7 incredible things to do in Abu Dhabi this week: 2-5 January

Happy New Year Abu Dhabi…

Whether you’re starting 2023 with a resolution or a revolution, experiencing change, or simply committing to eating as a solution – we’ve got a small New Year’s deli activity board to feed your energy and mood. Hit the gym or grab a snack—we’ve got you covered…

Monday, January 2

Gym

Now open on the waterfront in Yas Bay – The Warehouse Gym offers the perfect way to earn and burn off a variety of delicious artisanal calories from restaurants around the bay. Membership costs just Dhs199, with mixed classes and ladies-only classes available, and personal trainers are all handpicked for their expertise, turning excuses into reps and bulging biceps. They have a Blackbox studio (the brand’s signature multi-sensory workout), a cycling studio, an Olympic weightlifting area for those looking for fitness, a functional training area, and obviously crossfit, weightlifting, cardio Exercise equipment, squat racks and free parking are available. They also offer boxing classes (and kids boxing classes), Grit classes (strength and conditioning), ab and glute workouts, and more.

Yas Bay Waterfront (near Lock, Stock and Barrel), Monday to Friday 5.30am to 11pm, Saturday to Sunday 7am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 675 2221, @whgym_abudhabi

ask life

The long-awaited Al Baik in Abu Dhabi is now open until Thursday 29 December.After a successful opening in Dubai (now Al Baik Branch At The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates), Ajman and Sharjah, you can now indulge in the brand’s signature fried chicken, falafel and prawns at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi. The first location in the capital is the largest in the UAE, Al Baik, with 9,500 square feet of space dedicated to fast food restaurants in the capital. So, could this be the first Al Baik restaurant in the UAE that doesn’t have long queues?

Al Wadha Mall, 10am to midnight daily. @albaikinuae

Tuesday, January 3

Thrill or Relax on the Beach: You Decide

West Bay’s gorgeous former leisure complex on the Corniche recently opened a new wave pool and lazy river combo, adding to its already sizable lineup of recreational facilities. The lazy river is one of those things that almost everyone doesn’t like (among them cheesecake, paycheck texts and Bob Marley music). Use the West Bay Day Pass for free access to the pool and lazy river. On weekdays, admission is AED 150 for adults, but AED 100 is refundable on food. On weekends, it’s Dhs250 for men and Dhs150 for women, but men and women can still refund Dhs100 as a credit.

West Bay, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Swimming Pool and Adventure Park, 10am-6pm, one day pass at AED 150 (AED 100 refundable on food and drink purchases). Tel: (02) 692 437, @westbayabudhabi

Wednesday, January 4

A new vegetarian bureau

If you’re thinking of giving Vegan January a try, The Wild and the Moon is a shining example of how the healthiest food can also be the tastiest. Locally sourced, organic, zero plastic and 100% clever plant-based products, it’s always been a winner in our eyes. Try the Wild Truffle Pizza (Dhs35) and thank us later.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, open Saturday to Wednesday 9am to 8pm, Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 10am to 9pm. Telephone:(056) 188 4073, @wildandthemoonuae

it takes a village

The fantastic Riwa Village desert experience has been extended by its popularity. Originally, due to end on December 31st, the crowded areas, events and pop-ups will now run through Sunday, January 8th. So if you haven’t checked out family events, extreme driving experiences and shows, rides, arcade games, spectacular immersive dining opportunities, video game tournaments, fairground shopping and more, now is the time.

Thursday, January 5

New Movies of the Week

of

Operation Fortune: Cunning Wars is Guy Ritchie’s new film, which makes its way into your local multiplex this week with a rather big London swagger. Since this is a Ritchie movie, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that it’s led by Jason Statham. Orson Fortune (Statham), a certified double tough guy, Bruce Lee, the spy manager, leads an infiltration team (which also includes Aubrey ‘Park and Rec’ Plaza) aimed at recruiting Hollywood’s biggest star, Danny Francesco ( Josh Hartnett) on the dangerous mission of stopping violent arms dealer Greg Simmonds (Hugh Grant) from selling apocalyptic weapons to some rather shady characters. Originality is minimal, but the trailer suggests we’re watching an action-packed romp that includes witty banter, quotes, car chases, and explosions—the main popcorn-chewing stuff.

Tickets: book here

new car, just got off

Welcome to Mission Ferrari, open only to annual pass holders from 5 January 2023 and then to the rest of the world from 12 January 2023, a “multi-sensory 5D roller coaster experience” by Called “the world’s first horizontal roller coaster drop”. To clarify this applies specifically to roller coasters, so disregard the previous statement about passive-aggressive cats knocking coasters off tables. We know the ride will combine virtual and very real thrills to create an adrenaline-pumping experience “cutting-edge technology with breathtaking scenery, exhilarating reverse loops and state-of-the-art special effects”.

Yas Island, open from noon to 8 pm every day, Dhs310 for adults and Dhs240 for children. @ferrariworldabudhabi

Image: Supplied