< PreviousAwesome beach clubs 40 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com as well as 300 metres of pristine sands. If you’re hungry, there’s a restaurant perfect for Pescatarians, with sushi and seafood dishes dominating the menu card, plus a few beef and chicken burgers to diversify the mix. Visit for a pool day and you’ll be able to get your spend back in F&B credit. O Dhs 200 entry Sun-Wed, Dhs 300 entry Thu-Sat. Makers District, Reem Island (056 398 7895). EEmiiraattes Palacce BBeaach Cluub If there’s one thing you can expect at the Emirates Palace, its pure luxury. Just like the rest of the hotel, the facilities at this beach club are top-notch and completely stunning. As well as a 1.3km private sandy beach, you’ll get access to two Àtness centres, two pools and courts and the hotel’s gym facilities. When your stomach starts grumbling, the hotel’s restaurants are at your service for a variety of cuisines for both lunch and dinner. The only caveat? You’ll have to be a member of hotel guest to enjoy this one. Treat yourself. O Call for prices. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiya, rotana.com (02 697 9000). CCovve BBeaach Abbu DDhaabi Since opening in November 2020, Cove Beach Abu Dhabi has become one of the coolest hangout spots in Reem Island. Split into two sections, Cove Beach Abu Dhabi remains one of the most popular beach clubs in Abu Dhabi thanks in part to its spacious and minimalist design. There’s a terrace and swimming pool, Awesome beach clubs “Worth a visit to get your Instagram shot on the famous swings” plenty of water sports option including kayaks, windsurÀng, wakeboarding and water skiing. You can also hire bikes and make the most of the hotel’s cycling tracks. Just been paid? You know what to do. O From Dhs310. Emirates Palace, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 8888). JJummeeirrah at Saaadiyyatt Islaannd Reesorrt This beautiful hotel boasts a 400m private beach and not one but three outdoor swimming pools. Indulge in the ultimate day of sun, sea and sand by lounging on the beach or settling down at the many swim-up bars and soaking up the laid-back atmosphere. If you fancy being active then you can also take advantage of Zaya Nurai IslandAwesome beach clubs timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 41 the water sports facilities that include kayaks, paddleboards and surÀng. O Call for prices. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, jumeirah.com (02 811 4444). NNattioonn Riivieera Beaachh Clubbb Placed along the Corniche, this picturesque family-friendly beach club is easily accessible from St. Regis Abu Dhabi’s main building via an air-conditioned private tunnel under Corniche Road. Facilities include a 33m temperature- controlled lap pool, complete with a swim-up bar and cabanas dotted around it. Enjoy the kids play area, jacuzzis and Àtness classes. O From Dhs105. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche West, nationrivierabeachclub.com (02 694 4444). Awesome beach clubs Al Maya Island ResortAwesome beach clubs 42 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com RRaddisssson Blu BBeaacch Cluub Looking for a lively spot? This beach club has plenty of fun and games everywhere to keep you entertained. Instead of a quiet day of sun bathing, it’s best for thrill seekers with roaring jet skis Áying around the sea and all the activities on offer at the beach club’s dedicated water sports centre. Here, you can get stuck in to everything from paddle boarding, kayaking and sailing to yoga and other exercise classes. O Call for prices. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche, Corniche West, radissonhotels.com (02 692 4324). SSaaaddiyyat Beeachh CClubb As one of the hottest spots to be seen in the city, Saadiyat Beach Club is known for hosting some unforgettable beach parties with world “Facilities include a 33m temperature-controlled lap pool, complete with a swim-up bar and cabanas” Nation Riviera Beach Club Radisson Blu Beach ClubAwesome beach clubs timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 43 classic beach club menus at the food kiosk or sit down dinners at the beach club’s restaurant that serves everything from salads and fries to steak and seafood dishes. Plus, there are plenty of watersports on offer too. O Dhs60 (Sun-Thu), Dhs120 (Fri-Sat and public holidays). Yas Island, yasbeach.ae (056 242 0435). ZZayaa NNuraai Island This stunning beach club is worth a visit even if it is purely to get your Instagram shot on the famous swings. However, once you’re there you’ll Ànd that as well as its scenic views, the private island offers a comprehensive menu of motorised and non-motorised water sports including banana boat, jet