Luxury Abu Dhabi 2013 by Business Publishing Services Kft.

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LUXURY

ABU DHABI

2013

LUXURY ABU DHABI SHoppIng DInIng SIgHtSeeIng ARtS CULtURe

e Where L uxury M eets LifestyLe

LUXURY ABU DHABI 2013

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Contents A Special Dedication Facts About UAe Rulers and Ruling Families Sands of time â&#x20AC;&#x201C; UAe history the emirate of Abu Dhabi

3 6 8 10 14

Abu Dhabi Milestones 16 A glimpse of Islam 18 good to Know - general Services and Dos and Don'ts 19 national dress 22 Arabic Hospitality Arabic Coffee Recipes traditional emirati food

24 26 30

Sporting Abu Dhabi top Women's Fashion Abu Dhabi Cultural

32 34 38

Historical Buildings in the emirate of Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage Modern Buildings in Abu Dhabi Mosques in Abu Dhabi

40 42 58 88

Abu Dhabi's Islands Abu Dhabi's Bridges top timepieces top Women's Accessories the Arabian gulf Historical places in Abu Dhabi

96 100 102 104 106 114

Breakwater Island From Al Bateen to Heritage Village Saadiyat and Yas Islands top Men's Fashion Meena Area

124 132 140 166 170

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Contents natural Heritage parks in Abu Dhabi

174 180

All that glitters top Jewellery Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi the World of 1001 fragrances top Fragrances the World of 1001 Spices Abu Dhabi: gourmet Metropolis

184 186 188 190 194 196 198

garden city Al Ain

204

Abu Dhabi's 1001 Faces of the Desert nature and Arabian Heritage 1001 nights â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Desert Adventures Sun, Sand & Skiing

208 212 222 226

Wildlife at Your Fingertips the emirates national Auto Museum

228 230

Motorsport Yas-Island Diving Yachting Arrive in Style

232 233 234 236

Abu Dhabi Art Abu Dhabi events

238 240

ghantoot Racing & polo Club Abu Dhabi equestrian Club golf in Abu Dhabi

244 246 248

essential numbers Abu Dhabi Map

252 254

editorial

256

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Facts About the United Arab emirates

LoCAtIon the United Arab emirates is located along the southeastern tip of the Arabian peninsula. It borders with Saudi Arabia to the west, south and southeast and oman to the southeast and northeast. the northern and western coast of the UAe lies on the Arabian gulf, its eastern coast is on the Indian ocean. the UAe is a federation, formed of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain, Ra’s al-Khaimah and Fujairah.

ARRIVIng BY pLAne - InteRnAtIonAL AIRpoRtS n Abu Dhabi International Airport - AUH n Dubai International Airport - DXB n Al Maktoum International Airport - DWC n Sharjah International Airport - SHJ n Al Ain International Airport - AAn n Fujairah International Airport- FJR n Ra’s al-Khaimah International Airport – RKt

ARRIVIng BY SeA - CRUISe poRtS toURISM the UAe is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations worldwide. Its unique combination of Arab tradition and heritage, year-round sunshine, unbeatable shopping facilities, world-class hotels and a service-oriented safe environment leads to ever growing numbers of visitors.

n Abu Dhabi Cruise terminal Mina Zayed port n Dubai Cruise terminal port Rashid n port of Fujairah n passenger Cruise terminal RAK Khor port Ra’s al-Khaimah

ARRIVIng BY RoAD – LAnD CHeCKpoIntS n Hatta – omani border n Al Ain/Buraimi – omani border n Dibba – omani border (Musandam) n Al ghuwaifat – Border with Saudi Arabia

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IMpoRtAnt pHone nUMBeRS Ambulance ...................................................................998 or 999 Police .................................................................. 999 – emergency ..........................................................................901 - non-emergency Fire ............................................................................................. 997 Coast Guard ..................................................... 996 and 800 4438 Tourist police ................................................................800 2626 Directory Inquiry ................................................... etisalat – 181 ........................................ du telecom 800 155 from any UAe phone .........................................................du telecom 155 from du mobile

Capital Political structure Official language Foundation of the country Territory Population

Official religion Currency Time zone Internet International Vehicle registration code International calling code

Abu Dhabi Constitutional Confederation Arabic December 2, 1971 83,600 km² 7,200,000 total 947,997 UAe nationals (published by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in April 2012) Islam UAe Dirham gMt+4 (no daylight saving/ summer time) .ae UAe +971

pUBLIC HoLIDAYS 2013

CLIMAte

the UAe follows the gregorian calendar as well as the Islamic Hijri calendar. Friday is the weekly day of rest, schools and most offices remain closed during the two-day weekend on Fridays and Saturdays.

the UAe has an arid climate with year-round sunshine. Summers are hot and humid, winters warm and at times windy. With daytime temperatures in the mid-20s and night temperatures between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, winters are very pleasant. During summer thermometers will climb into the 40s during the day and remain in the 30s at night. Humidity in coastal areas is on average 50 percent and can reach up to 90 percent during mid-summer ( June – August). Shamal are strong winds that are common during winter. Sandstorms and strong winds from the desert are the usual harbingers of the change of seasons. Rainfall is very rare – in spring (March/April) some rainy days might happen, not more than ten during the whole year. A "wet year" might see 350 mm of rain, in a "dry year" it might be as little as 30 mm. Water temperatures in the Arabian gulf change from 20 degrees in winter to 36 degrees in summer. the waters of the Indian ocean on the east coast are 18 degrees in winter and up to 30 degrees in summer.

HoLIDAYS – FIXeD DAteS January 1 new Year's Day December 2 UAe national Day ISLAMIC HoLIDAYS – AppRoXIMAte DAteS the Hijri calendar is based on the moon cycle and therefore in 2013 the following dates for the Islamic holidays are approximate. the exact dates will be announced following the moonsighting. January 24 June 6 July 9 August 8 October 14 October 15 November 4

prophet Mohammed's Birthday Ascension of the prophet Beginning of Ramadan eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) Arafat (Haj) Day eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) Al Hijara (Islamic new Year)

topogRApHY eighty percent of the UAe’s landmass is desert with picturesque sand dunes. the Hajar mountain range stretches along the eastern coast and its highest peaks reach up to 1,900 metres. Wadis, dry riverbeds, are unique natural features. the UAe is home to more than 200 islands, some of them accessible to visitors.

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Rulers and ruling families of the United Arab emirates nAMeS oF tHe RULeRS oF tHe UAe AnD tHe SeVen eMIRAteS AL nAHYAn – RULIng FAMILY oF ABU DHABI His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAe and Ruler of Abu Dhabi His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAe Armed Forces AL MAKtoUM - RULIng FAMILY oF DUBAI

not long ago what is today the United Arab emirates was a desert and mountainous land, inhabited by nomadic shepherds, settled people in villages in the mountains and traders and fishermen along the coast. people lived together in tribal communities. In 1904, when the sheikhdoms were separate states with treaties with Britain, J.g. Lorimer, the author of an official study on behalf of the Indian government, reported on the tribes, their locations and the local economy. there was a population of around 80,000, in 44 tribes, forming five principalities with the Bani Yas tribal confederation as the largest amongst them. the first reference to the Bani Yas dates back to 1633. Abu Dhabi's ruling family, the Al nahyan family, is part of the Al Bu Falah section of the Bani Yas tribe. Dubai's ruling Al Maktoum family hails from the Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani Yas, while the Al Qawasim family ruled in Sharjah and Ra’s al-Khaimah. even though many tribes shared common roots, rivalries amongst them were common in the struggle for survival in the harsh desert environment. Control over water resources and territories was crucial for their survival and only those leaders who could provide and protect these resources would be accepted by their people and able to remain in power. It was a very simple principle: if a leader looked after his people well, his people would stand behind him in times of trouble. the formation of the UAe and the unification of the tribes under one leadership was one of the greatest achievements of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al nahyan, who was the leader of Abu Dhabi from 1966 and who became the first president of the United Arab emirates. tribal identity and affiliation to the tribe is part of emirati identity. Social structures in the UAe are still based on tribal affiliations. even nowadays emiratis remain committed to their tribal identity, and, in return, their leaders take care of them. the implementation of tribal leadership has changed over the years and occurs in the 21 st century in a different way. While a tribal leader in the desert might have managed the distribution of scarce resources, nowadays the leaders distribute the profit of their modern economies in the form of general welfare and gracious grants, ensuring a carefree life for all their people.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice president and prime Minister of UAe; Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown prince of Dubai AL QASIMI - RULIng FAMILY oF SHARJAH His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown prince of Sharjah AL QASIMI - RULIng FAMILY oF RA’S AL-KHAIMAH His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ra’s al-Khaimah His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Crown prince of Ra’s al-Khaimah AL nUAIMI RULIng FAMILY oF AJMAn His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Ruler of Ajman His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown prince of Ajman AL MUALLA - RULIng FAMILY oF UMM AL-QAIWAIn His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Ruler of Umm al-Qaiwain His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla, Crown prince of Umm al-Qaiwain AL SHARQI - RULIng FAMILY oF FUJAIRAH

the rulers of the UAe enjoy a great amount of respect and affection from their own people and residents of the country alike. even though they live in palaces, they still rule in the tribal tradition and the doors to their majalis, the Arabic counterpart to Western royal audience halls, are open for people to meet their Sheikhs and to discuss a wide range of topics with them.

His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah His Highness Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown prince of Fujairah

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Sands of t time ime A brief history of the uAe uAe

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the United Arab emirates have a long history and recent findings support the theory that during the early migration of Man from Africa into Asia, the region provided a key route through which the migrations passed. Archaeological findings provide proof of interaction with the outside world as early as during the palaeolithic period, over 100,000 years ago. permanent settlement began during eolithic period about 8,000 years ago, the neolithic with trading links by sea with Iraq being established over 7,000 years ago. By around 5,000 years ago, 3,000 BC, copper was being mined in the Hajar Mountains for export. Remnants of early settlements from the Umm al nar period, about 4,000 to 4,500 years ago,

have been found throughout the country, and relatively large oasis towns were established. the remains of a remarkable circular burial tomb can be seen in the Hili Archaeological garden in Al Ain. Fragments of pottery and metal items are evidence of relations with Mesopotamia, Iran, the Indus Valley, Baluchistan and Bactria, and later Afghanistan. In Mesopotamian sources the areas is referred to as Magan. the Iron Age, about 1,300 to 300 BC, was characterised by two main changes, besides the introduction of iron. First, domesticated camels appeared, allowing major change in the way people travelled on land, while the invention of underground irrigation channels, the so-called

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falaj, made it possible to increase the distribution of water for irrigation, despite declining rainfall. With more agriculture, and therefore more food available, there was an almost explosive growth in population. During the Late pre-Islamic area, around 2,300 to 1,700 years ago, the use of horses became common and a large trade network connecting the gulf areas with Mesopotamia, India and the Mediterranean was established. In the 6 th centur y A.D. Christianity was introduced to the area. Archaeologists found on Sir Bani Yas Island, in western Abu Dhabi, the remains of a monaster y that belonged to a nestorian Christian community. Between 630 and 637 A.D. the first envoys of the prophet Mohamed arrived and used Julfar – today Ra’s al-Khaimah – as a staging port during their conquest of Iran. Julfar started to flourish and over the centuries became a wealthy port and pearling centre. In 892 A.D. the port again played a strategic role during the Abbasid invasion of oman. In 963 A.D., the Buyids, a dynasty from Iran, conquered southeastern Arabia.

the 14 th and 15 th centuries were the time of the great seafarers. the fairy tale figure of “Sinbad” shares a lot of features with the region’s most famous sailor, Ahmed bin Majid, born 1421 in Ra’s al-Khaimah. Bin Majid was one of the most knowledgeable navigators and cartographers of his time. Charts made by him are believed to have helped the portuguese explorer Vasco da gama to find his way from southern Africa to India at the beginning of the 16 th Century. In the 18 th Century, the Al Qawasim, or Qasimi family, in the northern emirates of Ra’s al-Khaimah and Sharjah, emerged as a major sea power in the region, building up a fleet of more than 60 vessels with almost 20,000 sailors. their clashes with the British, the dominant power at the time in India, led to the area becoming known as the “pirate Coast”. Meanwhile the Liwa-based Bani Yas discovered water at Milh Island, later named Abu Dhabi, establishing a settlement in around 1761 and, later, building the Al Hosn fort. the new town of Abu Dhabi became an important pearling centre and the political leaders of the Al Bu Falah, the Al nahyan family, moved to Abu Dhabi.

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In the early 19 th Century, conflict between the Al Qawasim and the British led, in 1819, to a major attack by a British force, after which, in January 1820, peace treaties were signed with all of the sheikhs of the region, which guaranteed them British protection, while preserving their own sovereignty and control over affairs on land. Renewed and amended, these provided the basis for a British presence in the area until 1971. An agreement between the sheikhs to maintain a truce atled to the area becoming known as the trucial States. In 1833, members of the Al Bu Falasah, a branch of the Bani Yas tribe, moved from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, with their leader, Sheikh Maktoum bin Butti Al Maktoum, becoming the ruler of Dubai. With its creek providing a safe harbour for shipping, it rapidly emerged as an important trading port. trade was flourishing, the pearling industry in winter and date farming provided a humble but steady income and allowed the tribes a relatively stable life. the introduction of the cultured pearl by the Japanese stripped the region of its main source of income and triggered a deep economic crisis in the 1920s, with severe consequences for the people. he Dubai Creek, over centuries a harbour for small trading vessels the and a good fishing place, came more into focus. In order to further develop commercial activities and to allow more and larger vessel to anchor, the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, started an extensive program to develop the creek. he shallow seabed was dredged and the beaches the were developed to become quays, suitable for loading and unloading cargo. In the 1930s, oil companies started their first surveys in the area. At this time the first planes also landed in the area and a first airport was built at Sharjah, used as a stopover-point by Imperial Airways on the way to India and Australia. After the Second World War, the surveys were intensified in the 1950s,

and with the discovery of oil in 1958, everything changed. What had formally been a widely unnoticed desert region became a place of global interest. In 1962 the first oil tanker left Das Island. nothing would anymore be as it had been before. even though the UAe was the last gulf state to discover oil, what happened afterwards seems like a modern fairy tale. Changes took place almost overnight. With the discovery of oil, international experts came to the region, growing steadily in numbers. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al nahyan became the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966. He was a leader people trusted, and they felt confident in his abilities to lead the tribe in those difficult times. In his previous appointment as the rulerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s representative in Al Ain, he had gained the respect of the tribesmen and had proven his ability as a wise and caring leader. When Britain announced in 1968 its intention to withdraw from the region, Sheikh Zayed started talks with the neighbouring rulers to join together as a new state. the rulers of Bahrain and Qatar were included, although they decided eventually to choose independent membership of the international community. An agreement among the trucial States to form a federation was reached in July 1971 and on December 2, 1971 the United Arab emirates was formed and the flag of the new country was flown for the first time

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at Jumeirah in Dubai. the initial members were Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Qaiwain and Fujairah. Raâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s al-Khaimah joined the federation in February 1972. Since then the seven emirates have build up a distinct national identity and the UAeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s political system combines the traditional and the modern. the flag of the emirates consists of the pan-Arabic colours of red, green, white and black, representing, according to common understanding, the four main historical periods of Islam.

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FACTS

Arabian oryx

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the emirate of Abu Dhabi of the seven emirates, Abu Dhabi is the largest, with its 67,340 square kilometres occupying about 86 percent of the total landmass of the UAe. the emirate consists of the city of Abu Dhabi with its suburbs, the Western Region or “Al gharbiya”, with the desert of the empty Quarter and the Liwa oasis and the eastern Region surrounding the oasis city of Al Ain. More than 200 islands of different sizes belong to the emirate. the city of Abu Dhabi, located on an atoll of islands at the shoreline of the Arabian gulf, is the capital of the United Arab emirates. It hosts the seats of the president and the Federal Cabinet, foreign embassies and the headquarters of many oil companies. the mangrove-surrounded islands were almost uninhabited until the middle of the 18 th century, although tribesmen would visit the islands regularly during hunting expeditions. Legend has it that hunting Bedouin once followed a gazelle, or ‘dhabi’, fleeing from the main land onto one of the islands, then known as “Milh”, or Salt. the hunters were intrigued and followed. to the great surprise of the hunters, the animal headed straight to what turned out to be a freshwater spring near the north-west coast of the island. this was a great surprise for the Bedouin, and they hurried to share this news with their tribal leaders. Access to fresh water was crucial for the survival of the Bedouin and therefore extremely precious and of great strategic importance. their leaders decided

to take control over this new resource and to establish a settlement there. Milh Island was now called “father of the gazelle” – in Arabic “Abu Dhabi”. A first watchtower was build in 1761, and later extended into a small fort – the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, the Qasr al Hosn. Due to its island location the new settlement developed quickly into a vibrant pearl centre. the Al nahyan family of the Bani Yas tribe moved from their desert residence in the Liwa oasis to the islands and from 1793 onward ruled the emerging emirate of Abu Dhabi. the Western Region is characterized by large desert landscapes. the name empty Quarter indicates the inhospitality of this, the largest sand desert of the world. only the bravest Bedouin could cross this sheer endless desert. Since there is hardly any water or any other resource for human survival, the Quarter was almost uninhabited. In the middle of this harsh region lies the Liwa oasis, where the Bani Yas tribe lived for centuries. the charming centre of the eastern Region is the oasis city of Al Ain, one of the world’s oldest continuously-occupied settlements. It was a vital oasis on the caravan routes from oman. the city’s name Al Ain means “Spring” and relates to the natural springs, originating from the surrounding mountains and feeding the oasis with fresh water. Al Ain is the garden city of the country, covered with lush palm trees and fresh greenery.

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Masdar City

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oil and Sustainability Abu DhAbi MiLestones

Sandy beaches, traditional fishing- and pearling boats peacefully rocking in the azure waters of the Arabian gulf and along the coast a humble settlement consisting of houses made from date-palm fronds – this was, more or less, Abu Dhabi until the middle of the 20th century. no roads, no electricity and no tap water. With the discovery of oil in 1958 all this changed. oil-companies started their operations from Abu Dhabi and with them came not only foreigners, but also modern technologies and infrastructures; life on the island was changed forever. In 1966 Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al nahyan became the ruler of the emirate and under his guidance and leadership Abu Dhabi underwent an incredible development into a super modern cosmopolitan city. Sheikh Zayed's concern as tribal leader was for the welfare of all his people; water and electricity available for everybody, appropriate houses, medical services and education – these were his priorities. It was beyond imagination that one day Abu Dhabi would become one of the largest oil producers in the world, with millions of dollars in revenue generated daily. the new city was built according to a master plan, dividing the area into clusters with streets parallel and at right angles to each other. What seems a simple task, to demolish old buildings and remove the debris, was quite a challenge on a 40 km long island without proper roads. Zayed, a man who was known for his practicality and hands-on mentality, came up with a creative solution: the debris of the old structures was dumped off the coast and used to build a breakwater to protect the outer coast from the occasional big waves from the Arabian gulf that had, on more than one occasion in the past, caused remarkable damage to the coastal settlement. extended and enhanced over the years, the breakwater, with its Marina Sports Club, Marina Mall and the emirates Heritage Village, became a popular leisure spot for residence and visitors. Modern skyscrapers grew like mushrooms, providing housing for the growing population, hotels, offices, schools, universities and modern medical facilities. the city spread from the main island onto the mainland and over the surrounding islands, where new residential areas, recreational facilities and industrial areas were developed. Abu Dhabi’s identity is deeply rooted in its Arabic and Islamic heritage. With the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third largest in the world, the late president left not only a beautiful place of worship for his brothers and sisters in faith, but gifted the city an iconic building and architectural treasure. Abu Dhabi’s vision is to build up on a diversified, sustainable economic basis. the development of world-class cultural, sporting and tourism facilities is a crucial part of the plan.

Sustainability is a key word in Abu Dhabi’s future plans and so it should not be surprising that, in the homeland of the second largest oil producer in the Arabian peninsula and the eighth largest in the world, the use of alternative energy is a key area of development. over an area of six square kilometres, Abu Dhabi is realising one of world's largest clean-tech clusters, where current and future renewable energy and clean technologies are showcased, marketed, researched, developed, tested and implemented. Air traffic was crucial for the city's development. the Al Bateen Airport on the main Island of Abu Dhabi was opened in 1968. In order to accommodate more traffic, a larger international airport was build about 30 km southwards of the city on the mainland. Flights from the new location took off in 1982 and since then the airport has undergone constant extensions. Since 2003, Abu Dhabi has its own national carrier, etihad airlines. Set up in July of that year, the first flights were launched only four months later. With more than 60 aircraft, etihad operates more than 1,000 flights weekly and serves a network of 84 international destinations. It became a leading premium airline brand in record time and was named “World’s Leading Airline” at the World travel Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011. With the emirates palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi added its unique traditional Arabic touch to a global portfolio of luxury hotels. As one of the fastest growing cities it is only fair to get involved in speedy sports – since 2009 Abu Dhabi has hosted a Formula 1 race at the Yas Marina Circuit. Ferrari World, next to the racetrack, is the world’s largest indoor theme park. Further ambitious projects are in various states of completion. Saadiyat Island, located close by Abu Dhabi’s main island and connected via new roads and bridges, will host a stunning cultural district. the guggenheim Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a Centre for performing Arts and the Sheikh Zayed national Museum amongst countless other museums and galleries will put Abu Dhabi amongst the top art destinations in the world.

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A glimpse of Islam

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab emirates. Followers of Islam, a monotheistic religion based on the believe that Allah is the one and only god and that prophet Mohamed (peace be Upon Him) is his last messenger, are called Muslims. Allah is the Arabic word for god and refers in Islam to the same god as that in Judaism and Christianity. prophet Mohamed (pBUH) lived from 570 to 632 A.D. and, from the age of 40 until his death, he received revelations of god, verbally conveyed by Angel gabriel. After the death of the prophet Mohamed (pBUH), these revelations were compiled into a single book, the holy book of Muslims called the Quran. the Quran is considered the culmination of godly revelations and Mohamed (pBUH) the final messenger of god, following earlier messengers such as Adam, Moses, Ibrahim, David and Jesus. Muslims believe and respect all messengers of god. Jesus, for instance, is mentioned 25 times in the Quran, while Mohamed (pBUH) is mentioned four times only. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is considered one of the most respected women in the Islamic tradition. She is the only woman mentioned by name in the Quran, which makes more references to her than the new testament of the Christian bible. Five pillars form the basis of Islam: Shahada is the declaration of Faith in Allah as the one and only god and Mohamed (pBUH) as his last messenger. Salah are the prayers Muslims perform at five specific times of the day, defined by certain positions of the sun. Zakat are the five percent of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth that are given as alms. Sawm is the fasting during the Holy Month of Ramadan. the pilgrimage to Mecca, which each Muslim is expected to perform at least one in a lifetime, is called the Hajj. the Islamic Hijri calendar is a lunar calendar and was introduced at the time of the arrival of prophet Mohamedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (pBUH) in Medina in 622. the Islamic year consist of 12 lunar months and is about 11 days shorter than the internationally used gregorian calendar. the weekly day of rest for Muslims is Friday, and is part of the weekend in the Arab world (Sunday is a working day). Islam has about 1.6 billion followers, making it the second largest religion in the world. About 20 percent of all Muslims live in the Middle east. the two main denominations of Islam are Sunni with about 85 percent (according to www. islam.about.com) and Shia with 10-15 percent of all Muslims.

