Beautiful Bars
Take a seat al fresco and enjoy spectacular views at some of the finest outdoor venues in Abu Dhabi.
The Beachcomber: Situated directly next to the beach at Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s private lagoon, this is the perfect place to kick back, relax and enjoy a beverage away from the busy city. The chilled out ambiance is perfect for an after-work catch-up with friends and a great place to take a date. A real mixture of people frequent The Beachcomber, all eager to try the flavoursome tapas, paella and Spanish-lite main dishes from nearby Bravo restaurant.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 677 3333).
Left Bank: Situated at the chic Souk Qaryat Al Beri, sit outside and lap up the view of the spectacular creek and the Grand Mosque. With very cool décor which combines understated modern with old sci-fi movie influences, this is the perfect place to unwind with one of their imaginative beverages. Left Bank has attentive waiters who will make sure you don’t go thirsty.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 5581680).
Relax@12: This über cool venue at Aloft Hotel will literally have you feeling on top of the world. Get set for a fabulous night out at the rooftop bar where you can treat yourself to yummy oriental tapas and a tasty selection of sushi, and enjoy the night view over the city while the mix of DJs set the mood for the evening. This bar looks out over the mangroves and the new developments in Abu Dhabi and has
an atmosphere so swanky you’ll be quite happy spending an entire evening there.
Aloft Hotel (02 654 5000).
Sundowner Pool Bar: Chill out by the pool at Sundowner, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, and feast your eyes on a mindblowing sunset. You can enjoy great shisha while listening to the cool beats of one of their DJs every Friday. With a casual but stylish ambiance, Sundowner Pool Bar lets you kick back, gather your thoughts and savour delicious snacks.
Crowne Plaza Yas Hotel (02 656 3053).
Al fresco Restaurants
Eating outdoors is one of the nicest things you can do in the city during the cooler months.
Pearls & Caviar: With gorgeous views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and located right at the water’s edge, Pearls & Caviar at the Shangri-La Hotel is a great dining option when you want to eat fantastic seafood outside. And once you’re finished, head to the upstairs open air bar for drinks and tapas under the stars. On the way home take a nippy little buggy back to the valet parking.
Shangri-La Hotel (02 509 8777).
Finz: Possibly one of the city’s most romantic al fresco dining experiences. Eat on the jetty of the restaurant, which is basically a wooden island with panoramic views over the water. Even if you don’t want to be outdoors, the seafood chalet offers a rustic and spacious interior. Serving up an exceptional choice of seafood, Finz makes for a sophisticated lunch or dinner.
Beach Rotana (02 697 9000).
Vasco’s: This hugely popular venue named after the famous discoverer Vasco da Gama, is still one of the city’s favourite haunts after 11 years. Serving international fare and specialising in great seafood, it’s a must on the Abu Dhabi dining scene. Sit outdoors on the terrace and take in the views of both the Corniche and the sea: there is stunning scenery whichever way you look.
The Hilton Abu Dhabi (02 681 1900).
Sho Cho: Inside, the décor is fun while outside the real magic happens as diners enjoy calming seas and the odd bobbing yacht as they look at views of Maqtaa Creek and the Grand Mosque. The food’s great as well and they offer a vast menu of both cooked dishes and sushi. Sho Cho is certainly one of Abu Dhabi’s top outdoor dining options.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri (02 558 1117).
Adrenaline adventures
Experience the great outdoors away from the nation’s capital.
Diving in Musandam
Try diving further afield off the Musandam peninsula, where you can do night dives around a shipwreck. You’ll need Omani driving insurance and your passport.
Dive prices start from Dhs505. Extra Divers Base (00 968 2 673 0501), www.musandam-diving.com.
Overnight dhow cruise
Enjoy a day’s cruising around Musandam (think azure waters and a mountainous backdrop), plus snorkelling, dolphin-watching and meals, rounded off with a snooze under the stars on deck.
From dhs170 per person for a day trip (you’ll need Omani driving insurance and your passport). Sheesa Beach, www.sheesabeach.com (00 968 2 683 6551).
Mountain biking in Dibba
Work up a sweat biking to the foot of the Qasr Al Zaiba’a (or Queen of Sheba) mountain, taking in Dibba Castle on your rocky descent towards a gathering of abandoned rock huts. You’ll need your passport.
From Dhs350 per person. Absolute Adventure (050 625 9165), www.adventure.ae.
Nature and wildlife drives
See Sir Bani Yas Island and the Arabian Wildlife Park in specially designed four-wheel drive vehicles. Expert guides will help you discover free-roaming indigenous and non-indigenous wildlife and a myriad of birdlife, as well as beautiful geological formations and various archaeological remains.
Contact the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara www.desertislands.anantara.com (02 801 5400).
