LOVE-LY ESCAPE

Doesn’t matter if you’re in lovable duo, with your crew of galentines or a Singleton out there, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island got your love-ly escape sorted. From cozy treatment at the Spa, delicious candle-lit dinner at Amici, to letting your hair going wild at B.I.G – Brunch In Garage – W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island caters for all relationship statuses.

Been in a relationship for a while? We all love chilling on the sofa with a takeaway but it’s important to try something a bit off-kilter with your love to keep things fun. That’s where Alphabet Dating comes in. The concept is simple: you and your other half take it in turns to arrange regular dates, drawing inspiration from the alphabet to plan your activity. Read on for some inspo, and get dating – you now have a project to complete this year…

IS FOR…AERIAL TOUR

OK, so we might be heading into proposal territory straight off the bat with this one, but it’s pretty high on the romance scale: A 30-minute Seawings seaplane tour over the city’s most iconic sites, including Emirates Palace, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Sheikh Zayed Bridge and the Corniche. seawings.ae

IS FOR… DINING IN THE DARK

IS FOR… BOARD GAME CAFÉ

Looking for a nerdy date night? DNA is Abu Dhabi’s first board game café, which means you can get off your couch without straying outside your comfort zone. Enjoy unlimited access to the massive board game library plus the opportunity to order home baked cakes, burgers, nachos, coffee, mocktails and more. @eat.play.dna

IS FOR… COUPLE’S MASSAGE

Plump for a luxury couple’s treatment to recharge your romantic engine on Nurai Island. After a speedboat ride to the private atoll, head to Nurai Spa for the ‘Reconnect Ritual’ package, a two-hour session that includes a massage and facial. Afterwards, enjoy an organic tea ceremony. Then spend the rest of the day on the beach. nuraiisland.com

Love is blind, or so they say. So why not put the old saying to the test and meet your date at Bab Al Qasr’s Fresh Basil – Pitch Black Dining. Your senses will be in a heightened state and taste buds tingling as you experience a culinary journey in complete darkness.

@babalqasrhotel

IS FOR… ESCAPE GAMES

Pay someone to lock you in a cell that’s filled with challenges. At Prison Island – Beat the Bars, you and your beau must work together to complete obstacles and tasks in order to escape. There are 26 individual cells to complete, each testing your physical or mental mettle. You’ll either leave better bonded or wish you could lock them up for real. prisonisland.ae

IS FOR… FARM TOUR

Level up your supermarket shop and make a date of it with a trip to a proper farm. At Emirates Bio Farm, hop onboard a tractor tour, enjoy lunch on the farm’s grounds and harvest your own vegetables to take home.

emiratesbiofarm.com

IS FOR… GIRAFFE BREAKFAST DATE

Fried eggs and sausages are great, but nothing would make a breakfast date more memorable than a giraffe peeking in through the café window. Emirates Park Zoo’s two-hour experience invites guests to breakfast inside a purpose-built cave, where tall breakfast companions can poke their heads in and graze on apples, lettuce, and cucumbers as you two go all out on a full brekkie.

emiratesparkzooandresort.com

IS FOR… HORSE RIDING

Saddle up for love and hit the desert trails in Al Wathba, with bae and some (hopefully not bucking) broncos. Emirati family-owned and operated Rabdan Equestrian Club offers experiences for sweethearts to court and canter, including private sunrise and sunset rides, for those who want to crank the romance up to a gallop.

@rabdanofficial

IS FOR… ISLAND HOPPING

Live your best lives together by hopping aboard a small private charter with Sea Safari for a six-hour tour of Abu Dhabi’s islandscape. It’s land ahoy with scenic islands stops such as Salt Island and Bahrani Island. Their boats come with music systems for stereophonic shanty support and soft drinks. Bring food and they’ll even fire up the barbecue for you. seasafari.ae

IS FOR… JUBAIL MANGROVES PARK

Not all dates need to cost the earth. Head to Jubail Mangrove Park, pay just Dhs5 per person, and stroll along the 2km boardwalk among nature. Simply walking together enhances your emotional, mental and physical wellbeing – and it’s surprisingly great for resolving debates. park.jubailisland.ae

IS FOR… MICHELIN DINING

IS FOR… KAYAKING

Whether it’s a tour around the nature reserve of the Eastern Mangroves, a cityside loop around Reem Island, or a paddle across the waters surrounding the majestic Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sea Hawk offers all kinds of kayaking adventures across the capital. sea-hawk.ae

IS FOR… LOUVRE ABU DHABI

Get lost inside Louvre Abu Dhabi for a day. The architecture alone is enough to get you and your date all googly-eyed – never mind the impressive collections and terrific touring exhibitions. While you’re there, swing by the stunning Fouquet’s for a glass of bubbly and award-winning French cuisine. louvreabudhabi.ae

