< PreviousQUICK GUIDE 50 October 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com A working presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan is not only an iconic Abu Dhabi landmark but it also provides residents and tourists with an opportunity to learn more about Arab cultural heritage and history, as well as Emirati governance principles today. If, like us, you are keen to learn more about the ins-and-outs of palace life, you can join one of the daily tours of Qasr Al Watan, or pay a visit after dark for the daily light show. Planning a visit? Here’s all you need to know before you go. HISTORY A magniÀcent structure featuring a façade of white granite and limestone, as well as a dome with a 37-metre diameter, construction on the palace Ànished in 2017, after which it was used purely for ofÀcial purposes. To celebrate the heritage of the UAE, the venue was opened to the public in March 2019, with more rooms opened in 2022. Today, the multi-purpose building is still used for government events, including hosting foreign dignitaries, as well as educational activities and tours. WHAT’S INSIDE Visitors are able to explore a host of facilities and attractions during their visit, including the extensive gardens, The Great Hall, visitors centre, courtyard, and more. In the evening a sound and light show, titled Palace in Motion, which celebrates the culture and heritage of the UAE, brings the outside of the building to life. You can either go on a self-guided audio tour, or sign up for an Architectural Craftsmanship Tour, which last around 30 minutes and run at the following times daily: 11.15am, noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. For ease of navigation, the palace has different zones to explore. Every visit starts with A Memory of the Palace, aka the media room, followed by The Great Hall, which offers the chance to marvel at the architecture of the building. The Presidential Gifts room features some of the most unique gifts the UAE has received from other countries, while The Presidential Banquet offers you a glimpse into how the UAE entertains foreign diplomats and heads of state. Here, you’ll be able to study the space up close (including the silver, china, and crystal used for the table settings) and learn all about the customs, protocols, and cuisine of a presidential soiree. Up next is the Spirit of Collaboration, the meeting place of the Federal Supreme The Power of Words Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, where you’ll learn more about diplomacy and protocol. Al Barza Àrst opened to the public in February 2022, Al Barza is the second largest space in the Presidential Palace. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional role of the majlis, which is a designated space for cultural, political and social gatherings. The Presidential Meeting Room is where ofÀcial state visits and other meetings are held, and at the Qasr Al Watan Library you can explore 50,000 books that preserve and share centuries of Arabian knowledge and culture. Now, if you’ve been looking at Qasr Al Watan on Instagram, you’ll no doubt already be familiar with the spectacular sculpture The Power of Words by Mattar Bin Lahej. The golden calligraphy piece has taken the words of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, and turned them into a beautiful piece of art. The quote used reads, “Wealth is not money or oil; wealth lies in people and it is worthless if not dedicated to serve the people.” Last, but not least, the House of Knowledge exhibition consists of a number of valuable artefacts and manuscripts that show the contributions of Arabian scholars on various Àelds, including astronomy, art, literature, and more. PALACE IN MOTION One of the absolute highlights of any visit to Qasr Al Watan is the Palace in Motion light show. Held nightly, at differing times dependent on the time of year, the show sees the outside of the fabulous building lit up to tell the story of the UAE in three acts, QUICK GUIDE timeoutabudhabi.com October 2023 51 reÁecting on the past, present and future of the emirates. DOS AND DON’TS As Qasr Al Watan is a working palace, it’s important to note the following when visiting: Do wear appropriate apparel that covers shoulders and knees. Photography for non-commercial purposes is allowed but remember that you cannot take pictures of people without their permission. Mobile phones must be switched to silent mode. No smoking is allowed outside of the designated smoking area. Food and drinks can only be consumed in restaurant areas and in the gardens. No snacks or drinks will be allowed into the palace. No pets are allowed on the grounds. O Dhs25 (palace in motion, adults), Dhs65 (entry, adults), Dhs20 (architectural craftsmanship tour, entry ticket required), Dhs12 (palace in motion, kids), Dhs30 (entry, kids four to 17). Open daily 11am-6.15pm. Corniche, Abu Dhabi, qasralwatan.ae (600 544 442). THE FINE PRINT OPENING HOURS Qasr Al Watan is open daily between 11am and 6.15pm. The Palace in Motion light show is at 7.45pm, with last entry into the show at 7.15pm. TICKET PRICES