< PreviousOn the road to Al Ain 20 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com RIDE THE ROLLERCOASTERS AT HILI FUN CITY Hili Fun City opened in 1985 and is the region’s oldest theme park, so it makes sense that it’s enveloped in a heavy blanket of nostalgia. There are loads of classic kids’ rides, a skating rink and performances to see. Grab some snacks and have a jaunt around the park before you pick your Àrst ride. This is one of the most fun things to do in Al Ain. O Open Tue-Thu 4pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 2pm-10pm. Al Hili (03 784 5542). “Learn about zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, antelopes and ostriches” Bawadi Mall Hili Fun CityOn the road to Al Ain timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 21 SAFARI AT AL AIN SAFARI Looking to get close to some stunning wildlife on your weekend trip to Al Ain? Al Ain Safari is one of the best things to do for animal- lovers. Safari guides will tell you all about the incredible animals on the safari, which also include zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, antelopes and ostriches. There are a number of different Al Ain Safari tour packages, including private SUV tours and tours in safari trucks. The SUV tours accommodate up to six people while the Safari truck tour accommodates up to 22 people... for anyone celebrating their birthday any time soon. O Prices vary. Open daily, 3pm-10pm. Shiab Al Ashkhar, alainzoo.ae (800 966). SHOPPING AT BAWADI MALL If you’re looking to shop until you drop during your weekend trip to Al Ain, Bawadi Mall is one of the top malls in Al Ain for a reason. Aside from the many stores to choose from, there’s a cinema, bowling alley, fun city, food court and play area for the kids. Restaurants include TGI Friday’s, Abu TaÀsh, The Coffee Club and La Brioche. Shops are open from 10am to 11pm from Saturday to Wednesday and from 10am to midnight Thursday and Friday. Entertainment and the food court is open slightly later for night hunger pangs. O Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm; Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Noud, bawadimall.com (03 784 0000). SPA DAY AT ZEN THE SPA Looking to get pampered? Hey, you deserve it. Zen the Spa at Al Ain Rotana is one of the top locations for a pampering sessions. There’s a couples suite, relaxation rooms, a sauna, steam rooms, plunge pool and hammam to enjoy. The spa is open from 10am to 10pm and offers loads of massage packages and treatments to take advantage of. O Prices vary. Open daily, 10am-10pm. Al Ain Rotana, Al Jahili, rotanatimes.com (03 703 1171). STROLL THROUGH AL BATHA RESERVE If you’re after the perfect spot for a stroll on your weekend trip to Al Ain, look no further than Al Batha Reserve. The eco-tourism reserve features a lake, playgrounds and green ghaf trees to lounge under. The lake has ducks on it so be sure to bring some lettuce, frozen peas or sweetcorn if you want to feed them (no bread please, it’s not healthy for them). Sounds like one of the sweetest things to do in Al Ain. O Open daily, 8am-11pm. Al Nabbagh. TAKE THE KIDS TO JAHILI PARK Looking for things to do in Al Ain with the whole family? Al Ain is well known for its public parks and family spaces and Jahili Park is one of the best green spaces in the city. Grab a coffee from a nearby café or let the kids run free through the playground or many walking trails. To make your visit even more worthwhile, pack a picnic. And while you’re there, check out Al Jahili Fort, which is one of the largest forts in the UAE. O Open daily. Al Jahili. Zen the Spa Al Ain Safari66 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com CELEB OKTOBEtimeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 23 The stage is set for 20 unmissable Bavarian events happening across the UAE. Here’s what’s coming up. Prost! BRATE ERFEST Coming up 24 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com “Head to the Marriott Al Forsan for a week of Bavarian fun” Oktoberfest is descending on Abu Dhabi with a raft of cool parties, special dishes, and events to celebrate in true Bavarian style. Oktoberfest is an annual festival in Munich, Germany, that has since spread to celebrations across the world. