Abu Dhabi Guide 2021

extraordinary

Abu Dhabi Your essential guide to the UAE capital 2020/2021

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Top 10 Selling Tips

Welcome to

abu dhabi

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New Moves

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

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Arabian Sands

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bu Dhabi conjures images of beautiful blue skies, powder-

white beaches and glittering

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Sights in the City

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

In this essential guide we will shine a spotlight on the must-see sights of the emirate, as well as great family favourites including Warner Bros.

World™ Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and stunning beaches.

We’ll show you how to delve a little deeper on behalf of your clients, lifting the lid on Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan (also known as the Presidential Palace); uncovering the Arabian desert and the oasis city of Al Ain and revealing the emirate’s natural wonders, including the recently-opened Al Jubail Mangrove Park.

In partnership with

Learn

Sign up to the Abu Dhabi Specialist training programme (abudhabispecialist.com) for all the tools and resources you need to sell Abu Dhabi - from product tips to itineraries and an interactive map.

Complete to get an e-certificate.

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Yas Island

Proudly published by BMI Publishing Ltd ©2020, 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: Laura Gelder & Benjamin Coren • Senior Designer: Louisa Horton • Production Manager: Clare Hunter • Managing Director: Matt Bonner • CEO: Martin Steady © All images are courtesy of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

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Beach Heaven

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Al Ain

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Get Active

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Rotana Resort

Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal

Zayed National Museum

Al Jubail Mangrove Park

Arabian Gulf Louvre Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Island

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi

Yas Island

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Corniche

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi city

Qasr Al Emirates Watan Palace

Qasr al-Hosn

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Yas Marina Circuit

Anantara Eastern Mangroves Eastern Mangroves

Yas Beach

Yas Island Hotels

The EDITION Abu Dhabi

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Arabian Gulf

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal

v i s i ta b ud ha b i . a e

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Abu Dhabi International Airport

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

Dhabi

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 flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, Manchester and

Dublin. When customers travel with Etihad they can benefit

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

from better value in Abu Dhabi with the ‘Extraordinary Abu

landmarks. It’s free to enter

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

and open to members of all religious faiths.

£150pp over a five-night stay with discounts at leading

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attractions, restaurants and on leisure activities.

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Flight 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 stopover destination en route to Asia or Australia. Etihad Airways has a two-nights-for free stopover initiative.

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Abu Dhabi has a well-planned, modern road system. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. All of the major car hire

companies have a presence in the emirate.

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At Yas Island (see p8), Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld

Chill out at Saadiyat Beach Club

Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros.

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

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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For a cultural experience, Louvre Abu Dhabi (see p6) is home to permanent works and temporary exhibitions.

There is also a Children's Museum for little ones.

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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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Remind clients nervous of flying with children about Etihad Airways inflight services. Kids can sit back and

make the most of movies, games and cartoons on E-Box and

links golf course and a F1

delve into a children's activity pack. On long haul flights, the

race track.

airline's Flying Nanny service offers a break for parents

In partnership with

5 Al Jubail Mangrove Park

New

The modern Warner Bros hotel

moves Abu Dhabi never rests on its laurels - new resorts, hotels and attractions open all the time to add to the emirate's exciting array of experiences

Refreshed shopping

Head to CLYMB to experience the free-fall feeling in the world’s biggest indoor skydiving chamber

retail, leisure, dining and entertainment centre which will house

Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island

450 stores, 85 restaurants and the world’s largest indoor snow-

This 641-room, five-

play park – Snow Abu Dhabi – offering activities like sledging

star resort will have

and zorbing! Meanwhile, Galleria Al Maryah Island (thegalleria.

seven food and beverage

ae) has expanded to add over 300 brands, 250,000 square feet

options and is part of the modern

of entertainment space and 70 new dining options.

Yas Bay development, which will include a recreational pier.

Reem Mall (reemmall.ae) is a new a 2.8-million-square-foot

when it opens in 2021.

W Abu Dhabi -­Yas Island

hilton.com

At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment epicentre, this is the only hotel in the world sitting above a Grand Prix racetrack.

