24/10/2011
Abu Dhabi-An engaging emirate
Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, spectacular sand dunes and pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi. These, combined with distinctive Arabian hospitality, mystique and world-class infrastructure make Abu Dhabi an enchanting destination for experienced and novice travellers.
The emirate hosts the United Arab Emirates’ capital – Abu Dhabi city. This island capital is characterised by its signature Corniche, which fronts the amazing turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. You can stroll, cycle, roller-blade or drive the Corniche for a journey to the tip where the majestic Emirates Palace – one of the world’s most opulent hotels sits on 1.3 kilometres of pristine beach.
In Abu Dhabi city you’ll find all the conveniences of 21st century capital living and with some surprising additions. Don’t forget to take a complimentary guided tour of the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – one of the world’s largest – and you can book into one of its many beach resorts. Fine dining abounds, as do opportunities for more affordable fare in numerous city centre outlets. Shopping is as diverse as the emirate – there’s everything from marble-clad malls with haute couture brands to a textile souk (market) tucked away behind the main Hamdan Centre and a carpet souk at the Mina (Port).
Ten things to know about Abu Dhabi
1.In just over 50 years, Abu Dhabi has been transformed from little more than empty desert inhabited by nomadic tribes into a thriving 21st century society.
2.Abu Dhabi is the heart of one of the world’s most advancing regions. Abu Dhabi city is easily accessible from key European, Asian, African, American and Australian business centres.
3.Abu Dhabi city if the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The wider Abu Dhabi emirate occupies over 80% of the country’s total landmass.
4.Unknown to most, Abu Dhabi is archipelagic with nearly 200 islands dotted along its coast---- island-hopping is a popular pastime.
5.Abu Dhabi is on its way to becoming a global culture centre with the creation of the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. This 27 square kilometer island lying 500 meters offshore the UAE capital is being transformed into a signature cultural, leisure and residential destination. The island will be home to the largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions including the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and maritime museum--- all designed by award-winning international architects.
6.Emirates Palace is one of the world’s most majestic and opulent hotels. Often mistaken as the presidential palace, Emirates Palace if decorated with gold-leaf, marble and hung with almost 1,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Abu Dhabi has an expanding range of other fabulous hotels and iconic buildings including The Yas Hotel, the only one in the world with straddling a Formula 1TM race track.
7.Abu Dhabi offers fantastic leisure activities. Choose from fascinating city tours, desert safaris and tours of our stunning Yas Marina Circuit Formula 1TM track or try your hand at driving it. Play a round of golf on one of three championship-ready, all-grass golf courses or visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – the UAE’s most imposing religious and national landmark. Opt for a range of watersports in Abu Dhabi’s warm, calm waters or take a trip to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, and board the Formula Rossa—the world’s faster roller coaster.
8.Visitors can experience authentic taste of the Arabian culture and heritage.
9.Abu Dhabi enjoys a subtropical climate with sunshine almost everyday.
10.Abu Dhabu is home to the annual Formula 1TM Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This international headline race joins an impressive line-up of world-class events which have enabled the emirate to emerge as a major global events contender. The include the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the Gourmet Abu Dhabi gastronomic festival, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge rally, the Al Ain Aerobatics Championship and, in January 2012, the capital will be a host post of the 2011/2012 Volvo Ocean Race.
http://www.visitabudhabi.ae/en/en-us/ebrochure.aspx
