Go out and party
1 Hit a festival
It’s not just fast cars at Ferrari World this week. Head to Yas for World Beats, a music festival featuring acts from Asia, Africa, Europe and America. The festival features performances from Japanese and West African drummers, a brand new Stomp act, capoeira dancers, jam skaters and kids’ arts and crafts activities. This awesome festival runs right up until April 6.
11am-8pm. Ferrari World, Yas Island, www.abudhabievents.ae.
2 Dance to salsa
Like your boogie to be Latin-inspired? Then visit Zenith this Wednesday for their salsa ladies’ night. Girls get free mixed blends all evening while DJ Crazyjoe and DJ CK spin the wheels of steel. Work for Etihad? Crew get 50 percent off all night.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 697 0224).
3 Watch an artist work
Pakistani musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan performs live on the Emirates Palace terrace this week. He’s won many awards during his glittering career, including Best Male Singer at the 2011 Pakistan Media Awards.
April 4, 6pm (show starts 7.30pm). Emirates Palace, www.timeouttickets.com.
4 See a sneaky DJ
Blue Marlin Ibiza is a cracking place to visit on a weekend, with a TOAD recommended brunch and lots of international DJs spinning the decks every Friday and Saturday. On April 5, Puerto Rican-born, American house music rinser DJ Sneak is performing at this chic location in Ghantoot. His Chicago house has inspired the likes of international multi-million selling dance music sensations Daft Punk and the UK’s hit machine Basement Jaxx.
Open Fri-Sat 1pm-11pm. Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel And Resort, reservation@bluemarlinibiza-uae.com (056 1133400).
5 Sing, sing, sing!
So you could have been a star, could you? Could have won X-Factor? Prove you’ve got the voice of a songbird at B-Lounge’s open mic night on April 6.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 677 3333).
6 Party on a dhow
Are you a member at The Club in Al Meena? They offer traditional dhow boat trips every Friday and Saturday at 4.30pm. Canapés, drinks and sunsets included in the price. Their boat Luluwa is available for hire and can fit 30 guests.
The Club, Al Meena, www.the-club.com (02 673 1111).
Spend your dirhams
7 Do Spring at ADNEC
Like shopping? Head to ADNEC for Spring Show 2013. You’ll be able to pick up all sorts of bargains, from household products including home accessories, design and lifestyle items, tableware and kitchen accessories, office and stationery goods, to handicraft supplies. The ever-popular show runs right up until April 6.
4pm-11pm. ADNEC www.abudhabievents.ae.
8 Visit a new store
As if you need an excuse to go shopping, but fashion brand Esprit, which is inspired by the sunny Californian way of life, has opened a new store in Marina Mall and their spring and summer collections are available to purchase now.
Marina Mall (02 681 2310).
Improve yourself
9 Be a success
Got a good idea and want to make your fortune? The ninth annual Young Entrepreneur Competition is taking place this week. This four-day event brings together students from different high schools, colleges and universities across the UAE, who will set up stands featuring their products and see who can sell the most. The aim is for the students to learn how to sell in a competitive environment. All that’s missing is Donald Trump or a surly Sir Alan Sugar.
April 3-6, 10am-10pm. Various locations, www.yec.ae.
10 Learn calligraphy
Be inspired and master a new skill this week. The Family Art Workshop is hosting a course called Expressions Of Faith: Imagery, Calligraphy and Holy Books. Inspired by Louvre Abu Dhabi, you’ll create your very own work of art which you can then take home with you and display.
Dhs50, 5.30pm-7pm. April 3-4, www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae (02 657 5800).
11 Get fit with the girls
Ladies, it’s time to run! Go Yas’s exclusive training nights at Yas Marina Circuit start April 3. You can walk, run or cycle around an F1 track and it won’t cost you a single dirham. There are more events on April 10, 17 and 24.
Free, April 3, 6pm-9pm. Yas Marina Circuit, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (02 659 9800).
12 Be happy
Need cheering up? The Art Of Living Foundation are holding a health and happiness workshop on April 3 at Emirates Hall at the Abu Dhabi Women’s College. You can learn yoga, meditation, breathing techniques and be given practical ideas to enhance physical and mental well being. You must be 13 or above to take part.
