< Previous10 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Emirati heritage WEAVING HISTORY Head down to the Handicrafts Festival Al Ain will once again play host to the Traditional Handicrafts Festival this month. Held at Souq Al Qattara, you can get a closer look at long-practiced Emirati crafts such Al Sadu weaving and Talli embroidery. O Free. Wed Nov 1- Mon Nov 20. Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, abudhabiculture.ae. FAMILY FUN Sheikh Zayed Festival returns The new season of the popular festival will kick off in Al Wathba on November 17. Home to a fun fair, pavilions from a number of countries, a souk, and Àrework shows, this is a must-visit over the winter months. O Tickets TBC. Fri Nov 17-Sat Mar 9, 2024. Al Wathba, zayedfestival.ae. Rock the boat The Àfth edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show will take place over the second weekend of November. Expect ocean parades, VR experiences, sushi making demonstrations and free rides on vessels including motorboats, abras and more. O Dhs60 (bronze), Dhs100 (gold), Dhs200 (platinum). Thu Nov 9-Sat Nov 11 3pm-9pm; Sun Nov 12 3pm-8pm. ADNEC Marina, adibs.ae. THIS IS SPARTA Train with Spartan CEO Joe De Sena for free The Spartan World Championship is coming to Abu Dhabi in December, and to get you ready, there are free training sessions taking place across the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, you can take part at Vogue Fitness in Yas Marina on November 4, and at Vogue Fitness in Al Muneera and in Marina Mall on November 25. You’ll need to register in advance if you want to attend. O Free. Sat Nov 4, Sat Nov 25 9am- 10am. Vogue Fitness, form.jotform. com/232725304656052. ON YOUR BIKE Saddle up for Bike Abu Dhabi Gran Fondo If you’re a fan of cycling, you don’t want to miss this 154km bike ride from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain on November 18. There will be Dhs2 million in prize money up for grabs, and even if you don’t take on the challenge yourself, there will be lots of food and beverage outlets, plus family- friendly activities to enjoy at the Ànish line. O From Dhs250. Sat Nov 18 6am onwards, bike.abudhabi. Abu Dhabi Art The 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Art will be taking place between Wednesday November 22 and Sunday November 26, and it’s set to be the biggest yet, with 92 galleries from more than 31 countries participating. This year’s Gateway exhibition will be a survey show for Emirati painter Hashel Al Lamki, and will take you through both his past and current work. O Wed Nov 22 5pm-9pm; Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 2pm-9pm. Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, abudhabiart.ae.With the weather cooling down across the UAE, it’s time to make the most of it. Whether that means dining alfresco, going to gigs or lounging on the beach, you’re in the right place. That’s because Abu Dhabi has just launched its ‘Can’t Wait to Winter’ campaign... LIVE EVENTS Looking for something fun to do? Mother of The Nation Festival will run from November 15 to January 2024, with live entertainment, pop-up stores and more. Plus, Liwa Village is back for its second year, between December 8 and December 31, Winter in Abu Dhabi Here’s why you should be excited about heading to the UAE capital this season with local and regional artists descending on the Moreeb Dune for a month of activities. THRILLING ATTRACTIONS Raise your heart rate with some outdoor dune bashing or quad-biking through Abu Dhabi’s dunes. Or head inside to indoor adventure hubs CLYMB, Circuit X and Adrenark. If you prefer your thrills without raised pulses, there’s Snow Abu Dhabi and the newly opened SeaWorld Yas Island. CULTURE TRIPS Those seeking a slice of the art and culture scene can attend the 15th edition of Abu Dhabi Art Fair from November 22 to November 26 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Or pick some books at Al Ain Book Fair (November 19 to November 25) and Al Dhafra Book Fair (December 4 to December 10). NATURAL WONDERS Make the most of the temperate weather by heading to Saadiyat Beach Club or one of Abu Dhabi’s many public beaches for a relaxing day on the sand. Don’t miss booking a sunrise kayak experience through the mangroves, and book a private retreat at Nurai Island. O visitabudhabi.ae/campaign/winter; visitabudhabi.ae/events Partner FeatureF1 ACTION 12 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com ALL THE Yas Marina CircuitF1 ACTION timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 13 ACTION Your guide to what’s happening