Abu Dhabi Guide 2019

EXTRAORDINARY

Abu Dhabi Your essential guide to the UAE capital 2019

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Top 10 Selling Tips

Welcome to

ABU DHABI Discover the enchanting emirate and increase your sales to this diverse and exciting destination

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Arabian Sands

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Sights in the City

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bu Dhabi conjures images of beautiful blue skies, powder-white beaches and glittering

skyscrapers. But there’s more to this enticing emirate than meets the eye.

In this essential guide we’ll shine a spotlight on the must-see sights of the city and wider destinations, as well as great family destinations like the newly opened

cultural attractions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has celebrated its first anniversary, unearthing the delights of the

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We’ll also show you how to delve a little deeper on behalf of your clients, lifting the lid on Abu Dhabi’s great wealth of

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Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi.

Beach Heaven

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Yas Island

Arabian desert, and taking a look at the delightful Al Ain Oasis.

Help your clients to discover extraordinary Abu Dhabi.

In partnership with

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Proudly published by BMI Publishing Ltd ©2019, Suffolk House, George St, Croydon, Surrey, UK, CR9 1SR • T: 020 8649 7233 • E: enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk • W: bmipublishing.co.uk • sellingtravel.co.uk Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions • Publishers: Steven Thompson & Sally Parker • Advertising Manager: Lisa Merrigan • Editorial Director: Steve Hartridge • Contributor: Benjamin Coren • Lead Designer: Monica Notarnicola • Production Manager: Clare Hunter • Managing Director: Matt Bonner • Chief Executive Officer: Martin Steady © All images are courtesy of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

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Al Ain

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

Rixos Saadiyat Island

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal

Saadiyat Rotana Resort

Arabian Gulf Louvre Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Yas Island

Fairmont Marina Resort

Yas Waterworld

Corniche

Abu Dhabi city

Emirates Palace

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Qasr al-Hosn

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The EDITION Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Eastern Mangroves

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers

Yas Beach

Yas Hotel

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Arabian Gulf

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Grand Canal

Abu Dhabi International Airport

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi

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FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

4 High-speed thrills at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Top 10

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The stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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ABU DHABI selling tips

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Keep these great facts to hand and you're guaranteed to secure those valuable sales

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Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi is now open

Etihad Airways

(etihad.com) offers triple-daily services to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, and

flies twice daily from Manchester and Dublin. When customers

Essentials

Time: GMT +4 hours Currency: Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) • International dial code: +971 • Language: Arabic, though English is widely spoken • Visas: British passport holders get a free 30-day visa • Religion: Islam • When to go: Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate The with year-round sunshine. Temperatures stunning average 24C in the winter (Nov to Apr).

Sheikh Zayed Summer (May to Sep) can reach 45C, Grand Mosque, and hotels offer superb rates came third in during this warmer TripAdvisor’s list of time.

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the world’s top 25

travel with Etihad from London or Manchester, they can benefit

landmarks. It’s free to enter

from better value in Abu Dhabi with the ‘Extraordinary Abu

and open to members of all religious faiths.

Dhabi Pass’ (etihad.com/saveinabudhabi) and save up to

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£150pp over a 5-night stay with discounts at leading attractions, restaurants and on leisure activities.

Remind clients looking for beach bliss that Abu Dhabi is home to top beach destinations including Saadiyat Island,

Yas Beach, Zaya Nurai Island and the Corniche.

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stopover destination en route to Asia or Australia.

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Journey times are just seven hours, making Abu Dhabi a great alternative to the Caribbean and North Africa for

those in search of winter sun. Abu Dhabi is also a perfect

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Abu Dhabi has a well-planned, modern road system and taxis are reasonably priced and plentiful and all of the

major car hire companies have a presence in the emirate.

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Families will adore Yas Island (see p8), where Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,

Chill out at Saadiyat Beach Club

Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros.

World™ Abu Dhabi rub shoulders with the capital's largest shopping mall, a Links golf

For visitors in search of a cultural experience, Louvre Abu Dhabi (see p6) has celebrated its one-year anniversary.

Works by a number of masters are on display in the gallery.

Looking for the best views in the city? Direct clients towards the Observation Deck at 300, a sky-high

restaurant on the 74th floor of the luxurious Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel.

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A cruise is a fantastic way to experience Abu Dhabi, with both MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offering day

excursions of the city and desert-island paradise, Sir Bani Yas.