Dhs200, Abu Dhabi Women’s College (050 521 0892).
13 A spot of waxing?
Girls, if you’re looking for a pain free solution to waxing, the Anahata Spa in Khalifa City A is offering Lycon Waxing, from Australia. The process is meant to make waxing pain free and can remove stubborn hair as short as 1mm.
Anahata, Khalifa City A, www.anataspa.ae (02 557 7722).
14 Meditate
Need to find your om? Inner Space is holding beginners’ meditation classes in Abu Dhabi throughout April. The next one starts April 3 and runs over four weeks and is for Arabic speakers. Booking is essential. There is no charge for the courses, but contributions towards the running of the centre are welcomed.
Bain al Jessrain, innerspace.abudhabi@gmail.com.
15 A sting in the tale
The Nail Spa, which has recently opened in Al Wahda Mall, has brought the Heaven bee sting facial to Abu Dhabi and we highly recommend that you try it. The facial does cleanse the skin, but is considered more of a lifting treatment and is also designed for relaxation without extractions. Give it a go.
The bee sting facial costs Dhs500 for 70 minutes. The Nail Spa, Al Wahda Mall (02 654 7320).
16 Learn to float
Looking for an alternative way to treat your ailments? A floatation tank centre has opened in Abu Dhabi. Point Zero is offering 60-minute sessions in their new tank. This treatment is meant to help decrease stress and anxiety, improve athletic performance and help speed up recovery times from injuries.
Point Zero Floatation Rehabilitation Center, open 10am-10pm (last floatation 8.45pm). 12th Street, Khalifa City A (02 445 5775).
Be sporty
17 Watch a rally
Head to the desert and watch fast cars and bikes race (with a few camels thrown in for good measure). This week sees the second of eight rounds of the 2013 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge take place. The rally is the first round of both the FIA and FIM Cross Country Rally World Cups. You can watch the event from their desert camp plus tented accommodation and catering is available. You can also attend the gala dinner and prize giving by simply emailing info@atcuae.ae.
April 4-11, Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE (ATCUAE), www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com (04 296 1122).
18 Wave at gnarly surfers
Live in Al Ain? Wadi Adventure is hosting a wave competition this week. This event is for invited All Stars Riders and some UAE and GCC Riders, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pop along and watch.
April 4-5, Wadi Adventure, Al Ain, info@uaesup.com (050 951 7226).
19 Go creative kayaking
Want to get all the family involved this week? Head to Manarat Al Saadiyat for a kayaking trip through the mangroves followed by an indoor art session inspired by the UAE’s unique flora and fauna.
This event is organised by the Al Mahara Diving Centre and is suitable for kids aged six and up.
April 6, 10am-10pm. Dhs100 per child aged six-15, Dhs130 per adult. For bookings, email manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae (02 657 5800).
20 Life’s a drag
Yas Marina Circuit has seen a fast car or two in its time. This week the best pro drag racers are heading to Yas Island for round two of the Pro Drag Series. These spectacular looking cars are very fast and very noisy.
April 5-6 and April 12, 5pm-midnight. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (02 659 9800).
21 See a sports exhibit
The Abu Dhabi International Sports Exhibition takes place at the end of this week, with tons of companies promoting their equipment to sports enthusiasts. From football to surfing, you’ll find all the latest products and technology in one place. Definitely one for the more active people out there and a great chance to network as well.
April 9-12, ADNEC, www.adiseuae.com (02 4430355).
22 Get the kids fit
Haddins Gym is hosting events in April to get the city’s kids active. They’re hosting an activity holiday programme from April 7-11 at Zayed Sports City and a football academy on the same dates. Prices for the activity programme are Dhs750 for the course, or Dhs200 per day. The football course costs Dhs250 per week and just Dhs75 per day.
Haddins Gym, Zayed Sports City, ben@haddins.com
23 Shoot lasers
Can’t wait for the new Star Wars in 2015 to get a dose of laser guns? Then head to Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Khalifa City where you can shoot lasers in their two indoor simulators. It’s suitable fun for all the family. Get involved.
Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A (02 556 8555).
24 Be a champ
Yas Waterworld has launched a competition to find a future flowboarding world champion. They’re holding training sessions every Wednesday night to master this sport, which involves surfing on a man-made wave machine.
