LET THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS FILL YOUR WEEKEND WITH SOME RATHER BRILLIANT BEAT-THE-HEAT PURSUITS
In lieu of chartering your own helicopter or hot-air balloon, few get to see the Emirates from a birdseye view perspective. Changing all that, however, is Above, a new aerial photography exhibition at Manarat Al Saadiyat, featuring works by world-renowned American artist and photographer Martin Sanchez. Alongside regional talents, including Noura Al Neyadi and Ahmad Al Rais, it looks at the art of aerial photography - including the use of drones - for the first time in Abu Dhabi and provides an eye-opening and unique way to discover the city.
One of the city's best loved post-dinner destinations and, following its recent renovations, one of the sleekest, Neos at Address Downtown has long been a Dubai-insider favourite. Keeping you coming back for more, this month the bar launches its themed evenings - think oyster and bubbles on Sundays and Tuesdays, live jazz music on Mondays, a Latina night on Wednesdays and mood-enhancing Ibiza vibes for sunset on Saturdays. Well, if it's too hot venture outside, let them bring summer to you. With skyline views from the 63rd floor on the menu too, a summer spent inside doesn't seem 'quite' so tough.
When it's too hot to do very much bar while away your weekend somewhere cool, you can always rely on Ritz-Carlton to pull something fabulous out the bag. This month, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal serves up PositiviTea - a beautiful spa and afternoon tea experience that comprises a 60-minute massage, an elegant afternoon tea at Alba (think finger sandwiches and clotted cream scones), free rein over the spa and 20 per cent discount on all spa products, should you feel doubly indulgent.
Just in case you're still braving the great outdoors, there are few better places to top up a sun-kissed tan than at Drift Beach. Shuttering up shop for summer on July 6th, you've still got time to indulge in the Riviera-style infinity pool, bask on the pristine beachfront, or, for your own private hideaway, lounge in a luxury cabana. Throw in a dedicated waiter who'll be at your beck and call, and make the most of your own mid-summer night's dream.
If you're an art enthusiast who likes to champion the work of female artists, you shouldn't miss the final few days of Baya Mahieddine's exhibition at Elmarsa Gallery in Al Serkal. The exhibition by self-taught Algerian artist comprises 15 gouache paintings that shed light on Baya's groundbreaking career as the most famous Algerian woman artist, and one of the most important and influential artists in Algerian modern art. The exhibition is dreamlike and surreal, and promises to transport you to otherworldly places for an hour or two.
Okay, so we're getting in a little early with this one because we know places will go fast... On Friday 21, Cove Beach is offering a first-come-first-serve free sunset yoga session to celebrate summer solstice - aka the longest day of the year. Centre yourself whilst doing your salutations as the sun sets with the 90-minute class that promises both physical and mental betterment. All you need do is bring your yoga mat, water bottle, towel and a zen state of mind.
