Paper hats and party poppers at the ready;
Abu Dhabi Week rounds up the best festivities in the capital for a memorable Christmas and New Year
Abu Dhabi Country Club: 02 446 5455
This Christmas Eve, Sardinia – one of Abu Dhabi’s top fine dining restaurants – is pulling out all the stops for a sumptuous festive feast. Culinary delights will include winter truffle, roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, Christmas log and much more. AED 1,100 for two people.
Abu Dhabi Golf Club: 02 558 8990
Enjoy a full festive Christmas Day lunch buffet with all the traditional favourites while enjoying the sweeping views across the championship golf course. AED 195 for adults and AED 95 for children (add 10 percent service charge to all these prices).
Casa Verde at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club is the place to spend a relaxing Boxing Day from 11am to 3pm with all your favourite dishes from an extensive buffet. AED 95 for adults and AED 45 for children.
Al Ghazal Golf Club: 02 575 8040
Al Ghazal Golf Club invites you to Christmas on the Terrace from 4.30pm on Christmas Day – traditional Christmas fare plus a welcome drink and half a bottle of house beverage. Adults pay AED 250, under 16s are half price. Information: www.alghazalgolf.ae.
Al Raha Beach Resort: 02 508 0555
Listen to the sounds of Christmas in the lobby from 2-2.30pm on Christmas Day as the hotel choir celebrates with festive songs, hot chocolate, gingerbread cookies and Santa distributing gifts to all the little ones.
While parents enjoy the Christmas Day festivities, the Gazelle Kids Club Christmas Party will be full of fun, games and food for the young ones – all under the supervision of qualified staff. Free to members and hotel guests, AED 75 for day guests.
Or enjoy an extensive selection of homemade Spanish Tapas and traditional Christmas desserts at Azur Restaurant’s Christmas Day Bubbles and Tapas Brunch. Free flowing bubbles and selected beverages are included in the price of AED 320.
Beach Rotana Hotel: 02 697 9011
There are numerous meal deals this Christmas at the Beach Rotana. For a five-course Christmas Eve feast, head to Benihana (AED 250); there’s a sumptuous goose platter for AED 120 at Brauhaus; Finz is offering a five-course menu for AED 325; and Rodeo Grill also has five courses for AED 315.
For New Year’s Eve, the Al Thuraya Ballroom hosts a decadent gala dinner with the rhythms of DJ Mario from Sky Bar and the famous Guy Manoukian and his band who will be playing Arabic, House, Greek, Tzigan, Salsa and Samba music.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island: 02 656 3000
There are meal and room deals galore at the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island. Enjoy a festive rolling menu on Christmas Eve at Stills – all the traditional Christmas favourites for AED 150 (including two standard house beverages). On Christmas Day, Barouk has authentic Lebanese festive specialties such as turkey and oriental rice, chicken kebbe with quail eggs and pistachio, and its already-famous mixed grill platter. AED 200 includes standard house beverages and Arak; or pay AED 140 to include soft drinks.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: 02 654 3333
Bring the festive season home all through December with The Chocolate Gallery’s festive take away menu offering a full range of baked goods, including shortbread cookies, mincemeat tartlets, Christmas Yule logs and festive hampers.
On Christmas Eve, the holiday spirit at the newly debuted Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill features an exquisite six course menu with highlights including a tasting of Scottish, Canadian and Norwegian smoked salmon, roast partridge, and plum pudding with butter sauce. AED 525 (food only) or AED 635 (includes a glass of bubbly).
For Christmas Day the Fairmont’s signature restaurant Elements offers the hedonism of all the traditional holiday favourites and unlimited fizz for AED 449 (or AED 249 without the bubbles).
Marina Mall
Step into Marina Mall for a dose of Christmas spirit. From 17th- 25th December, the mall is decked out in festive decorations, with a huge Christmas tree as the main focus. Head along with the family in time for a special visit from Santa. Father Christmas will be treating 50 lucky winners daily with early Christmas presents, at the Marina Mall main entrance (central fountain), plus don’t miss a chance to enjoy breakfast with Santa at the Marina Mall food court from 20th to 23rd December between 10am and 12pm.
Millennium Hotel: 02 614 6000
The lavish Christmas Day dinner buffet at Citrus is just AED 150 per adult and AED 100 per child. Price includes unlimited house beverages and unlimited fruit juices and milkshakes for children.
On New year’s Eve, gather in The Grand Ballroom for a delicious International Buffet from the Millennium Hotel’s chef Andre Billon. AED 800 per person includes unlimited house beverages and an array of entertainment – from the hotel’s Moroccan band and belly dancer to its resident DJ.