Yas Waterworld, Yas Island (02 414 2000).
25 Meet the fishes
The stunning Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa, a 250km drive from the city of Abu Dhabi, offers snorkelling trips on their nearby reef. Suitable for kids aged ten and over and, of course, us grown-ups. If you’re lucky you might find some dolphins come and say hello.
Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa, www.desertislands.anatara.com (02 801 5400).
26 Hire a microlight
Granted, there’s no stewardesses to pour you a drink and there’s certainly no in-flight movie, but a ride on a microlight plane is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the city from the sky. Don’t worry, one of their experts will take to the skies with you in these two-man metal birds.
www.microaviation.org (055 212 0155).
Eat food
27 Go to a barbecue
Head to Afyä Beach Lounge in Traders Hotel this Friday for their barbecue beach party. Expect grills and seafood on the sands and plenty of activities for the kids, including face painting and a bouncy castle.
From 5pm. Dhs120 for adults excluding beverages, Dhs60 for kids aged six-12, kids under six are free. Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri (02 510 8888).
28 Sample Chinese
Cultures meet this month at the Al Ain Rotana, where you can hear tunes from their Cuban house band, while their chefs make Chinese wood-fire oven dishes at Trader Vic’s. This event runs April 7-25.
Al Ain Rotana, Al Ain (03 754 5111).
29 Try blind tasting
It’s fair to say we think the food at Bord Eau, our restaurant of the year in 2012, is pretty decent, but how do you fancy trying their dishes blind? We don’t actually mean while wearing a blindfold or in the dark, but through all of April, you can taste some of the finest dishes in the city and experience them without actually placing an order. You’ll be served the dishes (and the idea is the element of surprise and to take you out of your comfort zone) and it’s up to you to decide whether you like them or not. We think you probably will.
Open daily, 7pm-11.30pm. Dhs375 per person for a four-course menu, Dhs500 for a five-course menu. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888).
30 Waffle on
If you’re heading to Al Wahda Mall this week, head to the 2nd floor and get yourself a mighty fine Belgian waffle covered in all sorts of toppings, at the mall’s newest stand Wafflemeister. This place has four locations in London and one in Kuala Lumpur and this is their first outlet in the UAE. Take that, Dubai. Toppings range from various types of chocolate to bananas, marshmallows and cookies. They also do great frozen yoghurt and Gelato as well.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Sat 10am-1am. Al Wahda Mall, 2nd Floor Food Court (02 641 7949).
31 Eat somewhere new
TOAD’s popped down already to try the recently-opened Ritz-Carlton’s South-East Asian restaurant Li Jiang and we recommend heading there and trying the calamari appetiser and the Peking duck. There was a DJ spinning tunes during our visit and the open plan kitchen means you can watch the chefs making your food (and having fun with some very stretchy dough). It had only been open five days when we visited (and there are a few opening-week problems that need to be ironed out) but we have a feeling this one will quickly become a big player on the city’s already bustling Asian dining scene.
Open 7pm-11pm. Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 818 8888).
32 Get bigger mussels
And you won’t have to visit a gym to get them. Head to the Belgian Café at the InterContinental this Tuesday for unlimited mussels. It’ll set you back Dhs138 or Dhs225 if you want to include unlimited hoppy brews in your package.
Open daily 5pm-1am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
33 Feast on asparagus
We’re big fans of Spaccanapoli’s metre long pizza here at TOAD, but this month their chef Carmelo is preparing a special asparagus-themed menu. The promotion is on for all of April and May.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street (02 616 6261).
34 Take tea
Le Méridien’s lobby tea lounge Al Finjan is a good spot for a bit of afternoon tea, with all sorts of pastries and cakes on their menu. This month they’re offering afternoon tea with infused brews for Dhs80, or Dhs150 if you want to include some bubbles.
Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
35 Go to Morocco
Not literally, but head to The Westin for their A Journey Through Morocco festival, which takes place until April 30. There’s a live oud player, a big shisha selection, complimentary henna for the ladies and
you can even buy Moroccan produce. Not to mention lots of deliciously tempting traditional food.
