It’s a fresh new week in Abu Dhabi and as always, it’s full of awesome things to do. If you’re looking for the best activities in the capital this week, you’ve come to the right spot.
There’s no need to have the Monday blues. The weather is crisp (or what some of us long-term residents would call crisp) and the city is teeming with cool things to do.
It’s time to get out there. Here are all the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
Planning brunch this weekend? Click here for Abu Dhabi’s best brunches.
Culture is calling. For all things arts and culture in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Looking to get active? Click here to make all your fitness dreams come true in Abu Dhabi.
Travelling this year? Keep up to date with the latest travel news and features here.
Snap a pic at Secret Garden on Al Maryah Island
Want to invigorate your feed? There’s a brand new café at the Galleria Al Maryah Island, and it looks seriously cute. Secret Garden serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and promises to be the “most Instagrammable” spot in the city. While competition for that title will be tight, you can see for yourself – the ‘gran awaits.
Click here to read more about Secret Garden.
Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 493 7400).
Travel back in time with this exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Ready to throw it back? Zemanna is a new exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat that explores life in the UAE during that iconic decade. Zemanna opens this week on Monday January 17 and tickets are Dhs45 per person. It will be running until Monday June 13, so there will be plenty of time to see it, and soak up the nostalgia.
Click here to learn more about Zemanna.
Dhs45. Mon Jan 17-Mon June 13. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island tickets.virginmegastore.me/ae/theater/14517/zemanna?ref=list.
Check out this new barefoot restaurant & bar
Loop Beach is a new alfresco restaurant at Bab Al Qasr Hotel. Take in the ocean views and hotel skyline on the Corniche with your feet in the sand. Loop Beach is open now and this week is the perfect time to check it out.
Click here to read about dining in the dark at Fresh Basil.
Daily noon-midnight. Loop Beach, Bab Al Qasr Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road West (056 992 2078).
Go for ladies’ night at Hamilton’s Gastropub
Looking for a sweet ladies’ night deal this week? Head to Hamilton’s Gastropub on Saadiyat Island and you’ll get free-flowing drinks and 20 percent off food for Dhs99 from 7pm to 10pm. The deal is available every Wednesday. Gather up the gals, it’s time to head out.
We’ve revamped our ladies’ night listings for the New Year, click here for the updated list.
Dhs99. Wed 7pm-10pm. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island hamiltons.saadiyat@rotana.com (02 697 0000).
Get competitive at DNA Board Game Café
There’s a new spot in town for coffee lovers, foodies and board game enthusiasts. DNA Board Game Café is chock-full of games to beat your besties at. The menu isn’t just the usual board game snacks either, with options such as the eggs benedict with salmon caviar, smoked salmon salad, a truffle burger and more. The new spot is located in Khalidiya, next to the Bentley showroom. Who’s ready to crush it at a game of Scrabble?
For more exciting new restaurants in Abu Dhabi click here.
Sun-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri-Sat 8am-1am. Montazah Tower, Al Khalidiya, @eat.play.dna (054 339 4595).
Sandboard on the desert dunes
Looking to have an adventure in Abu Dhabi? Dubai may been known for its larger than life indoor ski centre, but the UAE’s first love will always be sandboarding. Pick any spot in the desert and you’ll likely find a decent enough dune to conquer, and the only critical piece of gear required is a board. Package deals from tour operators usually include dune buggy hire and camel riding, so it’s a full gamut of desert sports in one go.
For more adrenaline-inducing activities in the UAE click here.
Various locations across the UAE.
Take a family-friendly cooking class with Apron Stories
Love plant-based healthy cooking? Apron Stories is a new cooking class programme with fun cooking classes dedicated to the whole family. Head to Al Raha Mall to learn about healthy cooking with the kiddos. Yum.
Prices and timings vary. Al Raha Mall, Channel Street www.apronstories.ae (050 628 1198).
See Jack Dee in Dubai
Dee is a legend of the UK comedy circuit, and he will be touching down with his no nonsense, dry humour. He’s headlining Dubai Opera as part of his Off The Telly international tour. Looking for a laugh?
Click here to read more about the Jack Dee show.
From Dhs195 (tickets are available via Dubai Opera, Platinum List and Virgin Megastores). Wed Jan 19, 8pm onwards. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888).