Boat snorkelling
The Desert Island Resort & Spa offers snorkelling, but this isn’t some run-of-the-mill trip. Divers leave the shore by boat and are taken to some incredible sealife viewing destinations on the reef. Perfect if you fancy seeing a huge variety of marine life. And if you’re really lucky, you might see dolphins and turtles as well.
Suitable for adults and children ten years and above. Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa (02 801 5400). www.desertislands.anantara.com.
Water sports
Head for Al Ain if you want to experience some extreme aqua fun. Wadi Adventure is the region’s first man-made water sports park, where you can try white water rafting, kayaking or surfing. It’s home to the world’s biggest man-made surf wave at 3.3m and the world’s longest kayaking channel network at 1.7km. You can choose lessons from certified trainers, bring your own equipment or rent or buy gear from
the resort’s shop.
Contact (03 781 8422). www.wadiadventure.ae.
Al Ain camel market
This market is the last remaining of its kind in the UAE. Held daily and free of charge, visitors can experience the action as traders from across the Arab world haggle and barter for some of the more impressive beasts. Although it’s a great photo opportunity, remember to ask before you snap and ask if there is a charge for photography.
Get Out & About in Abu Dhabi
Check out the best of the outdoors in the capital Shooting
Al Forsan International Sports Resort is the place to head if you want to use firearms like a cowboy. Catering for the novice to the professional shooter, the facility boasts several handgun and rifle ranges. Choose from sporting clay ranges, pavilions, flush (fast release of mixed targets) and trap fields for the advanced shooters, along with skeet and various shotguns.
www.alforsan.com (02 556 8555).
PADI diving
If you fancy getting to grips with diving this winter check out Al Mahara Scuba trips and PADI courses. Catering for beginners and the experienced, the centre follows Project Aware Eco Operator’s best practice to ensure the preservation of the amazing local aquatic environment.
info@divemahara.com (02 643 7377).
Kayaking
Hire both sea and mangrove kayaks at the Al Mahara Diving Center if you fancy heading off for a big old explore. Often referred to as the ‘rainforest of the sea’ the mangroves are an essential trip for anyone staying in Abu Dhabi. Expect to see egrets, herons, crab plovers, sandpipers, socotra cormorants and – if you’re lucky – flocks of pink flamingos as you paddle through the channels.
The Club www.the-club.com (02 673 1111).
Climbing
The climbing wall at The Club (near Port Zayed) offers various colour-coded routes of varying difficulty all the way to the top. Members aged from four years old and up can use the facility.
The Club, www.the-club.com (02 673 1111).
Hashing
Hashing is a worldwide society of runners, joggers and walkers, which is just as much about socialising as it is getting fit. Join the group to receive notification of the next run, then head along and start meeting new people, however fast you decide to go. This family hash encourages kids, babies and the odd pooch. Runs take place every Monday at 6.30pm.
See www.auh4.org for more details.
Al Mina fruit and veg market
Perfect if you fancy some unique photo opportunities and want to experience the vibrancy of the city many expats don’t get to see. The Al Mina vegetable market is known for its cheap and super-fresh produce. It’s a great spot for a bargain and a stroll.
Plant souk
If you want to brighten up your balcony or garden this winter visit the plant souk near the popular Mina fish market. Marvel at the lush vegetation of the diverse flora. Some of it is local, but many items are from as far away as Asia and Africa. Pick up some bargains (depending on how well you haggle) and learn a thing or two about horticulture from the growers themselves.
Abu Dhabi sport league listings
If you fancy joining a team this winter check out Duplays. The site lists all local amateur leagues as well as their contacts and details on how you can join.
Visit www.abudhabi.duplays.com.
Tai chi and Chi-gong
Alexander Ivanov’s popular classes are moving back outside for the winter months. His comprehensive martial arts programme is available on the Corniche and at the Shangri-La, on weekdays at 8am and 8pm. A great way to get fit and meet people.
Phone Alexander on (050 516 6515).
Fun for all the Family
Make the most of the mild weather with the kids.
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort
The UAE’s top game reserve is home to some 4,000 animals, showcasing everything from baboons, bears and birds to gazelles, giraffes and gorillas, not to mention rare white lions and free-roaming wildebeest. There are also playgrounds, a café and plenty of green space for picnics.
Dhs15 adults, Dhs5 kids, under sixes free. Sat-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-8pm. www.awpr.ae (03 782 8188).
Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre
A wildlife sanctuary for confiscated and rescued big cats, this conservation centre is brilliant for kids with a fascination for exotic animals. The centre focuses on the breeding of African cheetah, tigers, lions and other large cats and is involved in large carnivores’ conservation programmes. Guided tours dhs45 per person. Mon-Wed 9am-5pm. Behind Al Wathba Lake on the Al Ain truck road just outside Mussaffah.
www.adubdhabiwildlifecentre.com (050 614 4024).