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good to Know the United Arab emirates form a modern cosmopolitan yet Islamic country and enjoy a high level of safety. It is fine for visitors to be out in town at any given time and at any given place. out of respect towards the local culture modesty in dress and behaviour is advisable. Women are recommended to cover shoulders and knees and to avoid see-through and low-cut outfits in public. Inside bars and clubs it’s fine so show a bit more skin, but on the way to the location modesty should be maintained. For men, bare chest and shorts above the knee would not be appropriate. At beaches and pool areas swimming wear is perfectly fine, however topless sunbathing by women is taboo. When capturing memorable moments with cameras, some consideration of privacy should be given. Veiled women usually don’t like to be photographed. For men and children to appear in your picture is usually fine, however it is always advisable to get the permission of the potential models, at least with a friendly smile. As in many other places in the world, it is not permitted to take pictures of military and official building as well as palaces. the rule of the thumb is simple: armed guards at the entrance gate and a state flag on top of the building are unmistakably no-photography signs. gender-segregation is a common traditional practice in the local society. even traditional wedding parties consist of two events: a ladies-only party with music and dancing, and the men’s reception for male friends and relatives. A highlight of the celebration is the appearance of the groom towards the end of the ladies' party. the couple receives congratulations, poses for pictures and leave for their honeymoon. Most marriages in gulf ulf societies are traditionally arranged by recommendation. even ven though Muslim men are allowed by Islamic sharia law to be married to up to four wives at the same time, this is not common practice and rather the exception than the rule. It is not acceptable for unmarried couples to live together or even share the same room. Hotels usually won’t refuse unmarried couples and handle the situation discreetly. Discretion is also advisable for guests and even in introductions it is better to introduce your girlfriend as your wife. Homosexuality and cross dressing are culturally unacceptable and are considered offences that could lead to unpleasant consequences, if discretion is not maintained. overt displays of affection in public are not appreciated; passionate public kisses could lead to unpleasant consequences. It is perfectly fine for couples to walk hand-in-hand and a greeting kiss on the cheek is not an issue at all, as long as modesty is maintained.

Although alcohol is considered “haram”, a forbidden thing, in Islam, the bars and wine cellars of the UAe’s hotels are well stocked. Hotels and a handful of international sport- and recreation clubs are licenced to serve alcohol. the legal age of 21 for consuming alcohol and visiting nightclubs is strictly observed, since the venues would face severe consequences if they did not stick to the rules. During the holy month of Ramadan and religious holidays the serving of alcohol is either suspended or limited to the evening hours. the UAe administers a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving and the possession and consumption of drugs. non-smoking policies are implemented in most shopping centres and restaurants. the currency of the UAe is the UAe Dirham - AeD. the exchange rate against the U.S. dollar is fixed at 3.65 AeD for 1 U.S. $. other currency exchange rates change depending on the international dollar-course. the best places to exchange cash are exchange offices, which can be found in malls and shopping areas. Banks and more so hotels offer slightly lower rates. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, but not all shops and restaurants take American express or Diners Club International cards. AtMs are available all over town. there is no surcharge for credit card payments, unless a reduced price is agreed upon while shopping at the markets. In this case the merchant might ask for the charges the bank would make for the credit card payment: two percent for Visa, four percent for MasterCard and six percent for American express. It is advisable to have some cash in the local currency at hand for small expenses. taxis for instance do not accept cards and it might become a bit difficult to negotiate the exchange rate with the taxi driver if trying to pay in a foreign currency. the UAe’s telecommunication infrastructure is highly developed and the two phone companies, etisalat and du, have rooming agreements with most international providers. Local mobile calls are very reasonably priced at 0.30 A AeD per minute, for international calls the rates range between 2 and 3.5 AeD per minute, and are about 30 percent discounted pM and 7 AM and on Fri days. For calls from between 9 pM hotels, surcharges are applicable. are the most convenient and reasonable t taxis mode of transport while on a short stay. Unique features in the UAe e are “ladytaxis”, recognisable by their pink exterior decoration. these pink cabs are for ladies and small children only and are driven by ladies. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven rental cars are available via hotels and townoffices. An international driving license is required to hire a car. A limousine service can be arranged via the hotel.

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Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque

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national Dress

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the emirati master the art of wearing the simple and traditional outfits of the gulf people with pride, making luxury fashion statements even out of their humble outfits. emirati national dress is based on practical, traditional clothing for a hot desert climate, and meets the religious demands of modesty. the long wide gentleman's garment is called the dishdash or khandoorah. Most emirati wou ld choose to have their khadooras tailored - and yes, they are tailor-made - from material of a shining white colour. However, it is a personal choice, to use other colours as well, and mainly during winter months darker colours and warmer materials are common. the traditional features of this garment, which is common all over the gulf region, are the round collarless neck and long open arms without cuffs. pockets are implemented in the side seams, not on the chest. A very special emirati detail is a small cord, attached to the upper button. It’s called kerkusha or tarbush and is made from thread of the same colour as the khandourra. this small item has an interesting history: Arabs love good smells and perfumed oils, especially oud. this is traditionally offered as a pleasantry to guests. Remains of the oil, applied to the hands and ankles, would leave oily stains on the khandoora. In order to avoid this, the emirati would roll the faruha in their hands in order to absorb the remains of the perfume and capture the pleasant smell in the little cord. Whoever visits a fish market or a camel farm will value this little handy sniffer!

the man’s outfit is only considered complete with the headdress, the guttrah. even though white guttrahs are most common, colour and pattern are a personal choice and do not indicate social status or tribal identity. Under the scarf a small white crochet hat, the gahffiyah, is worn. on top a black rope, the agal, holds the headdress in place. the way the guttrah is worn often indicates the mood of its wearer: A guttra piled high on the head might signal stress. the turban-like style, called “hamdaniya”, is mainly worn by youngsters and is considered informal and signals a relaxed mood. In public emirati women wear an abaya, a loose black coat of fine material that covers the entire body, on top of their regular clothes. the hair is covered with a sheila, a black veil. Some women completely cover their faces, some leave just the eyes uncovered and others only cover their hair – depending on personal decision, level of religious devotion and family traditions. In rural areas it is still common for older ladies and married woman to wear a burqa, the traditional facemasks, covered outside with gold-coloured cloth. While traditional sheila-abaya ensembles used to be of plain black colour, modern outfits are often artfully decorated with embroidery or colourful borders. ever more women joining the professional work environment prefer to stick to their traditional outfits but give it a personal, fashionable touch. Although readymade outfits are available, most emirati woman will have their abaya and matching sheila individually tailored.

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CULTURE

Arabic Hospitality

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each region has its own habits. the customs of welcome play a crucial role amongst various regional practices, since it ultimately defines the first impression and, as is widely known, there is no second chance for a first impression. As a gesture of hospitality in Arabia, a guest will be offered coffee and dates. the traditional Arabic coffee is made from ground beans, mixed with saffron and sometimes other spices, like cardamom. no milk or sugar is added. Since a guest could arrive at anytime, coffee is always ready and available â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a tradition, that is still very much alive. the coffee used to be kept in a large dhalla, the traditional Arabic metal coffee pot. In order to keep the coffee always hot, the dhalla used to be placed in a bed of glowing charcoal, put in a pit in the sand in a special wooden box. Since charcoal boxes might not be the most practical solution in air-conditioned houses, thermos pots in the shape of the traditional dallah are commonly used nowadays.

remain alert to refill an emptied cup. If a guest wants to signal that he does not want more coffee, he should shake the cup slightly and hand it back to the host. the slightly bitter taste of the coffee is compensated by the sweetness of the dates, offered together with it. Dates originate on the Arabian peninsula and were essential for the survival of the Bedouin in the harsh desert environment. the tribesmen often had no other source of food than camel milk and dates, the latter of which are high in fruit sugar and therefore a source of instant energy. Due to their fibre structure, the fruits are gentle on the stomach, which makes them the perfect fast-breaker during Ramadan. About 150 different species of dates are cultivated in the UAe. towards the end of the harvesting season in mid-summer, the city of Liwa hosts an annual date festival, celebrating this special fruit, which Arabs considered a special and very precious gift from god.

ÂŠ Jumeriah group

once a guest arrives, the host will offer the coffee in a small cup without a handle. there really is an art in offering the coffee: the host will usually hold the cup in his right hand and pour the coffee with his left. It is considered a severe affront to fill the cup completely; it is served only one-third full. the host will offer the cup with his right hand to the guest, who should receive it with his right hand. the host will then serve other guests and always

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Arabic Coffee Recipes

the first taste of Arabic coffee artful poured into its small porcelain cup is always a surprise: the light brown drink does not look anything like the common understanding of what coffee should look like. the smell is somehow also aromatic but not at all like fresh coffee. Ingredients as well as preparation make the difference. the beans are roasted in different ways depending on what strength and taste are desired. Light roasted beans are described as blond and give a fresh light taste. For the red coffee with a stronger but still not too bitter taste the beans are medium roasted. For the strongest, most bitter black coffee, the beans are roasted a dark brown. Upon personal taste and family tradition some cardamom might be mixed with the rough ground coffee. this is boiled with water and, just a few moments before pouring the drink into the pot, some saffron is usually added to the blond or red coffee. Arabic coffee is not sweetened. the dates, traditionally served with it, provide enough sweetness and contrast delicately with the revitalising drink. For service the coffee is poured from the large dhallah into smaller ones that are easier to handle and allow the coffee to be served artfully, as is customary. It may sound counterintuitive, but the inhabitants of desert regions know very well about the cooling effect of hot drinks: after a quick sweat flush the little hot drink will help cool you down, and the added dates provide the fast absorbed fruit sugar for an instant energy kick.

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Balaleet

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traditional emirati Food

traditional emirati food is quite different to what is commonly known as “Arabic food”. Most dishes are stew-like, since ingredients are usually cooked together in one single pot. Saffron, cardamom, turmeric, thyme, rosewater and dried lemons give emirati cuisine its special taste. Fresh vegetables are usually served as appetizers or side dishes. the cucumberyoghurt salad is a refreshing delicacy. A refreshing drink, traditionally served with the meal, is Arabic lemonade, made from freshly squeezed lemon juice blended with mint leaves. the meat used is mainly lamb, goat, chicken and birds, like the houbara. Camel meat is a considered an extraordinary delicacy, served at special occasions only. Fish and seafood are very popular. Machboos is a typical dish, made from meat, chicken or fish, cooked with onions, dried lime and spices. once the meat is done, the stock is used to boil the rice. Layers of rice and the meat-vegetable mix are cooked for a few minutes together. the dish is served on large trays, garnished with nuts, raisins and fried onions. thareed is a stew made from mixed vegetables like carrots, potatoes and pumpkin, cooked with chicken or lamb. the dish is traditionally served with thin Arabic bread. Madrooba is cooked from salt-cured fish, a regional delicacy, available at the traditional fish markets. After it has been thoroughly cleaned under running water, the fish is slowly cooked with some spices. Flour is added to thicken the sauce. Before serving the dish is topped off with clarified butter, ghee. A real specialty is harees, a dish cooked from ground wheat, and lamb or chicken. Boiled for several hours, the dish has the consistency of porridge and might not qualify as the most eye-catching food, but its full flavour is a pleasant surprise. Harees is traditionally served during the holy month of Ramadan, and no wedding celebration menu would be complete without it.

Fresh fruits and sweets complete the meal. Luqeymat is an irresistible treat: deep-fried balls of pancake batter rolled in sesame seeds and then covered with date syrup. Asseda, a cold dessert, is made of pumpkin and gets its typical orange colour from the added saffron.

thareed

Chicken Machboos

tea with mint or traditional Arabic coffee is usually served at the end of a meal. the passing around of an incense burner, releasing a pleasant smell after the food, would signal the end of the meal in a private home and it’s customary that guests would leave shortly thereafter.

Luqeymat

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FACtS

Sporting Abu Dhabi

ÂŠ Yas Marina Circuit

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Since its premier in 2006 the Abu Dhabi HSBC golf Championship has become one of the major events on the european tour, where it forms part of the gulf Swing. From 17-20 January 2013 the global golf elite will compete at the Abu Dhabi golf Club. In 2011 the event’s prize fund was raised to $2.7 million, making it the richest purse of the gulf Swing. In 2012 the Abu Dhabi HSBC golf Championship recorded its highest ever attendance figures, with more than 82,000 fans streaming through the national Course gates over the event’s four days. the 2012 participant’s list was named by the official golf rankings as the strongest ever field in a Middle east tournament, and included the world’s top four players, six of the top ten, three current holders of Major titles and, for the first time on Abu Dhabi’s greens, 14-time major winner tiger Woods. the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club has a full calendar of events. the sailing races of the traditional wooden boats, the dhows, are the most spectacular and unique water sport events of the region: 60foot dhow races are planned for 5 January, 9 February and 16 March. the 43-foot dhows will compete on 21 September, 19 october and

7 December. the races can be seen well from the Corniche and Breakwater Island. the UAe Wooden powerboat Championship will steer the waters in the afternoon of 8 February around Breakwater Island. Wooden powerboats are called ‘Al Shawaheef’ and have one or two drivers. the vessels are about 28 feet long, and built entirely from wood - modern materials like fiberglass are not allowed. About 20 boats, all from the gulf region, will compete in this very unique and spectacular race. the Formula 1 etihad Airways Abu Dhabi grand prix is the highlight of city's motorsport calendar. Held on 3 november 2013 at the Yas Marina circuit, the race, being staged for the fifth time, will attract thousands of spectaculars from all over the world. Almost the whole city gets into race fever and days before the race the Corniche turns into a large fan zone. Race nights at the circuit traditionally end with spectacular concerts by international rock and pop stars. Abu Dhabi’s sporting year traditionally ends in December on a high note with the Mubadala World tennis Championship, held annually at the Abu Dhabi International tennis Complex at Zayed Sports City.

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Shopping Malls Abu DhAbI MAll

MArINA MAll

KhAlIDIyAh MAll

www.abudhabi-mall.com +971 2 645 4858 tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel, on the 2nd Street, Sector 1-94 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM, thursday: 10 AM - 11 pM, Friday: 3:30 - 11 pM

Website Telephone Where

www.marinamall.ae +971 2 681 8300 Breakwater next to Abu Dhabi's Corniche, not far from the Hilton Hotel and emirates palace Hotel. Opening hours Saturday- Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday: 10 AM - 11 pM , Friday: 2 - 11 pM

www.khalidiyahmall.com on 26 th Street between 9 th and 11th Street in the Khalidiya area Telephone +971 2 635 4000 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 11 AM -1 1 pM , thursday to Saturday: 8 AM - noon

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Shopping Malls Al WAhDA MAll

Al rAhA MAll

www.alwahda-mall.com At the junction of 11th street (Hazza Bin Zayed the First) with 2nd Street (Airport Road), near the Central Bus Stop and grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel Telephone +971 2 443 7070 Opening hours Sunday to thursday: 10 AM - 10 pM , Friday to Saturday: 10 AM - 11 pM

Website Where

www.al-rahamall.com next to Al Raha Beach Hotel on Al Raha Beach Road, Al Raha district, 4048 Channel Street, Abu Dhabi Dubai Highway Road Telephone +971 2 556 2229 Opening hours Saturday to thursday: 10 AM – 11 pM , Friday: 2 pM – 11 pM

MADINAT ZAyeD ShOPPING CeNTer AND GOlD CeNTer Website Where

Telephone Opening hours

www.madinatzayed-mall.com Between Jawasat Road, Airport Road, electra Road and Muroor Road, near Abu Dhabi Central post office +971 2 633 3311 Saturday to Friday: 9 AM to 11 pM

Vu itto

ÂŠ Abu Dhabi Festival

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ÂŠ Abu Dhabi Classics

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Abu Dhabi Cultural the Al Dhafra Festival, held in January in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest desert heritage events in the world. the main actors and attractions of the festivals are the ships of the desert â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the camels. Breeders come from all over the region to present their camels. the Abu Dhabi Festival, organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation, has over the years gained a reputation as one of the finest international art events. Classical concerts by international stars, exhibitions, artistic and cultural workshops, community events and symposia make the festival, held annually in March/April, the premier cultural event in the region.

Abu Dhabi Classics present word-famous artists in the most spectacular of venues like the emirates palace, splendid outdoor stages and the historical Jahili Fort in Al Ain. the concerts take place in winter from october till May. In october the red carpet is rolled out for the international movie stars at the annual Abu Dhabi International Film Festival. established in 2007, the event aims to boost local cinematic culture and nurture the growth of the local film industry.

the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair will open its doors from 24-29 April in the Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre. With more than half a million titles on display and events for professional visitors as well as booklovers, the exhibition is a great crowd-puller in the capital.

probably the only festival dedicated to dates, the treasured fruit of the desert takes place in July in Liwa, the oasis city and centre of date farming in the Western Region of the emirate. Dates and traditional handicrafts, utilising all the material provided by the palm tree, are the main focus of this authentic emirati event.

ÂŠ ADACH

the WoMAD festival will take place in April at the Cornice beach and in the Jahili Fort in Al Ain. the three-day event features world music and performing arts and is free to attend.

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Al Jahili Fort

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Historical Buildings in the emirate of Abu Dhabi the oasis of Al Ain, located around 150 km east of the capital, is surrounded by some of the most beautiful fortified buildings in the UAe. the Al Jahili Fort is of particular significance as the birthplace of the late president and founder of the UAe, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al nahyan. It was built in 1891 to defend the city and the oasis with its precious palm trees. It was the headquarters of the oman trucial Scouts and the residence of Al Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s governor. the fort is now open to visitors and hosts a permanent photo exhibition of work by the British adventurer and photographer Wilfred thesiger. the Sultan bin Zayed fort, also known as the eastern Fort, dates back to 1910. In its proximity is the Al Ain national Museum. the palace of the former president, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al nahyan, also built in 1910, has been completely renovated and converted into a museum, giving visitors a very private insight into the daily life of the ruling family.

ÂŠ tDIC

the oldest historical building on Abu Dhabi Island is the Qasr Al Hosn, the so-called White Fort. the island became permanently inhabited after the discovery of fresh water towards the end of the 18 th century. In order to protect the precious supply, a watchtower became the first solid structure on the island in 1760. the tower was extended and reshaped over the centuries into a fort that served as a residence for the ruler. Until 1966 it was the residence of Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ruling Al nahyan family. In order to preserve the fragile historical building, extensive work is under progress. once restoration has been completed, Qasr Al Hosn will once again be made accessible to visitors. next to the modern Maqta bridge, at the edge of Abu Dhabi Island, stands the 200-year-old Maqta Fort, build to protect and control access to the main island via the nearby ford of the same name. the Abu Dhabi tourism Authority now has a visitor centre in the old fort.

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CULTURE and Heritage

Culture and Heritage Between the bridges, Qaryat Al Beri area, Maqta Fort

Maqta Fort and Maqta Bridge

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“Between the bridges” is a landmark and very recently developed neighbourhood of Abu Dhabi. the UAe's capital became today's modern vibrant city only over the past 40 years. Known historically as “milh” – from the Arabic world for salt – the island was not inhabited until the mid-18th century and was only visited during the hunting and fishing season by tribesmen, heading from the Liwa oasis.

When the fresh-water well was discovered towards the edge of the island, the first settlers moved to the island and secured the precious water source with a watchtower, which became part of the first permanent structure on the island, Al Hosn, nowadays also known as the “White Fort”. From the early days of the settlement until the 1960s, the only access to the island was via the Maqta ford, which could be crossed only during times of low tide, making this shallow water area a critical and strategically important crossing. A watchtower was erected soon after the island was inhabited. this tower was part of the Fort Al Mahal, which guarded the way towards the settlement. the tower was preserved and is as one of the oldest historical buildings in Abu Dhabi. today, Maqta Fort stands as a small hidden treasure literally in the shadow

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CULTURE and Heritage

Maqta Fort

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Maqta Bridge

of the always busy Maqta Bridge on a small rocky island at the mouth of the Khor Al Maqta. Being one of the very few historical structures in the capital, the fort has been carefully renovated in order to preserve this valuable architectural and historical treasure. the Maqta Bridge was build in the 1970s, connecting the capital island at its eastern edge with the mainland. only a few years later a second crossing, the Mussafah Bridge, was built, providing easy access to the western side of the island.

Mussafah Bridge

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ÂŠ www.footstepsofthesiger.com

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Footsteps of thesiger expedition

Due to its fast growth, it was a matter of a few years only before the city spread from the island toward the mainland. Abu Dhabi's urban development is inseparable from the discovery of oil. During the pioneering years of the petroleum discovery the first solid structures related to the industry were erected in the area around the Maqta Bridge. one of the most unique landmarks of this area is the petroleum Institute, created in 2001 with the goal of establishing a world-class institution

in engineering education and research in areas of significance to oil and gas and the broader energy industries. the institute is sponsored and affiliated to the Abu Dhabi national oil Company and four major international oil companies. the petroleum Institute is affiliated with the Colorado School of Mines and the University of Maryland and more than 500 engineers have graduated since 2006. A new residential area with low-rise buildings and villa compounds grew between the

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the Souk At Qaryat Al Beri

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Qaryat Al Beri area and the Souk

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bridges. Located between the Maqta and Musaffah bridges in Abu Dhabi, the Souk Qaryat Al Beri is the latest among a string of projects being developed in the Qaryat Al Beri area, adjacent to the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. Qaryat Al Beri is one of the most distinguished waterfront projects in Abu Dhabi. Built on two levels, the Souk is an interesting fusion of Arabian architecture and a Venetian theme. Water canals meander through the Souk and nearby properties with abras ferrying hotel guests from the Shangri-La to various locations. Several restaurants and coffee shops have alfresco dining terraces that overlook the waters and accord a view of the picturesque

landscape. Well-known restaurants also serve international cuisine including Italian, Japanese, Arabic, and Indian varieties. Spread over a total floor area of 6,222 square metres comprising retail and F&B outlets, the Souk promises to be the ultimate destination not only for tourists but also for Abu Dhabi residents. the Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company LLC is a joint venture between Al Jaber group and the tourism Development and Investment Company (tDIC). the Souk is unique, the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi. It was built to showcase Arabian architecture and reflect traditional Arab hospitality and generosity.

