< Previous70 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Ideal for a post-golf meet-up (or pre-, if you like your games to be a little more fun), Crafty Fox isn’t your usual dimly lit trad spot where your grandpa might be hanging out. Instead, you’re getting a sleek and modern pub that has stunning views of the Yas Links golf course and the mangroves. The Yas Island outpost offers up 20 large screens (where you’ll never have to miss a moment of the action), modern pool tables, cool neon signs and gastro tapas as well as classic pub grub. The menu is huge. Almost overwhelmingly so. Start with the raw bar (again, this isn’t your regular pub) and pick Crafty Fox An upscale yet relaxed pub with 12 types of draught hops and incredible Mangrove views serving of tartare sauce and, of course, homey mushy peas. If you’re keen on a little more flavour, go to the Asian section of the menu and try the crispy prawn cake with chilli mango salsa and lemon gel for a little extra zest. The juicy black pepper beef with potato whip is also a winner. The likes of tacos and flatbreads round out the bar menu. Draught hops takes centre stage here, with 12 rotating taps ready to pour everything from crisp lagers to bold IPAs, alongside a grape list boasting more than 100 new and old world labels. The bar also features an array of craft mixed drinks and seasonal specials, making it easy to try something new with every visit. Crafty Fox is an exemplary hangout, especially if you like your pubs sleek, modern and with a menu where your entire group will find something they love. O Open daily 6.30am-11.30pm. Licensed. Yas Island, @craftyfox.yaslinks (02 404 3081). up some freshly shucked oysters and zingy tuna tartare before moving on to classic bites. The sliders, made with Irish brisket, topped with sauerkraut and beef bacon make for a great starter to share. Hops-battered fish and chips come out hot and fresh in crunchy casing, with a Food TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM AUTUMN 2025 71 When it comes to sweet treats, Break by Mara knows what it’s doing. From viral-worthy desserts to well-made classic pastries, it’s hit after hit at the Al Qana waterfront venue. This isn’t just a café – it’s a sugar-coated playground for anyone with a sweet tooth. Featuring a modern, minimalist design with a soft, neutral palette of light wood, white and subtle beige, the space is sleek and sophisticated. Deep burgundy chairs Break By Mara An exceptional café where desserts are as dramatic as they are delicious add to the vibe with a pop of colour. Look up and you’ll notice sleek pendant lights, while open shelves are filled with neatly arranged breads and mugs. Patterned tile flooring adds texture and character to the space. Plant-lovers will dig the thoughtfully placed greenery, which brings a refreshing, organic touch. An open kitchen lets you sneak a peek at chefs crafting edible masterpieces, including its three-layer kunafa cake (yes, the one you most likely have seen on Instagram many a time). Or maybe it’s the iconic Break by Mara tissue bread that stopped you mid-scroll – yes, the one with millions of views. It’s paper-thin and served with an irresistible trio of dips. But its treats aren’t the only reason to visit. The menu here brings modern Mediterranean and international flavours to the table, whether you’re after a leisurely breakfast, a filling dinner or just an excuse to sip on specially crafted coffee (which isn’t an afterthought). It’s smooth, rich and made to pair perfectly with something sweet because let’s be honest, you’re absolutely not leaving without demolishing your dessert. With a setting that feels both open and intimate, desserts that are as dramatic as they are delicious and a menu that keeps things interesting from morning to night, Break By Mara brings its A-game in more ways than one. It isn’t just ticking boxes – it’s rewriting the dessert rulebook. Forget liking and sharing on social, grab a fork and dig in. O Sun-Thu 8am-midnight, Fri-Sat 8am-1am. Unlicensed. Al Qana, maralounge.com/breakbymara (054 324 2429). “The open kitchen offers a sneak peek at the edible masterpieces”Food 72 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM If you know anything about Lebanese food, then you’ll surely have heard of Em Sherif – a fine dining multi-course experience in Beirut with plenty of casual iterations all around the region. And happily for us, the excellent Em Sherif Café has a home on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, with its popular sub-brand is a seafood-focused concept called, well, Em Sherif Sea Café. This seaside spot inside the Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island, which overlooks the capital’s bright turquoise sea. Expect sun-bathed during the day and dimly lit at night in its spacious dining room. The space, although lacking a bit of atmosphere (the Arabic elevator music doesn’t exactly elevate the vibe either), is prettily decorated with cerulean blue tiles depicting waves while little fish, crab Em Sherif Sea Café Low-key Lebanese-leaning seafood spot with pretty impressive views of the sea and seashell motifs are found all over the place. The bar, in particular, is striking, with hundreds of pots and pans suspended above the marble countertops. While an impressive cellar, which lines the entire left wall of the restaurant, offers up an interesting selection of grape from the