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Abu Dhabi is a great shopping destination featuring a combination of modern malls, such as Yas Mall and

traditional souks. New developments include the Al Maryah

course and a world-class F1

Central shopping project and Reem Mall which are set to open

race track.

in 2020.

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SOFITEL ABU DHABI CORNICHE

FRENCH ELEGANCE IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI

Embark an exciting journey to Abu Dhabi when you stay at the beautiful and luxurious Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, a 5-star skyscraper perfectly located at the heart of the capital, along the Corniche road. It is your ideal base from which to enjoy your visit whether it is for business or leisure.

The Hotel offers 280 rooms and suites, whose contemporary design elegantly blends the modern art “à la française” with the oriental service. Among its guestrooms, the hotel counts 47 sophisticated suites located at the top floors, offering some of the best views of the magnificent Arabian Gulf.

For relaxation, the Hotel has a wonderful free-form swimming pool where you can lounge and enjoy the sun. SoSPA offers the ultimate spa experience with a rejuvenating menu of therapies and treatment that ensures soothing and calming results, with sauna and steam facilities. On top of that, you may continue your fitness well-being with SoFIT, featuring a full range of equipment.

A complimentary shuttle is also available for you to enjoy the prime tourist destinations in the city including the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, Yas Island with the famous Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld and Formula 1 Circuit. In addition, the shuttle also travels to the Corniche and Saadiyat beaches for some sun soaked fun.

Enter the world of culinary magic with the different restaurants and bars available in the hotel from buffets to a la carte menus.

Make Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche your home in Abu Dhabi, where magnifique memories are created.

For inquiries and reservations please contact: +971 2 813 7777 or send an email to: H7507@sofitel.com www.sofitelabudhabicorniche.com

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Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

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Sights

OF THE CITY

Discovering Qasr Al Hosn

With over 4,000 years of history to draw on Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as the cultural hub of the Arabian Peninsula

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi’s stunning

Top tip

Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque has come third in TripAdvisor’s list of the world’s top 25 landmarks, beating the likes of the Taj mahal in india and

The Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates one year

Peru’s machu Picchu. Able to accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers, it features 82 domes, more than 1,000 marble weighs 35 tonnes and took 1,200 women two years to make.

Qasr Al Hosn – The White Fort

Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque is open to all faiths, is free to

Abu Dhabi city’s oldest

enter and guided tours are offered daily. szgmc.ae

stone building, Qasr Al Hosn –

columns and the world’s largest handmade carpet, which

The Abu Dhabi Culture app for iOS and Android devices offers a gateway of information for visitors to Abu Dhabi. Gain access to cultural life and heritage via the app and information from the main website

also known as The White Fort –

Louvre Abu Dhabi

reopened on 7th December 2018,

The louvre Abu Dhabi celebrated its first anniversary in

following extensive restoration work. Built in 1761 to defend the

November 2018. its collection comprises more than 600 pieces

only fresh-water well on Abu Dhabi island, the fort has

of art, displayed across 23 state-of-the-art galleries. Drawn from

become a symbol of Emirati heritage.

civilisations around the world, the works tell the story of shared

Following years of restoration and careful

human experience from ancient times to the present day.

development, the fort will showcase historical

The permanent collection is complemented by around 300 Learn about Abu Dhabi's past on a Pearl Journey tour

masterpieces on loan from major

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artefacts, photographs and memorabilia throughout the museum and visitor centre. alhosn.ae

French institutions, including works by monet, matisse, and

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Da Vinci.

Falcons were used for centuries by the Bedouin

louvreabudhabi.ae

for hunting. Today hunting is banned in the UAE

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Top tip

Emiratis

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

practise

Clients looking for a unique

but many

falconry for sport and to

way to learn some Emirati history can take the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. Sailing through the

honour the

city’s natural mangroves on a traditional pearl-diving vessel,

traditions of the

they’ll learn how pearl diving formed the basis of the region’s

past. Birds are

The stunnning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

ace

The ‘Emirati Experiences’ initiative showcases Abu Dhabi from a local’s view with a selection of tours designed and led by Emirati nationals. Tours include exploring of a traditional UAE neighbourhood, cycling the Corniche and pearling. Book via visitabudhabi.ae

regarded as members of the family and get regular check-ups at the Abu Dhabi

economy before the oil boom, and of the hardships the pearlers underwent. They’ll also get to shuck their own oysters and keep any pearls they find inside! adpearljourney.com

Falcon Hospital, the largest and most

Emirates Palace

advanced of its kind in the world.

