We Love Abu Dhabi - Guide - Mar'16

we love hotels / cultures / shops/ sights / activities / restaurants

- 2016 -

exquisite

VIP serVIce redefIned by The GallerIa.

alexander McQueen | balenciaga | bottega Veneta | burberry | carolina herrera | celine | christian louboutin dior | dolce & Gabanna | fendi | Gucci | Jimmy choo | lanvin | liu Jo | loewe | louis Vuitton | Marc Jacobs Miu Miu | Montblanc | Mulberry | Prada | ralph lauren | saint laurent Paris | Tod’s | Tom ford | Via rodeo al Manara International Jewellery | boucheron | bulgari | cartier | chaumet | david Morris | Gc | Graff | IWc longines | Mikimoto | Officine Panerai | Pomellato | rivoli Prestige | roger dubuis | TaG heuer Van cleef and arpels

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your Premier shopping & dining destination abu dhabi thegalleria.ae

E H T E V A R B S T S I W T T WILDES ings #EarnYourW

FLYING ACES IS READY FOR TAKE OFF! Our new, record-breaking rollercoaster is inspired by an epic story and simulates a real biplane flight with the world’s tallest loop, the steepest lift climb, hair-raising speeds and a whole lot of incredible twists and turns. Are you ready to fly?

BOOK YOUR TICKETS TODAY! Ferrariworldabudhabi.com

timeless legacy, arabian hospitality Discover a captivating destination on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, where esteemed St. Regis heritage blends with Arabian sophistication.

Indulge in the extraordinary with the St. Regis Butler Service, relax at the iconic Nation Riviera Beach Club and seduce the senses at Remède Spa.

reservations.abudhabi@stregis.com stregisabudhabi.com +971 2 694 4666

5 Welcome

Welcome to Abu Dhabi the contents 6

the city

All you need to know about flying into Abu Dhabi and getting around once there.

9

Editorial Director John Thatcher Contributing Editor Lara Brunt Editor Chris Ujma Features Editor Annie Darling Senior Designer Andy Knappett Designer Emi Dixon Illustrator Andrew Thorpe Managing Director Victoria Thatcher

hotels

You’ll need more than a day to explore this emirate; these properties ensure you a sophisticated stay.

17

shoppinG

From authentic souk experiences to modernday malls, discover retail indulgences for every want and desire.

20

RestAuRAnts

An avid-foodie’s paradise, there are mouthwatering menus served up at eateries all around the city.

25

cultuRe

Group Commercial Director David Wade

Be it ancient icons, up-todate architecture or even modern art, put these places on your itinerary of interest and intrigue.

Sales Manager Lisa Price

Activities

Production Manager Muthu Kumar

29

So much to do, and so much time! From action-packed to laid-back: this is Abu Dhabi.

About this Guide Boasting a variety of exclusive activities including souks, heritage sites and shopping malls, Abu Dhabi ranks among the most expensive cities worldwide for living. Nonetheless, luxury is more accessible than many visitors imagine.

Few destinations effortlessly offer such opulent levels of bespoke service, comfort and culture.

The world’s largest hand-loomed Persian carpet, fastest roller coaster and highest high tea prove that the UAE capital isn’t afraid to challenge world records. However, the cosmopolitan city’s not lost sight of its Bedouin roots, despite its reputation as this year’s must-visit destination.

Visit Abu Dhabi and discover the Gulf’s diverse population, languages and climate, as well as what drives its extraordinary economy. Enjoy relaxing strolls around the dhow harbour, haggling in markets, and absorbing the atmosphere in sheesha cafés. With a wealth of culture and projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in the pipeline, immerse yourself in the UAE’s staggeringly rich history. With museums, exhibitions and tours to explore, you’ll learn all about Emirati heritage.

6 We Love Abu Dhabi

the city

All You Need To Know

upcominG events mARch

GettinG ARound

An intuitively planned road network means that getting around Abu Dhabi is best done by car. You can rent a vehicle from a car rental company, but if you would rather let someone else take the wheel, taxis are reasonably priced and in plentiful supply. The most common are the silver taxis, which are operated by authorised companies.

A fleet of modern, airconditioned buses are part of an easy-to-use public transport system allowing you to hop and off at your leisure.

GettinG theRe

Abu Dhabi International Airport is home to over 40 airlines, including the capital’s carrier Etihad Airways, serving almost 100 destinations around the world. It’s about 30km east of the city centre and has three terminals, including Etihad’s exclusive base, Terminal 3. Beside the main aviation gateway, Abu Dhabi has four smaller runways, each serving a different side of the island.

If you’re travelling with young children, look out for the complimentary strollers that are available at various locations throught the terminal. To book a flight contact dnata on +971 316 6666 or visit dnatatravel.com

4-5

itu World triathlon

Head-to-head competition heats up on the journey to be crowned World Champion, as the first leg of the series comes to the capital of the UAE. Starting on the Corniche, competitors will slog it out across an Olympic distance course.

6-12

Aviation and Aerospace expo

Okay this is technically a business event, but the UAE is a hotbed of aviation activity, making this a high-profile and unmissable opportunity to see an international aerospace exhibition in full flight.

6, 13 & 20

Arabian horse Racing

Catch these fine steeds gallop on race dates 13, 14 and 15 in the season schedule. Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club also hosts showjumping and endurance events, but attend on the dates above for thrilling speed races.

11-12

Red bull Air Race World championship

What a weekend this will be: loops, tricks, turns and rolls… crane your neck towards the sky at an unrivalled aerial spectacle above the skies of Abu Dhabi. Taking over the skies above the 8km-long Corniche, there are plenty of vantage points from which to ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’.

