Hi, Time Out. I’m back in the city after a lazy summer of over-eating and I need to get back in shape. Any tips?
Funnily enough, we did think you’d put on a bit of weight – we just didn’t want to say so.
You just did say so.
Yeah, sorry about that. Anyway, to answer your question and to get you looking good in those Speedos in time for beach season, you need to get yourself down to Zayed Sports City.
I always look good in Speedos. But keep talking…
Okay, so this is basically a sport lover’s paradise. With everything from basketball to billiards, all bases are covered. Tennis, football, combat sports, rugby – it’s got the lot.
That all sounds exhausting.
It is, but you need it. Besides, if you are after something a little more fun, Zayed Sports City has a ton of other options.
Like what?
Well, there’s Khalifa International Bowling Centre, for instance, which is a great entertainment space housing 40 Brunswick lanes, 13 snooker tables, six table tennis tables, a video arcade and three restaurants. But you should probably stay out of the restaurants.
I’d happily shoot you right now.
Actually, you can. Located next to the ice rink – which is an Olympic-sized skating surface – is Zayed Sports City Paintball. It has three unique zones: the target practise zone (which does what it says on the tin), the scenario zone (which is a 4,000 square metre battleground dotted with obstacles and cool vantage spots) and the speedball zone (which is a quick-fire shoot-’em-up with inflatable obstacles).
Nice. But, seriously now: what’s the score with the restaurants?
Oh yes, those. So there’s Figaro’s pizza joint, Lucky Strike, which has loads of burgers and sandwiches, Noodle Bowl (no prizes for guessing), The Sportsman’s Arms, which has good quality pub grub, and Summer Breeze, which is packed with frozen yoghurt goodies, ice creams and smoothies.
Okay, sold. Thanks, Time Out.
Anytime, chubby.
Only in Zayed Sports City
Sunset Music Festival
This one-day extravaganza arrives on October 21 and is bringing with it top talent with a nostalgic 90s edge. Gabrielle, Arrested Development, Snap, Freshlyground and more will play on the pitches of Zayed Sports City, where you can kick back with pals on a picnic blanket. Doors open at 3.30pm, the first act hits the stage at 4.30pm, and tickets start at Dhs255. abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net.
