Abu Dhabi Week is proud to be celebrating our 100th issue. Of course, 100 issues wouldn’t be possible if we weren’t able to fill our pages every week with all the many exciting things that make up our thriving city. So to celebrate, here’s our round up of our 100 favourite things about the capital.

Entertainment

Concerts on Yas
Yas Island has seen so many amazing acts in 2010: Prince and Guns N’ Roses to name two. This is set to continue into 2011 with Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton topping the bills.

Ramadan Tents
Getting into the spirit of Ramadan is so easy at tents set up at hotels across the city. Everyone is out and enjoying the special festive atmosphere, food, drinks and entertainment.

Share pizza by the metre at Spaccanappoli
We think this is the best pizza to be found in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy it even more by the half-metre which, with the option of having two different toppings, is perfect for two to share! 02 616 6261

Recession at Left Bank
Abu Dhabi’s finest Brit-Pop night will now be held on the last Friday of the month. Celebrate the finest of the Factory era at Left Bank, Souk Qaryat Al Beri. 055 596 9250

Brunch at Jones
If the all-you-can-eat buffets aren’t for you, brunch at Jones the Grocer is a welcome change with delicious breakfast and lunch options. 02 444 8762

Abu Dhabi Corniche
Not just for a leisurely stroll along the shore, also the host of so many events and concerts during the year that we almost can’t count them!

Kitchens at the fish market, Mina
Roll up your trouser legs for the chance to try the freshest fish the Gulf has to offer. Head to the nearby kitchens to have your fish cooked to perfection.

Abu Dhabi Art
This yearly art fair brings the best of modern, contemporary art to the capital with exhibitions, talks and workshops centred around the stunning Emirates Palace. www.abudhabiartfair.ae

Rodeo Grill, Beach Rotana
Of all the places for a steak in this town, Rodeo Grill gets our vote for consistently good food. Check out the Kobe beef specialties 15th-30th January. 02 697 9000

Shisha under the stars at Layali Zaman
Once upon a time right on the water, this café hasn’t lost any of it’s charm. Especially delightful when the weather is nice, the food is pretty spectacular too. 02 627 7745

Gourmet Abu Dhabi
Some of the world’s best Chefs come to Abu Dhabi for the annual festival that satisfies even the hungriest of foodies. www.gourmetabudhabi.ae

Your salad your way at THE One
Or pasta – either way this is one of the most fun ways to eat healthy. Pick your favourites and ignore the rest for the perfect dish. 02 681 6500

Cupcakes
The baking sensation has taken Abu Dhabi by storm, with three great delicious options available: Kitsch (02 639 8100), Maison Sucre (02 639 6622) and Sugar Daddy’s (Corniche, near the plaza).

Cultural Centre at the National Theater
The National Theater hosts shows, performances and lectures of all kinds. A Cultural Centre was recently added and includes an exhibition hall. 02 445 2501

Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Since 2007 the ADFF has gone from strength to strength bringing the best new and international cinema to Abu Dhabi audiences. www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae

RSTW Exhibition and events
This stunning exhibition of a portion of Larry Gagosian’s private collection has been at Manarat al Saadiyat since September. It closes on 24th January so hurry if you haven’t seen it yet. www.artsabudhabi.ae

Abu Dhabi Classics
Abu Dhabi Classics provides a platform for some of the world’s most famous classical musicians to come to the Middle East, in some cases for the first time. www.abudhabiclassics.com

Creamfields Abu Dhabi
After two incredibly successful years it looks like Creamfields Abu Dhabi is here to stay in it’s new home at Yas Arena. www.creamfields.ae

The Laughter Factory
Hosting three keen to entertain comics every month, The Laughter Factory is more often than not side-splittingly good fun. www.thelaughterfactory.com

NYU Abu Dhabi Institute
With a lecture, performance, exhibition or workshop occurring almost every week the NYU AD Institute keeps us informed and entertained. For their latest schedule of events visit www.nyuad.nyu.edu

Family

Khalidiya Park
One of the oldest city parks in town, this one is well maintained and full of equipment for kids to play on. Corner of 7th/Electra and 30th/Khaleej Al Arabi Street.

Haddins Active After School Programme
Offers sports, activities and a homework room; this programme is excellent for working parents. Watch for holiday programmes. 050 800 6492

Hili Fun City
The Gulf’s oldest theme park got a whole new look last September; packed with even more fun rides for all ages, this is a great family day out. www.hilifuncity.ae

Toys R Us
The biggest toy retailer in town, Toys R Us also carries back-to-school essentials and holiday gifts, plus baby essentials like car seats and prams. 02 673 2332

The Corniche Family Beach
Newly refurbished and absolutely gorgeous, this family-only beach also has tent-like gazebos with raised platforms and playground equipment.

