Abu Dhabi’s afternoon tea scene is looking up – literally

The ‘Up in the Air’ experience is like no other.

Golden jubilee celebrations call for something big. Bold. Audacious, even. Enter: the Up in the Air afternoon tea experience at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. Taking place every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until 8 December, the whimsical new offering will feature talented dancers and acrobatic stars from renowned international circuses. And we’d expect nothing less, considering the luxurious beachfront hotel is known for its array of culinary and entertainment experiences, including the famous afternoon tea at Observation Deck at 300, which happens to be located up on the 74th floor.

Outdoing itself, the Up in the Air event at Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers will be jam-packed with exceptional live acts set in the stunning ambiance of the Lobby Lounge, composed of high-ceilings and spectacular interiors, to kick off the country’s 50th anniversary celebrations. To ring in the milestone, the circus-esque afternoon tea will feature a magnificent 50-layered cake inspired by 50 years of the UAE’s most monumental achievements. Even better? Both children and adults are welcome, with the afternoon tea priced at AED 285 and AED 325 respectively.

Diners can delight in the traditional afternoon tea spread including freshly baked scones with options of lemon curd, strawberry jam and clotted cream served alongside mouth-watering sandwiches such as a confit tuna, lemon-infused crème fraiche with caviar pearls and black olive served on focaccia, and roasted Angus beef with horseradish crème served on an onion baguette. And for those with a sweet tooth, a whole host of irresistible desserts awaits – a tangy lemon and raspberry roulade, pistachio panna cotta and orange marmalade macaroons included. Naturally, these will be complemented by a range of teas to perfectly round off the experience.

In line with the Abu Dhabi culinary season that will last until early December, the Up in the Air experience will present an outstanding performance, where each act centres around a distinct theme to narrate a story through the main character’s perspective. We’re told that the storytelling will be accented with dramatic elements – think: out-of-the-box props consisting of pianos, helium balloons and more. Kids and adults alike are sure to be enchanted by performances that will feature furniture items coming to life, complex acrobatic techniques on a hotel cart, elegant dances by stunning ballerinas as well as a show-stopping moment during which performers will be suspended from an enormous helium ball. Can you say wow factor?

GO: E-mail etihadtowers.fbreservations@conradhotels.com or call 02 811 5666 for reservations and more information.