< Previous60 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com We might being slap bang in the middle of a desert (although it’s easy to forget that sometimes), but Abu Dhabi is home to plenty of lovely parks and green spaces. Perfect for a stroll, meeting with friends or having a picnic like Yogi Bear, it’s the perfect time of year to pack up some gear and head along for a chilled afternoon lazing around on the grass. And if you’re wondering where to go, here are our top picks. CAPITAL PARK Built in 1976, Capital Park enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest parks in Abu Dhabi. Despite its downtown location, it’s actually quite peaceful once you’re inside the 50,000 square metre space. The hustle and bustle of the streets are drowned out by the sound of sheer tranquillity and the spouting fountains in the central pond. Like most parks in the city, this one also caters to young families and has plenty for the kids with the usual play areas, including a climbing wall. O Al Markaziyah. CORNICHE PARKS If you’re heading to the Corniche, chances are you’re thinking of a beach day. But those sands are outlined by some lovely parks, ideal for a shaded stroll, and on the other side of the road are a bunch of more green spaces. Starting from the east side, near SoÀtel Abu Dhabi, is Recreation Park. The biggest attraction is a large sun dial – always popular with curious little minds. Next along the road is Formal Park, which is actually a lot more fun than its name suggests. It has barbecue pits, badminton courts, a concrete maze and plenty Sport & Outdoor of room to relax on the grass. At the end of the Àrst stretch is Lake Park – with a 15 metre fountain, and wooden bridges and walkways, it is a favourite with Instagrammers. So, the next time you’re looking for a weekend outing, maybe skip the beach? O Off Corniche Road. GATEWAY PARK SOUTH Found on Yas Island, Gateway Park South hosts a number of events through the year. Taste of Abu Dhabi recently took place here, and saw foodies turn up in high numbers. This month, the park is getting ready to welcome young visitors for Yas Winter Fest, complete with a Àreworks show. Situated at the far end of Yas Island, this one’s part of the larger Yas Gateway Park, and welcomes the entire family (four-legged ones included) to enjoy under the winter sun. O Yas Island. MASDAR CITY CENTRAL PARK This park champions sustainability, and is a highly rated community space. We’re talking horizontal gardens, a tower that collects water vapour from the air, a falaj-style water system, and play equipment powered by human movement. You would also Ànd sustainability messages throughout the park, and dogs are also welcome here. O Masdar City. REEM CENTRAL PARK Bringing a slice of urban relaxation to the mostly residential Reem Island is this space. Perfect for families, there are playgrounds for kids, basketball and football courts for your teen’s friendly (or pro) matches. As for you, maybe take a stroll around the beautiful canal side, and spend an evening watching skaters do their thing at the skate park. Or just join your teens, there are no rules. Reem Central Park as something for everyone, including a few fab restaurants. O Reem Island. SHEIKHA FATIMA PARK This one is a true ‘for everybody’ space in the heart of the city. Does it have ample space for kids to enjoy sports? Of course. Can you reÀll your energy meter with a nice meal? Why not, there are 12 eateries here, including a fun board game café. Add to it a bark park for your furry friend, several art murals, and you’re set for a good day out in the capital. O Khalidiya, sheikhafatimapark.com. Park up Get in the car and head to these green spaces in the city to recharge this winter Capital Parktimeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 61 UMM AL EMARAT PARK Formerly known as Mushrif Park, Umm Al Emarat Park might be at the end of this list, but it should be right near the top of yours. Inside, there’s the Wisdom Garden (a place to ponder life’s big questions), the children’s garden, the botanic garden (which houses about 200 regional plant species), a 1,000-person amphitheatre, the Shade House (a structure that houses more than 30 species of plants) and, of course, rolling green lawns. Now that it’s cooler, the Park Market pitches up every Friday and Saturday until March 30, 2024, where you’ll be able to browse items from local vendors. And when the shopping makes you peckish, head to SALT, Parker’s or Home Bakery. O Dhs10. Mushrif, ummalemaratpark.ae / @ummalemaratpark (02 666 9559). Umm Al Emarat Park62 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com House of Artisans Maison