Wednesday 30
Appreciate mechanical music: If you like old toys and expensive collectables, you’ll get a kick out of the mechanical music instruments exhibition. Vindemia Gallery is exhibiting a collection of over 35 mechanical music instruments, with some dating back to the 19th century.
Until August 22. Free event, hosted at the Saadiyat ballroom, Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel (02 443 9999).
Have high tea: In the mood for an afternoon of high tea? We suggest you head to Lobby Lounge at Etihad Towers where from Dhs165 you can enjoy delicate sandwiches, gorgeous chocolates, mini cakes and select a tea from the TWG brand.
Available from 3pm-5pm, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers (02 811 5666).
Get talking about art: Get your monthly culture hit. Don’t miss the latest lecture in the Talking Art Series at Manarat Al Saadiyat. ‘From Art Nouveau to Art Déco in Europe’ will be presented by Executive Chairman of x-Architects Ahmad Al Ali, General Curator of Musee d’Orsay Philippe Thiébaut and Deputy Curatorial Director Agence France-Museums Olivier Gabet.
From 6.45pm, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi (02 657 8000).
Eat Indian: Head down to Angar at the Yas Viceroy to sample their tasting menu – a culinary journey into the heart of India. Three courses of multiple taster dishes that will blow your mind. And it’ll only cost you Dhs160.
Angar, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0000).
Thursday 31
Weight-watchers rejoice: Maison Sucre has added two new flavours to their range of low fat desserts. These include the low-fat Chocolate Mint Parfait dessert cup (120 calories) and Summer Strawberry Orange mousse cup (89 calories). At this rate, you could have both!
Maison Sucre, Khalidiyah (02 639 6622).
Spend a day at Monte-Carlo Beach Club: You don’t have to be a member to enjoy a slice of heaven on Saadiyat. The Monte-Carlo Package, for Dhs450, will get you access to the club and a three-course lunch with soft drinks. If you think that’s a good deal, check out all the other packages on offer by visiting their website www.montecarlobeachclub.ae.
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 656 3500).
Celebrate Philippine independence: Enjoy a Filipino food fiesta at Cho Gao throughout June, in celebration of Philippine Independence Day (which falls on Tuesday June 12). On top of their regular menu, Cho Gao’s chefs have created a special selection of Filipino food available for lunch and dinner.
Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza (02 616 6149).
Get fit: If you have been feeling a bit lazy lately then head to Haddins Gym, where their Boxing Fitness class will have you moving so much you’ll be fit and energised in no time.
Every Monday and Thursday, 6pm-7pm. Haddins Gym, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4233).
Friday, June 1
Discover treasures: The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hosts its third major art exhibition with ‘The Journey: From Italy’s Treasures to Jewels of Arabia’. It will showcase 14 pieces of art from Imajaz, the special collaboration between Italian artist Ima Caforio and UAE based artist Jasim Ahmed.
Until 3 July. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333).
Head out for brunch: Not been to a brunch in a while? Left Bank offers a great buffet from noon-4pm with unlimited bubbly and mixed drinks for only Dsh250. Get a table of friends together and enjoy.
Every Friday Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680).
Catch a musical: Don’t miss ADCG’s Once Upon a Mattress for an evening of fun, entertainment and laughs. Those who have caught ADCG’s previous shows will know what a treat is in store. Tickets are Dhs80 and available from www.timeouttickets.com.
Showing between May 31-June 2 from 8pm at Brighton College, Khalifa Park (02 815 6500).
Go to a birthday party: Happy Birthday to Hakkasan, which has just turned two in the capital. In celebration they’ve launched a special Cantonese lunch menu, available only on Fridays and Saturdays – which is basically when everyone likes to party. Priced at Dhs250 per person, the set meal includes dim sum, chicken claypot, desserts and teas galore.
Hakkasan, Emirates Palace (02 690 7999).
Saturday 2
Cherish the environment: Tips & Toes are celebrating World Environment Day by offering a month-long all-natural package of beauty essentials. They’ve pledged to support the UAE environment by planting an endangered Ghaf tree on behalf of each client who spends over Dhs350.
Throughout June at all Tips & Toes salons (02 681 8386).
