Why is May better than April? Because we have 31 days to enjoy Abu Dhabi instead of 30, and the fifth month of the year is delivering tonnes of cool stuff at cut prices.
From fitness classes and cycling around zoos to staycations and pool days, here are the best things to do this May in Abu Dhabi.
Monday May 3
Visit the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn
It’s time to grab your cardigan and glasses, raise a finger thoughtfully to your chin and head to the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn. The city’s oldest stone building is exhibiting some of the finest creative practices that are born and bred in the UAE. Visitors can discover local crafts including the materials, skills and techniques required to produce them.
Dhs30. Open Sat-Thu 10am-4pm, 7pm-11pm, Fri 7pm-2am. Al Hosn Palace, Abu Dhabi. qasralhosn.ae/en/house-of-artisans (02 444 0444).
Wednesday May 5
Bite into a mango sticky rice pudding at Cho Gao
Don’t ignore that quivering sweet tooth. Indulge in a delicious mango sticky rice pudding for Dhs38 at Cho Gao. As part of the Sweetest Things campaign, that’s a saving of 20 percent from the regular price.
Dhs38. Open daily noon-1am. Crowne Plaza, Hamdan St (02 616 6149).
Get into shape with St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort
Looking to get active this summer? Check out The St. Regis Saadiyat Island’s mobility package. Running until the end of Ramadan, guests can get two fitness consultations, five group fitness classes, three yoga sessions, three day passes for the indoor swimming pool and unlimited access to the gym and spa facilities for Dhs995. Sign us up.
Dhs995. Ongoing until the end of Ramadan. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island (02 498 8977).
Thursday May 6
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
Love a theme park? Well, one of the best in the capital is Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and, until Wednesday May 12, thrill seekers can get the hairs standing on the back of the neck from 4pm to 8pm, every day, for just Dhs100.
Dhs100. Daily 4pm-8pm. Yas Island, wbworldabudhabi.com.
Friday May 7
Make a splash at Yas Waterworld
If you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 you can get 30 percent whipped off the entrance fee at Yas Waterworld. Rewarded for protecting yourself against the virus? We are all over it. Catch you on the flumes.
Prices vary. Open Mon-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yaswaterworld.com (600 511115).
Saturday May 8
Get fit with Vogue Fitness
Put on a few lbs during the month of April? Whip yourself into shape at Vogue Fitness. Right up until Thursday May 13, gym-goers can get a one-month unlimited membership at the fitness facility for Dhs1,999, which includes multi-facility access to members, plus four PT classes with qualified Vogue Fitness trainers, valid for two months.
Dhs1,999. Until May 13, times vary. Yas Marina, vfuae.com.
Sunday May 9
Reach for the roof at CLYMB
Never tried bouldering? Well now is your chance to do it. CLYMB Abu Dhabi is offering beginner ‘clymbers’ 60-minute access to three climbing walls for just Dhs120 every Tuesday to Saturday from 1pm to 8pm. There is also one free child entry with every paying adult.
Dhs120. Until May 12. Tue-Sat 1pm-8pm. Yas Island www.clymbabudhabi.com.
Monday May 10
Zoom around the cycle path at Al Ain Zoo
Fly by the felines. Power past the pumas. Cruise alongside crocs. Yes, for a day of exhilarating bike riding and checking out the weird and wonderful creatures of the world, take a trip around the newly opened bike trail at Al Ain Zoo. Choose between the mountain bike (for the pros) and tricycle (for the kids, big and small) paths.
From Dhs10.50 (child). From Dhs31.50 (adult). Open Sun-Thu 10am-6pm (mountain bike and tricycle), Fri-Sat 7am-6pm (mountain bike), 1pm-7pm (tricycle). Al Ain, www.alainzoo.ae (0800 966).
Wednesday May 12
Enjoy a staycay at the Pearl Rotana
Who doesn’t love a cheeky getaway? At the Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, staycationers can bag themselves a tasty deal starting from Dhs403 per night. What’s more, brekkie is included in the mix as well as 15 percent lobbed off dining in the hotel. But if that’s not enough, guests will get free tickets to Yas Island theme parks. Plus, when you’re there you’ll get ten percent off dining at the park, as well as ten percent off park merchandise. That’s one way to spend the Eid Al-Fitr break.