Tini Headed home on holiday and planning on having presents in tow? An obvi- ous choice is a memento from your new home. We’re not talking about souvenirs grabbed last-minute from the airport – we’re talking small, local brands selling unique gifts you quite literally won’t be able to Ànd elsewhere. If that sounds good to you, here’s where you should be shopping. AMONGST FEW Premium streetwear brand amongst few has a small but stylish collection of Abu Dhabi branded merch, including a decidedly fashion- able “I love Abu Dhabi” T-shirt that won’t be relegated to the back of anyone’s cupboard. If you want to complete the look, you can opt for one of their Abu Dhabi caps and hoodies to match. Shop online, or head to the store at Souq Al Mina. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Souq Al Mina, Mina Zayed, amongstfew.com (02 633 0080). ETHER Concept store ETHER opened at Yas Mall back in May, and stocks a number of local, regional and international small businesses. If you or your loved ones are into art, a poster might just be the perfect memento for them, and you can browse posters from Habibi Soline design services here. The retro-style posters focus on different areas, including the Corniche, the Eastern Mangroves and Saadiyat Island, or you can get one created using artistic liberties that includes the skyline, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Hosn and Sheikh Zayed Bridge all in one. O Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Yas Mall, Yas Island, @habibi_abudhabi. FROM THE ARABS Emirati culture is known for its heady fragranc- es and the UAE-based From the Arabs is on a mission to introduce Arabic scents to homes worldwide, from scented candles to diffusers, room sprays, and more. Apart from smelling amazing, their hand-poured scented candles are available in a variety of fragrances (includ- ing Arabic musk and Sambuc jasmine) and come in pretty handmade ceramic containers. All products are 100 percent locally sourced and manufactured, making it a great way to shop locally while picking out souvenirs. O fromthearabs.com. HOUSE OF ARTISANS Emirati artisans are known for their weaving and embroidery skills (especially traditional khoos and al-sadu weaving, and silver embroi- dery). Pop by the House of Artisans at Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi to meet the artists making these and other traditional items and purchase them directly. Between Friday January 19 and Sunday January 28, the Al Hosn Festival will also be taking place just outside, offering the chance to check out goods from even more local artisans. O Open Sat-Thu 10am-8pm. Next to Qasr Al Hosn, Al Hisn, qasralhosn.ae. LITTLE MAJLIS This online store sells authentic khaleeji gifts, with everything from cushions and magnets to games and homeware. Have a foodie in your life? You might not be able to bring home your favourite dishes, but you can share the recipes with a printed tea towel featuring the recipe for machboos. Other top picks include the UAE version of snap, or the camel cushions. Best of all, everything listed here is made in the UAE by local artisans. O littlemajlis.com. MAISON TINI Need to buy for little ones? Then you should be checking out Dubai-based online concept Shopping Super souvenirs Non-tacky gifts your family will love this holiday seasontimeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 63 store Maison Tini for chic, but themed, toys. You’ll have to do a bit of digging for gifts that scream Abu Dhabi, but you can Ànd camel stuffed animals, colouring posters featuring elements of Emirati heritage and UAE Áash- cards. O maisontini.com. SOUQ AL MINA More than a bit fancier than your classic souks, Souq Al Marina features plenty of lovely local brands selling their wares. Grab candles from Ameena’s Pink Series (APS), handmade plates, bowls and other trinkets from Hubel Ceramics, or shop handmade gifts including textiles and ceramics at Min’na. O Various opening hours. Mina Zayed, @souqalminaad. SOUK QARYAT AL BERI This souk is probably better known for being home to restaurants and bars like Abd El Wa- hab, Atlon and Ushna, but you can also head here to shop ‘till you drop. Here, you’ll be able to buy traditional outÀts, jewellery, perfumes, art and more from a number of different shops and stalls. And, even if you don’t man- age to pick anything up, the Venetian-style souk is a pleasant place to get your steps in. O Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm; Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. Khor Al Maqta, soukqaryatalberi.com (02 558 1670). THE SOUK AT WORLD TRADE CENTRE ABU DHABI Another contemporary take on a