Palace Cappuccino with real gold flakes

Opened in 1990, the hospital is one of the

Stretching over a kilometre from wing to wing, Abu Dhabi’s

emirate's most popular tourist attractions.

most palatial hotel sits on a 1.3km stretch of private beach.

Public tours are run Sunday to Thursday at

Facilities include 11 restaurants, two pools, a lavish spa and a

10am and 2pm.

private marina. Stop by for tea and try the Palace Cappuccino,

falconhospital.com

sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. emiratespalace.com

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8 Zaya Nurai features 32 private villas

Fun and games beside the sea

Beach

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Head to one of Abu Dhabi’s golden beaches to soak up some rays and relax in its turquoise waters

The Corniche Escape and soak up some rays

The beating heart of the city, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is an 8km promenade that is home to

Saadiyat Beach This 9km ribbon of pristine white sand has a magnificent public

lifeguarded beaches, restaurants, cafes, children’s play areas

beach, as well as

and cycle and pedestrian pathways. Located at the St. Regis

private sections that

Abu Dhabi on the Corniche is the Nation Riviera Beach Club

can be accessed from all

(nationrivierabeachclub.com), which offers amazing views of

of the island's hotels (see

the bay. The club is opened to hotel residents, members and

page 18), and from the super stylish

guests for a day and is accessible via air conditioned tunnels.

Saadiyat Beach Club (saadiyatbeachclub.ae) with its own

Enjoy its private sandy beach, swimming pool, bar, outdoor

outdoor pool, workout room, private cabanas and more.

Jacuzzi and the Pirate Ship indoor-outdoor kids play area.

Visitors can also take part in beach yoga classes and eco-

Relax on beautiful Saadiyat Beach at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas

friendly watersports activities. Go from April to August for the

Yas Beach

chance to spot endangered hawksbill turtles that come to nest

Facilities at this pristine beach are second-to-none, and

each year among the dunes. Saadiyat.ae

include a shaded kids’ splash pool, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, jet skis, volleyball, an authentic

Zaya Nurai Island

Italian pizza restaurant and a stylish beach lounge (adults only

The ultimate escape, this private-island resort is reached in

on Fridays) complete with DJ booth and infinity pool.

15 minutes by private speedboat from Saadiyat Island.

Guests staying at any of Yas Island’s seven hotels and hotel

More akin to the Maldives than the Arabian Peninsula, the

apartments can enjoy complimentary access to the crystal

boutique private island’s 32 villas offer direct beach access,

clear waters and natural mangrove surrounds, in the tranquil

plunge pools and personal butlers. Inspired by the Arabic word

getaway at the beach. Yas Plaza guests will need to collect a

‘nur’ meaning light, the island offers plenty of authentic dining

voucher from their hotel reception to enter for free.

options supporting a fresh food-to-fork philosophy.

yasbeach.ae

Zayanuraiisland.com

In partnership with

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O N CE IN A L I F E T I M E E XPE RIE N C E T H AT I S E XCL U S I VE LY Y O U R S .

A BU D HA BI

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PA R IS

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Take sanctuary from the bustle of the everyday at InterContinental Abu Dhabi where an exclusive escape awaits you. Wether you are simply taking in the spectacular view from any one of our exquisit guest rooms, relaxing with a tranquile dip in the hotel’s swimming pools, or indlulging in a gastronomic adventure at any of the 9 award winning restaurants and bars with all inclusive dine around consept.

Our facilities, people and wealth of knowledge will ensure you are fully rested and recharged.

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LOND ON

BA NG K OK

SHA NG HA I

SYD NEY

For more information please visit intercontinental.com/abudhabi

Live th e Int e r C o ntin e nt al life .

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Formula Rossa is the world's fastest rollercoaster

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With millions of visitors enjoying its leisure and entertainment experiences annually, Yas island is well on the way to becoming one of the world's top 10 destinations for families

Warner Bros.

World™ Abu Dhabi

Warner bros. World™ abu dhabi is NOW OPeN!

Top tip

The highly anticipated Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi opened in July 2018, bringing some of the world’s most iconic characters and stories under one roof

the serene waters of Yas Marina

for the first time in the region. Experience the six immersive lands including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, as well as Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros.

