sian4776

Following on from the finding our feet post, I have a couple of questions about social activites around Abu Dhabi (started a new post as I think it's a new topic - apologies if I shouldn't do that - still learning forum etiquette).

I'm really into live music - are there any places that cater for this? I saw there was a Hard Rock Cafe in Dubai, but not sure if they put bands on.

And for the kids (ours are pre-teen) - there was a thread on here about the lack of beaches in Abu Dhabi. Are there clubs / hotels you can join in a social capacity to make use of the private beaches or do people tend to travel to find them? We like day trips and would be really interested to hear where you would recommend for sight seeing / culture / beaches etc?

Again, thanks in advance. You guys have been really helpful so far

seven seas

Hi

A lot of people expect you to spend ages talking about football teams, service standards and driving here before presuming to ask a question.

I'm not one of them.

There are a few places where you can listen to live music in AD- from my experience it's a mixture of dadrock and wedding disco stuff. You will hear Hotel California played everywhere. Every night. Please let me know if Electrelane ever play here though!

As for beaches, the family beach at the Corniche (shockingly cheap at 10 a head per person) is fine, but it's a bit of a hassle to get parking and a little bit .... basic. You can get a membership at the Intercontinental for I think less than 5000 a head. The big hotels have membership scams where you get to use their beach/pool gym, and they vary in price. I think the Intercontinental is the cheapest, being just for the beach. It's not the shabbiest either.

THE CLUB is much more of a family destination and it's a lot cheaper and more relaxing. Also much easier to get into now than it ever has been.

sian4776

Thanks for the tips.

Dadrock.... hmmm. I'm into rock/metal but generally a little more modern stuff :/

**edit - and sorry if I'm not following convention, not really been on forums much before...

Oyibopeppeh

There have been some excellent gigs in AD, but good bands come here once in a blue moon.

Metallica played at Yas Arena back in October, the place was minging packed with every metalhead in the UAE. James and the boys were obviously expecting something of a tame audience, but 2 songs in (Creeping Death, For Whom.. Fuel), and having seen all the shaking heads and realizing the crowd knew ALL of the words, they really took off!

This was around the 10th or 11th time I've seen the 'Tallica boys (first was in the mid 80's at the Marquee Club) and was by far the best gig I've seen them do in the past 10 years! There are some serious metalheads here!

Last weekend we went to watch Avenged Sevenfold at the Yas Flash Forum...a much smaller crowd (I'd say around 1,500), but a great gig and some serious crowd attitude. There was a good mosh pit and circle and a few surfers until the security started getting heavy.

There are some quality gigs here....get down and get sweaty!

sian4776

Whoop! That's a relief... I've seen Metallica a few times (and went to University with a couple of Venom which made one show that little bit more interesting!).

I book bands as a semi-professional hobby - none at that kind of level though - obviously I'm giving that up but would miss it if there was no scene at all.

Oyibopeppeh

Don't give it up, please!

My second home is Nottingham's Rock City.....the Yas Flash Forum is a decent venue and good acoustics, get a few more signed up for a few Middle East tour dates

sian4776

I would love to - just the thought of taxes etc. puts me off - it's bad enough in the UK! But I can always try... (my husband will breathe a sigh of resignation at this point...)

What sort of stuff are you into?

Oyibopeppeh

The usual suspects but Steven Wilson's various projects are generally high on the must listen to agenda

sian4776

Will PM you music stuff as this conversation will probably bore 99% of people on here...

But any other tips on social outings gratefully received!

Millsyisland

I agree - I think the size is perfect for an intimate gig, and as you say, the acoustics are excellent.

Norm_uk

I think live music has been covered - there are a number of beach clubs in hotels you can join as well as the British Club. I also have a friend with a rather nice boat so if you fancy a charter out past Lulu island when the weather is a bit more agreeable I'll put you in touch. He also arranges theme charters so there's always something going on.

Abu Dhabi still lacks in terms in sight seeing and culture as it's not a city geared to tourists like Dubai is. I'm going to re-boot my afterwork socialising/networking club at some point and there are always brunches and things to do. There are also a lot of hobby groups around depending on what you're into.

N.

britexpat76

The International Playboys in Heroes (Crown Plaza) are brits and are very good. It's not exactly a gig but its live music every night and not the usual collection of soft rock and love songs the flips cover with varying degrees of success.