ApRil 15

tom Jones live in concert

What’s New Pussycat? Well, at 76, the legendary Welsh crooner still has the voice – and the repertoire – to wow audiences. At du Forum, his loyal legion of diehards (and, surely, a new generation of fans) will swoon over his resonant tones.

1-30

souq Al Qattara

…until May, in fact, but while the climate is still relatively cool, pay a visit to a recently-renovated pearl of Abu Dhabi culture. You’re sure to unearth charming handicrafts sold at the Friday market here, and make attend events at the purpose-built on-site arts centre.

22

yas marina circuit track day Bring your supercar and take on a course of international pedigree, testing the mechanical limits of your dream machine on the Formula 1standard track.

mAy 9-10

china philharmonic orchestra

Back-to-back performances at the Emirates Palace and UAE University Great Hall will provide patrons with a delectable taste of orchestral majesty.

7 All You Need To Know Previous page: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Left: Qasr al Hosn Festival.

novembeR 1-15

the 7th Art Winter/spring season

It’s the final half-month of this film-screening programme, showcased at Manarat Al Saadiyat auditorium. On the reel are recognised masterpieces, in The Greatest Films of All Time, and make sure to catch the conclusion of thrilling documentary The Story of Film. The entire ‘Movies Outdoors’ concept takes film al fresco, in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

June-septembeR Ramadan

Abu dhabi summer season

Get set for a thrilling three months! A calendar of ballet, film, concerts, and comedy outings provide entertainment for all during a period when Abu Dhabi blends Iftar and Suhoor offerings during Ramadan with a multitude of reasons to plan a staycation during these laid-back months.

octobeR 4-8

international hunting & equestrian exhibition

Culture hunters will delight at this event, with camel auctions, falcon beauty contests, coffee-making competitions and traditional hunting and equestrian activities. ADIHEX is a myriad of Emirati-culture, folklore, and falconry.

27

etihad Airways Abu dhabi F1 Grand prix, @ yas marina circuit

The final race-date of the F1 calendar will see the crowning of both the league-leading Driver and Car Constructor. Race enthusiasts will have their fingers crossed that the championship goes down to the final day, setting up a thrilling season finale on Yas Island’s stellar racetrack. If you’re not a fan of 325km/h cars, then the after-race concert – which always attracts a star-studded music lineup – will get you dialling the ticket hotline.

decembeR TBC

Al Ain Air championship

Clocking up its 12th edition, aeroplane acrobatics fill the skies in this annual spectacle.

In the 2015 version, Breitling Wingwalkers from the UK and the Redbull Firestarters from China wowed the crowds. Which aerial experts will feature in the 2016 iteration?

JAnuARy TBC Abu dhAbi hsbc GolF chAmpionship

The likes of Rickie Fowler and Rory McIlroy tee-off in this desert-showdown European Tour event at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, where a prize purse around USD2.7 million awaits the winner.

9 We Love: Hotels

relaxing

HoteLs we love From glitzy city centre hotels to plush desert resorts, Abu Dhabi has some truly world-class places to unwind

11 We Love: Hotels

A

s Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a hub of culture, sport and leisure continues to grow, so too does its reputation for fabulous hotels. While Dubai can claim the world’s tallest building (and hotel), the capital boasts the world’s highest suspended presidential suite. Overlooking the sweeping Corniche, the two-storey Abu Dhabi Suite at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is housed in the skybridge, connecting the twin Nation Towers some 200 metres above the ground.

Inside, opulence abounds: a cinema, spa and private elevator are just some of the highlights. If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to this, content yourself with one of the classically decorated, beautiful rooms with large marble bathroom.

Also at the western end of the Corniche, the palatial Emirates Palace never fails to impress. Inside, gold leaf and Swarovski chandeliers set the tone, while each guest gets their own butler to help perfect their holiday. Despite marble bathrooms and private balconies, the rooms are less ostentatious than you would expect, while the suites are more opulently decorated in soft hues of gold and silver and stunning lighting fixtures. Outside, there’s a huge stretch of cotton-white beach, pools aplenty and beachfront spa cabanas.

In this part of town is Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, which occupies one of five sky-reaching glass towers that look out to sea. The lobby here is spectacular, made up of soaring

panoramic windows and oversized glitter-balls that dazzle overhead. It’s a hotel chockfull of standout attractions – three pools, a great spa and a handful of gastronomic delights – and 382 large and luxurious rooms with spectacular sea views. There’s also direct access to Avenue, a boutique mall with over 30 designer stores including Hermès and Chloé.

At the other end of the promenade, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is a sophisticated blend of French and Arabic styles, present in everything from the food to the décor and even the bathroom products – you can lather up with Lanvin products while soaking under an invigorating rain shower. But whichever room you plump for – and they range from the

12 We Love Abu Dhabi art-deco inspired Superior Room right through to the whole-floor Royal Suite, inside which is a Jacuzzi - you can be sure of a restful night’s sleep thanks to Sofitel’s signature MyBed mattress and pillow products.

In the city centre, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi is another French-inspired favourite, especially after its facelift in 2014. Most of the rooms here afford guests panoramic views of the sparkling sea and are great value to boot, with the marble-floored, elegantly furnished suites particularly enticing. On arrival, guests discover a curated collection of contemporary art installations, while further exploration reveals indoor and outdoor pools and a handful of great restaurants offerings including Stratos, the city’s only revolving restaurant.

