LUXURY ABU DHABI 2014
S H O P P I N G
D I N I N G
S I G H T S E E I N G
A R T S
LUXURY
C U LT U R E
ABU DHABI 2014
Ahlan wa sahlan! Welcome to the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi has a long and proud history that is steeped in genuine hospitality and the welcoming of visitors and traders to our shores. As the emirate continues to develop, a modern urban landscape of striking architecture, luxury lifestyles and international cuttingedge technological and environmental research centres juxtapose with open desert landscapes and marine seascapes, local cultural traditions, and a heritage that permeates and continues to wind its way comfortably and confidently through every aspect of our modern lives. Abu Dhabi is an aspirational city, with an eye firmly fixed on the future, and a heart and soul enriched with a strong and continued connection to the past. Visiting Abu Dhabi for either business or pleasure I hope that you are able to piece by piece come to know and discover Abu Dhabi in all is wonderful intricacies, and find yourself a place where you too can realise your own aspirations. Should you be visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time, I greet you as a warmly welcomed guest. Should you be visiting Abu Dhabi for the second time, I welcome you as a friend. HH SH. Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan
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WELCOME TO THE HEART OF
ABU DHABI
Irresistibly Comfortable. Stylishly Cosmopolitan. Rising majestically from its beachside setting, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ dramatic sculptural form and spectacular design set a new standard for luxury accommodation. The complex is made up of five towers – three residential towers, one office tower, and the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. The hotel features a number of unique venues for social events, outstanding conference and meeting facilities, and 382 elegant rooms and suites, which afford some of the most stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. Whether you prefer to spend your time cooling off in one of our three swimming pools, strolling along the private beach, shopping at Avenue at Etihad Tiwers, or being pampered in the Talise Spa, you’ll find our service is second to none. Our serviced residences – which benefit from the top-tier facilities offered by Jumeirah at Etihad Towers – are Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive and prestigious, providing spectacular views of the surrounding cityscape and Arabian Gulf. Each of the 199 inspirationally designed, fully serviced residences is lavishly appointed, offering the height of elegant living. From intimate studios to expansive three bedroom options, you can choose exactly the right accommodation to suit your needs. Rest assured, all have been designed to cater for your every requirement. Within a prestigious Abu Dhabi city setting the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Conference Centre provides an urban sanctum of welcoming comfort, organisational ease and elegance to meet the demands of the modern business world and become a home to the staging of memorable events. Refined luxury furnishings and interiors that highlight the world’s finest marble, crystal and other carefully selected materials form a stunning and tasteful backdrop for clients to add their own individualised splash of colour.
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Luxurious and dynamic, our facilities cater to your every need.
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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is home to the highest luxury venue in Abu Dhabi with the Observation Deck at 300. Located in Tower 2 of the Etihad Towers complex and managed by Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the Observation Deck at 300 is on Level 74 at 300 metres above the nation’s capital, offering stunning sights at great heights with its 360-degree panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the Corniche and Arabian Gulf, and is available in the evenings for exclusive private events. Shop at the world-renowned Avenue at Etihad Towers and sample the dizzying choice of international cuisines, fine wines and imaginative cocktails available at the hotel’s restaurants and bars. Make use of exceptional leisure facilities and activities, and hold a successful social event, meeting or conference at any of our unique venues. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers sets a new standard in luxury. Staying at our suites or serviced residences is a particularly exclusive way to sample it for yourself.
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382 uniquely designed, spacious and elegant rooms and suites, offering fully integrated lifestyle technology.
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Hotel facilities Jumeirah at Etihad Towers offers guests 382 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites which are located between Levels 27 to 60, each with luxurious contemporary décor and furnishings. All rooms offer stunning sea views and range from 40sqm to 60sqm in floor area with the latest fully integrated lifestyle technology.
Suites – Luxury stays for a refined lifestyle Club Suites The 110sqm/1,184sqft Club Suites situated on Levels 51 – 57, offer the freedom of spacious, elegant living with own seating area, making them perfect for entertaining or private relaxation. Finely decorated with Italian marble, custom-designed carpets and modern quality furnishings, the Club Suites are simultaneously luxurious, welcoming and provide a neutral space for guests to provide their own colour and presence to feel right at home. Additionally, sunlit bathrooms with walk-in showers and free standing bathtubs uniquely provide privacy with stunning views over Abu Dhabi.
