We are looking to start a 'Thank God It's Thursday' group in Al Ain. The idea being we would meet at one of the hotels for dinner and some drinks each Thursday at about 6.30 - perhaps a pizza or pasta. We would like this to be a very informal group based on a come as you like (and when you like) basis but on the understanding that anyone is welcome to join the group and if you know anyone new in town who would like to be introduced around you would bring them along.

We would like to meet some more people and introduce ourselves and some of our friends to people in Al Ain.

Does anyone know of a venue that would be happy to have us rock up for dinner without prior notice of numbers and reserve an area for us to meet? The H&J at the Intercontinental springs to mind but if there are other venues I would like to know about them - not too smoky and able to go outdoors would be nice.........??

I am just testing the waters for a response at this stage - there are no plans in place..........

Let me know what you think...........

great idea ! I am sure that Larnie and Amazing Grace will be up for it. Try Paco's at the Hilton

Hi there

I don't think I have met you yet have I? Looking forward to it sometime. I know Lucky 13, Jenny Wren, Larnie and Amaz Grace but have not met any other people from this site.

Does Paco's have an outdoor area - I just like to be able to escape the cigarette smoke? I must investigate! Thanks for the suggestion

yes there is an outdoor area I will be in Al Ain in March so I will let you know.

they might not want to wait til march though, bc...

MM, xx

course not! I meant that I could maybe meet up with them when I go up in March

Thanks guys - I keep getting people answer in another forum saying the Rugby Club so I am going to investigate it further.

The first 'Thank God It's Thursday' will be at Al Ain Rubgy Club this Thursday the 24th January 2008. We will meet at the tables set up at the end of the top terrace outside. The Rugby Club has a 'snack bar' style menu and happy hour in the afternoon.

The evenings are still a bit cool but such a lovely opportunity to sit in the fresh air. Smokers please be mindful of others especially if they are eating and keep the impact of cigarette smoke to a minimum on others in the group.

Happy hour means buy one drink and get one free and I believe it starts about 4ish but goes for more than an hour! We thought the group might like to meet anytime from 6pm and have dinner at about 7-7.30.

There are no rules or regulations and we don't want to impose any - this is simply an avenue for people to meet each other. There will be no formalities or announcements and no-one is organising any more than a space to meet. Let's just say that if you come to share the space you should expect that people you don't know may approach you for a chat and to get to know you - and you should feel comfortable introducing yourself and your friends to others who come along. In fact go out of your way to meet people and start networking!

Newcomers who don't know anyone please feel free to seek me out and I will introduce you to people I know - but I am also new so that may be a bit limited!

Anyway - see you there on Thursday night for an informal fun get together over food and a few drinks...........I am aware a young man in Melbourne became an International Celebrity this month for advertising a party on the internet.........at least this isn't at my parent's place!

See you Thursday

OOOPs - the Rugby Club is found fairly easily. Head out of town on the Abu Dhabi Rd until you get to the Tawam Hospital Roundabout (the one with the horses on it) where you turn left (south). Proceed to the next roundabout and turn right. There are boomgates on the right turn - go through the boomgates and turn left. Follow the road around until you come across the Rugby Club. The taxis are getting to know where it is - the Al Ghazal cabs visit frequently and will be available to take you home at the end of the night.

Sadly still in UK but will catch up with everyone when I get back in a couple of weeks

Anything based at a Rugby Club sounds like a good idea to me. I'll be out there in three weeks, and although i know a couple of people out there already, it will be really useful for me to meet others, so i'm sure i'll be there once i arrive...Until then enjoy this Thursday..

Cheers,
J

Hi Amazing Grace
Hope all is well with you and see you when you get here. We are lunching in Al Ain Mall on Thursday.
QuickyJ - the Rugby Club I am speaking about is in Al Ain not Dubai (though I think they will have a Rugby Club or two down there). If you make it up to Al Ain we will see you there!
Looking forward to the weekend

Hi Aussie, i am coming over Feb 3rd and my wife Alison will be over in March. We would be delighted to meet up with you at the Rugby club for an informal get togetherand meal. Catch you later

See you then..............

HI ER, how are all the moving plans going, do you know where you are going to be staying initially on arrival in Al Ain. I am hoping to fly back on the 2nd Feb. PM me when you know and we can meet up.