Life’s too short for getting bogged down by work, emails and stress. After all, you’re not here for a long time, you’re here for a good time.
Luckily, here in Abu Dhabi, if you want to have a little fun, there are plenty of ways to make hay while the sun shines. Here are some of the best feel-good things to do in the capital.
Family fuzziness
Breakfast with Giraffes
A day out with the animals (your offspring included) never fails to please but at Emirates Park Zoo, the awe is intensified as lucky visitors can have their early morning Weetabix (other cereals are available) with the local residents. Exciting for adults, one can only imagine what it must be like for a kid when Melman drops in to say hello. Guaranteed to get people showing their pearly whites.
Dhs1,575 (five people). Open daily 8am-10am. Al Bahyah, www.emirateszooandparkresort.com (02 501 0000).
Brilliant beach day
No matter how many times we go to the beach – and it is a lot – we never get tired of it. The sand, the sea, the sun and the fun always makes us feel good. And Abu Dhabi is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches. Soul Beach on Saadiyat Island is a highlight so grab the togs and head for a top day out.
Dhs50 (weekdays). Dhs75 (weekends). Open daily 7am-6pm, Mamsha Al Saadiyat, (050 929 0936).
Peppy park life
There aren’t many things in life that make us more fuzzy inside than spending time with loved ones at the park. The fresh air, the nature, the freedom. And Abu Dhabi being a park-friendly city means there are plenty of spots for families to explore and relax in. Don’t know which to go for? Head to Reem Central Park where there is an endless list of activities and, of course, space to sit down and enjoy an ice cream.
Free entry. Open 6am-11pm. Jazeerat Al Reem.
Set sail (slowly)
Raise the sail and pull up the anchor and let’s go on a maritime adventure. Meander through the mangroves learning about the local habitat and wildlife in an environmentally friendly way thanks to the electric engines of Eco Donut Boats. Remember to bring supplies of sweets and fizzy drinks for the voyage.
From Dhs200 (six people). Open daily 9am-11pm. Zone 1, Eastern Mangrove, www.ecodonutboats.com, (056 480 0427).
Waterpark wonderment
Making a splash at the waterpark will lift anyone’s mood. The emotional Richter scale is just about left intact as you whizz around the slides, drop from scary heights and plunge head-first into a big pool of water. The recently reopened Yas Waterworld is the place for all aquatic amusement needs. We never leave disappointed and neither will you.
From Dh210. Open Mon-Sun 10am-6pm. Yas Island, Yas West, www.yaswaterworld.com (600 511115).
Fun times with friends
Camping in the desert
Camping is an activity everyone must try once in their lives. The road trip into the desert, the sense of the unknown, the inability to put up a tent – it’s all a part of the adventure. And with a patchy phone signal, we can’t receive any pesky work-related calls. Al Wathba Desert Camp is a great shout for first-time campers and is only a 30-minute drive from the capital so if there is too much sand in the tent, a journey back home won’t take too long.
Open 24 hours. Lane 3702 – Al Wathba.
Enjoy a day at the pool
One of the happier times of the week is when we are just hanging out with our mates. No stress, no judgment, just cool vibes. And in Abu Dhabi when the temperatures are starting to crank up through the gears as we move towards summer, a day at the pool is where we want to be. There are loads of locations in the capital that provide a day’s pool pass. Check out The Cove at West Bay, which is just a couple of strides away from the Gulf. If swimming’s not your thing you can just kick back and doze off in one of the hammocks.
Dhs180 (Weekdays), Dhs200 (weekend). Daily 6am-11pm. The Cove at West Bay, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 681 1900).
Go brunching
It’s a pretty obvious one but brunch with friends never fails to disappoint or put smile on our faces. Tonnes of food, buckets of drinks, and chilling with our compadres without the worry of work the next day looming over us. Seriously, what’s not to like? Hit up Loca for a five-hour brunch stacked with marvellous Mexican food and drinks. Great times with great people.
Dhs135 (soft drinks), Dhs210 (house beverages). Fri noon-5pm. Loca, the Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 582 3639).
Have a happy hour
How could we compile a list of feel-good activities in the capital and not put attending a happy hour on it? It’s literally in the name. Abu Dhabi establishments love to give their loyal punters a discount on drinks. Jazz & Fizz Bar offer a 50 percent discount on house beverages as well as 25 percent off grub. Drinks and food at reduced prices? That’s going to make anyone grin.