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Etihad Suites Welcome to a world of craftsmanship, refined luxury and Abu Dhabi’s ultimate urban lifestyle experiences! With prestigious corner locations on Level 58, the Etihad Suites measure 93sqm/1,001sqft and comprise spacious and elegant living areas, dining room, finely appointed bedroom and sunlit en-suite “Bathroom with a View”. Ideal for entertaining or relaxing privately with family, the Etihad Suites provide a welcoming and relaxing sanctuary in our nation’s capital. Complimentary services include access to the Club Executive Lounge, personalised check in and a dedicated round the clock butler service. Sky Suite The Sky Suite is a 241sqm/2,594sqft suite located on Level 59 featuring refined interior design, providing luxury urban lifestyle experiences and craftsmanship to uniquely form an ambience that enhances one’s own colour and flair to the surroundings. The Sky Suite comprises a large sitting room decorated with custom-made furnishings and contemporary art, and a private dining area to seat ten guests that can be exclusively catered to with the fully-equipped in-suite kitchen and butler services. Additionally, the Sky Suite offers an expansive bedroom featuring a deluxe king bed, sunlit en-suite bathroom with free standing bathtub, twin vanities and a walk-in raindrop ceiling shower, walk-in dressing room and dressing table. Royal Etihad Suite Encompassing the entire Level 60 of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the Royal Etihad Suite provides 980 square metres of craftsmanship, fine materials and designer artistry combined with Jumeirah’s “Stay Different” personalised care and service par excellence. Inspiring 360 degree views of our nation’s capital await guests, with meticulous care and attention catering to every need. The Royal Etihad Suite is an abode of tranquility and privacy; a stylised sanctum for those requiring ultimate refinement and elegance. It’s the jewel in our crown providing us no greater joy than for you to experience it. The entire floor houses an exquisite suite with sitting rooms, dining facilities, bedrooms and butler facilities. Club Executive Lounge Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ Club Executive Lounge elevates executive privileges to the highest standard, allowing guests to work in their own time and space whatever their priorities may be. The Club Executive Lounge located on Level 45 offers guests an extensive breakfast and light snacks including hors d’oeuvres, desserts and complimentary beverages throughout the day and evening. This 24-hour stylish lounge is home to a shower suite, dining areas and numerous seating and lounging areas all supported with free WiFi internet connectivity. Additionally, iPads are also made available for complimentary guest use. Guests staying in the Deluxe Club, Grand Club Rooms and Club Suites, Etihad, Sky and Royal Etihad Suites receive exclusive service and access to the Club Executive Lounge. This tastefully appointed lounge offers guests 360 degree views with floor-to-ceiling windows and features original print artworks from Matisse and Picasso.
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Tempting and delectable, our world-class restaurant offerings will delight you.
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Signature dining Savour a diverse variety of culinary experiences spread across 12 exquisite restaurants, bars and lounges. Li Beirut - Within these cosy settings guests can discover both traditional and contemporary flavours of Lebanon. From delectable hot and cold mezzeh to succulent grills, each dish is a unique work of art. Choose to dine indoors or enjoy the stunning ocean views from the expansive terrace. Quest - This signature award-winning restaurant offers guests Inspirational Asian Fine Dining complemented by breathtaking 360-degree views of the Abu Dhabi cityscape, Arabian Gulf and Corniche. Scott’s - Located on the water, just off the beach, this seafood restaurant offers unrivalled views of the iconic Etihad Towers and Arabian Gulf.
Casual dining Rosewater - This award-winning buffet restaurant with outdoor seating, offers diners a fine selection of international cuisine with live cooking stations located throughout the venue. Nahaam - A casual yet chic poolside restaurant that offers indoor and al fresco seating options where guests can enjoy a variety of relaxed favourites including pizza, steaks, light bites, juices and smoothies. Brasserie Angélique - A classic bar and restaurant with home-style à la carte French brasserie cuisine and an extensive beverage menu, in a chic French inspired setting. Lobby Lounge - This impressive venue allows guests to unwind with a selection of light refreshments and beverages, while absorbing the beauty of space, views, spectacular chandeliers and intricate marble finishing touches. Tori No Su - With dramatic interior accents, Tori No Su is a restaurant and lounge that specialises in modern Japanese cuisine, served in an exceptional setting. Observation Deck at 300 - Located on Level 74 of Tower 2, the Observation Deck offers the highest vantage of Abu Dhabi’s cityscape where guests can enjoy delicious refreshments and high tea against a spectacular backdrop. BiCE - Discover traditional Italian dining within authentic surrounds. BiCE offers the exceptional combination of a delicious mix of modern and traditional cuisine for lunch and dinner served in a stylish location. With both indoor and al fresco seating, BiCE in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is the perfect venue to indulge in sumptuous Italian dishes
Night life Ray’s Bar - Innovative cocktails along with a refreshing beverage and Asian influenced tapas menu are enhanced by DJ sets and stunning views from Level 62. Lobby Bar - An intimate venue where guests can enjoy an extensive selection of beverages, cigars and light refreshments.