Continuing with the Gallic theme, and if French baroque is more your style, then Royal Rose Abu Dhabi is just the place. Its exterior hints to a 17th-century French palace, while the interior is equally opulent, with walls overlaid in intricate gold-leaf designs and accented with ornate chandeliers.

The hotel also features separate spas for women and men and a rooftop, temperature-controlled pool.

Nearby, the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi may be 20 years old, but it’s showing no signs of age and remains one of the most popular options near the city centre. It’s got wellappointed rooms, an enviable line up of restaurants and great leisure facilities including a private beach, outdoor pools, kids’ playground and tennis courts.

Across the water, Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island is a lavish property where guests are welcomed by their own butler, an array of fine restaurants, and a subterranean spa bedecked in silver and platinum tiles.

The rooms and suites, meanwhile, feature dark-wood panelling, large beds and floor-to-ceiling windows that make full use of the hotel’s waterside location – book yourself into the exceptional Executive Suite to see what we’re taking about. The hotel is directly connected to The Galleria, a high-end mall with boutiques such as

Opening page: Jumeirah Etihad Towers.

Previous page, clockwise from top left: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island; Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa; Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

This page, clockwise from right: Anantara Al Sahel Villas; St. Regis Abu Dhabi; Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri; Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.

13 We Love: Hotels Cartier and Gucci, and restaurants like Zuma, which serves Japanese fare.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda is another top pick for those who love to shop. Connected to Al Wahda Mall, home over 350 brands including Gant and Victoria’s Secret, this five-star hotel has contemporary rooms, rooftop pool, spa with 11 treatment rooms, and five restaurants serving Italian, International and Middle Eastern fare.

Book a Club room or suite and enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Club Lounge each evening and late check out until 4pm.

You may be surprised to learn that Abu Dhabi is home to protected mangrove forests which stretch for seven kilometres along the Eastern Ring Road. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, part of an appealing marina complex, looks every inch the royal residence. With elegant rooms, idyllic infinity pool

“outside, there’s a huge stretch of cotton-white beach...” and acclaimed Anantara Spa – the hammam is one of the best in town – it’s tempting to never leave the hotel, but it would be remiss not to venture out on an exploratory kayak tour through the mangroves.

Part of the same marina development, Jannah Eastern Mangroves Suites is popular with GCC families thanks to its spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites that come with fully-quipped kitchen, generous balcony and your very own Karim (or genie) who is on-call 24 hours a day to assist with everything from unpacking your suitcase to hiring a yacht for the day.

Looking out to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a similarly serene waterside retreat. The crescent-shaped, Renaissance-style palace has all the trimmings needed to keep you in the lap of luxury, including 85 beautiful villas and a huge spa,

14 We Love Abu Dhabi while gourmands will be tickled pink by the vast choice of restaurants. Book a Club Lounge Level room and you will get to munch on continuous culinary – and complimentary – offerings throughout the day, while you soak in that splendid view.

Across the creek, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri boasts magical views of the mosque. Here you’ll get a true taste of Arabia, channelled through the low-rise architecture, lush décor, warmth of service and a traditionalstyle souk, which you’ll reach via meandering waterways aboard a gliding abra. Come here for a postlunch stroll around shops selling artefacts before relaxing on the hotel’s slice of soft sand or inside, CHI, its superb spa.

By comparison, the neighbouring Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Abu Dhabi is strikingly modern with an exterior made of sheer blue glass. The rooms, however, are warm and inviting with walnut wood panelling, earthy tones, stylish curved sofa and comfortable beds. There’s an Olympic-size swimming pool with dedicated family areas and a pristine beach, plus you can take a water taxi to the Eastern Mangroves Promenade, a 25-minute ride away.

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, is the city’s modern architectural showstopper. Straddling the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Formula 1 Grand Prix, a veil of steel and over 5,000 diamond-shaped glass panels connects the two hotel towers. The armadillo-like façade is particularly captivating at night when it’s bathed in coloured lights. While the racetrack setting is the only of its kind in the world, the hotel is not just heaven for motoring fans. Rooms and suites feature a sink-in king-size bed and all-glass bathroom with deep soaking tub, while the two-storey Presidential Suites come with private lap pool.

Elsewhere, there are two rooftop infinity pools, 11 restaurants and bars, and a superb spa.

Also on Yas Island, the ever-popular Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island boasts unbroken views of the golf course and the inky-blue ocean

beyond from its lobby – there are also soothing vistas to be had from the rooms and, best of all, from the swimup Sundowner Pool Bar. Back inside there’s a good spread of dining options and a Kids’ Club that entertains four to 12-year-olds – that’s assuming they have any energy left after a day on the capital’s premier entertainment isle. Parents, meanwhile, will have no problem winding down in one of the hotel’s comfortable suites.

You won’t regret booking a room at Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island, where the views on offer are no less outstanding. Book a Business Class Room with a sunsoaked private balcony and you’ll get complimentary drinks and delicious snacks throughout the day.

Yas is also home the Yas Island Rotana, where the room to book is a Club Rotana Room. Do so and you’ll be granted access throughout your stay to Club Rotana, a hotel within a hotel, almost, where you’ll be treated

This page clockwise from above: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara; Jannah Eastern Mangroves Suites; Anantara Al Sahel Villas; Yas Island Rotana.

Opposite page from top: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa; Emirates Palace.