Open Sun-Thu 6pm-midnight, Fri and Sat 1pm-3.30pm. The Westin Golf Resort And Spa, Khalifa City A (02 616 9999).
36 Dine on organic fare
Bocca are doing their bit for healthy living by hosting an organic brunch every Friday. This feast is 100 percent certified organic and will feature anti-pasti, pasta, desserts, juices and grapes. You can also buy organic produce from the farmers market, which will at the brunch every week. Plus there’s live entertainment from Hemingway’s ace musical duo Take Cover.
12pm-4pm. Dhs299 per person, Dhs149 for kids aged six-12 years, kids under six eat free of charge. Hilton Abu Dhabi, abudhabi.info@hilton.com (02 692 4247).
37 Scoff some crêpes
Lobby Lounge at Emirates Palace is hosting a crêpe and waffle festival from April 7-30. All sorts of sweet and savoury fillings will be available so bring your appetite.
2pm-6pm. Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999).
38 Celebrate Easter
Italian restaurant Api Cae Gourmet are hosting a Happy Easter event on April 7 and 8, with entertainment planned for all the family, including Easter egg painting and an egg hunt between 2pm and 5pm. They’re also hosting an art night on April 3 to celebrate their one-year anniversary which should be fantastic and runs from 7pm-11pm.
Al Khalidiyah, near Khalidiya Tower A (02 666 8909).
Be cultured
39 See Burt
Once you’ve read our exclusive interview with Hollywood’s Steve Carell in this very issue of TOAD, head to the cinema to see his new comedy flick The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, about a Las Vegas magic act.
Various cinemas all over Abu Dhabi from April 4.
40 Check out amazing photography
Beno Saradzic is a multiple award- winning photographer, filmmaker, art director and cinematographer at Timesand Studios in Abu Dhabi. He famously did a four-minute time lapse video of Abu Dhabi back in 2011. Check out some of his shots of the city in the fog this winter and other work at:
www.facebook.com/Benosaradzicphotography, www.timesand.ae.
41 Visit a gallery
Salwa Zeidan Gallery has relocated to Saadiyat Island’s St Regis Hotel and has re-opened. Get along to check out the exhibition from several creative minds under the theme ‘New Beginnings’.
Saadiyat Island, www.salwazeidangallery.com (02 666 9656).
42 Go to a film festival
The Goethe-Institut Gulf Region is hosting the Heritage Film Festival on Manarat Al Saadiyat. It’s Abu Dhabi’s only open air film festival and this year’s theme is Strong Women. This is the first year the festival is taking place in Abu Dhabi’s cultural hub.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, www.goethe.de/heritagefilmfestival
43 Go into orbit
Well actually, head to Yas Island, where Abu Dhabi-based French artist Frantz Jardel is exhibiting his diverse and colourful work for Crossroads #11 – Orbit over Minds.
Yas Viceroy, Yas Island www.swissartgateuae.com.
44 Have a fiesta
It’s time to expand your knowledge of another country. Filipino Fiesta is a festival taking place at the Le Méridien Abu Dhabi on April 5. This event won’t cost you a penny and there will be music, dance, food presentations and art exhibited.
Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area (02 644 6666).
45 Go on safari
Al Ain Zoo is holding a safari from April 7-11. There are a ton of interactive and educational activities planned, including meet and greets with some of the park’s animal keepers, a treasure hunt, tours, arts and crafts, gardening activities and more.
Open 8am-1pm. Dhs250, Al Ain Zoo, Al Ain, education@awpr.ae (03 799 2444).
Chill out
46 Go to a new beach
The city’s newest piece of coastline has opened on Saadiyat Island. Saadiyat public beach is 400m long and sun worshippers can chill out all day on lounge chairs. There are also showers, lockers, changing rooms, towels, umbrellas and parking.
Dhs25 for adults, Dhs15 for kids over six, Saadiyat Island. Sun loungers cost Dhs50 on weekdays, Dhs75 at weekends. Annual membership is Dhs500 for adults and Dhs1,000 for families.
47 Rejuvenate for less
Zayna Spa has a reputation as one of the best spas in the capital so get along to the Grand Millennium Al Wahda where they have a great deal for the girls this Sunday and Tuesday. Book in advance and you’ll get 30 percent off all spa treatments.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street (02 495 3831).
