Transit tips

Contact Centre Inside: 800 555 Outside: +971 2 666 4442 Issue: 2014

Top Transit Tips www.visitabudhabi.ae

get the best out of abu dhabi SHORT CAN BE SWEET

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI. You’re

found at www.visitabudhabi.ae, and

transitting a destination where you

via our visitor information centres and

can engage with a captivating past,

information points across the city.

intriguing traditions and culture, and experience

thrilling,

modern-day

There’s now much more to see and do in Abu Dhabi – and you will always

attractions.

be assured of a true Abu Dhabi No matter how short your stay, we’ll

Travellers Welcome.

help you find something to leave you wanting to come back for more.

How to use this guide These itineraries provide essential tips

Our transit itineraries are designed to

on not-to-be-missed attractions and

help you get the best out of your stay.

experiences for our stop-over visitors.

They show how easy it is to explore

i

These four, eight and 12 hour trip

the emirate, and can be combined

ideas can be combined to tailor a

to create action-packed, full day

memorable

experience,

itineraries for the maximum 96 hour

whatever your interest. This collection

lay-over. They indicate recommended

is not exhaustive, remember fuller

visit duration and typical journey

details of activities, events, dining,

time

stay and attraction options can be

International Airport.

stop-over

by

road

from

Abu

Dhabi

ii

CONTENTS 4 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Sample local culture and true Arabian hospitality

1

8 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Abu Dhabi – Blend tradition with modernity 5

Itinerary 2 The ancient art of falconry

3

Itinerary 2 Par and Spa

7

3

Itinerary 3 Sea, Fly, Drive on Yas Island

9

Itinerary 3 Glimpse our cultural vision

Getting Around

12 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Explore our heritage heartland

11

Itinerary 2

13

Itinerary 3 At one with the sea

15

17

Where to Eat and Where to Stay 18 Further information

18

4 HOUR STAY

On the nearby beachfront, you’ll find

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

an array of exquisite hotels where

+971 2 654 3000

culinary delights await to while away

fairmont.com/babalbahr

the hours. There’s the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi – home to

Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi,

several award-winning restaurants and

Grand Canal

the signature Chi spa – and its sister

+971 2 818 8888

Traders

ritzcarlton.com

Hotel.

They’re

connected

by waterways to the charming Souk Qary’at Al Beri where you can browse

Shangri-La Hotel,

and shop in an Arabian market-like

Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

atmosphere of stalls and shops. Then

+971 2 509 8888

there’s the Fairmont Bab al Bahr, with

shangri-la.com/abudhabi

a variety of celebrity chef eateries.

Inspired by 15th to early 17th century

Souk Qary’at Al Beri

Renaissance architecture, the Ritz-

+971 2 558 1670

Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is the

soukqaryatalberi.com

world’s largest Ritz-Carlton resort, with 10 top-class restaurants.

Journey time 20 minutes. visitabudhabi.ae Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Souk Qaryat Al Beri

ITINERARY 1 SAMPLE LOCAL CULTURE AND TRUE ARABIAN HOSPITALITY

1

tell the story of this masterpiece of

Start with a tour of the Sheikh Zayed

worship and give visitors an insight

Grand Mosque, recommended by

into local heritage and traditions.

TripAdvisor as one of the world’s Top

Tours last approximately 1.5–2hrs.

25 landmark attractions. There are

Journey time 20 minutes.

daily complimentary ‘walk-in’ guided

szgmc.ae

tours by trained UAE nationals who

+971 2 441 6444 2

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

3

Manarat Al Saadiyat

ITINERARY 2

ITINERARY 3

THE ANCIENT ART OF FALCONRY

GLIMPSE OUR CULTURAL VISION

The state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi Falcon

On Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District

Often individual art exhibitions are

Hospital is an award-winning attraction

– soon to be home to a premier

also held in an additional gallery.

dedicated to caring and protection of

collection of world class museums,

Recommended visit time 2.5–4hrs

the national emblem of the UAE. On

you can visit the free-to-enter Manarat

including time to enjoy the on-site

guided tours, learn why these noble

al Saadiyat exhibition centre and tour

restaurant, Fanr.

birds of prey are so revered and try

the interactive Saadiyat Story. It will

your hand at the ancient Arabian sport

tell you of the transformation of this

Journey time 30 minutes each way.

of falconry.

natural island and you’ll be able to

saadiyat.ae

Recommended visit time 2.5–4hrs.

explore the future with models and

+971 2 643 5781

Journey time 15 minutes each way

explanations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi,

falconhospital.com

the Zayed National Museum, and the

+971 2 575 5155

Guggenheim

Abu

Dhabi

Museum 4

8 HOUR STAY

spectacular backdrop. Recommended

you will simply never forget.

visit time 1.5–2hrs

Journey time 45 minutes each way.

