MPSN Connection May 2019

MAY 2019 - VOL. 3 NO. 4

MPSNCONNECTION

The Newsletter for the CCAD Medical Providers Spouses' Network

StaycaINtTHiEoCInTY in this
ISSUE:

Staycation:
Where to go,

What to do
pg. 2

We are into the holy month of Ramadan, and Eid festivities are going to Recipe corner
be here before we know it! As the holidays inch closer, flights are pg. 4
booking up and ticket prices are increasing by the minute. If you
haven't made any plans, don't worry! There are many places that are Around town
perfect for last minute travel and are within driving distance of Abu pg. 5
Dhabi. For instance, to get a taste of India without leaving the UAE, you
can go to Bollywood Theme Parks Dubai. For more suggestions, see the MPSN
next page! Members
 Recommend

pg. 6

Where to go, what to do

Desert experiences

Qasr Al Sara, liwa

At the edge of the Empty quarter is a desert oasis that
makes you feel as if you're at the edge of the world. It is the
perfect setting for relaxation, with sunset and sunrise yoga
on the sand, and a first-class spa. The resort also offers
dune bashing, archery, camel trekking, and a falcon show to
add some culture to a mesmerizing experience. Driving
time from Abu Dhabi: 2 hours and 15 min.

sir bani yas island

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has it's own island safari! Ride
along in a jeep as you see animals, including many local
species such as Arabian oryx, gazelles, and sheep. There
are three Anantara resorts all offering different experiences
varying from pampered to rustic.
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 2 hours and 30 min, plus a
15 min ferry ride.

Across the border

musandam, oman

Our neighboring country Oman has quite a few sights as
well. Let the breeze of the water cool you off as you
traverse the fjords in Musandam on a dhow boat. Enjoy a
day out scouting for dolphins, swim, snorkel, or kayak.
You can also spend a night camping on the beach.
Check out Khasab Tours for excursion packages.
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 3 hours and 40 min,
consider extra time for border crossing.

Jebel AkhDar

Oman is also home to a Jebel Akhdar, a canyon located in
the Al Hajar mountain range. It serves as a retreat for
adventure enthusiasts and vacationers alike. There is
hiking, rock climbing and tours of the local city Nabrez. As
with any vacation destination in the region, pools and spas
are always on hand.
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 4 hours and 30 min,
consider extra time for border crossing.

Where to go, what to do

Surf and Sand

ras al khaimah

Just beyond the emirate of Sharjah is Ras Al Khaimah, or
RAK as it is affectionately known. A little quieter and
more scenic, it caters to a more resort style vacation with
beaches perfect for sea shell searching, parks perfect for
biking, and aquatic activities such as boating and
parasailing. It's also a great place to stop on the way to
Musandam.
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 2 hours and 30 min.

City life

al ain

Abu Dhabi's sister city to the east is also known as the
"garden city" for its many parks and open spaces. Spend
a day at the Al Ain Zoo, or hike near the highest peak in
the UAE, Jebel Hafeet. After you've enjoyed the
panoramic views, head to Wadi Adventure for some white
water fun. It can be a pit stop on the way to Jebel
Akhdar.
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 2 hours.

Dubai

Though you may think you've seen everything in Dubai,
there is always more! The warmer months are a great
time to stay indoors to take in the high views at the Dubai
Frame and the Burj Khalifa. Explore the Dubai Museum in
the Old Souk and take a boat ride along the Dubai Creek.
If you have little ones to entertain, Kidzania in the Dubai
Mall and OliOli's offer some fun activities. Le Mer, JBR
and Downtown Dubai have outdoor shopping and eateries
which are nice to stroll through after dusk. Classic
favorites like the Palm Atlantis, Ski Dubai, The Green
Planet, and Dubai Parks are also options. If shopping
and relaxing are more your speed, there are an array of
malls, spas, and afternoon teas to choose from!
Driving time from Abu Dhabi: 1 hour and 30 min.

recipe corner

Banana Date Bread Directions:
Cream softened butter and sugar until
you have a nice creamy consistency.

Blend in bananas, eggs, vanilla, into
butter mixture.

Ingredients Alternate mixing in flour and buttermilk
in small quantities. Fold in chopped ripe
3/4 cup butter (softened) dates.
1 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups bananas (4-5) Bake at 325 for 1 hour into two separate
2 eggs, well beaten loaf pans.
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour, sifted Loaves are finished when an inserted
1 tsp baking soda toothpick is clean.
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup buttermilk Enjoy!
1-2 cups of ripe dates, pitted Contributed by Reema Abuelroos

what's up, whatsapp!