region and beyond. The menu is packed with Lebanese dishes you’ll know and love – cheesy saj, silky hummus, zingy tabbuleh and much more. However, the majority of the menu features classic Lebanese seafood dishes, as well as a couple of popular European plates (think carpaccios and lobster linguine, to name a few). Highlights include the samak rass asfour, a bright and tangy Middle Eastern fish stew with the tiniest herbaceous pieces of fish. For something a little heartier, moghrabiyet el bahr is a twist on the traditional Lebanese dish made with round semolina pearls and packed with calamari, shrimp and sea bass. The sayadieh, in particular, is a must-try at the sea café. It offers an aromatic dish that’s exceptionally well-flavoured. Fish is sautéed until golden brown, then layered over a fragrant bed of spiced rice. That rice is infused with a mixture of caramelised onions, garlic and a blend of cinnamon, allspice and cumin. It brings an added layer of depth and warmth to the dish, which is topped with toasted pine nuts for a little extra crunch. If you fancy something lighter, the delicate raw red sea bream offers a refreshing and clean bite, while the more Med-leaning shrimp Provençal, rich with garlic and herbs, showcases Em Sherif’s skillset at stepping out of their Lebanese speciality and tackling the European stuff with gusto. Finish with a warm Umm Ali (or Em Ali in this case) baked in vanilla-infused milk. It’s rich, creamy and wonderfully bready. Whether you’re in the OG Beirut restaurant, the deli in Dubai, the café at the Corniche or right here on Maryah Island, Em Sherif never misses the mark. O Open daily 12.30pm-midnight. Licensed. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, emsherifseacafe.com (02 626 2895).74 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABICOM Bars, Pubs & Clubs West Bay Lounge Day-to-night destination on the Corniche serving pure vacay vibes When we describe a place with picture- perfect sunsets, a sea breeze and tropical vibes, you may be picturing some far-flung holiday destination. But all that and more (including some fantastic food) can be found just a stone’s throw from downtown Abu Dhabi at West Bay Lounge. It’s vacay vibes all-day every day at this destination, with West Bay Lounge serving as the perfect spot to catch some rays on the Corniche during the day before turning into a boho-chic nightlife destination once the sky goes a brilliant orange. Of course, golden hour and sunset are our favourite times to visit for after-work drinks, but this spot is good to visit at any time of day. Outside there are hammocks, swings, and sun loungers, but if you’re here for a drink we’d recommend settling “The whole place has a wonderfully charming, breezy vibe”TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 75 Three to try Happy hour by the water Art Lounge Nestled under the dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, there are few more sophisticated places for a sundowner than boho-style Art Lounge. But, despite its exclusive postcode, meeting for drinks at this ultra-Instagrammable rooftop doesn’t have to cost you a fortune. Instead, you can get two drinks for the price of one, including hops, grapes and speciality beverages, every day from 3pm to 5pm. O Daily 3pm-5pm. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, @artlounge.abudhabi (052 799 4538). Hidden Bar While its enormous collection of juniper beverages is mega impressive, the best thing about Hidden Bar will forever be its sweeping outdoor terrace. Decked out with comfy sofas and rimmed by 360-degree views of downtown and the sparkling Arabian Gulf, its happy hour is impossible to resist, too. Running from 6pm and 7pm – just in time to see the city skyline turn orange and gold – it includes a generous 50 percent discount on selected house beverages, all served with bowls of high-quality and delicious salty snacks. O Daily 6pm-7pm. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Al Maryah Island, @rosewoodabudhabi (02 813 5550). Saadiyat Beach Club You don’t have to splash out on a day pass to experience the dreamiest and most exclusive beach club in the city. Walk-ins are welcome for the beach bar’s happy hour, where selected drinks start from Dhs29. Adorned with chic wicker furnishings and located just steps from the azure ocean, every visit is like escaping away on a holiday for a few hours. O Daily 6pm-8pm. Saadiyat Island, @saadiyatbeachclub (02 656 3500). into one of the ultra-comfy couches inside, which you can enjoy year-round thanks to the extensive glass exterior. While West Bay Lounge might remind you of a holiday you once went on, you won’t be able to put your finger on where once you’re handed the food menu, which is firmly international. There are soups, salads and steaks, plus pasta and seafood. But for us, the top pick has to be the sushi. We did say this is a super sundowner spot, and the menu is wide ranging, with mixed drinks and mocktails, short measures, hops and glasses of grape. You’re paying a premium for that view, but it’s worth every dirham – as proven by the fact that this spot is permanently busy, day and night. Book or risk disappointment. With loads of seating options, wicker chandeliers, breezy curtains and plenty of plants, the whole place has a wonderfully charming, breezy vibe that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’ve just walked down the road from the