ski, kayak, paddleboards, and plenty more. O From Dhs250. Dhs480 (Dhs420 redeemable). Zaya Nurai Island, zayanuraiisland.com (02 506 6222). famous DJs and celebrity guests. Aside from the parties, this luxury spot oozes glamour and boasts some top notch facilities including a gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, cold plunge pool and an impressive inÀnity pool which will no doubt be the Àrst to catch your eye. Its 9km beach is the most secluded in the city so you can enjoy ultimate privacy. O From Dhs250. Saadiyat Island, saadiyatbeachclub.ae (02 656 3500). YYas BBeeachh This private beach club is known as the party sands thanks to its lively atmosphere and crowd. Enjoy a dip in Yas Island’s crystal clear south beach or chill on a sun lounger as the resident DJ plays some party tunes. You can also get stuck into all the water sports on offer and make the most of the dining options with 44 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Food timeoutabudhabi.com/food-drink timeoutabudhabi.com/brunch Fill your tums with these delicious steals. Eats under Dhs10 Cheese manakish at Al Sultan Bakeries It is to our ongoing amazement that the world’s greatest songwriters continue to create melodies about beautiful strangers, darling partners and lost love, while steadfastly ignoring the delights of a good manakish. What could be more relatable and eternal than the longing for warm carbs and gooey cheese? We’ve known love to come in all shapes and sizes with many different varieties, but have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t love the molten cheese and soft doughy bread of a freshly baked manakish. Breakfast, lunch or late at night show your I f there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that we love a bargain. While we’re really spoilt for choice in Abu Dhabi when it comes to top-tier restaurants, bars and cafés, sometimes all we need is good grub without all the fancy stuff. Enter: all the delicious food you can score for under Dhs10 (yes, really!). At Time Out, we set ourselves a challenge to hunt down all the bargain bites we could Ànd in Abu Dhabi. Armed with nothing more than a handful of dirhams, we explored this brilliant city for all the best, affordable food it has on offer. The gag? We actually found them. Flavourful manakish, chilli pattis and hearty breakfasts. Stomach rumbling yet? What are you waiting for? Run, don’t walk. Meat shawarma at Al Akkawi Star Foodie trends come and go (we lost our heads to cupcakes and kale for a while back there, didn’t we?) but the humble shawarma remains king of Abu Dhabi street food. Thinly sliced meat, a smattering of salad, a dollop of sauce and a few French fries in a wrap – if it is good enough for The Avengers it is good enough for us. Oh, and it is scandalously easy on the budget, too. O Dhs8. 8-2am. Hamdan Street, Al Markaziya, (02 622 2367).timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 45 authentic Levantine food and the zaatar, a thyme-like space ground with sesame seeds and salt, is the perfect starting point for a manakish quest of your own. O Dhs6. 9am-11.30pm. Guardian Towers, Embassies District, mosaicrestaurant.com (02 234 0202). Vada Pav at Salam Bombay It is claimed that there are more than 20,000 stalls selling vada pav in Mumbai. Sometimes known as a Bombay Burger it is a deep-fried potato cake or pattie inside a simple bread roll and served with chilli. O Dhs6. Daily. 7am-midnight. Near Al Safeer Mall, Mussafah Shabiya, (02 554 2229). Kids scoop at Baskin Robbins There are many Àne-dining restaurants at Souk Qaryat Al Beri and here’s a Time Out tip – order yourself a kids scoop of ice cream to eat while you walk along the water’s edge trying to decide. Consider it a palate cleanser. There may be some people who consider a frozen rainbow sherbet before you start dinner to be indulgent, but as indulgences go, a Dhs9 scoop is the least of your worries on a faux Venetian waterway in a luxury hotel. O Dhs9. Sun-Thu, 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 10am-11pm. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Al Maqtaa, baskinrobbinsmea.com, (600 503 031). Parathas at Mann O Salwa This budget-friendly restaurant specialises in Pakistani foods and has a selection including a beef nihari, various biriyani and some kebab options. As one of the best cheap eats for under Dhs10, you need to check out the range of parathas. Chicken, potato, beef and more are available. Priced between Dhs1.50 for plain and Dhs5 for certain stuffed varieties you can get a few of the layered Áatbreads to fold up and take with you on an explore around the city. O Dhs3. Muroor Road, Muroor, facebook.com/ Mannosalwa.ae (02 448 3124). Special breakfast at Tamil Dhaba Step away from luxury hotels and you will Ànd a thriving food scene in Abu Dhabi. Roadside restaurants such as Tamil Dhaba offer remarkable value. The breakfast menu at this Electra Street hangout is tantalising and South Indian specialties and an abundance of dosas draw loyal fans. A breakfast of a small rice cake, a pongal (rice dish), a masala dosa, mini poori, vada and sweet for just Dhs10 makes a mockery of premium-priced breakfasts elsewhere. I mean, why would you go anywhere else? O Dhs10. Daily, 6.30am-11.30pm. Electra Street, Al Markaziya, (02 558 6699). love with these delicious and ridiculously cheap eats that will warm your heart. O Dhs10. 