It’s nearly Father’s Day, and if you haven’t planned something for the old man yet then shame on you. But don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Here’s all you need to let Dad know how much you appreciate all those times he gave you lifts, lent you money, taught you how to inflict a dead leg on your brother and didn’t tell your mum about those magazines under the bed. For these reasons (and about a million others) show him your gratitude by treating him to one of these days out, dinners or gifts, coupled with a hearty, back-slap and a manly hug. Job done.
Dinner: For hungry dads
Stills
If your old man is the type who will show you up at a fancy restaurant by requesting a tub of ketchup to go with his fillet steak, you’ll want to play it safe and treat him to something simple, rustic and delicious. Drop into Stills on Father’s Day between noon and 11pm, and you can pick up a pie and a glass of his favourite brew for a thoroughly reasonable Dhs50.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3053).
Suggested topics of conversation: Tax-free salaries, oppressiveness of weather, something about house prices.
Chamas
With its free-flowing spits of char-grilled flesh, the dining hall at Chamas is easily the most aggressively masculine room in the UAE. At Dhs255 it’s by no means cheap, but for a bit of mano-a-mano bonding, the Brazilian-themed churrascaria buffet can’t be beat. Assuming the old chap still has all his own gnashers, of course.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi (02 666 6888).
Suggested topics of conversation: Debate over best Bond, fortunes of favourite team (research may be necessary), general growling about cars.
Jones the Grocer
If you’ve ever overheard dad berating your mum for the type of olive oil she drizzles on his salad leaves, this little foodie paradise ought to do the job. They’re running a special father’s day menu including gourmet treats such as air-dried wagyu beef with pecorino cheese and shellfish risotto plus a chocolatey dessert, all for Dhs135.
Khalidiyah (02 639 5883); Muroor (02 443 8762); Al Raha Gardens (02 557 4882).
Suggested topics of conversation: Benefits of green energy, the Gaddafi situation, crème fraiche.
Sugar Daddy’s
All right, so this might not be a valid dinner option (unless your dad’s literally Buddy the Elf), but if your pops is strapped for time, dropping into this cute little mall-based café is a great way to show your appreciation. You can pick up one of their colourful Father’s Day cupcakes for just Dhs16, while those who are feeling more creative can bag a DIY cake kit for Dhs25 – add any sugary sentiment you please.
Khalidiyah Mall (056 767 9357).
Suggested topics of conversation: Broadway musicals, Marc Jacobs’ new collection, that hag from next door.
Grooming: For smart dads
Men’s Chill Out, Espa at The Yas Hotel: If your dad is picky about his appearance, a session at Espa, with its ultra-masculine decor and innovative treatments will be right up his street. For Father’s Day, the spa is offering a choice between a grooming treatment and a stress-relieving session. The Energising Salt and Oil Exfoliation is a rough scrub for stimulating circulation and rejuvenating skin. Alternatively, the Tensions Reliever – a back, neck, shoulder and scalp massage using powerful essential oils is an intense session ideal for unwinding after a busy day at the office. After either of these treatments, your dad can kick back and relax in Espa’s steam room, sauna and other facilities for the rest of the day.
Dhs200 for one hour’s treatment and access to facilities. Available Sun-Thu. Offer expires August 31
Gentleman’s Face Treatment, Zayna Spa
Handsome devil is he, your dad? He’ll appreciate this gent’s facial, which is targeted at clogged pores, sensitivity and razor-sore skin. The face treatment begins with an in-depth analysis to determine what kind
of skin he has, before deep cleansing, steaming, peeling and extractions, with a soothing mask as a final step. All-natural Pevonia products are used.
Dhs400 for one hour’s treatment Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel (02 495 3822).
Man/Age
Man/Age is offering a head-to-toe Father’s Day package that includes all of its essential treatments (and giving you a sneaky 20 per cent discount when you book it for your dad) The package includes a manicure, pedicure, soothing candle massage, Moroccan bath and its signature Man on the Run facial. Your dad can choose whether to visit the spa for a full five-hour session, or pay return visits to complete the treatments – the voucher will be valid for six months from the purchase date.