away from the track at the F1 weekend, from brunches and lunches to the concertsOFF-TRACK ACTION 14 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Central The biggest weekend in Abu Dhabi’s social calendar is Ànally here, and boy, are we excited. Now in its 14th year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be taking place between Thursday November 23 and Sunday November 26, with more than 150,000 people expected to attend. While the on-track action at Yas Marina Circuit is exciting, we’re just as pumped about the off-track events including brunches and parties happpening across Yas Island. Planning out your race weekend? We’ve got you covered. BRUNCH AMERIGOS A Latin duo and live DJ will keep the F1 atmosphere alive at Amerigos’ brunches over the weekend. Dig into Mexican delicacies (and sip on Mexican mixed drinks) with chef specials including arroz a la tumbada rombo, barbecued lamb chops and ceviche. O Dhs325 (house beverages). Fri Nov 24 7pm-11pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm-4.30pm. Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Plaza, @amerigosyasisland (02 656 2000). ASIA ASIA You can try Asia Asia’s brilliant spice route brunch – which was Highly Commended for Best À La Carte brunch at our Restaurant Awards – on both Saturday and Sunday between 2pm and 5pm. Expect pan-Asian plates, top service and free-Áowing beverages. O Dhs275 (soft drinks), Dhs375 (house beverages), Dhs475 (sparkling). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26 2pm-5pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, abudhabi. asia-asia.com (02 235 8663). CENTRAL Fun for the whole family is guaranteed at Central’s brunch, which includes burgers and other bites as well as gaming credit to use on the arcades. O Dhs250 (soft drinks), Dhs300 (house beverages), Dhs150 (kids six to 11), Dhs200 (kids 12 to 21). Sat Nov 25 1pm-4pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, central-uae.com. DIABLITO On Friday November 24, you’ll be able to grab a sharing-style tapas platter, plus your choice of main course, alongside unlimited house beverages for Dhs550. Spanish restaurant Diablito will then be offering à la carte dishes throughout the rest of the weekend. O Dhs550. Fri Nov 24 1pm-4pm. Yas Marina, diablitofoodandmusic.ae (02 565 1175). ÉLA ÉLA This brand new opening (seriously brand new – Éla Éla opened its doors in late October) is putting on brunches throughout the F1 weekend, running between noon and 3pm and then from 4pm until 7pm. It’s a great way to try the Greek eatery’s plates, with a selection of mezze such as tzatziki and harissa labneh followed by starters including grilled octopus and zucchini fritta. For mains, there’s chicken souvlaki, grilled prawns and Greek potatoes. Finish your feast off with baklava ice cream and loukoumades. O Dhs599 (house beverages), Dhs799 (premium beverages), Dhs1,299 (French bubbly). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-3pm, 4pm-7pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, elaela.ae (056 603 7500). FILINI GARDEN World-renowned chef Nicola Fossaceca will be taking over the kitchen at Filini Garden over the Grand Prix weekend. The à la carte menu includes cicoria e cicale di mare, ravioli di ricotta and triglia in skapece espresso. “But why is this in the brunch section?” we hear you cry – that’s because you can get unlimited house beverages between 5pm and 7pm daily for just Dhs200. Better still, there will be live entertainment including dancers, a DJ and a saxophonist, throughout the weekend. We’ll see you there. O Dhs200 (house beverages). Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5pm-7pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island, @Àlinigarden (02 656 2000). GARAGE If you didn’t manage to get F1 tickets, that’s okay, because the hottest ticket in town just might be the brunch at Garage. Directly overlooking the on-track action (W Abu Dhabi is the only hotel over an F1 track in the world), you’ll feast from live cooking stations dedicated to different dishes including the meat vault, the steam table, and nikkei house NEXT YEAR The 2024 race weekend will take place between Friday December 6 and Sunday December 8, 2024. Tickets should go on sale in February, so you should keep an eye on timeoutabudhabi.com for the latest news.F1 ACTION timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 15 GarageOFF-TRACK ACTION 16 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com and the mezze bar, all paired with house beverages. Prices vary based on the date and time of the brunch, as well as if you sit