Island's highest point.

Plaza. The park features 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive

Younger kids can

family-friendly attractions, live entertainment and plenty of

practise their racing skills

themed restaurants and shopping outlets.

at the Junior GP or make a pit

wbworldabudhabi.com

stop at the Junior Training

Save money with a one-day or two-day Yas Park Pass, offering discounted entry to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. yasexperiences.com

Academy, complete with climbing

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

walls, slides, trapezes, gymnastic rings and

The world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park offers fun for the

suspension bridges.

whole family. The star attraction, Formula Rossa, hits a top

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

speed of 240kph in just 4.9 seconds, making it the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Not to be outdone, the Flying Aces rollercoaster has the tallest inverted F ER RA RI

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churning 52m. And the thrills

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thrillseekers will love Ferrari World abu dhabi

loop in the world – a stomachkeep coming – Turbo Track, hits

Yas Links The first true Links coastal golf course in the Middle East, Yas Links boasts a magnificent eighteen-hole course. With an astonishing 112

experience the F1 etihad airways abu dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

bunkers and a breathtaking backdrop of the

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new highs by launching its

Arabian Sea, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a perfect

'victims' vertically through the

stop for gulf enthusiasts.

park’s famous red roof to Yas

yaslinks.com

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Cool off at the popular Yas Waterworld

Yas Marina

Yas Waterworld

suspended

Looking for the

the Bandit

coolest attraction around? Then

rollercoaster, Bomber.

More than a marina, the destination offers restaurants and bars located along the waterside promenade, with views of the Yas Marina Circuit and superyachts. Outlets are located along the waterside promenade with views of the Yas Marina Circuit. Visitors can also find water sports and boat charters.

yaswaterworld.com

splash down in Abu Dhabi with a trip to Yas Waterworld, home to more rides, slides and attractions than any other waterpark in the Middle East. Parents love the fact they can relax while younger kids

Yas Marina Circuit Each November, Yas Marina Circuit is famously home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the spectacular conclusion to the F1 season. But there’s plenty going on throughout the rest of the year too. Petrolheads can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the state-of-the-art circuit,

enjoy the biggest children’s play area in Arabia.

or drive the track in an Aston Martin, Jaguar, or Mercedes AMG.

Meanwhile, teens (and the young at heart) can

While on Sundays and Tuesdays, visitors can jog, cycle or walk

dive into all sorts of wet and wild thrills – surf

the track for free as part of a brilliant local health initiative.

the world’s largest sheet wave, Bubble’s Barrel;

2018s race weekend featured concerts by The Weekend,

drop through a giant funnel in a six-person raft

Sam Smith and Guns N' Roses.

on Dawwama; or soak up Arabia’s longest

yasmarinacircuit.com

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12 The endangered Arabian Oryx

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No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without some desert fun. Your clients will love these must-do Arabian adventures

The Empty Quarter You don’t have to travel

Luxury stays on Sir Bani Yas

far from the city before the desert takes hold. Much of the Western Al Dhafra Region is comprised of

Hotel (tilalliwa. danathotels.com), a Danat property and sister to Al Raha Beach. Deeper in still is

Extreme dune bashing adventures

Top tip

The Empty Quarter is recognised as one of the world's few 'dark sky' regions, thanks to its lack of light pollution. Grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope and look to the sky – stargazing doesn't get better than this!

Arabian Nights Village

the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) – the largest expanse of sand

(arabiannightsvillage.com),

in the world. Made famous by British explorer Sir Wilfred

where woven Bedouin tents and traditional mud and palm-

Thesiger, who chronicled two expeditions and more recently

frond houses offer comfortable accommodation among the

seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the desert planet

dunes, with a fully licensed restaurant and outdoor pool on

Jakku. Day trips are popular, with clients able to experience

site. For the ultimate in luxury, suggest Qasr Al Sarab Desert

the majesty of the sands alongside a range of exhilarating

Resort by Anantara (qasralsarab.anantara.com). Built to

activities. Typically, guests are collected from their hotel in the

resemble an old Arabian fortress, this five-star retreat offers

city and treated to a selection of modern and traditional fun,

sweeping desert views, a sumptuous spa, world-class cuisine

which includes dune bashing in 4x4s, camel trekking, sand

and the full complement of desert activities.

surfing and dinner beneath the stars before being dropped back at their hotel door. Etihad Holidays (eyholidays4agents.