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the Souk

petroleum Institute

the Souk was built by Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company LLC, a joint venture between Al Jaber group and the tourism Development and Investment Company (tDIC). the opening ceremony took place on the 28 th of october 2008 attended by the Chairman of ADtA, He Sheikh Sultan Bin tahnoon and He obaid Khaleefa Al Jaber, Chairman of Qaryat Al Beri Resort and Development Company LLC. the inspiration was to create a themedattraction, an ultimate destination for opulent indulgence and lavish luxury that would compliment with the objective of the Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company in offering a relaxing ambient while showcasing Arabian architecture and reflecting traditional Arab hospitality and generosity. With a total floor area of 6,222 square meters located between Maqta and Musaffah bridges in Abu Dhabi, the Souk is the latest among a string of projects being developed in the Qaryat Al Beri area, one of the most distinguished waterfront projects in Abu Dhabi, the Souk also is adjacent to the Shangri-La Hotel and traders Hotel, Abu Dhabi. Built on two levels, the Souk is an interesting fusion of Arabian architecture with a Venetian theme. Water canals meander through the Souk and nearby properties with abras ferrying hotel guests from Shangri-La to various locations within the complex. Comprising retail and F&B outlets, the Souk aimed to be the meeting place where tradition moulds with modernity and a choice for both leisure and business having 12 exclusive restaurants offering a culinary treat that traverses the globe. From Italian pastas and pizzas, through the distinctive dishes of the African sub-continent and the traditional fare

of Japan to the exotic tastes of India, Arabia and Lebanese â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all tastes are catered for. As part of the unique shopping experience of Abu Dhabi, the Souk features a number of shops designed to offer something for everyone from children to adults, plus a supermarket and a money exchange shop to conveniently cater to guests' essential needs. trendy and customised jewelry designs are also available from our top-of-the-line jewelry shops, along with luxury perfumes made by distinctive emirati perfumers from the region. Moreover, the Souk has a marina that offers berth rentals for a vibrant experience of gazing at the magnificent blue skies, with a view of the grand Mosque and the sensation of the gulf breeze stirring your soul.

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Qaryat Al Beri Area earlier

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the opening ceremony, which took place on 28 october 2008 included a ribbon cutting and a tour of the premises by He Sheikh Sultan Bin tahnoon (Chairman of ADtA), and was attended by He obaid Khaleefa Al Jaber, Chairman of Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company LLC. the Souk has become very popular amongst residence and visitors alike. Designed to be the meeting place of choice for both leisure and business, it is an exclusive and exceptional feature for retail and food and beverage brands from the region and around the world.

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The Souk! A great shopping experience!

✽

Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company LLC is a joint venture between Al Jaber Group and the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC). ‘The Souk’ is a unique and the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi. It was built to showcase Arabian architecture and reflect traditional Arab hospitality and generosity. The opening ceremony, which took place on the 28th of October 2008 included a ribbon cutting and a tour of the premises by HE Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon (Chairman of ADTA) was attended by HE Obaid Khaleefa Al Jaber, Chairman of Qaryat Al Beri Resort Development Company LLC. The Souk is now officially open and we would like to invite everyone to come and visit. Aimed to be the meeting place of choice for both leisure and business, the Souk is a popular feature for retail and F&B (Food and Beverage) brands from the region and those from around the world.

✽

Located between the Maqtaa and Musaffah bridges in Abu Dhabi, the Souk is the latest among a string of projects being developed in the Qaryat Al Beri area, adjacent to the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi. Qaryat Al Beri is one of the most distinguished waterfront projects in Abu Dhabi. Built on two levels, the Souk is an interesting fusion of Arabian architecture with a Venetian theme. Water canals meander through the Souk and nearby properties with abras ferrying hotel guests from the Shangri-La to various locations. Several restaurants and coffee shops have alfresco dining terraces that overlook the waters and accord a view of the picturesque landscape. Well-known restaurants will also serve international cuisine including Italian, Japanese, Arabic, and Indian varieties. Spread over a total floor area of 6,222 square meters comprising retail and F&B outlets, the Souk promises to be the ultimate destination not only for tourists but also for Abu Dhabi residents.

P.O Box 95150, Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates Tel: (971 2) 558 1670 Fax: (971 2) 558 1671 E-mail: info@soukqaryatalberi.com www.soukqaryatalberi.com

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LA MARQUISe La Marquise embodies the highest level of superiority, with its exotic collection that captures the essence of elegance in the finest range of jewellery. the wide collection of La Marquise has exquisitely crafted designs that are created to light up the occasion and enhance the look of every woman it adorns. Its brilliant collection resembles the image of infinity, happiness, power and contemporary glamour that holds everyone captivated. We aim to appeal to our various clientele with exquisite and eye-catching designs in our superbly ambient retail stores. An attributed, highly-skilled and award-winning creative team and a dedicated group of sales professionals strive to reassure the customer by facilitating in depth advice and knowledge which enriches the shopping experience. eteRnALLY YoURS.... www.lamarquisejewellery.com

DAMAS JeWeL Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab emirates, Damas is the Middle eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading international jewellery and watch retailer. Founded in 1907, the company today operates around 296 stores distributed across 12 countries, most of which are located in the gCC region. Damas sells jewellery and watches through four main store formats, which are uniquely positioned to address different consumer segment needs. Specifically, the Les exclusives Stores offer high-end luxury products; Semi-exclusives Stores offer stylish and sophisticated products for the discerning consumer; and the Damas 22K and 18K Stores offer trendy, fashionable and stylish products and brands at competitive prices. the group has its origins in Syria in the early 1900s. In 1955, the business moved to the UAe and the first retail outlet was opened in 1959. By the end of 1985, the Damas group had expanded with several retail stores throughout the UAe and in 1988, it launched its first branded jewellery line under the Harmony brand.

www.damasjewel.com

YAteeM optICIAn Yateem optician has been in the vision care industry for more than a century now. Spread across the Middle east with more than 80 stateof-the-art showrooms, we cater to a diverse clientele. experienced optometrists, availability of quality ophthalmic lenses and a plethora of international eyewear brands make us one of the most preferred optical outlets in the region. Be it eye testing, consultation for vision-correction or finding frames that suit your tastes and personality, our staff lends you the best service and assistance. All our showrooms are equipped with computerised ophthalmic devices on a par with international standards. Bringing together matchless experience and expertise, Yateem optician provides world-class eye care services. www.yateemgroup.com

LUXURY ABU DHABI

AMoUAge At the heart of all Amouage creations is a signature accord that cultivates the ultimate luxury of being unique and distinctive. Adopting an artistic approach to create an original and evocatively fragrant experience, Amouage perfumes are created by internationally recognised perfumers in grasse in the south of France under the guidance of Amouage Creative Director, Christopher Chong. Amouage is a lifestyle sought after by only the most sophisticated and discerning international consumer. today, it has a stellar following around the world including royals, global leaders and some of the most celebrated names in film, television, fashion, sport and music. www.amouage.com

gIZIA

BAteeL - CHoCoLAteS & DAteS the Bateel story starts in Al ghat, a town in central Arabia, favoured by nature with sweet water, rich soil and a climate ideal for date production. Here is where Bateel's premium dates were first nurtured and the idea of gourmet dates was born. the evolution to gourmet food production happened over the years, first by combining dates with gourmet chocolate, then by fusing dates with other delicacies, adding diverse deluxe treats and finally perfecting Bateel's integrated production assets and its network of luxurious boutiques and cafĂŠs. Bateel has achieved a rare distinction: it has grown from a name associated with deluxe dates to a leading brand in the gourmet food market. With a strong market presence in 16 countries, Bateel's deluxe boutiques and elegant cafĂŠs adorn premium-shopping destinations in major cities, stretching from London to Jakarta. www.bateel.com

Besides the power of 25 years experience and strong infrastructure, gIZIA, which holds an international business mentality and great targets, has already became the most important representative of turkish textile and fashion. gIZIA has brought a new aspect to turkish textile through its design team, accepted as a trendsetter, as well as the company's huge efforts on every area of production and high volume. In a short period of time it has become a worldwide brand, with its quality standards among the highest, putting it on a par with the very best international brands. gIZIA is followed and appreciated by fashion authorities all over the world via its chic, feminine and sophisticated style, products of "haute couture" quality and the company's growth rate. www.gizia.com

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Modern Buildings in Abu Dhabi Futuristic structures of steel and glass side by side with lavish Arabic inspired buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; this is Abu Dhabi, the modern capital of the United Arab Emirates, creating an architectural fusion of tradition and modernity. The Emirates Palace, Qasr Al Emarat, is an Arabian landmark. The majestic palace, a five-star luxury hotel, a venue for world-class events and a residence for guests of the state, sits like a jewel in a crown at the edge of Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main island. It is surrounded by fresh green gardens and sparkling water fountains. The building has a stunning number of 114 domes, the central one rising 72.6 metres above the ground. The finest material has been used for the interior: gold, mother of pearl and crystals dominate the design. With the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third largest in the world, the city has one of the most stunning sacred buildings.

LUXURY Abu Dhabi

Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel

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Jewelry

www.cartier.com

the Breakwater is an artificial island, banked up initially with the debris of old buildings as protection for Abu Dhabi’s most exposed coastline. the island is home to the emirates Heritage Village, an outdoor museum, featuring Abu Dhabi's history. the 122 metre high flagpole at the edge of the Breakwater was erected in 2001 to mark the 30th anniversary of the UAe and flies a flag of 20 by 40 metres. Abu Dhabi hold’s the world record for the “furthest leaning man-made tower” as it is officially described by the guinness World Records. the 35 storey Capital gate tower, a hotel building next to the Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre, has an 18-degree lean. In comparison, the famous Leaning towers of pisa tilts only four degrees. Abu Dhabi’s main island was a few years ago extended seaward in order to create space between the modern skyscrapers and the azure blue water of the Arabian gulf for the sophisticated eight

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kilometre long new Corniche. Immaculate parks and gardens, small restaurants and a wide beach make the Cornice an oasis of tranquillity in the middle of the vibrant city centre. Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers are functional buildings, accommodating the commercial and administrative offices of the capital. Yet each has its own unique features, some details of which are not obvious at first glance. the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority building might look like an ordinary modern tower; only from a bird's eye perspective does its dollar-sign shape become obvious. Architects in Abu Dhabi are encouraged to try new and unique designs: the headquarters of Aldar, a property developer, was nicknamed “the Coin” due to its shape.

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Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

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www.bettybarclay.com

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Sowwah Square

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Al Maryah Island

Al Maryah Island (formerly Sowwah Island) is a world class mixed-use development in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab emirates (UAe). Al Maryah Island will be a major catalyst in the city's drive to achieve Abu Dhabi's Urban Structure Framework plan objective of environmental, economic and social sustainability by 2030. this thriving, high-density residential, retail, leisure, hotel and commercial district will have a working population of 75,000 and will be home to 30,000 residents, living an urban lifestyle enlivened by everything the modern city dweller demands in a contemporary cityscape: parks and open spaces, art galleries, community centers, high street and high fashion retail names, designer boutiques and a wide arrange of street cafĂŠs and world class restaurants. Designed to underpin Abu Dhabi's long-term economic and commercial

growth, Al Maryah Island is emerging as an all-round model for urban living in the 21 st century. Al Maryah Island (formerly Sowwah Island) is a 114 hectare mixed-use development, designated by the emirate's Urban planning Council to be the capital's Central Business District. the island is being developed in three phases. the first phase, Sowwah Square, will provide 450,000 sqm of office, hotel and retail space. the island occupies a unique location at a midpoint between Abu Dhabi's existing downtown district, the upcoming developments at Al Reem Island and Mina Zayed, and the new cultural district on Saadiyat Island. In this strategic position it creates a natural hub for Abu Dhabi - a vibrant core, combined with landmark architecture, seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the city by state-of-the-art, multi-tiered transport infrastructure.

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tom Ford

piaget

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Avenue at etihad towers Welcome to Avenue at etihad towers. A boutique destination that is the first of its kind in Abu Dhabi, Avenue at etihad towers is home to more than 35 high-end luxury brands that cater equally to the tastes of both ladies and gentlemen. Intimate and inviting, Avenue at etihad towers offers the very latest in fashions, accessories, jewels and time pieces - an experience further enhanced by a select choice of dining options and a gourmet food store.

etihad Towers Abu Dhabi United Arab emirates

Tel: email: Web:

+971 2 613 3373 avenue@etihadtowers.ae www.etihadtowers.com www.avenueatetihadtowers.ae

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Aldar headquarters building

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the Yas Maine circuit, Abu Dhabi’s racecourse at the Yas Island, combines motorsport facilities with luxury lifestyle. the racetrack is embedded among luxury hotel developments, such as the futuristic Yas Viceroy hotel, built directly over the track. With its 200,000 square metre red roof, Ferrari World is not only a stunning building, but also the world’s largest indoor theme park.

LUXURY ABU DHABI’s top SeLeCtIon

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www.vertu.com

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Currently home to more than 35 high-end, luxury brands, AVenUe At etIHAD toWeRS is the first stand-alone destination in Abu Dhabi to present such a prestigious retail offering in one upscale venue. Catering equally to the desires and tastes of both ladies and gentlemen, the elegant brands on offer bring the very latest fashions, accessories, jewels and timepieces to the Abu Dhabi market. AVenUe is firmly placing Abu Dhabi on the international shopping map, also offering a select choice of F&B outlets including Abu Dhabi’s first Fauchon Le Café. AVenUe will soon unveil a unique array of client services for a personalised shopping experience as well.

A pArt of etihAD toWers

high-enD Luxury boutiQues

Set over two floors and covering an area of 13,814 square metres, Avenue at etihad towers is part of the world-class mixed-use etihad towers development, which is located in the prestigious beachside neighbourhood of Ras Al Akhdar in Abu Dhabi, close to and overlooking the city’s renowned Corniche. etihad towers, developed by Sheikh Suroor projects Department, is a new benchmark for mixed-use developments in the UAe capital and a landmark of the Abu Dhabi skyline. Avenue at etihad towers is conveniently connected to the luxurious Jumeirah at etihad towers hotel and the premium etihad towers residential and office space. the five unique towers of etihad towers, the tallest of which realises a height of over 300 metres, cover a total area of over half a million square metres.

39 high-end luxury brands are in Avenue at etihad towers, including many ‘firsts’ for the Abu Dhabi luxury market, some ‘firsts’ for the region as well, and one boutique making its worldwide debut. A. Lange & Söhne, Bally, Boss, Hugo Boss, Breguet, Burberry, Bulgari, Canali, Cartier, Chloé, De grisogono, ermenegildo, Zegna, Fauchon Le Café, givenchy, giuseppe Zanotti, Hermès, Herve Leger, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, J.M. Weston, Kiton, Lanvin, Manolo Blahnik, Montblanc, officine panerai, paul café, piaget, porsche Design, Rolex, Roger Dubuis, Salvatore Ferragamo, Stefano Ricci, Stephane Rolland, tom Ford, Van Cleef & Arpels, Versace, Vertu, Waitrose.

LUXURY ABU DHABI

Dining At Avenue At etihAD toWers

pArking

Whether for a refreshing drink, a cup of coffee, a light bite or meal, AVenUe offers shoppers a select choice of F&B outlets, with Abu Dhabi’s first Fauchon Le Café now open for business and one more outlet to soon be unveiled.

the etihad towers development was designed with convenience in mind and offers four levels of underground parking, valet parking and capacity for more than 3,000 cars. AVenUe offers a dedicated valet service to access the prestigious array of luxury brands across both podium levels: the valet parking on podium one also allows quick and easy access to AVenUe’s delectable dining choices, while the valet parking on podium two directly connects to Jumeirah at etihad towers.

g ourMet fooD store gourmet food store Waitrose will be joining the prestigious brand portfolio at AVenUe, offering guests the convenience of a supermarket with the premium offering of a specialist shop.

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ARMAnI eXCHAnge A|X Armani exchange is accessible Armani, inspired by street-chic culture, fashionable dance music and everything that signifies freedom and personal style. Armani exchange is the youthful label created by Italian designer and entrepreneur giorgio Armani. With Armani exchange, Mr Armani interprets his unique style to create a casual, yet sophisticated collection for the young, urban set. It designs, manufactures, distributes and retails fashion and lifestyle products, including apparel, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery and music. www.armaniexchange.com

CARtIeR Founded in 1847 by Louis Francois Cartier, the family-run Cartier firm has expanded to become an international jewellery house with a reputation second to none. For generations, the House of Cartier has displayed the gift of sophisticated expertise in creating pieces that express a unity of style no matter the differences in artistic expression attracting customers from around the world in search of distinction. the jeweller never ceases to delight the public with its dazzling collection that places contemporary high jewellery creations alongside fine watchmaking master pieces in perfect continuity, bearing witness to the vitality of its creations both past and present. www.cartier.com

tIFFAnY & Co. tiffany & Co. is America's premier purveyor of jewels and timepieces, as well as luxury table, personal and home accessories. It was founded in 1837 by Charles Lewis tiffany and established on the belief that 'good design is good business'. All tiffany & Co. designs are presented in the tiffany Blue Box速, recognised around the world as an icon of distinction and a symbol of the ultimate gift to celebrate life's most joyous occasions. today, the company's more than 100 boutiques in 17 countries continue the company's tradition of excellence. www.tiffany.com

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SAMSonIte Samsonite is world renowned for the reliability, durability, style and innovative functionality of its iconic products. the brand focuses on contemporary, aesthetic designs and aspirational styles across its product range and stores. the range caters especially to the distinguished world travelling customer seeking unique design along with quality as well as the travel needs of professionals constantly on the move. the showroom carries the entire product range encompassing suitcases, upright trolley cases, duffel bags, laptop bags, backpacks, business bags, personal leather goods along with a variety of travel accessories. www.samsonite.com

RoDenStoCK the Rodenstock brand stands for technologically demanding products of exceptional quality. For at Rodenstock we constantly ask ourselves: how can we make wearing spectacles even more pleasant, lighter, simpler and more comfortable? this attitude gives rise to innovative product solutions - which meet demands for the highest precision. www.rodenstock.com

VICtoRIA'S SeCRet Victoria’s Secret, the world’s greatest lingerie store is now open! the store features a wide assortment of the brand’s signature bras, panties, sleepwear, and Victoria’s Secret pInK, the spirited lifestyle brand dedicated to the independent and inspired collegiate girl. the full lines of popular fragrances such as Victoria’s Secret Bombshell, Dream Angels glow and Victoria’s Secret Angel are all available along with VS Fantasies body care and pInK beauty products. this store is uniquely designed to embody the brand’s sophisticated and glamorous spirit. www.victoriassecret.com

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LoUIS VUItton the skilled artistry that goes into creating each Louis Vuitton product guarantees impeccable quality. Louis Vuitton's gifted artisans dedicate their attention to crafting products (like handbags, shoes, wallets, watches, sunglasses, accessories) using the most exclusive materials and state of the art workmanship. www.louisvuitton.com

poRSCHe DeSIgn porsche Design features an exclusive range of exquisitely designed watches, travel and smoking accessories, leather products, eyewear and writing instruments. www.porsche-design.com

FenDI In 1925, the house of Fendi is born with the establishment of the first handbag shop and fur workshop in Via del plebiscito, Rome. the new Fendi business, led by the young couple edoardo and Adele Fendi, immediately wins great acclaim for the quality of its products. For the Roman bourgeoisie, a trip to "Fendi at the plebiscitoâ&#x20AC;? becomes a date with a certain prestige. As the business grows, the fur workshops expand and between the 1930s and '40s, the Fendi name, already well known in Rome, becomes famous outside of the capital city. www.fendi.com

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gUCCI In 1921 Florentine-born guccio gucci opened a store in his native city specialising in leather goods. the house enjoyed great success and by the '60s, gucci had made a name for itself as the most cherished brand amongst the legendaries of the time. www.gucci.com

RoCCoBARoCCo Rocco Barocco, one of Italy's most beloved and successful fashion designers, offers a fine taste of Italian beauty in fashion wear, high-end accessories, and perfumes for women, men, and children. An inspirational and highly creative designer, Rocco Barocco spares nothing when designing clothing for the rich and famous. His clothing creations range from casual ready-to-wear to elite eveningwear. www.roccobarocco.it

DKnY Simply stated, DKnY is the energy and spirit of new York. International, eclectic, fun, fast and real. DKnY addresses the real-life needs of people everywhere, from work to weekend, jeans to evening. Both fashionable and friendly, DKnY consistently delivers its unique mix of style around the world. www.dkny.com

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LUXURY Abu Dhabi

Mosques in Abu Dhabi Five times a day â&#x20AC;&#x153;Allahu Akbarâ&#x20AC;? can be heard all over town. The Adhan is the call to prayer, reminding Muslims that it's time to give worldly activities a little break and come to the mosque for prayer. For male Muslims it is an obligation to perform their prayers together with their brothers in faith in the mosque. In order to find a mosque in the direct vicinity of residences and workplaces, they are built all over town. The UAE boasts a total of almost 4,800 mosques. For Muslim women it is not obligatory to perform their prayers in a mosque, although they are free to do so. Even though from a religious point of view it is perfectly fine for men and woman to pray in separate areas of the same room, most of the larger mosques offer dedicated sections for women, allowing more privacy.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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LUXURY ABU DHABI’s top SeLeCtIon SeLeCtIon

Luxury car

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typical architectural details of all mosques are the minarets. In the past the muadhdhin, who calls the faithful to prayer and then leads them in it, would climb up the minaret and perform his call to prayer from this elevated position in order to be heard over a long distance. Legend has it that in early days the muadhdhin even climbed a nearby palm tree, to allow his voice to reach farther. Abu Dhabi has now centralised the service. A muadhdhin performs the call to prayer at the Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque, and this is transmitted and broadcast via the speakers of all mosques within Abu Dhabi. the Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque, which can accommodate 41,000 worshippers, is said to be the third largest mosque in the world. It is a unique

architectural work of art. the structure is completely covered in white marble, adorned by engravings and inlays of mother of pearl and semi-precious stones. the building features 82 domes of various sizes and its entire floor is covered by what is the world’s largest knotted carpet. the world’s largest chandelier – measuring 10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing 15 tons – dominates with its sparkling Swarovski crystals the main prayer hall. three of the country’s oldest traditional mosques, the Mohamed bin Jasem Al Muraikhi mosque, the Al Dawsari mosque and the Said Ali Al Muhannadi mosque, are located in Dalma Island, an important pearling site off the coast of the Western Region in Abu Dhabi.

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In the UAe mosques are considered strictly as places of worship, and non-Muslims should refrain from entering. the Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque is one of only three mosques in the UAe that can be visited by non-Muslims. It is open daily, except on Friday mornings and religious holidays, between 9 AM and 10 pM. During prayer times the main prayer hall is not accessible to visitors. the Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque Centre offers complimentary guided tours from Sundays to thursdays at 10 AM, 11 AM and 5 pM ; on Fridays at 5 pM and 7:30 pM and on Saturdays at 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 pM , 5 pM and 7:30 pM. Modest dress is required of visitors. Local attire can be borrowed at the mosque.

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Lulu Island

More than 200 islands are found in the Abu Dhabi emirate. the early settlement of the capital itself started on an island, formerly known as “Milh”, meaning salt in Arabic and probably related to the salty waters of the surrounding Arabian gulf. only after a freshwater well was discovered a good 300 years ago did the island become known as Abu Dhabi. With its further development, the city of Abu Dhabi spread over some of the surrounding islands: on Saadiyat Island a new cultural district is under development, the future home of guggenheim, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed national Museum, performing Arts Centre and the Maritime Museum. Yas Island has become Abu Dhabi’s prime location for motorsports. Reem Island became a prestigious residential district, Lulu and Futaisi Islands are popular getaways just a few minutes boat ride away from Abu Dhabi.

