Plus! 16 unforgettable desert resorts to book now TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | VOL 22 | ISSUE 06 | DHS12 | PRICE INCLUDES VAT | AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION TURN IT UP 16 unforgettable desert resorts to book now TIMEOUTABUDHABI.COM | NOVEMBER 2023 | VOL 22 | ISSUE 06 | DHS12 | PRICE INCLUDES VAT | AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION What’s spinning away from the track this F1 weekendShow starts at 8:30pmthelaughterfactory.com The Good, the Bad & the Filthy! featuring: Kate Barron, Paddy Lennox & Liz Bains november 17-25 LF_November_Timeout_R1.indd 118/10/2023 3:13 pmtimeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 3 FEATURES AND REGULARS 6 City life 8 Things to do 32 Luxury spas 40 Mina Zayed guide 48 Unique dining experiences 54 Food 60 Nightlife 66 Hype dish Yas Marina PAGE 22 Into the desert Put the city in the rearview mirror and head to these spectacular hotels surrounded by dunes PAGE 64 Get on your bike Feeling inspired by the Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo? Here are the best cycling tracks around PAGE 12 The ultimate F1 guide The biggest weekend in Abu Dhabi’s social calendar will take place this month, and we’ve got the lowdown on the special lunches, brunches, gigs and more Abu Dhabi Discover the best of the city this month4 Summer 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com JOIN THE CONVERSATION It’s F1 season, and if you’re motorsports mad, there’s only one place to be: Yas Island. But even if you’re not, and your only exposure to the epic highs and lows of F1 is Drive to Survive, there’s lots to get your engines revving. We’re talking lunches, brunches, must-see gigs and parties into the wee hours – all happening during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. From Time Out Towers, we’re within walking distance of it all, and we couldn’t be more excited. We guarantee you’re going to need some much needed R&R after this month’s big events, so we’ve rounded up the best spas in Abu Dhabi, plus desert retreats for when you need to escape the city full-stop. Whether you’ve got tickets to the main event, or have post-race fun on your mind, say Yas to Yas this month. Hello, Abu Dhabi Dianne Apen-Sadler Group Editor facebook.com/ timeoutabudhabi timeoutabudhabi @timeoutabudhabiyoutube.com/ timeoutgcc Published by ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC © 2023 Time Out Group Ltd, London, UK. Time Out Abu Dhabi PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 444 3000 www.itp.com Offi ces in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, London, Mumbai & Geneva ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Editorial Director Holly Sands Time Out Abu Dhabi Editorial Head of Content, Time Out GCC McKenna Grant Tel: +971 4 444 3486 emai: mckenna.grant@itp.com Group Editor, Time Out Abu Dhabi & Time Out Doha Dianne Apen-Sadler Tel: +971 2 245 0087 email: dianne.apensadler@itp.com Deputy Editor, Time Out Abu Dhabi Sonali Shah Tel: +971 52 438 5633 email: sonali.shah@itp.com Social Media Editor, Time Out Abu Dhabi Tana van Heerden Tel: +971 2 245 0086 email: tana.vanheerden@itp.com Group Arabic Editor Aline Alkhoury Tel: +971 4 444 3695 email: aline.alkhoury@itp.com Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Tel: +971 4 444 3559 email: bharat.tahiliani@itp.com Digital Content Lead Jeffrey Casiño Tel: +971 4 444 3591 email: jeffrey.casino@itp.com Content Executive Rodelito Mamuad Tel: +971 4 444 3657 email: rodelito.mamuad@itp.com Contributor Hiral Kapadia Events & Marketing Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Executive Kate Galaktionova kate.galaktionova@itp.com Art Head of Design Rita Ghantous Contributing Designer Hiral Kapadia Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles Image Editor Jemima Joy Group Video Editor Bharat Tahiliani Video Editor Hana Morsy Videographer Ajith Narendra Production Production Manager Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator Balasubramanian P Tel: +971 4 444 3871 email: balasubramanian.p@itp.com Distribution & Circulation Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira Tel: +971 4 444 3669 email: avinash.pereira@itp.com Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Tel: +971 4 444 3236 email: rajesh.pillai@itp.com Advertising Group Commercial Director Sally Whittam Tel: +971 4 444 3348 mobile: +971 56 104 0567 email: sally.whittam@itp.com Commercial Manager Stuart Singleton Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Mobile: +971 52 352 3645 email: stuart.singleton@itp.com ITP Group CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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Time Out Abu Dhabi regular news-stand retail price is £3.50/Dhs12.00.6 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com NOW THIS IS news you won’t be teed off about: Abu Dhabi Golf Club is set to play host to the LIV Golf Promotions tournament in December. The new tournament, which will offer players the chance to earn their place at the LIV Golf League in 2024, will see four rounds of golf played between Friday December 8 and Sunday December 10. Those in the top 20 on the Àrst day will progress to Saturday’s round two, and will be joined by those who automatically qualiÀed for day two. The top 20 players from this round will then move onto the Ànal day, with a full- day 36-hole shootout. On the Ànal day, the top three Ànishers will be drafted into one of the LIV Golf teams for next season. New golf tournament coming to town There is a prize pool of US$1.5 million, with the top three Ànishers earning US$200,000, US$150,000 and US$100,000 respectively. Greg Norman, LIV Golf Commissioner and CEO, said, “LIV Golf Promotions establishes an integrated pathway for the best players and up-and- coming talent from all over the globe to join a league that is changing the game. “Open competition and meritocracy have always been a part of the fabric of LIV Golf, and following the success of our Àrst full, 14-event season we’re excited to be able to launch LIV Golf Promotions and offer players from around the world the chance to qualify for 2024.” The leading 25 available players from the top-40 on this year’s Ànal International Series Order of Merit, will be eligible to enter round one, as well as tournament winners from this season’s Asian Tour. The event is totally free to attend, so it means you can spend the day catching rays and watching some of the world’s best golfers without having to spend a thing. O Free. Fri Dec 8-Sun Dec 10. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, livgolf.com / asiantour.com. “You can watch top golfers play for free” City Lifetimeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 7 GOOD NEWS, PUBLIC transport users – a new trackless tram service connecting Reem Island to Marina Mall has launched. Operating on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there are are 14 stops: Reem Mall, Marina Square, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Mosque, City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel, Lifeline Hospital, NMC Specialty Hospital, Qasr Al Hosn, Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel, Khalidiya Park, Sheikha Fatima Park, Corniche, Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi and Marina Mall. The Àrst tram departs Reem Mall at 10am, and the last trip leaves at 2pm. From Marina Mall, the Àrst trip starts at 11am, and the last trip is at 3pm. Trams depart hourly. The Automated Rapid Transport service, which is being operated by TXAI, has capacity for 200 passengers, and is free to use. Electric trackless trams are already in operation on Yas Island, running once an hour between Gateway Park South and Yas Waterworld, with stops at Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Marinca Circuit and Ferrari World. Find out more through the TXAI app. O Free. Operating every Fri-Sun 10am-4pm. Reem Mall to Marina Mall, txai.taxi. WANT TO TAKE up cycling but not sure where to start? Or are you an experienced cyclist yet to Ànd your peloton in the capital? Well, we have good news, because Abu Dhabi Cycling Club’s (ADCC) has teamed up with the Link My Ride app to support the emirate’s cycling community. Link My Ride lets you check out riding plans of other cyclists to see when and where they’re heading next. You can use the app to connect with other riders to coordinate your next group outing. You can also explore cycling clubs, hubs and events that take place in your neighbourhood, making it a great opportunity to connect with like-minded cyclists. That said, you can always choose to keep your plans private, sharing it if and when you wish. If you’re more of the planner kind of person, the app allows you to chart your own biking path, and invite other pedal-pushers to join you on it. You can then easily inform them of any updates or changes in your plan, and they can comment to interact with each other. For solo riders who treat the ride as their exclusive me-time, Link My Ride is a handy tool to track your routes easily. It also serves as a storehouse of your past rides so you can monitor your progress. ADCC’s executive director Al Nakhira Al Khaili said, “Cyclists will be able to reach all gamers from all over the world, as well as explore, plan, and create community outings near their location or city, and introduce riders to all participants in any event.” Available on both iOS and Android, there’s no excuse now to let the bike gather dust. O linkmyride.com. Find your Abu Dhabi cycling gang Public transport’s glow-up 8 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Things to do Foodie fun Taste of Abu Dhabi returns this month at Gateway Park South. For the Àrst time ever, you can book in for a Sunday brunch, which includes Àve food vouchers to use at any of the 15 outlets, and Àve beverage vouchers. Don’t miss it. O From Dhs75 (general admission), Dhs360 (Sunday brunch). Fri Nov 10-Sun Nov 12. Gateway Park South, Yas Island, tasteofabudhabifestival.com. timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 9 New in town FRESH FOR F1 Greek restaurant and Japanese bar open on Yas Yas Marina is undoubtedly the place to be over the race weekend, and there are two new spots to check out: Éla Éla and Mr Moto. From the team behind Penelope’s, the former is inspired by the island of Crete, with plenty of classic plates, while the latter has fabulous mixed drinks options and raw plates to enjoy. O Éla Éla: Open daily noon-midnight. Yas Marina, Yas Island, @elaela.ae. Mr Moto: Open daily 5pm till late. Yas Marina, Yas Island, @mrmoto.ae. STUDIO 54 IN THE CAPITAL Broadway opens at Emirates Palace The bar, named after the New York theatre district, features 1920s Art Deco inÁuences, with exposed steel and brick, red leather booths and vaulted ceilings. On the food front, Broadway describes itself as a modern French brasserie serving “British comfort food with an American inÁuence”. O Open Mon-Fri 3pm-1am; Sat-Sun 12.30pm-1am. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Corniche Road West (02 690 7999). FIRE RECIPES Try wagamama’s cooking classes Pan-Asian chain wagamama has just introduced cooking classes across its Abu Dhabi outlets. Head down on Wednesdays at 7pm to learn how to whip up the ever-popular Àrecracker chicken (or shrimp, or tofu, depending on your dietary requirements) for Dhs99. O Dhs99. Until Wed Nov 29. Every Wed 7pm-8pm. Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalifa City and Reem Mall. Sunday funday Looking for ways to beat the Sunday scaries? Look no further than Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, which has relaunched its Sunday pool day deal. Between 1pm and 4pm, you’ll be able to grab grilled dishes from the live barbecue station, sip on frozen mixed drinks and play ping pong, teqball, subsoccer and jenga (or just work on your tan). The afternoon is priced at Dhs210 with soft drinks, or Dhs295 with house beverages. O Dhs210 (soft drinks), Dhs295 (house beverages), free (kids under 12). Every Sun 1pm-4pm. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, hilton.com (052 547 6318). Home of wellness Wellness brand Kintsugi is launching its Áagship space on Reem Island. Spanning seven Áoors and several outdoor areas, the venue features everything from sound healing to saunas. O From Dhs12,000 (three months). Kintsugi Space, Reem Island, kintsugispace.com.Next >