office. O Open daily noon-1am. Corniche, westbayabudhabi.com (02 692 4375).76 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Attractions With tonnes of brilliant restaurants and bars, brunches galore, plenty of tourist attractions to visit, your time in the capital can quickly add up. But if you’re on a budget, or just looking for stuff to do ahead of payday, we’ve got you covered with all the brilliant free things to do in the captial. From cultural activities to fitness, we’ve got you covered. Totally free things to do If you’re on a budget or waiting for pay-day, here’s what to do Amble through the palm trees at Al Ain Oasis There’s nothing quite like taking a walk through thousands of palm trees towering over your head, especially when it’s one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi. In fact there are more than 147,000 trees at Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, and it’s a top place to enjoy a walk. The ultimate place to look up and take a breath. O Open daily 9am-5pm. Al Ain Street, Central District, Al Ain (03 711 8251). Catch a classic flick at Cinema Space With a brilliant roster of world cinema and restored classics, this film club should always be at the top of your to-do list. Seating is limited so RSVP via the website where the full programme is also listed. O Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Cultural District, cinemaspace-abudhabi.splashthat.com (02 6575 800). Moreeb Dune Sheikh Zayed Grand MosqueTIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 77 Manarat Al Saadiyat day, the quality is so high and the prices so reasonable that doing so makes sense. Should all that perusing whet your appetite, a pit stop at one of the on-site restaurants comes recommended, such as Al Shader. O Open 8am-10pm. Mina Zayed. Marvel at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque One of the most popular free things to do in Abu Dhabi, we’d be stunned if you’re yet to visit this iconic landmark. What can we say about Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that hasn’t been said before? Truly breathtaking, with 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, it’s a masterclass in craftsmanship and architecture. Just remember to be respectful and dress conservatively. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 9am-noon, 3pm- 10pm. Khor Al Maqta, szgmc.gov.ae (02 419 1919). Run or cycle at Yas Marina Circuit With TrainYAS you can walk, cycle or run the 5.55km track completely for free. All you need to bring is your running (or walking) shoes – even those who wish to cycle can borrow a bike for free. Just make sure you register in advance, and check the website before heading down, as sometimes private events may mean TrainYAS is cancelled. Pack liquids, sun cream and your high energy levels. O Free (registration required). Mon, Wed 6pm-10pm. Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, yasmarinacircuit. com . Stare up at the terrifying Moreeb Dune Moreeb Dune is an incredible sight. The towering wall of sand has an estimated 50 degree slip face and 300m height, making it quite the spectacle. We recommend leaving driving up it to the pros and admiring it from the base. It’s not called the ‘scary mountain’ for nothing.but rest assured it’s more beautiful than anything. O Moreeb Dune, 25km south of Liwa Oasis. Take part in a free fitness session at The Galleria Al Maryah Island Window shopping is one of the best free things to do in Abu Dhabi, but if you’re looking for something a little more active, you should be signing up for one of the free fitness sessions at The Galleria. There are yoga and Zumba classes, as well as a free guided walk. Go on your own or with a plus one, you’re bound to make a new group of friends in the process. Ideal for families too who just need to squeeze in some movement in the day, why not head to the next session? O Free. Tue, Thu, Sun 8.30am-9.30am (adult yoga), Wed, Sat (mummy-and-child yoga), Mon, Wed, Fri 8.30am onwards (walk), Tue, Thu 9am-10am (Zumba). The Galleria Al Maryah Island, thegalleria.ae. Discover amazing exhibitions at Manarat Al Saadiyat Found in the Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat is one of the best art galleries in Abu Dhabi. While some of the exhibitions here have an entry fee, many throughout the year are totally free to visit, and you can also attend a free weekly sound healing session on Mondays. O Open daily 10am-8pm. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, manaratalsaadiyat.ae (02 657 5800). Explore a sustainable city Abu Dhabi’s sustainable city is an intriguing place and it has loads of stunning architecture and a unique design. Take a stroll through the buildings and you can see what’s on offer and get some amazing snaps of some of the coolest buildings in the UAE. O Masdar City, near Abu Dhabi International Airport, masdarcity.ae. Head to the Mina Zayed Fish Market The Mina Zayed Fish Market opened its doors back in July 2022, and it’s definitely worth a visit. With over 100 stalls displaying a smorgasbord of spanking fresh fish, shellfish, crustaceans and more, it’s an oceanic feast for the senses. And while we can’t promise you won’t be tempted to drop a few dirhams on the catch of the Masdar City78 AUTUMN 2025 TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM Family & Kids Adrenark Adventure Play time Want to really treat your little ones? Check out our