If you’re female, free this weekend and want to squeeze every last bit of fun out of the capital over the next 72 hours, then you have the perfect guide right here in your hands. The next few pages will tell you where to go and what to do, eat, drink and wear when you get there – use it and we promise there’s no chance you’ll miss out.
Thursday night 5pm-midnight
Out on the town
They’ve had you chained to your desk for 35 hours already this week, so your boss shouldn’t expect anything more than a you-shaped cartoon dust cloud come 5.30pm. It’s time to touch up your make-up in the loos, clock off and find a bar. Quick. The large outdoor area outside Captain’s Arms is always busy, friendly and breezy, and happy hour – with house drinks cut to half price – runs until 7pm. If your office is a little further uptown, there’s usually a lively atmosphere at Cooper’s at the Park Rotana, where you can also drink at a discount until midnight. But if you’d prefer a less rowdy, less male-dominated crowd and don’t mind coughing up a little extra for your drinks, Pearls at the Shangri-La is about as sophisticated as they come, with stunning views of the Grand Mosque and attentive staff who’ll make sure you’re fed, watered and don’t have to fend off unwanted attention.
If you’d rather save your spondoolies for a Saturday afternoon rampage through Marina Mall, pile into a cab and head over to Yas Island. Stills runs the city’s only Thursday night ladies night, where members of the less hirsute sex can score free selected party tipples from 8pm all the way until midnight. An unbeatable offer (we’re yet to find anywhere willing to actually PAY women to drink), but possibly not the wisest option if you’ve planned anything for Friday that demands a clear head.
Little black book:
Captain’s Arms, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666)
Cooper’s, Park Rotana (02 657 3333)
Pearls, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Stills, Crowne Plaza (02 656 3000)
Friday day 11am-4pm
Brunch
Friday mornings, obviously, are for lie-ins. So get up when you’re good and ready, make some calls and gather a group of your friends together for a long, leisurely brunch. But where to pick? If you want somewhere stylish and peaceful, opt for Talay’s brunch. There is seating outside on the elegant terrace, and you can help yourself to plate after plate of their tasty Thai spread. Bubbles are free flowing, there’s a beautiful view of the sea and even a three-piece band that make their way from table to table serenading you with romantic tunes (insider tip – have a request ready or they’ll default to a rendition of James Blunt’s You’re Beautiful and no one needs four minutes of that). If you want a wilder atmosphere and you have a large group of mates to catch up with, your best bet is to book a table at The Garden. There’s always an upbeat, noisy vibe here, which makes it the perfect place to go crackers and let out all the stress of the week’s work. Cuban party drinks in five different flavours certainly help with the, uh, unwinding, as does the free flowing bubbly and live music – oh and did we mention there’s a chocolate fountain? The rest of the food is also terrific, whether sushi, curry or roast dinner takes your fancy, so take the chance to fill your boots. Last but not least, if you want a slightly healthier way to pig out, try Hakkasan’s seriously underrated dim sum brunch. Cleansing Chinese tea, steamed dim sum and small glutinous rice desserts mean it’s an infinitely healthier option than buffet brunches – but just as delicious.
Little black book:
Talay, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666)
The Garden, Crowne Plaza (02 621 0000)
Hakkasan, Emirates Palace Hotel (02 690 7999)
Friday evening 4pm-8pm
Get prettier
Once you’ve filled up on brunch, anything strenuous is completely out of the question. So leave any taxing activities until tomorrow and devote the next few hours to getting some TLC. One of the newest trends in the capital is to visit one-stop-shop beautifying villas – destinations where they do everything from styling your hair, to putting your make up on and giving you a fake tan – the works. One of our favourites is Sisters Lounge, partly because they always greet you warmly and make you look awesome, but also because they keep up to date with all the latest treatments, from pain-free waxing to new eyebrow tweezing techniques. We can’t recommend their beauticians highly enough because they always take as much care and attention over your hair, face or nails as if they were doing their own. If you live further north in the city, you might want to try out the new Tips & Toes – where there are not one, not two but five beautifying villas, each dedicated to prettying up a different part of your body. Prices here are very competitive, so if you want to get all your grooming done in one go, you can do it on a budget. Finally, if you just want to stay downtown, take an hour or two to zone out at Nails in Abu Dhabi Mall. It’s quick, efficient and best of all, keeps an enormous stack of glossy imported fashion mags that you can work your way through while your tootsies dry.
Little black book:
Nails, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 644 4188)
Sisters Lounge Villa 1, Khalifa Bin Shakhbout Street (02 222 2501).