15 We Love: Hotels

“It’s tempting to never leave the hotel, but it would be remiss not to venture out on a kayak tour through the mangroves”

to breakfast, afternoon tea, evening drinks and canapés, among a host of other extras – well worth the extra dirhams. As is its always-great value sister property Centro Yas Island – a contemporary, brilliant base if you’re coming to Abu Dhabi just for the weekend.

Over on Saadiyat Island, which is shaping up to be the cultural hub of the Middle East, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort feels like a grand Mediterranean villa with a nine-kilometre beach that’s great for swimming and dolphin-spotting, sprawling landscaped pools, and seven bars and restaurants. The hotel also boasts one of biggest suites in the UAE; spanning two whole floors, the Royal Suite features a Steinway grand piano, billiards room, mini-cinema, and private pool overlooking the ocean.

St Regis’s legendary butler service, meanwhile, is laid on for all guests.

Nearby, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Saadiyat Island offers

unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club from its rooms and restaurants, blurring the lines between indoors and out. Décor is luxurious, yet understated with oak and walnut finishes and white marble bathrooms. All rooms have large terraces, while the two- and threebedroom villas come with private plunge pool.

For those whose chief aim is to get away from it all, the sweeping red sands of the Liwa Desert are hard to beat. With its palm-shaded courtyards, jewel-studded lanterns and Arabesque décor, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara feels like you’ve stepped into the pages of 1001 Nights. The room of choice here is the Pool Villa, which allows you to soak in a plunge pool while drinking in the sight of seemingly endless dunes before you.

Anantara Sir Bani Yas Islands Resorts on Sir Bani Yas Island comprises three secluded hideaways: Desert Islands (palatial), Al Yamm (barasti villas) and Al Sahel (rustic lodge luxury). Whichever one you choose to stay at – and all three are uniquely brilliant – this is one setting where you can get to grips with local nature – enjoy a 4x4 drive around elegant gazelles and the rare Arabian Oryx. A holiday to remember awaits.

Back in the city, Mafraq Hotel Abu Dhabi is an excellent-value family option. Situated in the outskirts of Khalifa City B, a 20-minute drive from the city centre and Yas Island, the four-star property has 250 modern rooms, five restaurants and lounges, palm-fringed pools and a children’s play area. The newly renovated Fitness Zone & SPA, meanwhile, has a separate gym for ladies and a full range of fitness classes including yoga and Pilates, as well as a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.

Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bustan is another good choice for families. It features fully-serviced apartments ranging from studio to threebedrooms, plus guests can make use of the restaurants, swimming pool and wellness facilities of the neighbouring Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan.

16 We Love Abu Dhabi

lifestyle &

Luxury

Rotana’s dynamic Yas Island duo ensure the hotel brand delivers on its promise: that loyalty does not go unrewarded

Y

as Island is a destination full of excitement, and once visiting you’ll undoubtedly wish to stay; Rotana Hotels & Resorts have the ideal solution for when you want to extend your visit, and their two on-island properties attract discerning clientele.

Guests seeking luxury opt for the sleek-looking Yas Island Rotana, which is mere minutes away from destination highlights such as Yas Links Golf Club, and Ferrari World Abu

Dhabi. 308 spacious rooms and suites – designed with distinct international flair – are just the beginning of a whole host of additional on-resort offerings.

After a day of roving adventure, you can retreat to the hotel for everything you need. Wind-down in the health and fitness centre with sauna, jacuzzi and steam room, or take a dip in the temperature-controlled outdoor pool.

Then head back to your tastefullydesigned room to change for dinner, where you can tuck into cuisine at one of six exceptional dining venues.

Checking-in here assures personalised service and unparalleled quality.

Centro Yas Island on the Golf Plaza, meanwhile, is for those seeking “minimum fuss yet maximum style”, delivering dynamic offerings that suit the discerning lifestyle of the new world-traveller. It is a vibrant,

contemporary hotel, with 259 classically-furnished rooms which maximise space, replete with the latest entertainment tech. There is a 24-hour gym, pool, and tennis court, with restaurant offerings as well as a deli takeaway. Ready to venture out?

Hop onto the convenient bus that will shuttle you to Yas Beach or the city shopping malls; this hotel represents a smart approach to convenience.

Be it the crisp architecture of ‘Centro’ or the sophisticated environs of the ‘Rotana’, there is a hotel to suit every travel taste, with attractive ‘Escape Packages’ for both, which include Romantic, Discovery and Tee-Off experiences to ensure your stay is tailored to what you enjoy most.

Discover the offers at rotana.com, or for inquiries: +971 (0) 2656 4000 and yasisland.hotel@rotana.com

17 We Love: Shopping

extravagant

Shopping we love From ultra-modern mega malls to smaller, souk-like experiences, Abu Dhabi is a shopper’s paradise. Here’s where to spend your dirhams…

T

he arrival of Yas Mall – the UAE’s second largest mall – in November 2014 launched Abu Dhabi as a serious retail rival to Dubai.

Since then, Yas Mall on Yas Island has continued to welcome new brands to its roster of hundreds of high street and high-end retail chains.

Recent arrivals include Tyrano, a 20,000 square-metres concept store spread over three levels and packed with fashion and beauty products, children’s products and handbags;

the country’s second Apple store; British department store House of Fraser; and local favourite Boutique 1, which stocks limited pieces from international designers. The mall is also a great place to hang out, with a 14-screen cinema and fantastic family entertainment like Fun Works, plus cafés at almost every turn and a large food court full of flavours.

If you’re looking for your dream Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress or a vertiginous pair of Jimmy Choos,

make The Galleria at Al Maryah Island your first port of call. The mall has around 100 luxury fashion, jewellery and watch brands including Alexander McQueen, Brioni, Graff , Van Cleef & Arpels, Hugo Boss, Richard Mille and Mulberry. The eyecatching building itself is a stunning feat of architecture and design, and as a lifestyle destination, they have a calendar full of engaging activities and events yearround to re-energise the aura. Don’t leave The Galleria before taking in the

18 We Love Abu Dhabi spectacular views of the city from the unique atrium roof (once you’ve settled your shopping indulgences, of course).

A sensory experience like no other can be found at The Luxury Arcade, Lina Mustafa’s multi-brand boutique in the World Trade Centre Mall.

Featuring unique and playful décor and stocked with the contemporary brands from around the world such as Damir Doma, Marios Schwab and Yoni P, it’s the go-to place for brands that won’t be found elsewhere in the UAE. The capital is also home to two shopping stalwarts, Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall. The former delivering hundreds of shops – from department stores through to specialist boutiques (the likes of Paspaley for pearls and Montblanc for luxury accessories) – and activities like bowling to pep you up once you’re all shopped out. Marina Mall mixes high street with high end, as Gap, Reiss and Ted Baker display their wares alongside the latest collections from Chanel, Fendi, Dior and Louis Vuitton.

Keep an eye out for the giant woolly mammoth – although measuring four metres from head to tail, while standing five-metres-tall, it is pretty hard to miss! The 15,000-year-old fossil is now a permanent fixture in the mall. Both malls also house the Emirati-owned Yas Perfumes, which specialises in the traditional scents of the region. You can also select – from a vast number – an ornate bottle in which to store your perfume of choice, making for a great souvenir.

Al Wahda Mall has cemented itself as a firm favourite, offering over 350 brands that see international and local names stand side by side.

Its crown jewel is the cavernous Magrudy’s bookstore, where you will find literature of all kinds from all over the world. Solace Organics can beautify you with all their lovely lotions and potions, and Galler is a must for chocoholics. If you have little ones in tow, Al Wahda Mall houses what’s probably the city’s best in-mall entertainment zone, Wanasa Land, where you’ll find bowling, paintballing, rock climbing and, for the younger tots, face painting.

Another mall housing a huge number of high-street brands and specialist stores (some 480 in total) is Dalma Mall. You’ll find it close to the airport on the way into the city, and aside from all those stores – everything from Damas Les Exclusives where you can buy fine jewellery, to Grand Sunglasses which stocks the latest style shades.

Mushrif Mall, meanwhile, prides itself on catering to shoppers of every budget. With three floors, more than 200 retail outlets, entertainment areas and an enormous car park, you can lose yourself for days if you aren’t careful – unless that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.

If you’re self-catering or just looking to pick up a wholesome healthy snack, be sure to stop by The Market. The

“Look up and admire the impressive slatted ceiling, which allows the Arabian sun to soak the blue mosaics you’ll find under your feet”

19 We Love: Shopping Previous page: The Galleria Mall.

Clockwise from left: Marina Mall; Yas Mall; Souk Qaryat Al Beri.

city’s largest indoor fresh food market boasts more than 200 shops selling over 150,000kg of fresh produce daily.

If you’re in the market for a new watch, Khalidiyah Mall is your destination. The mall is home to Rolex, Rasool Khoory and Sons and a Rivoli Arcade, all of which are chock-full of myriad brands. Fashion-wise, you can take your pick from an array of international brands on three levels and congregating beneath an airy atrium. For fun, why not check out Bowling City or the multiplex cinema.

For a leisurely shopping experience, visit The Collection deep in the heart of the St. Regis Saadiyat resort. Small but perfectly formed, it features 26 high-end stores and restaurants, but what really sets it apart is the stunning backdrop of gorgeous Saadiyat Beach,

perfect to help you relax and unwind after you are all shopped out.

Away from the capital’s bustling shopping malls, seek out a more historic shopping experience at Abu Dhabi’s souks. Of course, gone are the days when people haggle away in labyrinthine souks, but that’s not to say you can’t sample a taste of times gone by. Rising from the ashes of the city’s old souk that was gutted by a blaze in 2003, The SOUK at Central Market maintains an air of earlier times thanks to traditional wood-detailing and coloured glass.

Inside, the traditional look gives way to modern-looking pillars, although look up and admire the impressive slatted ceiling, which allows the Arabian sun to soak the blue mosaics you’ll find under your feet. Once you’re there

it will be impossible to resist the individual boutiques, which serve up a refreshing change to the big name brands seen dominating the malls.

Beside the Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, Souk Qaryat Al Beri is another contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian souk, albeit with Venetian influences. The waterside mall features a series of man-made canals, with abras (water taxis) to ferry you around. There is a good selection of restaurants and cafés – most of which have stunning Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views – as well as shops and stalls selling everything from jewellery and accessories to clothes, perfumes, antiques, furniture and carpets. It’s as idyllic as it sounds and makes for a memorable day out.

20 We Love Abu Dhabi

mouth-Watering

restAurAnts we love From fine-dining favourites to exciting new arrivals, Abu Dhabi has a vibrant restaurant scene that is sure to impress…

I

n less than a decade, Abu Dhabi’s gourmet scene has well and truly come of age. With a steady stream of high-profile restaurateurs and chefs continuing to open venues in the capital and a number of food festivals gathering pace, such as Abu Dhabi Food Festival held in February and Taste of Abu Dhabi in November, visiting gourmands will find plenty to please the palate.