traditional souk, the Souk at World Trade Centre Abu ETHER Dhabi sits on what was the original com- mercial district in the city. Here, you will Ànd everything from Emirati artefacts and spices to jewellery, Arabic perfumes and clothing. When you’re done, head to The Botantic Atrium, a picturesque food hall just next door that’s Àlled with Asian eateries. O Open Sun-Wed noon-midnight; Thu 10am-midnight; Fri 10.30am-midnight; Sat 10am-midnight. The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi, wtcad.ae.64 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com Art & Culture The city’s buzz is well and truly back. With the return of cooler months, your cultural calendar just got hotter. We’re talking about the festivals, music performances and art exhibitions that are popping up all over the city. There’s never been a better time to be out and about, and we’re here to guide you on where to go. ABU DHABI FESTIVAL 2024 This one is for the performing arts lovers. The Abu Dhabi festival is a celebration of ballet, opera and classical music, plus traditional Arabic. This year, it notes the People’s Republic of China as the guest of honour, and accordingly, most performances will carry an Oriental accent. Amongst other notable performances is the China National Symphony Orchestra. This is one not to miss. O From Dhs50. Until Tue Feb 27, 2024. Various timings and locations. abudhabifestival.ae. ANDALUSIA: HISTORY AND CIVILISATION AT SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE For history buffs, and those with an interest Festival it up Calling all culture vultures, we have just the hit list for you Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Designtimeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 65 in world geography, this one should be top of your list. The exhibition boasts an expansive collection of Andalusian heritage Àgures, rare art pieces and literary works that contributed to shaping the features of the Iberian peninsula. Visitors will dive into the history of ancient cities such as Medina Azahara, ponder over the works of philosopher Ibn Rushd, and be awed by cartographer Al-Idrisi’s contribution to shaping the current global map, and much more. O Until May 2024. Open Sat-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri 9am- noon, 3pm-10pm. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Khor Al Maqta, szgmc.gov.ae (02 419 1919). BLACK EYED PEAS AT MOTHER OF THE NATION Are you ready for Boom Boom Pow, Meet Me Halfway and, of course, Where is the Love? The iconic trio, will.i.am, Apl.de.Ap and Taboo, hit Abu Dhabi on Wednesday December 13 as part of the massive Mother of the Nation festival. If you’re a super fan, opt for tickets in the fan pit zone. O Dhs245 (silver), Dhs345 (gold), Dhs545 (fan pit). Wed Dec 13. Mother of the Nation, Abu Dhabi Corniche, ticketmaster.ae. CARTIER, ISLAMIC INSPIRATION AND MODERN DESIGN AT LOUVRE ABU DHABI How does discovering over 400 enchanting works, including a wooden carved ivory panel with scrolls from 14th century Egypt sound to you? Stuff of your dreams, did you say? ead straight over to the Louvre Abu Dhabi to gaze at exquisite Cartier jewellery, precious objects, masterpieces of Islamic art, drawings, textiles and photographs. Experience digital projections and inÀnity rooms that make the intricate shapes and patterns of the pieces come alive. O Dhs60 (adults), free (kids under 18). Until Sun Mar 24, 2024. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (60 056 5566). IN THE DUSKY DREAM OF A PATH AT RIZQ ART GALLERY The newest addition to the thriving art scene of Abu Dhabi is Rizq art gallery on Reem Island. It debuted with a hard-hitting exhibition that forces the viewer to connect to the sorrow and distress people feel as a result of environmental change. Termed as ‘Sostalgia’, that’s the leitmotif of Dusky Path of a Dream, the maiden exhibition here. The gallery’s focus is on the Global South, and artists are from said region. O Until Fri Feb 23, 2024. Leaf Tower, Reem Island, rizqart.com (056 990 8590). MANAR ABU DHABI Have you seen the light art sculptures around the city lately? They’re a teaser into Manar Abu Dhabi, which means ‘lighthouse’ in Arabic and is an exhibition that marries the elements of nature, water, and light art to create a one-of-a-kind experience unique only to this city. Head to Abu Dhabi Corniche, Eastern Mangroves, and islands Fahid, Lulu and Saadiyat to revel in the brilliant pieces. O Until Tue Jan 30, 2024. Various locations, paad.ae. SHEIKH ZAYED FESTIVAL 2024 The annual festival celebrating rich Emirati heritage is a must-visit. Arabian horse shows, go-karting, camels racing and