Tips & Toes, Khalifa City A (02 557 2255)
Friday night 8pm-midnight
Party time
Well, there’s no point getting all blow-dried and painted unless you’re going to head out somewhere special afterwards, is there? Abu Dhabi is teeming with suitable glam nightspots but there are three that after long, animated discussion (and extensive testing) we’ve decided are the best for a girl’s night out. One of our favourite places for a late dinner with drinks is Left Bank. Just because the music is loud and the drinks menu dizzying, doesn’t mean they don’t do a fine evening meal too. It’s bar food, for the most part, but they’ve got enough on the menu to suit you whether you want a sharing platter or a hefty plateful all to yourself. Their battered fish and chips is not to be missed. Once your stomach is properly lined, venture next door to Fairmont Bab al Bahr’s Chameleon bar to sample the most dramatic drinks menu in the capital. We love almost all of their creations, but have to insist you don’t leave without ordering a round of candyfloss drinks – waiters serve it with a huge cloud of the pink stuff, then pour the liquid into your glass from on high, leaving you with a sticky, silly, delicious drink. Finally, if nightlife to you just means dancing, dancing and more dancing, your best option is Allure. With its edgy decor, a string of international DJs and a packed dancefloor every weekend, this is the city’s hottest place to strut your stuff and boogie right through until the next morning.
Little black book:
Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1680)
Chameleon, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3238)
Allure, Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Yas Island (050 596 9543)
Saturday morning 8am-noon
Hit the beach
Start the morning with a beach yoga class and you’ll feel perked up and full of energy for the rest of the day. The Yoga Juice holds Vinyasa Flow classes in a wooden cabana right out on the sands at the public beach, so you can make the most of the sea breeze and cool(ish) morning air while you stretch your muscles. Classes start at 9am and finish with a 15-minute deep breathing relaxation session. We promise you’ll leave the class feeling magical. But if you like your exercise a bit more fast-paced, there’s still plenty to do at the Corniche, which becomes something of an activities hub on Saturdays. So grab your MP3 player and join the throngs of sporty types either jogging by the waterfront, rollerblading the walkways or cycling the distance of Corniche Road. Bikes can be hired from the Byky stalls for an hour at just Dhs20. Of course, if you can’t be bothered with anything as active as that, enjoy the beach the old-fashioned way – by lying on it. The Family Public Beach (enter at Gate 2) is very girl-friendly, because gawping bachelors aren’t allowed in and it’s also shielded off from the road. So bring your swimsuit and work on your tan in peace.
Little black book:
The Yoga Juice, www.theyogajuice.com
Family Public Beach, Gate 2, Corniche
Byky, www.q8byky.com
Saturday afternoon noon-5pm
Shop till you drop
Although Abu Dhabi’s shopping scene is, for the most part, malls, malls and more malls, there are a few interesting markets in the city too. If you haven’t yet visited the Souk at Central Market, today’s the day. Go to check out the intricate woodwork traditional design, and stay to peruse all the tiny shops selling trinkets, souvenirs, perfumes and furniture. Dalma Mall, the capitals newest and biggest mega mall is the obvious destination for chain store shopping. There’s an eye-popping 147,000sq m worth of shops, including major brands such as Monsoon, Jane Norman and Etam, so you’re bound to be able to snap up a few high street bargains.
Little black book:
Souk at Central Market, Hamdan Street
Gold Souk, Madinat Zayed
Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi, Tarif-Al Ain Highway
Saturday evening 5pm-10pm
Smoke shisha
Aah, the weekend’s nearly over, so spend your last few precious few hours relaxing the Middle Eastern way – with a fruity shisha pipe. For glamour and atmosphere, the top spot is Mirage Marine. Chic white furnishings, huge windows and good looking crowds make this one of the most fashionable places to smoke in the capital. For outdoor smoking spots, Le Boulanger on Breakwater Road is unsurpassable. Get there early to nab one of the prime seating spots down by the water and spend the evening gazing over the twinkling lights of the Corniche while you puff away. They do a mean line in mezze and mocktails too. Finally, for those who want something a little stronger to sip while they smoke, give Beachcomber a whirl – the beach bar vibe, waiters’ Hawaiian shirts, fruity drinks and smooth shisha will keep you entertained for hours.
