Posted inThe Knowledge

25 things to do this week

Jazzy music, yacht cruises, French lessons and more

Wednesday 15

Get cheesy: If you’re as fiendish about cheese as we are, then you’ll want to partake in the fantastic celebration of all that is fromage at the Piano Lounge. It’s on every Wednesday and only Dhs120 per person, for all you can eat and drink.
From 6pm-9pm, at Piano Lounge, InterContinental (02 666 6888).

Listen to some beats: Looking for a great place to relax and listen to some beats? Head out to Sea Lounge at the beautiful Monte-Carlo Beach Club where you can enjoy a beverage and listen to the music of resident DJ Natalie Brogan who will soon be supporting international DJ David Guetta here in Abu Dhabi.
Sea Lounge, Monte-Carlo Beach Club (02 656 3500).

Buy some new sunglasses: It will be super hot here in the capital before we know it so why not take advantage of the great offering currently on at Sunglass Hut. Until March 2, you can pick up a new pair of sunglasses for 50 per cent off. Run, don’t walk.
Offer is on selected items only. Al Wahda Mall, (02 443 7070).

Eat too much lasagne: Calling all closet Garfields! Lemon Tree restaurant have launched their month long celebration of lasagne. From classic mince to crab meat, they’ve got all sorts – and they even have the vegetarians covered with spinach and corn and mushroom varieties.
Prices range from Dhs45 to Dhs60. Every night except Tuesday at the Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn (02 657 4858).


Thursday 16

Listen to electric Oud: Enjoy an evening which merges jazz and oriental maqams with tablas and electronic rhythms. Featuring SOS, the multicultural band from Istanbul, who promise to transport listeners to another world. This concert, brought to us by the French Alliance, is not to be missed. Heritage Village from 9pm.
For more info or ticket prices contact the French Alliance at (02 666 6232).

Step back in time: Missing the 80s or just want to listen to some great retro tunes? Get your dancing shoes on every Thursday with the popular 80s Night at Zenith! DJ Blendz from Chicago will get you rocking with your favourites from the era that style forgot. Ladies enjoy free drinks from a selected blend list all night long.
10pm until 4am, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333).

Spread the love: Valentine’s Day is over but February promotions aren’t. Sign up for a couple’s massage class at Zen the Spa and you can make the romance last as long as you like.
Cost of classes start from Dhs400. Zen the Spa, Beach Rotana (02 697 9333).

Have a drink with a view: Take a visit to Breeze Lounge at the famous Emirates Palace where you can expect a rather glamourous crowd, creative mixed drinks and of course, some of the best views in Abu Dhabi.
Breeze Lounge, Emirates Palace (02 690 000).


Friday 17

Head out to sea: Make of the most of the amazing weather at this time of year and spend some time on the water. Abu Dhabi Sailing Club offer lessons and can also take groups out on a leisurely trip.
Al Mina Zayed, Al Meena, www.abudhabisailingclub.com (02 673 1111).

Do brunch with a view: Try out the new addition to the Abu Dhabi brunch scene at Olea, the Mediteranean-inspired St Regis restaurant with a spectacular view of the beach. They’ve got everything from tapenades to grilled delicacies.
From Dhs300 to Dhs450 with bubbly. Olea, St Regis, Saadiyat Island (02 498 8888).

Go shopping: If you are looking to find some new season inspiration the why not try out Marks & Spencer? Opened late last year in Marina Mall, the 30,000sq ft store, located on the ground floor, has lots to offer from fashion, footwear, jewellery, underwear and food.
Marks & Spencer, Marina Mall (02 681 8300).

Appreciate diversity: Head down to the Yas Viceroy to catch ‘Diversified Union.’ It’s the fourth in a series of exhibitions, entitled Crossroads, by the Swiss Art Gate. This one brings together eight Emirati artists whose works share the common theme of delivering the message of their heritage through art.
On at the Bridge Gallers and Marina Wing Lobby of Yas Viceroy until March 25 (02 656 0000).


Saturday 18

Go for a drink: Looking for a classy establishment to head to on a Saturday afternoon? Try out the very chic Left Bank to relax with friends while watching the sun go down over Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. A perfect way to end your weekend.
Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 697 0257).