Abu Dhabi Mums
With weekly play groups and annual parties, Abu Dhabi Mums is fantastic for meeting other parents in the capital. www.abudhabimums.ae

Ferrari World
Great fun for kids and adults alike, Ferrari World isn’t just about G-force defying rollercoasters - it’s easy to make a day of the world’s largest indoor theme park all year round with restaurants and more under one giant red roof. 02 496 8001

Khalifa International Bowling Centre
Boasting 40 lanes, this massive bowling alley at Zayed Sports City is a fabulous place to spend an afternoon or weekend. 02 403 4648

Heritage Park
One of several excellent free public parks along the Corniche, Heritage Park is located just beyond 8th/Salam Street and features tons of spots for barbequing.

Little Princess pedicures
Most day spas around town like Tips and Toes offer this service especially for little girls – great for bonding or a royal birthday experience. 02 445 8834

Expressions of Dance and Drama
With everything from hip hop to ballet, the experts at EDD offer classes for all ages at several convenient locations around town. 02 448 2778

The National Theater
Though not always extensively advertised, this gorgeous theatre has been home to a number of captivating stage shows for children. 02 621 5300

The Dome
Kids can enjoy learning and playing football all year long at The Dome – enclosed and air conditioned on Airport Road opposite Zayed Sports City. 02 449 8480

St Andrews play group
Every week sees two standing play dates at St Andrews compound. The friendly secular play group is open to everyone. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Party Centre
The home of costumes, decorations and all other party essentials – this massive shop is chock-a-block with every possible party item. 02 556 2229

The crèche at Abu Dhabi Country Club
Kids can have a great time in the indoor soft play room while you take an exercise class or see to your nails. 02 657 7777

Abu Dhabi Ice Rink
Learn to ice skate, join the hockey league, have a glide around this massive ice rink or just watch from the lovely chalet-style cafe. 02 444 8458

The dhows at Port Zayed
See how fishing has been done for centuries with these ancient, working boats. Located behind the fish market opposite the Corniche near Port Zayed.

Fun City
With locations at Dalma Mall and Marina Mall, this massive play centre boasts kid-friendly roller coasters, arcade games, bumper cars and a party room. Fun stuff indeed. 02 681 5526

The Young Musicians Institute of Abu Dhabi
Musical kids can hone their talent with lessons from Trinity College London master level teachers. 02 634 0290

Shopping and Beauty

ESPA at The Yas Hotel
For those who have tried almost every spa in the capital, save a gasp of delight for ESPA at The Yas Hotel; you won’t have seen – or received – any pampering quite like it. 02 656 0861

Bling beauty
Go for gold with the luxurious UMO Gold Facial at Sisters Beauty Lounge, or choose the Exclusive Diamond Ritual at Emirates Palace Anantara Spa for some bling beauty. Sisters Beauty Lounge: 02 222 2501 | Emirates Palace 02 690 9000

Emirati influences
From the likes of boutique store Grafika in Al Wahda Mall, to the eclectic mix of designs at ever-popular store S*uce in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi pays homage to some of the best in local designers. Grafika: 02 443 7111 | S*uce: 02 681 8650

Cheap chic
Shopping in the capital doesn’t have to mean falling out with your bank manager; shop the annual seasonal community market at Khalifa Park, bargain-hunt at the Hamdan Centre, or haggle a deal at Madinat Zayed. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to find a bargain.

Designer delights
There’s no shortage of options to max out the credit card on some of the many designer boutiques on offer in Abu Dhabi. From the likes of Chanel, Dior and Tiffany’s, the capital truly holds its own as an international shopping destination.

Online perks
Abu Dhabi has its fair share of online shopping portals, and while many international sites now offer UAE delivery, our favourite site for designer goodies has to be Modahouse with a ‘cash on delivery’ option. www.modahouse.com

Mall trawling
Shopping is most definitely a great way to burn a few calories. And if you really want to get some exercise before you hit the shops, then a brisk jog with the Abu Dhabi Mall Walkers Club is a fun and friendly way to window shop on the move. 02 654 4858.

Souk good
The newly opened Central Market is a welcome addition to the retail scene. And with plenty more shops and eateries planned to open within the coming months, the modern souk is set to get even bigger and better. www.centralmarket.ae

Nailed it!
With so many nail spas around town to choose from, there’s really no excuse for shabby nails. We love Sugar in Khalidiya for a bargain session, or Nails Couture on Khalifa Street for a chic experience. Sugar: 02 681 8784 | Nails Couture: 02 622 9925

Make up magic
With 26 years experience in the industry, Gita and her very own cosmetic range are renowned. With 26,000 brides made-over before their big day, you know you’re in good hands. Gita Cosmetics: 02 634 0008

New additions
There have been plenty of new additions to the fashion world in Abu Dhabi in the last 12 months, including the likes of Desigual and H&M – and we’re promised plenty more as projects such as Marina Square on Reem Island complete their retail sections.