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Sir Bani Yas Island

LUXURY ABU DHABIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top SSeLeCtIon eLeCtIon

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www.louisvuitton.com

Sir Bani Yas Island is the destination for a stylish and luxury retreat. the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is one of the most luxurious resorts, offering five-star comfort and untouched nature in the desert wildlife sanctuary. A finalist in the 2011 poll for global natural wonders of the world is Bu tinah Island, a marine biosphere reserve and recognised UneSCo site since 2001. the island lies within large coral formations and its surrounding waters are home to one of world largest populations of dugong, a large marine mammal that is globally threatened. Delma Island is one of the oldest permanent settlements of the UAe, and used to be a well-known pearling centre in the Arabian gulf. the island has freshwater resources and its soil is very fertile, providing perfect conditions for the many farms and date plantations. Delma Island can be visited by ferry from Jebel Dhanna.

ÂŠ tDIC

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Sir Bani Yas Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 7th Century Monastery Archaeological Site the Christian Monastery on Sir Bani Yas was first discovered in 1992 during an archaeological survey of the island, although it was not until excavations were carried out between 1993-1996 that the function and purpose of the site was fully understood. the monastery was probably built at the end of the 6th century A.D. and was abandoned around 750 A.D. the site is located on the eastern side of Sir Bani Yas Island, with its main gate facing a sheltered creek on the shoreline a few hundred metres to the east. the central complex of the site, enclosed within a wall, consists of monks' cells, kitchens, animal pens and storerooms around a courtyard with the church in the middle. the

church was richly decorated with elaborate plasterwork stucco, with many crosses, palm trees, and grape designs. Within a few hundred metres, particularly to the north and northwest, are several other smaller buildings, perhaps the homes for senior monks, as well as a large water cistern and channel. the occupants of the monastic settlement were from the Church of the east, also known as the east Syrian Church. they were intimately involved in the maritime trade from the northern gulf to India, as well as in the gulf pearling industry. So far, the Sir Bani Yas Island monastery is the only early Christian site known in the UAe or anywhere else in southeastern Arabia.

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Abu Dhabi’s Bridges

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www.amouage.com

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Until the mid '70s, planning a trip to Abu Dhabi would always include checking on the tide, since the only way to get on to the island was via a small ford next to Maqta Fort. In order to provide more comfortable and less hazardous access to the capital, the Maqta Bridge was build in 1975, connecting the eastern edge of the island with the mainland. the Musaffah Bridge connects traffic from the western side of the island with the mainland,

providing smooth access to the Musaffah industrial areas and Mussaffah port. opened in november 2010, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge became the third connection, featuring four lanes in each direction and easing access for traffic from the capital's city centre to the main highway towards Dubai. the 842 metre long arched bridge, designed by architect Zaha Hadid, and features a unique light design, making the structure a most impressive sight at night.

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Shopping Mall AVeNue AT eTIhAD TOWerS www.avenueatetihadtowers.ae etihad towers, Corniche West Street Telephone +971 2 613 3373 Opening hours Monday to thursday: 10 AM - 10 pM, Friday: 3 pM - 11 pM, Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM - 10 pM Website Where

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the Arabian gulf Year-round sunshine, crystal clear azure water, beaches made of golden shimmering fine sand and its location on an island – that’s what makes Abu Dhabi the perfect place for admirers of sea, sun and sand. the combination of the capital’s vibrant city lifestyle with the laid-back beach atmosphere makes Abu Dhabi very special. public beaches are favourite places for residents and visitors alike to spend some quality free time. Abu Dhabi’s Cornice beach has been redeveloped several times over the last few years and is now a beautiful retreat in the heart of the city. Just ten minutes away from the Corniche, on the western coast, is the al Bateen Beach, stretching 800 metres along the coastline. Both public beaches have family areas, picnic places and children's

playgrounds. For the convenience of beach goers, toilets, shower blocks and changing facilities are available. Beaches in front of hotels are usually private; however some hotels will welcome outsiders, for a reasonable fee, at their beach- and pool facilities. Ships have their own magic – white sails in the wind speak about the endless freedom on the ocean and adventures in exotic places. on a more practical note, they connect people and enable them to trade. Mina Zayed and port Rasheed are the main commercial ports of Abu Dhabi. there is a very picturesque small fishing harbour next to the fish market, where the traditional fishing boats anchor and fisherman can be seen fixing their nets and fishing traps.

www.fendi.com

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Leisure cruises and island-hopping tours are widely available. Sea cruise tours start from the small marina next to the fish market, Lulu cruises operate from the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club on the breakwater, close by the Marina Mall. noukahda, an eco-tour operator, organises kayaking tours across the magnificent mangroves around Abu Dhabi, starting from the eastern Mangrove Resort.

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toDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S those of you who know us, have come to appreciate tod's not only for our steadfast quality, but because tod's always stands out from the crowd. It's never been a brand that has been trendy, in or out of fashion, tod's are sublime because they transcend cliches and hemlines. the collections always offer something beautiful and new without ever betraying the true sprit of the brand. As the saying goes: simple yet elegant. www.tods.com

L'oCCItAne At L'occitane we always encourage our people to follow their dreams and many of our employees volunteer to work on life-changing projects in communities far and wide. For the past two years our staff have been travelling to West Africa to teach the L'occitane way of making soap to women in the Burkina Faso cooperative, where our pure shea butter is made. In new York many of our employees have given time to help visually impaired children. Back in europe we've been working with our producers and distillers in Corsica to continue with our cultivation of the exquisite Immortelle flower. thank you to all our extraordinary producers, men and women who have continued to teach us so much since the earliest days at L'occitane. www.loccitane.com

ZARA HoMe Zara Home is rapidly becoming a key name in innovative interior design solutions since it offers a wide range of distinctive creative concepts providing high quality contemporary home furnishings at competitive prices. www.zarahome.com

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gAp the essence of gap is a powerful philosophy: know who you are and be it. Since 1969, when San Francisco property developer Donald g. Fisher founded the first gap store, gap continues to transcend clothing and fashion trends by making it easy for people to express their personal style. gapâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modern, classic style and innovative approach to advertising has established the company as an iconic brand. www.gap.com

MAMAS & pApAS Mamas & papas, the international designer nursery brand, offers a comprehensive range of affordable luxury nursery products. Mamas & papas offers a complete range of readyto-wear items for mothers and babies, award-winning travel and transportation systems, furniture, toys and gifts, and much more. Its spacious store design, which incorporates a wide range of room styles, allows for a more realistic feel when selecting furniture for the nursery. Mamas & papas offers a unique blend of style, comfort and safety effortlessly becoming a favourite amongst discerning parents and stylish mums. www.mamasandpapas.com

gIoRgIo ARMAnI giorgio Armani, the name behind timeless fashion and evolving creativity, extended its presence into the Middle east by opening its first store in 1994. the stores carry the full giorgio Armani ready-to-wear collection for men and women. www.armani.com

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Historical Places in Abu Dhabi

Qasr Al Hosn, The White Fort

the island of Abu Dhabi was a small settlement until the 1960s without many permanent structures. In the centre of town, Qasr Al Hosn, the White Fort, was the only solid building on the island. extensive work is under progress in order to preserve the fort. off the island stands the 200-year-old Maqta Fort, built to protect and control access to the main island via the Maqta ford. When the city was re-shaped following Sheikh Zayed's master plan, the debris from the demolished old buildings was used to build the breakwater peninsula as a protection of the coastline. In order to preserve and keep local traditions alive, the emirates Heritage Village was set up. Replicas of traditional houses, an oasis set-up and a desert area featuring traditional hairhouses and Bedouin allow a journey back in time.

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ÂŠ World Digital Library â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Wilson, edward B., Colonel

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In the Al Bateen area, a former residence of the ruling family has been transformed into a museum, the Zayed Centre. A very personal collection of photos, private possessions and gifts are displayed in the main exhibition. For a city that until the beginning of the 1970s did not even have a proper road, cars are something special: a collection of Zayed's private cars and some office vehicles complete the exhibition. the Heritage monuments along etihad Square are symbols of Arabic tradition and hospitality. one might wonder how the giant canon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the most common themes of Ramadan greeting cards â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fits into hospitality: honoured visitors are traditionally greeted with a gun salute, but on a more local note the monument refers to the canon fired every evening during the fasting month of Ramadan to indicate it is time to break the fast. other statues depict an incense burner, a rosewater sprinkler, a food cover and last, but not least, a dhallah, the Arabic coffee pot.

Zayed Center

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Central Market

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Heritage Monuments

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tablet ablet

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SAMSUng

RIMoWA

Wherever you are... in the hustle of the streets or the comfort of the home... Samsung is part of the fabric of your life. As a global leader we are at the forefront of change, anticipating today what our customers around the world will want tomorrow.

today, Rimowa already ranks among the leading manufacturers of luggage in europe. Dieter Morszeck, the head of Rimowa and a visionary, still has a lot in store for this successful company shaped by tradition. In line with his slogan, ‘Handwerk meets Hightech’ (‘Handcraft Meets High tech) he practices a policy today that has lead to huge successes and double figures in rates of growth throughout many countries around the world. His luggage collection with its Made in germany label has not only won over showrooms among its partners, such as Lufthansa and porsche, but also the luxury goods segments in exactly those countries in which the competition operates wagedumping practices in the manufacturing sector. Demands on quality, function, and design of their Rimowa luggage, and more importantly, demands on an authentic vacation experience. In such a way that the new advertising slogan, “every Case tells a Story” proves true over and over again. And that each Rimowa is exactly what they inherited as design: to be perhaps one of the most gripping travel companions of the world.

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MAC M·A·C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), a leading brand of professional cosmetics, was created in toronto, Canada in 1984 and is part of the estée Lauder Companies, Inc. the company’s popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from makeup artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M·A·C is now sold in 79 countries/ territories worldwide, with 59 stores across the Middle east. www.maccosmetics.com

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ABU DHABI ISLAMIC BAnK Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) was established on 20 May 1997 as a public joint stock company listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock exchange and supervised by the Securities and Commodities Authority and the Central Bank of the UAe. the Bank commenced commercial operations on 11 november 1998, and was formally inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al nahyan, UAe Minister of Information and Culture, on 18 April 1999. All ADIB contracts, operations and transactions are carried out in accordance with Islamic Shari'a principles that put the customers' best interests at heart, encourage transparency in operations while offering world-class Islamic finance solutions. ADIB's vision is to be a top-tier Islamic financial services group and one of the world’s largest Islamic financial service providers engaged in retail and commercial banking, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services. Since its inception, ADIB has recorded steady growth and has maintained its leading position by developing innovative Islamic financial solutions as well as offering banking, financing and investment services through 55 local branches and 234 AtMs, located across the UAe. For more information call us on our toll free number: 800 2288 or visit our branch located on the lower ground floor in the banks division and exchange centres area. www.adib.ae

ConVeRSe

ADIDAS this leading global producer of sports footwear, equipment, and leisure wear is widely recognised by its trefoil logo, launched in 1972, the more geometric performance logo introduced in 1991, as well as the three stripes that run across many of its products. However the company's origins were modest, with the first handmade training shoe being made by the company's german founder Adolf ('Adi') Dassler in the family home in 1920. the company's first shoemaking factory was established in 1927 and Adidas shoes were seen at the olympic games in Amsterdam in the following year. For more than 80 years the adidas group has been part of the world of sports on every level, delivering state-of-the-art sports footwear, apparel and accessories. today, the adidas group is a global leader in the sporting goods industry and offers a broad portfolio of products. products from the adidas group are available in virtually every country of the world. our strategy is simple: continuously strengthen our brands and products to improve our competitive position and financial performance. www.adidas.com

Converse Inc., based in north Andover, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of nIKe, Inc. established in 1908, the Converse brand has built a reputation as “America’s original Sports Company”™ and has been associated with a rich heritage of legendary shoes such as the Chuck taylor All Star shoe, the Jack purcell shoe and the one Star shoe. today, Converse offers a diverse portfolio including premium lifestyle men's and women's footwear and apparel. Converse products are sold globally by retailers in more than 160 countries and through 43 company-owned retail locations in the U.S. www.converse.com

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Heritage Village

Breakwater Island Start your Breakwater tour with a drive to the outer edge of the peninsula. A symbol of national significance is the flagpole. Marking the 30th anniversary of the United Arab emirates, the 123 metre tall flagpole was build in 2001, making it into the guinness World Records as the tallest unsupported flagpole of the world at the time. From the square beneath the flagpole one has the most stunning views of the modern skyscraper skyline of the city. to the left, just a few metres across the water, is Lulu Island, a man-made island that became a popular beach retreat. the round-shaped building is a theatre, used for concerts and art events. the Heritage Village is the place to discover Abu Dhabi's rich history. It might be hard to believe that the city of Abu Dhabi was build up only over the last 40 years. In the small Museum of the Village are pictures from the 1960s on display: a fort and a few huts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that was Abu Dhabi. In the stalls of the traditional handicraft market visitors can watch craftsmen showing off their skills. In the nearby souvenir shops traditional pottery, leatherproducts and handmade daggers are available. the oasis replica is irrigated by a falaj, a water-channel system that has been used in the region for more than 2,000 years. the solid houses and even the barasti beach house, made

from palm leaves, feature traditional barjeels, the socalled windcatcher towers. Such windcatchers are the most simple and effective form of cooling systems. Cold air is channelled via the open chambers at the upper part of the tower to the room beneath, making it possible to achieve a cooling effect of up to ten degrees Celsius. In the restaurant right across the entrance Lebanese and traditional emirati food is served, and for a little treasure hunt one might stop by at the little souk on the right hand side. the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, on the right hand side when driving off the island, organises a wider range of water sport activities and is the starting point for boat rides and leisure trips, like the popular lunch- and dinner cruises on traditional dhows, for instance, arranged by Le Royal Meriedien Hotel Abu Dhabi. For a little retail therapy the Marina Mall, just behind the yacht club, is one of the most popular places in town. Stroll round the shops, enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the countless coffee shops or enjoy a meal, perhaps in the tiara restaurant in the top-floor, offering a splendid 360-degree view.

The Flagpole

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LUXURY ABU DHABI www.patek.com

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Men's accessories

traditional Dagger

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Heritage Village

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ÂŠ Jehad Alzaabia

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From Al Bateen to Heritage Village Coming from the direction of the emirates palace along Bainuna Street, turn beside the high-rise buildings around the national Bank on the right-hand side and drive along the small road, until on the left you come to the entrance to Marina al Bateen. the Bateen area was traditionally the home of dhow yards and small marina workshops. From the Marina al Bateen you can start a little exploratory walk by foot and will still spot some traditional wooden vessels being built and repaired in the surrounding workshops. Dhows are the traditional sailing boats, and have been used in the region for centuries. Made entirely from wood, they typically have a long thin hull that gets wider towards the front for the cargo dhows. this shape gives the boats a very stable trim that suits the sea conditions of the Arabian gulf with its rather long waves. nowadays, wooden dhows are less used for commercial reasons than as leisure boats and for popular sailing races.

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Women's accessories  www.gucci.com

Coming back from the marina, only a few metres further on the right-hand side, is the entry gate to the Zayed Centre. this former property of the ruling family is now open to the public and houses an emirati heritage village and a museum dedicated to the father of the nation, the founder and first president of the UAe, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al nahyan.

holy places of Islam in Saudi Arabia, and also of the private Zayed, enjoying some time with friends and family. on display is a large selection of personal effects and gifts Zayed received during his period of rule – for instance his very special collection of the finest traditional oud oils, which are regarded by Arabs as the most precious of fragrances.

the unique exhibition gives a very personal insight into the life of the late ruler. pictures of the statesman meeting with international dignities are displayed, along with very personal images of Zayed during his pilgrimages to the

other sections of the exhibition are dedicated to the UAe and its history and car lovers will in particular enjoy the private and official historical vehicles on display. the exhibition is open Sundays to thursdays, and entry is free-of-charge.

Dhow Marina

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Boccaccio

Boccaccio is a stunning Italian eatery with interiors that are spacious and elegant, with softly lit tables and a great view looking over the marina. It’s a pleasant place to unwind over dinner, and if the weather permits make sure you book a table on the outside terrace. Boccaccio’s service is prompt and friendly and they’ll happily suggest dishes. the menu, a selection of pizzas, pasta and other main courses, has plenty of rich and flavoursome favourites on it. the pizzas are eternally popular and the pasta and risotto are good choices, too. It’s perfect for an intimate evening out and a great place to relax after a stressful week at work.

Location:

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi telephone: +971 2 666 6888 travel: Bainunah Street Cuisine: Italian opening hours: open daily 12:30 pM - midnight

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Smartphone  ae.blackberry.com

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Zayed Center

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Guggenheim Museum on Saadiyat Island

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Saadiyat and Yas Island

Saadiyat translates from Arabic as "happiness" and on Saadiyat Island the name is apt: on the 27 square kilometre island, just 500 metres off the coastline of the city of Abu Dhabi, some of the most exciting new developments will be made happy reality. Part of Abu Dhabi's Vision 2013 is to position the UAE capital as a major cultural hub for the region. And the heart of cultural Abu Dhabi will be the Cultural District, currently under development on the island. To boost the excitement and allow a sneak preview, Manarat Saadiyat, literally translated as the "place of enlightenment", an exhibition and information centre, has been set up. Coming from Abu Dhabi city along the main island highway, follow the signs for Manarat Saadiyat and after 15-minute drive from the edge of the Corniche you will reach your destination. The permanent exhibition gives a detailed insight into the upcoming museum district,

featuring in particular the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museum, the Zayed National Museum, the Centre for Performing Arts, and the Maritime Museum, the main attractions that are already under development. Models and architectural studies of the museums are displayed and since the curators are already busy completing their various collections, highlights from the acquisition lists are regularly unveiled; the adjoining exhibition hall host regular themed art exhibitions. Manarat Saadiyat is daily open from 10 am to 8 pm. Entry is free-of-charge. The UAE Pavilion, which represented the country at the Expo 2010 Shanghai, has found its new permanent home as a new exhibition and events venue next to Manarat Saadiyat.

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take the main island highway and head in the direction of Dubai towards Yas Island. It’s a spectacular panoramic ride as the highway connecting both islands, built partially on reclaimed soil, crosses a large green area. endless mangroves dominate the view, interrupted by small sandy islands dotted around and narrow seawater channels. A 20-minute drive will get you onto Yas Island, named after Abu Dhabi's tribal ancestors. the Yas Marina circuit is worth a visit even if there is no racing. guided tours behind the scenes are available from tuesday to Saturday at 10 AM and 2 pM , in Ramadan only at 2 pM . Visitors get the chance to walk around the

paddock area, see the pit garages and even check out the high-tech areas of race control in the Shams tower. the hotels at Yas place are a good place for a quick coffee break, for example on the terrace of the Yas Viceroy hotel, which overlooks the racetrack. next to the circuit you find Ferrari World; indeed, its 200,000 square metre red roof and 3,000 square metre Ferrari logo can’t be missed! twenty thrilling rides promise incomparable adrenaline-filled fun and Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world, offers the ultimate speed kick, accelerating to 240 km/ hour and pulling 4.8 in g-force.

performing Arts Center on Saadiyat Island

LUXURY ABU DHABI’s top SSeLeCtIon eLeCtIon

Women's accessories Yas Island Master plan www.tods.com

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ÂŠ Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Marina Circuit and Viceroy Hotel

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Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, is the first beach club on the island of Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, and is designed to celebrate fine living, culture, wellbeing and health.

Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, reflects the values and heritage of Monte-Carlo SBM sister hotels and clubs in Monaco, in a uniquely Arabian way. this exclusive beach club complements the unique experience offered on Saadiyat Beach – Saadiyat’s tourism hotspot. the club offers its members and day guests access not only to world-class facilities, but also to one of the most premium brand communities in the region. the development embodies luxury, exclusivity, quality and value of membership.

Monte-CArLo beACh CLub Leisure offerings

n Spectacular outdoor swimming pool. n eight pool cabanas set among the beautifully landscaped grounds of the beach club and the white sands of Saadiyat Beach. n Kids’ pool. n Spa facilities, including two treatment rooms, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam room and plunge pool. n Changing rooms, showers and lockers. n A fine selection of restaurants.

n ‘the Workout Room’ fitness facility. n A 600 sqm grassy space suitable for hosting outdoor events. n Full schedule of kids’ activities. A purpose-built kids' club is due to open soon. n three private beachfront ‘bungalows’, which will feature flat-screen televisions (opening soon).

Monte-CArLo beACh CLub restAurAnts AnD Lounges

n Le Deck: Le Deck is the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat’ s signature restaurant, offering the best cuisine from the Riviera, Lebanon and the Levant. n the Library Lounge: this venue offers a quiet retreat to its visitors, and is reserved for members only. n Bubbles Bar: An intimate lounge serving a cooling selection of refreshments that can be enjoyed during all seasons. n Sea Lounge: modelled on its Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Monaco, counterpart; the Sea Lounge is a permanent outdoor venue with DJ facilities, an open lounge deck, and a connection to an impressive lawn that can be used to host events.

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Manarat Al Saadiyat Manarat Al Saadiyat means ‘the place of enlightenment’. It is a 15,400 square metre arts and culture centre, designed to bring the vision of the island to life through the Saadiyat Story. the venue also features four gallery spaces.

Located on Saadiyat, this artistic venue houses tDIC exhibitions with international collections from around the world, including three major galleries, a central events gallery, sales centre, 250seat theatre, and restaurant.

Magazine's Best in Abu Dhabi Awards 2012. For more information please visit www.fanrrestaurant.ae

Fanr restaurant, which is now open, is a contemporary dining venue offering a wide variety of regional and international cuisine with seating for 250 diners inside or al fresco in the courtyard, designed around a traditional Arabic court. Fanr has become a very popular spot and was recently voted 'Best Casual Dining' in Ahlan

the MAin gALLeries of M AnArAt AL sAADiyAt: the Saadiyat Story - this interactive experience centre brings to life the historical and cultural vision behind Saadiyat Island as well as its future plans. It is now open.

Manarat Al Saadiyat galleries - the main galleries of Manarat Al Saadiyat constitute permanent spaces for a series of exhibitions and educational programs organised by tDIC. this is part of an on-going cultural program dedicated to developing awareness and understanding of art and culture prior to the launch of the Saadiyat Cultural District. For more information, visit saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae Central events gallery – a 660 square metre multi-purpose space opening out onto a landscaped garden area for hosting Manarat Al Saadiyat’s special events calendar.

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From Abu Dhabi City: From the Mena (port) area take Sheikh Khalifa Bridge to Sheikh Khalifa Highway e12 and follow road signs to Manarat Al Saadiyat. From Dubai or Abu Dhabi (traveling on e11): take Saadiyat Island/Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway e12, and drive through to Saadiyat Island, and then follow road signs to Manarat Al Saadiyat. For general enquiries and bookings please contact 02 657 5800 or manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae For more information and group bookings (please allow 24 hours) call +971 2 6435708 or contact manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae

For more information visit www.saadiyat.ae

Opening hours Manarat Al Saadiyat 10 AM - 8 pM (free admission) Fanr restaurant 10 AM - 10 pM (Sun to Wed) 10 AM - midnight (thurs - Sat) For reservations please call 02 657 5888

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Zayed national Museum the Zayed national Museum will honour the late leader of the UAe, H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al nahyan, and will provide a new source of inspiration to the world. the museum will provide a fitting testament to the life and times of this towering national figure, to his inspired vision and to the legacy he left behind. given the institutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central location and overarching importance, 12 of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top architectural firms participated in a competition to create the most appropriate and awe-inspiring design for this modern Arabian icon. the pritzker prize-winning Foster + partners were declared winners, and their iconic design will soon be unveiled to the world.