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Indulgent and inspiring, our spa and leisure offerings provide a harmonious stay.
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The Talise Spa
Sports & Leisure
Talise is a luxurious retreat experience, offering a new generation of treatments that transport you to a healing, serene state of mind and body. You’ll discover myriad treatments to relax and revive you; facials, full body massage and our signature experiences are all tailored to your personal needs, leaving you refreshed and revitalised.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ state-of-the-art Six P Gym offers TechnoGym equipment and is located on Podium Level 3M, next to Talise Spa. The private beach, pools, and poolside areas provide a relaxing space for enjoying the sun and Arabian Gulf views.
Step into an oasis of tranquility just moments from the hubbub of the city and begin your journey of self-discovery. As soon as you step into Talise spa your experience begins with aromatic beauty and atmospherics emanating a true sense of calm, with mahogany colour accents and dim lighting setting the perfect initial engagement of your senses. Explain your needs and preferences to your spa therapist who will then guide you to the waiting area for a pleasant beverage. Upon entering your treatment suite and by the time you truly grasp your surroundings, you will realize that you could not have anticipated this treatment enough while the music, fragrance and lighting of your choice contributes to a perfectly tailored backdrop. The professional therapists at Talise spa will see to it that the next part of your journey exceeds the expectations set by its beginning. Whether you are looking to be rejuvenated, relaxed, revitalised or pampered the Talise spa at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers provides the perfect escape.
Avenue at Etihad Towers Located on Podium Levels 1 and 2 the Avenue at Etihad Towers also houses a selection of flagship stores, designer boutiques and high-end outlets offering an assortment of luxury fashion, jewellery, time pieces and accessories including; Bally, Herve Leger, Canali, Manolo Blahnik, IWC, Mont Blanc, Giuseppe Zanotti , Hugo Boss, Boss Selection, Roger Dubuis, Lanvin, Fauchon Le Café, Givenchy, Tom Ford, Ermenegildo Zegna, Stefano Ricci, J.M. Weston, Breguet, Kiton, Porsche Design, Hermès, Cartier, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry, Van Cleef & Arpels, Piaget, A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger – LeCoultre, Bvlgari, Chloé, Panerai, Rolex, and De Grisogono.
For more information visit www.jumeirah.com
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LUXURY ABU DHABI SHOPPING
DINING
SIGHTSEEING
ARTS
CULTURE
e WHERE L UXURY M EETS LIFESTYLE
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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LUXURY ABU DHABI 2014
SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS CULTURE
Contents Facts About the UAE Rulers and Ruling Families Sands of time – UAE history The Emirate of Abu Dhabi
8 10 14 18
Abu Dhabi Milestones A Glimpse of Islam Go od to Know National dress Arabic Hospitality Arabic Coffee Recipes Traditional Emirati Food Sporting Abu Dhabi Top Women's Fashion Abu Dhabi Cultural Abu Dhabi Events Abu Dhabi Art
20 22 23 26 28 30 32 34 36 40 42 46
Historical Buildings Culture and Heritage Modern Buildings Mosques in Abu Dhabi Louvre Abu Dhabi Zayed National Museum Guggenheim Abu Dhabi UAE Pavilion Manarat Al Saadiyat Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Golf in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
48 50 66 100 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124
Abu Dhabi's Islands Top Timepieces Top Women's Accessories The Arabian Gulf The Marina Mall Historical Places in Abu Dhabi Zayed Center
126 130 132 134 136 144 146
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SHOPPING DINING SIGHTSEEING ARTS CULTURE
Contents Breakwater Island From Al Bateen to Heritage Village Saadiyat and Yas Islands Find Your Drive at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Meena Area Natural Heritage Parks in Abu Dhabi
150 158 164 170 174 178 182