on the terrace or not, and can go up to Dhs6,000 (including bubbly). But watching the racers speed past with a glass of bubbly in hand is practically priceless. O Dhs700 (house beverages, inside seating, Fri or Sat afternoon, Sat evening), Dhs980 (bubbly, inside seating, Fri or Sat afternoon, Sat evening), Dhs1,400 (bubbly, terrace seating, Fri or Sat afternoon), Dhs3,000 (bubbly, terrace seating, Sat evening), Dhs1,500 (house beverages, indoor seating, Sun evening), Dhs2,400 (bubbly, indoor seating, Sun evening), Dhs6,000 (bubbly, terrace seating, Sun evening). Fri Nov 24 1pm- 4pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm-4.30pm, 4.30pm-7.30pm; Sun 4pm-7pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, wrevup.com (02 656 0000). GRAPHOS SOCIAL KITCHEN Another option for those who didn’t manage to get Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets, Graphos Social Kitchen is offering up a French bubbly brunch on Saturday or Sunday alongside three-day Grand Stand tickets, or three-day suite tickets. Brunch and access to the city’s most exciting annual event? We’re in. O Dhs2,800 (French bubbly brunch on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, plus three-day Grand Stand ticket, per person), Dhs4,450 (French bubbly brunch on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, plus three-day suite ticket, per person), Dhs5,600 (French bubbly brunch for two on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, two three-day Grand Stand tickets and one car parking spot for day of brunch), Dhs8,900 (French bubbly brunch for two on Sat Nov 25 or Sun Nov 26, two three-day suite tickets and one car parking spot for day of brunch). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island (052 547 6318). LOCK, STOCK & BARREL Famed party spot (and Dubai export) Lock, Stock & Barrel will be putting on brunches on both Saturday and Sunday over the F1 weekend. Expect live music and LSB classics like Áatbreads, wings and onion rings. O Dhs225 (soft drinks), Dhs275 (house beverages), Dhs325 (sparkling). Sat Nov 25-Sun Nov 26 2pm-5pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, lsbabudhabi.com (04 423 8308). PENELOPE’S We can hardly believe that Penelope’s has only been open for just a year now. The French restaurant and jazz bar burst onto the scene just before last year’s F1, and has more than proven its foodie credentials, having been Highly Commended at our last Restaurant Awards for Best European Restaurant. If you’re still yet to try it, there’s no better time than this year’s F1. There will be brunches throughout the weekend with two slots: Between noon and 3pm, and between 4pm and 7pm. Whichever you opt for, expect dishes like oysters, burrata and pasta paired with house beverages and Yas Marina views. O Dhs699 (house beverages), Dhs899 (premium beverages), Dhs1,299 (French bubbly). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-3pm, 4pm-7pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, penelopes.ae (050 204 2475). Lock, Stock & Barrel STARS ‘N’ BARS Bound to be popular, Stars ‘N’ Bars will be running its F1 brunch on Saturday November 25. While this deÀnitely requires pre-booking, Stars ‘N’ Bars will be operating on walk-ins only for the rest of the weekend. O Dhs399. Sat Nov 25 noon-4pm. Yas Marina, Yas Island, abudhabi.starsnbars.ae (02 565 0101). STILLS You can catch all the F1 action at European restaurant Stills, with real-time coverage on screens throughout the bar. There will be a brunch on Saturday November 25, with live barbecue stations and more. And, if you’re heading down during the evening, you can get a two-hour house beverage package between 5pm and 7pm for Dhs200. Plus, there will be a live band, DJ and dancers. Now that’s what we call a party. O Dhs200 (two-hour house beverage package), Dhs325 (brunch with house beverages and mixed drinks). Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5pm-7pm; Sat Nov 25 12.30pm- 4.30pm. Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi - Yas Island, @stillsabudhabi (02 656 3066). PARTIES SOHO BEACH Opening for F1 weekend, Soho Beach will be throwing two huge parties on Friday November 24 and Sunday November 26. MIND2MIND CONNECTED November 2, 9, 16, 30 - December 22, 23, 29, 30 Witness the Mind2Mind team captivate audiences with a unique form of mind-reading and other special skills. From Dhs109. Theatre by QE2, Mina Rashid. CRYPTO FIGHT NIGHT Friday November 24, 7pm Boxing meets cryptocurrency at this fight night where boxers battle it out for the WBC Crypto Title. Dhs1,500. Ramee Dream Hotel Downtown, Downtown Dubai. EARTH SOUL FEST Friday December 8-Sunday December 10, 4pm Head to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre to experience an event where music, art and sustainability converge. From Dhs150. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai Media City. APPEL & PROP Saturday January 27, 6pm South African singer Appel will be performing his sing-along hits alongside support act Prop. From Dhs115. The Square, Sports City Dubai. JAPAN CULTURE CON Friday November 10-Sunday November 12, 2pm Experience everything there is to know about Japanese culture including food, music, animation and so much more. Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. MAGIC PHIL Saturday December 9-Sunday December 10 Returning for his 10th winter show, Magic Phil attempts to become a circus star but will he succeed or turn into chaos? From Dhs80. Theatre by QE2, Port Rashid. TO DXB_511_55_800 tickets_13044248.indd 4525/10/2023 11:23OFF-TRACK ACTION 18 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Originally launched in Dubai, the brand is famed for its nightclub venues in Meydan Racecourse, and we imagine the Àrst Abu Dhabi venue will be equally party-centric. On Friday, you can expect a Music On showcase headlined by Italian electronic music and DJ Loco Dice who will be joined by Loco Dice, and Mason Collective, while on Sunday, Artbat, a Ukrainian electronic music group will be performing. Tickets are Dhs150 a pop, and you’ll be able to book your spot through Platinum List. O Dhs150. Fri Nov 24; Sun Nov 26. Yas Island, @sohobeach.yasisland. THE IRISH VICKER’S AT CENTRAL PLAZA Popular pub The Irish Vicker’s will be taking over Central Plaza at Yas Plaza Hotels. The pop-up will feature a huge screen with live race coverage, and the grub that earned the OG branch the title of Best Pub Food. But the real reason to visit is the entertainment line up, with bands including The International Playboys and ToneDeaf, singers such as Clodagh Bradley and Joe Girvin, and lots of DJs. This spot is walk-in only, so head down early if you don’t want to miss out. O Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26. Yas Plaza, walk-ins only. Y BAR Popular haunt Y Bar recently reopened just in time for F1 weekend. For the occasion, the outdoor terrace and hops garden will be playing host to a pop-up activation from a Belgian hops brand, and there will be live DJs and entertainment throughout the weekend. Food-wise, you can order plates with South American and Asian inÁuences. This venue will be open until 3am, and we don’t think you’ll ever want to leave. O Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 noon-3am. Yas Island Rotana, @ybar_yasislandrotana (02 656 4000). SPECIAL MENUS ANGAR Indian restaurant Angar (which was shortlisted for Best Indian Restaurant earlier this year) will be playing host to celebrity chef Vicky Ratnani on Saturday and Sunday over the race weekend. Expect a number of special dishes, which can be ordered à la carte. O Open Sat-Sun 6pm-11pm. W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, wrevup.com (02 656 0000). BELGIAN CAFÉ Big fan of Max Verstappen? Then you need to be heading to the Orange Zone at the Belgian Café. The only Dutch fan zone on Yas Island, there will be a selection of special dishes on offer, including wagyu burgers topped off with trufÁe, foie gras and gold, 265-day aged meats and lots and lots of cheese (they had us at cheese, to be honest). A live DJ will keep the atmosphere pumping, and there will also be a pop-up from a Belgian hops brand in the outdoor space. O Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 16 12.30pm-3am. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, @bbcyasisland (02 656 2000). BLUE GRILL Meat and seafood lovers need to make a beeline for Blue Grill at Yas Island Rotana over the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend. There, you’ll Ànd a curated à la carte menu on offer, as well as a Ferrari sparkling grape pop-up out on the terrace. O Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5.30pm-1am. Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, @bluegrill_yasisland (02 656 4000). Amici F1 SCHEDULE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 24 1.30pm-2.30pm – Practice session 5pm-6pm – Practice session SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25 2.30pm-3.30pm – Practice session 6pm-7pm – Qualifying race SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26 5pm-7pm* – Race *Or 58 laps of the 5.281km circuitF1 ACTION timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 19 Central PlazaNext >