Mushrif Central Park
These gorgeous and vast gardens have amusement park rides, swings, cooling fountains, games and activities for the kids and loads of parking.
Al Markaziyah Gardens
Off the Corniche in the very centre of Abu Dhabi, Al Markaziyah offers a welcome respite from the bustle of the city. Boasting botanic gardens, a shade house, a performing arts centre, sculpture garden, a large pond and fountains, each area has a small selection of climbing frames, swings and slides. Snack and drinks can be brought into the grounds and it’s a great place to let the kids loose.
Location: Opposite NBAD (National Bank of Abu Dhabi).
Khalidiya Children’s Park
One of Abu Dhabi’s biggest parks (just off the Eastern Ring Road), its inspiration has come from Arabic and Islamic architecture. There’s a tonne of things to do, whether you decide to have a stroll and take in the
canals, fountains, lakes and waterfalls or unleash your inner child by hopping on the miniature railway. Entirely reserved for families, it’s safe and there’s loads of kiddie play equipment, picnic areas and an outdoor auditorium. In addition, the Murjan Splash Park is located here too, which is great value-for-money fun for the little ones.
Located on Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Al Khalidiya. Open 24/7.
Dive into stunning Pools
Make a splash at some of the capital’s finest resorts.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: The Fairmont has two outdoor, temperature controlled swimming pools (an Olympic-size lap pool and a covered children’s pool area) as well as a poolside jacuzzi. The pools will be open every day and there is a great bar called Poolside located by (drum roll, please) the poolside! It is also adjacent to the beach and offers a cutting-edge menu featuring gourmet burgers and blended beverages.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Bain Al Jessrain (02 654 3333).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort: There are three great pools to choose from. There’s the adult pool, with a swim-up bar. Downstairs you’ll find a family pool with a slide and waterfall. And of course there’s the toddlers and baby pool with a sunshade which is great for keeping sunburn at bay. The bar has an all-day menu consisting of cold and hot snacks and dishes, soft drinks, beverages and a wide range of blends. The Sheraton’s facilities are open every day and the water is chilled.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Al Markaziyah (02 677 3333).
Yas Viceroy: If you live in close proximity to Yas Island or just fancy a change of scenery then head to the Yas Viceroy and dip into one of their very cool pools. The hotel boasts two: the Marina Deck swimming pool, which is 25m long and is an area for us grown-ups, and a second one in the main building which is 17m long and more family-friendly. Both of them have a bar: Longitude (Marina Deck) and Latitude (in the main building), serving a decent selection of beverages and snacks.
Yas Viceroy Hotel (02 656 0600).
Khalidiyah Palace Rayhaan: Has one pool for adults and one for the kids. The Sunset Bar outdoor terrace, which is located by the pool, serves snacks, tempting desserts and refreshing drinks. In the summer both are chilled using a temperature control system.
Khalidiyah Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, Khalidiyah (02 657 0000).
Shangri-La Hotel: The Shangri-La Hotel has five pools in total and a stunning 1km beach front, however walk-in guests can only access the infinity pool. Even the fitness centre has a lap pool. There is a great bar and the
awe-inspiring view of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from the deck is truly amazing.
Shangri-La Hotel, Between the Bridges (02 509 8777).
Future events
Have fun later this year at these key dates on the city’s calendar.
The UAE Pro League
The cool weather means one thing for the city’s football fans: the Pro League is back! The season starts late September, with local sides Al Jazira and Al Wahda both gunning for league and cup glory.
Al Wahda: Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wahdah. Al Jazira: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium Muroor Road (4th) and Al Saada Street (19th) (800 JAZIRA)
Abu Dhabi Film Festival
One of the biggest events on the Abu Dhabi calendar, the festival regularly holds movie nights outdoors. Check their website for details nearer the time.
Abu Dhabi Film Festival, October 11-20, www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae.
Tropfest
This Arabic version of the world’s largest short film festival was a major hit last year, with a massive crowd watching movies outdoors on the Corniche on a huge screen. Entry to this year’s festival is now closed, so budding film makers will have to wait until 2013. But the rest of you can head to the beach and watch some of the best in local movie making.
Tropfest, October 26, the Corniche, www.tropfest.com/arabia-en.
Formula one
The whole city goes absolutely potty the weekend the F1 arrives in town. This year’s competition is already proving to be special, with the likes of Mark Webber, Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button all vying for top spot in the standings. A trip to Yas Island to hear the roar of the cars made by Ferrari, Red Bull and Lotus is a perfect way to close out the year.
Formula 1, November 2-4, Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
