Abu Dhabi's late-October calendar is packed, and the picks running October 19 to 22 span lizards, tasting menus and rooftop drinks. Here's what's worth knowing if you're in the capital this week.
Animal lovers should head to the National Aquarium at Al Qana, which has just launched Dragon Tree in its Flooded Forest zone — a new display gathering lizards from around the world, included with general admission at Dhs110. If you want more, an Dhs80 add-on gets you a close-up Reptile Encounter with Professor, the aquarium's huge (and famously characterful) Asian water monitor. The aquarium is open daily from 10am to 10pm.
Food-wise, the standout is a five-day residency by British chef Peter Lloyd, the mind behind London's Sticky Mango, at Sontaya in the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. From October 21 to 25 there's a ten-course tasting menu — Thai-spiced scallops, Weeping Tiger wagyu satay, a Sticky Mango dessert — for Dhs550, plus a one-night sommelier's dinner on October 22 at Dhs650. Bar bites like tempura soft-shell crab run throughout.
On a budget? Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island does a three-course Mediterranean business lunch for Dhs100 — think tuna tartare, vitello tonnato, Angus flat iron and a Tropezienne to finish — daily from 12pm to 2.45pm. Meanwhile The Overlook at The WB Abu Dhabi on Yas Island runs a Tuesday ladies' night from 6pm to 8pm: Dhs99 for free-flowing drinks and bar bites with sunset views.
For a culture fix, the SCHLiNGEL children's and youth film festival lands at the Cultural Foundation from October 21 to 24, a partnership with the Goethe-Institut screening German and international films and animated shorts from 4pm, with tickets from Dhs25. Teens can also join The Sketchbook, a three-day drawing and creativity course at Manarat Al Saadiyat (October 19 to 21, 5pm to 7.30pm) for Dhs225.
If relaxation is the priority, Sense, A Rosewood Spa is running a midweek deal Monday to Wednesday, 11am to 4pm: a 60-minute massage plus pool access for Dhs650, or Dhs750 with a GLO Signature Bowl and a drink by the pool. And to ease into the weekend, Saikindō at the Four Seasons on Al Maryah Island hosts hi-fi listening parties every Thursday from 5pm till late, with cocktails from Dhs55.
There's even a contest: the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is recruiting a teen band (ages 14 to 19, at least three members) to headline its Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Entries close October 30 and it's free to apply, with a prize haul including recording time, music tuition and Dhs10,000 in vouchers.
For travellers, this is a good snapshot of why Abu Dhabi rewards a midweek stopover — cheap set lunches, evening deals and plenty of family programming all run on weekdays, when hotels and restaurants are at their quietest.