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Louvre Abu Dhabi the values and identity of the Louvre Abu Dhabi are based on discovery, exchange and education. these are sustained by a unique alliance between the greatest museum in the world, a perennial place of beauty and knowledge, and modern Arabia, whose exceptional dynamism is at the heart of the contemporary world. As the first universal museum outside the Western world, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will inaugurate on Arab soil a cultural institution born in europe. the scientific and cultural project of Louvre Abu Dhabi takes the importance of this symbol and translates it into an original museographic form. the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be a fine arts museum whose purpose and scope are universal. It will present paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, archaeological findings, and decorative arts, created and collected all over the world. the museum will be designed for the 21st century and dedicated to the people living or visiting the emirates. the galleries will showcase art from different civilizations, cultures and eras, while overstepping boundaries between techniques and geographic regions. the Louvre Abu Dhabi will deliver a very ambitious and innovative cultural and educational message. the

scientific and cultural projects of the museum will highlight the wealth of French public collections and will offer a wide variety of these, in a single location. the temporary exhibition program will amplify the message in the museum’s galleries, by inviting collectors from around the world to participate in original events. Jean nouvel’s design concept for the Louvre Abu Dhabi owes as much to the tradition of great Arabian architecture as it does to the Saadiyat site’s distinctive features. Its majestic, seemingly ‘floating’ 180m-diameter dome echoes the great domes of Islamic design, as its ‘skin’ was inspired by the mushrabiya. Jean nouvel described the project as an “island on the island”: a micro-city of small buildings, ponds and landscaping. the lacy dome will cover twothirds of the museum city, which will let a “diffuse, magical light come through”. this magical light will illuminate the gallery interior, while the water below will be crucial in reflecting the building’s structure and creating an intense architectural and museum experience for the visitors. Louvre Abu Dhabi is due to open in 2015.

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guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum

the guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum is conceived as a dynamic institution devoted to the acquisition and display of modern and contemporary art, recognised for the excellence of its architecture, collections, exhibitions, and educational initiatives. It will promote the understanding and appreciation of art, architecture, and other manifestations of visual culture from a broadly international perspective, while sustaining the heritage of its local environment. the Saadiyat Cultural District exhibition, open now at emirates palace, contains a large model of the guggenheim Abu Dhabi design and offers

a chance to learn more about the museum and building. Frank gehry's design for the guggenheim Abu Dhabi echoes gulf architecture, incorporating dramatic conical forms that play with a modern twist on the region’s ancient windcatcher towers. these structures skilfully blend form and function, serving to both ventilate and cool the museum’s covered courtyards – just one in a range of the guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s sustainable concepts. With approximately 13,000 square metres of permanent and temporary exhibition space it will be the largest museum in the Cultural District. guggenheim Abu Dhabi is due to open in 2017.

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performing Arts Center

the performing Arts Centre will be a hub of cutting-edge theatre, music and dance from around the world. Designed by celebrated Iraqi/British architect Zaha Hadid, the centre will house a music hall, concert hall, opera house, drama theatre, an experimental performance space, as well as an Academy of performing Arts. extending the Cultural Districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy throughout every medium, the performing Arts Centre will be a celebration of all forms of artistic performance. Contemporary and classical music, ballet, opera, movement theatre, dramatic and experimental performance will all be on display, and will feature some of

the top artists from both the region and around the world. Zaha Hadid's inspiration for the performing Arts Centre was drawn from the organisational forms within organic structures. one can see in her design motifs references to natural shapes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; leaves, stems, buds, fruits and branches. Likewise, the enclosed spaces are engineered to maximise natural energies, from large windows capturing daylight to the orientation of spaces to enhance acoustics. Like fruits on a vine, the theatres face westward to the water, and lobbies afford glorious sea views to keep visitors in constant visual contact with the surrounding environment.

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UAe pavilion

the UAe pavilion, designed by Foster + partners, was on display for six months at expo 2010 Shanghai; showcasing exhibitions that highlight the history of the UAe, its stunning design attracted almost two million visitors. the pavilion is now located in its permanent home beside Manarat Al Saadiyat, where it will be a new landmark exhibition and events venue, hosting some of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important cultural functions. the strikingly original design comprises two duneshaped peaks, the highest reaching 20 metres. During its display at the exposition, the building won prestigious awards from the Illinois Society of Structural engineers and the national Council of Structural engineers Associations. It has also achieved a 2 pearl Rating under the estidama sustainable

design programme, and is one of the first buildings in Abu Dhabi to be awarded this. the project received praise for its sustainable design, which ensures a large reduction in external heat gain. Abu Dhabi Art was the first exhibition held in and around the impressive UAe pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat in Saadiyat Cultural District. For more information, or if interested in hosting an event or exhibition at the pavilion, please contact manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae or phone +971 (0) 2 657 5900.

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Find Your Drive at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

From the moment you step into Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s spectacular space frame structure, you know you are in for a larger-than-life experience that brings together everything its namesake marque stands for – speed, passion, innovation, adrenaline and a chance to have the ride of your life.

the world’s only Ferrari-branded theme park lies at the heart of Yas Island – its unique groundhugging form echoing that of a huge red sand dune emblazoned with the iconic “prancing Horse”. Inside is a world of high-octane energy – from the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which flies from 0-100 km in two heart-stopping seconds, to the state-of-the-art Scuderia Challenge simulators that let you feel the excitement of sitting in the driver’s seat and racing down the track. the park’s collection of more than 20 rides and attractions are all inspired by original Ferrari technology and offer a unique chance to look beyond the iconic brand to its passionate soul, rich technological heritage and amazing racing triumphs. From taking a trip back in time with enzo Ferrari through the silver screen with Coppa di Sicilia – a short period film that captures the glamour and grit

of road racing in 1920s Italy, screened daily at the park’s very own Cinema Maranello, to galleria Ferrari – a collection of vintage and modern Ferraris that will make any motorhead drool, there’s plenty of ways to live the Ferrari experience. thrill-seekers can jump aboard some of the park’s high adrenaline rides such as g-Force, which shoots visitors up to the top of Ferrari World’s central crystal funnel for a bird’s-eye view of Yas Island, followed by an adrenaline-pumping free fall. there’s plenty of racing action all through the park at attractions such as Driving with the Champion – a multisensory simulator adventure that lets you ride shotgun with Ferrari champion Fernando Alonso; Speed of Magic – a race through a fantastic 3-D adventure on the heels of the mischievous cartoon character nello; and Fiorano gt Challenge – the Middle east’s only duelling roller coaster.

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Kids can take their first ride in a Ferrari F430 gt Spider – albeit a scaled down version – and learn to make the perfect hairpin turn at the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Driving School, before heading out onto the Junior grand prix circuit and racing along in stunning scaled down F1™ Scuderia Ferrari single seaters.

LUXURY ABU DHABI’s top SeLeCtIon SeLeCtIon

Accessories

there are also plenty of reminders of Ferrari’s scenic homeland in Italy – from Bell’ Italia, which lets you take a gentle drive through a miniature Italian landscape dotted with famous landmarks – in a beautiful scaled down vintage Ferrari www.puma.com

California of course – to Viaggio in Italia, which lets you fly over the towns and villages lining the route of the famous Mille Miglia race, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers a slice of Italy right in the heart of Arabia. the Italian theme also echoes through the park’s restaurants such as Mamma Rossella – modelled on Ristorante Montana, a much-loved family trattoria in Maranello, or Ristorante Cavallino, based on an elegant little restaurant where enzo Ferrari used to dine, just around the corner from the Ferrari factory.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Yas Island - Abu Dhabi United Arab emirates p.o.Box: 128717 tel: +971 2 496 8001

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In a tribute to the love of speed and passion for style that has fuelled the dream of Ferrari for more than 80 years, the park also plays host to the original cirque-style extravaganza ReD. the 25-minute theatrical spectacular brings together an international cast in a spellbinding performance featuring shadow play, pas de deux performances, scarf dances, choreographed trampoline displays, juggling acts, german wheel sets, stunt skating,

an elegant adaptation of a racing pit stop and other racing antics â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all woven together in a fun, romantic story line. Designed to be an interactive and immersive attraction for all ages, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is an experience that will ignite Ferrari's winning spirit in every visitor, an iconic attraction not to be missed when in the United Arab emirates.

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Shopping Malls MuShrIF MAll

DAlMA MAll

FOTOuh Al KhAIr CeNTre

www.mushrifmall.com Between Airport Road and Muroor Road, close to Rocco Forte Hotel and just five minutes drive from Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre Telephone +971 2 690 4422 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday to Saturday: 10 AM - 11 pM

Website Where

www.dalmamall.ae on the Abu Dhabi Al Ain Highway, opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City, close to Maqta Bridge and Abu Dhabi International Airport Telephone +971 2 550 6111 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 pM , thursday to Saturday: 10 AM – midnight

www.fotouhalkhair.com Intersection Airport Road and Sheikh Zayed 1 st Street (electra) Telephone +971 2 681 1130 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday to Friday: 10 AM - 11 pM

Website Where

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Shopping Malls The SOuK – AT QAryAT Al berI www.soukqaryatalberi.com between the Maqta and Musaffah bridges, adjacent to the Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi Telephone +971 2 558 1670 Opening hours every day: 9 AM - 9 pM Website Where

WOrlD TrADe CeNTer CeNTrAl MArKeT – SOuK Website www.wtcad.ae Telephone +971 2 810 7810 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday: 10 AM - 11 pM , Friday: 3 pM -11 pM , Saturday: 10 AM - 11 pM

AVeNue AT eTIhAD TOWerS www.avenueatetihadtowers.ae etihad towers, Corniche West Street Telephone +971 2 613 3373 Opening hours Monday to thursday: 10 AM - 10 pM, Friday: 3 pM - 11 pM, Saturday to Sunday: 10 AM - 10 pM Website Where

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Fish Market

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Meena

bArgAin hunt AnD ADventure shopping

the coastal areas were the places where traders traditionally settled down and so it comes not as surprise that most of the traditional marketplaces of Abu Dhabi are located close to the coast and the port, in an area called Meena, which means “harbour” in Arabic. the market area still captures the flavour of the past and allows a unique insight into traditional Arabia. A place not to be missed is Abu Dhabi’s vibrant fish market, offering all the fresh delicacies the waters of the gulf can provide. Fishermen, who anchor their boats just a few steps away from the market, supply the city with their rich catches. A great service for buyers is offered in a special section of the market: in the cleaning section the fish are cleaned and portioned as per individual request for a small fee - ready to go at home straight into the pot or pan. the fruit and vegetable market is the place to get the largest selection and the best bargains for regionally grown products. Surprisingly, the UAe is indeed an agricultural country, producing beside the traditional dates a large variety of fresh

food, like tomatoes, cucumbers and even seasonal strawberries. And if you would like to know the typical local way of shopping, than this would be the right place to discover it: potential buyers are often seen just cruising in their cars along the wide alleys of the market, before eventually stopping near a stall with appealing products. this is the signal for the salesperson from the shop – and indeed all the neighbouring shops – to rush to the car and promote their products and offer some samples to taste. After the unavoidable discussion about prices, a deal is fixed, money is exchanged via the car window, the product is loaded in the trunk and the buyer drivers off with the shopping without even having got out of the car. For a real insight into local culture and lifestyle, the furniture and carpet market is the place to stroll around. However, one will not spot much in the way of Western-style wooden furniture here, but rather a lot of colourful covered floor cushions and mattresses, since this is the usual set-up in the local living rooms and so-called majilis, the places where visitors are traditionally hosted.

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Fishermen

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Fruit and vegatable market

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natural Heritage

Beside its beautiful beaches and rich marine life, Abu Dhabi has a large variety of natural treasures to offer, and is home to a wide variety of species in the air, on land and under the water. Camels and palm trees come first to mind when thinking of Arabia, and indeed both have been for centuries “partners in survival” for the desert inhabitants and are therefore treated with much respect and have become part of the local heritage.

CAMeLs - ships of the Desert Camels were not only the most suitable mode of transportation; camel milk was often the only available liquid to drink in the desert. only on very special occasions, such as a wedding or for the eid celebration, would a camel be slaughtered. Camel meat is still today considered a very special delicacy, and the ships of the desert are bred for milk and meat and for one of the traditional sports – camel racing. even the Bedouin ancestors would race their camels. these competitions were held not just for fun, but to identify the most suitable animals for breeding fast running camels, necessary for hunting and, not least, in battle. nowadays, camel racing is purely a sport, of course. Races normally take place during the winter season in the early morning hours of the weekends. Real enthusiasts will pay up to a few million dollars for a champion animal, and trainers will feed the camels with the best food, including dates and honey, to build up their strength for the prestigious competitions. the Wathba Camel Race track, about 45 km

east of Abu Dhabi on the Al Ain Road, and the Al Maqam track near Al Ain are the most popular racing venues. Schedules and information can be obtained from the Camel Racing Federation at Al Wathba, phone-number +971 2 583 9200.

DAte pALMs – goD’s gift to the ArAbs Arabs believe that god gave them the palm tree as a very special gift, something that can provide them with so many resources for survival in the harsh desert and mountain environment. Due to their deep roots, palm trees are able to reach underground water reserves and can survive even on water that is slightly salty. often the Bedouins had to survive on a diet exclusively made up of camel milk and dates; the latter, however, offer very high nutrition values of about 3,000 kcal per kg. Beside commercial date farming – the UAe is the third largest date producer worldwide – palms have been planted in their thousands along the streets and in parks all over the country in the recent years. More than 150 different kinds of date palms are cultivated in the UAe. the fruits are either yellow or red in colour and of various shapes and sizes. only the female date palms bear fruit, with about 60 to 80 kg dates per tree. In an environment with such limited resources, the Bedouin had no choice other than to make the best use of everything they could get their hands on. So the palm tree was not only a source of food, but also of building and crafting material: the leaves of the date palm were used to make all

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LUXURY ABU DHABI’s top SeLeCtIon SeLe

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Falcon

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Arabian Mau

sort of household items and even in home building dry palm leaves were used, creating the tradition palmfrond or so called “Barasti” houses. And whatever could be use for nothing else was still good to make a fire. even nowadays, a traditional Arab will have his BBQ made by burning dried palm leaves.

fALCons – p restigious birDs of p rey Bedouins have known for centuries how to train and hunt with falcons and other birds of prey. But what was once a means of survival has become today a prestigious sport, and falcons are highly regarded. the falcon even features as the UAe's national emblem, which shows a golden falcon with white feathers. A falconer will spare nothing to make sure his bird is well kept and looked after, and so it little wonder that a special hospital for falcons has been set up. Located on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, about 6 km from the international airport, the world's largest falcon hospital is not only a good address for veterinary treatment but also a great place to learn more about these beautiful birds and their longstanding relationship with man. Visitors are welcome for tours, which take place from Sunday to thursday at 10 AM and 2 pM , though prebooking is necessary: telephone +971 2 5755155.

seA Life the Arabian gulf with its year-round warm waters has a rich marine life. Large shoals of fish, a great variety of shellfish and last not least the rich pearl banks have all contributed to the economy of the region. the pearling industry was a main source of income until the 1930s, when it was badly affected by the introduction of cultured pearl production in Japan and the subsequent dramatic decline in demand for the obviously more pricey natural pearls. the waters of the Arabian gulf are home to many endangered species and the UAe runs extensive initiatives for their protection. Hawksbill sea turtles and dugongs are amongst the species under special surveillance and protection.

ArAbiAn M Au - the eMirAtes purring heritAge even the UAe's so-called street cats are part of the heritage – though one for a long time unnoticed. only in recent years has it come to light that the skinny, shy cats are one of the oldest breeds, the Arabian Mau. originally living in the desert, they migrated to human settlements, where food was easier to find.

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parks in Abu Dhabi

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Looking at the greenery and flowers all over town it is hard to imagine that the land was originally desert and the natural vegetation consisted of just a few date palms, ghaf and Acacia trees and small bushes.

Khalifa park

Abu Dhabi has a number of public parks dotted around town. All the immaculate landscaped parks and gardens offer children's playgrounds and are very popular retreats for a walk, some sporting activities and of course to enjoy a BBQ with friends and family. Some of the largest parks can be found along and opposite the Corniche, right in the centre of town. Special cycling lanes are laid out, and next to the Hiltonia Beach Club bicycles can be rented. Skating enthusiast will enjoy the skatepark in front of the Baynoona Hilton tower. one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest green areas is Khalifa park, just off Salam Street. Beautifully landscaped, it is a quite retreat, along which a mini-railway runs. For kids up to 12 years of age the splash park is a fun-filled place, open in the afternoons from 2 pM (tuesdays and Wednesdays are women-only days).

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eyewear e yewear

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All that glitters Jewellery made from precious metals has been more than just adornments in the Arabian world for centuries. traditional Bedouin jewellery is made from silver, the most common metal in earlier centuries. the wealth of the family was simply transformed into the most transportable form – and this was precious metal, which had an established trading value. And where else could this be better stored and carried than the safest and most protected place: on the bodies of the women. With time and greater trading ties to other regions, gold became more prominent on the Arabian peninsula and nowadays gold and platinum are the preferred investments for women, and from a young age girls will be given jewellery and start piling up their gold treasure. It is still common in Arabia that a bride will get part of her dowry, the wedding gift, in the form of gold. often these pieces are not really meant as adornments, rather they are kept as savings that, in times of need, could easily be cashed in. So it is little wonder that nowhere in the world is the jewellery trade flourishing as it is in Arabia

and Asia. the quality of the gold traded in the UAe is famous and is closely monitored. the free trade environment makes the emirates probably the cheapest place in the world to buy jewellery. Abu Dhabi’s gold Souk is located on Fourth Street, commonly known as Muroor Road, and jewellers can be found in all shopping centres. pure gold with 99.9 percent purity is labelled as 24-karat gold. this is fairly soft and since it is can easily get out of shape and be scratched, it is not practical for jewellery that is worn regularly. exclusive jewellery is usually made from gold alloys of 75 percent or more. In the Western world gold 585 – 14-karat gold – is most common; in the Middle east and Asia the preferred gold alloys are 18-karat (gold 750) and 22-karat (gold 916). eight-karat gold (gold 333) with just 33 percent of the precious metal in the alloy is only used in a few european countries; in many places it is not even allowed to label eight-karat jewellery as gold. For small and fragile pieces 18-karat gold might be the most suitable choice, since it is a harder and less delicate than 22-karat gold

and will better survive daily use. White gold is getting ever more fashionable, and is also available in various alloys, however its gram price is usually about 20 percent higher than that for yellow gold. Something very unique is purple gold (about 20karat), offered in some selective shops. even though the UAe is the best place to buy gold, due to the near unlimited choice, prices will vary from shop to shop and bargaining skills and a bit of research and price calculation will help you get a really good deal. the gold price fluctuates and it is therefor advisable to check the daily rate before heading to the market. the daily gold price is based on the price for pure, 24-karat gold. the net price for 22-karat gold would be 91 percent of the given gold price, for 18-karat gold 75 percent, and for 14-karat gold 58 percent. the prices for heavy pieces – more than 10 grams – without precious stones are calculated by the weight of the gold: the seller will weigh the piece and multiply this by the gold price, including manufacturing charges. this latter can be anything between Dhs 60 and Dhs 120 per gram, depending on whether the piece is handmade and where it was manufactured. For small pieces, designer jewellery and pieces with precious stones, pearls and diamonds, the sales-person will give a price per piece, which can of course still be negotiated, and discounts of between 15 and 25 percent are a realistic range.

LUXURY ABU DHABI

gold Souk

SoMe goLDen RULeS FoR goLD SHoppIng: 1. never buy in the first shop – similar items can be found in various stores and it is advisable to compare prices in at least three places. 2. Know the gold price before you leave on your shopping trip and negotiate according to gold prices for gold-only jewellery. 3. Don’t show too much excitement and never say to anyone with you words like “cheap”, “nice”, “I want this” – whatever language you use it will be understood and gives away that you are hooked. the price will not move much further from this point.

4. pay in cash in the local currency – credit-card charges or exchange rates above official rates might spoil an otherwise good price. Since the UAe is not only a gold-trading state but also a place of manufacturing, a lot of shops in the gold market have their own workshops and will not only be able to fit or repair jewellery quickly, but can also produce custom pieces especially for you at very competitive rates. the quality of the gold and gems used in the jewellery should be of no concern: the government monitors the trade closely and carries out regular spot-checks, making sure that no “black sheep” can damage the UAe's reputation. Certificates with detailed specifications are issued for each purchase and, if in any doubt, officially approved labs are available for testing.

