What do you get the person who has everything? It is a question many of us have to ask on a monthly basis as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, Valentine’s Day (who forgot?) keep on coming.
Well, we got our thinking caps on at Time Out Towers and came up with super gift ideas that will not only help out with stressful present shopping, but also tick a box off the lucky recipient’s bucket list. And save them from another pair of socks…
For adrenaline
Drive Yas Marina
Does someone in the family have a need for speed? Well there is good news if it’s their special day any time soon because Yas Marina circuit allows amateurs to act like the pros for the day and race around the world-famous F1 track. From putting all the gear on and getting behind the wheel to whizzing around the Hermann Tilke-designed circuit and crossing the finishing line, a drive at Yas Marina is a thrilling experience, even for those who aren’t petrol heads. Open every day, there are a number of races one can enter and with all equipment provided on site, all drivers have to do is show up with a daredevil attitude.
Best for: Your motorsport-mad other half who is notoriously difficult to buy gifts for.
Prices from Dhs190. Available daily, times vary. Yas Island, www.yasmarinacircuit.com (02 659 9800).
Take a ride on Formula Rossa at Ferrari World
Any gift that involves a theme park is always a good idea (it’s a fact) but what about a ticket to the fastest rollercoaster in the world? Formula Rossa at Ferrari World sees riders strapped in, taken to a height of 52m and then blasted to a speed of 240km/h within five seconds. It’s fast. It’s kinda scary. But most of all, it’s exciting. Like riding in a Ferrari (we’re told).
Best for: The pal that just got a new job.
Dhs295. Open Tue-Sat noon-8pm. Yas Mall, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com (600 511 115).
For an escape
Glamp at pura on jubail island
A romantic night underneath the stars in a fabulous pod with no one else around, now that sounds pretty perfect to us. Located close to Jubail Mangrove Walk, adult-only eco retreat Pura allows residents to spend the evening glamping in their own little bubble, with only five available to book. Each pod is fitted with a king-sized bed that enjoys scenic views of the surrounding mangroves as well as a range of facilities and an en suite bathroom. In the main guesthouse you can also enjoy meals, drinks and spa treatments. Bliss.
Best for: Treating your partner on their birthday that ends in a nought.
From Dhs1,700. Jubail Island, www.staypura.com (050 383 7878).
Lose yourselves at Qasr Al Sarab
Ditching the capital and heading into the desert for a three-hour drive may not sound exactly like the best present at first, but the reward at the end of the journey is well worth the effort. Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara is the beautiful mirage that waits for any weary traveller who traverses the Empty Quarter. One of the most picturesque (get the phones ready) and luxurious hotels in the UAE, guests can ride across the Rub’ al Khali on camelback, enjoy delectable dishes beneath the night sky and chill out with a hammam treatment. Seriously, they’ll love you for it.
Best for: Romantic anniversary vibes.
Prices vary. Qasr Al Sarab Road, www.anantara.com/en/qasr-al-sarab-abu-dhabi (02 895 8700).
Stay awhile on Zaya Nurai Island
Ever wanted to know what it would feel like to be on your own island (not quite like Tom Hanks in Castaway, though)? A 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island is the secluded sanctuary of Zaya Nurai where guests can stay in an opulent villa, de-stress at the ocean-side spa, feast at one of the five food and beverage outlets, or if the mood strikes, participate in one of the various activities the resort have organised. With so much to do there won’t be any time or need for Wilson.
Best for: A mum and dad who need a bit of time without the kids.
Prices vary. Zaya Nurai Island, zayanuraiisland.com (02 506 6222).
For city dwellers
Admire the art of The Louvre Abu Dhabi
For those who can appreciate the finer things in life, a day out at the Louvre Abu Dhabi is certainly a present option that we should all keep in mind. And there is no better time to get beneath the dome with a number of new exhibits being added to the museum, including In The Norwegian and Haystacks, End of Summer by Claude Monet, Caravans, Gypsy Camp near Arles by Vincent Van Gogh and Railway Bridge in Chatou by Pierre-Auguste Renoir. And when enough art has been consumed why not pop into The Art Lounge for a few birthday beverages.
Best for: The culture vulture of the family.
Dhs60. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.com (600 565 556).
