The annual celebration of all things Bavarian returns – with the city’s biggest event at the du Forum taking place this weekend

du Forum


The city’s biggest celebration is called, not surprisingly, Oktoberfest and is organised by the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island, although it takes place in the du Forum. It’s back for a fifth year and you can expect the usual selection of German beverages and a huge food menu, including bratwurst and sauerkraut. There’ll be prize draws as well, plus live music. Finally, there’ll be an Oktoberfest themed brunch at the du Forum on the Friday, running from 12.30pm to 4pm.
September 28 and 29
du Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7pm to 2am, Fri 7pm to 2am, Dhs99 to Dhs325. Tel: (800) 86823. Taxi: du Forum. yasisland.ae

Sofitel Corniche


The Sofitel is serving German drinks and dishes this month to celebrate Oktoberfest at Grills@Chill’O. There’s cheese fondue and a wurst platter to eat.
Until October 15
Sofitel Corniche, Al Markiziyah Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 8137777. Taxi: Sofitel. sofitel.com

McGettigan’s


Dhs99 gets you German dishes including sausage, sauerkraut, currywurst and more at the capital’s Irish pub in Al Raha.
Until October 4
Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi, daily 5.30pm to 3am, Dhs99. Tel: (02) 6524333. Taxi: Al Raha Beach Hotel. mcgettigans.com

Marriott Hotel Al Forsan


Khalifa City residents can head to the Marriott and listen to tunes performed by a German band. The hotel’s bar Appaloosa is the venue for this year’s festivities, although there’ll also be a ‘brew garden’ if you want to sit alfresco.
September 28 to October 6
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 2014131. Taxi: Al Forsan Sports Resort. marriott.com

Loca


Yes, you can celebrate Bavaria in a Mexican restaurant – Loca is offering 20 per cent off bottles of beer all October to celebrate.
October 1 to 31
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 2am. Tel: (02) 5823639. Taxi: The Galleria. locauae.com

Beach Rotana


The German pub in Beach Rotana, Brauhaus, has traditional games and food next month. There’ll also be live music to accompany dishes such as pretzels, sauerkraut and schnitzels. The band will be playing live daily from 6pm.
October 4 to 13
Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 6pm. Tel: (02) 6979011. Taxi: next to Abu Dhabi Mall. rotana.com

Hilton Abu Dhabi


Bavarian celebrations at this hotel off the Corniche will take place at its Beach Garden. You’ll find huge pretzels on every table and an extensive buffet menu of classic German dishes such as obazter kaese (cream-cheese and Camembert spread), bread dumplings with creamy mushroom sauce, braised red cabbage, sauerkraut, a carvery, and apple strudel with vanilla sauce.
October 5 and 6
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Al Khubeirah, Abu Dhabi, Dhs160. Tel: (02) 6924247. Taxi: opposite Hilton Corniche. hilton.com

Belgian Beer Cafe

BELGIAN-BEER-RS-
The pub at the InterCon is also celebrating this month with a special event on its terrace. You get a Bavarian beer included in the Dhs100 entry fee.
October 19 to 20
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 6666888. Taxi: InterContinental Abu Dhabi. ihg.com

Al Ain Rotana


For the second year running, the Garden City is hosting Oktoberfest celebrations at the Al Ain Rotana. October 19 sees an opening night bash, with a buffet from all-day restaurant Zest featuring veal schnitzel with asparagus, bratwurst with sour cabbage and more, plus music and games. On October 20 and 21, the celebrations move to Vic’s – the hotel will be offering an a la carte menu, and there’ll also be a cooking demo on October 21 from a chef visiting from Germany.
October 19 to 21
Al Ain Rotana, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7pm to 10pm, Dhs99 buffet. Tel: (03) 7545111. Taxi: Al Ain Rotana. rotana.com

Le Méridien


Head to Al Zahiyah for authentic German dishes and foamy drinks – the hotel’s pool garden will host Le Méridien’s Bavarian celebrations. There’ll be live music, plus pretzels, sauerkraut, sausages, potato salad and more at the buffet.
October 26 and 27
Le Méridien, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, Thur 7pm, Fri 12.30pm, free entry, Dhs120 buffet. Tel: (02) 6974354. Taxi: Le Méridien. lemeridienabudhabi.com

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