Daily 6pm-9pm. Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Capital Plaza Complex (02 813 7777).
Hook happiness
Catch a load of good feelings with a fishing trip out on the bay. Just you and your mates (and the guide, obvs) out on the ocean, shooting the breeze with a couple of cool bottles. Casting a line is also involved but it seems to be a minor addition to the experience. Interested? Get on to ABSea Sports Fishing for a four-hour trip for four people including equipment for Dhs1,300. If that doesn’t bait you, nothing will.
Dhs1,300 (four people). Daily sunrise-sunset. Al Marina, www.fishinguae.com, (052 899 6301).
Live it up on a ladies’ night
Throw off the shackles of the day and get dolled up for one of the best nights of the week. Every establishment in the city loves a ladies’ night with a plethora of super deals to turn frowns right upside down. Filini Garden’s Monday night for gals is a little beauty with unlimited sparking for Dhs69 and 50 percent off food. It’s almost too good to be true.
From Dhs 69. Mon 5pm-11.30pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 2000).
Seize the start of the day with breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and without any sustenance, the hunger pangs will overpower the happy vibes with a bout of sheer hangriness. Fortunately Abu Dhabians take the first feast of the day very seriously so there are a range of belting brekkies to get your hands on. From pancakes to fry-ups, there will be no growling from the tum until lunch. Wander on down to the Coffee Club for a belly busting English breakfast of Cumberland sausages, veal bacon, eggs, cherry tomatoes, button mushrooms, sourdough toast and a hash brown.
Dhs67. Various locations including Yas Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall, www.thecoffeeclubme.com.
Solo smiling
Coffee on the Corniche
Close your eyes and picture this. Strolling along the amazing beachfront with a gentle breeze keeping you cool from the sun’s heat and then stopping by Arabica café to grab a cuppa. Sit down and watch the world go by or perhaps start that book you just haven’t had a spare minute for. This is the epitome of ‘me time’.
From Dhs17. Open Sun-Wed 6.30am-midnight, Thu-Sat 6.30am-1am. Al Jazeera Tower, Corniche Road (02 677 7335).
Don’t bargain with happiness
‘Buying myself new stuff doesn’t give me enjoyment,’ said no one ever. Shopping is such a good way to get back on the treadmill of fun living and with malls, malls and more malls in the capital than anyone would possibly ever need, the bank account should prepare itself to be raided. Head to The Galleria Mall where there are more than 400 stores and 100 restaurants. Can’t buy happiness? These Louboutins heels say otherwise.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Maryah Island, www.thegalleria.ae (02 493 7400).
Explore Abu Dhabi
One thing we are all guilty of in the capital is not giving into wanderlust. Too often we put off going sightseeing because there is always another time. Become a tourist and discover all the glorious monuments and insta opportunities Abu Dhabi has to offer. Check out Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace, at night for some awesome light displays. It’s pretty dazzling in the daytime, too.
Dhs60. Open Sun and Tue-Wed 10am-6pm, Thu-Sat noon-6.30pm. Al Ras Al Akhdar, www.qasralwatan.ae (600 544 442).
Float away into bliss
Lift the weight off your feet (and mind) by trying a floating therapy session. No special breathing techniques or muscle contractions needed here, you simply clamber into a specially designed, darkened pod that is filled with super-saturated salt solution enabling you to float away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and into a deep state of relaxation. Don’t believe us? Head to Point Zero flotation centre to be proven wrong.
From Dhs367.50. Open daily 10am-10pm. Khalifa City, www.pointzeroflotation.com (02 445 5775).
Get a hair cut
It’s totally not vain to admire yourself in the mirror for a couple of hours after getting a fresh cut. Gone are those shaggy manes and untidy dos for a slick new you. When you look good, you feel good and fortunately for everyone in Abu Dhabi there are lots of hairdressers and barbers from which to choose. Gals, have a nosy at the Glamour Hair Salon and for the guys, look up Chaps & Co where each man gets a free hair towel after being pampered for close on an hour. Nice.