Shangri-La Qaryat al Beri: 02 509 8888
The Shangri La’s restaurants are really pushing the boat out this Christmas. Pearls and Caviar will be celebrating in style with dining deals for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for just AED 400. The New Year’s Eve special includes a reception, a live-action oyster bar, and a six-course set menu with wine pairing – plus after-dinner fireworks. AED 1,500 per person.
Our favourite French restaurant, Bord Eau, has an exquisite six-course menu at AED 450 for Christmas day – or reserve your seat at the sought-after Chef’s Table and let chef Jean serve you an unforgettable Christmas lunch (AED 600). New Year’s Eve will be a night to remember – a six-course set menu with beverage pairing, plus pre-dinner drinks and post-prandial fireworks. AED 1,500 per person.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort: 02 697 0262
Watch Chef Massimo entice you with his original Italian cooking skills at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s La Mamma restaurant as his team prepares traditional festive dishes right in front of your eyes. AED 185 per person for the four-course set menu (half price for children under 12).
Head over to the Sheraton's Tavern Pub for Christmas Day lunch, live entertainment and enjoy a free Christmas drink. For New Year’s Day, bring your family and friends for a relaxing Bubbly Brunch at Flavours (kick off with a free drink while you chill out). AED 235 per person including free fizz.
The One to One: 02 495 2000
There’s plenty of treats in store at the One to One hotel this season. Santa will be handing out presents (to children only!) and there are special menus in the restaurants – including a lavish buffet in Resto and a five-course set menu in 18oz on Christmas Eve.
The Yas hotel: 02 656 0600
A festive welcome from Mr and Mrs Santa Claus awaits all the children between 4th and 31st December. Fun activities from 11am to 5pm in the Palm Garden include a bouncy castle, face painting, games and entertainment.
On Christmas Day, celebrate in style at The Yas Hotel’s signature fine dining venue Nautilus. The set menu includes an outstanding seafood platter and a glass of bubbly. AED 450 per person.
Ushna: 02 558 1769
The AED 295 Christmas Eve menu at Ushna in Souk Qaryat al Beri comes with a special extra – a limited-edition glass gift set to take home. For New Year’s Eve a full set menu in the main restaurant at Ushna will start from AED 395; resident DJ Benson will be playing funky tunes all night at the Ushna Bar and Terrace Lounge.
All prices are exclusive of service charge and tourism taxes.
Make it easy on yourself
Let Abu Dhabi Golf Club help you out with Christmas catering – its fabulous Turkey Takeout is a whole honey-glazed turkey with accompaniments including stuffing, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, gravy and cranberry sauce as well as apple pie. A 6kg Takeout (serves up to six people) is AED 395 and 8kg (serves up to 10) is AED 495. Call 025 588990 to place your order – allow 72 hours notice for all bookings.
Or check out Choco-La, located in the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, which is taking orders for roast turkey served with chestnuts, mashed potato and grilled veggies together with a choice of cranberry sauce or gravy. From AED 65 per kilogram. More information: 02 509 8888.
The Sheraton Abu Dhabi and Al Raha Beach are among several hotels that can also do takeaway turkey meals. The Sheraton’s include turkey, two vegetables, one potato dish, stuffing and a choice of mouth-watering sauces. AED 750 for six to eight people with 4-5kg of turkey, AED 950 for 10 to 12 (7-8kg); orders have to be placed at least 48 hours in advance and must be pre-paid. Information: 02 697 0262.
New Year’s Eve specials
Rihanna – Live in Abu Dhabi
The big one – the live concert in the grounds of Emirates Palace starts at 8pm, followed by the La Rumba after-party from midnight onwards. Tickets from AED 395 are available from Virgin Megastores and the Emirates Palace or online at www.boxofficeme.com among others.
Information: www.thinkflash.ae/rihanna.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi – Paradiso lounge
Treat yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as Il Paradiso turns into a lounge this New Year’s Eve with complimentary pass-around canapés, cosy bean bags or classy couches, and quality lounge music from the guest DJ. Doors open at 9pm. No reservation required; prepaid tickets at AED 120 include three discounted drinks.
Information: 02 697 0262
Ministry of Sound @ Left Bank
Celebrate the New Year in true Ministry of Sound style as the world’s most famous club returns for an exclusive event not to be missed. With Ben Dela Pena making his Abu Dhabi debut, make sure you get your tickets early and enjoy the finest house music all night long. The event starts at 9pm, tickets are AED 450 for ladies and AED 600 for men – this includes entry plus all standard drinks free throughout the night. Information: 02 558 1680. Tickets: visit Left Bank, or go to www.1boxoffice.ae
New Year’s Eve Party – Al Ghazal Golf Club
See the New Year in at the Al Ghazal Golf Club! The event starts at 8pm for welcome bubbly and includes buffet plus house drinks for each booking of four people. Prices are AED 400 for members and AED 450 for non-members.
Information: www.alghazalgolf.ae or 02 575 8040.