One of the most high profile new arrivals is Michael Caines, formerly of two Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park in the UK. Pearls by Michael Caines at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers opened in October 2015 and quickly won plaudits for its modern European dishes, such as warm salad of lobster and honey roast duckling, served in stunning, yet relaxed surroundings over the water (the chef himself describes it as ‘casual fine dining’).

The British chef is not the only culinary star who’s taken a shine to Abu Dhabi: Sergi Arola, whose eponymous restaurant in Madrid has two Michelin stars, chose the ShangriLa Hotel Qaryat Al Beri for his first Middle East venture. At P&C by Sergi

Arola, guests can look forward to tapas with a twist accompanied by smooth jazz (Arola’s a big music fan).

Be sure to order the Spanish Bombs, fat potato croquettes filled with a beef and brava sauce.

Opened in early 2016, Barfly by Buddha Bar is the capital’s coolest new hangout. The two-storey restaurant and supper club in the Venetian Village features neo-baroque interiors and pan-Asian cuisine. The waterfront complex in the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal has also welcomed Punjab Grill, an acclaimed fine dining chain from India serving excellent Punjabi, Pathani and Haryanvi cuisine.

Of course, some of the city’s best restaurants have been around for a while. Cooking up a storm since 2008 is Bord Eau in Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri. This culinary stalwart has gone from strength to strength, wowing diners with a fresh, innovative take on modern French cuisine. For the ultimate Bord Eau experience, opt for the blind tasting menu.

Marco Pierre White has also made his indelible mark on the

city’s restaurant scene with Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, a favourite with locals and visitors since it opened in 2009. The restaurant was recently named as having one of the world’s most outstanding grape selections in their cellar.

Angar at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, has been the go-to spot for creative Indian cuisine since 2009 – no mean feat in a city that’s awash with quality food from the subcontinent. Staff are knowledgeable and passionate, so be sure to ask for a recommendation – those willing to experiment with dishes like duck galouti with foie gras or saffron

21 We Love: restaurants

Clockwise from above: Hakkasan; Pearls by Michael Caines; Tori No Su; Angar.

and coconut scallops will be justly rewarded (and delighted).

Cipriani Yas Island has been a hit with local gastronomes for over five years now – one mouthful of their famous Carpaccio alla Cipriani and you’ll soon see why. The marina-front restaurant offers ‘Fly & Dine’ packages that combine a tour of the city by seaplane with a three-course dinner.

Or try an old favourite: La Mamma at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, which serves never-fail, homely food and boasts all-Italian staff.

The restaurants mentioned so far give you a good idea of the diversity of the emirate’s culinary scene, so let’s hone in on some of the most popular

22 We Love Abu Dhabi cuisines. When it comes to top-notch Japanese, Rainer Becker’s Zuma at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island never fails to exceed expectations.

Presentation is exquisite, service is slick and the ambiance is welcoming and refined. Toki at Hilton Abu Dhabi is worth visiting for its commendable selection of katsu curries and perfectly prepared maki rolls, while Tori No Su at Jumeriah Etihad Towers is renowned for its teppanyaki and omakase, a Japanese tradition of letting the chef decide what to serve.

Still in Asia, Emirates Palace is home to the UAE’s first Hakkasan restaurant – anyone visiting this venerable dim sum restaurant, created by Alan Yau, should not be allowed to leave without ordering the Hakka steamed dim sum platter, featuring textbook examples of har gau, scallop shumai, and prawn and chive dumpling. The open kitchen at Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal cooks up baskets of dim sum in flavoursome fashion, while Catch at the Nation Riviera Beach Club on the Corniche serves sensational seafood with Asian influences and a wide selection of sushi and sashimi.

As previously mentioned, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to excellent Indian. One of the most popular spots is Ushna in Souk Qaryat Al Beri. The award-winning restaurant serves a fragrant and colourful combination of North Indian dishes such as traditional tandoor and slow-cooked gosht khada masala.

Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor at Nation Galleria on the Corniche serves up exquisite food and with views to match, while Peppermill at Eastern Mangroves Promenade is a funky, family-friendly restaurant that serves admirable Indian classics and a few more unusual dishes.

If you’re after more-local fare, Al Fanar at the Venetian Village is a top spot to experience traditional Emirati cooking, complete with barasti outdoor booths, mud brick rooms and a mini souk. There’s also a second outpost at Yas Mall. Mezlai, meanwhile, at Emirates Palace is the

first Emirati fine-dining restaurant in the UAE. Pitch up here for authentic cuisine – the seafood and desserts are delicious, served in inviting surrounds.

For a taste of the Levant, book a table at Sambusek at Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Mayah Island. Expect succulent grilled meats, the freshest of fish, and hot and cold mezze bursting with flavour. In cooler months, the terrace overlooking the water is a popular spot for mocktails and shisha.

Exceptionally tender meat is also the highlight of a meal at Barouk, an authentic (and award-winning) Lebanese restaurant at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

For elegant Mediterranean cuisine by the beach, head to The Beach House at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi And Villas. From shaari ceviche and rock lobster risotto to Catalan meatballs, every dish is divine. Fresh mussels, chunky frites, and a staggering variety of beverages awaits at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s Belgian Café, while the casual, yet classy Bentley Bistro & Bar at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island is our

23 We Love: restaurants

“From shaari ceviche and rock loster risotto to Catalan meatballs, every dish is divine”

Clockwise from left: Cipriani Yas Island; Hakkasan; Barfly; Pearls

by Michael Caines.

pick for classic French bistro fare like steak tartare and beef Bourguignon.