All That Glitters Top Jewellery Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi Top Men’s Fashion The World of 1001 Fragrances Top Fragrances The World of 1001 Spices Abu Dhabi: Gourmet Metropolis Garden city Al Ain
186 188 190 192 194 198 200 202 210
Abu Dhabi's 1001 Faces of the Desert Nature and Arabian Heritage 1001 nights – Desert Adventures Sun, Sand & Skiing
214 218 226 240
Wildlife at Your Fingertips Motorsport Yas-Island Yachting Yas Waterworld Diving Al Bateen Executive Airport Arrive in Style
242 244 244 245 245 246 248
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Camel Racing
251 252 254
Essential Numbers Abu Dhabi Map
256 258
Editorial
260
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© TDIC
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FACTS
Facts About the United Arab Emirates
Capital Political structure Official language Foundation of the country Territory Population
Official religion Currency Time zone Internet International Vehicle registration code International calling code
Abu Dhabi Constitutional Confederation Arabic December 2, 1971 83,600 km² 7,200,000 Total 947,997 UAE Nationals (Published by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in April 2012) Islam UAE Dirham GMT+4 (no daylight saving/ summer time) .ae UAE +971
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS Ambulance .................................................................. 998 or 999 Police .................................................................. 999 – emergency ..........................................................................901 - non-emergency Fire ............................................................................................. 997 Coast Guard ..................................................... 996 and 800 4438 Tourist police ................................................................800 2626 Directory Inquiry ................................................... Etisalat – 181 ........................................ du Telecom 800 155 from any UAE phone .........................................................du Telecom 155 from du mobile
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ARRIVING BY PLANE - INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS
LOCATION The United Arab Emirates is located along the southeastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders with Saudi Arabia to the west, south and southeast and Oman to the southeast and northeast. The northern and western coast of the UAE lies on the Arabian Gulf, its eastern coast is on the Indian Ocean. The UAE is a federation, formed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ras al-Khaimah and Fujairah.
TOURISM The UAE is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations worldwide. Its unique combination of Arab tradition and heritage, year-round sunshine, unbeatable shopping facilities, world-class hotels and a service-oriented safe environment leads to ever growing numbers of visitors.
CLIMATE The UAE has an arid climate with year-round sunshine. Summers are hot and humid, winters warm and at times windy. With daytime temperatures in the mid-20s and night temperatures between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, winters are very pleasant. During summer thermometers will climb into the 40s during the day and remain in the 30s at night. Humidity in coastal areas is on average 50 percent and can reach up to 90 percent during mid-summer ( June – August). Shamal are strong winds that are common during winter. Sandstorms and strong winds from the desert are the usual harbingers of the change of seasons. Rainfall is very rare – in spring (March/April) some rainy days might happen, not more than ten during the whole year. A "wet year" might see 350 mm of rain, in a "dry year" it might be as little as 30 mm. Water temperatures in the Arabian Gulf change from 20 degrees in winter to 36 degrees in summer. The waters of the Indian Ocean on the east coast are 18 degrees in winter and up to 30 degrees in summer.
TOPOGRAPHY Eighty percent of the UAE’s landmass is desert with picturesque sand dunes. The Hajar mountain range stretches along the eastern coast and its highest peaks reach up to 1,900 metres. Wadis, dry riverbeds, are unique natural features. The UAE is home to more than 200 islands, some of them accessible to visitors.