What a show!
Sample the best in bridal fashion or auction-worthy jewels at two of the biggest retail events in Abu Dhabi: the ever-growing annual Bride Show Abu Dhabi and the International Jewellery and Watch Show, both held at ADNEC. www.adnec.ae

A stylish life …

Home style plays a big part in Abu Dhabi – and with the likes of BoConcept and THE One in Khalidiya, and the new IKEA being built on Yas Island, the choices are ever expanding. BoConcept: 02 639 6545 | IKEA: 02 681 2228 | THE One: 02 681 6500

Heritage with Henna
This popular beauty practice is as much of an art as it is a traditional choice for weddings and special occasions. While it may also be a staple of many desert safaris, look out for the many beauty salons around the city that specialise in Henna.

All hail hammam
The Moroccan treatment is a popular treatment in most spas throughout the capital – and it’s easy to see why: the thorough exfoliation and moisturising session leaves you positively glowing. Try Yengi Spa for a Royal Moroccan Hammam treatment for a really indulgent experience. 02 627 2255

Traditional scents
There’s no mistaking the wonderfully unique scent of popular Arabic perfume ingredients including Oud; Abu Dhabi Week loves Yas Perfumes for a whiff of the traditional. 02 644 4562

Sales, sales, sales!
There’s no such thing as January sales in Abu Dhabi; great bargains can be found all year round – and you can even win prizes too! From summer promotions to Eid and Ramadan offers, there’s always a reason to browse the shops.

Skin sense
You’re never far away from expert skin saviours in Abu Dhabi with the likes of The Scientific Healthcare Skin Centre, Kaya Skin Clinic, and Silkor. The Scientific Skincare Centre: 02 676 8740 | Kaya Skin Clinic (Mazyad Mall branch): 02 553 4246 | Silkor (Khalidiya branch): 02 681 6070

No more hair horrors
Dodgy haircuts are almost a myth in the capital now. There’s a bevy of five-star hair stylists around the Abu Dhabi these days. Don’t believe us? Check out
AbuDhabiWeek.ae/lifestyle for our salon reviews.

Beauty pageants
In Abu Dhabi, beauty extends beyond the salons and spas: for a taste of culture, the camel beauty pageant at the Al Dhafra Camel Festival is an unmissable event. Annual event ADIHEX also hosts a worthy saluki beauty contest. www.aldhafrafestival.ae | www.adihex.net

 

Sport and Outdoor

Yas Marina Circuit
When the race cars have gone, the fantastic track on Yas Island is home to a wide range of events and activities. www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Grand Prix
Now firmly established, the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix is a highlight of the year for motorsport enthusiasts all over the world as Abu Dhabi parties for three days in celebration.

The Dome
The perfectly air-conditioned sporting facility on the Airport Road is sweet relief for anyone who fancies a kick-around in the summer. www.thedome.ae

Golf courses
With so many fantastic courses to choose from, golfers in Abu Dhabi are truly spoiled. There’s the Abu Dhabi City Golf Club downtown, not to be confused with the Abu Dhabi Golf Club on the way out to Khalifa City. Then there’s Yas Links and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club just outside the city itself.

Al Mushrif Walking Track
At 2,400 metres, the rubberised jogging track on Al Khaleej Al Arabi is the longest in Abu Dhabi, specially designed to withstand the heat and humidity while still absorbing shock and minimising injury.

Al Jazira Club

Home to the Al Jazira football team, this is one of the oldest sports clubs in Abu Dhabi, established in 1974. The Al Jazira club home stadium is the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium. www.jc.ae

Mubadala Tennis Championship
This three-day tournament ending on 1st January was a huge success. We were thrilled to watch Nadal prove his #1 status in our home-town.

Adventure Challenge
The annual multi-sport endurance race across Abu Dhabi is always an exciting battle of strength, stamina and strategy. www.abudhabi-adventure.com

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
The second International Triathlon will commence in March 2011. www.abudhabitriathlon.com

Abu Dhabi Harlequins Rugby Club
Formerly known as the Bats, the Quins have been going from strength to strength since affiliating with the UK Harlequins. www.abudhabiquins.com

Zayed Sports City
Housing a tennis complex, fitness centre, stadium, ice rink, bowling centre, pitches for various ball games and numerous restaurants, ZSC is your complete sporting complex. www.zsc.ae

Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
This was the first watersports event in the region and was a nine-day extravaganza featuring world-class water-athletes.

Etisalat Pro League
The first Pro-League was played in the 2008-2009 season and has since gone from strength to strength providing plenty of action for the UAE’s football fans.

