We said farewell to 2009 in our last issue with a look back over some of the great things that happened in the capital over the year. But there’s plenty more to come; here are some of the big events in the city in 2010...
January
21st-24th: Abu Dhabi Golf Championship
Some big names are again in action at the fifth Abu Dhabi Golf Championship – including Lee Westwood, the rising Northern Irish star Rory McIlory, Australian world number 14 Geoff Ogilvy, and last year’s winner Paul Casey. Spain’s Sergio Garcia is hoping to recover from a sprained hand to compete.
www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com
27th-28th: Saadiyat Beach Classic:
Another first-time event – the Saadiyat Beach Classic will be played on the 18-hole Saadiyat Beach Golf Course on Saadiyat Island, a course that was designed by golfing legend Gary Player. He’ll also be hosting the 18-hole charity tournament, where teams of four (each including one major celebrity or a top international golfer) will battle it out. www.sbgolfclub.ae
27th-30th: Al Ain Aerobatic Show
The air spectacular is the world’s only aerobatic extravaganza to combine military and civil aircraft, stunt displays and competitions. The 2010 show will see pilots from countries including Croatia, Hungary, Italy, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA. Expect old favourites, plenty of new high fliers and thrills a-plenty.
www.alainaerobaticshow.com
February
5th-19th: Gourmet Abu Dhabi
Returning for its second edition, Gourmet Abu Dhabi will showcase in 14 venues with a line-up of chefs who boast 22 Michelin stars between them. A packed programme of events includes chateau dinners, free-to-attend culinary master classes, a gourmet safari, chef’s table luncheon, royal dinner, chocolate and pastry workshops and a gourmet barbecue. Foodie heaven.
www.gourmetabudhabi.ae
March
13th: Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
Yet another world-class sporting event is coming to the city – the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Triathlon covers the Corniche, Yas and Saadiyat Islands for a 3km swim, 200km bike section and a 20km run. A prize pot of $250,000 will probably make it feel worthwhile ... www.abudhabitriathalon.com
25th-26th: Red Bull Air Race World Championship
The Abu Dhabi round of the Red Bull Air Race attracts thousands of fans to the Corniche each year as the daredevil pilots zip around a tight and exciting course. Last year Abu Dhabi’s own Hannes Arch was pipped at the post for the championship; for 2010 he’ll be keen to make amends.
www.redbullairrace.com
April
22nd-24th: WOMAD
The Corniche will be the setting for another fantastic free festival in the city, as WOMAD Abu Dhabi returns for its second year, with top world music, entertainment, workshops and culinary treats – and of course, the famed trademark flags. And it’s not just the city that will see the action – there’s a two-day event at Jahili Fort in Al Ain on 22nd and 23rd April.
www.womad.org/festivals
May
15th: Best of British Gala
The second season of the Abu Dhabi Classics is already in full swing after the hugely popular opening by the New York Philharmonic last year. There’s still plenty more to come in the shape of concerts, lectures and workshops in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain – including Symphonic Masterworks: Mozart and Beethoven with the London Philhamonia on 14th January, the Valentine’s Day Gala on 14th February, and The Magic of Opera at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain on 17th April featuring the orchestra of Teatro La Fenice. The Best of British Gala provides the season finale with the BBC Concert Orchestra and traditional evening of stirring classics – expect “Land of Hope and Glory” and “Rule, Britannia!”
www.abudhabiclassics.com.
Dates for the diary
The final six months of 2010 look just as exciting – mark these in your diary now!
1st July – 11th August. Summer in Abu Dhabi returns to ADNEC. There are no details yet, but it’s bound to be a packed six weeks of child-friendly fun and entertainment.
27th November: We turn two! It’s already looking like a busy and budding year at Abu Dhabi Week towers, and there’s plenty more to come throughout the year. Keep your eyes and ears peeled throughout the year and help us celebrate our second birthday in November.
12-14th November: Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix Weekend. This year the high octane GP season again finishes in Abu Dhabi following some last-minute tweaks to the schedule. Look for more fun events in the social programme, following last year’s fabulous stream of concerts and entertainment – watch this space.
2nd December: UAE National Day. This year the UAE will complete 39 years of independence – and having witnessed just some of the progress over the last 38, we can’t wait to see what another year will bring. Expect plenty of entertainment, fireworks and national pride.
31st December: Last chance for expats to sign up for a UAE ID card.
Charlie Kennedy