DID YOU KNOW MPSN is on
Facebook and Whatsapp? On
Facebook, our group name is
MPSN Abu Dhabi. If you would
like to be alerted about our events
on your mobile via Whatsapp
please text our communications
director Samala at 055 954 0841.



Around town...

Everyday is Mother's Day!

To celebrate all the moms in our organization, MPSN held a brunch held at
Nolu's at the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club. Looking fabulous, ladies!

A coffee and a chat

A priority of Medical Providers Spouses' Network is to bring our members together. We all know that moving
to Abu Dhabi can be a challenging experience, and even established members go through highs and lows.

We had the first of our quarterly coffee mornings on April 29th in the CCAD Ballroom on P2. We had a
productive discussion on the season of Ramadan for those who are fasting, and considerations for those
who are not. We look forward to having more of these! If you have any topics that you would like to see

discussed, please email us at [email protected]

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

We've asked MPSN members what some of their favorite places were around Abu Dhabi. These
included grocery stores, dry cleaning, cleaning companies, and other services. Though they are
often changing, most are neighborhood cornerstones and have become indispensable while living

in the UAE. Each issue we will add to this growing list of resources.

ladies hair salons

Haircare Beauty Salon Al Zeina Glamour
02 444 1181 02 555 9902
"CCAD has a hair salon and the "Kat is awesome, she takes time to get
hairdresser Firas is very good. He gives the highlight colors perfect"
a CCAD discount."
Sheraton Beauty Salon
Scintillia Skincare - Reem Island Branch 02 697 0273
050 697 6111 "Caesar is a fabulous hairstylist for cut
"Grace is really good and listens to your and color. A bit pricey, but worth it!"
requests."
A/C Maintenance 
Cleaning companies
Brooklyn General Maintenance
Delight Cleaning Service 055 289 8528
800 34 36 or 02 690 2800 [email protected]
www.delightifm.com Brooklyngm.com

Odd Jobs UAE Envida
02 582 6638 050 817 7829
oddjobsuae.com [email protected]
www.envida.ae
Solutions Hygiene
600 56 56 96 Hydrogulf
[email protected] 800 49376
www.solutionshygiene.com [email protected]
Hydrogulf.com
SMS
04 258 2425
Smsmaids.com
www.cobrafitnessuae.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

fitness gyms and studios sports clubs

Bodytree Studio City Football Schools
For pilates, yoga, barre, dance and kid’s Football training for boys and girls
classes. starting from 3 years of age.
www.bodytreestudio.com Locations Zayed Sports City, New York
University Abu Dhabi, and Emirates
Fitness First Al Seef Mall – Ladies only Palace. www.cityfootballschools.com
There are multiple Fitness First locations, but
this one is ladies only. Abu Dhabi Harlequins
uae.fitnessfirstme.com/find-a-fitness-club/abu- Rugby club at Zayed Sports City.
dhabi/al-seef-mall www.abudhabiquins.com

Haddins Fitness Center Al Forsan Club
Reach, maintain and exceed all your fitness A variety of activites, from watersports to
goals, located at Zayed Sports City. paintball and shooting.
www.facebook.com/haddins www.alforsan.com

Inspire Sports not sure where
A variety of dance and fitness classes to begin?  try:
including hip hop and ballet.
inspiresports.ae • Zumba with Hania at Inspire Sports.

Layaqa • BTB Bodytree Body classes at their
Gym at CCAD, offering classes and personal main studio and Saadiyat Beach Club.
training.
www.vfuae.com/team/layaqa • Haddins Primal at Zayed Sports city.

Cobra Fitness • The Formula 1 track at Yas Marina
Group classes, including martial arts, for men, Circuit is open on Tuesday nights!
women, and children. Bring your bikes, or come for a walk or
www.cobrafitnessuae.com jog with the family.

The Studio
A new yoga and pilates studio.
thestudiouae.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

playgrounds and parks

Umm Al Emarat Park Nurseries
This spacious park features a shade house, botanic
garden, amphitheater & large open lawn. The Redwood Montessori Nursery
Age group: All ages Multiple locations
Entrance fee: 5 dhs www.theredwoodnursery.com
Open daily 8 am - 12 am
www.ummalemaratpark.ae Oxford Nursery
Khalifa City
BOUNCE www.oxfordnursery.ae
A trampoline park at Marina Mall.
Age group: 3 years and up International Montessori School
Entrance fee: 80 dhs Between Bridges
Open Sat to Wed, 10 am - 10 pm; www.imn.ae
Thursday and Friday 10 am to 12 am
bounce.ae/abudhabi

