Spend your time wisely
Get with the lingo: In a city of so many tongues those with just one can feel inadequate. Enrol on a language course and you’ll get to make funny noises all afternoon. This is such a great way to meet people and you’ll probably be surprised at how quickly you pick everything up.
Berlitz language school. Zayed 1st Street, Al Khalidiyah, www.berlitz.ae (02 667 2287).
Head to the beach: You might not know it, but the beaches are buzzing during winter even though it’s a bit cooler outside, especially at night. Come sunset there are hordes of people strolling on the Corniche Beach. If you’re looking for something more active, though, you could hire a jet ski for a few hours.
Jet skis from the Hiltonia Beach Club (02 681 1900).
Grab a book: How many times have you told friends that you love reading, but simply can’t find the time to do it? Well then, maybe it’s high time you started your very own book club. Peer pressure will have you finishing the novels super-quick. Then you can discuss the novels you’ve read with some friends and engage in some interesting debates and conversations. Is Doctor Sleep, the new Stephen King sequel to The Shining, worth the wait? What about JK Rowling’s first foray into adult fiction, The Casual Vacancy?
Borders, Abu Dhabi Mall (02 697 9000).
Cook: If you’re anything like the chaps in the TOAD office any cooking that doesn’t involve a microwave is, frankly, terrifying so why not take the plunge and get yourself some cooking lessons with Jones the Grocer? You’ll be welcomed with a selection of refreshments and shown to your very own cooking station where you’ll find fresh ingredients waiting. You’ll be offered the opportunity to make unique and inspired classics, such as pan roasted sea bass with lentil salad and hazelnut dressing or herbed veal rump with homemade tuna mayo, confit cherry tomato and fried quail’s egg.
Classes cost Dhs375 per person, all-inclusive. The next one is February 23 6pm-7pm. Khalidiyah branch (02 639 5883).
Create a drink: Ever wanted to know how to make your own mocktails? Well now you can at Havana Club in the very glamorous Emirates Palace, where you can discover the art of mocktail making and learn how to mix, muddle and mash by participating in one of the Learn, Make, Taste classes. You’ll create enduring classics as well as the more modern blends.
Check the website for dates. Dhs250 per person. Havana Club, Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999).
Get fit and stay active
Stretch it out at yoga: Every week, a group of like-minded people congregate at the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, by the pool behind Sontaya, to practise yoga together. Mats are quietly unfurled, candles are lit and soft music that is barely audible is played in the background. This is an intense, body-contorting, muscle-defining type of yoga – which is absolutely perfect for fighting off work stress. Classes at the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort are held every Tuesday evening at 7.15pm and a class costs Dhs50 for non-members and Dhs35 for members of the St Regis Athletics Club.
The instructor, Jen, is also available for personal yoga lessons (050 826 7934).
Haddins Gym: If you’re a fitness junkie but work long hours and find yourself finishing late at night, or your regular is closing, Haddins Gym has great news for you because they stay open until midnight. It’s a great place to work out and offers a huge range of classes including boxing, circuit training, a running club, TRX, Pilates, Zumba and yoga. You’ll be spoilt for choice with everything on offer at Haddins.
Haddins Gym, 6am-midnight, Zayed Sports City (02 403 4200).
Night-time tennis: Fancy practising your serve or your swing after work? You’re in luck, because the tennis courts at Zayed Sports City will be staying open late. So book yourself in early for a night-time session as slots get filled up quickly. It hard work but it’s a great way to catch up with friends and it’ll be worth it when you’ve improved your skills.
Zayed Sports City tennis courts, 6am-10pm (02 403 4200).
Original Fitness Co
These guys are the gurus of fitness and getting motivated so there are no excuses for sitting on the sofa. No matter your age or fitness level OFC have got something for everyone and they specialise in catering for every individual and their needs. Try their bootcamps, combat classes, personal training and swim fitness.
Check the website for more details. www.originalfitnessco.com (02 406 9404).
Take a diving course: Feeling frustrated after being stuck at your desk for hours? Grab a few friends and get involved in some diving or snorkelling with the Emirates Divers Centre who do various PADI courses throughout the UAE.
Near Fish Market at Al Meena, www.edc-ad.ae (02 643 2444).
After-hours football training: If you want to get together with your mates for a game of football after work then Zayed Sports City’s pitches are open until midnight. You can also book a pitch inside The Dome’s inflatable space, which is also open until midnight as well.
The Dome, 9am-midnight (02 449 8480); Zayed Sports City training pitches, 7am-midnight (02 403 4200).
Hit the water: If you manage to finish work a bit early then jump in the car and head to Wadi Adventure in Al Ain. As the Middle East’s first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and surfing spot, Wadi Adventure offers something very different to the rest of the UAE’s water-oriented leisure destinations. Try the surfing pool (where waves reach heights of up to 3.3 metres) the vertiginous ‘air park’ adventure course, which combines a climbing wall, high-rope course, zip line and falling swing (harnesses included, phew!) and rafting and kayaking.
General admission Dhs100 for adults, Dhs50 for children. Check the prices for activities. Al Ain, www.wadiadventure.ae (03 781 8422).
Head out with friends
Relax@12: This cool venue at Aloft Hotel will literally have you feeling on top of the world. Treat yourself to yummy Asian tapas and a tasty selection of sushi while enjoying the night view over the city. Every evening you can try their delicious Cuban blends drinks deal where you can buy one, get one free from 5pm-7pm. A perfect way to finish off a hard day at the office.
Aloft Hotel, Khaleej Al Arabi (02 654 5000).
Cho Gao: Cho Gao at the Crowne Plaza runs a daily happy hour, with house beverages and mixed drinks slashed to half price from 4pm-7pm. Take a seat at the bar, choose your beverage and let the stress of the work day melt away. Cho Gao also offers tasty Asian inspired dishes that will go down well with a brew or a glass of grape.
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan St (02 616 6149).
Head to the pub: With its big tables and cosy seating, Cooper’s at Park Rotana is the ideal therapy for weary office workers. It’s also home to the longest happy hour in the city, with selected drinks available at half price from noon all the way until midnight. Cooper’s is a popular place but is mostly famous for its boisterous atmosphere and sports screenings. It is one of the city’s mercifully less smokey venues, thanks to a few balcony doors that strategically open when needed.
Park Rotana, Khalifa Park (02 657 3333).
Indulge in cheese: Fromage fiends should head down to the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, where you can revel in the ultimate cheese night on the heavenly Saadiyat Island. Enjoy the choicest options and great grape at Bubbles bar, from only Dhs149 per person.
Every Thursday, Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island (02 646 3500).
Have a ladies’ night: Overlooking Abu Dhabi’s most picturesque marina, the stylish terrace at the Yacht Club is the hottest spot in town with Asian cuisine and the imagination of its bar staff. Enjoy creative mixed drinks, stunning sunsets and much more. Monday nights are for the girls where you can enjoy free unlimited blends from 7pm-9.30pm. Wednesdays are also for the girls where you can expect a free flow of bubbly all night long. Why wait ’til the weekend to have fun?
7pm-1am. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888).
Wear pink: Ornina have a sensational offer on for all of the girls of Abu Dhabi and all you have to do is wear pink. Every Wednesday evening ladies who wear their favourite pink ensemble will enjoy complimentary pink bubbles and blends all night. If you and your girlfriends need a night out then we suggest you give it a whirl.
Ornina Restaurant & Lounge, Al Bandar (02 556 6090).