From Dhs403. Eid weekend. Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, rotana.com (02 307 5555).
Thursday May 13
Catch the fireworks display at Yas Bay Waterfront
Start Eid Al-Fitr with a bang by watching a dazzling fireworks display at Yas Bay Waterfront. Grab yourself a seat at one of the restaurants on the marina or tune into the Yas Island Instagram channel for the five-minute showcasing of sky booms.
Eid Al-Fitr. Yas Bay, Yas Island. @yasisland
Friday May 14
Roof walk at night at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
It’s time to start your engines as the iconic red building on Yas Island is offering visitors a top deal. Buy yourself a roof walk experience (which includes access to all the rides) and receive a free combo meal. Prices start from Dhs125 and it’s available every Thursday to Saturday until May 15.
From Dhs125. Open Thu-Sat, times vary. Yas Island, ferrariworldabudhabi.com.
Saturday May 15
Check out new eatery Medi Terra
Mediterranean grub suitable to the palate? Then make a plan to visit the newest member of the Marsa Al Bateen Marin family. Medi Terra transports taste buds to southern Europe with classical Italian meals such as calamari with lemon aioli, arancini, burrata, seafood linguini, braised chicken alfredo and more. Throughout Ramadan, Medi Terra is open from 3pm until 1am during the week and between 3pm and 2am on weekends, and it’s also serving up special iftar and suhoor menus.
Open Sun-Thu noon-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight; Ramadan hours: Sun-Wed 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-2am. Marsa Al Bateen Marina (02 633 6366).
Monday May 17
Have a dip at Cove Beach Abu Dhabi
It’s getting toasty in the capital so make sure to cool down with a pool day at Cove Beach on Reem Island. Valid for every day of the week, it’s Dhs200 for a sunbed during the week and Dhs300 on weekends and the full amount is redeemable on food and drinks. Boom.
Open Sun-Thu 11am-sunset: Dhs200 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B); Fri-Sat 11am-sunset: Dhs300 (full amount back in credit to spend on F&B). Makers District, Reem Island, covebeachabudhabi.com (056 398 7895).
Tuesday May 18
Set the alarm and watch the sun rise
We’d all be stumbling about in the dark (literally) if it wasn’t for that burning orb in the sky, and catching it at dawn is a sight to behold. Early birds get more than measly worms for their brekkie if they set their alarm and, with so many awesome spots – both natural and manmade – serving up inimitable vantage points to watch the sun doth its cap, you won’t get a much better start to the day. From spying first light across a desert oasis to meeting it head on at the top of a mountain, check out the most awesome spots to greet the new day right here.
Wednesday May 19
Vote for your favourite restaurant in The Galleria Diner’s Choice Awards 2021
Have a restaurant you want to shout about or have an undiscovered gem that deserves more attention? The Galleria Diner’s Choice Awards 2021, powered by Time Out, is happening for the first time and it’s up to our readers to decide who wins. And those who cast their vote will be automatically entered into the draw for a chance to win one of 25 dining experiences at the mall. So what are you waiting for? Get voting!
To cast your vote click here. Until May 30. The Galleria Mall, Al Maryah Island.
Thursday May 20
Discover Zayed Heritage Centre
Learn about the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan with a trip to the Zayed Heritage Centre in Al Bateen. Housed in an Emirati heritage-style village, the museum pays homage and gives visitors a wonderful lesson on the founding father of the UAE.
Free entry. Open Sun-Thu 8am-2pm. Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi (02 665 9555).
Friday May 21
Take on The Tasting Class’ blind tasting challenge at Graphos Social Kitchen
Think you’re a great grape connoisseur? Well now is your chance to show your skills with a fun tasting class at the Graphos Social Kitchen at Hilton, Yas Island. For Dhs220, visitors will enjoy six glasses of grape, a grape tasting lesson from The Tasting Class and a cheese and charcuterie board. The catch is that you’re blindfolded. Will your taste buds pass the test?