There are plenty of places in Abu Dhabi where you can drop significant dirhams on a good meal, but a fine dining restaurant with a coveted Michelin star seal of approval? There’s only three of those: the charming Italian Talea by Antonio Guida and Hakkasan, both located in Emirates Palace, and Four Seasons’ glorious 99 Sushi Bar and Restaurant. Choose all three over a course of a month, for extra bonus points. guide.michelin.com

IS FOR… NATIONAL AQUARIUM

As the Middle East’s largest aquarium, you bet you’re going to see all sorts of aquatic biodiversity when you visit the National Aquarium. Add on a jungle encounter where you and your better half can suit up and swim with freshwater rays. thenationalaquarium.ae

IS FOR… PAINTBALLING

What’s more romantic than screaming and running away from each other? Nothing, that’s what. Head to Al Forsan Paintball Park for a one-on-one combat session where a little competition and some movement is the perfect prelude to a sofa night and takeaway. alforsan.com

IS FOR… OBSERVATION DECK AT 300

Keep things classy with a fancy afternoon tea for two at the Observation Deck at 300 on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Telescopes are available for zeroing in on the city’s landmarks, but we’re most keen on zooming in on those dainty sandwiches, delicate cakes and hottoasted scones, which are served alongside a pot of tea.

@observationdeckat300

IS FOR… QASR AL WATAN

A cultural capital in its own right, Abu Dhabi is home to many inspiring landmarks and museums. Why not head to Qasr Al Watan, one of the city’s newest attractions. Through a series of zones, guests embark on an interactive journey through the UAE’s rich history. Don’t leave without visiting the Qasr Al Watan library – it’s filled with over 50,000 books. qasralwatan.ae

IS FOR… ROCK CLIMBING

Get your rocks on at Clymb, the capital’s state-of-the-art rock climbing centre on Yas Island. Forget trying to attack the highest climbing wall in the world and instead spend your day shimmying along the less harrowing 9ft-tall boulders. It’ll get you and your date out of your comfort zones, and you’ll get to cheer each other on as you traverse around the walls. clymbabudhabi.com

IS FOR… UMM AL EMARAT PARK

Manicured to perfection and full of thoroughly interesting attractions, Umm Al Emarat Park is wonderful space to roam, including a poignant memorial to the words of Sheikh Zayed, an animal barn with camels, goats, donkeys, a botanical garden and an outdoor cinema. ummalemaratepark.ae

IS FOR… SAFARI STAYCATION

Guys, you live in city that’s lucky enough to have its own safari island – what are you still doing reading this? The castaway paradise of Sir Bani Yas is flourishing with blackbuck antelope, Arabian oryx, giraffe, ostrich and cheetah. Guests at the Anantara Resorts have the opportunity to go on safari and see these amazing creatures up close.

@anantarasirbaniyas

IS FOR… THEME PARK THRILLS

First person who screams buys the hot dogs. Be a kid again and get those hearts beating with a touch of extra adrenaline at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, with 29 rides to try within six zones, including DC Comics’ Gotham City and Yosemite Sam’s desert world of Dynamite Gulch.

wbworldabudhabi.com

IS FOR… VR PARK

Enter a digital realm with the most technologically advanced VR experience in Abu Dhabi. Team up to take down zombies, explore alien worlds and investigate strange disturbances on spaceships at Zero Latency, the city’s first multiplayer, free-roam virtual reality arcade. It’s astonishingly immersive and great fun. zerolatencyvr.ae

IS FOR… WAKESURFING

Wakesurfing gained popularity as a less strenuous alternative to wakeboarding. But now the sport has reached fever pitch with residents taking to the calm waters most mornings to get their surf stoke. Sign up for a session with long-time coaches Wake Evolution, and you’ll both find a new hobby together. wake-evolution.com

IS FOR… XTREME ZONE

Bold. Brash. Blaring music. A trip to Xtreme Zone is date day of yesteryear. Strike it lucky at the 12-lane bowling alley, double-bounce your beloved at the trampoline park, or take on the Tag Arena’s timed obstacle course. @xtremezoneme

IS FOR… YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

It’s been scientifically proven that speeding is a million times more fun when performed on a racetrack. At Yas Marina Circuit, experience ‘the closest thing to an F1 car most people will ever drive.’ You and your pumpkin will zoom around in a race car armed with a 3.0 litre V6 Jaguar Cosworth engine. yasmarinacircuit.com

Z IS FOR… ZIPLINE

You could zipline in Dubai across the marina, or over the Jebel Jais valleys on the world’s longest zipline. But if you want a unique adventure closer to home, take on Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s zipline and soar directly through the iconic Flying Aces rollercoaster loop. Add on a rooftop walk for extra date day brownie points.

