Your guide to exclusive events, activities and groups just for the women in the city

Ladies, listen up. In the words of James Brown, this world wouldn’t mean nothin’ without a woman or a girl, so we’ve searched the city for all things ladylike to make sure our mums, sisters, aunts, cousins and girlfriends are catered for. From meetup groups and business councils to recreational facilities and theme nights – we’ve got it all right here.

Gyms

Fitness for females is the sole goal at Vivafit. The global franchise from Portugal was set up in the capital to bring women high intensity workouts in a variety of classes including a 30-minute circuit session, Bodyvive to focus on strength and cardio and Sh’bam, a dance workout for weight loss. Minimum 6-month membership, starting from AED 3,000. Shining Tower, Al Khalidiya. Contact: 02 626 0848 www.vivafit.ae 

Fitness First in Abu Dhabi Mall has a ladies-only section, as does the one in Dalma Mall. But to make sure the men are miles away, visit Fitness First at Marina Mall or Al Seef Village Mall, close to Khalidiya Park: these are ladies-only gyms. The facilities at each branch are hi-tech and well maintained with a plethora of group and individual classes or camps. The personal training options are something you might consider too Membership prices are difficult to quote – the gym says it depends on what you need – but start from around AED 3,000 for three months. Contact: www.fitnessfirstme.com/en-GB/uae 

Accessed by its own entrance, the decent sized ladies gym at the Armed Forces Officers Club and Hotel offers total privacy. A host of classes and activities, as well as the latest gym equipment, means the perfect escape for any lady looking to get fit in comfort. You can organise personal training sessions including one-to-one, partner or small group sessions. A popular class is RPM, which takes place every day except Saturdays (times vary). The annual membership fee is AED 7,000; non-members can pay a daily fee of AED 130 Sun-Thu or AED 200 Fri-Sat. Contact: 02 441 5900 www.afoc.mil.ae 

Hospitals

Brightpoint Royal Women’s Hospital specialises in a variety of fields for women, including gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics and internal medicine. There’s even the Halababy maternal educational programme you can sign up to. Located in Tower B of Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, the 100-bed facility accepts 12 types of insurance, including Daman, ADNIC, and HEALTHNET. Contact: 02 508 2000 www.brightpoint.ae

Corniche Hospital has been welcoming mothers through its doors and babies into the world for over 30 years now, and is still a popular choice for many residents, especially Emiratis. Known as the number one maternity hospital in the capital, the facility can hold up to 235 inpatients in general wards and 64 in the intensive care units. Corniche Hospital says it accepts “many” insurance companies, including Daman. It’s located behind the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort. Contact: 02 672 4900  www.cornichehospital.ae

Theme Nights

Wadi Adventure

Once a month, Al Ain’s whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing facility opens its doors exclusively for women. Wadi Adventure welcomes ladies and children (under 1.2m) to enjoy massages, manicures and pedicures and be in with a chance of winning some great hotel giveaways. You entrance fee also includes access to the buffet. From 6pm-10pm, AED 100 ladies, AED 50 for children. Contact: 03 781 8422 www.wadiadventure.ae

GoYas

If you’re keen to keep fit, head to the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for the weekly Wednesday ladies night. You get access to the track where you can walk, run and cycle – all for free. Don’t have a bike? You can rent one for AED 30 per hour when you get there (but get there early to make sure they haven’t all been taken). Be sure to register online before you go. West gate 20, YMC, Yas Island. Wed 6pm-9pm, though times may vary. Girls under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact: 02 659 9800 www.yasmarinacircuit.com 

Al Forsan

The huge sports resort has a separate gym for ladies and every Sunday and Thursday it’s ladies-only day at the pool. Entrance fee of AED 150 per person. If you fancy something more thrilling, head to the wakeboard park where ladies get 50 percent discount on the activity itself and the cost of the board as well as a free drink at Wave Bar. Mon 3pm-10pm. Contact: 02 556 8555 www.alforsan.com

Yas Marina

Can’t decide where to go for your ladies night? The entire Yas Marina comes alive every Wednesday as seven of the marina’s restaurants and lounges offer deals and discounts for ladies. If you’re in a classy crew, head to Cirpriani for free bubby cocktails from 7pm to 9pm. For a buzzing atmosphere, hit Iris to receive four complimentary drinks from 7pm onwards. Other participating outlets include Stars ‘N’ Bars, Rozanah, Café D’Alsace and Diablito. Seafood spot Aquarium celebrates ladies night on Saturday with a canapé platter and unlimited drinks for AED 55. Contact: 02 406 2000 www.yasmarina.ae 

Yas Waterworld

Ladies, dust off your swimsuits and gather the posse – the ladies night at Yas Waterworld is back. Every Thursday night the park becomes a women’s wonderland with all the rides and attractions open just for you. You can also enjoy live music, a VIP area, UV painting, henna and more. From AED 200 online or AED 225 at the gate. 6pm-11pm. Boys allowed up to age of eight. Contact: 02 414 2000 www.yaswaterworld.com

Groups

Meetups

There are many ladies-only groups for Abu Dhabi women on Meetup.com, ranging from AD Daytime Lady Crafters to Abu Dhabi Social Events. Search online for “Abu Dhabi” at www.meetup.com and you’ll be amazed at what’s available.