From this 300 metre vantage point, the

Heritage Village

Emirates Palace – an iconic Abu Dhabi

+971 2 681 4455

landmark – is a sight to behold and

visitabudhabi.ae

among the world’s most opulent hotels. Resplendent with gold leaf

Observation Deck at 300

chandeliers and fittings, 114 domes

+971 2 881 5555

and a gold dispensing ATM machine,

jumeirah.com

another popular pastime is taking High Tea in Le Café. Recommended visit

Emirates Palace

time 1.5–2hrs

+971 2 690 9000 emiratespalace.com

Wrap up your visit with a thrill-a-minute

Corniche

ride on a Yellow Boats Speedboat Tour

Yellow Boats Speedboat Tours

of Abu Dhabi’s spectacular Corniche.

+971 800 8044

Launching from the exclusive Emirates

theyellowboats.com

Palace Marina, this nautical perspective of the city’s attractions is an experience

ITINERARY 1 ABU DHABI – BLEND TRADITION Heritage Village

WITH MODERNITY Head to Abu Dhabi’s spectacular

by the Corniche Breakwater and

beachfront Corniche, where you can

explore a reconstruction of a desert

stroll, roller-blade, hire bicycles, or

village with a small traditional souk.

bask on the lifeguarded Blue Flag

Recommended duration 2–4hrs

public beach which has a minimal

5

US$3 entry fee. There are lots of

On level 74 of Tower 2 at the nearby

coffee shops to sit and sip a brew

Jumeirah

and people watch. Next, close to

Observation

the expansive Marina Mall and set

the highest vantage of Abu Dhabi’s

beneath Abu Dhabi’s giant flag-pole,

cityscape is where guests can enjoy

visit the free-to-enter Heritage Village

delicious

at

Etihad Deck

at

refreshments

Towers, 300

the offers

against

a 6

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

ITINERARY 2 PAR AND SPA With

three

championship-ready

selection of luxury spa and wellness

courses within a 25 kilometre radius

experiences for non-playing partners.

and six clubs within a 90-minute

Journey time 15–30 minutes each

drive, Abu Dhabi has a wealth of

way, dependent on club.

golf offerings. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the parkland course with its iconic

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

falcon

+971 2 558 8990

clubhouse

is

home,

each

January, to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf

adgolfclub.com

Championship. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the region’s only ‘ocean’ course

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

with

+971 2 557 8000

several

beautiful

beachfront

holes. Yas Links is the region’s premier

sbgolfclub.ae

links course. These are complemented by a city course and an intriguing

Yas Links Abu Dhabi

sand course just a chip-and-putt

+971 2 810 7710

from Abu Dhabi International Airport

yaslinks.com

and can be easily combined with a

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

7

8

Yas Island

ITINERARY 3

Marina Circuit and its F1 Grand Prix

SEA, FLY, DRIVE ON YAS ISLAND Enjoy a Seawings aerial seaplane tour which covers all of Abu Dhabi city’s sights from the air or choose a 20 or 30-minute Falcon Aviation helicopter tour.

For

a

seaborne

alternative,

Capt. Tony’s operates a range of cruises around our scenic natural islands, including ‘Sunset Cruises’, ‘Island Beach Tours’, and tailored ‘Romantic Cruises’ from Yas Marina on sustainably operated craft. Back

track, and complete their visit with lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the iconic Yas Viceroy – the only hotel in the world straddling an F1™ circuit.

Journey time 20 minutes each way. visitabudhabi.ae Seawings Abu Dhabi +971 800 SEAWINGS Falcon Aviation +971 2 444 0007

on terra firma, race like a champion

Capt. Tony’s

at the Yas Racing School which offers

+971 2 650 7175

expert tuition in a variety of cars, such as Aston Martin GT4 racers, from

Yas Marina Circuit

specialised instructors for those who

+971 2 659 9800 or 800 YAS

have never driven a racing car before.

9

The less adventurous can embark on

Yas Viceroy Hotel

a behind the scenes tour of the Yas

+971 2 656 0000 10

12 HOUR STAY

Alternatively spend the day at the

Al Ain Oasis

unique Wadi Adventure , a man-made

+971 3 763 0155

white-water

rafting,

kayaking

and

surfing playground in the foothills of

Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

Jebel Hafeet. The park’s 3.3 metre

+971 3 751 7755

man-made surf wave is the world’s largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking

Al Jahili Fort

channel network is the world’s longest,

+971 3 711 8311

makes for a great adrenaline-filled family day out.

Al Qattara Arts Centre

Journey time 90 minutes each way.