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Coya

This chic showstopper wasted no time establishing themselves as one of the most reliable brunch peddlers in the UAE. The kitchen’s South American influences show their stripes via sophisticated standouts like its zesty ceviche, slow-cooked beef ribs with miso and limo chilli and grilled tiger prawns. Save room for the three-dip churros alongside the much-celebrated Coya pisco sours.

Coya Abu Dhabi, Four Seasons, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs298 with soft drinks, Dhs438 with house drinks, Dhs588 with premium drinks. Tel: (0)2 306 7000. @coyaabudhabi

Sim Sim

Whoever said size doesn’t matter has clearly never visited Sim Sim’s mammoth Market Brunch at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas. It’s so big that guests are given maps of the brunch layout to prevent diners from getting lost. Almost every cuisine on the planet has a home here with everything from Mexican to Italian stands, Indian tandoors, mezze, an enormous cheese station, and a huge grilling counter over the bridge. It’s organised chaos where drinks are topped up swiftly at tables and family fun ensues. Too full to move? Check out the hotel’s brunch and stay package from Dhs1,900 for two people. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs390 with soft drinks, Dhs515 with house drinks, Dhs615 with premium drinks. Tel: (0)2 697 0000. rotana.com

Nahaam

If you’re brunching at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, you’re probably already expecting the best. Nahaam continues to live up to the challenge, albeit with a brand-new British twist. The buffet now presents the best of Blighty, including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie, fish ‘n’ chip boxes, a top-quality carvery and much more. Expect Union Jack bunting overhead, live music throughout and a general Jubilee-style atmosphere every Saturday at the aptly named ‘Pardon My Brunch.’

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs375 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks and Prosecco, Dhs795 with bubbly. Tel: (0)2 811 5666. @pardonmybrunch

LPM RESTAURANT & BAR

The anti-brunch, LPM offers an elegant yet leisurely Sunday soiree that puts its culinary expertise in the spotlight. Guests enjoy a selection of classy breakfast items (think, folded scrambled eggs and burrata and tomato toast), plus a choice of mains from grilled sirloin steak, sea bream with pistou and peppers and a mushroom risotto. Hot tip: Order the outrageously cheesy gratin dauphinoise as a side dish and finish off with the French toast with spiced ice cream.

The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Sun noon to 4.30pm, Dhs375 with soft drinks, Dhs450 with cocktails and wine, Dhs575 with sparkling. Tel: (0)2 692 9600. @lpmabudhabi

Oak Room

At this spot from celebrity chef Tom Aikens, the very best roast dinners are served up within the elegant confines of the Abu Dhabi Edition. The Sunday roast features a range of sharing starters and desserts, bookending a roast fit for kings. Choose between roast beef, lamb, chicken or, for tables of four guests or more, there’s the signature beef Wellington. Plates are served with golden roasties, veggies, and huge Yorkshire puddings.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen, Sun 12.30pm to 5pm (three-hour slots), Dhs265 with soft drinks, Dhs385 with cocktails and wine, Dhs485 premium. Tel: (0)2 208 0000. @oakroomabudhabi

Dai Pai Dong

In our opinion, dim sum is one of the most delicious ways to brunch, and Dai Pai Dong is one of the best in town. Past the enormous dragon sculpture in Rosewood Abu Dhabi, you’ll find elite-tier prawn with truffle dumplings, beef short ribs, barbecue chicken puffs and killer crispy shrimp wontons, as well as Cantonese roasted duck rolls, non-halal sui mai, and a barbecue live station. Show up on a Sunday with an entourage and go slow – yum cha brunches are a marathon not a sprint. Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Sun noon to 6pm (three-hour slots), Dhs298 with soft drinks, Dhs428 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 813 5588. @daipaidongad

Annex

Party like an animal at Annex Abu Dhabi every Saturday. The new rooftop brunch at the Abu Dhabi Edition places much emphasis on the unlimited multi-coloured bottled cocktails and deep house beats. Bites include Korean barbecue chicken wings, truffle beef sliders, and cheese and charcuterie boards. Look out for (or dodge, depending on your vibe) the face painter by the entrance, who’s eager to bring out the inner animal in you. Dress code is casual although animal prints are encouraged. The after-party continues from 5pm to 7pm with two-hours of free-flowing drinks for an extra Dhs150.

Abu Dhabi Edition, Sat 2pm to 5pm, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house drinks, Dhs395 with bubbly. Tel: (056) 992 2305.

@annexabudhabi

Antonia

Last year, this wonderful little Italian joint on Saadiyat Island won our coveted What’s On Indie Restaurant of the Year award. Since then, it’s only gotten better and more popular. But in a smart move to prove that it offers more than just killer pizza slices, Antonia hosts a fabulous monthly Italian brunch… without a margherita in sight. Instead, you’ll find a selection of authentic starters, such as sautéed Italian mussels or fresh carpaccio, pastas and select main courses that change every month. Keep an eye on their Instagram account for details of the next brunch session.