dhow sailing... the list of activities and sights go on and on. Here you’ll enjoy numerous cultural and international pavilions, parades and a military heritage music show. The little ones will enjoy the wildlife sanctuary, and massive Àreworks that will be set off regularly. You need to go, trust us. O Dhs10, free (kids under three, adults over 59, people of determination). Until Sat Mar 9, 2024. Al Wathba zayedfestival.ae. THIRD ART HERE AT LOUVRE ABU DHABI Seven artists from across the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India and Syria are showcasing their work at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, under the theme Transparencies. To begin with, expect sculptures and installations that use the interplay of visual elements, and look at the relationship between humans and their habitats, through an artist’s lens. As curator Maya El Khalil puts it, “Together, the chosen pieces offer an intriguing dialogue through their diverse mediums, interpretations and concepts.” Book now. O Dhs60 (adults), free (kids under 18). Until Sun Mar 24, 2024. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6.30pm, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae (60 056 5566). Sheikh Zayed Festival66 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com Dhs35 DOUGHNUT-LOVER? THERE’S only one place you should be heading: Wake N Bake. While the gourmet doughnut spot Àrst opened its doors in Mamsha Al Saadiyat in October 2022, the brand started life in 2018 as a home business from Fatima Al Sayegh. Trained at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in London, the Emirati chef used her skills to experiment in a bid to create the HYPE DISH DISSECTION What goes into the Abu Dhabi plates that everyone bangs on about perfect doughnut, which was then sold through pop-ups and at Local just next door (and quickly became a cult favourite). Not satisÀed with offering only sweet treats, the chef has expanded into breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches and more, each tastier than the last. Most recently, that experimentation led to the creation of our latest hype dish: The Everything Donut. A weekend special, you’ll only be able to order the savoury doughnut from Wake N Bake’s store IRL between Friday and Sunday. And special it is – which is why we chatted to chef Fatima about the dish, who revealed all about its creation and the elements that make it sing. O Available Fri-Sun 8am-9pm. Mamsha Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island (02 555 5910). THE DOUGHNUT “Our doughnuts aren’t too sweet, they have a very subtle sweetness. We are using the exact same doughnuts, just without the sugar coating.” THE INSPIRATION “We were aiming to recreate the kind of bagel you get in New York City. It wasn’t the Àrst combination we tried, but the cream cheese and salmon just worked.” THE SEASONING “We were testing our bagels out, which we also recently launched, and decided to try the seasoning on a doughtnut. We make the all-bagel seasoning in-house.” THE SALMON “Our Norwegian smoked salmon is farmed in a sustainable way, and we value the quality of the Àsh which really helps make the dish as special as it is.” Everything Donut at Wake N’ BakeMAGIC 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. MIND2MIND CONNECTED 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. 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. THE IRISH VILLAGE’S CHRISTMAS CRACKER Saturday December 17, 6pm A family-friendly show of classic Christmas songs played by an 18-piece band. From Dhs100. The Irish Village, Garhoud. NEW YEAR’S EVE AT THE IRISH VILLAGE GARHOUD Sunday December 31, 7pm A free New Year’s Eve celebration open to all-ages (up until 10pm) toast to 2024 with plenty of craic. Free. The Irish Village, Garhoud. ABU DHABI FESTIVAL 2024 January 2024 - December 2024 The 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival celebrates music and art in the Capital with various events. From Dhs100. Various locations, Abu Dhabi. TO DXB_511_55_800 tickets_13070178.indd 6724/11/2023 19:26UAE residents enjoy a luxurious festive stay in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Book directly on our website and enjoy 20% savings on room rate, with unrivaled stay benefits. THE SEASON OF JOY FESTIVE STAYCATION Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the holidays at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. This festive season, we've created a wonderland of experiences to make your celebrations unforgettable. SEASON’S GREETINGS @dusitthaniabudhabi | reservations.abudhabi@dusit.com SCAN TO JOIN THE FESTIVITIES SCAN TO LEARN MORENext >