pick of the best soft play experiences. By Harriet Shephard Keeping children away from screens and engaged in ‘real’ hands-on play can often be harder than it sounds. Thankfully, Abu Dhabi has no shortage of soft play areas that make staying active and learning seem fun and exciting, rather than a chore. Offering countless opportunities for your brood to make new friends and develop confidence and skills, you’ll be the favourite adult for weeks after taking them for a day out at any of the below. Adrenark Adventure As the largest indoor adventure park in the region, Adrenark Adventure offers tonnes of excitement for all ages. Younger visitors measuring 90cm and up are invited to test their balance, agility and coordination on the huge Inflatable Park and explore further amazing rides and attractions such as the Toddler Playground (filled with balance beams, tunnels and slides), the state-of-the- art Net Maze obstacle course, trampoline game Velo Jump and more. Plus, if you start feeling a bit jealous standing on the sidelines, there are lots of adult-friendly experiences, too. O From Dhs104 (toddler day pass). Sun-Thu 10am- 10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Qana, Al Maqta, adrenark.com (02 418 6620). Caboodle Inspired by nature and filled with green and earthy tones, Caboodle is definitely Abu Dhabi’s most stylish play area. Including quiet corners and creative zones, it tries not to overstimulate and there isn’t a screen or virtual game in sight. Including soft play CaboodleTIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM AUTUMN 2025 79 with grassy areas, treehouses, tunnels, climbing frames and even an orchard, along with a dress-up area, miniature city and a huge sand pit (where the archeological digs are known to uncover a dinosaur or two), it’s perfect for adventurous kiddies. Extra activities such as teddy bear building, cookie decorating and paper -mâché painting can also be added on. O From Dhs59 (one hour, under one). Open daily 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @mycaboodle (02 679 8019). Cheeky Monkeys You’ll have to drag your kids away from the incredible play areas at Cheeky Monkeys. A great one for those in the Khalifa City area, the welcoming play centre has the perfect formula for fun absolutely nailed, with a five- level soft play frame that includes a space shuttle and hidden disco, a dedicated play area for toddlers, arts and crafts and a two- story clubhouse with a play kitchen, living room, supermarket and more. O Dhs63 (one hour), Dhs35 (additional hours). Open Sun-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri-Sat 9am-10pm. Al Forsan Village, Khalifa City A, @cheekymonkeys.uae (056 505 7209). Fun Works The enormous, multi-level soft play area at Fun Works looks like it’s been plucked straight from a child’s imagination. Bright, colourful and including everything from climbing walls to crawl tunnels and more, your little ones are sure to come away exhausted yet happy. The rates are reasonable too, with unlimited play memberships available for Dhs159 per month. O Dhs60 (play day pass), Dhs159 (one month access). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am- midnight. Yas Mall, Yas Island, funworks.ae (054 581 3416). Leo&Loona Hailed as Abu Dhabi’s biggest indoor playground and family restaurant, Leo&Loona is specifically tailored for kids aged ten and under. Offering over 2,600 sqm of interactive ‘phygital’ games, rides and toys (including a funky disco, glow in the dark slide and pedal go-karts), toddlers also have their own soft play zones, while the workshops include painting, clay sculpting and even fossil making. O Dhs159 (two hours). Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Yas Mall, Yas Island and Dalma Mall, leoloona.ae (04 237 5454). miniBOUNCE The cute younger sibling of BOUNCE, miniBOUNCE invites little kids to join in and develop their coordination and balance before taking on the full trampoline park. Open to kids aged up to six (or under 140cm), the state-of-the-art play complexes at Dalma Mall and Reem Mall include heaps of slides, ball pits, games, mini obstacle courses and trampolines and all kinds of ways for them to crawl, jump and climb off any pent-up energy. Pick up an hour pass or stay for longer (depending on how much energy is left). Just don’t forget to bring some socks. O Dhs80 (one-hour pass). Open Sun-Thu 10am- 10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Various locations, including Reem Mall, Reem Island, @minibouncemideast (04 304 9333). Little Acres Kids Club Far more than just a golf club, Yas Acres also has an extensive kids’ activities centre and it’s open to both guests and members alike. Along with indoor and outdoor play areas with slides, a ball pit, a trampoline, books, puzzles and soft play, a huge array of arts and crafts and activities are also thrown in for free, including pizzas making, face painting, balloon twisting and more. Perhaps best of all, providing an excellent excuse to head out for a family lunch, entry is complimentary when you spend Dhs200 or more at Roots Bar & Kitchen. You really can spend the day here if you’re in need of some great weekend plans. O Dhs65 (one hour guest pass). Open Mon-Fri 7.30am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-7pm, activities Mon-Thu 4pm-6pm (bookings required). Yas Acres Golf & Country Club, Yas Island, viyagolf.com (02 208 7300). Fun WorksNext >