Etihad Arena

Expect Bedouin-inspired tents and seating inspired by the

Also in Yas Bay, this new 18,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor

mangroves, On the roof is the brand’s iconic WET poolside

arena is set to host a big-name concerts and events once it

experience with live DJ sets and guests can enjoy eclectic

opens, adding to the area's reputation for entertainment.

dining ranging from Peruvian to Lebanese. marriott.co.uk

Zayed National Museum The WB Abu Dhabi

This planned addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District will

Adjacent to the Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi theme park,

narrate the story of the late Sheikh Zayed

this 250-room hotel will feature a modern décor celebrating

Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding

Warner Bros.’ films and TV, signature WB restaurants, a spa and

father of the UAE. Exhibits at the

fitness club, kids’ club and a shaded rooftop pool overlooking

Lord Norman Foster

Yas Island’s distinctive skyline. wbworldabudhabi.com

designed facility will highlight the geography

Emirates Palace

and history of the

One of the world's most opulent hotels is now managed by

region and its cultural

Mandarin Oriental and will benefit from upgrades to rooms as

ties with countries

well as new bars and restaurants. mandarinoriental.com

around the world

v i s i ta b ud ha b i . a e

The Zayed National Museum will explore the UAE’s unification plus the region's history and culture

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Sights

Learn about Abu Dhabi's past on a Pearl Journey tour

Ro

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of the city

Discovering Qasr Al Hosn

From world-leading art to incredible feats of architecture and ancient Arabic heritage, Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a cultural hub in the region

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 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's celebrated collection comprises more

following extensive restoration work. Built in 1761 to defend the

than 600 pieces of art, displayed across 23 state-of-the-art

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

galleries. Drawn from civilisations around the world, the works

become a symbol of Emirati heritage.

tell the story of shared human experience from ancient times to

Following years of restoration and careful

the present day. The permanent collection is complemented

development, the fort will showcase historical

by around 300 masterpieces on loan from major French institutions, including works by Titian, Rodin,

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

and Mondrian. The Art Lounge offers stunning views of the

Qasr Al Watan

Abu Dhabi skyline.

Now open to the public, the stunning Presidential

louvreabudhabi.ae

Palace houses the formal offices of the President,

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

In partnership with

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The stunnning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Top tip

and Crown

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

Prince of Abu

Clients looking for a unique

Vice President

Dhabi. As well as giving an insight into the UAE's governing The stunning Qasr Al Watan

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

traditions, it offers access to opulent halls and chambers usually reserved for state guests and

way to learn some Emirati history can take the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. Sailing through the city’s natural mangroves on a traditional pearl-diving vessel, they’ll learn how pearl diving formed the basis of the region’s 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

cabinet meetings. Visitors can also view a display of diplomatic gifts received from heads of

Palace Cappuccino with real gold flakes

Emirates Palace

state and visit the House of Knowledge to see a

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

collection of rare artefacts, books, manuscripts

most palatial hotel, now managed by Mandarin Oriental, sits on

and antiquities. Each evening a spectacular light

a 1.3km stretch of private beach. It has 11 restaurants, two

and sound show takes place on the palace's

pools, a lavish spa and a private marina. Even the Cappuccino

exterior and tells its story. qasralwatan.ae

is sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. emiratespalace.com

v i s i ta b ud ha b i . a e

8 The private beach at Emirates Palace

Zaya Nurai features 32 private villas

Beach

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

Saadiyat Beach Club

The Corniche 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-

Turtles on Saadiyat Beach

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

BECOME AN ABU DHABI SPECIALIST Register for your chance to win a 5-star trip to Abu Dhabi, plus one of 100 Love2Shop vouchers worth £50 The Abu Dhabi Specialist online learning program is designed to provide you with the knowledge and resources to sell more unique holidays to Abu Dhabi. Learn how to overcome booking barriers, receive tailored itineraries for different types of clients, get insider tips from locals and more. Gain the knowledge to create that dream holiday for your clients – become an Abu Dhabi Specialist today!

www.abudhabispecialist.com

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Ferrari W or ld Ab u

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Discover

Formula Rossa is the world's fastest rollercoaster

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YAS island

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The ultimate leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Island is made for kids and adults alike thanks to its thrilling theme parks and spectacular sports venues - some transforming into night hot spots

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi

Warner Bros.

World™ Abu Dhabi One theme park bringing some of the world’s most iconic characters and stories under one roof in six immersive lands including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham

Be seen at the trendy Yas Marina

City, as well as Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. The park features 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, live entertainment

Junior GP or make a

and plenty of themed restaurants and shopping outlets.

pit stop at the Junior

wbworldabudhabi.com

Training Academy, complete with climbing

Coming soon

Part of Yas Bay with its 18,000-capacity venue, the fivestar Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island will feature seven restaurants. The WB Abu Dhabi will be the first Warner Bros-themed hotel in the world! Both hotels will open in 2021

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

walls, slides, trapezes,

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

gymnastic rings and

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

suspension bridges.

speed of 240kph in just 4.9 seconds, making it the world’s

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

fastest rollercoaster. Not to be outdone, the Flying Aces rollercoaster has the tallest inverted loop in the world – a stomach-churning 52m. And the thrills keep coming – Turbo Track, hits new highs by launching its Experience the F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit

'victims' vertically through the

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 bunkers and a

park’s famous red roof to

breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian

Yas Island's highest point.