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, and includes all things Bavarian: from pretzels to brats to hops. And most importantly, it’s a time where people let their hair down and have fun. Looking for all the best Oktoberfest happenings across the UAE? We’ve got you covered. It’s time to dig out those dirndls and lederhosen and celebrate Oktoberfest. ABU DHABI DANCE TO TRADITIONAL GERMAN MUSIC AT STILLS Ready to grab your mates and celebrate Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi? Head over to Stills where you can enjoy a night of Bavarian fun with live music from German band, Gaudiblosn. Festivities kick off from 7pm onwards where you can indulge in a variety of drinks and beverage deals, which include brews and snack platters, happy hour and buffet stations. What’s more, packages start from Dhs89 so you can enjoy a delicious range of brews and an Oktoberfest buffet. O From Dhs89 (or Dhs199 for unlimited brews and Oktoberfest buffet). Oct 14-16. 7pm onwards. Crowne Plaza Hotel, Yas Island. ihg.com/crowneplaza/ (02 656 3000). EAT AN OKTOBERFEST BBQ AT MARRIOTT AL FORSAN Wanting to Àll your calendar with some of the best places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi? You might want to head over to the Marriott Al Forsan for a week of Bavarian fun. The Marriott Al Forsan will be offering traditional Oktoberfest a la carte food on weekdays, plus an outdoor live BBQ station on weekends for Dhs99 per person. There will also be a live band performing Bavarian music, and free entry all week. Grab your pals and head over there, pronto. O Oct 21-30. Free, Mon-Fri. From Dhs99, Sat-Sun. 7pm to midnight. Marriott Al Forsan, marriott.com (02 201 4000). Saadiyat Beach Golf ClubComing up timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 25 Marriott Al Forsan ENJOY GERMAN SNACKS AT SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB Until October 9, you can get a range of German snacks on the Dolphin Lawn at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Head there from Sunday to Thursday between 4pm and 11pm or Friday and Saturday from noon to 11pm to enjoy a German snack with draught German hops. This is one of the best events to celebrate Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi. Trust us. O Until Oct 9. Sun-Thu, 4pm-11pm. Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island (02 499 8100). FEAST AT Y BRUNCH OKTOBERFEST EDITION What is Oktoberfest in Abu Dhabi without brunch? Luckily, Y Brunch is hosting a specially themed brunch for Oktoberfest which will feature all German activities with live entertainment for you and your entire family. There will be live singers, and a DJ, as well as a kids corner buffet and activities like face- painting and balloons. O From Dhs179. Sat Oct 8. From 12.30pm-4pm. Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, rotana.com (02 656 4000). GUZZLE HOPS AT BELGIAN CAFÉ Until October 1, you can enjoy an exclusive selection of Belgian café Yas Island’s exclusive brew menu, plus a variety of delicious bites from Germany including traditional pretzels, meaty sausages, crispy schnitzels, sauerkraut, and much more. The menu starts from Dhs45 (a steal). O From Dhs45. Thu Sep 29 to Sun Oct 1. 7pm onwards. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, instagram.com/bbcyasisland/ (02 626 2000). StillsComing up 26 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com https://magnet.itp.com/magnet/app/navigator/ view_Àle.php?sf_id=12151733&sl_id=2&coming_ from=search&r=1664449731&fetch_type=image&a_ id=1&img_id=12151733&dynamic_creation=1&user_ id=1408691&server=np&a7x=1 DUBAI BARASTI BEACH BAR AT LE MERIDIEN Hungry for some crispy pretzels and tasty wursts? Head to Barasti’s tent this Oktoberfest for a truly Bavarian fest. There are mega deals on the menu including sausage platter for Dhs180, Orbatzda and fresh Pretzels for Dhs50 and Áavourful bratwurst for Dhs90. You can also tuck into a sausage, pretzel and stein for Dhs80, or currywurst for Dhs60, which comes with a side of succulent bratwurst sausages tossed in mild curry ketchup with thick-cut fries. Pair your meal with some German hops between Dhs40 to Dhs50. There will also be performances by the Oompah Girls and a saxophonist. O Sun 18 Sept-1 Oct. Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina (04 318 1313). ERNST BIERGARTEN & WIRSTHAUS German pub Ernst is throwing a traditional Bavarian Oktoberfest party every weekend from this Saturday (September 17). Until October 23, each weekend there will be a traditional band playing and a lively atmosphere complete with an all-inclusive food and drink deal. For Dhs250 you’ll get unlimited grape, hops, sparking and house drinks along with a bratwurst in a bun and a fresh pretzel. The package is available from 7pm-9pm and 9pm-11pm from Thursday to Saturday, along with from 12pm-2pm and 2pm-4pm on Sundays. This is going to be one of the liveliest places to celebrate Oktoberfest in Dubai. O Dhs250 for the package. From Sat 17 Sep. ERNST, 25hours Hotel One Central, Trade Centre Street, Dubai. dubai@ernstbiergarten.com. HIGH NOTE POOL & SKY LOUNGE Get yourself down to High Note Pool & Sky Lounge and get a bucket of hops for Dhs150 or get three pints of hop for Dhs99. O Mon Sep 26 – Sat Oct 1. Rooftop Level, Aloft Al Mina Hotel (058 591 8153). LOCK STOCK & BARREL All three branches of LSB are throwing a special Oktoberfest brunch throughout the month of October. On Saturday October 1,8,15 and 22, for Dhs250 you’ll get unlimited German themed food and house drinks including hops. O Dhs250 (brunch). Sat Oct 1,6,15,22, 1pm-4pm. Lock Stock & Barrel branches across Dubai, lsbdubai.com. “Tuck into sausage, pretzel, stein or currywurst”Coming up timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 27 PHILEAS FOGG’S WEEKLY OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS Looking for a great Oktoberfest event? Get yourself down to Phileas Fogg between Thursday September 15 and Sunday October 2 for Oktoberfest in Dubai celebrations. Throughout the coming weeks, the family- friendly pub will be offering a special menu including steins from Dhs55. Food options will include a giant soft salted pretzel, hop marinated chicken, schnitzel and bavarian treats. Along with the themed menu, you’ll also catch special live performances throughout the two-week-long Oktoberfest in Dubai celebration. See you there? O Dhs50 deposit (per person). Thu Sep 15- Sun Oct 2, Montgomerie Golf Academy, Al Thanayah Fourth, Emirates Hills, opmtickets.com. Barasti Beach Bar Phileas Fogg’s Lock Stock & Barrel TJ’S OKTOBERFEST Rejoice. One of Dubai’s best venues, The Taj’s sports bar TJ’s, is bringing back Oktoberfest for yet another incredible line up of Bavarian events offering delicious food and beverages. From Friday October 7 to Saturday October 22, there’s a Bavarian party here every Friday and Saturday. Teleport to Munich and take advantage of the all-inclusive deals on drinks and food, serving dishes like obatzda & pretzel, nuernberger sausages and roast bratwurst. There is bound to be a lively atmosphere with Sabrina Terence playing the German beats, alongside a stein holding competition. Reservation is required. Good vibes, good dancing and good people are deÀnitely mandatory (in our opinion). O Fri Oct 7 – Sat Oct 22, every Fri & Sat. Taj Jumeirah Lakes (04 5741 111). WAVEHOUSE’S WEEKLY OKTOBERFEST FEASTS Gear up to get festive the Bavarian way at Wavehouse Atlantis this Oktoberfest. It’ll be a proper celebration at this family destination, complete with pretzels, brats and hops. So, round up the gang and tuck into delicious Bavarian-inspired dishes from Dhs45, including homemade brezen, bratwurst with sauerkraut and mustard and roast pork with roasted potatoes. Enjoy sipping on premium German hops at the pop-up draught stations. There’ll be daily performances by a house band and a German Oompah band over the weekend from 8pm. Face painting