Dhs220. Fri May 21 4pm-6pm. Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton, Yas Island, tastingclass.com.
Friday May 21
Work up a sweat on with Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Kick-start your fitness regime after Ramadan with the Escape & Evolve fitness plan at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort. Running over Friday May 21 and Saturday May 22, staycationers will be put through their paces by BR Perfomance Studios and Bodyism in a series of fitness workshops including swimming, running, endurance and strength conditioning on the pristine Saadiyat Beach, before refueling and recovering at the hotel’s restaurants. Pack those trainers, you’re going to need them.
Dhs650 plus VAT (weekend pass, no hotel stay). Dhs1,250 plus VAT (single occupancy). Dhs1,850 plus VAT (double occupancy – Dhs925 plus VAT each). Fri May 21-Sat May 22. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Island (050 641 7965).
Take on The Tasting Class’ blind tasting challenge at Graphos Social Kitchen
Think you’re a great grape connoisseur? Well now is your chance to show your skills with a fun tasting class at the Graphos Social Kitchen at Hilton, Yas Island. For Dhs220, visitors will enjoy six glasses of grape, a grape tasting lesson from The Tasting Class and a cheese and charcuterie board. The catch is that you’re blindfolded. Will your taste buds pass the test?
Dhs220. Fri May 21 4pm-6pm. Graphos Social Kitchen, Hilton, Yas Island, tastingclass.com.
Saturday May 22
Power up with a weekend fry-up at Appaloosa
Kick the weekend off like the champ you are with this bountiful breakfast fry-up at this cool sports bar. Serving the Breakfast of Champions, diners get a plate packed with sausages, bacon, hash browns, mushrooms, pudding and eggs of their choice (fried, obvs) served on fried bread. And it’s good news for late risers as this dish is available until 9pm. We’ll think we will have a lie-on.
Dhs79. Daily noon-9pm. Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi, Khalifa City (02 201 4131).
Sunday May 23
Take on Cooper’s burger challenge
Think you can gobble up a giant 1.5kg burger made from two patties of USA beef, cheddar cheese, gherkins, onion, tomatoes and lettuce plus a side of truffle fries in 25 minutes? You better or else the price is Dhs195 at this lively Abu Dhabi hideout. If you can – it’s free. Dig in.
Dhs195. Open Sun-Wed noon-2am, Thu-Sat noon-3am. Until May 31. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park area (02 657 3325).
Pick up a book at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Calling all bookworms. The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is back for a special week of short stories, epic sagas and all novels, manuals and volumes in between. Taking place online, book fans can engage with publishers and enjoy debates, sessions and performances from the comfort their own sofa. But if you still love the feel of the page opposed to a Kindle, visitors can head to the city’s ADNEC to drop and purchase new books. Now where’s our cuppa?
Prices vary. Sun May 23-Sat May 29, times vary. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Arabi Street, Al Khaleej, adbookfair.com (02 599 5276).
Monday May 24
Have a ball at the Marriott’s birthday at Sacci
Muse bouches, signature pasta dishes, tiramisu and a glass of house red or white grape? Sounds like a party to us. Sacci is throwing a seven-day birthday bash for the Marriott’s 94th anniversary with a set three-course menu for Dhs94. We’ll get are party hats.
Dhs94. Until Thu May 27 6pm-11pm. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Nakhl (02 616 9999).
Tuck into breakfast with the giraffes at Emirates Park Zoo
It may have been the Tiger Who Came To Tea, but breakfast belongs to the giraffes down at Emirates Park Zoo. This stupendous dining experience features a cooked breakfast in the company of two long-necked members of the animal kingdom, and with a personal photographer on hand to capture every bite (of the tall folk, not you) it’s a brekkie you won’t soon forget. Still not convinced? Have a gander at Time Out’s review here.
Dhs1,575 for a maximum of five people. Lasts two hours. Emirates Park Zoo, emiratesparkzooandresort.com (02 501 0000).