Sea, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a perfect stop

Younger kids can practise

for gulf enthusiasts.

their racing skills at the

yaslinks.com

In partnership with

Climb the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall at CLYMB Abu Dhabi

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Top tip

Save money with a one-day or two-day Yas Park Pass, offering discounted entry to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Or, take your Etihad Airways boarding pass to make use of discounts, thanks to their Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass experiencehub.com

Yas Marina

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.

Cool off at the popular Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Splash out, literally, with a trip to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, home to more rides, slides and attractions than any other waterpark in the Middle East. Parents can relax while

Yas Marina Circuit Each November, Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the spectacular conclusion to the F1 season. But there’s plenty going on all-year-round.

Petrolheads can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the circuit, or drive the track in an Aston Martin, Jaguar, or Mercedes AMG. And on Sundays and Tuesdays, visitors can jog, cycle or walk the track thanks to a local health initiative. 2019 race weekends had concerts from The Killers and Lana Del Ray. yasmarinacircuit.com

kids enjoy the biggest children’s play area in Arabia and thrill seekers can dive into wet and wild

CLYMB Abu Dhabi

rides. Surf the world’s largest sheet wave, Bubble’s

A geometrically-designed building houses the world’s biggest

Barrel; drop through a giant funnel in a six-person

indoor skydiving flight chamber and world’s tallest indoor

raft on Dawwama; or soak up Arabia’s longest

climbing wall. Little ones as young as three can try a sky dive

suspended rollercoaster, the Bandit Bomber.

while climbers can attempt all levels of scramble up to The

yaswaterworld.com

SUMMYT™, a towering 43-metre wall. clymbabudhabi.com

v i s i tav biud s i ta habbud i . aha e bi.ae

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Anantara Hot

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Arabian

Luxury stays on Sir Bani Yas

SANDS

You can't visit Abu Dhabi without venturing into its timeless desert for a true Bedouin experience and a glimpse of wild Arabia

The endangered Arabian Oryx

The Empty Quarter

Bedouin tents and

You don’t have to travel

palm-frond houses

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

traditional mud and offer comfortable lodging among the

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!

dunes, plus a licensed

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

restaurant and pool. Five-star

sand in the world. Made famous by British explorer Sir Wilfred

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara (qasralsarab.anantara.

Thesiger, and more recently seen in Star Wars: The Force

com) is built to resemble an old Arabian fortress with sweeping

Awakens as the desert planet Jakku. Day trips are popular and

views, a sumptuous spa and world-class cuisine. Al Wathba, a

typically guests are collected from their hotel to be treated to

Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, draws inspiration from

a mix of modern and traditional fun, like dune bashing in 4x4s,

historic desert villages, with courtyards, Arabian-style rooms

camel trekking, sand surfing and dinner beneath the stars.

and water features giving it an oasis feel. It also features a pool,

Etihad Holidays (eyholidays4agents.co.uk), If Only (agents.

six restaurants and bars and activities like fat biking and axe-

ifonly.net), Gold Medal (goldmedal.co.uk) and Travel2

throwing. At Telal Resort, in the Remah Desert near Al Ain,

(travel2.com) all offer half- or full-day options.

visitors can spot some of the region’s rarest species of antelopes, from ones of it heritage suites, rooms or tented villas.

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

Sir Bani Yas Safari

desert hotels. Perched on the edge of the dunes is the Tilal

Offer clients the chance to see highly endangered Arabian

Liwa Hotel (tilalliwa.danathotels.

Cross the desert on camel back

com), a Danat property and

oryx, Barbary sheep, gazelles, giraffes and even cheetahs on an open-jeep safari on Sir Bani Yas Island. Stretching over 1,400

sister to Al Raha Beach.

hectares, the Arabian Wildlife park is a protected wilderness

Deeper still is Arabian

home to thousands of free-roaming animals and birds. Book

Nights Village

one of the island’s three luxurious Anantara hotels (sir-bani-

(arabiannightsvillage.

yas-island.anantara.com) and add activities like hiking,

com), where woven

mountain biking, kayaking or falconry. sirbaniyasisland.com

In partnership with

13 The dunes of Saadiyat Island

Kayaking in the magrove forest

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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

and catering

Tee off at any of Abu Dhabi’s five pay-and-play golf

on-demand. arabian-breeze.com.