Scale new heights at CLYMB
There’s not a day that goes by in Abu Dhabi where there isn’t a new activity to experience. One of our favourite escapades is the CLYMB combo of indoor skydiving and climbing (the name gives it away). The chamber for the former is the biggest in the world and never ceases to give visitors that shot of excitement when they are blasted off their feet into the air where they hang suspended. The indoor climbing (or bouldering for you pros), sees participants tackle the mountainous 138-foot wall, the tallest of its kind in the region. It’s phenomenal fun and a great workout.
Best for: The friend that’s on a health-kick (aka a brunch won’t cut it).
Open Tue-Sat 1am-9pm. Yas Mall, www.clymbabudhabi.com (600 511 115).
For the really wild at heart
Take on a desert safari
Now this activity might have been one of the first you ticked off when you moved to the UAE but have you packed your parents off for one yet? It’s more than just a thrash around in a 4×4, you know. In fact, it is a six-hour adventure in the Al Khatim desert that no one on the trip will ever forget. Along with the thrilling dune bash, there’s sand boarding, camel rides, henna tattoos, belly dancing, and, of course, the world-renowned Arabic hospitality. Truly an Abu Dhabi bucket list experience if there ever was one.
Best for: Family visiting for the first time (and to give them something to look forward to for when they can come over).
Dhs250. Pick up 3pm-9pm. www.abudhabi-desert-safari.com (055 484 2001).
Take an aerial tour of Abu Dhabi
The most convenient way to get around the capital is by car, taxi or bus there is no doubt about that. But when it comes to truly viewing the city in all its glory you really must take to the skies. Seawings’ Sea Plane Tours offers visitors a chance to see Abu Dhabi from up on high with its Discovery Tour package. The aerial journey takes in all the stunning landmarks from the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the beautiful Corniche. The tour lasts 30 minutes before concluding with a cappuccino sprinkled with 24 carat gold flakes in the Emirates Palace Hotel. Now that really is the height of decadence.
Best for: Forget the photo frame, splash out on your closest who just got married. Own that title of best man.
Dhs1,525 (kids). Dhs1,795 (adult). Timings vary. Yas Marina, www.seawings.ae (04 070 708).
Eat brekkie with a giraffe at Emirates Park Zoo
Fun fact: giraffes’ tongues are around 20in long. Don’t believe us? Get this activity on your list. At Emirates Park Zoo, guests can have their eggs under the watchful eye of these lanky lovelies before going on a guided tour of the zoo and being treated to an African drum experience. Simply smashing. Just take care not to give yourself a sore neck.
Best for: Kids (big and small).
Dhs130 (kids). Dhs250 (adults). Open daily 9am-11am. Al Bahia (02 501 0000).
Explore Sir Bani Yas Island
Invoke your inner Sir David Attenborough with a stay on this incredible island. It is home to more than 11,000 animals such as blackbuck antelope, Arabian oryx, giraffes and cheetahs. But if you’re not really a dab hand with the binoculars, there are a range of spa treatments, activities including nature and wildlife drives, nature walks, cultural tours, land sailing, mountain biking and kayaking to enjoy. There really is something for everyone so book today.
Best for: Employee of the year.
From Dhs1,999. Sir Bani Yas Island, www.anantara.com (02 365 9110).
For the super classy
Brunch in the Clouds at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
At this simply stunning hotel brunchers can dine in the sky in the palatial Abu Dhabi Suite, 230m up. Enjoying a private room, guests can nibble on lobster and oysters, sample a vast variety of sushi combinations, dig into meat courses and wonder at delicately presented collections of desserts and chocolates while savouring a 360-degree vista of the capital.
Is this how the other half really live? If so, sign us up.
Best for: Your best mate’s big birthday – they won’t forget it in a hurry.
Dhs450 (soft drinks). Dhs595 (house beverages). Dhs750 (bubbly and drinks). Fri from midday. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, www.marriott.com (02 694 4553).
A gold treatment at The Emirates Palace Spa Abu Dhabi
How much do you love your better half? Show them by booking one of the most amazing pampering packages money can buy. There are loads of treatments from which to choose with prices starting from as low as Dhs100. However, the standout one for us has to be ‘A Day of Gold’. First up you will be given a gold hammam before a signature palace massage. A quick bite to eat for lunch is then followed by the lavish 24 carat gold radiance facial, before the day ends with a brilliant Bastien pedicure. Top that.
Best for: To make up for the anniversary you forgot last year…
Dhs4,225. Open daily 10am-11pm. Corniche West, www.mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7978).