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• Abu Dhabi International Airport - AUH • Dubai International Airport - DXB • Al Maktoum International Airport - DWC • Sharjah International Airport - SHJ • Al Ain International Airport - AAN • Fujairah International Airport- FJR • Ras al-Khaimah International Airport – RKT
ARRIVING BY SEA - CRUISE PORTS • Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Mina Zayed Port • Dubai Cruise Terminal Port Rashid • Port of Fujairah • Passenger Cruise Terminal RAK Khor Port Ras al-Khaimah
ARRIVING BY ROAD – LAND CHECKPOINTS • Hatta – Omani border • Al Ain/Buraimi – Omani border • Dibba – Omani border (Musandam) • Al Ghuwaifat – Border with Saudi Arabia
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS 2014 The UAE follows the Gregorian calendar as well as the Islamic Hijri calendar. Friday is the weekly day of rest, schools and most offices remain closed during the two-day weekend on Fridays and Saturdays. HOLIDAYS – FIXED DATES January 1 New Year's Day December 2 UAE National Day ISLAMIC HOLIDAYS – APPROXIMATE DATES The Hijri calendar is based on the moon cycle and therefore in 2014 the following dates for the Islamic holidays are approximate. The exact dates will be announced following the moonsighting. January 13 May 26 June 28 July 82 October 3 October 4 October 25
Prophet Mohammed's Birthday Ascension of the Prophet Beginning of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) Arafat (Haj) Day Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) Al Hijara (Islamic New Year)
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FACTS
Rulers and ruling families of the United Arab Emirates NAMES OF THE RULERS OF THE UAE AND THE SEVEN EMIRATES AL NAHYAN – RULING FAMILY OF ABU DHABI His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces AL MAKTOUM - RULING FAMILY OF DUBAI
Not long ago what is today the United Arab Emirates was a desert and mountainous land, inhabited by nomadic shepherds, settled people in villages in the mountains and traders and fi shermen along the coast. People lived together in tribal communities. In 1904, when the sheikhdoms were separate states with treaties with Britain, J.G. Lorimer, the author of an offi cial study on behalf of the Indian government, reported on the tribes, their locations and the local economy. There was a population of around 80,000, in 44 tribes, forming fi ve principalities with the Bani Yas tribal confederation as the largest amongst them. The fi rst reference to the Bani Yas dates back to 1633. Abu Dhabi's ruling family, the Al Nahyan family, is part of the Al Bu Falah section of the Bani Yas tribe. Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family hails from the Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani Yas, while the Al Qawasim family ruled in Sharjah and Ras al-Khaimah. Even though many tribes shared common roots, rivalries amongst them were common in the struggle for survival in the harsh desert environment. Control over water resources and territories was crucial for their survival and only those leaders who could provide and protect these resources would be accepted by their people and able to remain in power. It was a very simple principle: if a leader looked after his people well, his people would stand behind him in times of trouble. The formation of the UAE and the unification of the tribes under one leadership was one of the greatest achievements of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was the leader of Abu Dhabi from 1966 and who became the fi rst President of the United Arab Emirates. Tribal identity and affi liation to the tribe is part of Emirati identity. Social structures in the UAE are still based on tribal affi liations. Even nowadays Emiratis remain committed to their tribal identity, and, in return, their leaders take care of them. The implementation of tribal leadership has changed over the years and occurs in the 21 st century in a different way. While a tribal leader in the desert might have managed the distribution of scarce resources, nowadays the leaders distribute the profit of their modern economies in the form of general welfare and gracious grants, ensuring a carefree life for all their people.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE; Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai AL QASIMI - RULING FAMILY OF SHARJAH His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah AL QASIMI - RULING FAMILY OF RAS AL-KHAIMAH His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras al-Khaimah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Ras al-Khaimah AL NUAIMI RULING FAMILY OF AJMAN His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman AL MUALLA - RULING FAMILY OF UMM AL-QAIWAIN His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown Prince of Umm al-Qaiwain AL SHARQI - RULING FAMILY OF FUJAIRAH
The rulers of the UAE enjoy a great amount of respect and affection from their own people and residents of the country alike. Even though they live in palaces, they still rule in the tribal tradition and the doors to their majalis, the Arabic counterpart to Western royal audience halls, are open for people to meet their Sheikhs and to discuss a wide range of topics with them.
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His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah His Highness Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah
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FACTS
Sands of Time A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE UAE
Remnants of early settlements from the Umm al Nar period, about 4,000 to 4,500 years ago, have been found throughout the country, and relatively large oasis towns were established. The remains of a remarkable circular burial tomb can be seen in the Hili Archaeological Garden in Al Ain. Fragments of pottery and metal items are evidence of relations with Mesopotamia, Iran, the Indus Valley, Baluchistan and Bactria, and later Afghanistan. In Mesopotamian sources the areas is referred to as Magan. The Iron Age, about 1,300 to 300 BC, was characterised by two main changes, besides the introduction of iron. First, domesticated camels appeared, allowing major change in the way people travelled on land, while the invention of underground irrigation channels, the so-called falaj, made it possible to increase the distribution of water for irrigation, despite declining rainfall. With more agriculture, and therefore more food available, there was an almost explosive growth in population. During the Late Pre-Islamic area, around 2,300 to 1,700 years ago, the use of horses became common and a large trade network connecting the Gulf areas with Mesopotamia, India and the Mediterranean was established.