Dhs664. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi (02 681 8837).
Days Out: For Adventurous dads
Emirates Adventures Tours and Safaris
We’ve never come across a dad who wouldn’t like at least part of this half-day expedition. Whether he’s into dune bashing, barbecue dinners, camel riding or, uh, belly dancers, this is a really great experience for you to make the most of the desert together. You’ll be picked up in the afternoon in Abu Dhabi, and taken for an electrifying ride over the sand dunes, about an hour away, before arriving at the desert camp for dinner and activities. You’ll be dropped back in downtown Abu Dhabi at around 10.30pm.
Approximately Dhs250 per person, www.eatours.ae.
Yas Marina Circuit dads and lads special offer
How about arranging a little family bonding time, with the smell of diesel and burning rubber in the air? An action-packed, car-themed weekend on Yas Island is about as macho as it gets. The Yas Marina Circuit Dads and Lads package starts off with a visit to Ferrari World theme park, where you get to coax your dad on the fastest roller coaster in the world – Formula Rosso – and the park’s other adrenalin-pumping rides. Next up is a karting session at Yas Kartzone. This is your chance to indulge in a little healthy ‘playful’ competition with your dad, whizzing round the track and comparing top speeds and lap times (they give you a print out of your times when you’ve finished). Just don’t let dad get carried away trying to prove he’s not lost his edge yet – we’ve seen it happen before and it’s not pretty.
Dhs365 for adults and Dhs275 for kids. To check availability, call 800 YAS (800 927). Offer valid from now until August 31
Gifts: For the dad who has everything
Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Eau de Parfum
A brand new scent from possibly the most fashionable man in the world – Tom Ford – will have your dad smelling ultra-manly with this blend of Tunisian neroli, Italian bergamot, rosemary and amber.
Dhs1950, Available from Paris Gallery, Marina Mall (02 574 6565).
Ermenegildo Zegna ties
If your dad’s guilty of hoarding a cupboard full of nasty ties that don’t match his shirts, pick him up a stylish number from Ermenegildo Zegna – gorgeous fabric and cool blue shades that will go with almost anything.
Dhs745. Rodeo Drive, Sheikh Khalifa Street (02 626 4800).
Tateossian cufflinks
Cufflinks for the gentleman explorer – these beautifully crafted globe cufflinks are subtle yet eye-catching, and will make the perfect finish to Dad’s dinner suit.
Dhs1,300 Check out www.tateossian.com for shipping options and a store locator.
Elemis Universal Traveller
Perfect if Dad is jetting out of Abu Dhabi on regular business trips. The Elemis wash bag is packed with goodies such as shaving gel, wrinkle delay cream (nothing personal, Dad), face wash, and, erm, pro-collagen hand and nail cream.
Dhs500 Available at Debenhams, Khalidiyah Mall (02 635 4994).
Great White Knives
If there was ever a way to get Dad back in the kitchen, it’s with these unique hardened ceramic (zirconium oxide) knives, which are sharper than steel, don’t rust and only need sharpening once a year.
Dhs399 for a three-knife set. Order online at www.greatwhiteknives.com (orders within UAE are delivered free of charge)
Cashmere robe
There’s no better attire for Dad to mooch around in on his day off. This made-to-order robe is 100 per cent cashmere, woven in Italy and comes in either navy or grey. Gift Library ships globally, so is perfect if your dad lives overseas.
Dhs6,654 Available from www.gift-library.com.
Table football
Unless Dad is extremely generous with your pocket money, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever be able to buy him this Swarovski-encrusted foosball table by VIP Kicker. But hey, we can
always dream…
Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai (04 409 8888). Available for delivery in Abu Dhabi through www.harvey nichols.com.
If all else fails, makes sure you don’t forget to buy the card…
Win brownie points with Dad back home by designing him a card, complete with a personalised message, and have it delivered to his doorstep within 24 hours – you don’t even have to leave your desk. The Moonpig website enables you to send cards and flowers (not that Dad will want flowers, mind) anywhere in the UK, US and Australia.
www.moonpig.com.