General admission ticket prices start at Dhs30 for juniors (kids aged four to 17) and Dhs65 for adults depending on the date. This includes access to the Qasr Al Watan Tour, the gardens, visitor centre, and all the zones, exhibitions, and public spaces, as well as the Palace in Motion show. In addition to your general admission ticket, you can also purchase an Architectural Craftsmanship Tour ticket to explore all the beautiful details of the palace such as the 149,000 unique pieces of silver, crystal, and china that were used in the construction of the Presidential Banquet or the chandelier made out of 350,000 pieces of crystal, for Dhs20. Alternatively, you can choose to only purchase a ticket to see the Palace in Motion show, priced at Dhs12 for kids and Dhs25 for adults. Palace in Motion52 October 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Food Al Shamkha Park Street eats Where to find the best food trucks in the capital, according to Naomi Chaddertontimeoutabudhabi.com October 2023 53 speciality coffees that will see you through another unnecessary meeting that could have been an email. And do you you want to know the best bit? We know exactly where to Ànd them… 1ABU DHABI CORNICHE From some of Abu Dhabi’s best bars and restaurants to cycling spots and a gorgeous beach, the iconic waterfront stretch at Abu Dhabi Corniche is a haven for both locals and tourists every day of the week. It also so happens to be home to several fantastic food trucks which have options to suit all tastes. The best selection is at In Between, a family-friendly hangout complete with huge children’s play area where you can watch the kids have fun while you chow down on some meaty goodness from Boom Burger or a hot slice from Aria Pizza. You can’t go wrong with either. Elsewhere on the Corniche, Fillenial Bites is a must visit for delicious Filipino street food like sisiq tacos and burgers that are cooked to perfection. O Various opening hours. Al Khubeirah Garden, Abu Dhabi Corniche. 2AL SHAMKHA PARK Street food fanatics will most likely have heard of Look for Spot – a property company that seeks out spaces around the city for vendors to set up shop. While it has seven different locations around the city, our favourite has to be Al Shamka Park just outside the city centre, which is another top spot for indulging in some of Abu Dhabi’s Ànest food trucks. Dig into everything from hearty Lebanese classics at Al Areesh, doughnuts and coffee at Hoop, and comforting carbs at Koshari & Pasta, as well as burgers, tacos and fresh slices of pizza (oh my). O Open 24/7. Al Shamkha, lookforspot.com. 3HUDAYRIAT ISLAND Abu Dhabi’s favourite adventure playground, Hudayriat Island is one of the most action-packed places in the city complete with everything from cycling lanes and a free public beach to recreational spaces including football Àelds, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, plus a 15km mountain bike trail that was inaugurated at the end of last year. By the end of the year, it will also be home to Surf Abu Dhabi, and by 2025, there will be a huge velodrome here. In other words, it’s the perfect place to work up an appetite. On site you’ll Ànd a number of different food trucks – both drive-though and sit-outside – to satiate even the Àercest of appetites, with our favourites being a second IF YOU WANT to see what eating in Abu Dhabi is like beyond gold-plated bistros and Michelin star restaurants then you could do much worse than pulling up to one of its many food trucks which, although not always easy to Ànd, are generously dispersed throughout the city. Rapidly growing in popularity, these diners on wheels serve up everything from juicy burgers and fried chicken to healthy salads and branch of mlt and Le Patchouli for breakfast bagels, avo on toast and inventive ice-cream Áavours that always hit the spot. O Various opening hours. Near Hudayriat Beach, Hudayriat Island. 4KHALIFA CITY TRUCK PARK Whether you live in Khalifa City or are passing through, the Àrst thing you need to do after reading this article is hunt out one of its many exceptional food trucks. Trust us, you’ll thank us later. Another Look for Spot hotspot, you’ll be seriously spoilt for choice with everything from candy-coloured wraps at Shawarma Vibes and speciality coffee and desserts at the achingly cool Black Café, while if that’s not enough to satisfy your sugar Àx then head to Chocolicious for milkshakes, ice-cream, wafÁes and crepes. Dash Café is another popular food truck – head here before work for a warm Áuffy croissant and a cup of joe to see you through the day. O Various opening hours. Al Raha Gardens, Khalifa City. 5LAST EXIT Sitting on the border between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and is not only a mighty useful spot for those driving between the two emirates, but is a foodie destination worth visiting on its own. Open 24 hours a day, inspired by a post-apocalyptic world and home to vintage airstreams each individually customised by big name foodie brands, there are different food trucks depending on which direction you are driving. Heading into Abu Dhabi? Grab a handcrafted juicy burger at Big Smoke Burger or some juicy fried wings at Nash Hot Chicken while en route to Dubai, our top pick is Steak on Fries for sliders, shrimp and big chunks of meat. O Near Jebel Ali Hills. lastexit.ae (800 738245). 