Sunday gets a bad rep, and while it might be difficult to drag yourself out of the comfort of a warm bed on that first weekday morning, we love the excitement that a new week brings.
This Sunday marks the beginning of a new week and a new month, meaning double the hype.
There are tonnes of new and brilliant things to do in Abu Dhabi this week; from incredible new movies to see, to must-have foodie adventures, plus loads of activities that will keep your summer buzzing.
On your marks, get set, let’s go.
Here are 13 incredible things to make this week the best one yet.
For more things to do in Abu Dhabi click here.
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Afternoon tea at Alba, Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi
Head to Alba, Ritz Carlton for a delectable afternoon of tea, hors d’oeuvres, scones and chocolate treats. All the food has been inspired by delicate floral aromas and are accompanied by your preferred tea blend. Sit back in the elegant Venetian-inspired lounge from 2pm to 5pm this week for Dhs160.
Dhs160. Daily, 2pm-5pm. Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Al Maqta www.ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi (02 818 8888).
Eat a cheese and zaatar manakish at Gulf Pastry
Love manakish? One of the big guns when it comes to street food in Abu Dhabi – and the whole region – this carby street food will see you munching away on at all hours of day and night. Our recommedation is from Gulf Pastry, fully loaded with tonnes of melted cheese and fragrant zaatar.
Dhs8. Gulf Pastry. Various locations including Muroor Road and Tourist Club Area, gulfpastry.com.
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Join a workshop at a designer floral studio
Love flowers? Always wanted to try putting together your own floral arrangement? Bring out your inner florist and head to goshá flowers at The Abu Dhabi EDITION. This pop up designer flower studio is offering workshops on request for up to 10 guests. Just want to browse? The studio is open daily except for Mondays, from 10am to 7pm on weekdays and from 11am to 8pm on the weekends. Bouquets start at Dhs350.
Sun-Thur 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 11am-8pm. goshá at The Abu Dhabi EDITION, Al Bateen www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/
Lead the charge at Ladies’ Night at She is ANNEX
Head to ANNEX Lounge on Wednesday for a ladies’ night full of style and grace. From 5pm to closing you can sip unlimited fresh drinks for three hours for Dhs128 and enjoy 30 percent off the menu. Upgrade the package and you’ll also get a tasting plate of bites for Dhs188.
Dhs128 (mixed drinks) Dhs188 (drinks and bites). Wed 5pm-2am. ANNEX LOUNGE, The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen www.editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi/
Listen to an artist talk at Warehouse 421 with studio D04
This week Warehouse 421’s Dukkan421 talk series continues with Dubai-based designers Studio D04. Log in on Wednesday August 4 and listen to these artists and designers discuss their projects and philosophies. The talk consists of Managing Director Fatima Al Zaabi, Creative Director Noora Al Awar, and Lead Architect Afnan Saeed Amin. The studio works on a range of projects ranging from product, interior, architectural, and installation design. They balance contemporary and traditional sensibilities to reflect the inner lives of the modern Emirati.
Wed Aug 4. Free, virtual.
Sample the best biryani at the India Palace biryani festival
Every year we look forward to the Biryani Khaas festival at India Palace, and this year it has been better than ever, featuring the best biryanis found across different regions of India. If you haven’t been there yet, you definitely need to try it this week. For the occasion, the famed Abu Dhabi institution has crafted six biryanis including raan, noor mahal, coorgi murgh, shahi jheenja, lucknow murg and subzi qabuli pulao.
Prices vary. Ongoing. Various locations including Tourist Club Area and Al Salam Street, indiapalace.ae.
Scuba dive at Red Buoy Abu Dhabi
Love to dive? About 20km off the coast of Abu Dhabi you’ll find the Red Buoy diving site, with gorgeous clear visibility and an 11-metre descent. You’ll get loads of clear shots of the marine life and it’s close to the capital. We’re going under da sea.
Sun-Fri 9am-5.30pm, Sat 8am-5.30pm. Al Mahara Diving Centre, Al Mina Road www.divemahara.com (050 111 8125).
Snap up this business lunch at Dai Pai Dong
Nothing has the power to turn around a long workday like a brilliant business lunch. Get out of the office and treat yourself this week. Head to Dai Pai Dong at in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi at The Galleria Al Maryah Island for a lunch that is guaranteed to leave you stuffed. This business lunch offers all you can eat dumplings for Dhs118 from noon to 3pm. How much dim sum can you eat?
Dhs118. Sun-Thu noon-3pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island (02 813 5588).
Sneak a mid-week pool day at Cove Beach
As if you needed an excuse to check out this cool new venue on Reem Island, Cove Beach is offering pool access with a guaranteed sunbed for Dhs200 during the week. You’ll also get the full amount back to spend on food and drinks. A pool day plus a bargain at a brand-new hotspot? We’re sold.
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). Ongoing. Makers District, Reem Island, covebeachabudhabi.com (056 398 7895).
Take a boxing class at Punch Club
Whether you’re a first time boxer or an experienced veteran in the squared circle, you can hone your craft at Punch Club. With one hour high-intensity boxing classes available, you’re sure to break a sweat this week. Choose between Punch: HIIT, Punch: Classic and Punch: Ladies. Go from a warm up to conditioning to heavy bag work and conclude with a deserved cooldown. A true taste of the boxing world.
Open Sun-Thu 1pm-9pm, Fri 9.30am-11.30am, and Sat 9am-6.30pm. International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City (02 666 9717).
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Travel back in time at W Abu Dhabi on Yas Island
Oh how we’ve missed live music. Loud beats, a buzzing bass, and lyrics you can sing along to? We’re always in. This week, catch a live DJ at W Lounge Abu Dhabi for Throwback Tuesday. Darko De Jan has curated an eighties and nineties soundtrack with all the best jams to get you through hump day. You can also enjoy two for one on selected drinks while you listen. The music and drinks deal goes from 6pm until closing every Tuesday.
Tues 6pm-1am. W Abu Dhabi Yas Island (02 656 0000).
Visit a robot waiter at Dolci & Capricci
Want to meet a robot waiter? Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Dolci & Capricci is the kind of place where you stop by for a quick coffee and find yourself returning for all kinds of occasions – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert – thanks to its varied menu and an ambience that quickly makes you feel like a regular. The robot waiter sometimes makes an appearance to assist with the ordering process, making this place is all the right kinds of quirky.
Open daily 9am-midnight. Unlicensed. Al Istiqlal (02 631 1030)
Watch the latest film to hit UAE cinemas – Jungle Cruise
Looking for a goofy romp that’s packed with adventure and fantasy? In this new film, Lily Houghton, played by Emily Blunt, is an adventurer who gathers maps and explores the world. She hires Frank Wolff, played by Dwayne Johnson, to take her upriver to find special petals that can cure any illness. Will they get to the tree in time, or will their enemies (or the jungle itself) get them first? This film is based on a ride at Disneyland theme park. It is rated PG 13. We’ll get the popcorn.
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