Glamour Hair Salon: Open Sun-Tue 9am-6pm, Wed-Sat 10am-7pm. Al Raha Beach, Al Zeina (02 5559902), Al Ain Tower, Khalidiya (02 626 3003). Chaps & Co: Open Mon-Thu 9am-10pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-9pm, Sun 10am-10pm, Al Bateen Marina (02 208 0500).
Manicure those misgivings away
Hair tossed, check my nails. They need doing and fast. It is amazing how the smallest irritant can play on our minds and lead to increased levels of anxiety based around your innate self-consciousness. Make sure nails are one less thing to worry about by getting a manicure to brighten up your day. Nails UAE know exactly what is needed when it comes to your fingers and with prices starting from Dhs60 including a hand and arm massage, ladies will be feeling as good as Lizzo.
From Dhs60. Open daily 10am-9pm. The Souk – Qaryat Al Beri, www.nail.ae (02 885 6000).
Simmer down at a spa
Enter exhausted, exit energised. The spa is the place to put a smile back on anyone’s chops. From simple facial massages to full-body treatments, let your limbs go limp like a boiled piece of asparagus as the tranquillity of the surroundings and skills of the therapists remove every ounce of stress from and infuse contentment in every pore. For those wishing to truly indulge, experience the The Emirates Palace Spa’s Day of Gold treatment for five-and-a-half hours involving a gold hammam and a 24-carat gold radiance facial.
Dhs4,035. Open daily 10am-11pm. Corniche West, www.mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7978).
Take a class
We love learning new skills and unleashing unknown talents here at Time Out and when we have mastered (or just about managed) a new task, we feel really good about ourselves. In Abu Dhabi there are plenty of classes where one can pick up a few tips from painting and to cooking. We like the look of an Abu Dhabi pottery class where we can sculpt all sorts of cool stuff (an effigy of the boss, maybe).
From Dhs225. Open 10am-9pm. Dabbas St, Khalidiya, abudhabipottery.com (02 666 7079).
Active elation
Find jet ski joy
Now this is something to make the hairs stand up the back of the neck. Hitting speeds of up to 70mph, there is a thrill when the throttle is opened up and you’re zooming along the sea on a jet ski. Get in touch with Captain Sam’s Jet Ski Tours & Rentals for this burst of adrenaline.
From Dhs225. Open Tues 9am-5pm. Al Bateen, www.captain-sams.com (056 477 7970).
Kayak to contentment
From struggling with the concept that right oar in means turning left and vice versa to simply capsizing, kayaking is a bundle of fun. And because it is kayaking in Abu Dhabi, it’s obviously going to be a little special. You can paddle around the Louvre Abu Dhabi six days a week and learn about the brilliant building from a unique perspective.
FromDhs126. Daily 8am, 4.30am, 6pm, Wed 7.30pm. Saadiyat. www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 56 55 66).
Punch your way to peace
Frustration and stress can get the best of us sometimes. We all have those days. But don’t hold on to that burning coal. Take out those adverse feelings at Punch Club. With tonnes of classes to sign up for, everyone can find their level and their way back to their happy place.
Dhs100. Open Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Sat 9pm-3pm. Zayed Sports City, www.punchclub.ae (02 666 9717).
Strike a pose at Yoga
Stretch out tension and take in the satisfaction as the ancient practice of mental clarity and calmness removes wrinkles from the face and replaces them with dimples. Aside from the obvious happy inducing effect yoga has, there is something so empowering about being able to better control emotions as well as being able to touch your toes. The hot flow class at YogaOne studio will suitably challenge any yogi with classes heated between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, sweating out the negative energy, leaving only good thoughts.
From Dhs80 per class. Open Sat-Thu 8am-7pm, Fri 9am-7pm. Mangrove One Compound, Khalifa Park area (02 562 1217).
Work out all worries
For the uninitiated or uninterested, exercising is near the top of the list when it comes to making you feel good (it’s scientifically proven). The energy, the pump and sense of achievement are all emotions that speed through the body when you smash a workout. Have we piqued your interest? Look up Al Wathba Cycle Track where you can choose from 8km to up 30km loops and with it being open 24 hours a day, there isn’t an excuse to miss out on the recommended daily 30 minutes’ slog.
Open 24 hours. Al Wathba Cycle Track.