Little black book:
Mirage Marine, near Marina Mall (02 635 9956)
Le Boulanger, Breakwater Road (055 324 8043)
Beachcomber, Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333)
Tips from the experts – we’ve asked three of Abu Dhabi’s ladies to describe the best night out they’ve had in the capital
Yessica, 24
The most fun I’ve ever had in Abu Dhabi was when Prince played at Yas Arena last November. My friends and I splashed out on Golden Circle tickets, which meant we got to stand right at the front and spot the celebrities – including Simon Pegg and Gabrielle. The atmosphere was just electric, and Prince had the whole crowd singing ‘Ooooh Abu Dha-BI!’ while he and his band jammed. He also played ‘Little Red Corvette’, which is my favourite song, as well as ‘Purple Rain’, which is an all-time classic. During the closing track of the evening, big balls of glitter exploded over everyone. I was covered in it! It turned out to be a really amazing night.
Vanessa, 27
Some of the best nights out I have had in Abu Dhabi have simply revolved around great girlfriends, fantastic food, bevvies and a patio. Our best night out started when the girls and I felt like throwing on a pair of heels and a party dress so we headed to Pearls & Caviar. Nothing beats a minty drink on the deck overlooking the Arabian Gulf. That inevitably led to a stop at Eight before the night was over, to dance off the delicious pre-party drinks we had indulged in moments before. In a place where we are often far away from family and tend to work way too hard, I cherish the laughter and fresh air that Abu Dhabi’s patios bring to girls’ nights out!
Charlotte, 26
I thought Beirut set the standards for sushi, and I wasn’t quite sure if Abu Dhabi would be able to top that. Our first few weeks in the city didn’t look promising, mostly thanks to the abysmal hotel food we were stuck with. But then we discovered Wasabi, a cosy restaurant that serves giant boats of sushi and sashimi in the perfect setting. Phenomenal food. My husband ordered two boats, two starters, a main and two soups. I think he was rebounding, and the waiters were stunned into silence; every time he cleared a plate he’d look at them and say ‘I’m pregnant, can’t be helped.’ Their polite expressions had me in stitches; best night we’ve had yet.
Monique, 35
I used to avoid flying into the area when I could, and always tried to sign up for the more exotic locations – anyone would, right? But then I filled in for a friend once and spent a day here, and because nothing was planned we ended up doing everything: a morning bus tour, lunch near a rooftop pool, an afternoon in a Jeep falling off dunes, and an evening watching belly dancers and roasting meat. Back in the hotel I couldn’t sleep, and walked out to have a shisha on the beach. I couldn’t believe I managed to fit all of those amazing experiences into one day; I uprooted and moved here a few weeks later, and found a job in the city. I’ll always remember that day.
Sales on this weekend!
The last of the sales are still on at Marina Mall, so get down there this weekend to snap up some fashion bargains at these three stores.
Oasis
Classy cuts, feminine tailoring and bright colours are the name of the game at Oasis, which is one of the more grown fashion chain stores in Abu Dhabi. It also does a nice line in accessories. It has a 50 per cent sale on selected lines until May 7.
Topshop
High fashion at mid-range prices. If you like your look to be inspired by the catwalk, Topshop is the place to pick up the very latest styles. Clothes here look terrific if you’re leggy and slim, not so brilliant if you’re not. Some of last season’s clothes, shoes and accessories have up to 50 per cent off until May 7.
Forever 21
Cheap, chic and cheerful, Forever 21’s lines are cute and girly for the most part. Prices are rock bottom, and they have promotions on certain items all throughout May.
The rest of the week
Being female in Abu Dhabi has its advantages. Try these woman-only activities.
Flag a pink taxi
This fleet of female-driven cars can only be used by women or families – and we swear, we’re not being biased – they’re some of the safest, friendliest drivers in town.
Get free drinks
Any night of the week, there’s a bar somewhere that’s pouring out glass after glass of free beverages for women. For this, we thank you.
Take golf lessons
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers group coaching sessions for women only throughout the week.
Visit the Ladies Recreation Club
The Armed Forces Officer’s Club has a gym exclusively for ladies to work out in. Plus the swimming pool is women-only on Sundays, Wednesdays and Friday mornings. So you can get fit in peace.
Skip the queues
Supermarkets, banks, public transport – you name it there’s a special short queue just for the girls. Step aside, gents.
Attend IBWG luncheons
The International Business Women’s Group holds talks every month on anything from career development to women’s rights.
Use the family public beach
Fed up of leering lads? Go to the bachelor-free family public beach to soak up some rays. You can only get in if you’re female, or if you’re with a family.
Ice skate on the cheap
Join in the heavily discounted ice skating class included in the Ladies’ Coffee and Skate Morning at Zayed Sports City on Tuesday mornings.
Sit at the front of buses
It’s less crowded and sweeter smelling. Take a seat.