6am-midnight. Various locations, including Al Nasar Tower, Embassies District, (02 441 1482). Zaatar manakish from Mosaic Legend has it that one Time Outer once set out to try every different manakish in the city. They haven’t been since, lost under the sheer enormity of the task. With so many options and so many places to try it is an enormous undertaking. To make things easier on yourself start with a standard such as the zaatar Áavour at Mosaic. The quaint Embassies District venue is famed for its Salam Bombay“What are you waiting for? Run, don’t walk...”Food 46 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com IF BURGERS, BEATS, bowling and a big dose of nostalgia make for a good night out in your book, the Central is a “food-meets-fun” venue lighting up Yas Bay. It’s an unabashed spot that goes from children’s birthdays to late evenings that are for those 21 and over, and it can somehow shift from kids playing retro arcade games and running about to a popping patio with the older crowd going back and forth between Central and LSB next door. When we visit, there are very distinct crowds and all seem to be having their own adventure. It helps that the space has clear sections for the bar, restaurant and arcade, but some fun (especially parties) can spill over. Game cards are purchased separately to food, giving everyone the freedom to do exactly what they want. What remains constant is Central serves up stimulation for the senses, from breakdancing videos, pop tunes from the 2000s and 2010s, and neon lights galore that are a tribute to NYC. Another colourful constant is the uniÀed menu that strives to cater to all. Dishes are designed to be playful (and nostalgic for those adults) in fried food, signature burgers and messy eats. Come with a monster appetite for the Monster Burgers and Monster Shakes then work it off with some gaming fun – or start there. There’s no wrong way to do things here. It might not always be a clear strike, but you should not be expecting reÀnement in these plates – especially when things are titled “monster” on “Messy, sugary, supersized dishes” WHAT IS IT... A licensed spot in Yas Bay with arcade games, bowling and monster eats WHY GO... To have a playful experience for little and big kids the menu. These are messy, sugary, supersized dishes that should make your eyeballs pop when they’re placed in front of you. Frankly, we would be disappointed if they weren’t so OTT, coming from a place that has upside-down bathtubs with bubble lights. There’s an extensive drinks menu with grapes, hops and mixed drinks. For soft options, sip the signature lemonade and delicious milkshakes. For times when you Ànd Àne- dining a bit too buttoned up and you want to lean into your 15-year-old self’s dream party, Central is there. And if you’re looking for a family-friendly spot everyone can eat and play at a decent price, Central is worth heading over to Yas Bay for. Burger mode on. Central O Open Mon-Thu 4pm-midnight; Fri-Sun noon-3am. Licensed. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, instagram.com/central_uae (058 587 1765). Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its mealsFood timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 47 WHAT IS IT... One of the latest cafés to ride into Al Bateen WHY GO... The first dine-in café in Abu Dhabi from the home-grown eatery SADDLE IS SMACK-dab in the middle of the café scene in Al Bateen. It likely didn’t need another player, but Saddle is a different beast. Just take a look at the massive horse sculpture inside especially commissioned for the café from Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej. Choosing the buzzy area also shows the venue’s conÀdence to turn up – and across from stalwart tasha’s no less. Even being the newcomer on the block the cool café is clearly a favourite with Àlled tables and waiting lists when we arrive on a random weekday. Food – and speciality coffees naturally – are key but so is art. There aren’t many places where you step through the door to be greeted with a wall that’s part