courses, all of which have certified

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 their books. Favourite fairways include the

Wheely fun

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

The Al Wathba Cycling Track is

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour

one of the UAE’s premier cycling

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

destinations. Surrounded by miles of desert, it promises

golf course; and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf

picturesque vistas. The illuminated track is 30km-long and

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

offers four routes, depending on ability. For a more casual bike

welcomes non-members, giving everyone the opportunity to

ride, visitors can cycle Abu Dhabi’s famous Corniche.

test themselves on its demanding 7,450 yards. A nine-hole

FunRideSports even hires out bikes which can fit two or three

academy course, floodlit practice facilities and a great

passengers. Yas Island has purpose-built cycling paths with

restaurant, Hickory’s, round out facilities. troonabudhabi.com

signage, maps, water stations and shaded rest areas, and don’t forget that you can cycle around Yas Marina Circuit (see p.11).

World of water Explore Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests by kayak or stand-up

Stay fit

paddle board at Mangrove National Park or the newly opened

Those who want to stay fit on holiday will find top-notch gyms

Jubail Mangrove Park. (park.jubailisland.ae).. Companies like

and sports facilties abound. Zayed Sports City is is home to

Sea Hawk Water Sports (sea-hawk.ae) include beach and

everything from basketball

swimming stops during their tours. Offer a Seawings seaplane

and tennis courts to an ice

tour (seawings.ae) with a water take-off from Yas Marina and

rink (zsc.ae/en) while

panoramic views of Yas Island, the Corniche and other city

CLYMB Abu Dhabi on

landmarks. Thrill clients with a 60-minute Yellow Boats

Yas Island has the world's

speedboat ride along the waterfront (theyellowboats.com). For

highest indoor climbing

a luxury experience, Arabian Breeze offers private trips for up to

wall at a 138 feet tall.

ten guests on a crewed sailing catamaran, with en-suite cabins

clymbabudhabi.com

v i s i ta b ud ha b i . a e

diyat Beach Gol fC Saa lu b

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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 in Al Ain could consider the recently re-branded Radisson Blu Al Ain (radissonhotels.com) or the five-star Al Ain Rotana, which has spacious rooms, suites and chalets plus an inviting pool and spa (rotana.com)

Ro ta n

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-

a

t Ho

s el

and

R es o r t s

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

In partnership with

15

Top tip

largest zoo.

Wadi Adventure

Guests can

Point thrill seekers

see plenty of

towards Wadi Adventure, the

amazing species including the indigenous Arabian Oryx, the big-horned

Al Ain Oasis is the UAE's first UNESCO site

Al Ain's famous camel market is a great way to discover traditional Arab culture - watch locals arrive in pickups laden with goats and sheep, witness mock races, prized beauties and some hard haggling for future stars of the race track

Barbary sheep, rhinos,

Middle East’s first and only manmade white-water rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding facility. The park is located at the base of Jebel Hafit and features three whitewater channels, an aerial adventure course with 18 obstacles, an airpark, a 200-metre zip line, vertical climbing wall and a high giant swing. wadiadventure.ae

hippos, tigers and lions.

Highlights at the zoo include feeding giraffes, a walk-through lemur

Camping at Jebel Hafit Desert Park

Jebel Hafit For amazing views of this fascinating region, visitors can drive,

enclosure and safari tours in 26-seater trucks or

hike or cycle to the top of Jebel Hafit along a scenic, snaking

private SUVs through a 217-hectare landscape

road. The emirate’s highest peak has long looked over Al Ain

which more than 250 African and Arabian

and its ancient limestone hides fossils and tombs. At the base,

animals call home. Don't miss the learning

the Jebel Hafit Desert Park preserves its history and biodiversity

centre and the numerous cafe and restaurant

and you can overnight in a Bedouin-style tent or air-conditioned

offerings. alainzoo.ae

bubble tent. jebelhafitdesertpark.backhotelite.com

v i s i ta b ud ha b i . a e

Wellness Ambassadors

We have been working tirelessly to ensure that when you’re ready to travel, you stay protected. And to bring you extra peace of mind, our team of Wellness Ambassadors are here to answer your questions and give advice on staying safe during your trip.

To learn more about our wellness initiatives visit etihad.com/wellness

Your wellness, our priority.

Choose Well.

Online Wellness Hub

Social Distancing

Refreshed Cabins

Deep Cleaning

Equipped Crew

Enhanced Hygiene

Wellness Kits

Booking Flexibility

Refreshed Meal Service

Lounge Initiatives

Vehicle Sanitisation

Sustainability Focused