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Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi Abu DhAbI MAll Website Telephone Where Opening hours

www.abudhabi-mall.com +971 2 645 4858 tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel, on 2nd Street, Sector 1-94 Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 10 pM, thursday: 10 AM to 11 pM, Friday: 3:30 pM to 11 pM

AVeNue AT eTIhAD TOWerS Website Where Telephone Opening hours

www.avenueatetihadtowers.ae etihad towers, Corniche West Street +971 2 613 3373 Monday to thursday: 10 AM - 10 pM, Friday: 3 pM- 11 pM, Saturday - Sunday: 10 AM - 10 pM

MArINA MAll

Al rAhA MAll

www.marinamall.ae +971 2 681 8300 Breakwater next to Abu Dhabi's Corniche, not far from the Hilton Hotel and emirates palace Hotel. Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday: 10 AM - 11 pM , Friday: 2 pM - 11 pM

Website Where

Website Telephone Where

KhAlIDIyAh MAll www.khalidiyahmall.com on 26 th Street between 9 th and 11th Street in the Khalidiya area Telephone +971 2 635 4000 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 11 pM , thursday to Saturday: 8 AM - noon Website Where

Al WAhDA MAll www.alwahda-mall.com At the junction of 11th street (Hazza Bin Zayed the First) with 2nd Street (Airport Road), near the Central Bus Stop and grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel Telephone +971 2 443 7070 Opening hours Sunday to thursday: 10 AM - 10 pM , Friday to Saturday: 10 AM -11 pM Website Where

www.al-rahamall.com next to Al Raha Beach Hotel on Al Raha Beach Road, Al Raha district, 4048 Channel Street, Abu Dhabi - Dubai Highway Road Telephone +971 2 556 2229 Opening hours Saturday to thursday: 10 AM – 11 pM, Friday: 2 pM – 11 pM MADINAT ZAyeD ShOPPING CeNTer AND GOlD CeNTer www.madinatzayed-mall.com Between Jawasat Road, Airport Road, electra Road and Muroor Road, near Abu Dhabi Central post office Telephone +971 2 633 3311 Opening hours Saturday to Friday: 9 AM to 11 pM Website Where

www.aldo.com

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DAlMA MAll

OPeN IN 2013

BoUtIQUe MALL ReeM ISLAnD Sun and Sky towers

The SOuK – AT QAryAT Al berI

YAS MALL www.aldar.com

Website Where

www.soukqaryatalberi.com between the Maqta and Musaffah bridges, adjacent to the Shangri-La Hotel Abu Dhabi Telephone +971 2 558 1670 Opening hours every day: 9 AM - 9 pM Website Where

FOTOuh Al KhAIr CeNTre www.fotouhalkhair.com Intersection Airport Road and Sheikh Zayed 1 st Street (electra) Telephone +971 2 681 1130 Opening hours Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM - 10 pM , thursday to Friday: 10 AM - 11 pM Website Where

WOrlD TrADe CeNTer CeNTrAl MArKeT – SOuK MuShrIF MAll www.mushrifmall.com Between Airport Road and Muroor Road, close to Rocco Forte Hotel and just five minutes drive from Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre Telephone +971 2 690 4422 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM -10 pM , thursday to Saturday: 10 AM -11 pM Website Where

Website www.wtcad.ae Telephone +971 2 810 7810 Opening hours Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM -10 pM , thursday: 10 AM -11 pM , Friday: 3 pM - 11 pM , Saturday: 10 AM -11 pM

Where L uxury M eets LifestyLe

tHe ReeM MALL www.thereemmall.com tHe gALLeRIA At SoWWAH SQUARe www.sowwahsquare.ae

tHe CoLLeCtIon At SAADIYAt www.saadiyat.ae

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the true luxury of Arabia lays in its pleasures for all senses and above all the variety of oriental scents. essential oils, frankincense and wood essences are the ingredients for oriental perfume dreams.

the World of 1001 Fragrances A true ArAbiAn pAssion Frankincense, also called olibanum is an aromatic resin, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. It has been known and used on the Arabian peninsula and in north Africa for more than 5,000 years. oman, along with Yemen, Somalia and India, are considered the main producers of frankincense. the trees grow in rocky, semi-desert conditions and can produce up to 22 pounds of frankincense resin for up to 30 years. Frankincense comes in many types, and its quality is based on colour, purity, aroma, age, and shape. Silver and Hojari are generally considered

the highest grades of frankincense, the most common use of which is to burn over charcoal to release scent. It is used both as a fragrance and in the rituals of various religions. the most exotic and pricey fragrance of all is oudh, which comes from the wood of the tropical evergreen agar tree. the trees originated in the Assam region of India, spreading from there throughout Southeast Asia. When the wood of this tree is infected with a certain variety of mould, it reacts by producing a precious, dark

and fragrant resin, which is used as an ingredient for perfume. oudh is available as oil for perfume use or as woodchips that are brunt on charcoal to release the scent in the house. Since oudh is very rare and difficult to harvest, it is possibly the world's most expensive fragrance. the value of high quality oudh oil is considered 1.5 times the price of pure gold (and it is, indeed, sometimes called liquid gold). the prices for oudh woodchips starts at about Dhs 100 for a tola â&#x20AC;&#x201C; around 12 grams â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and can go up to Dhs 1,500 per tola for rare types of Cambodian

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oudh. Some oudh oil, like “old India”, comes with a price tag of Dhs 5,200 for one tola. Bukhoor are small sentenced bricks, consisting mainly of tiny woodchips, perfume oil and resins. In rural areas it is still the custom that women would make their own bukhoor, and each family has its own recipe, passed down over generations. Ready-made bukhoor is available in Arabic perfume shops and the salesperson will be happy to put a small piece on the hot charcoal in the bukhoor burner for you to sample the smell. Long before perfumed fabric softeners came into common use, the Arabs developed techniques to capture the pleasant smell: a small stand, made from palm leaves, is placed over a bukhoor burner and garments are placed on the stand so the rising

smoke can drift over material and leave traces of the fragrance in the material. It is a technique that is still in use today. Bukhoor plays a significant role in Arabian hospitality: after dinner bukhoor is passed around to remove the smells of the food. Arabic homes are frequently perfumed with bukhoor and oudh and no wedding party or celebrating would be complete without passing the bukhoor around. oudh or perfume oil might also be offered to a visitor as a gesture of hospitality, along with the traditional rosewater, to freshen up upon entering the house and to clean the hands after a meal. traditional Arabic perfume is used in the form of pure oil and is not blended with alcohol, as is common in the Western world. traditional

perfume shops carry perfume compositions – often in the scent of well-known perfume brands – as well as pure oils that can be mixed in order to create an individual fragrance. the elegant creations are best presented in lavish decorated perfume flacons and applied in very small amounts using the thin glass sticks. Bukhoor burners come in various forms and materials, some even with electric heating spirals. the more traditional burners use charcoal tablets and are made from brownish clay and can be found in various shops around the spice market. they are very reasonable priced, however, they also break very easy and should therefore be packed with extra care for the journey back home.

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Al Jazeera

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Arabian oud

Amouage

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the World of 1001 Spices speCiAL treAts for the tAste-buDs

With spices and exotic herbs most people think of small, neatly labelled glass flacons. At the local spice markets the set up is slightly different: large jute bags full of dried herbs and exotic spices dominate the traditional shops and market stalls, from whence the often exotic products reach out to the kitchens of the world. Saffron, considered the most expensive condiment, is widely used in Middle eastern and Asian cuisine. the tiny saffron stigmas are

derived from the flower of the saffron crocus, which originally came from south east Asia. Iran is the biggest producer of saffron worldwide. to produce one kilogram of the precious spice, some 11,000 to 17,000 flowers are needed. It takes about 40 hours to pick this amount of crocuses, which would cover the area of about two football pitches. Various qualities are available from different regions and even though saffron is not cheap in the UAe, it will still cost a fraction of the prices abroad.

LUXURY ABU DHABI

Some items sold on the market might be really exotic and not used in Western cuisine at all: dried lemons, for instance, are very common in the local kitchen, giving traditional fish dishes and machboos its special taste. A special herbal mix, very common in Lebanese cuisine, is Zaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;atar, made from sumac, thyme, sesame seeds, marjoram, oregano and a bit of coarse salt. Zaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tar is used for various meat dishes, to spice up white cheese and the yoghurt-like Labneh for breakfast, on flat Arabic bread and even in croissants.

the traders offer an endless variety of curries, the often really hot spice mixes that are so popular in Indian and Asian cuisine. Dried herbs, used for a variety of herbal infusions, can be found: dried Hibiscus flowers, known locally as karkade, are used to prepare a dark red drink, which is a cold or hot delicacy, and is also used as a herbal medication to reduce blood pressure.

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FIne DInIng

Abu Dhabi: gourmet Metropolis

Where Luxury M eets LifestyLe

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18° the hotel’s signature restaurant, 18°, invites guests seeking an exquisite experience to indulge in authentic creations while relaxing with panoramic views of the city.18° offers specialty dishes from the gastronomic heritage of the eastern Mediterranean (including greece, turkey, Syria and Lebanon), made using ingredients that are inspired by locally sourced produce and simple flavours to enhance the freshness of the food, are served.three show kitchens with interactive counters add to the theatrical “mise en scene” of the restaurant, while seasonally changing menus ensure innovate cuisine.Sky brunch is back and better than ever! enjoy a wide array of eastern Mediterranean fare from Chef Ivan Musoni’s kitchen, which includes rotating weekly specials to provide guests with a unique experience upon every visit! If diners are not ready to head home when brunch has come to an end, where better to enjoy a sundowner than on the terrace of 18° – 80 metres up, with panoramic views of Abu Dhabi city and its coastline.

55&5th, the grill

A classic grill and lounge, this is the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort's signature venue. Inspired by the address of the original St. Regis new York, the restaurant features a private dining room and chef's table, an exclusive cellar, complete with Jazz music, cigars and bespoke service. Lee Murdoch is the Chef de Cuisine at 55&5th, the grill. He is Award of excellence from the Academy of Culinary Arts.

Cuisine Steakhouse Open 7 pM – 12 pM reservation +971 2 498 8008 reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com Address the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

pearls & Caviar eastern Mediterranean open daily Breakfast: 6 AM to 10:30 AM Lunch: 12 pM to 3 pM Dinner: 7 pM to 11:30 pM Friday Sky Brunch: 1 pM to 4 pM Sunset Cocktails on Friday: 4 pM to 7 pM reservation +971 2 596 1440 restaurants.capitalgate@hyatt.com Address Hyatt Capital gate ADneC Capital Center, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

pearls & Caviar is an eclectic and chic Mediterranean seafood restaurant with an exquisite waterfront setting offering stunning views of Sheikh Zayed grand Mosque. With a new take on presentation, the restaurant uses fresh Middle eastern ingredients combined with Mediterranean tastes for a unique culinary experience. Upstairs, pearls Bar is a starlit open-air venue with hip music and a lively atmosphere, where an energetic and knowledgeable group of bartenders serves up fine wines, champagnes and signature cocktails with a tapas menu.

Mediterranean , Seafood 7 pM – 11:30 pM 8 pM – 11:30 pM (Friday) reservation + 971 2 509 8777 Address Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Between the Bridges, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

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Chamas

Hakkasan Hakkasan, a world-renowned Michelin star restaurant, offers a unique take on modern Chinese cuisine. In possession of instant glamour, Hakkasan combines opulent design, Asian contemporary ambience, ambitious cooking and accomplished service. guests have a choice of two entrances by which to arrive at Hakkasan, either via the main palace lobby's entrance or Hakkasan’s own private entrance which can be located by following the signs to the east Wing when driving into emirates palace. Both choices have a complimentary valet parking service.

For those of you who don’t know what a Brazilian Churrascaria is, InterContinental Abu Dhabi invites you to experience Chamas Churrascaria & Bar. think endless skewers of freshly barbecued meat and chicken served by enthusiastic and knowledgeable passadores until you tell them to stop. Add to this a live South American band, Samba dancers, and you’ve got one of the liveliest atmospheres in the city. Located above Chamas restaurant is Chamas bar. Famed for its Caipirinha creations, bustling ladies nights and juicy meat platters. or take a table outdoors and enjoy the marina views from the terrace. From red hot Brazilians to Brazilian red grape beverages.

Brazilian steakhouse Bar: 6 pM - 1 AM Dinner: 6 pM - 11:30 pM Marina Brunch: 12 pM – 4 pM , Friday only reservation +971 2 6666 888 dine.icabudhabi@ihg.com Address InterContinental Abu Dhabi Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

Chinese Lunch: Friday to Saturday 12 pM – 3 pM Dinner: Monday to Sunday 6 pM – 12 AM Bar: Monday to Sunday 6 pM – 2 AM reservation +971 2 690 7730 hakkasan@emiratespalace.ae Address emirates palace West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

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Finz

Seafood 12:30 pM - 3:30 pM 7 pM - 11:30 pM reservation +971 2 697 9011 fb.beach@rotana.com Address Beach Rotana tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

As the name suggests, Finz offers a wide variety of seafood in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere. the restaurant, located at the end of the jetty in front of the Beach Wing, is a unique wooden structure, built on a pontoon-like base, overlooking the sea. the menu, primarily focusing on seafood and crustacea, offers a surprisingly large variety of cooking methods from Wok to tandoori, with signature dishes adopting the Cataplana style (dishes cooked and served in a large portuguese copper pan), as well as the more traditional methods, such as sea bass in a salt crust. naturally, a variety of appetizers complement the menu, and the beverage list has a wide selection of fine wines from europe and the new World. It is important to note that whilst the menu leans predominately towards seafood, it does cater to all tastes including meat eaters, the health conscious as well as vegetarians.

teatro teatro offers comprehensive a la carte menu creatively blending dishes from thai, Chinese, Japanese Sushi, Indian and Italian cuisines. the interior filled with deep warm colours, hand blown glass, beaded crystal features and array of Venetian masks creates relaxed ambiance of informal dining style. While indulging into gastronomic teatro play, the guests can watch the live cooking of their food at the outlet's show kitchen or Sushi Bar. the wine connoisseurs will be delighted to pick up the bottle of their favorite vintage from the extensive wine cellar. the restaurant also features an outdoor terrace. exclusive "Chef's table" is available for private gatherings for up to 8 people.

Cuisine International Open 6 pM - 1 AM reservation + 971 2 657 3333 fb.park@rotana.com Address park Rotana eastern Ring Rd, Abu Dhabi

oceana grill one destination, three different ways to dine, oceana is a modern, airy restaurant where the mood reflects the time of day. In the morning, the conservatorystyle setting is flooded with light. At lunchtime, the restaurant becomes a popular meeting place for friends, family and business associates before the sun sets and it is transformed, once again, for the signature meal at oceana. throughout the day, a team of talented chefs prepares international and Arabic cuisine, while in the evening the spotlight is on seafood. the buffet is the perfect way to start the day, with hot western and Arabic breakfasts, a selection of fresh bread and pastries, local and international cheeses, chilled yogurts, cereals and fresh fruit. At lunchtime, the daily changing buffet features a wide array of dishes guaranteed to tempt guests into trying a bit of each. Arabic delicacies and Western appetizers are followed by a selection of main courses, including fish, meat and vegetarian options. to finish, choose from the mouth-watering selection of desserts on display. After dark, the lights are dimmed, the candles are lit and oceana turns into a seafood buffet of distinction. the finest, freshest seafood from all over the world are selected to inspire your palate. Choose between succulent giant prawns from the philippines, yellowfin tuna from the Seychelles, norwegian halibut and Alaskan king crab, cooked to perfection. International Breakfast: 6.30 AM – 11 AM Lunch: 12 pM – 3 pM Dinner: 7 pM – 11.30 pM reservation +971 2 617 0000 Address Rocco Forte Hotel Sh.Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St., Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

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Li Beirut this exquisitely designed Lebanese restaurant serves both traditional and contemporary Lebanese cuisine with european hints, offset by captivating views of the sea. Li Beirut offers the classics with ingredients symphonically combined in a menu of Middleeastern delicacies. our Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection also includes a composition of reinvented dishes, with both Lebanese and european taste elements harmonized with the finesse of a maestro. end your dining experience on a sweet note with a variety of desserts including Honey Fudge and Umm Ali amongst many favourites.

Arabic, Lebanese Lunch: 12 pM - 3 pM Dinner: 7 pM - 12 AM reservation +971 2 811 5666 JADrestaurants@jumeirah.com Address Jumeirah at etihad towers Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi Cuisine Open

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garden City Al Ain Hili Archeological park

In the easten Region of Abu Dhabi, next to one of the biggest oasis and at the foot of the country's highest mountain the Jebel Hafeet, is the garden city Al Ain. the natural springs gave the city its name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Al Ain means springs. the city is part of a twin-town; its counterpart is the omani city Buraimi. the international border goes almost straight across the town. the earliest settlements here are among some of the oldest in the entire UAe. the remains of a 5,000-year-old Bronze Age settlement and a round-shaped burial place in the Hili Archaeological park are some of the most

significant historical finds in the country, supporting the theory that the oasis town was already being used as a trading place, where caravans would stop, thousands of years ago.

town is still used for date cultivation, still administered in traditional way and irrigated with the falaj, a system of open water-channels distributing the water over the whole plantation.

Due to its natural water resources and the fertile red sands, the region around the Al Ain oasis was always a regional centre of farming and date plantations. Since these natural resources were so crucial for the survival of the people, numerous forts and watchtowers were built to guard and protect them. Most of those same forts have now been renovated and transformed into museums. the Al Ain oasis in the middle of the traditional

Al Ain was the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed, the founder and late president of the United Arab emirates. Zayed grew up in the oasis town, deeply rooted in and connected with the Bedouin tribal culture. As fairly young man he was appointed the representative of the tribal leader for the Al Ain region and with his true passion for gardening and agriculture managed to further develop the region.

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Al Ain oasis

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Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1001 Faces of the Desert A large part of Abu Dhabi is desert. It is said that the seven Emirates of the UAE have seven different colours of sand; assembled in decorative glass vessels and picture frames the Seven Sands of the Emirates became a popular souvenir. Indeed the sand in the western coastal areas is of a light yellow colour due to sediments of shells and coral skeletons. Towards the Al Ain region the sand is more of a reddish/ orange, a result of erosion from the nearby Hajar Mountains containing, amongst other minerals,

large amounts of iron oxides. In the northern areas of the eastern coastline the almost black sand is due to large amounts of gabbro rocks in this part of the Hajar mountain range. The Western Region of Abu Dhabi is dominated by Rub al Khali, the so-called Empty Quarter. This, the largest and most inhospitable sand desert in the world, stretches over the southern third of the Arabian Peninsula, covering large areas of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia

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empty Quarter

and Yemen. the Rub al Khali is also one of the most oil-rich areas of the world. In total about 1,000 kilometres long, and 500 kilometres wide, its sand dunes rise to a height of up to 250 metres. the fine sand is a of a reddish-orange colour

Fort in Liwa

nestled amidst the endless dunes is the green Liwa oasis. the villages in the oasis are the foremost southern settlements in the UAe. With its palm plantations nowadays a growing centre of agricultural production, Liwa is the traditional home of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most influential Yas tribe, the forefathers of the ruling families of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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Al Ain has it all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; beautiful nature and places full of Arab tradition, culture and heritage.

nature and Arabian Heritage the Hili Archaeological park is a must-see during a visit to Al Ain. the Bronze Age burial place is most probably the oldest witness of the first civilisations in the area. the walls are decorated with engravings of oryx, the white antelopes that became almost extinct and are now being re-bred in natural conservation areas. pieces of ancient pottery and jewellery found in the archaeological digs are preserved and displayed in the Al Ain national Museum, located in the middle of town, next to the oasis. Beside historical

galleries, the museum features a lovely exhibition displaying traditional Bedouin life in the oasis. the former residence of Sheikh Zayed, just around the corner from the national, is now as palace Museum open to the public. the place has been refurbished and the rooms are set up as they were in the '60s, when Zayed and his family lived here. even the large tent that was used during the cooler winter months to host guest is set up in the inner courtyard. In the proximity of his palace Zayed established the first formal school. Walking through the residential

quarters, with its simplicity and basic furniture, is the most stunning experience, illustrating how simply even rulers of the region lived just half a century ago. Zayed was always a man open towards different cultures and welcomed people from all over the world. even in the set-up of his humble palace this welcoming and thoughtful attitude can be seen: the stateroom where he would welcome Arabic guests is laid out in the traditional way with carpets and floor cushions to sit on; the stateroom to welcome Western guest has sofas, to provide the visitors with more comfort.

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Al Jahili Fort

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Al Ain palace Museum

Al Ain national Museum

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the Al Jahili Fort hosts a permanent exhibition of the photographic work of Wilfred thesiger. the Briton was one of the last great adventurers, writers and photographers. He studied the life of the Bedouin and crossed the empty Quarter desert. He was a close life-long friend of Sheikh Zayed and the locals even gave him an Arabic nickname – Mubarak bin London, Mubarak, son of London. the Al Jahili Fort is regularly used for cultural events and a permanent venue for concerts during the Abu Dhabi Music and Art festivals. All the museums are open all day from Saturday to thursday and on Friday afternoons after 3 pM. the impressive Hajar mountain range rises next to the city. At 1,249 metres, Jebel Hafeet is one of the highest mountains in the UAe. A spectacular road spirals up to the top and nestled on a plateau just a few metres below the summit is the UAe's highest

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Camel Market

hotel, the Mercure Jebel Hafeet Hotel, an insider's tip for a weekend retreat during hot summers; temperatures at the top are almost 10 degrees lower than those down below. the foot of the mountain range is home to another natural beauty: hot springs and the green Mubazzara, an area full of vegetation in the middle of the rocky, sandy desert and mountain surrounding. the Mubazzara is a very popular place for people to get a bit of fresh air, have some family time and, not least, to bath in the natural springs, which are believed to be a good cure for muscle and bone problems. A very special trading place, unique even in the UAe, is the camel market in Al Ain, the only permanent such market in the whole country. the camel and livestock market, earlier located next to the Al Ain oasis in the middle of town, was shifted a few years ago to its new location out of town, where the animals can be kept under more comfortable conditions and in shaded open stables with more space. the camel market is on Zayed bin Sultan Street, next to the Al Bawadi Mall, about 10 km from the city centre of Al Ain. the market is open daily.

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1001 nights Desert ADventures

A visit to Arabia would not be complete without a trip to the desert. It is said that the seven emirates of the United Arab emirates have seven different colours of sand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; assembled in decorative glass vessels and picture frames the Seven Sands of the emirates became a popular souvenir. Indeed the sand in the western coastal areas is of light yellow colour due to sediments of shells and coral skeletons, towards the Al Ain region the sand is turning into more reddish/orange, a result of erosion from the nearby Hajar Mountains, containing amongst other minerals large amounts of iron-oxides and in the northern areas of the eastern coastline the almost black sand is due to large amounts of gabbro rocks in this part of the Hajar mountain range. An excursion can be best arranged via one of the numerous tourist companies offering day-trips into the desert as well as into the impressive mountains. the occasional rainfall in the Hajar Mountains has, over 20 million years, washed out deep valleys, the so-called wadis. Most of the year these riverbeds are dry, except for some pools filled year-round with fresh water from natural springs. the picturesque Hatta pools are a popular destination for a desert trip. A dune dinner combines a desert trip with a folklore evening program. even though belly dancing and waterpipes do not really originate in this region, but rather from the north African region of Arabia, it helps create the atmosphere of 1,001 nights and an unforgettable evening under the stars in the desert.

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Sun, Sand & Skiing! A trip into the desert can be best arranged via one of the numerous tourist companies, offering daytrips into the desert as well as into the impressive mountain areas. the occasional rainfall in the Hajar Mountains has washed out deep valleys over 20 million years, the so-called wadis. Most of the year these riverbeds are dry except for some pools filled year around with fresh water from natural springs. A Dune-Dinner combines a desert trip with a folklore evening programme. even though belly

dancing and waterpipes did not really originate in the region, but come rather from the north African region of Arabia, it creates the atmosphere of 1001 nights and an unforgettable evening under the stars in the desert. For the more adventurous, a completely new experience might be sand skiing; sliding down the large sand dunes in the empty Quarter is an extraordinary experience. tour operators offer various packages for this fun sport during the winter

months: due to the extreme heat, sand skiing is not a summer pursuit. Another unique desert experience is a stay in the Qasr Al Sarab ("the palace of the Mirage") located seven kilometres from Liwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main Hamim highway crossing. Set in the middle of the picturesque dunes of Rub al Khali, the empty Quarter, the hotel combines the peaceful and tranquil desert environment with the highest standards of luxury hospitality.

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A trip to Arabia would be not complete without getting some sand under your feet, and watching the sunset in the endless wilderness of the desert.

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Wildlife at Your Fingertips eMirAtes pArk Zoo

Launched in 2008, the emirates Zoo in Al Bahia is the first private zoo in the UAe. With more than 660 animals, it is home to an exotic menagerie of wildlife. Some of the zooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inhabitants are better watched from behind a fence and at a safe distance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even though the Siberian white tigers and cheetahs might look and act like playful house cats. For real handson cuddling experiences, the domestic section offers plenty of opportunities for kids of any age to interact with and feed the animals. With a laid back and family-oriented atmosphere, the zoo is a place that inspires and encourages kids and adults alike to explore, have fun and stay connected to nature and wildlife. the zoo park is located in the north east of Abu Dhabi in the Al Bahia area off Al Rahba. the way is signed from the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway. During the winter season the park is open from Sunday to Wednesday 9:20 AM to 8 pM, and from thursdays to Saturday 9:30 AM to 9 pM; between June and August the park is open daily from 5 to 9 pM.

