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what a wonderful world…
As the World Cup draws to a close and the festive season politely pats it on the shoulder to see if it can get through, some stunning open-air fun weather prevails – your weekend in Abu Dhabi looks to be in full swing.
Friday 9 December
just go out for a drink
We’re into the quarter-final weekend of the World Cup and this weekend has some big games: Croatia take on Brazil at 7pm on Friday and the Netherlands take on Argentina at 11pm. Morocco v Portugal at 7pm on Saturday and France v England at 11pm. Did it go home? in villa. But where to watch it? At Al Raha Beach you’ll find big screens showing every kick, header, save and speculative half-volley, with indoor and alfresco seating to make the most of the UAE’s outdoor season. In addition to an extensive beer and beverage selection, Al Raha Beach Hotel’s Fan Village will include a range of food stalls to add to the festive spirit. Here, you and your squad can choose to support the sports snack MVP, such as hot dogs, sliders, tacos, and of course local comfort food GOAT, shawarma. Entrance is completely free, and to simplify food service, a coupon system will be in place.
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Channel Street, Al Raha Creek, 1pm-1am daily (World Cup dates: 20 Nov-18 Dec).Tel: (056) 545 0145 or fnb.alraha@danathotels.com
garden ditch
Brunch in the evening, but make it classy. This is the unofficial mantra of the Filini Garden Supper Club, held every Friday at 5pm. This sunset session offers a three-hour free-flow signature snack and drink package (Dhs169 for soft drinks, Dhs269 for families) set to an Italian soundtrack by saxophonist Arat.
Fillini Gardens at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, open daily from 10am to midnight. Tel: (02) 656 3066, @filinigarden
emotional show
The majestic “Palace of the Nation” Qasr Al Watan sits at one end of the city’s main corniche, sandwiched between the unrelenting blue of the Arabian Gulf and the skyscrapers that define the city’s skyline. A newcomer to the UAE’s heritage scene by all accounts, it opened its ornate doors to the public in 2019, but it already has a place among its most prized cultural treasures. For just Dhs6o to enter, within its white granite walls you’ll find a blend of educational and inspiring experiences – architectural masterpieces; a library with storey-high bookshelves; a grand auditorium; center; exhibits that tell the story of the country’s rich and nuanced history. There is also a Palace in Motion sound and light show (Dhs25 for adults, Dhs12 for children), now every day. An entertainment extravaganza that tells the story of the country’s past, present and future.
Al Ras Al Akhdar, now open daily from 10am to 6.45pm, Dhs60, children Dhs30.booked on qasralwatan.ae
Saturday 10 December
park life
Every Friday and Saturday until March 18, 2023 between 4pm and 11pm, Park Market is a small piece of fresh air retail fantasy. You’ll find items you never knew you wanted like candles, clothes, accessories, antiques, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances and organic produce. There are also fun activities for kids – fly a kite, play with bubbles and slime, plus educational art, manipulative drawing, games of skill, magic show, clown show, storytelling and musical performances. To keep the whole family entertained, the park will host magic shows, clown shows, storytelling, musical performances and more. Also this weekend is the exciting annual Thailand Festival, showcasing the best of culture, food and color from Southeast Asia’s Land of Smiles.say big Savadika Muay Thai demonstrations, Thai cooking master classes, fashion shows, concerts and more.
Mushrif area, Friday and Saturday from 4pm to 11pm to enter the park is AED 10 per person.ummalemaratpark.ae website
locking
Lock, Stock & Barrell may not have invented the party brunch, but they may have just perfected it. With family combos priced at just AED 250, their famously high-energy, epic snacks (we’re talking chicken tacos, locked and loaded nachos, and truffle mac and cheese croquettes here) go wild The Entertainment Brunch just got a live music upgrade. All the fun of before, with the added bonus of rock and pop stars from the UAE tour, taking to the stage ready to drop the mics and kick-start the carnival brunch vibe.
Yas Bay, Yas Island, Saturday from 1pm to 4pm, soft house Dhs200, house Dhs250. lsbdubai.com
Dome-ward dog
Did you know that Bodytree Studio now offers calming meditation sessions three days a week at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Priced at just AED 105, these sessions are just a short walk away from a culturally immersive walk through one of the world’s best museums (gallery visits are included in the price). The 75-minute yoga classes cover a variety of different yoga practices, depending on the day and time of your visit – but weekend classes include Hatha Yoga (Saturday 11am), Restorative Stretch Sound Therapy (Saturday 5pm ), Ladies Only Hatha Yoga (11am (Sun) and Ladies Only Pranayama and Meditation (Sunday 5pm).
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, arrive 15 minutes before the start time, Dhs100. Tel: (600) 565566, bodytreestudio.com
choose your battle
Battle Park, a new ‘digital paintball’ experience, has opened at Abu Dhabi’s Marina Mall, and it looks like a clean bullseye call-of-duty generation. You can play a few different ways at Battle Park – call up your squad for an iBattle, a team deathmatch set in a disused prison-themed layout, priced at Dh75 for a 20-minute match. There is also a virtual shooting simulator with sessions starting from Dhs40 and target shooting from Dhs50.
2nd Floor, Binhai Shopping Center Tel: (800) 228853, @battlepark.official
shark tank
In addition to eight themed areas; an XXL reticulated python, known only as “Super Snake”; backstage tours; and marine animal rehabilitation programs, the National Aquarium also offers a series of marine life meet and greets. For AED 180, for example, you can experience an Ocean Encounter and feed a two-metre-long shark. This price includes the right to use the “Aquarium Tour”. Want to take it to the next level? You can now also dive with sharks and experience their gentle snap teeth up close.
Abu Dhabi National Aquarium can be purchased from Dhs1 Tel: (02). National Aquarium.ae
Sunday 11 December
on your bike
Trail X is the latest addition to Hudayriyat Island’s dizzying array of active lifestyle attractions. The 15-kilometre mountain bike trail was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office. Part of the Abu Dhabi Cycling Initiative, Trail X is a non-stop mountain bike trail offering challenging routes, stunning city skyline and ocean views, and adds to the existing water bike trail, outdoor BMX track And a network of multiple island tour routes.
back to the island
This James Bond-inspired island is one of Abu Dhabi’s most luxurious resorts, but you can get a permit (a day pass) for Dhs750. This includes pool and beach access, round trip ferry and AED 550 for meals, water sports and spa activities. There are also some great restaurants to choose from – including Hooked Seafood Restaurant, Smokin’ Pineapple (with its own wave pool) and Frangipani – home to the hotel’s Saturday brunch. Nurai’s spa offers quality pampering opportunities, the latest in trendy treatments and relaxation as standard. Do kids have to take it too? The dedicated Petit Z Club offers plenty of nautical activities for the kids, including water park and flume adventures, shell painting and colorful rides.
Nurai Island is 15 minutes by boat from the Welcome Center on the east side of Saadiyat Island, near Exit 14 of the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Highway, and guests should arrive at least one hour before the meeting start time arrive. Book your space today by calling (02) 506 6229, nuraiisland.com
Image: Courtesy/Getty
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