Murjan Splash Park at Khalifa City Park Stepping Stones
Age group: all ages Multiple locations
Entrance fee: 45 dhs, under 1 meter height free www.steppingstones.ae

Open daily 11 am to 6 pm.

murjansplashpark.weebly.com Children's classes

Corniche Family Park Abu Dhabi Country Club - www.adcountryclub.com
Age group: all ages

Entrance fee: 10 dhs *Inspire Sports - www.inspiresports.ae
Open 24 hours

Adventure HQ Little Stars Sports Clubs - www.littlestarsabudhabi.com
Ropes course and wall climbing *The Royal Stables for horse riding - 02 445 5500
at Yas Mall *Advantage Sports UAE - www.advantagesportsuae.com
Age group: 4 years and up *Jump Sports Academies - www.jumpsports.ae
Entrance fee: starting at 65 dhs *Fourth Lane Swim Academy - www.4lsacademy.com
Open Sat to Wed, 10 am - 10 pm;
Thursday and Friday 10 am to 12 am
www.adventurezone.ae

*Neptune Swimming - Info@neptuneswim. com

* indicates that there are classes and activities for teenagers as well
as younger children.

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

Organic Markets Fruits and Vegetable

Ripe Markets Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk
Find seasonal, organic and local produce at weekly Numerous stalls selling fruits, vegetables,
markets at Umm al Emarat Park. and dates. Open daily 7 am to 12pm
Every Saturday starting October 28th, 3pm to 9pm
www.ripeme.com The Market at Mushrif Mall
Located in the basement of Mushrif mall,
Ripe Pop-up Markets stalls of fresh fruits and vegetables are
Jones the Grocer, Al Raha Gardens available. Open daily 9 am to 12 am
Every Monday, 10 am to 1 pm
The Collection, St Regis Saadiyat Island Fresh Fish
Every Friday 10 am to 3 pm
www.ripeme.com Mina Fish Market
Fresh fish is brought here daily. Located near
Al Rahba Organic Farm 182 (IRG Organic Farm) Dhow Harbour. Open daily 8 am to 11 pm
Pick your own organic vegetables.
November to May, every Saturday 6 am to 5 pm The Market, at Mushrif Mall
Bring your own bags. Cash only. Chickens and turkeys An extensive indoor fish market, with live fish
available with one week prior notice, call 02 641 6500. tanks. Open daily 9 am to 12 am

Yas Farm Butcher Shops
Organic chickens, turkeys, ducks, along with raw goat and
camel milk available. The Market, at Mushrif Mall
Open daily 9am to 9pm A wide array of cuts of meat, all in one
Delivery to Abu Dhabi costs Dhs 25, Please order three location. Open daily 9 am - 12 am
days in advance, call 055 973 3337.
Luqman Butcher
Mawasim Organic Market Part of the Al Mina Port Market. Call
Fridays, 2 pm to 8 pm on the ground Level of WTC Mall ahead for orders, 055 297 4541
Saturdays, 11 am to 3 pm Boutik Mall, in front of Waitrose. Open daily 8 am to 11pm

Farm Box Springbok Butchery
Have organic produce delivered to your door. Quality meats delivered right to your door.
farmbox.ae/about-us www.springbokbutchery.com

MPSN MEMBERS RECOMMEND

LAUNDRY SERVICES If you have any suggestions,
additions, corrections to the
Alessia Couture Dry Cleaners MPSN Members Recommend
www.alessiacouture.com
02 555 2088 - Specializing in high end and couture section, let us know at
garments, they will collect and deliver. Located in [email protected]
Musaffah.
Every effort has been made to
Jeeves Dry Cleaning provide accurate and timely
www.jeevesofbelgravia.co.uk/stores.abu-dhabi information.  Dates and
02 666 3755 - Specializing in dry cleaning, laundering, timings are subject to change.
alterations, repairs, home furnishings, shoe repairs,
couture and handbag restoration. Collection and delivery
available. Located in Khalidiya.

Al Rafidain Laundry
www.rafidainlaundry.com
02 666 4313 - Commercial and personal dry cleaners.
Collection and delivery to most areas of Abu Dhabi.
Multiple locations.

The Laundry At Qaryat al Beri
02 558 1670 - Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Al Maqta.

White Cat Laundry
www.whitecatlaundry.com
050 925 5346 - Offering collection and delivery, there are
several branches.

The Mission Statement of MPSN is to connect and support CCAD
physician spouses and their families, offering a platform to engage in
organized activities, while welcoming new members. To contact the

MPSN, please email [email protected].

If you would like to be involved in the monthly newsletter, or have
comments, suggestions, events or recipes to post, please email

Samala at [email protected].