6MARSA MINA Nestled near the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in Mina Zayed, Marsa Mina is a stylish waterfront destination home to boutiques, restaurants and a whopping big food truck scene that is our Àrst port of call come the weekend. Its most popular offering, with queues often around the block, mlt is all about gooey grilled cheese, soft tacos, stuffed wafÁes, and avocado toast, while we also love The Twelve Sauce for hot salty fries with basically any topping you can think of. If you’re craving Mexican food then Senor Taco should more than do the trick – just be sure to end the day with a gourmet ice cream from Boutique. Once you’re done stufÀng your face, you can hop on a water taxi to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Àll your head with culture. O Open 7am-2am. Zayed Port, @marsamina.uae. “Stuff your face with food before hopping on a water taxi to the Louvre Abu Dhabi across the water”54 October 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com AT TIME OUT, we spend a lot of time thinking about dough, and the best-value ways to spend it. And trust us when we say you should be spending it on the sourdough pizzas at Antonia. You may well have dabbled in sourdough in recent years, but you’ve got nothing on the proprietary mother culture used at Antonia, which is a stunning 50 years old. Fittingly, the interiors match, with ‘70s-style teal and red themes throughout. Located at Mamsha Al Saadiyat, the outdoor area boasts views of Soul Beach, and is a prime spot for people-watching along the long promenade. Now, back to the start(er). After utilising the 50-year-old starter, the dough is fermented for 72 hours to create an unbeatable crust. Toppings are important, but we’d eat almost anything atop this – and you can, as Antonia’s pies are served “al taglio”, meaning you can try them by the slice. Options on offer include classics like margherita, diavola and marinara, as well as signature pies including the Antonia O Open daily noon-11pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, antoniarestaurant.com (02 667 2554). “Finish with gelato and a stroll along the promenade” WHAT IS IT... Funky pizzeria along Mamsha Al Saadiyat WHY GO... For pizza by the slice and freshly made gelato burrata, tartufo e funghi and the bresola. With options like these, we’re glad we can try them all. At its core, Antonia is a pizzeria, but the rest of the offerings certainly haven’t been neglected. The supplì – or crispy risotto balls – can also be ordered individually, but we’re not sure you’ll be able to stop at just one. Pasta is served as it should be, al dente and in heaping piles, and you’ll be bowled over (if not knocked out entirely) by Antonia’s riotously indulgent cacio e pepe. Finish with gelato, made fresh every two hours, best enjoyed from a cup while strolling along Soul Beach, or with the Nutella pizza. (We really can’t get enough of that dough.) Whether you want to spend yours on pizza, pasta, risotto or anything else, you won’t regret doing so at Antonia.timeoutabudhabi.com October 2023 55 WHILE THERE’S A time and a place for Tex-Mex plates, those on the hunt for really authentic Mexican food should be heading to La Patrona. Full disclosure, this restaurant is never going to make it onto a ‘most Instagrammable’ list. The interiors are the very deÀnition of lowkey: the only furnishings that might give away that this spot at Al Nakheel Hotel Apartments is Mexican is the colourful paper decorations hanging from the ceiling, and a few knickknacks behind the counter. That, or the row of Jarritos. But when the food is this good, we don’t care about the décor (and neither will you). La Patrona is a taqueria, and you’ll Ànd lots of tasty options on the menu. The soft tortillas are handmade using Mexican corn, while Àllings are seasoned using spices imported straight from Mexico. The menu goes from basics like chicken pastor, brisket suadero and birria (if you order just one trio of tacs, make it this), to legends like the quesabirria (pulled beef and lots of melted cheese served with its own broth) and the taco Patrona (smoked rib- eye, refried beans and cheese), and there are a number of cheese crust versions. For those swerving dairy, there’s even a number of brilliant vegan options, like the pastor with jackfruit and pineapple, or the huitlacoche, with Mexican trufÁe. The rest of the menu is short-but-sweet – because why detract from the star of the show, anyway – with guac and chips, quesadillas, and nachos. You can pair your meal with one of the aforementioned Jarritos, and the one thing we do wish this spot offered was desserts, because churros are always the best way to end a meal. Prices are on the budget end of the scale, but you can make your experience even cheaper by heading here for taco Tuesday, with unlimited chips and beans, drinks and