< PreviousCity life 10 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com UK Adults-only playground to launch A brand-new adults-only funfair themed bar, called Fairgame, arrives in London’s Canary Wharf on October 4. The venue, which gives you unwavering rights to act like a complete kid in your fully developed adult body, will feature classic fairground games including whac-a-mole, roll-a-ball derby, skeeball and clown shoot. The giant 20,000 sq ft playground will be kitted out with a 100m riverside terrace and three ‘bumper bars’, while there are street food vendors and a nostalgic candy stand, too. Ellie Muir The best stories from our editors around the globe YOUR WORLD ACCORDING TO TIME OUT ITALY Christmas adventures TRAIN RIDES DON’T come much more romantic and luxurious than the Orient Express. Trundling through bits of France and Italy in opulent 1920s train carriages, with a glass of bubbly in hand and world-renowned chefs catering to your every need? Don’t mind if we do… for a price, of course. But soon the Orient Express is going to get even more romantic. For the Àrst time ever, the Venice Simplon-Orient Express will be extending its timetable into December, with ten itineraries. Which means – yep – the world’s most romantic train is going to be running around Christmas. Fancy taking a snowy ride this December? You can book a suite and get planning that once-in-a-lifetime Christmassy luxury train extravaganza. (If you’ve got the cash.) Ed CunninghamCity life timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 11 USA Escape a three-acre corn maze Called The Amazing Maize Maze, this plant puzzle at the Queens County Farm Museum lives up to the hype. This year, the maze pays homage to Georgia O’Keeffe’s iconic Ram’s Head, Blue Morning Glory painting. To solve the maze, you’ll have to twist and turn through three acres of densely planted corn crops. If you successfully complete the maze, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular 360-degree view of the labyrinth from the Victory Bridge. If you’re really brave, test your wits at the Maze by Moonlight. Rossilynne Skena Culgan THAILAND Hollywood to fix ruined Thai beach Thailand’s Supreme Court has ordered 20th Century Studios to pay 10 million Thai Baht (Dhs993,000) after the location they used was left damaged during the Àlming of Leonardo DiCaprio backpacker thriller The Beach. Maya Bay on the Thai island of Phi Phi Lay reopened to tourists in January 2022, after it was closed for three years to carry out essential restoration works. It was shut again this August and is expected to open in October, with new rules including a ban on boats and swimming. John Hornbuckle USA Baby Yoda is coming to Disneyland The Mandalorian will arrive in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in mid-November, and he’ll be slinging Grogu – otherwise known as Baby Yoda – by his side. They’re not the only new characters at the parks: The Hulk started bounding around Avengers Campus in September. Speaking of the park’s Marvel- themed land, Disney Ànally shared some news about the yet-to-open Avengers ride. The attraction will now be venturing into the multiverse, with a wide swath of characters. A piece of concept art includes everything from Daredevil to Man-Thing to multiple Hulks, Thors and Captain Americas – battling King Thanos, a new version of the Mad Titan created for the new ride. Michael Juliano COOK ISLANDS Dreamy travel destination lifts restrictions If pure white beaches, sparkling turquoise waters and tropical rainforests are your idea of a good time, you’re in luck. The Cook Islands in the South PaciÀc have just announced the permanent lifting of all Covid-19 restrictions, signalling a brand-new jump forward for the glorious island nation. Hoorah! Now, all you’ve gotta do is grab your best reef-safe sunscreen, book in that leave, and buy a lovely broad-brimmed hat. Your Cook Islands adventure awaits. Maya Skidmore 12 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Things to do timeoutabudhabi.com/things-to-do TOP PICK NBA at Etihad Arena This month sees two pre-season NBA games featuring the Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks on October 6 and October 8, marking the Àrst ever NBA games in the UAE. Head to the Etihad Arena for a chance to meet four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neill who will be hosting fan meet and greets. O From Dhs205. Oct 6-8. Etihad Arena, Yas Island etihadarena.ae (02 496 8000). IF YOU ONLY DO Unmissable concerts, brilliant brunches, cool places to stay fit, the city’s best deals, and much more. FILL YOUR PLATES Shang Palace Love chinese Áavours? Head to Sichuan Brunch at Shang Palace this month to enjoy a menu designed by Chef Quiguo Su, with a Peking duck station and range of delicious Sichuan dishes. O From Dhs198. Sun 12pm-3pm. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. shangri-la.com (02 509 8555). 