4,500 members. 84 nationalities. One club
In an emirate that has become synonymous with wealth and luxury, it is hard to imagine a time before the five-star hotels, plethora of malls and surplus of restaurants.
But Abu Dhabi’s longest-standing social centre is older than the UAE itself. Known simply as The Club, this not-for-profit organisation has been running for 52 years, welcoming members of all nationalities and backgrounds.
Billed as a hidden gem in the city, The Club is a sort of hotel without rooms, a sanctuary for its members to unwind after work and socialise over the weekends.
The making of The Club
It was an impromptu party in the desert. At the invitation of three expat couples, 60 guests arrived dressed as pirates before ‘walking the plank’.
And so, on this day in 1962, started The Club. Created out of a desire to cure boredom at a time when the UAE was void of superfluities, when there was no electricity or running water, The Club was hardly a long-awaited dream but an accident.
The Club’s handful of members soon took up residence in an abandoned single-story building known as Henderson’s Folly.
As oil began to flow and an ambitious plan to develop Abu Dhabi took shape, the UAE’s new leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, granted The Club new land for it to expand and it quickly took on hundreds of international members.
The Club has come a long way from its foundational pirate party in the desert. With support from Abu Dhabi and its leaders, the association continues to grow, all the while symbolising the emirate’s own vision.
Photo by Charles Gibson
New horizons
In 2012, The Club marked its 50th anniversary with the commission of a new landmark, Al Nadi Tower.
In January 2014, architect Andre Meyerhans joined British Ambassador to the UAE, Dominic Jermey, CVO OBE, HH Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Social Development and a group of members and staff to officially inaugurate the structure.
In Sheikh Nahyan’s commemorative speech, the leader stated: “Now in its fifty second year, The Club has repaid Sheikh Zayed’s initial generosity and vision many times over. While allowing its members to experience the community that they have left behind in their own country, The Club has at the same time promoted a cooperative and productive relationship with the UAE that distinguishes its aims.”
Al Nadi, which translates as ‘The Club’, is open to members to catch glimpses of the capital’s skyline with glistening rays of sun intermittently peaking through.
“To be sure, Al Nadi, an image of strength, vision, and beauty, marks the essence of The Club and proclaims the past success and promising future of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates,” added Sheikh Nahyan.
A home away from home
“Our staff on all levels build relationships with members and when you’re away from your home country, for however long, it’s rewarding to have somewhere like The Club where you know you belong,” explains GM Mike McGrath.
For such an intimate club, the centre boasts a huge range of facilities, and takes pride in its member-centric ethos.
“One of The Club’s many strengths is our willingness and ability to learn from our members,” concludes McGrath. “As well as anticipating and providing for their needs, we listen and we respond to what members tell us. It is partly because of this that we provide the broadest range of facilities and services of all leisure clubs in the capital.”
Along the 300 metres of coastline are two separate beaches for families and adults, while a lap pool and children’s pool offer more ways to keep cool.
There are plenty of special interest activities from Abu Dhabi Sailing Club to resident theatre group Abu Dhabi Dramatics Society.
Meanwhile, the Health Complex houses an impressively well-equipped gym, beauty salon and even a mini-art gallery.
Over at the sports centre members are more likely to be making a racket on the tennis courts, taking karate classes, enjoying a game of squash or racking up for a round of snooker.
Let’s not forget about the food. The property boasts 13 bars, cafés and restaurants, offering everything from pub grub to fine dining.
The Club hosts regular events including sailing races, quiz nights, dhow cruises, jewellery making classes, pantomimes and the popular welcome back party.
Membership
While early patrons reminisce about trying to impress the membership committee at cocktail parties, becoming a member today is a less daunting affair.
Members can complete the enquiry form on The Club’s website or by emailing admin@the-club.com. For more information visit: www.the-club.com
The Club’s facilities and events are open to members and their guests.
Rachael Peacock