of a narrow hallway with nothing but a description of the piece you’re about to view. It sets the tone before you turn into the glass house-like dining room with the horse sculptures galloping overheads of diners in the peaked roof. The spot is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Early eaters get to appreciate the glass façade and views of the marina, while those dining after dark might not even realise how open the space is. They’ll also likely be too focused on digging in surrounded by all the greenery that offers colour and privacy. Speciality coffee with Àlling mains, like pasta and pizza, and rich desserts are favourites. The menu is mostly Mediterranean with a mix of international dishes. There are the café classics as well as inventive options such as trufÁe churros and butternut squash carpaccio that are worth experimenting with. Whether you’re after light Saddle Cafe O Open daily 8am-midnight. Al Bateen, instagram.com/saddle (050 394 4802). bites, a cappuccino and piece of the signature Saddle pistachio cheesecake or French toast, or something hearty to eat before a walk around Marsa Al Bateen, Saddle should satisfy. There’s no shame in ordering another coffee or second slice. It’s time to saddle up.Food 48 October 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com READY TO STEP into the jazz age? Gatsby Brunch at Ray’s Bar is bringing the roaring ‘20s to Abu Dhabi and – well, old sport – you don’t deÀnitely want to miss it. Ray’s Bar is located on the 62nd Áoor at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Step out of the ear-popping elevator ride up on a Friday night and you’ll hear live jazz music mixed with chattering voices as the Gatsby brunch heats up. This is about as buzzy as it gets in such a lush location. As soon as you walk into the bar there are feather boas, fedoras and masquerade masks that are free to use for the night, plus funny sayings on sticks to give you the ultimate photo-op. Once you take your pick of the accessories (and snap that all-important picture for the ‘gram) take your seat in front of the jazz performers and start ordering. The brunch is served sharing-style to your table and there is no soft package, so if you’re not drinking the many mixed drinks on offer, you might not feel you’re getting your money’s worth. The “old sport” package is Dhs379 per person and gets you the usual house drinks, bottled hops and some fantastic mixed drinks (we’ll get to those in a minute). If you want to order red, white, pink or Àzzy grape on top of that, the “bees knees” package is Dhs479 per person. Or you can truly party like Jay Gatsby and plump for the “prohibition” package, which costs Dhs679 per person with all the previous options plus bubbly. The server will need to explain the mixed drinks, since they are creatively named on the menu and don’t actually say what’s in them. Go with your gut and order whatever sounds good, since each of the drinks is a quality shout. Onto the food, the focus of this brunch seems to be mainly on atmosphere and Gatsby Brunch O Dhs379 (house, mixed), Dhs479 (grape), Dhs679 (bubbly). Fri, 7pm-11pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road (02 811 5666). drinks, with just three courses and a smaller menu than some other brunches we’ve been to. If you’re only looking for a purely foodie brunch experience, you’re better placed elsewhere. But that’s not to say the food isn’t great. First up, the cold starters arrive with a lobster Newburg po’ boy, Waldorf salad and potted mud crab. Everything comes in a little glass container or plate, and whatever you like you can order more of. The lobster is the THE THEMED BRUNCH WHAT IS IT... A roaring Friday party brunch that’ll start your weekend on a high note WHY GO... Because a little party never hurt nobodyFood timeoutabudhabi.com October 2022 49 winner from this course and comes poached and stuffed in French bread with creamy herb sauce. Try to hold back from ordering too many, there are a couple more courses to get through. The hot courses come with short rib mac ‘n cheese and oysters with Roquefort cheese. The lamb wellington and spinach and artichoke tart are both nice enough, if not particularly memorable. Finally, be sure to save room for dessert, which includes four different dishes. There’s a rhubarb and apple pie with vanilla sauce, chocolate torte with candied orange, wild berry Eton mess with honey whipped cream and sticky toffee pudding. Yes, you heard that right. All of that steeped in a fun atmosphere and upbeat jazz music in one of Abu Dhabi’s best bars? It’s no wonder the Gatsby Brunch at Ray’s Bar is one of the most fun Friday evenings to be had in the capital. “A fun atmosphere with upbeat jazz music”Next >