17 things this month... timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 13 ISLAND TWIST TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN In collaboration with Jamaican restaurant Kingston 21 and Pepperpot Pals, enjoy delicious Caribbean dishes and sets from DJ Lennox, J R The Superstar and DJ LPN. O From Dhs280. Sat Oct 1, 9pm onwards. Marina Mall, Corniche. kingston21.ae (02 546 8500. GET JAZZY WITH RAVI COLTRANE The Arts Centre NYU Love jazz? Take a masterclass in the structures of modern and contemporary jazz from none other than John Coltrane’s equally talented son, Ravi. O Free. Wed Oct 5. 6.30pm-9pm. nyuad-artscenter.org. STARS IN YOUR EYES Al Quaa Desert Escape city life and head into the desert for light pollution-free views of the galaxy and various planets, constellations and even the occasional shooting star O Google Maps coordinates: 23°36’16.7N 54°45’00.9 E. FREE THINGS TO DO TAKE A MINUTE AL WATHBA SALT LAKES Fossil dunes, wildlife-Àlled wetlands and glassy, turquoise water. Hop in your SUV to Long Salt Lake and enjoy this incredible natural wonder. O Google maps coordinates: 24.1589° N, 54.5025° E. THE MAIN EVENT SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE Marvel at this mosque’s incredible 82 domes, 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. O Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm. Fri 4.30pm-10pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saed Street (02 419 1919). Things to do 14 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Fill ‘yer stomach Abu Dhabi Culinary Season Are you a foodie? Then you’ll love the return of Abu Dhabi’s Culinary Season. This month sees all of the capital’s cafés and restaurants, featuring a diverse schedule of culinary experiences, ranges of cuisines, styles and price points. O inabudhabi.ae COMING SOON Allo Beirut Fancy manakish, shawarma, falafel, breakfast fatteh, rotisserie chicken, or all of the above? You’d be a fool to pass on this. Three new Allo Beirut branches are heading to the capital and you won’t want to miss out. O Various locations. instagram.com/ allobeirutstreetfood. GO GREEK MAZI Now open at St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Mazi is serving up Greek specialties and Mediterranean vibes with indoor and outdoor seating. O Open Wed-Sat, Mon noon-3pm, 7pm- 11pm; Sun 1pm-4pm, 7pm-11pm. St Regis. Saadiyat Island Resort (02 498 8955) SPOOKY SEASON La Terrazza Fancy a family-fun Halloween? Head over to La Terrazza for a special Halloween-themed buffet, food and beverage packages, and of course, special Halloween face painting activities for the kid. Don’t worry, adults can get their faces painted for an extra Dhs69 so you won’t feel left out. O From Dhs149. Oct 26. Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche, radissonhotels.com (02 681 1900). Things to do timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 15 Liam Gallagher Club Social returns with a mega three- day event with unmissable sets from the former Oasis frontman, Clean Bandit and the Kaiser Chiefs. O From Dhs125. Fri Oct 28-Sun Oct 30. Yas Links. clubsocial.ae (02 404 3000). PILATES CLASSES Bodytree Studio Want a physique that will give Lori Harvey a run for her money? This studio offers various classes, including pilates and yoga, that’ll whip you into shape in no time. O Khalidiyah, bodytreestudiocom, (02 443 4448). Screen time SEE BLACK ADAM VOX CINEMAS Nearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods, and imprisoned just as quickly, Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed and ready to unleash justice on the modern world. O Rated 18+. Vox Cinemas. WATCH HALLOWEEN ENDS VOX CINEMAS Follow Laurie, who is living with her granddaughter Allyson, who is Ànishing writing her memoir. Four years after the events of Halloween Kills, Michael Myers hasn’t been seen since...until now. Yikes. O Rated 18+. Vox Cinemas. A. R. Rahman Jai Ho! Two-time Academy award winner A.R. Rahman will be joined by his ensemble to perform all the songs from his classic movies. Appreciate talent? Don’t miss this. O From Dhs80. Sat Oct 29. 7.30pm-10pm. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, etihadarena.ae (02 496 800). Family fun Ice, Ice Baby Disney on Ice at Etihad Arena Gather up the gang and grab your mouse ears because Disney on Ice is back. Thaw a frozen heart with Elsa, just keep swimming with Dory and celebrate friendship with the Toy Story and Disney Princesses. O From Dhs84. Wed Oct 12-Sun Oct 16. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, disneyoniceme.com (600 511 115). 16 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com AL AIN ON THE ROAD TO Book your weekend to the UAE’s Garden City and discover its hidden gems. Jebel Hafittimeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 17 Looking for incredible things to do in Al Ain? Situated in the far east of the UAE, close to the border with Oman, Al Ain is one of the country’s most beloved spots for its history, green spaces and culture. They don’t call Al Ain the Garden City for nothing. With loads of stunning Áower gardens and parks to explore, it can be a welcome break from the sight of orange dunes. There are also traces of human history dating back over 4,000 years here, remarkable tombs and examples of early irrigation that can’t be found anywhere else in the UAE. It’s perhaps no surprise that with such deep roots in the history of the region, UNESCO has named some of Al Ain’s treasures on its famous World Heritage List. This beautiful city was also the hometown of the UAE’s founder, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Dubai and Abu Dhabi may hog the headlines when it comes to tourism, but Al Ain is the underdog that offers many things those near neighbours cannot – and with none of the crowds to get in your way. It’s the kind of city where you’ll discover hidden gems in every nook and cranny. ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS AT AL AIN ZOO The Àrst item on the to-do list? Al Ain Zoo. Founded in 1968 by His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and it has a huge animal collection of over 4,300 animals. It’s one of the best-known (and biggest) zoos in the GCC. Watch a penguin parade, feed the giraffes, see the cheetahs go for a run or get up close with lemurs. O Dhs32 (adults), Dhs11 (kids three-12).Open daily, 3pm-10pm. Shiab Al Ashkhar, alainzoo.ae (800 966).On the road to Al Ain 18 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com desert in Al Ain? As the weather gets cooler, families and friends pack Àrewood, camping chairs, karak, water and plenty of snacks for a night of chatting next to the bonÀre. You can opt to hang out for the evening or pack a tent and sleep under the stars. Check out Al Ain desert picnic camp, desert camping area or Ànd a spot in the desert near Jebel Hafeet. O Locations vary. DRIVE UP JEBEL HAFEET There are few views in the UAE that compare to the one from the top of Jebel Hafeet. If you’re looking for picture-worthy things to do in Al Ain, this should be high on your list simply alone for just how breathtaking it is. Just jump in your car and take the winding road to the ART AT AL QATTARA ARTS FOUNDATION When it comes to arts and culture in Al Ain, Al Qattara Arts Foundation is where it’s at. This is one of the best things to do if you’re looking to paint and draw or take a look at the latest exhibit. The Centre Àrst opened in 2011 and showcases archaeological and heritage exhibits, dry and wet studios for art classes and a gallery with residents’ and citizens’ art. If you’re planning a weekend trip to this wonderful city be sure to check out the programme to see what’s on. O Free. Open daily, 9am-8pm. Al Qattar (03 711 8225). CAMP IN THE DESERT Think you can brave an overnight stay in the Al Ain Zoo Watch a penguin parade, feed the giraffes, or get up close with lemurs” top of the mountain. Below, you’ll discover the entire city spread out like a glittering sky of stars. You won’t regret a thing. O Al Hajar Mountains. EXPLORE AL AIN OASIS Al Ain Oasis is one of the prettiest places to explore when you’re on a weekend trip to Al Ain. The oasis is located in the centre of the city and is free to enter. Get up close and personal with the traditional falaj (an ancient irrigation system) and see over 147,000 date palms and fruit trees. It also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is the perfect spot for walking, unwinding and immersing yourself in nature. O Open daily, 9am-7pm. Central District (03 711 8251).On the road to Al Ain timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 19 GLAMPING AT PURA ECO RETREAT Finally open for the cooler season, Pura Eco Retreat is a sustainable glamping site at Jebel HaÀt Desert Park that occupies a nine kilometre stretch at the base of Jebel HaÀt – and it looks pretty incredible. The park’s natural surroundings include archaeological and historical remains of ancient habitations. We’re talking the Neolithic period (8,000 years ago) and 5,000-year-old tombs. It has eight skylight domes, Àve sky bubbles, ten heritage tents and a ten-spot public campsite, so you can choose whichever experience is best for you. Sounds like the ultimate retreat. O Jebel HaÀt, jhdp.ae (03 711 8362). ICE SKATING AT AL AIN MALL If you’re looking for ways to keep cool in the city, head to Al Ain Mall for a zip around the skating rink. You’ll Ànd the rink on the ground Áoor of the mall with families and pro skaters whizzing across the ice. The rink is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to midnight on weekends. One skating session is Dhs30 with your own skates or Dhs35 with rented skates. Ice, ice baby. O From Dhs30. 10am-10pm (Mon-Thu), 10am-midnight (Fri-Sun). Central District, Al Ain Mall, alainmall.net (03 766 0333). PICNIC BESIDE THE HOTSPRING AT GREEN MUBAZZARA Green Mubazzarah isn’t only a lush green plain in the middle of tall rocky hills (though the view of so much green in the desert makes it well worth the visit) it’s also home to a hot spring that you can dip your feet in. It’s the perfect location if you’re desperate for some rest and recuperation with great views. Plus, it’s parked at the foot of Jebel HaÀt, and is the perfect place for a picnic or hike, or even watching the sunset in the late evening. O Jebel HaÀt. Al Ain Oasis Pura Eco RetreatNext >