Sir Bani Yas Safari

co.uk), If Only (agents.ifonly.net), Gold Medal (goldmedal.

Offer clients something they’d never expect to find in the

co.uk) and Travel2 (travel2.com) all offer half- or full-day

Middle East – the chance to see highly endangered Arabian

desert excursions.

oryx, Barbary sheep, gazelles, giraffes and even cheetahs on an open-jeep safari on Sir Bani Yas Island. Stretching over

Cross the desert on camel back

Arabian Nights Urge clients to consider a night or two at one of Abu

1,400 hectares, the Arabian Wildlife park is the protected wilderness home to thousands of free-roaming animals and birds. Book your clients into one of the island’s three luxurious

Dhabi’s desert hotels.

Anantara hotels (sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com) and add

Perched on the edge of

activities such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, snorkelling

the dunes, is the Tilal Liwa

and falconry to wildlife encounters. sirbaniyasisland.com

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The ancient Qasr Al Muwaji fortress

Awesome al ain

The iconic Al Jahili Fort

For an authentic taste of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, send clients to the rustic charms of Al Ain, about a 90-minute drive from the capital

Al Jahili Fort Built in 1891 to defend the city’s palm

Stay here

groves, this picturepostcard fort is now home to an exhibition about British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the deserts of the Empty

Discover Qasr Al Muwaji's museum

Quarter twice in the 1940s and 1950s, disguised as a Bedouin.

It opened its doors to visitors in 2008 and has since acted as a focal point for historical and cultural activities. It is one of the

Al Ain Oasis

largest forts in the UAE and was restored between 2007 and

The Al Ain Oasis is the first

2008. Entry to the fort is free of charge and it is open to the

UNESCO World Heritage

public daily.

Site in the UAE open to the

Clients looking to stay overnight should consider the Hilton Al Ain (hilton.com) or the five-star Al Ain Rotana, whose spacious rooms, suites and chalets are complemented by an inviting pool and spa (rotana.com)

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public. The visitors’ centre

Qasr Al Muwaiji

provides insight into how the region’s

This modern museum has been built around the ruins of a

inhabitants began taming the desert 4,000 years ago, while a

century-old fortress that was home to generations of Abu

nifty new app allows visitors to navigate the shady walkways

Dhabi’s ruling dynasty. It recounts the history of the fortress

and many working date farms. The visitor centre features a

and its famous residents, as well as the wider history and

series of interactive exhibits and highlights the measure

archaeology of Al Ain. Visitors can experience a variety of

being taken to preserve the delicate oasis eco-

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historical and traditional experiences. The museum also offers an insight into

system, which sprawls 3,000 acres and houses up to 100 different varieties of vegetation.

the timeline of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family associated with Qasr Al

Al Ain Zoo

Muwaji told via interactive

Spread over 400 hectares at the foot of Abu

activities and performances.

Dhabi’s highest peak, Al Ain Zoo is home to

qasralmuwaiji.ae

more than 4,000 animals and is the region’s

Stay at the five-star Al Ain Rotana

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Guests can

Wadi Adventure

see plenty of

Be sure to point thrill

largest zoo.

amazing species including the indigenous Arabian Oryx, the big-horned Al Ain Oasis is the UAE's first UNESCO site

Barbary sheep, rhinos, hippos, tigers and lions.

Highlights at the zoo include

Dusty and chaotic, Al Ain's camel market is a wonderful immersion in Arabian culture

seekers towards Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first and only man-made white-water rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding facility. The park is located at the base of Jebel Hafeet and features three white water channels, an aerial adventure course featuring 18 obstacles, two-leveled airpark, a 200-metre zip line, vertical climbing wall and a 14-metre high giant swing. wadiadventure.ae

feeding giraffes, a walk-through lemur enclosure and safari tours in 26-seater trucks or

White water rafting at Wadi Adventure

Best of the rest

private SUVs through a 217-hectare landscape

Dusty, pungent and chaotic, Al Ain’s camel market is a

which more than 250 African and Arabian

wonderful immersion in Arabian culture. Both the Palace and

animals call home. Don't miss the learning

National museums shed light on Al Ain’s history. For a bird’s

centre and the numerous cafe and restaurant

eye view, take the snaking road up Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s

offerings. alainzoo.ae

highest peak.