stations and stilt walkers will keep the kiddos entertained too, so there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget to dive into lush German chocolate cake while you’re there. O Free entry. Fri 30 Sep-9 Oct. Atlantis The Palm Hotel, Ground Floor, Crescent Rd. atlantis.com (04 426 2626). Coming up 28 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com DOHA BOSTON’S Keeping it traditional, Boston’s will be celebrating Oktoberfest in Doha at the same time as the original festival in Munich in the two-and-a-half weeks before the Àrst Sunday in October. Pay a visit during this time and you’ll be able to order from the special menu which includes pretzels, German meatballs and chicken schnitzel, or you can opt for the hearty Oktoberfest platter with a variety of sausages alongside sauerkraut and mash. O Sat Sep 17-Mon Oct 3 5pm-2am. City Center Rotana Doha, West Bay (4445 8888 ). HUDSON TAVERN Love currywurst and pretzels? Then you’re going to love celebrating Oktoberfest at Hudson Tavern, which is putting on a menu of Bavarian bites and hops from September 17. O Sat Sep 17-Mon Oct 3 5pm-11.30pm. Mondrian Doha, West Bay Lagoon, sbe.com (4045 5999). IRISH HARP Being an Irish pub isn’t going to stop the Irish O’Glacée Restaurant Mulberry Tavern Harp from marking the special occasion. This year, you can grab yourself a platter of Bavarian specialties for QR220, with à la carte hops options. Enjoy a memorable Oktoberfest celebration here. O QR220. Sat Sep 17-Mon Oct 3 5pm-1am. Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel, West Bay, irishharpdoha.com (4485 3000). MULBERRY TAVERN Hilton the Pearl’s gastropub Mulberry Tavern will be celebrating Oktoberfest with a special menu Àlled with German snacks and hops. O Thu Sep 29-Fri Sep 30. Hilton Doha The Pearl Hotel & Residences, Abraj Quartier, The Pearl-Qatar (4492 4630). O’GLACÉE RESTAURANT Poolside spot O’Glacée Restaurant will be offering up hops packages with or without a grazing platter of grilled beef sausage, pretzels with obatzda, käsespätzle and sauerkraut. And if you prefer to order à la carte, you can grab dishes like chicken currywurst or the oktaburger, with a wagyu beef patty, pretzel bun, swiss cheese and sauerkraut, from QR70. O From QR70 Sat Sep 17-Mon Oct 3 6pm-11pm. Alwadi Hotel Doha – MGallery, Downtown Doha (4009 9999) . SANTA MONICA BREAKFAST CLUB Planning on heading out for brunch this month? You can celebrate the occasion at Santa Monica Breakfast Club, which is putting on a special Oktoberfest-themed food counter as its brunches on September 16 and 23. O QR155 (kids six to 12). Fri Sep 16, Fri Sep 23 1pm- 4pm. Grand Hyatt Doha Hotel & Villas, West Bay Lagoon (4448 1240). THE LEAGUE Hilton Salwa’s sports bar The League will be putting on a special menu and activities for Oktoberfest this year. Plus, there will also be live music to keep you entertained throughout. Head there for a great Oktoberfest celebration to remember for a lifetime. O Wed Sep 28-Sat Oct 1 4pm-midnight. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort, Learaig (4423 6666).Coming up timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 29 WEISN TENT AT THE INTERCONTINENTAL DOHA The famed Weisn Tent is coming back to the InterContinental Doha for Oktoberfest. Held over two weekends in October, you’ll get to dive into a buffet of Bavarian delicacies, like pretzels and sauerkraut, while the Sweet Chilli Band, who are Áying in from Austria, keep you you on your feet and entertainted throughout the night. Lederhosen and dirndls aren’t mandatory, but strongly encouraged if you want to dive really deep into Bavarian culture. Plus, who knows? You might even suit the look. Head here with your friends or family for an incredible Oktoberfest celebration that you’ll never want to forget. O QR250 (Saturdays, food only), QR285 (Thursdays and Fridays, food only). Thu Oct 20-Sat Oct 22, Thu Oct 27- Sat Oct 29 8pm onwards. InterContinental Doha Beach & Spa, Al Qassar (4484 4919 ). “Grab dishes like chicken currywurst or the oktaburger” Hudson TavernNext >