Whether it’s a pretty plate of food, cool fitness studio, amazing gig or a beautiful beach scene, we’re all guilty of taking snaps that are purely intended to go on social media here in Abu Dhabi.
But as we live in such a brilliant place, it would be a shame not to share (or show it off) to all our friends and followers, wouldn’t it?
However, our profiles are about to get a further boost, as a weekend of music, food, fashion and fitness is on its way to the capital.
Club Social is taking place from March 29 to 30 at Yas Beach, and although it’s partly designed to look great on social media, it also offers loads of fun for all ages, meaning you can make great memories as well as take great Insta posts.
So read on to find out why you should check out the most ‘likeable’ festival in Abu Dhabi…
Bastille
Headlining the stage on Friday March 29 are British indie-dance band Bastille. For those of you familiar with the UK’s indie and pop rock scene, this trendy four-piece will need no introduction. With a back catalogue of huge hits such as Pompeii, Bad Blood, Flaws and recent chart-toppers like the irresitibly catchy Happier, Bastille are guaranteed to put on an emotionally driven and energy filled performance. They’ve certainly come a long way since featuring on the soundtrack to British reality show Made in Chelsea.
Food
Of course, no festival here in Abu Dhabi would be complete without food trucks, and the offering at Club Social is tremendous. You won’t find over-priced greasy burgers or soggy cheesy chips, instead there’ll be high-quality dishes from local and international outlets. These include New York-style plates from Clinton Street Bakery, healthy and wholesome meals from Balance, cheesy pizzas from Dubai-born C’est Cheese, rolled ice-cream treats from JAM and caffeine-based beverages from Coffee Architecture.
Fitness
Fitness fans will also be in their element. You can work up an appetite before you hit the food trucks by taking part in boxing sessions with slick studio PUNCH, HIIT workouts with Abu Dhabi-based trainer Simon Pepper, and hip hop and Zumba dance classes with Emirati entrepreneur Maryam Lari. The latter is perfect if you want to burn some calories and bust some moves at the same time. It’s so fun it doesn’t really feel like exercise.
Fashion
As you enjoy the sunshine on Yas Beach, you can also indulge in a spot of retail therapy. There will be loads of pop-up shops from fashion and accessory brands such as VICE Jewellery, Wildwood, Artisan & Monkey, Nomadic State of Mind, and The Gentleman’s Community. Or, if you want to get glammed up and ready for some festival-style partying (and loads of selfies, obvs), you can get made up with some glitter and diamond body art from Glitterati.
More fun
There’s nothing more Instagram-friendly than a giant inflatable animal. And millennials and families can both enjoy floating away atop a flamingo and a huge range of hilarious inflatable shapes at the floatie fair. Just make sure you come with a fully-charged phone to get snaps of the clear blue waters of the Gulf. Other zones include the kids teepee park, hammock hang-out, fish market, and a sandcastle-building master class. Then after sunset, the beach transforms into a proper party for those aged 21 and above.
Why you should go
Created by BRAG and in partnership with Yas Island and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCTA), the two-day festival has something to appeal to all tastes, whether you’re into music, fitness, fashion, or simply working on making your social media profile look even more awesome.
It’s part of something DCTA are calling Engine Week, which also includes events such as the World Rallycross and Custom Show Emirates.
Fatima Al Baloushi, acting events calandar planning and development manager at DCTA says the event is “bringing creativity, colour and community engagement to the capital.” And we totally agree with her.
Tickets
Oh, we should probably mention that the festival site is totally free to enter if you register at ticketmaster.ae in advance, otherwise it’s Dhs50 onthe door. Tickets for the Bastille gig (March 29) are also bought separately and cost Dhs195 per person.
Free (if registered in advance), Dhs50 (on the door), Dhs195 (Bastille). Mar 29-30. Yas Beach, Yas Island, www.ticketmaster.ae.