Guilty Pleasures
London’s biggest pop party Guilty Pleasures has finally arrived in Abu Dhabi, at Crowne Plaza Yas Island. AED 350 for ladies, AED 450 for men includes food and standard house beverages till midnight.
Information: 02 656 3000
Poolside Party – Radisson Blu Yas Island
Groove into the new year by the poolside with DJ, live cooking stations and a casual atmosphere! AED 700.
Information: 02 656 2000
New Year’s Eve package – The Yas Hotel
Why not try out The Yas Hotel’s exclusive package deal? Package includes: New Year’s Eve dinner at Origins with complimentary house beverages, overnight stay in one the hotel’s luxurious rooms, late checkout and Origins New Year’s Day Brunch. Price: AED 2010 per person based on double occupancy.
Enjoy a ‘VIP’ pass to contemporary lounges Rush and Skylite when you dine at any of the hotel’s restaurants this New Year’s eve, ensuring you don’t miss the exciting Yas Island Firework Display at midnight from the rooftop at Skylite.
Overnighting into 2010
See in the New Year at Crowne Plaza Yas island – two of you stay the night in a Superior Room, get tickets to the Guilty Pleasures New Year’s Eve Bash at Stills (includes food and house beverages) and have breakfast at Jing Asia the next morning. AED 1,300. Information: 02 656 3000.
Spend your New Year’s Eve at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and enjoy an all-inclusive dinner at Flavours Restaurant, continue on to Il Paradiso Lounge or Zenith Club, and doze into the new year in one the hotel’s rooms. Prices start at AED 725 per person including room and dinner. Information: 02 697 0262.
The Yas Hotel’s exclusive package deal includes a New Year’s Eve dinner at Origins with complimentary house beverages, overnight stay in one the hotel’s luxurious rooms, late checkout and Origins’ New Year’s Day Brunch. Price: AED 2,010 per person. And enjoy a ‘VIP’ pass to contemporary lounges Rush and Skylite when you dine at any of the hotel’s restaurants this New Year’s eve, ensuring you don’t miss the exciting Yas Island Firework Display at midnight from the rooftop at Skylite.
Diary dates
16th Dec: Shangri La and Traders Christmas trees
Gather around for mince pies and a live performance from the in-house choir as the lights are turned on at 6pm at in the Lobby Lounge at Shangri-La, and move on down the beach for more festivities at Traders’ lobby from 7.30pm. The choir will also be performing in Traders and the Shangri-La on 24th and 25th December
17th Dec: Millenium Hotel carols
Take the whole family along to the Millennium Hotel for 6pm and gather around the Christmas tree in the lobby to enjoy carols sung by the hotel’s children’s choir.
Information: 02 614 6000
18th Dec: Yas Hotel Christmas Tree
Head to The Yas Hotel for the official switch-on of the Christmas tree lights at 7pm in the hotel lobby. Sit back and enjoy glühwein and mince pies as The Yas Hotel choir entertains you. Information: 02 656 0600
18th Dec: Abu Dhabi Harlequins Christmas Ball
The Quins kick off at 7pm in the Emirates Ballroom at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Tickets cost AED 300 for members (AED 350 for non-members) and include bubbly reception, full five course Christmas dinner, open bar and entertainment. Black tie or national dress. Contact Simon on 050 128 1415 or email
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24th Dec: Carols at Yas Hotel
Let The Yas Hotel choir set the mood with a beautiful performance of traditional Christmas carols from 6pm, under the fabulous lighting effects of the hotel’s grid shell
31st Dec – 2nd Jan: Capitala World Tennis Championship
Six of the world’s best tennis players compete for the Capitala crown at the International Tennis Complex in Zayed Sports City. Tickets start from AED 65 (available through www.boxofficeme.com). Information: www.capitala.ae
31st Dec – 2nd Jan: U10 UAE National School Circuit Tournament
Under 8, 9 and 10 tennis tournament running alongside the Capitala World Tennis Championship at Zayed Sports City. Entry fee AED 30 per person.
For information and to register: www.uae-tennis.com or contact Slah Bramly on 050 765 5686
1st Jan: Abu Dhabi Golf Club New Year’s Day Brunch
Spend a relaxing day recovering from the excesses of Christmas and New Year’s Eve at Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s Casa Verde from 11am to 3pm. Enjoy a wide selection of your favourite dishes from an extensive buffet. AED 95 for adults and AED 45 for children (add 10 percent service charge). Information: 02 558 8990
1st Jan: Jing Asia at Crowne Plaza Yas Island
Jing Asia is the place to be for your first brunch of 2010! AED 160 sounds a bargain; or pay AED 250 inclusive of standard house beverages, AED 450 if you want to have bubbly as well. Information: 02 656 3000
Words: Charlie Kennedy, Jon Muller, Dennis Jarrett