And when it comes to steakhouses, Abu Dhabi also excels. Stratos, a unique revolving restaurant atop Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, has a wide selection of meats such as Master Kobe Wagyu beef and John Stone grass-fed ribeye cooked on their Josper grill. Steaks also take centre stage at BOA Steakhouse, a picturesque outpost of the famous Hollywood restaurant on the Eastern Mangroves promenade. On Saadiyat Island, 55&5th, The Grill at the

St. Regis Saadiyat Island offers up hunks of perfectly cooked, grass-fed vintage cuts – if you’re in the mood to treat yourself, order the Donald Russell dry-aged Cote De Boeuf. In fact, if you’re a committed meat-eater, Rodeo Grill at The Beach Rotana has to be on your list too. Billed as Abu Dhabi’s first steakhouse, it’s hard to tell what’s softer – the leather chairs you’ll sit in, or the prime steaks you’ll sink your teeth into. Another winner is The Forge, the stylish signature steakhouse at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

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25 We Love: Culture

captivating

CuLture we love There’s plenty for the avid historian to enjoy within and around the city, from extolling ancient heritage to marvelling at modern-day creations

26 We Love Abu Dhabi

A

bu Dhabi: the capital city of a nation with a fascinating heritage and a glittering pathway that weaves through the present day.

An element for which the emirate is becoming synonymous is seizing the opportunity to proudly celebrate its rich culture of tradition, community, and art. Impressive architectural feats emblazon the skyline, new icons arise, and landmarks of history are paid their due… no trip here is complete without a visit to the following locations.

Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque is an amazing place to begin your cultural journey (or, indeed, end with a flourish). 82 domes and 1,000 columns were used in the visionary design of a stunning building that can accommodate 41,000 devotees, and is dedicated to worship and religious education. There are free tours to respectfully-dressed guests at select times throughout the week (see szgmc.ae), allowing plenty of opportunity to admire what is one of the world’s largest mosques.

Perfect for the cooler months is a walk around the open-air Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, which is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis-located community, with barasti huts, cultural experts in local dress, and goats skipping around for added authenticity. Qasr Al Hosn is no re-creation, but the real deal. An annual festival lauds both oldest stone building in the city, and the community that has flourished around the Fort area. The celebration, held on the site of the symbolic birthplace of the emirate, is an exhibition that explores the visionary development of the nation. Both cultural centres have their own charm, so be sure to include them on your visit list.

Any conversation about Emirati culture must include a mention of Al Ain, a true link to the past.

UNESCO has classified ‘The Spring’ a World Heritage Site, and six picturesque oases are the gateway to archaeological sites that signify human occupation of the desert region

Previous page: Camel trekking at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort & Spa. These pages clockwise from below: Qasr Al Hosn festival; Inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Abu Dhabi skyline seen from Heritage Village; Qasr Al Hosn festival; The planned Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

27 We Love: Culture

“Impressive architectural feats emblazon the skyline, as new icons arise, and landmarks of history are paid their due...�

28 We Love Abu Dhabi

“Muse over the intrinsic meaning of collections from both established and up-and-coming artists”

as far back as 2500 B.C. There are more-modern residential buildings, towers, palaces and administrative buildings here too. While in the region, pop to the Al Ain Palace Museum, which was built in 1910 and houses possessions that relate to the ruling family. It was the former home of the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Savour Abu Dhabi’s maritime past with a visit to the Corniche, where mariners traverse the waters in all manner of vessels. Traditionally, the dhow is a fishing and pearling boat forged by highly skilled craftsmen, and time your visit in harmony with one of the many race-events throughout the year to catch the sails billowing in all their glory. Further inland, learn about the graceful birds – that have been so important to desert and Bedouin life – at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. Here, the Falcon World Tour takes visitors from a falconly museum through to a free-flight area and much in between.

Advance booking is recommended, so soar over to falconhospital.com to ensure you get up close to these resplendent hunters.

For modern-art lovers there are galleries and museums where you can muse over the intrinsic meaning of collections from both established and up-and-coming artists. Etihad Modern Art Gallery is an art space (which also houses an exceptional café) that has hosted significant art shows and local heritage exhibitions, creating bonds with the international art scene and academic institutions worldwide. Manarat Al Saadiyat

and Gallery One both contribute to an emerging local art scene, and can discovered at Emirates Palace. For international antiquities, Barakat Gallery has pieces from China, Egypt, ancient Greece and Rome among its treasures. Lastly, keep your eye on the emerging Sadiyaat Cultural District: art aficionados certainly are.

The ambitious art and architecture plans encompass the presence of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – all designed by winners of the coveted architecture award The Pritzker prize. The Louvre is the result of cultural ties with France; Zayed National Museum is to commemorate the unification story of the UAE; the Guggenheim will serve as a platform for contemporary wonders.

Collectively, the trio add another glorious chapter to Abu Dhabi’s fascinating cultural narrative.

Above: The planned Zayed National Museum, to be located in Abu Dhabi.

electrifying

Activities we love From record-breaking rollercoasters to world-class golf courses, you’ll find plenty of fun for everyone in Abu Dhabi‌

30 We Love Abu Dhabi

W

hen it comes to having a good time in the nation’s capital, there’s only one place to start: Yas Island. The entertainment hub is home to some of the UAE’s most exciting attractions, chief among them being Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor theme park in the world.