Mamsha Al Saadiyat, brunch dates vary, 3pm to 6pm, Dhs245 with soft drinks, Dhs295 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 6672554. @antonia.uae

Hakkasan

If you’re looking for the ultimate mark of excellence for a restaurant in a great city, look no further than the Michelin Guide. Recently, Michelin announced its star selections for Abu Dhabi and three spots were awarded one Michelin star, including Hakkasan. No wonder then that its Friday Hakka night brunch is regarded as one of the best in town. Expect a curated menu of the brand’s signature bites, starting with the supreme Peking duck with caviar as well as a selection of Hakkasan’s most popular dim sum, salt and pepper squid and Jasmine tea-smoked wagyu beef ribs.

Emirates Palace, Fri 8pm to 11pm, Dhs438 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 690 7739. @hakkasanabudhabi

Sidekicks

Get ready to shake paws with Tom and Jerry, cut cake with Bugs and Daffy, and even hold a drag race with Robin from Teen Titans Go! With loads of kid’s entertainment, and a decent buffet for the grownups, Sidekicks at WB Hotel offers the perfect draw for families. It’s the closest thing we’ve come to experiencing that Floridian category of kid-focused mastery here in the UAE.

The WB Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Sat 1pm to 4pm Dhs185 adults with soft drinks, Dhs290 with house drinks, 50 per cent off for kids. Under-fours free. Tel: (0)2 692 7742. @thewbabudhabi

YAS ISLAND’S FAVOURITE COMEDIAN RETURNS TO THE STAGE

WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE

In 2022, actor, comedian, author, podcaster, entrepreneur and the scissors to Dwayne Johnson’s ‘Rock’, Kevin Hart, added another professional title to his already farcically long CV, when he was appointed as ‘Chief Island Officer’ for Yas Island Abu Dhabi.

Hart was essentially an ambassador for the island, appearing in videos living his very best life across Yas’ collection of leisure attractions. So it’s fitting then, that his next Middle East comedy show will be right in the ‘hart’ of his ambassadorial feifdom, Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Live Nation is in charge of bringing the icon-tier standup back to the island, for the only Gulf date of his Reality Check tour. The gig will go down on Wednesday February 22 and tickets are on sale from Dhs499.

You’re probably familiar with his comic roles in Hollywood, movies such as Scary Movie 3, the 2017 Jumanji reboot franchise, Ride Along, Get Hard, as well as providing voice support in animated films such as DC League of Super-Pets, The Secret Life of Pets and Captain Underpants, or any one of the number of team-ups with The Rock.

You may recognise his contortive features and hilarious raconteur monologuing from his stratospheric stand-up career, Netflix specials and comedy albums, or from taunting pal Dwayne Johnson with TikTok skits, Rock-inspired fancy dress, and eyebrow-raising impressions.

He’s a regular on podcasts and comedy shows, he’s anchored awards ceremonies, provided MC support for global events, he’s modeled for

Macy’s, launched a vegetarian restaurant (Hart House) and fronted charity drives.

But regardless of where you know Kevin Hart from, it is practically impossible to see him as anything other than one of the comedic genre’s most precious international treasures. The Kevin Hart gig will be the last of an epic A-list comedian trilogy at Etihad Arena in Q1 of 2023, with two British acts, Jimmy Carr and Kevin Bridges having already warmed the boards in January.

Kevin Hart’s time as ‘Chief Island Officer’ for Yas looked like a pretty sweet gig. These are just some of the things he got up to over his ‘Hartifying’ tenure.

1. We saw him crying tears of happiness (see: terror) after getting on the world’s fastest roller coaster (Formula Rossa) in Ferrari World. Which, for all you stat-fans out there, hits speeds of 240kph and pulls an eye-watering (as Hart proved) 4.8Gs.

2. He really seemed to enjoy Yas Bay, too. The Ibizan beat beach hub of Cafe Del Mar in particular. It was here that he very generously offered to share some of his fragrant pre-worn swimwear, snorkels and towels with visiting guests.

3. The comedian also took on the dizzying heights of adventure hub Clymb, renaming the record-breaking climbing wall ‘Mount Kevinmanjaro’. There’s no video footage of him actually climbing it though, and no flag at the top so feel free to claim the mountain in your own name if you make it to the top.

4. At Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi he revealed his superpower is “adding a whole lotta Hart into every adventure”. Not the most conventional flex, but at the very least, bang on-brand. He also declared himself de facto leader of the Justice League and that his superhero name is ‘Hart Dude’. Well, we guess Ant-Man was already taken.

5. His last act as Chief Island Officer is to pass the torch. He’s currently promoting the role, which comes with a two-month contract worth $100,000 and includes some incredible benefits such as VIP entry to events and attractions. He’s billing it as the ‘World’s Best Job’, and you know what? It just might be.