Go shopping: Why not end the weekend on a relaxing note with a spot of retail therapy. There are only six more days to grab up to 70 percent off selected items at The Fashion Net. Hurry!
The Fashion Net, Al Wahda Mall (02 443 7000).
Overdose on sushi: If you’re feeling fiendish for some sushi, then go ahead and eat all you can at Benihana’s Sensational Sushi Saturday buffet. For Dhs160 including soft drinks or Dhs199 with selected house beverages, it’s a deal you won’t want to miss out on.
Saturdays from 6pm-10pm at Benihana, Beach Rotana (02 697 9122).
Vogue! Strike a pose with the Madonna-inspired models, dancers and performers who will be partying at Allure as the DJ mixes modern Madonna classics into the venue’s usual breath-taking sets.
11.30pm, Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island (050 596 9543).
Sunday 3
Get your hair done for Madonna: To get you into the Madonna spirit, Sisters are offering GHD curls for only Dhs100! So head in to get your hair done before the concert to make sure you feel fabulous.
Sisters Beauty Lounge, Khalifa Bin Shakbout St, Al Bateen (02 222 2502).
Madonna – Park and Dine: If you’re heading up to the Madonna gig and need a place to leave your car, drive to Yas Links, where you can park and dine from Dhs99. They’re offering an international buffet that’ll have you fed and ready to party at the concert.
Available from 5.30pm on June 3-4, Yas Links (02 310 7777).
Party in style: Those wanting to kick on after the Madonna concert should go to the Skybar events taking place tonight and tomorrow night. DJ Jojo, DJ CJ and DJ Jad Jazzy Jay will bring their hip hop and R&B beats all the way from the Skybar in Lebanon.
See thinkflash.ae for details.
Head into a material world: Allure will be the perfect backdrop for those who want to keep going after the Madonna concert. Expect chic dancers, stylish performers and an all-star DJ on the decks.
11.30pm, Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island (050 596 9543).
Monday 4
Get glam: On the evening of Madonna’s second gig Sisters salon are also offering a wash and blow-dry for only Dhs120. Make sure your book your appoinment now so that you don’t miss out.
Sisters Beauty Lounge, Khalifa Bin Shakbout St, Al Bateen (02 222 2502).
Eat cupcakes: Maison Sucre is paying tribute to music legend Madonna by creating special cupcakes featuring an image of the Queen of Pop. Grab your friends, order some of these cupcakes and listen to your favourite Madonna tunes for the ultimate girly night in.
Maison Sucre, Khalidiyah (02 639 6622).
Party at Skylite: If you don’t have a ticket to Madonna then enjoy the next best thing at Skylite bar. The Bedtime Stories party will be a journey through the fabulous world of ’80s music and will feature themed ’80s blends to celebrate the musical icon that is Madonna.
Skylite, Yas Viceroy (02 656 0600).
Express yourself! Madonna’s 1985 live performance of Express Yourself sent the crowds wild. For the closing after-party of the week, Allure will show party revellers just what it’s like to put their love to the test! 11.30pm, Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island (050 596 9543).
Tuesday 5
Enjoy summer: Take your kids to the Sheraton Abu Dhabi this summer, where a team of professionals have got a whole host of activities lined up for them. From swimming to water polo and musical activities, they’ll be having so much fun. Different packages available.
Prices start at Dhs125. Until August 30 Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 697 0272).
Grab some shoes: If you need some new shoes, Steve Madden is having a great sale with up to 65 percent off from now until June 22. Since it’s such a sale why not pick up two pairs! Or three?
Steve Madden, Al Wahda Mall, (02 443 7000).
Have a ladies night: Why not celebrate the middle of the working week with ladies night at Relax@12. Free mixed drinks are available until 2am for the girls – but don’t stay out too late if you have work on Wednesday.
Every Tuesday, Relax@12, Aloft Hotel (02 654 5138).
Try capoeira: Capoeira isn’t just cool, it’s also a great way to get fit, learn a martial art and have a lot of fun in the process. If your coordination is a bit off, this might be the perfect sport for you. Classes are available at Eden Studios on Sundays and Tuesdays from 8.30pm.
Dhs50. Le Méridien (02 697 4354).