The United Arab Emirates have a long history and recent fi ndings support the theory that during the early migration of Man from Africa into Asia, the region provided a key route through which the migrations passed. Archaeological fi ndings provide proof of interaction with the outside world as early as during the Palaeolithic period, over 100,000 years ago. Permanent settlement began during the Neolithic period about 8,000 years ago, with trading links by sea with Iraq being established over 7,000 years ago. By around 5,000 years ago, 3,000 BC, copper was being mined in the Hajar Mountains for export.
© Jumeriah Group
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In the 6th century A.D. Christianity was introduced to the area. Archaeologists found on Sir Bani Yas Island, in western Abu Dhabi, the remains of a monastery that belonged to a Nestorian Christian community.
almost 20,000 sailors. Their clashes with the British, the dominant power at the time in India, led to the area becoming known as the “Pirate Coast”.
Between 630 and 637 A.D. the fi rst envoys of the Prophet Mohamed arrived and used Julfar – today Ras al-Khaimah – as a staging port during their conquest of Iran. Julfar started to flourish and over the centuries became a wealthy port and pearling centre. In 892 A.D. the port again played a strategic role during the Abbasid invasion of Oman. In 963 A.D., the Buyids, a dynasty from Iran, conquered southeastern Arabia.
Meanwhile the Liwa-based Bani Yas discovered water at Milh Island, later named Abu Dhabi, establishing a settlement in around 1761 and, later, building the Al Hosn fort. The new town of Abu Dhabi became an important pearling centre and the political leaders of the Al Bu Falah, the Al Nahyan family, moved to Abu Dhabi.
The 14 th and 15 th centuries were the time of the great seafarers. The fairy tale figure of “Sinbad” shares a lot of features with the region’s most famous sailor, Ahmed bin Majid, born 1421 in Ras al-Khaimah. Bin Majid was one of the most knowledgeable navigators and cartographers of his time. Charts made by him are believed to have helped the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama to find his way from southern Africa to India at the beginning of the 16 th Century. In the 18 th Century, the Al Qawasim, or Qasimi family, in the northern emirates of Ras al-Khaimah and Sharjah, emerged as a major sea power in the region, building up a fleet of more than 60 vessels with
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In the early 19th Century, conflict between the Al Qawasim and the British led, in 1819, to a major attack by a British force, after which, in January 1820, peace treaties were signed with all of the sheikhs of the region, which guaranteed them British protection, while preserving their own sovereignty and control over affairs on land. Renewed and amended, these provided the basis for a British presence in the area until 1971. An agreement between the sheikhs to maintain a truce atled to the area becoming known as the Trucial States. In 1833, members of the Al Bu Falasah, a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, with their leader, Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, becoming the ruler of Dubai. With its creek providing a safe harbour for shipping, it rapidly emerged as an important trading port.
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FACTS
Trade was flourishing, the pearling industry in winter and date farming provided a humble but steady income and allowed the tribes a relatively stable life. The introduction of the cultured pearl by the Japanese stripped the region of its main source of income and triggered a deep economic crisis in the 1920s, with severe consequences for the people. The Dubai Creek, over centuries a harbour for small trading vessels and a good fishing place, came more into focus. In order to further develop commercial activities and to allow more and larger vessel to anchor, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, started an extensive program to develop the creek. The shallow seabed was dredged and the beaches were developed to become quays, suitable for loading and unloading cargo. In the 1930s, oil companies started their first surveys in the area. At this time the first planes also landed in the area and a first airport was built at Sharjah, used as a stopover-point by Imperial Airways on the way to India and Australia. After the Second World War, the surveys were intensified in the 1950s, and with the discovery of oil in 1958, everything changed. What had formally been a widely unnoticed desert region became a place of global interest. In 1962 the first oil tanker left Das Island. Nothing would anymore be as it had been before. Even though the UAE was the last Gulf state to discover oil, what happened afterwards seems like a modern fairy tale. Changes took place almost overnight. With the discovery of oil, international experts came to the region, growing steadily in numbers. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966. He was a leader people trusted, and they felt confident in his abilities to lead the tribe in those difficult times. In his previous appointment as the ruler’s representative in Al Ain, he had gained the respect of the tribesmen and had proven his ability as a wise and caring leader. When Britain announced in 1968 its intention to withdraw from the region, Sheikh Zayed started talks with the neighbouring rulers to join together as a new state. The rulers of Bahrain and Qatar were included, although they decided eventually to choose independent membership of the international community. An agreement among the Trucial States to form a federation was reached in July 1971 and on December 2, 1971 the United Arab Emirates was formed and the flag of the new country was flown for the first time at Jumeirah in Dubai. The initial members were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah. Ras alKhaimah joined the federation in February 1972. Since then the seven Emirates have build up a distinct national identity and the UAE’s political system combines the traditional and the modern. The flag of the Emirates consists of the pan-Arabic colours of red, green, white and black, representing, according to common understanding, the four main historical periods of Islam.