Give back to the community
Breathe new life into clothes
Got a stack of outfit that don’t do enough to earn you attention anymore? Hand over any shoes, jeans, coats and more to one of the many Emirates Red Crescent centres around the city and you can give your wardrobe a spring clean while doing your bit for charity. The gifts make such a huge difference to those in need and givers will feel pretty good about themselves as well.
Various locations throughout the city including Muroor Road and Zone 1, Ministries Complex, www.rcuae.ae (800 733).
Cycle for charity
Getting out on a bike is a great way to explore Abu Dhabi but did you know you can actually contribute to charity while doing so? The Careem rewards system enables riders to build up points and in turn you can use these points to donate to worthy causes such as Boheya and Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation.
Give blood
Feeling rather charitable? No need to put your hand in your pocket. Regular blood donations are vital and always welcome at The Abu Dhabi Blood Bank. There’s also the Al Ain Regional Blood Bank, located in the Al Jimi district.
Abu Dhabi: Open Sat-Thu 7am-9.30pm. Khalidiya, www.legacy.seha.ae (02 819 1700). Al Ain: Open Sun-Thu 7am-9pm, Sat 6am-9pm. Al Mu’tarid Civic Centre (03 707 4191).
Help put a smile on a child’s face
The good folks down at Operation Smile know the international language of grinning. With a goal to put the smile back on every child’s face, support them by donating books, clothes and other valuables. Making others happy? Surely there’s no better feeling than that.
Open Sun, Tues, Thu 9am-5pm, Mon, Wed 10am-4pm. Zone 1, www.operationsmile.org (02 658 4790).
Feel good for free
Amble through Al Ain Oasis
It is said palm trees represent triumph, victory and peace and when you stroll through the UNESCO world heritage site at Al Ain Oasis, you will certainly experience the latter. Surrounded by 147,000 trees, it is a top place for a walk as all problems take a back seat.
Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Ain Street, Central District, Al Ain (03 711 8251).
Marvel at Qasr Al Muwaiji
The Garden City has another amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site that is free to explore. An impressive archaeological and historical structure, Qasr Al Muwaiji was also the birthplace of the country’s president, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 1948.
Open Tue-Thu, Sat-Sun 9am-7pm, Fri 3pm-7pm. Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, Al Ain www.qasralmuwaiji.ae.
Overcome fear at the terrifying mountain at Moreeb Dune
Feeling good, adrenaline rushes, shaking in your boots. When you think about it, those feelings are very similar you know. And no more so do visitors go through the range of emotions than at Moreeb Dune. More than 300m in height with an estimated 50-degree face, daredevils attempt to drive as far up the mountain as possible. Even if fear gets the better of you, it is still pretty exhilarating watching the pros strut their stuff.
Moreeb Dune, 25km south of Liwa Oasis.
Spas to Make you feel good
Escape to Zaya Nurai Island
Hop on a boat and set sail to Zaya Nuya Island, leaving the city and strain behind. Guests can relax, recharge and rejuvenate through a number of holistic approaches to wellness including aromatherapy massage, facials, scrubs, wraps and loads more before ending the experience outside with nature. Go for the day pass which is priced at Dhs480, Dhs420 of which is redeemable against food, beverages, and activities as well as the spa. Now that’s a deal well worth setting sail for.
Prices vary. Call for timings. Zaya Nurai Island (02 506 6222).
Let go at Chi the Spa
With a name like Shangri-La, you would expect this place to be easy on the eye and soothing for the soul. The hotel’s Chi The Spa takes inspiration from the legendary Himalayan enclave, offering a range of treatments including body wraps and scrubs, Moroccan hammam, a full complement of massages, facials and nail treatments, which drain the negativity and inject energy. Try the signature Asian Blend Massage for Dhs582, which combines traditional Asian techniques, including Thai pressure points, Balinese and Malaysian strokes and Chinese energy flow. Utter bliss.
Prices vary. Daily 10am-midnight. Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi, Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8900).
Feel reborn at Heavenly Spa
The spa at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort and Spa, promises a ‘unique world of physical and mental renewal’ where visitors can opt for treatments including a body scrub, different massages, a body wrap, hair and scalp treatments, facials and more. We recommend The Butterfly Effect for Dhs685. A combination of Thai, deep tissue and sports massage, this treatment concentrates on working the muscles, the rhythmic and strong massaging releases tension making guests feel free like a bird.
Open daily 10am-9pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl (02 616 9770).