International Business Women Group

This group was founded back in 1994 by four expat working women;  today it includes members from a huge range of nationalities and professions. The group – which has HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi as its patron – hosts monthly networking events such as luncheons and workshops between September and June. Members also celebrate International Women’s Day every March. Individual membership AED 300 per year. To register, email administrator@ibwgabudhabi.org or go to www.ibwgabudhabi.org 

Abu Dhabi Mums

While officially dads can join this well-estabished group, it is of course designed mostly for mothers – as the name suggests. There are more than 600 members who get together with their kids for various activities and events; it’s a great way to meet other women in a similar position. Contact:  www.abudhabimums.ae

Abu Dhabi Womens Group

This diverse group shares an uncomplicated theme, and it’s in the name: it’s simply for women in Abu Dhabi and aims “to help you experience the best of Abu Dhabi”. The group gets together regularly to meet new people and discuss common interests at ad hoc coffee mornings and evening meets. It has gone from 50 members to 10,200 in 18 months, with 109 nationalities represented, so it must be doing something right. To register, email info@abudhabiwomensgroup.com or search for Abu Dhabi Womens Group on Facebook.

Women in Abu Dhabi

Established in 1983, WIAD has grown into one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and best women’s groups. Membership is a bargain AED 70 per season – and members enjoy discounts around the city as well as events and activities including language classes, art workshops and sports sessions. Contact fatenasarraj@yahoo.com or www.womeninabudhabi.com. 

American Women’s Network

This informal group gathers women of various backgrounds who live in the capital but have links with the Americas. It seeks to help new women settle in to life in Abu Dhabi and offers activities for members from the monthly coffee mornings to masquerade balls. Membership is free. Register at www.awnabudhabi.com.

Recreation

Basra Park – Al Ain

The quiet and attractive gardens at Basra Park attract many women and children (boys under the age of 10 are allowed) with plenty of benches under the trees. Play areas with swings, slides and climbing frames are here, while a dry wadi, crossed by wooden bridges, runs through the middle of the park. There’s also a small snack bar. Free. Near City Season Hotel Al Ain.

Sharia Park and Pool

Sharia Park and Pool has been welcoming women to its facility since 1995. Located in Al Rahba, 55km from Abu Dhabi city in the Western Region, the facility has a gigantic pool monitored by female lifeguards, food outlets and a fully equipped gym. If that wasn’t enough, kids have a designated games area, a library and computer courses are available too. Al Rahba. Contact: www.fdf.ae 

Bateen Beach

The ladies only section at Bateen Beach, first tested early in 2014, is now fully operational. There is a mixed beach next door, but the ladies beach has been well segregated behind high screens. Entrance is free and there are some outlets for food and drinks if you don’t bring your own. Located near Hodariyat Bridge, near Khalifa Al Mubarak St. Contact: www.adm.gov.ae

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Golf with the girls? No problem. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is holding two ladies-only programmes this year: the four-week schedule starts on 13th September, the eight-week option on 18th October. All equipment will be provided and the programme is for any level of experience. Prices start from AED 400. Contact: 02 557 8000
www.sbgolfclub.ae

Listen up!

Baida Alayyar, Kuwait:

“I love serving my community – being a Doula and birth professional my life is full of the ups and downs of the parenting journey. AD is a great place to work and serve women of all walks of life.”

Siam Devereux-Sawn, UK:

“As a woman in Abu Dhabi I am astounded at the variety in women’s clothing and accessories. I love how the high street fashions are mixed in with the more expensive ones. There is so much more here than in the UK, and it’s in every mall! Aside from that, it is one of the safest places I have lived. The mixture of local culture and religion with the western influences is amazing. It’s the perfect balance of everything.”

Gulizar Jonian, Canadian/Armenian:

“For professional women, Abu Dhabi offers a friendly and relaxed working environment that allows women to pursue their career paths and prosper in their chosen fields without much discrimination.
“As an architect and business consultant, who first arrived in Abu Dhabi over 35 years ago, I can confidently say, life is good in Abu Dhabi!
“The fabric of society here, with its mixture of local Emiratis and multitudes of other nationalities, makes life in Abu Dhabi intriguing, interesting and very educational.”