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FACTS
Arabian oryx
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LUXURY ABU DHABI
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The Emirate of Abu Dhabi Of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest, with its 67,340 square kilometres occupying about 86 percent of the total landmass of the UAE. The Emirate consists of the city of Abu Dhabi with its suburbs, the Western Region or “Al Gharbiya”, with the desert of the Empty Quarter and the Liwa Oasis and the Eastern Region surrounding the oasis city of Al Ain. More than 200 islands of different sizes belong to the Emirate. The city of Abu Dhabi, located on an atoll of islands at the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf, is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. It hosts the seats of the President and the Federal Cabinet, foreign embassies and the headquarters of many oil companies. The mangrove-surrounded islands were almost uninhabited until the middle of the 18 th century, although tribesmen would visit the islands regularly during hunting expeditions. Legend has it that hunting Bedouin once followed a gazelle, or ‘dhabi’, fleeing from the main land onto one of the islands, then known as “Milh”, or Salt. The hunters were intrigued and followed. To the great surprise of the hunters, the animal headed straight to what turned out to be a freshwater spring near the north-west coast of the island. This was a great surprise for the Bedouin, and they hurried to share this news with their tribal leaders. Access to fresh water was crucial for the survival of the Bedouin and therefore extremely precious and of great strategic importance. Their leaders decided
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to take control over this new resource and to establish a settlement there. Milh Island was now called “father of the gazelle” – in Arabic “Abu Dhabi”. A fi rst watchtower was build in 1761, and later extended into a small fort – the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, the Qasr al Hosn. Due to its island location the new settlement developed quickly into a vibrant pearl centre. The Al Nahyan family of the Bani Yas tribe moved from their desert residence in the Liwa Oasis to the islands and from 1793 onward ruled the emerging emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Western Region is characterized by large desert landscapes. The name Empty Quarter indicates the inhospitality of this, the largest sand desert of the world. Only the bravest Bedouin could cross this sheer endless desert. Since there is hardly any water or any other resource for human survival, the Quarter was almost uninhabited. In the middle of this harsh region lies the Liwa Oasis, where the Bani Yas tribe lived for centuries. The charming centre of the Eastern Region is the oasis city of Al Ain, one of the world’s oldest continuously-occupied settlements. It was a vital oasis on the caravan routes from Oman. The city’s name Al Ain means “Spring” and relates to the natural springs, originating from the surrounding mountains and feeding the oasis with fresh water. Al Ain is the garden city of the country, covered with lush palm trees and fresh greenery.
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FACTS
Masdar City
© Masdar City
Masdar City seeks to be a vibrant global cleantech cluster that provides an attractive environment for all types of organisations operating in the renewable energy and cleantech industries in addition to ancillary service providers that will support the development of the cluster. Already, it is a community where cutting-edge cleantech research and development, pilot projects, technology testing, and construction on some of the world’s most sustainable buildings are all ongoing. In practical terms, this mean creating the kind of working environment and infrastructure, and providing the services, facilities and other amenities that companies and organizations operating in the cleantech and renewable energy field want and need to succeed. Equally, the city has a vision to provide the highest quality of life and work environment with the lowest environment footprint – and to do so in a commercially viable manner. Being commercially viable is central to this vision because of Masdar City’s goal to be a model city for sustainable urban development elsewhere in the UAE, the MENA region and globally. See more at www.masdarcity.ae
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