Not content with having the world’s fastest rollercoaster – the Formula Rossa hits 240km/h in under five seconds – the park will, as of April 2016, house another record-breaking rollercoaster. Called The Flying Aces, the 1.5-kilometre ride will have the world’s largest loop and the steepest incline. Until then, attractions such as the Tyre Twist, a classic teacup ride with a Ferrari-inspired spin, and the Junior GT driving school, where youngsters can get behind the wheel of a mini 430 GT Spider, are sure to keep the whole tribe entertained.

Of course, Yas Island is synonymous with fast cars of a different kind: the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix that takes place in November at Yas Marina Circuit. Outside of race season, the circuit has a packed programme of activities, from backstage tours of the circuit’s high-tech facilities to driving experiences where you can slip behind the wheel of an Aston Martin GT4 or a single-seater Formula 3000.

If this isn’t thrilling enough, strap

Previous page: Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi. These pages, clockwise from right: Yellow Boats; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi; Yas Links.

into the new Mercedes-AMG E63 or Mercedes-AMG GTS. If you’re looking for waterborne fun, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has 45 wet and wild rides including the 238-metre-long Dawwama – officially the world’s longest waterslide – and Falcon’s Fajal, a scream-inducing water coaster full of twists, turns and drops. If that all sounds a bit too adventurous, you’ll be pleased to learn that rides at the 15-hectare waterpark are categorised across four thrill levels, from ‘adrenaline rush’ to ‘young fun’, so the park is ideal for big kids and little ones, too.

For a more sedate day out, pull up a sun lounger or hire a poolside cabana

31 We Love: Activities

“Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi has 45 wet and wild rides including what’s officially the world’s longest waterslide”

at Yas Beach, the island’s only private beach club where you can also try stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking and windsurfing. If you’re after something altogether more glam, head to Saadiyat Beach Club on Saddiyat Island. Spend the day lazing in a private cabana by the 650-squaremetre pool, or treat yourself to a massage or facial in the on-site spa.

Keen golfers will already know that the capital is a top golfing destination with a wealth of first-class courses.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Club features 27 holes, including the 18-hole National Course, which is where the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship (a European PGA Tour event) is played.

Yas Links, meanwhile, is the city’s only links course (set on the coast and punctuated with natural sand dunes).

And then there’s the region’s first ocean course at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which features three saltwater lakes and 60 bunkers.

If you’re more of an active type, why not try kayaking? Adventure tour company Noukhada offers 90-minute kayak tours through Abu Dhabi’s famous mangroves where you can catch a glimpse of indigenous wildlife, such as flamingos and black crabs.

Flyboarding is another thrilling watersport to try. Strap your feet into boots attached to a board powered by a hose linked to a jet ski, and then

hover three metres above the water.

Book your experience with Flyboards UAE at Five Continents Cassells Hotel in Ghantoot, 25 minutes’ drive from the city. You can also try jet skiing, windsurfing, banana boating or surfing at Ghantoot Marina.

If you’d rather be on the water than in it, Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise organises two-hour dinner tours along the picturesque Corniche in a traditional dhow – the perfect way to enjoy gentle sea breezes, views of Abu Dhabi’s impressive skyline and a slapup meal to boot. Alternatively, sign up for a sightseeing tour, via Arabian Adventures, with The Yellow Boats, seeing the city from an entirely new

32 We Love Abu Dhabi Cockwise from top: Yas Marina Circuit; Yas Beach; Saadiyat Beach.

perspective. Our pick is the 90-minute cruise departing at noon from Emirates Palace Marina and taking in the Presidential Palace, Al Maqtaa Fort and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Another great option that the whole family will enjoy is the unique Emirates Park Zoo, the UAE’s first private zoo and home to a wealth of wildlife. Here you have the chance to feed (by hand) zebra, camels and giraffes, while learning more about particular wildlife through staged shows throughout the day and interactive activities.

Ten-pin bowling fans should check out the 40-lane Khalifa International Bowling Centre at Zayed Sports City. There are bumpers and ramps to help little ones enjoy the game and a lane-side restaurant service to keep everyone’s energy levels up, along with table tennis and billiards. Located off the Airport Road, the sprawling complex also boasts a tennis centre, ice skating rink, paintball zone, football stadium, and half a dozen casual, albeit delectable, restaurants.

There are plenty of things to do in the desert too, from sandboarding and dune bashing (effectively being driven up and down massive sand dunes in a 4x4 at breakneck speeds) to camel rides and falconry demonstrations (the latter being a sacred pastime of the Emiratis).

Arabian Adventures is one wellrespected company offering these

heady activities, as well as overnight packages sleeping under the stars in a Bedouin-style campsite.

One way to really appreciate the vast magnificence of the desert is from above. Balloon Adventures Emirates offers early morning flights over the desert, starting from the Nahel Mosque meeting point.

“sign up for a sightseeing tour with the Yellow Boats to see the city from an entirely new perspective, taking in the Presidential Palace, Al Maqtaa Fort and stunning sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque”

Alternatively you can cruise the skies with Falcon Aviation, which operates out of Marina Mall heliport and offers luxury helicopter tours of the city, or Seawings, which offers scenic seaplane flights that take off and land back at Yas Marina.

Another way in which to experience the sensation of flying without actually taking to the skies is at Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving at Abu Dhabi Country Club. Both children and adults can throw themselves into a massive wind tunnel, which propels visitors into the air, thus simulating the sensation of skydiving (fear not, qualified instructors are on hand to help you get the knack of it).

After all that activity, some headto-toe pampering at one of the city’s luxury spas is definitely in order. Head to the huge Emirates Palace Spa and try the signature Palace Massage, for which 24-carat gold oil is used.

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