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the emirates national Auto Museum

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Due to his special car collection, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al nahyan became known as the Rainbow Sheikh: he has a collection of Mercedes cars in the colours of the rainbow â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one car for each day of the week. the german automaker produced the series in the 1980s as a special edition for the Abu Dhabi car lover and collector. A number of other vehicles are also rainbow coloured or have a rainbow logo painted on them, and have matching seats and hubcaps. In order to share his passion for automobiles with other car lovers, HH Sheikh Hamad presents

more than 200 cars from his private collection in the emirates national Auto Museum. A very unique piece of the Dodge collection is the ninemeter high, 50 tons XXL Dodge power Wagon pickup (with four bedrooms at the top), which made it into the guinness World Records. the emirates national Auto Museum is located about one hour's drive south of Abu Dhabi, on the e65 road to Liwa oasis, and is usually open on Fridays and Saturday from 8 AM to 5 pM. For visits on other days, call Arbit Sinkh on +971 50 829 3952.

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Motorsport Yas-Island

Since the inaugural Formula 1 race event, the etihad Airways Abu Dhabi grand prix, held in november 2009, motorsport has had a distinguished address in the United Arab emirates: Yas Island – an entire island developed and dedicated to motorsport. the Abu Dhabi race is a spectacular day-night event – at launch the only one in the grand prix calendar.

the season. Beside Formula 1, the Yas Marina Circuit hosts a wide spectrum of national and international races and offers motorsport enthusiasts the chance to get their hands on some extraordinary rides. on tuesday evenings horsepower is off the track though: it is open from 6 to 9 pM to cyclists, runners and walkers - free of charge.

the Yas Marina Circuit can run races in three different configurations: the full F1 track is 5.55 km long and has a total of 21 turns, 12 to the left and nine to the right. the second and third configurations of the track are 3.15 km and 2.36 km respectively, and can run independently of each other, allowing two simultaneous races to take place.

Ferrari World on Yas Island is the first Ferrari theme park. Under a 200,000 square metre red roof 20 thrilling rides await the brave at heart. the main attraction is Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. Up to 4.8-g is reached when the cars get to their maximum speed of 240 km/hour – pure adrenaline.

the 2013 etihad Airways Formula 1 grand prix will take place on 3 november, the 17th race of

the nearby Yas Arena it is often not much quieter than the racetrack, certainly not when international superstars are rocking the stage.

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Diving

Yas Waterworld next door to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and at the centre of Yas Island’s entertainment complex, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the largest waterpark in the capital. Spreading over 15 hectares, the waterpark features a thrilling range of 43 rides, slides and attractions. Four rides are one-of-a-kind that have never been seen in a waterpark before. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi's theme is based on a legend that represents local emirati culture and heritage. Visitors can enjoy attractions that follow the adventures of the waterpark's main character Dana – a young emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl that brought prosperity to her village. Based on the legend, the park has a unique pearl diving attraction that showcases the role pearl diving played in the UAe’s rich history. Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has been developed by Aldar properties and is operated by Farah Leisure parks Management LLC.

the year-round warm waters and the rich marine life of the Arabian gulf make Abu Dhabi an ideal destination for underwater adventure. everyone from beginners to certified divers can find opportunities to explore the underwater world of Arabia under the experienced guidance of professional dive pros. Dive centres offer diving courses and dive experiences and arrange trips around Abu Dhabi’s islands and coastline, as well as to the east coast of the UAe. Small reefs consisting of hard corals and a number of shipwrecks of various sizes are the main dive spots close to Abu Dhabi. Day trips to those on the east coast are offered frequently. Here in the Indian ocean soft corals and colourful tropical fish offer unforgettable memories below the waves. Check with the Al Mahara Dive Centre on +971 2 643 7377 for upcoming dive trips and training courses. Boats leave from the emirates palace Marina.

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Yachting

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the Abu Dhabi Marina Club is, for 99 per cent of the population, an extremely daunting place, filled with seedy bars, raucous revellers and shady walkways. In other words the last place you’d expect to find a very smart Chinese restaurant. But BamBu! is a real turn up for the books. Its tasteful décor is reminiscent of a traditional Chinese garden, complete with water features and wooden oriental archways. © Volvo ocean Race Abu Dhabi

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the food is a little on the pricey side but there are some interesting flavours on the menu alongside the sweet-and-sour type staples to justify the expense. Dishes are prepared rich and oily so a visit here will probably need to be an infrequent treat, but it’s certainly one of the better Chinese restaurants in the tourist Club Area. If you can brave the walk to get there, you’re in for a pleasant meal.

Location:

tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi telephone: +971 2 645 6373 travel: Abu Dhabi Marina & Yacht Club Cuisine: Chinese opening hours: open daily noon - 3 pM , 7 pM - 11 pM

Boat lovers value Abu Dhabi’s calm azure blue waters and the town’s yacht clubs have a sophisticated collection of boats available for rent. Yacht clubs and boating companies can be found in most hotels along the shoreline and arrange cruises along the coast and the mangroves around Abu Dhabi’s islands. A wide range of high-class boats with experienced crews is available for individual charter via abudhabimarinayacht.com. Leisure cruises as well as deep-sea fishing trips can be arranged. Yellow Boats operate regular trips from the Abu Dhabi International Marina Sports Club at the Breakwater Island – telephone: 800 8044.

Etihad antiquE GallEry A

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POBox 52050, Abu Dhabi, UAE Mobile: +971 50 622 1333 Tel: +971 264 44366 Fax: +971 264 52597 Email: office@etihadgallery.com www.etihadgallery.com

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Open: Saturday–Thursday: 10am – 1.30pm, 5pm – 10.30pm Closed on Fridays

t A g e

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Islamic antiques Calligraphy Sculptures Painted Art Authenticated Antiques Meteorites and Fossils

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Abu Dhabi’s International Airport has been operating since 1982 and consists of three terminals with a capacity of around 12.5 million passengers annually. the Midfield terminal Complex is currently under development, and will aim to triple passenger capacity to 47 million per year.

the fastest growing airline in the world. From its home base, etihad operates a fleet of 66 aircraft on more than 100 flights per week, serving a network of 84 international destinations. etihad Airways has received a range of awards, including ‘World’s Leading Airline’ at the World travel Awards in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Abu Dhabi’s national carrier, etihad Airways, started commercial operations in november 2003 and within a very short period of time became

telephone: +971 2 505 5555 Fax: +971 2 505 5555 Web: www.abudhabiairport.ae

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Al Bateen executive Airport Located on Abu Dhabi’s main island, the Al Bateen executive Airport is the first dedicated private jet airport in the Middle east and north Africa. the airport was the first to open in the 1960s. After the new international airport opened out of town in 1982, Al Bateen became a military base. Another change took place in 2008, when Al Bateen was redeveloped into a world-class executive airport that now has a stand capacity of 50 private jets.

+971 2 449 4521 +971 2 494 2333 albateeninfo@adac.ae www.albateenairport.com

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telephone: Fax: email: Web:

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ARt

Abu Dhabi Art

ARt gALLeRIeS In ABU DHABI Abu Dhabi Art hub the First Art community in UAe. Abu Dhabi Art Hub is UAe’s first “Live & Work Artists” destination. positioned as an inspirational platform for local and global artists to work, exhibit and promote work of arts. Set to boost up young artists and support genuine art works. Located in Musaffah, the Art Hub to support the revival of arts in Abu Dhabi and the UAe. tel.: Fax.: e-mail: Website: Facebook: twitter: Address:

+971 2 551 5005 +971 2 555 0557 arthub@live.com www.adah.ae www.facebook.com/ADarthub adarthub plot 38, MW5, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi, UAe

etihad Antique Gallery Antiques do have a magical spell on collectors, especially if sold in an enchanting, unique like Abu Dhabi. often, these merchants did not know the value of the products they were merchandising. ettihad Antiques gallery was the first serious attempt in Abu Dhabi to make antique display and appreciation a modern and professional art. Founded by two expert, Khalid Seddiq and Mohammed Khalil in 2004, the gallery is located in the capital of United Arab emirates, with products that vary in age, history, origin, and value, stretching from persian gulf and Arabia. Some date back to the 17th century while others are from the 20th. not everyone who enters is required to buy, or expected to be a collector. part of our goal is to increase antique appreciation and awareness in United Arab emirates. We want people to walk in, feel the magic of antiquities, and appreciate the fine products on display. Antiques are an education and an art, before being a business.

tel.: Fax: Mob.: email: Website: Address:

+971 2 644 4366 +971 2 645 2597 +971 50 622 1333 office@etihadgallery.com www.etihadgallery.com opposite to Al Bateen Mall, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, UAe

UAE’s First Live & Work Artists’ Destination

Folklore Gallery one of the oldest galleries in the city, with a focus on affordable art, silk paintings and Arabic themes. those looking to start their own collection without spending a fortune should drop by. tel.: Fax.: e-mail: Website: Address:

+971 2 666 0361 +971 2 666 9668 folkloregallery@hotmail.com www.folkloregallery.net Zayed 1 st St, opposite Dana plaza and next to First gulf Bank, Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, UAe

Gallery One gallery one is the largest branded gallery group in the region and the home of 'great things for walls'. Browse contemporary art and decorative photographic prints in a welcoming and open environment. tel.: Fax.: e-mail: Website: Address:

+ 971 2 558 1822 + 971 2 558 1823 info@g-1.com www.g-1.com Store 27, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, UAe

LIVE

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EXHIBIT

Programs Artist Residency Program Art by Country Exhibition Workshops and Short Courses Many art related events and activities Facilities for Rent Offices (for art related businesses) Private Art Studio Exhibition Space – Gallery Living Room (short stay offer for artists) Tel: +971 2 551 5005 • Fax: +971 2 555 0557 Email: arthub@live.com • Website: www.adah.ae Address: Musaffah, Abu Dhabi , UAE

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Ghaf Art Gallery established in 2006, ghaf is Abu Dhabi's first independent gallery dedicated to contemporary art. owned by Mohamed Kanoo & Jalal Luqman, two internationally renowned emirati artists, the gallery aims to cultivate the growth and development of the capital's art scene by offering exhibiting opportunities to new, local talent eager to reach an attentive audience. the gallery features 1,500 square feet of prime exhibition space and can comfortably accommodate guests for launch receptions. the ghaf gallery has an ambitious agenda of mixed and solo exhibitions, nurturing an appreciation for fine art, featuring local, regional and international names. tel.: Fax.: e-mail: Website: Address:

+971 2 665 5332 +971 2 665 5292 ghafgallery@gmail.com www.ghafartgallery.com Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (30th), between 7th and 9 th street, near Khalidiya garden, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, UAe

Manarat Al Saadiyat Set up by Abu Dhabi's tourism Development and Investment Company tDIC, the arts- and cultural centre Manarat Al Saadiyat brings the vision of the island and it´s cultural district to light. the permanent exhibition “the Saadiyat Story” focuses on the developing cultural district. Models of the upcoming attractions like the guggenheim Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed national Museum allow visitors a glimpse into the capital's future vision, to become a major cultural hub of the Arabian world. the adjoining three galleries showcase regular themed exhibitions of international art.

tel.: e-mail: Website: Address:

+971 2 657 5800 manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae www.saadiyat.ae Sheik Khalifa Bridge, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAe

Paris Abu Dhabi Art Gallery paris Abu Dhabi Art gallery is the first French contemporary art gallery in Abu Dhabi. the gallery is specialized in orientalist, Islamic modern and contemporary arts. the gallery is focusing at private art collectors investors, as well as international companies for their corporate sponsorships, hotels and palaces decorations. the gallery presents world famous artists such as georges BRAQUe, Francis pICABIA, Fernand LegeR for example as well as artists whose rating is constantly rising such as Yves HenRY and Frédéric CAnDon talented artists. the gallery is proposing a diversity of works for all type of budgets. the gallery is also regularly organizing seminars, colloques and conferences with specialists of the orientalist art and lecturers of modern and contemporary arts to introduce art in general to the local citizen of United Arab emirates and foreign expatriates. tel.: Mob.: email: Website: Address:

+971 2 635 9194 +971 50 641 7278 marclau1@eim.ae www.parisabudhabi-artgallery.com Al Sahel towers entrance Block A, penthouse 1210, Corniche road, Khalidiya area, Abu Dhabi, UAe

Salwa Zeidan Gallery Salwa Zeidan gallery was first opened in Abu Dhabi in 1994 and reopened again in January 2009 under the patronage of His excellency Sheikh nahayan Mabarak Al nahayan. In addition to nurturing local talent, the gallery has become renowned for its selective representation of 35 of the region’s most prominent artists in a variety of mediums and styles including sculptors, painters, photographer and Multimedia.

the success of the projects undertaken by the gallery has affirmed its credibility and reputation as one of the main references for Islamic, regional and local art. It operates its own independent printing and framing facilities which enables it to control the overall quality of the digital works being produced thus making it an ideal partner for major projects that require large orders at competitive rates. today, the gallery is a major reference for private and corporate collectors in the UAe that include members of the royal family. the art gallery is one of the most active art spaces in the capital and is continuously involved in the cultural movement in the region through art fairs such as Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Art Dubai and Art India, and renowned auction houses such as Christie’s and Sotheby’s.. tel./Fax: e-mail: Website: Facebook: Address:

+971 2 666 9656 info@salwazeidangallery.com www.salwazeidangallery.com www.facebook.com/salwazeidangallery Konghi Complex, Villa #4, Bain Al Jesrain, Abu Dhabi, UAe

The barakat Gallery the Barakat gallery is a fifth generation family owned and operated business, founded in Jerusalem over 100 years ago. the gallery is a purveyor of museum quality ancient art specializing in Classical antiquities, near eastern, Biblical, Chinese, preColumbian, Byzantine, Asian, African and primitive arts. We also specialize in ancient numismatics and fine jewelry. our clientele is varied, including museums, corporations, private collectors and investors from all over the world. For the past century, the Barakat Family has been fortunate to have assisted in the formation of some of the most important art collections in the world. tel.: Fax.: e-mail: Website: Address:

+971 2 690 8950 +971 2 690 8951 barakat@barakatgallery.com www.barakatgallery.com emirates palace, Corniche Street, Abu Dhabi, UAe

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Abu Dhabi events

eCo future running until 26 September 2013 this educational, family-orientated exhibition is at Saadiyat Island’s Manarat Al Saadiyat. Four interactive, futuristic characters - Ali, Moza, Yas and Sara - take visitors through six distinct zones: Drinking, eating, enjoying, Moving, Building and Future City. eCo FUtURe is raising awareness of depleting global resources, climate change, over-consumption, sedentary lifestyles and sustainability options. open daily from 10 AM until 8 pM . www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

Art, tALks AnD sensAtions 7 November 2012 – 6 January 2013 get ready to be amazed at the unexpected twists and turns of artworks, projections and performances. Curator Fabrice Bousteau takes you to new heights of innovation and unconstrained creativity. entrance is free. www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

A bu DhAbi sustAinAbiLity Week (ADsW) 13-17 January 2013 the Arabian gulf’s largest gathering on sustainability, with participants from 150 countries expected. top world leaders, policy makers, thought leaders, decision makers, experts, scientists, business and academia will, together, tackle pressing issues in energy, water and the environment. www.abudhabisustainabilityweek.com

A bu DhAbi hsbC g oLf ChAMpionship 17-20 January 2013 the Return of the giants characterises this annual pgA tour curtain raiser. Held at Abu Dhabi golf Club, the championship has an engaging spectator village and after-play entertainment to make it a great day out. www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com

g ourMet A bu DhAbi 5-20 February 2013 this is a ‘lifestyle gastronomic extravaganza’ featuring a star-studded cast of Michelin-star chefs and special guests, master classes, industry insights from hospitality experts, and Chateau and gourmet dinners hosted by a range of the UAe capital’s top hotels. www.gourmetabudhabi.ae

A bu DhAbi internAtionAL triAthLon 2 March 2013 this annual event attracts the world’s best triathletes and international amateurs. the race is contested across three distances. the 223 km main "long course" boasts a gruelling 3 km swim, a 200 km cycle ride and 20 km closing run. the 'short' course, at half the length, has a 1.5 km swim, a 100 km cycle and a 10 km run, while the sprint course - which can be run as a team relay - has a 750 m swim, a 50 km ride and 5 km run. www.abudhabitriathlon.com

LUXURY ABU DHABI

A bu DhAbi internAtionAL b ook fAir 24-29 April 2013 Held annually at Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre, this is the Arabian gulf’s fastest-growing book fair with in excess of 600,000 titles on display. www.adbookfair.com

A bu DhAbi Desert ChALLenge April 2013 this is one of the world’s most prestigious international cross country rallies and runs annually. this five-day motor sport spectacle is organised by the Automobile and touring Club of the UAe and is the season-opening round of both the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship. www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com

A bu DhAbi festivAL

LiWA DAte festivAL

March/April 2013 this highly successful international festival advances classical music and fine arts among Abu Dhabi residents and visitors. A culturally-rich and diverse event, it features world-class performances from the likes of the Bolshoi Ballet, Andrea Bocelli, natalie Cole and Sir James galway. www.abudhabifestival.ae

July 2013 this annual event explores the intricacies of date production and the varied products this desert fruit is now lending itself to. A fascinating insight into many desert traditions, the festival includes a date beauty contest, a date auction and educational sessions on how to care for palm trees. www.liwadatesfestival.ae

AL ghArbiA WAtersports festivAL

eiD fest A bu DhAbi

May 2013 An all-waters ports extravaganza on the beach in the charming fishing town of Mirfa in Al gharbia – Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. the festival is filled with wonder, water and world-class athletes. From kiteboards and surf ski kayaks in the waves to chilled-out camping and concerts on shore, the UAe’s wettest, wildest week. www.algharbia.ae

August 2013 our eid. Your eid - A concept which brings a collection of celebratory activities to Abu Dhabi’s visitors and residents, this third edition of the biannual festival centres on the Islamic festivities of eid Al Fitr and brings to life, once again, the spirit of sharing. www.eidfestabudhabi.ae

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suMMer in A bu DhAbi August / September 2013 A mega summer promotion with spectacular flight, attraction and hotel deals, this is a month-long blockbuster, family-centric event packed full of fun, entertainment, action-packed activities and shows. www.summerinabudhabi.ae

A bu DhAbi hunting & eQuestriAn exhibition (ADihex) September 2013 this is the Arabian gulf’s most renowned hunting and equestrian exhibition where visitors can enjoy camel auctions, saluki and falcon beauty contests, art and coffee-making competitions and a variety of traditional hunting and equestrian activities. www.adihex.com

eiDfest A bu DhAbi October 2013 our eid. Your eid - A concept which brings a collection of celebratory activities to Abu Dhabi’s

visitors and residents, this fourth edition of the festival, centred on the Islamic festivities of eid Al Adha, brings to life, once again, the spirit of sharing. www.eidfestabudhabi.ae

on the Beach weekend, film screenings by the sea and a chance to break a guinness World Record for sandcastle building. www.yasalam.ae

A bu DhAbi fiLM festivAL

2013 forMuLA 1 etihAD AirWAys A bu DhAbi grAnD prix

October 2013 Multi-award winning actor Richard gere leads a starstudded line up for this year’s Abu Dhabi Film Festival, which presents an exciting programme showcasing the best Arab filmmaking alongside the cream of world cinema. this year feature and short films from all over the world will compete and there will be 10 days of cinema screenings, red carpet premieres, filmmaking classes and events at various venues. www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae

November 2013 Whether you’re a first timer or a grand prix veteran, there’s more to Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi! Held yearly at the 5.6 km Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, this is a where fans get a close view of the action. the new Yasalam Y1 Access gives ticket holders a year-round package of value-added benefits and exclusive live concert ticket discounts. www.yasmarinacircuit.com

yAsALAM - p uLse of the CApitAL

A bu DhAbi Art

24 October - 3 November 2013 ten days of fun-filled activities and shows surrounding the Abu Dhabi grand prix. An interactive F1 fan zone, free concerts during Beats

November 2013 A popular art fair and a modern and contemporary art platform with public programmes, Abu Dhabi Art brings together leading art galleries from

LUXURY ABU DHABI

across the world. Showcasing a variety of works, from museum-quality pieces to those by emerging artists, the event is at the UAe pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island. entry is free. participants have to register and some areas have age restrictions. Workshops are charged. www.abudhabiartfair.ae

sheikh M Ansour bin ZAyeD gLobAL ArAbiAn fLAt r ACing festivAL November 2013 Suit up in your Sunday best and head to Abu Dhabi equestrian Club for the finale of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed global Arabian Flat Racing Festival – a globe trotting 10-race series. Launched to increase the global diversity of purebred Arabian horse racing, this year’s event also includes the finale of the inaugural Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship - the first international purebred Arabian series specificallycreated for female jockeys. entrance is free. www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com

AL DhAfrAh CAMeL festivAL

ADneC exhibitions & shoWs

December 2013 Held in Madinat Zayed in Abu Dhabi’s Al gharbia (Western) region, this annual festival celebrates the importance of the ship of the desert in emirati society. An intriguing insight into the relationship between this crucial desert animal and man, the festival is a visitor experience with a difference and includes the world’s only camel beauty contest. www.algharbia.ae www.algharbiafestivals.com

All year round Abu Dhabi national exhibition Centre (ADneC) is the region’s largest and most modern facility of its kind. throughout the year it hosts a variety of exhibitions and entertainment shows. the ADneC complex includes luxury hotels, restaurants and a marina. www.adnec.ae

yAs isLAnD shoWs MubADALA WorLD tennis ChAMpionship December 2013 Six of the world’s top ten players - olympic hero Murray; defending champion Djokovic; nadal; Ferrer; Berdych & tipsarevic - compete for the ‘winner takes all’ U.S. $250,000 prize. Staged yearly at Abu Dhabi International tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, and presented by Flash entertainment, this is one of the Arabian gulf’s fastest-growing and most popular sporting events. www.mubadalawtc.com and www.thinkflash.ae

All year round A wide range of entertainment shows and concerts take place in Yas Island’s Du Arena and Du Forum organised by Flash entertainment. www.thinkflash.ae

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ghantoot

Racing & polo Club Set in 300 hectares of perfectly manicured grassland, ghantoot Racing & polo Club offers an oasis of calm and tranquillity amid the hustle and bustle of desert life. the UAe's only Royal club boasts world-class polo and equestrian facilities and is recognised as one of the most prestigious clubs of its kind in the world. ghantoot Racing & polo Club sprung up around the vision of the late president, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al nahyan and is today run under the patronage of his son, His Highness Sheikh Falah bin Zayed Al nayhan. Conveniently located just 40 minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre and 15 minutes from Dubai Marina, ghantoot Racing & polo Club often throws open its gates, inviting members of the public to enjoy polo tournaments, sporting events, music concerts and other festive activities hosted at the club.

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Abu Dhabi equestrian Club Located in the Al Mushrif area, just 10 minutes from the city centre, the Abu Dhabi equestrian Club is a tranquil oasis in one of the gulfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most up-to-date and beautiful cities. the club covers a vast area and provides members with a relaxed and restful atmosphere away from the hustle of modern day life. As the name implies, the club was originally established as an equestrian centre, but over the years, due to the encouragement and support of the late president His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al nahyan, the club has enjoyed steady and sustained development. What was once an undeveloped sandy area is now arguably

one of the finest recreational parks in the entire gulf region. the complex consists of an international standard racecourse with racing conditions that are comparable to anywhere in the world. A number of important races take place annually, including the national Day Cup, H.H. the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup and the emirates Championship. these prestigious races have been established for more than 10 years and are recognised internationally. the facility also includes a circular, 2,000-metre training track on the inside of the racecourse and more than 250 air-conditioned stalls used exclusively for stabling the racehorses.

