8 things to look forward to in Abu Dhabi this September
Alternative ladies’ nights, big brunches and a duo of huge concerts…
Abu Dhabi is back in business and if you didn’t already know it, this roster of top events is here to prove it. From a new fitness studio to restaurant openings, unique ladies’ nights and some mega concerts, here’s 8 things to look forward to in Abu Dhabi this September.
From September 3: Get sweaty at an internationally renowned fitness studio
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Self-billed as the ‘The Best Workout in the World’ Barry’s has now landed in Abu Dhabi, with its first fitness studio in the UAE capital now found at The Galleria Mall. The HIIT classes that take place in their famous Red Room (sporting a low red-lit rave vibe, that makes everybody look good) can burn up to 1,000 calories in a session. Here your workout is split by intermittent switches between floor work and treadmill beasting, resulting in an all-round physical tune-up. They also offer LIFT classes, a slower 50 minute flex sesh which focuses on “building muscle mass and concentrating on form”. You’ll also find ladies only classes, themed classes, live DJ classes, and challenges available to book in on the super handy Barry’s app.
Barry’s, The Galleria Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 582 0755, @barrysuae
September 8: Gather your gang for a ladies’ night with a twist
For ladies who think they’ve exhausted every deal in town, how about trying something different on for size? Put a new spin on girls’ night out and gear up for ladies’ nights at Clymb Abu Dhabi. Taking place on Thursday September 8, prepare for an adrenaline high as you conquer an indoor skydive, where you’ll hover above the ground while twisting, turning and even flipping while in the air. It all happens with full privacy and an all-female staff.
Clymb Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, 5pm to 9pm, Thursday September 8, Dhs235 for two flights. Tel: (600) 511 115, clymbabudhabi.com
Throughout September: Tuck into fancy sweet treats at Cipriani Dolci
The must-visit mall eatery from Dubai has landed in Abu Dhabi, bringing a slice of Venetian charm to Marina Mall. A luxurious take on the Italian Pasticceria, guests can expect decadent favourites from torta di cioccolato, ice cream freshly whipped to order, lemon tart, tiramisu and more. A must-try at all Cipriani’s is the vanilla meringue cake, so we can’t wait to dig our spoons into this capital dessert in Abu Dhabi. But as well as satisfying your sweet tooth, the Cipriani Dolci menu featuring an array of savoury dishes for a more meaty meal, including Baked Tagliolini, Scampi alla Carlina and Seppioline in Tecia.
Cipriani Dolci, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm daily. @ciprianidolci
September 9 to October 4: Gather your muggle mates for a magical experience
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Starting on September 9, shoppers heading to Abu Dhabi Mall will be able to experience a little bit of the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. ‘Celebrate Hogwarts’ is a walkthrough interactive Harry Potter themed experience, offering opportunities to take Snapes, ahem, snaps against some of the saga’s most memorable backdrops — there’s the full and unabashed Escherian majesty of the Hogwarts Grand Staircase, a Common Room, Hagrid’s infamous Hut, The Forbidden Forest, and even a recreation of the iconic Hogwarts Express train, chuffing its way out of platform 9 and 3/4.
Celebrate Hogwarts, Abu Dhabi Mall, 12pm to 9pm daily, Sept 9 to Oct 4. abudhabi-mall.com
September 10: Enjoy the sounds of some top K-Pop stars
Love Korean music? Then you’ll be pleased to hear there’s a huge Korean Music Festival is taking place at the Eithad Arena this September. The event is called Hyperound K-Fest Abu Dhabi and will see 10 of the biggest Korean music sensations take to the stage for one night only on Saturday September 10. Headlining acts are ZICO and Loco, but fans will also enjoy live performances from P1Harmony, Sik-K, DJ Woogie, GOT7 member Jay B, Peakboy, The Rose, Paul Kim and DVWN.
Hyperound Fest Abu Dhabi, Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Saturday September 10, from Dhs215. @hyperound.ae
Saturdays throughout September: Fill your boots at a B.I.G brunch
The popular multi-kitchen B.I.G. brunch at Garage has returned to W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island. Garage is the high-concept eatery at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island overlooking the Iconic Yas Marina circuit. It features five distinct zones each with their own culinary focus. It’s like having brunch from five different restaurants simultaneously. With Asian options, Levantine cuisine, meat feasts, mezze, Japanese-Peruvian and ‘Tarts from the Van’, enjoy cold beverages from the signature ‘Tap On Wheels’ cart as the resident DJ creates the perfect brunch vibe. Go B.I.G. or go home, indeed.
W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs279 with soft drinks, Dhs379 with house drinks and Dhs529 bubbles. Tel: (0)2 656 0000. @wabudhabi
September 10 and 11: Set sail around Louvre Abu Dhabi
One of the best things about Louvre Abu Dhabi is that the exterior is as much a work of art as you’d find on the inside. But what if there was a way to see the Louvre in a completely different light? An entirely new way for your eyes to drink in that design masterpiece of a dome and all the glorious geometric eccentricity of the building’s main structure. Seahawk offers regular kayak tours of the great museum/art gallery, but once a (lunar) month you can do it on a full moon. The next time that will be possible, is the weekend of September 10 and 11 — both Saturday and Sunday will offer departures of 7.30pm and 9pm. All at a cost of Dhs126.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, 7.30pm and 9pm on Sep 10 and 11, Dhs126. Tel: (02) 673 6688, sea-hawk.ae
September 29: Sing along at a Westlife concert
Boyband fans are in for a treat this September, as famed Irish boyband Westlife are set to perform in Abu Dhabi for the first time. The four-piece Irish boyband are headed to the capital on Thursday September 29 and will perform at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Tickets are now on sale and are priced from Dhs199. Purchase them on livenation.me and ticketmaster.ae