovate houses and schools, pick up at the beach or work in a hospital. Whatever you do, you’ll be making Abu Dhabi a better place.
Muroor Road, 4th, Al Nahyan, www.takatof.ae/english (02 698 8600).
Buy a carpet: If you want some nice carpets, and are willing to spend a little time looking around, then the Carpet Souk in Al Meena could be a good place to have a hunt around. There’ll be a lot of machine-made rubbish – but there are some serious gems for those willing to take the time.
Corniche Road East, Al Meena.
Monday 5
Celebrate with cake: We’ll take any excuse to eat more cake, and Hey Sugar Bakeshop is making it much easier with their National Day cake pops bouquets. The going rate is Dhs10 per cake-on-a-stick.
Hey Sugar Bakeshop, Abu Dhabi Café, Khalidiya Mall (050 182 9075).
Let them play: Music broadens the mind, and learning an instrument teaches discipline and the satisfaction of self-improvement. The International Music Institute offers tuition in piano, brass, string and woodwind instruments.
Bin Halyan building, Zayed the 1st Street, Al Khalidiya (02 621 1949).
Sample authentic Indonesian: If you want to take a walk on the wild side and eat some food made by Indonesians, for Indonesians, check out Sari Rasa. Tucked away with sparse decor it is seriously cheap and a good take away option.
Next to Ajman Bank Building, Tourist Club Area (02 644 9110).
Suit up! Women don’t have to have all the fun when it comes to clothes shopping. For a fashion indulgence, few things compare to a having a suit made to measure. When it’s done right it’s worth every penny. If you are in market for a suit, we recommend Abu Dhabi New Tailors.
Madinat Zayed (02 634 4990).
Tuesday 6
Enjoy ladies night: Hemmingway’s have got unlimited beverages for the ladies tonight. The place isn’t so achingly stylish that you’ll feel the need to dress to the nines, so if you’re looking for a low-cost and pleasant night with a few friends, then you’ll struggle to do much better.
Hemingway’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah (02 681 1900).
Make it Moroccan: Marakesh provides the full Maghrebian experience with tagines and couscous galore, as well as a belly dancer for those who stick around into the evening.
Marakesh, Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah (02 614 6000).
See an exhibition: The Emirates Palace is hosting the Global Balance exhibition, featuring sculptures weighing up to 25kg hanging precariously above the ground. If sculpture was never your thing, seeing these balancing figures in the beautiful outdoor areas around the hotel grounds.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche (02 690 9000).
Get a ruby facial: To mark the birthday of the federation, Silkor Laser Medical Centre is offering a ‘Ruby Secret’ facial – named after the jewel traditionally associated with a 40th anniversary. They promising it will firm your skin and stave off wrinkles.
Silkor, Khalidiya (02 681 6070).
Wednesday 7
Collect Photography: Here’s one for the avid photography collectors. The Collectors Forum (a TDIC cultural department initiative) is holding a panel featuring individuals and representatives of institutions that collect and archive photography, with an emphasis on photography in and of the Middle East. The event will host an Emirati photographer, a leading market specialist and a UAE-based photography collector. They’ll be discussing photography collections in the UAE, the history of collecting photographs and the current market for photography.
Free, December 7, 6.45-8pm, Manarat Al Saadiyat (02 643 5781).
Listen to live guitar: Head over to Maï Solos night at Maï Café for some live acoustic guitar performances from Danny Shirran from 7pm onwards. Relax, enjoy the stylish surroundings and let the music wash over you. Dulcet tones guaranteed.
Maï Café, Aloft Abu Dhabi (02 654 5111).
Enjoy La Disco Vita: Up for a little mid-week R&B? How about free bubbly for members of the fairer sex? Well then you’re in luck, because that’s precisely what you get at La Disco Vita! This is not a particularly rowdy affair, but strict door policies apply, so you may want to call in advance.
Free. 10pm till late. Allure (050 596 9543).
Make mine Mexican: When most people think of Mexican cuisine they think of Tex-Mex, but there’s more to it than that. Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant offers an extensive menu of authentic Mexican dishes. The variety may surprise you, as will the delicacy of the traditional presentation.
Park Inn by Radisson, Yas Island (02 656 2222).