+971 3 761 8080

visitabudhabi.ae Wadi Adventure +971 3 781 8422

Wadi Adventure Al Ain Oasis

ITINERARY 1 EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE HEARTLAND

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The Oasis City of Al Ain, with its array of

is filled with palm plantations, many

UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers

of which are still working farms. Visit

insights to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural

the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum

past. This charming city is within the

and see how the founder of the UAE

shadows of Jebel Hafeet, a towering

lived, or the picturesque Al Jahili fort

rocky height, home to significant fossil

– one of the UAE’s most historic o the

discoveries and over 500 ancient burial

Al Qattara Arts Centre, the only arts

tombs dating back 5,000. Famed for

centre in Al Ain, which is housed in an

working examples of the falaj – the

historic renovated fort on a site that

UAE’s traditional irrigation system – the

dates to the Iron Age (1100 – 300Bc)

Al Ain Oasis in the heart of the city,

in Al Ain’s Qattara Oasis.

12

ITINERARY 2 YAS THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Experience the thrill of Yas Island – our entertainment destination. Here you’ll find the Yas Marina Circuit – the world class motor sports race track which hosts the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stunning Yas Marina with its superb Yacht Club, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course, and set on the island’s tranquil southern shores, Yas Beach which is a great spot to relax and enjoy sun, sea, and sand.

Use the complimentary round-island

Yas Waterworld

Yas Express shuttle service to reach Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park with more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions – including the world’s fastest roller-coaster the Formula Rossa. The award-winning Arabian-themed

Yas

Waterworld

waterpark – with its 43 rides, slides & attractions, including five that are oneof-a-kind is not to be missed, and has been named the World Travel Award’s ‘Middle East’s Leading Attraction’.

Formula Rossa

A combination ticket, the Yas Park Pass, which includes access to both Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld is available.

Journey time just 20 minutes each way!

Yas Express +971 2 496 8110 yasisland.ae Ferrari World Abu Dhabi +971 2 496 8001 ferrariworldabudhabi.com Yas Waterworld +971 2 496 8236 yaswaterworld.com

13

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relax and admire the most Arabian

Noukhada Kayaking Tours

Gulf shoreline and islands onboard

+971 2 650 3600

the Gulf’s largest catamaran with

noukhada.ae

Belevari Marine’s three hour odyssey departing from the exclusive Emirates

Eastern Mangroves Hotel

Palace Marina.

+971 2 656 1000 abu-dhabi.anantara.com Al Dhafra +971 2 444 9914 aldhafra.net Abu Dhbai Pearl Journey +971 2 641 9914 adpearljourney.com Belevari Marine +971 2 643 1494

ITINERARY 3

belevari.com

AT ONE WITH THE SEA Enjoy the waters of the Arabian Gulf

lunch at the Al Dhafra Tourist Village

with an early morning Noukhada

for

Kayaking Tour of the protected eastern

experience. Sample a wide selection

mangrove forest that meanders along

of the market’s fresh fish and shellfish

the

and try ‘Jesheed’ – a shark speciality

city’s

coastline.

Learn

about

the natural wildlife habitats from an

an

authentic

Emirati

dining

Eastern Mangroves Hotel

garnished with turmeric.

experienced guide before enjoying a

15

buffet breakfast brunch at the nearby

Later, take a break from the busy city

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by

and join the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey

Anantara.

your

for a two hour cruise to understand

camera ready for the early morning

the enchanting history of the Arabian

bustle of the Mina Zayed Fish Souk

Gulf’s ancient pearling industry –

to capture the array of locally-caught

you’re guaranteed to find a pearl

fruits of the sea before calling for

to take home as a souvenir. Then,

Alternatively,

get

16

GETTING AROUND

Emirates Palace

Abu Dhabi has a well-planned road system and getting around Abu Dhabi is easy. Visitors will find all major car rental companies at Abu Dhabi International

Airport.

Taxis

are

reasonably priced and plentiful and can be picked up at the airport taxi rank, flagged down by the roadside or booked by phone through the TransAD hotline 600 535353.

WHERE TO EAT AND WHERE TO STAY Abu

Dhabi

has

an

Saadiyat Beach Club Dinner

extensive

array of fine quality dining and accommodation searched

via

options,

easily

visitabudhabi.ae

or

through our dedicated Where to Eat and Where to Stay publications available from any visitor information centre and selected locations across the emirate.

Arabian Nights Restaurant

FURTHER INFORMATION visitabudhabi.ae contains a wealth of additional information as does our

extensive

network

of

visitor

information centres and electronic visitor

information

points

at

Abu Dhabi International Airport and across the emirate.

17

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