LUXURY ABU DHABI

the club also boasts a spectacular show jumping arena, in which an obstacle similar to the famous Hickstead Bank has been constructed, along with a natural water jump that adds to the variety of the various events that take place throughout the season. Many important show jumping competitions take place at the club, and the annual Abu Dhabi International Show has become well established, with riders from around the world coming back year after year to support what has been described by many as the most enjoyable events of the season. In line with the wishes of their Highnesses the Sheikhs to encourage and promote equestrianism among the youth of the country and to restore the ancient craft of horsemanship to the people, the Abu Dhabi equestrian Club has one of the most efficient and successful riding schools in the area, with instruction of all levels available to pupils of all ages who wish to learn and absorb the principles required to master the art of horsemanship.

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golf in Abu Dhabi With three championship courses within the city limits and as annual host of the HSBC golf Championship, the golf tournament with the richest purse, Abu Dhabi is without doubt a leading golf destination, offering players a wide choice of unique courses. golfing started in Abu Dhabi at the prestigious Abu Dhabi golf Course, featuring 27 holes, including the 18-hole par 72-championship course. the Saadiyat Beach gold Club is the region's first ocean course, designed by gary player. While playing the par 72 course golfers have a good chance to spot dolphins and turtles in the sea. the fairly new Yas Links golf Course, located on the western coast of Yas Island, has already made it into the

top ten of new International golf Courses according to the influential U.S. publication golf Magazine. Yas Link offers a par 72-championship course, a nine-hole par three academy course and floodlit practise facilities. In a region dominated by desert landscapes, a sandgolf course is almost a must: the Al ghazal 18 hole par 71-championship course is located just a few minutes away from the international airport and offers a very unique game, with “browns” instead of “greens”. the Abu Dhabi City golf Club has been operating for more than 36 years and is commonly called the “peoples golf Course”. It has a nine hole-course and with tee times till 9 pM it is the perfect place for a quick round after work.

LUXURY ABU DHABI

Abu DhAbi g oLf CLub

sAADiyAt beACh g oLf CLub

yAs Links Abu DhAbi

this award-winning facility, managed by troon golf, is where it all began.

this is the region’s first ocean course; the gary playerdesigned masterpiece respectfully harnesses the natural beauty of Saadiyat Island’s magnificent, white sand beaches for a truly unique playing experience.

"A course that will both enhance your game and your senses; be part of the tradition."

Featuring 27 holes, including the 18 hole national Course - home to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC golf Championship, a european pgA tour event – Abu Dhabi golf Club is presided over by arguably the Middle east’s most iconic clubhouse: a vast winged falcon perched atop a golf ball. on the playing side, the par 72 national Course covers 7,600 yards of lush fairways, undulating greens and more than 90 challenging bunkers, while the more accessible par 36 garden Course totals 3,341 yards. the fully floodlit, nine-hole garden Course is also the perfect place for a spot of night golf on a championship-standard facility. the two distinct playing experiences have seen the club ranked among the World’s top 100 courses by golf World magazine. For those eyeing the golf day of a lifetime, watch out for the club’s "Royal experience" – a luxury package run in association with emirates palace – one of the world’s most opulent hotels - that sees guests enjoy Maybach or helicopter transfers to the club, Rolls Royce golf carts, an exclusive lounge and fine dining.

With the meandering, eco-conscious course providing stunning sea views, there’s also the chance to spot dolphins and turtles at play in the glistening Arabian gulf. three salt water lakes and restored beach and sand dunes provide majestic on-course hazards, while more than 60 bunkers will force even the bravest to pause for thought on this challenging par 72. Designed with amateurs and professionals in mind, carefully positioned tee boxes ensure the total yardage starts at 5,290, although the course can be extended to a whopping 7,804 yards for pros. the clubhouse is known as a dining treat and has a great terrace for prize-giving ceremonies or outdoor socializing. Watch out for magnificent permanent clubhouse, designed by pritzker prize-winner Frank gehry, which was due to open at the end of 2012.

Set among rolling hills and delicate mangrove plantations, Yas Links Abu Dhabi – designed by Kyle phillips, the world-renowned course architect – is the Middle east’s only true links course. nestled on the western shores of Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s landmark entertainment destination, every daunting, dynamic Yas Links hole has sparkling coastline views of the Arabian gulf – indeed eight run right up along the coastline. the course is a favourite among UAe-based players. Voted among the "top 10 new International golf Courses" by America’s influential golf Magazine, and voted "the 24th best course in the world outside the U.S." by golf Digest Magazine, the par 72 championship course stretches to a demanding 7,450 yards, while a nine-hole par three academy course, floodlit practise facilities and luxurious clubhouse further complement the offering.

Also, if you want a meeting in a golf environment, Saadiyat Beach golf Club – just a 20 minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and only 15 minutes from downtown – has a wide range of banquet and conference facilities.

Served by seven nearby hotels, including the iconic, five-star Yas Viceroy Hotel – the only hotel in the world straddling a Formula 1 track – Yas Links is distinguished by private boat mooring and a fine dining restaurant, with stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s 21 st century skyline thrown in for free, as well as a private lawn for events and croquet.

www.adgolfclub.com

www.sbgolfclub.ae

www.yaslinks.com

Course facts no. of holes: par: Yardage: Designer: Landscape:

Abu Dhabi golf Club is a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 20-minute drive from most downtown hotels.

27-hole 72 national, 36 garden 7,600 national, 3,341 garden peter Harradine Arabian oasis

18-hole 72 7,806 gary player Beachfront Resort

18-hole 72 7,414 Kyle phillips Links

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Abu Dhabi City golf Club the golf course was originally a sand course that has been transformed from barren desert to luscious grass fairways. It is an oasis of colour, with scenic lakes, fountains and indigenous wild birds inhabiting this beautifully manicured course. Set within the circumference of both stunning grass and sand horse-racing tracks, the golf course is an intriguing layout of nine holes that offers nightly flood lighting and different tee positions, creating an 18 hole, par 70, 6,395yard gem. Access to the golf course is gained via a tunnel, an engineering masterpiece that runs beneath the racetrack. Water challenges

can be found on four of the nine holes, with testing dog-legs left and right and an enormous par five, 630-yard eighth hole, where skilfully designed water hazards cross the fairway and immediately come into play. Surprisingly for a nine-hole course, there are only two par threes, namely the fourth and seventh holes. there are four tee positions on each hole, which presents an interesting challenge for the most accomplished golfer. the golf academy, managed by pgA professionals, includes a driving range, chipping and putting area, golf club repair facility and a

LUXURY ABU DHABI

tennis If tennis is your choice of game, then the Abu Dhabi golf & equestrian Club should be the club of your choice. the tennis courts, located adjacent to the golf club, are available daily for members, guests and tennis clubs to use and enjoy. With three international-standard courts that are well lit for evening play, tennis enthusiasts can enjoy both daytime and evening games. the courts can be reserved in advance through the golf club reception. A certified professional instructor, who offers

social coffee shop and bar. the academy boasts a personalised computer aided, state-of-theart teaching studio. Individually tailor-made tuition packages are available to suit every level of golfer, which includes the Junior golf Academy for young golfers ages eight to 14. the clubhouse offers excellent service in the luxurious Spike Bar, with a large television screen and full range of international beverages. the elegant fine-dining restaurant offers an interesting and varied menu of professional, classically prepared international cuisine. the panoramic views from the restaurant overlook the beautiful floodlit golf course and racetrack and are quite enchanting. the patio outside provides the perfect setting for themed evenings and weekend barbecues. It also provides exciting dining during the Arabian and thoroughbred horseracing events; imagine an enchanting winter

evening in the Arabian outdoors and the thrill of excitement as you watch your favourite champion racing for the ultimate victory over the line! Upstairs, there is a fully equipped banquet and boardroom, with elevated views overlooking the course. It is an ideal venue for private entertaining and corporate hospitality. the pro shop, situated within the clubhouse, is one of the best equipped in all of the emirates. It has an extensive range of golf equipment to suit all golfers' requirements, including clubs, bags, shoes and beautiful designer golf wear. Social sports for members and guests include a large Jacuzzi and swimming pool, three floodlit tennis courts and a professional equestrian riding school with international indoor and outdoor show jumping arenas. the Abu Dhabi golf & equestrian Club provides and completes this Arabian sporting experience.

lessons to all levels of players, from the beginner just taking up the game to the advanced competitor, as well as group instruction for both children and adults, manages the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tennis programme. During the winter recreational season, many fun activities are organised, including tournaments and specialty classes. Additionally, several tennis clubs in Abu Dhabi take advantage of the excellent facilities and hold their matches here. So whether you enjoy tennis or your children do, this is a great place to come and take part in this popular activity or just to watch, enjoy the game and socialise with friends.

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essential numbers eMerGeNCy SerVICeS police Ambulance Fire Marine emergencies

999 998 / 999 997 996

DIreCTOry eNQuIrIeS etisalat du

181 199

AIrPOrT eNQuIrIeS Abu Dhabi International Airport Al Bateen executive Airport Dubai International Airport

+971 2 505 5555 +971 2 449 4521 +971 4 216 6666

TAXI SerVICeS trans AD tawasul taxi

+971 2 417 3888 +971 2 673 4444

lIMOuSINe SerVICeS national transport Company Fast Limo

+971 2 622 3300 +971 2 622 0000

AbI DhAbI hOSPITAlS Mafraq Hospital Sheik Khalifa Medical City Al noor Hospital branches Burjeel Hospital American european Medical Center

+971 2 501 1111 +971 2 819 0000 800 55 666 +971 2 222 2332 +971 2 445 5477

Al Ain Hospital

+971 3 763 5888

FOreIGN eMbASSIeS IN Abu DhAbI embassy of Australia embassy of United Kingdom embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan embassy of Algeria embassy of Azerbaijan embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina embassy of Brunei Darussalam embassy of Canada embassy of Chile embassy of Denmark embassy of eritrea embassy of Finland embassy of France embassy of India

+971 2 401 7500 +971 2 610 1100 +971 2 447 2666 +971 2 444 8949 +971 2 666 2848 +971 2 644 4164 +971 2 448 6999 +971 2 694 0300 +971 2 447 2022 +971 2 441 0104 +971 2 633 1838 +971 2 632 8927 +971 2 813 1000 +971 2 449 2700

embassy of Italy +971 2 443 5622 embassy of Japan +971 2 443 5696 embassy of Malaysia +971 2 448 2775 embassy of nigeria +971 2 443 1503 embassy of Romania +971 2 445 9919 embassy of Royal norwegian +971 2 621 1221 embassy of Royal thailand +971 2 557 6551 embassy of Sweden +971 2 417 8800 embassy of Switzerland +971 2 627 4636 embassy of turkmenistan +971 2 449 1088 embassy of Ukraine +971 2 632 7586 embassy of Vietnam +971 2 449 6710 embassy of the Arab Republic of egypt +971 2 813 7000 embassy of the Arab Republic of Syria +971 2 444 8768 embassy of the Czech Republic +971 2 678 2800 embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka +971 2 631 6444 embassy of the Federal Republic of Brazil +971 2 632 0606 embassy of the Federal Republic of germany +971 2 644 6693 embassy of the gambia +971 2 643 3955 embassy of the great Socialist people's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya +971 2 441 8222 embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan +971 2 444 7100 embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran +971 2 444 7618 embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania +971 2 446 2724 embassy of the Islamic Republic of pakistan +971 2 444 7800 embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain +971 2 665 7500 embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium +971 2 631 9449 embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco +971 2 443 3973 embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia +971 2 444 5700 embassy of the Kingdom of Spain +971 2 626 9544 embassy of the Kingdom of the netherlands +971 2 695 8000 embassy of the people's Republic of Bangladesh +971 2 446 5100 embassy of the people's Republic of China +971 2 443 4276 embassy of the philippines +971 2 639 0006 embassy of the Republic of Argentina +971 2 443 6838 embassy of the Republic of Armenia +971 2 444 4196 embassy of the Republic of Austria +971 2 694 4999 embassy of the Republic of Belarus +971 2 445 3399 embassy of the Republic of Benin +971 2 639 4665 embassy of the Republic of greece +971 2 449 2550 embassy of the Republic of Hungary +971 2 676 6190 embassy of the Republic of Indonesia +971 2 445 4448 embassy of the Republic of Iraq +971 2 441 8022 embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan +971 2 449 8778 embassy of the Republic of Kenya +971 2 666 6300 embassy of the Republic of Korea +971 2 643 9122 embassy of the Republic of Lebanon +971 2 449 2100 embassy of the Republic of poland +971 2 446 5200 embassy of the Republic of Senegal +971 2 633 6929 embassy of the Republic of Somalia +971 2 666 9700 embassy of the Republic of South Africa +971 2 447 3446 embassy of the Republic of Sudan +971 2 444 6699 embassy of the Republic of tunisia +971 2 681 1331 embassy of the Republic of turkey +971 2 410 9999 embassy of the Republic of Yemen +971 2 444 8457 embassy of the Russian Federation +971 2 672 1797 embassy of the Republic of Singapore +971 2 222 2083 embassy of the State of Kuwait +971 2 447 7146 embassy of the State of palestine +971 2 447 1440 embassy of the State of Qatar +971 2 449 3300

embassy of the Sultanate of oman embassy of the United Republic of tanzania embassy of the United States of America embassy of the Uzbekistan

FOreIGN eMbASSIeS IN DubAI Australian Consulate general & trade Commission British embassy Consulate general of Canadian Consulate general of Afghanistan Consulate general of Bulgaria Consulate general of egypt Consulate general of eritrea Consulate general of France Consulate general of India Consulate general of Indonesia Consulate general of Iraq Consulate general of Italy Consulate general of Japan Consulate general of Jordan Consulate general of Lebanon Consulate general of Malaysia Consulate general of Mozambique Consulate general of niger Consulate general of pakistan Consulate general of Romania Consulate general of South Africa Consulate general of Sri Lanka Consulate general of Sudan Consulate general of Switzerland Consulate general of tanzania Consulate of the people's Democratic Republic of Algeria Consulate general of the Arab Republic of Syria Consulate general of the Federal Republic of germany Consulate general of the Islamic Republic of Iran Consulate general of the Libya Consulate general of the people's Republic of Bangladesh Consulate general of the people's Republic of China Consulate general of the philippines Consulate general of the Republic of Angola Consulate general of the Republic of Djibouti Consulate general of the Republic of ethiopia Consulate general of the Republic of Kazakhstan Consulate general of the Republic of Korea Consulate general of the Republic of panama Consulate general of the Republic of Singapore Consulate general of the Republic of Somalia Consulate general of the Republic of turkey Consulate general of the Republic of Uzbekistan Consulate general of the State of Kuwait Consulate general of the State of Qatar Consulate general of the United States Consulate general of Vietnam Consulate of norway Consulate of Russia Consulate of the Sultanate of oman Consulate general of the Republic of Yemen new Zealand Consulate general palestine general Consulate Royal Consulate general of Denmark Royal Consulate general of Saudi Arabia Royal thai Consulate general the Royal Consulate of netherlands tunisian Consulate

+971 2 446 3333 +971 2 631 3088 +971 2 414 2200 +971 2 448 8215

+971 4 508 7100 +971 4 309 4444 +971 4 404 8444 +971 4 398 8229 +971 4 344 2419 +971 4 397 1122 +971 4 239 9933 +971 4 408 4900 +971 4 397 1222 +971 4 398 5666 +971 4 358 4700 +971 4 331 4167 +971 4 331 9191 +971 4 397 0500 +971 4 397 7450 +971 4 398 5843 +971 4 398 8304 +971 4 266 4642 +971 4 397 3600 +971 4 349 2971 +971 4 397 5222 +971 4 398 6535 +971 4 397 7722 +971 4 329 0999 +971 4 394 0200 +971 4 344 4377 +971 4 357 2227 +971 4 397 2333 +971 4 344 4717 +971 4 397 3972 +971 4 272 6966 +971 4 394 4733 +971 4 220 7100 +971 4 344 7541 +971 4 252 8853 +971 4 269 9111 +971 4 339 7151 +971 4 344 9200 +971 4 337 2538 +971 4 321 9498 +971 4 272 2559 +971 4 331 4788 +971 4 394 7400 +971 4 397 8000 +971 4 396 0444 +971 4 309 4000 +971 4 398 8924 +971 4 382 3880 +971 4 328 5347 +971 4 397 1000 +971 4 397 0131 +971 4 331 7500 +971 4 397 2020 +971 4 348 0877 +971 4 397 9777 +971 4 348 9550 +971 4 440 7600 +971 4 261 7070

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LUXURY ABU DHABI

Park Hyatt

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum

The St. Regis Saadiyat

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Ramhan Island

Performing Arts Centre

New Mina Port

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Zayed National Museum

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

Saadiyat Island

Port Zayed

T H E

A R A B I A N

G U L F Customs Department Mina Fish Market

St. ena

Hala Arjaan Al Sowvah Island by Rotana Le Meridien

th re St

Corniche Hospital

Lulu Island

Sheraton

Bisrat Fahid Island Iranian Souq

Heritage Park

Dhow Harbpour

Sorouth Real Estate

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Balmmd Island

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2nd

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31st St

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National Dusit Thani Theatre Ministry of Information & Culture

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Palace

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Island

Str

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Heliport

29th St

18th Street

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Al K

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25th

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Sheikh Khalifa Park

Al Bateen Airport

Park Rotana Zayed Br

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Rocco Forte Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre

Hyatt Capital Gate

Old Airport Zayed Garden Sports City

Al K

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Ritz-Carlton Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

Hills Abu Dhabi

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

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The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

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Abu Cricke

OFFICERS CITY Mangrove Village

Police Officers City

6th Street MUSSAFAH 14

MUSSAFAH 15

MUSSAFAH 9 Material City Building 79th Street

MUSSAFAH 16

500

MUSSAFAH 13

MUSSAFAH 11 MUSSAFAH 12

MUSSAFAH 4

12th Street

1 km

Eid Prayer Ground

16th Street

7th Street

ABU DHABI

MUSSAFAH 17

MUSSAFAH 33 Mussafah Bus Terminal 10th Street

26th Street

8 th Street

14th Street 11th Street

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL AREA

Futaisi Island

National Petroleum Construction Company

16th Street

13th Street

Residential City

59th S

Dalma Mall ABU DHABI INDUSTRIAL AREA

LUXURY ABU DHABI

shopping M ALLs in A bu DhAbi Abu DhAbI MAll Website www.abudhabi-mall.com Telephone +971 2 645 4858

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MArINA MAll Website www.marinamall.ae Telephone +971 2 681 8300

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Ramhan Island

KhAlIDIyAh MAll Website www.khalidiyahmall.com Telephone +971 2 635 4000

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Al WAhDA MAll Website www.alwahda-mall.com Telephone +971 2 443 7070 Bisrat Fahid Island

BELGHAILAM

The SOuK – AT QAryAT Al berI Website www.soukqaryatalberi.com Telephone +971 2 558 1670

Al rAhA MAll Website www.al-rahamall.com Telephone +971 2 556 2229

Dubai

Road

WOrlD TrADe CeNTre CeNTrAl MArKeT – SOuK Website www.wtcad.ae Telephone +971 2 810 7810

ma -

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Yas Island

Shaha

AVeNue AT eTIhAD TOWerS Website www.avenueatetihadtowers.ae Telephone +971 2 613 3373

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FOTOuh Al KhAIr CeNTre Website www.fotouhalkhair.com Telephone +971 2 681 1130

Saadiyat Island

Water World

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Mushayrib Island Balmmd Island Yas Links Golf Course

Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Viceroy Heliport

As Smmaliyyah Island Al Dana Ladies Beach

Eastern Mangroves Anantara

Abu

Sas An Nakhl Island Umm Al Nar Power Station

National Oil Company

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Al Raha Mall Al Raha Beach

Umn al Nar Archeological Site

ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Al Raha Gardens

Zayed Br

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Old Airport Zayed Garden Sports City ej A

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Ritz-Carlton

AL MAQTA r ho

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The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

UMM AL NAR

Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium

OFFICERS CITY Mangrove Village

Al Ghazal Golf Club

MADINAT KHALIFA A

Al Forsan Sports resort

Airport Road

25th

Street

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Hizza Palace

oad

BAIN AL JESSRAIN

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Armed Forces Officers’ K Club & Hotel Sheikh

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

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New Airport Park

Stre

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15th

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Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

Hills Abu Dhabi

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16th

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13th Street

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63rd Street 16th Street

11th Street

MUSSAFAH INDUSTRIAL AREA

National Petroleum Construction Company

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14th Street

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MUSSAFAH 4

12th Street

MUSSAFAH 11 MUSSAFAH 12

Eid Prayer Ground

26th Street

MUSSAFAH 13

16th Street

7th Street

MUSSAFAH 17

MUSSAFAH 33 Mussafah Bus Terminal 10th Street

Material City Building 79th Street

8 th Street MUSSAFAH 16

MUSSAFAH 9

MUSSAFAH 14

Str

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6th Street MUSSAFAH 15

hale

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Maqta Br Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque

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page

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LUXURY ABU DHABI 2013

SHoppIng DInIng SIgHtSeeIng ARtS CULtURe

L uxury A bu DhAbi 2013 is A preMiuM LifestyLe pubLiCAtion by L uxury Cities M eDiA fZ LLC. C ontinuousLy upDAteD, pubLisheD onCe or More A yeAr. AvAiLAbLe everyWhere in fine hoteLs. WWW.Luxury- Cities.CoM first eDition, 2013 © Publisher Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC CeO & Managing Director thomas Botka Advertising sales@luxury-cities.com Annual circulation 10 000 copies Design & layout Absolut Design Studio Group Art director Attila Dubniczki Photo Production Luxury Cities Media / Attila Dubniczki editor Heike Möckel, Robin Marshall For international inquiries please contact publisher@luxury-cities.com All photos used in this publication are by Luxury Cities Media, photos.com, Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Abu Dhabi Classics, Abu Dhabi Festival, ADACH, ADtA, Anantara, emirates place, etihad towers, Fanni Botka, Jehad Alzaabia, Jumeriah group, Kempinski, Masdar City, Abu Dhabi tourism & Culture Authority, tDIC, Yas Marina Circuit, Volvo ocean Race Abu Dhabi, www.capitalgate.ae, wwww.emiratesteamnz.com, unless otherwise credited. Special thanks to the Abu Dhabi government, the national Media Council, the Abu Dhabi tourism Authority, tDIC, the Abu Dhabi Chamber and Mr. Bela Velez. Luxury Abu Dhabi 2013 is a registered trademark. this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, in whole or in part, without the express prior written permission of the publisher. the publisher assumes no responsibility to any party for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement. All content in this publication is the property of Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC and its suppliers or licensors or contributors and is protected by the UAe and International copyright laws. © Luxury Cities Media FZ LLC. All rights reserved.

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