Abu Dhabi International Motor Show
Launched 20 years ago and taking place every two years the ADIMS is heaven on earth for all petrol-heads and car enthusiasts.
www.admotorshow.com

Abu Dhabi Fighting Championship
We are on the edge of our seats waiting for Round Three of this open weight mixed martial-arts Grand Prix, taking place in March. www.adfc.ae

Duplays
Do U PLAY Sports is the largest single provider of sport leagues and events for adults in the UAE. The website connects you with the sports you want to play in your city. www.duplays.com

Al Ain Raceway
We love getting our Kart on at Al Ain Raceway! With top-of-the-range, race-prepared karts and a thrilling circuit this is fun in top gear. www.alainraceway.com

Camel Racing
The 2010/2011 Camel Racing season at the Al Wathba Racetrack sees weekly races up until 19th February, Thursdays and Fridays, 8am-2pm.

Dune Bashing
Some of the most fun you can have in the desert – the bigger the car, the less chance of getting stuck in the sand. Combine it with a desert camping experience.

Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club
Seven grass polo fields, six fully equipped stables, five paddocks, an outdoor training ring and luxurious leisure facilities combine to make Ghantoot a stylish home for the sport of kings. www.grpcpolo.com

Culture

Al Bateen dhow yard
Although this area is under development to create the Al Bateen Wharf, craftsmen still use traditional skills to build the dhows here. Open every day except Friday.

Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage
Temporarily evicted from their original and more glamorous home close to Qasr Al Hosn the foundation still manages to produce exhibitions, lectures and screenings all over the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 02 621 5300

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Opened in 2007 this gargantuan
mosque can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers. Truly an architectural icon and the final resting place of Sheikh Zayed, a visit here is a must for visitors and residents alike. 800 555

Al Maqtaa Fort
Although heavily renovated this is still one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi. The 200-year-old fort, originally built to fend off unwanted visitors, is still part of a military zone.

Manarat Al Saadiyat
Home to a 15,000 square metre visitor centre, the Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery, the Contemporary Art Gallery and the Universal Art Gallery, Manarat Al Saadiyat has already hosted some fascinating collections. 02 406 1400

Women’s Handicraft Centre
Although small, this museum in Al Mushrif is a great place to spot local arts and crafts. There’s also a small shop on site so you can take them home. 02 562 1918

Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
Held each year (this year from 15th-20th March) the ADIBF is known for showcasing diverse publications and bringing together a range of professional panels for fascinating literary debates. www.adbookfair.com

Prince of Poets
Supported by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, the Prince of Poets is something of an American Idol for Arabic poets from all over the region. www.princeofpoets.com

The Abu Dhabi Film Festival
Held each October, ADFF , organised by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, aims to help create a vibrant film culture throughout the region. www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae

ADIHEX
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition is an annual celebration of Emirati culture, including demonstrations of horsemanship, falconry, hunting, fishing and arts and crafts.
www.adihex.net

Sir Bani Yas
Now home to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas is chiefly a nature reserve. Home to populations of endangered animals the island has largely been left untouched since it was first populated around 6,000 years ago. www.desertislands.com

Al Jahili Fort
Erected in 1898 by Sheikh Zayed The First, the Al Jahili Fort in the oasis city of Al Ain is by far one of the most striking symbols of the UAE’s cultural heritage. 03 784 3996

Al Ain Classics
What could be better than listening to live music, under the stars at Al Jahili Fort in the Garden City of Al Ain? Held each year in March and April, the festival always hosts a wealth of talent. www.aacf.ae

WOMAD
Standing for World of Music, Arts and Dance, this live music festival, held in April each year, sees hundreds of musicians perform on Abu Dhabi Corniche, from all over the globe. This is a great festival as entrance is free for all so you really get a mixed crowd in the audience.

Iftar
During Ramadan hotels and restaurants all over Abu Dhabi erect elaborate tents and create the most sumptuous buffets for those looking to break their fast, or celebrate with friends and family.

Al Dhafra Festival
The ten-day festival held in Madinat Zayed is a celebration of the country’s finest camels, as well as a chance for visitors to Abu Dhabi to experience Emirati hospitality at its finest with cultural displays aplenty. www.aldhafrafestival.ae

Liwa Date Festival
Held in July, the Liwa Date Festival has become an annual meeting for heritage and folklore lovers. www.liwadatesfestival.ae

Al Gharbia
Also known as the Western Region, Al Gharbia covers a vast 60,000 kilometres containing some of the largest dunes in the world, and is also home to 350 km of unspoilt coastline. www.algharbia.ae

National Day
On 2nd December each year the UAE comes alive with colour as nationals and residents celebrate the founding of their country.

Saadiyat Island
Soon to become the cultural centre of Abu Dhabi Saadiyat will eventually be home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum.