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My life in Abu Dhabi
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Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions & overseas offices at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority offers an insight into his favourite aspects of life in the UAE capital
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1 Shangri-La, Qaryat al Beri 2 Corniche, Abu Dhabi
One of the great things about Abu Dhabi is the sheer variety of things to do and see. Honestly, no two holidays here need ever be the same – there’s golf, beaches, sailing, fishing, shopping in either malls or souks and a range of cultural attractions from historic palaces to contemporary museums. If I had to sum up the capital in three words, ‘diverse’ would definitely be one of them. Another would be ‘relaxing’ – try strolling along the Corniche and see if you don’t find yourself unwinding as you take in the colour of the water, the gardens and the view out to Lulu island just off the coast. The Corniche is one of the most popular attractions in Abu Dhabu and everyone has their own way of enjoying it, whether they walk along the sea edge, cycle down the tree-lined path or drive the eight-kilometre stretch, which reaches from Port Zayed to Emirates Palace. My third word to describe Abu Dhabi would have to be ‘value’. We have tax-free shopping and a broad selection of malls,
which come alive in the summer with great deals, competitions and family entertainment. Then there is the rich dining scene with countless restaurants offering regular promotions. Some of my personal favourites include Sofra Bld at Shangri-La, Qaryat al Beri as it’s great for both business and social gatherings and Al Bathna restaurant at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel, where the buffet takes some beating for the sheer choice, quality and value for money. A lot of my time is spent in Al Ain, which is the emirate’s second-largest city. I grew up there and now spend the week working in Abu Dhabi city before heading out to Al Ain at the weekends. My family owns a date plantation in the Al Ain Oasis, which has recently been renovated and visitors can now stroll through the shaded walkways and enjoy the sheer peacefulness of the place. There’s also a host of historic sites around here that offer a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s past and shows a very different city to the one we know and love today.
There’s also a host of historic sites around Al Ain that offer a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s past and shows a very different city to the one we know and love today
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21/04/2013 16:17