Tuesday May 25
Go mad for mangoes at India Palace
If the refreshing taste of a mango is what you’re after, then your luck is in this May with India Palace’s ‘Mango Licious’ celebrating the great and sweet of this tropical fruit. Top picks from the brilliant, mango-inspired menu include fresh mango juice, mango lassi, mango falooda with nuts, and mango-flavoured cheese dumplings. And now you know where to get your next fruity fix this summer.
Ongoing. Various locations across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain including Dalma Mall (02 551 5554), Deerfields Mall (02 564 0025), Mazyad Mall (02 553 2259) and Mushrif Mall (02 644 8777).
Sisters unite at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
This Tuesday May 25, gals have exclusive access to the thrills and spills of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. The ladies’ night sees a women-only event celebrating the most beloved female characters from the big screen including Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn. Staff will be all female and tickets are available from Dhs230 on www.wbworldabudhabi.com.
From Dhs230. Tue May 25 6pm-11pm. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, wbworldabudhabi.com (600 511115).
Wednesday May 26
Explore the Eastern Mangroves on a kayak
Looking for a super-relaxing activity to do over Eid? You would be hard pressed to find any easier going than having a paddle around the Eastern Mangroves. Gentle lapping of water against your kayak, fawning over the beautiful marine and birdlife of the area and watching the sunset, it’s almost not fair that you have to eventually get out of the water and back to dry land. But when you do reach terra firma pop into one of the restaurants at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel to refuel (give your arms a rest).
Eastern Mangroves Promenade, seahawk.ae and noukhada.ae.
Thursday May 27
Enjoy one of the finest slices of pizza in Abu Dhabi
Crazy for pizza? Then you want to get your teeth into one of the best slices of pie in the capital you better make a date with Pizza Di Rocco. Want to know what all the fuss is about? Have a read at Time Out’s review here.
Various locations in Abu Dhabi including Salam Street, Tourist Club Area, pizzadirocco.com.
Friday May 28
Catch A Quiet Place II
The first instalment of John Kransinski’s horror flick had us using our popcorn boxes as a shield in theatres as the Abbott family fought for survival against blind creatures with super sensitive hearing (better than Mum’s) that attacked anything that made a noise. The sequel to the mega hit sees Cillian Murphy (or Tommy Shelby to all you Peaky Blinders) and Djimon Gaston (Blood Diamond) join the chaos as the family (minus dad) try to stay out of harm’s way from blood thirty monsters – humans and the aliens. We think we’ll be going for the XL popcorn this time.
Saturday May 29
Udon want to miss out on new restaurant UDN
The capital’s first dedicated udon house is open and guests can chomp down on famous dishes from Japan. Go for the noodles and stay for the dessert of little mocha balls and Japanese milk. But don’t forget your card as no paper is accepted here.
Open daily noon-11pm on Old Airport Road, Showroom 1. (050 648 9310).
Monday May 31
Conquer the desert on horseback with Rabdan Equestrian Club
Explore the Al Wathba desert landscape on horseback with Radban Equestrian Club. For Dhs200, riders can discover the vast desert dunes, watch the sunset and sunrise and, well, have the experience of riding in the desert.
Dhs200. Times vary. Equestrian Centre, Al Wathba (WhatsApp 050 596 6621).
Join a virtual poetry reading of Fugitive Atlas poems by Khaled Mattawa
Zayed University’s College of Humanities and Social Science hosts a dynamic poetry reading by Khaled Mattawa, from his Fugitives Atlas – an account of refugee crises, military occupations and ecological degradation. The poet has authored five books of poetry, and translated several volumes of contemporary Arabic poetry, among other works, an holds awards including the Acadmy of American Poets Fellowship prize. The evening’s reading will be accompanied by music and video.
Free. 7.30pm. Click here to join the Zoom-based virtual reading. For more information visit zu.ac.ae.
Got an event happening in May you want to tell us about? We’d love to hear from you. Say hello via hello[at]timeoutabudhabi.com.
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