six tacos to share for just Dhs69, or the Saturday brunch, for the all-you-can-eat experience for Dhs89. And with tacos this good, we can really push the limits on the phrase “all you can eat”. After trying La Patrona, you might never want to go back to Tex-Mex again. WHAT IS IT... Authentic taqueria brings a taste of Mexico to the capital WHY GO... For the tacos, of course La Patrona O Open daily 11am-11pm. Al Nakheel Hotel Apartments, Al Danah, lapatronauae.com (052 837 0824).56 October 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com There’s far more to the Corniche than just parks and promenades – the area is also home to some of the city’s best restaurants and bars. Should you Ànd yourself in want of a tipple while strolling nearby, here’s where you should be heading, whether you fancy a sensational sundowner spot with a view or a pub for watching the game. AZURA PANORAMIC LOUNGE As the name suggests, Azura’s views are truly panoramic, stretching along the entire Corniche and the Arabian Gulf. Over the three sprawling levels you’ll Ànd plenty of options for admiring the views over the waterfront and out to the iconic Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi. It Nightlife Corniche sips Where to grab a drink near Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, whether you’re after a casual pub or a stunning bartimeoutabudhabi.com October 2023 57 José by Pizarro JOSÉ BY PIZARRO This Spanish restaurant in the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers only opened its doors in March, but its Áavour-packed tapas and fab drinks have quickly made it one of our favourites. The Áavours, décor, service, and atmosphere at José are all top notch, making this one of the best bars for after-work, or for pre- or post- date night, drinks. O Open Tue-Sat 5pm-11.30pm; Sun 3pm-10.30pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, West Corniche (02 811 5666). LEXX This trendy bar is a great option for drinks in the city. Apart from the sleek interiors and impressive terrace with views out to Emirates was also shortlisted for best bar food at the 2023 Restaurant Awards, so you know the bites are top notch, too. O Open Tue-Sun 4pm-12.30am. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche Road West, azuraabudhabi.com (02 694 4553). HAKKASAN The city’s Best Chinese Restaurant is also an excellent spot for grabbing a drink along the Corniche, particularly now the weather has cooled down enough to enjoy the gorgeous terrace. Grab bar bites and mixed drinks and admire the skyline from below. O Open Sun-Fri 6pm-11.30pm; Sat noon-3.30pm, 6pm-11.30pm. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, hakkasan.com (02 690 7739). Palace, Lexx serves up good bar bites and ample beverages, from hops to short drinks and grape. Best of all? The bar has loads of weekly specials running, including a gentlemen’s night, ladies’ night, and grape and cheese night, as well as a daily happy hour from 5pm to 8pm with a 50 percent discount on selected house beverages. O Open daily 5pm-2am. Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences Emirates (02 510 1234). RAY’S BAR Also in Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers you’ll Ànd Ray’s Bar. Here you will get some of the most innovative mixed drinks in the city. On top of that, there’s a daily happy hour from 6pm to 9pm, the vibe is cool and the views spectacular. What more can we say? You simply have to go. Afterwards, head on over to Highly Commended steakhouse Ray’s Grill for prime cuts. O Open daily 6pm-1am. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West (02 811 5666). STRATOS REVOLVING LOUNGE & BAR The only revolving restaurant and bar in the city, it’s no surprise that this sky-high bar is a popular spot for drinks. One of the top (no pun intended) bars on the Corniche, drinks here will afford you spectacular 360-degree views over the entire city. With incredible views, vibes and drink specials, it’s a must visit. O Open daily 5pm-1am. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Corniche, stratosabudhabi.com (02 695 0490). VERTIGO BAR & LOUNGE Right on the water, this cool bar is another great option in a city Àlled with great watering holes. The mixed drinks and mocktails are tasty but there’s a large variety of drinks on offer along with tasty Mediterranean-inspired bites. It’s the perfect spot to wind down after a long day and watch the sun set over the water. O Open daily 6pm-3am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi, Corniche (02 681 1900). FOR PUB GRUB HEMINGWAY’S Bearing the famous author’s name, Hemingway’s is one of the best sports bars in the area. The old-school pub is Àlled with character and there’s a lively atmosphere, particularly on game days and during the Friday carvery nights. O Open daily 4pm-2am. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche (02 692 4999). THE TAVERN Another top option for catching the game, you’ll Ànd The Tavern at the Sheraton. There are screens dotted around the bar, and there are plenty of happy hour deals to avail. O Open daily noon-3pm. Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Corniche Road East (055 367 5083). Hakkasan58 October 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com IT’S SAFE TO say that most restaurants in Abu Dhabi serve up “normal-sized” plates that either fall under the starter or main course categories. So it’s nice to see that a “small plate” establishment has Ànally inÀltrated the capital. For centuries, the Spanish have served meals that involved sharing dishes of meat, seafood and veg that are small in size and shared among many. José by Pizarro at Conrad Etihad Towers does just that. Created by celeb chef José Pizarro who runs the renowned José Tapas Bar Bermondsey in London, the Abu Dhabi rendition includes some of London’s most popular dishes. Rather than a rustic charm, which you’d expect for a tapas spot, José by Pizarro is more on the swanky side. The small-ish dining room features swish light Àxtures, marble tabletops and burnt orange leather seats. This is a high-end after-work drinks and nibbles spot. It’s clear that ingredients are well-sourced and chefs have nailed the fundamentals prioritising classic dishes over culinary experimentation. You won’t encounter groundbreaking innovations here, but you will enjoy well-done renditions of beloved traditional tapas. The meal must start with pimento olives, an incredibly simple, yet delicious snack, where the bright and citrusy orange stufÀng wonderfully cuts through the bitterness of the olives. A real palate opener. Croquetas are crispy-on-the- outside, creamy-on-the-inside with a spicy Áavour that isn’t overpowering. While red tuna tartare comes with fermented pepper sauce and is served on WHAT IS IT... An elevated yet easygoing Spanish tapas restaurant WHY GO... Trendy vibes and tasty tapas plates that are perfect for sharing toasted brioche. Spicy prawn fritters with lemon aioli boast a robust garlic chilli seasoning and are craveably crispy. There are a handful of larger dishes on the menu and the paella is a no-brainer. José by Pizarro does feel more like a snacky destination, rather than a proper sit-down dinner spot. José by Pizarro isn’t doing anything particularly new in the world of tapas, but it has successfully introduced small plates, done well and totally enormous in Áavour. BAR OF THE MONTH “Expect small plates, done well and totally enormous in flavour” Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for its meals José by Pizarro O Open Tue-Sat 5pm-11.30pm; Sun 3pm-10.30pm. Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Corniche (02 811 5666).timeoutabudhabi.com October 2023 59 WHEN CHOOSING A local, the thing people value most is consistency. You want to know that you could pop in at any time of day, or any day of the week, and have a good time. And we can tell you that Fado is consistently excellent, all-day, everyday. The name Fado comes from the Gaelic word for “long ago”, and this spot, tucked away down a side street beside the Oryx Hotel in Khalidiya, certainly feels like an old-school Irish pub, despite having only opened in 2016. There’s both smoking and non-smoking seating, which is a mix of high tables in the front and booths towards the back of the bar, all of which offer prime viewing spots for the sports, “Try the fish and chips, with a delightfully spiced batter and fresh, flaky cod” WHAT IS IT... Irish pub with an old- school feel in Khalidiya WHY GO... For the fish and chips, and the great service Fado O Open Sun-Thu noon-2am; Fri-Sat noon-3am. Oryx Hotel, Khalidiya, @fadoabudhabi (02 692 2218). with TV screens dotted around. There’s also a stage for live bands, who perform Friday nights into the early hours. While the interiors are old school, the menu is meant to reÁect what’s being served right now in pubs in Dublin. That means snacks like barbecue wings, wedges with a cheese dip and chicken boxty quesadillas, all perfect for sharing among a group of people, with the skillet chips with your choice of chicken curry or buffalo chicken and blue cheese sauce a particular highlight. There are also staple plates like shepherd’s pie, bacon cheeseburger and butter chicken masala for those Joeys who don’t share food. But if there’s one and you’ll never be long without a cold pint in your hands, which are very reasonably priced during happy hour. Tuesdays are a good day to visit if you’re a fan of roast dinners, and you’ll Ànd an unbelievably good-value brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Ladies, swing by on Wednesdays for two free house beverages, a 20 percent discount on food and 50 percent on mixed drinks, and brain boxes make sure you visit on Mondays for speed quizzing (our favourite kind of quiz). With service and food that’s brilliant every time, Fado is consistently one of the very best places to go for pub food in the capital. thing recommend over everything else, it’s the Àsh and chips, with a delightfully spiced batter and fresh, Áaky cod. You won’t Ànd anything else like it in the rest of the city, and aside from the service and the atmosphere, it’s the thing that keeps up coming back to Fado again and again. Service is quick and friendly, Next >