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TIMELESS ARABIAN DESTINATIONS.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF ARABIA. Whatever your dream getaway, Anantara Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi has it all.

Stay at an urban sanctuary in the heart of the capital at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, escape to a haven of nature and serenity at one of the three Anantara Resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island, or explore a luxury oasis at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.

Email crome@anantara.com or call +971 2 895 8700

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com CAMBODIA • CHINA • INDONESIA • MALDIVES • MOZAMBIQUE • OMAN • PORTUGAL • QATAR • SRI LANKA • THAILAND • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • VIETNAM • ZAMBIA

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Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

17 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Kayaking in the magrove forest

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ats bo

Get

Active

From golf to go-karting and scenic flights to stand-up paddle boards, there’s no shortage of excitement in action-packed Abu Dhabi

Yellow Boats speedboat ride

Tee time

World of water

Tee off at any of Abu

Guided tours by kayak

Dhabi’s five pay-and-play golf courses, all of which have certified

or stand-up paddle board are two popular

Top tip

Abu Dhabi is firmly established on the Formula 1 calendar, and the destination really celebrates the race weekend. Special packages are available featuring hotels, race tickets and concerts by top music acts

PGA professionals on the books. Favourite fairways include the

ways to explore Mangrove

award-winning Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the annual Abu

National Park, 19 square

Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour event;

kilometres of mangrove forest.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, Arabia’s only true links golf

Companies like Sea Hawk Water Sports (sea-hawk.ae) include

course; and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf

beach and swimming stops during their tours. Offer a fresh

Club, the first ocean course in the region. Yas Links Abu Dhabi

perspective with a Seawings seaplane tour (seawings.ae) with

welcomes bookings from non-members, giving everyone the

a water take-off from Emirates Palace or Yas Marina and

opportunity to test themselves on its demanding 7,450 yards. A

panoramic views of Yas Island, the Corniche and the city’s

nine-hole academy course, floodlit practice facilities and a

famous landmarks. Thrill clients with a 60-minute Yellow Boats

great restaurant, Hickory’s, round out facilities. yaslinks.com

speedboat ride along the waterfront. theyellowboats.com

Graciously Thai in the Heart of Abu Dhabi Sultan Bin Zayed the First (Al Muroor Road), Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates.

P.O. Box 52799. Tel: +971 (2) 698 8888 | Email: sales.abudhabi@dusit.com Learn more at www.dusit.com/dtad

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ONT MAR FAIRM INA

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Fairmont Marina resort will open in 2019

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The new Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel

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AB UD HAB I

THE EDITION ABU DHABI

18

ANA H ROT

OTELS AND RESOR

New

HOTELS

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Newly-opened Saadiyat Rotana

Abu Dhabi’s landscape feels ever-changing. We take a look at the latest hotel developments opening now and on the horizon JUM

AH

HO T EL

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The Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort

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Resort & Villas' full opening took place on October 30, 2018. Sitting on Abu

The beachfront

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Saadiyat Rotana

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Saadiyat Rotana

resort overlooks 400 metres of protected sand dunes. The hotel comprises 293

Dhabi’s best beach, it features stylish rooms and plush beach

rooms, eight villas with

villas, a choice of eight restaurants and Bodylines, Fitness &

private pool, 64 suites

Wellness Centre.

and six panoramic suites

rotana.com

which feature stunning floor-to-ceiling glass walls. jumeirah.com

W Hotel Marriott International took over Yas Viceroy on July 1, 2018.

Abu Dhabi EDITION

The hotel is currently Yas Hotel and will rebrand over the

The Abu Dhabi EDITION has joined the waterfront of Al Bateen

coming months into a W Hotel.

after opening in October 2018. The hotel features guest rooms and exclusive serviced residences. Guests also have access to

Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort

two signature restaurants, a gourmet market, lobby and pool

Jumeirah will soon start operations at Al Wathba Desert

bars and a three-storey nightclub.

Resort. The resort is located 30 minutes out of Abu Dhabi

editionhotels.com

city in the desert and will offer five JUMEIR

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restaurants, a kids club and desert excursions.

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Also opening...

Rixos Saadiyat Island resort opened in late 2018.

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Fairmont Marina Resort & Residences will open in autumn

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Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

2019, and Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Resort is scheduled to open in 2019. The Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residence

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

Emirates Pearl opened in 2018 located next to Bab Al Qasr on

opened in November 2018.

the Corniche.

The Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

In partnership with

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