Adopt a pet: Take the kids up to the ADFH Animal Shelter this weekend to pick out a new addition to your family. The Shelter is now also open on Saturday mornings, to make it easier for family visits.
ADFH, Sweihan Road, Al Shamkha (02 575 5155).

Update your home: If your home décor could do with a serious makeover then head into The One where you can up update your home with fabulous looks. The One regularly offers new collections blending modern elegance with a dash of classic glamour.
The One, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 8100).

Eat meat: One good excuse to head over to Belgian Cafe is all that thick meat they serve up the authentic Belgian way. A second great excuse is the Saturday promotion they have regarding said meat. For Dhs175, get stuck into a portion of tender ribs along with a tall glass of house beverage to wash it down with.
InterContinental, www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae (02 666 6888).


Sunday 19

Learn the piano: Are you tired of your kids telling you that they are bored? Put their complaining to good use and book them in for a course of 15 piano lessons for beginners at the International Music Institute.
Bin Halyal building, Zayed the 1st Street, Al Khalidiyah (02 621 1949).

Get a mani-massage: Nails need work? Choose your nail spa wisely! Nail Lounge at Marina Mall offer complimentary neck and shoulder massages when you’re getting your mani-pedi. It’s an excellent way to unwind while being groomed after a hectic day at work.
Nail Lounge (02 681 6333).

Speak French: Now’s your time to tick off that resolution about learning a new language from your 2012 list. The French Alliance’s course of intensive language classes come with free registration for the DELF exam when you sign up.
www.af-aboudabi.net (02 666 6232).

Get arty: Sketching, watercolour, mosaic classes and more are all available for kids at new arts centre L’atelier des Arts, which is set to become quite the hub for both budding and professional artists.
Fotouh Al Khair Centre (Marks & Spencer Mall) (02 639 7104).


Monday 20

Be pampered: Eyelashes and eyebrows in need in a bit of attention? Book in for an eyelash and eyebrow tinting and get your eyebrows threaded or waxed for free.
Offer valid until the end of February. Hairworks Beauty. Open daily 9am-9pm. 2nd Floor, Spinney’s, Khalidiya (02 681 6678).

Get fit with a friend: So you want to join a health club and you’re trying to convince your friend to come along, but she’s not interested. Here’s a solution. Sign up at Radisson Blu healthclub this month, and they’ll give you a free guest pass. She’ll have no excuse to pass up on a try-before-you-buy.
Promotion expires February 28. Radisson Blu, Yas Island (02 656 2000).

Have a weekday BBQ: BBQs, like picnics are weekend affairs – what with all the work that’s got to go into them. But if you fancy something hot off the grill and can’t wait till Friday, you can get it at BBQ Al Qasr. Outdoor cooking never tasted so good.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 9000).

Have a massage: Crowne Fitness offer a range of massage treatment such as Swedish and aromatherapy.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000).


Tuesday 21

Eat sushi: When you’re craving the fish that is raw, there is only one thing to do. Scratch your itch over at Wasabi. It’s as authentic as Japanese gets in the capital, and has a great atmosphere to boot, complete with manga library.
Wasabi, Al-Diar Mina Hotel, Al Markaziyah (02 677 8415).

Click for a good cause: Do your monthly tree-hugging and collect brownie points. Join Abu Dhabi Cause Connect to network with socially-minded do-gooders who’ll point you in the direction of volunteer work about town.
Facebook.com/AbuDhabiCauseConnect.

Make a change: Feel like a change or just indulging yourself? This one-stop-shop offers haircuts, colour, spray-tan, waxing, massage, minx nails, crystal peeling and more. Specialising in blondes and colour correction.
Changes Hair and Beauty Salon. Liwa Centre, Hamdan St (02 634 1147).

Go for a swim: Get fit in time for the summer by swimming, a great full body workout. Abu Dhabi Country Club offers sets of lessons for both kids and adults. Private coaching is also available.
Abu Dhabi Country Club, 19th Street, www.adhfc.com (02 657 7777).