Your essential guide to the UAE2022capital EXTRAORDINARY Abu Dhabi
In partnership with 2 A bu Dhabi conjures images of beautiful blue skies, powderwhite beaches and glittering skyscrapers. But there’s more to this enticing emirate than meets the eye. In this essential guide we will shine a spotlight on the must-see sights of the emirate as well as great family favourites including Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and stunning beaches. We’ll show you how to delve a little deeper on behalf of your clients, lifting the lid on Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan (also known as the Presidential Palace); uncovering the Arabian desert and the oasis city of Al Ain and revealing the emirate’s natural wonders, including Jubail Mangrove Park which opened in 2020. Discover the enchanting emirate and increase your sales to this diverse and exciting destination Welcome to ABU DHABI 6inSightstheCity 4Top Selling10 Tips 12SandsArabian 5MovesNew Proudly published by Selling Travel sellingtravel.co.uk BMI Publishing Ltd ©2022 Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, BMI Publishing cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions © Images courtesy of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi
VISITABUDHABI.AE 3 YasHotelsIsland AnantaraMangrovesEastern ZayedAbuLouvreDhabiNationalMuseum Yas Waterworld CLYMB Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed GrandGrandMosqueCanal Yas Marina CircuitQasr WatanAl Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal Arabian Gulf Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi AlQasrHosn MangrovesEastern TheAbuRitz-CarltonDhabi Arabian Gulf Saadiyat Island Yas Island Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Yas Beach Abu InternationalDhabiAirport Conrad Abu Dhabi EtihadRadissonTowersBlu Hotel & Resort, Abu CornicheDhabiTheSt. Regis Abu Dhabi TheAbuEDITIONDhabi EmiratesPalace Corniche MangroveJubailPark RotanaSaadiyatResort AbuCityDhabi Rixos SaadiyatPremiumIsland Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi Sign up to the Abu Dhabi Specialist training tools(abudhabispecialist.com)programmeforalltheandresourcesyouneedtosellAbuDhabi–fromproducttipstoitinerariesandaninteractivemap.Completetogetane-certificate. 8HeavenBeach 14AinAl 13ActiveGet 10IslandYas Learn
6Remind clients looking for beach bliss that Abu Dhabi is home to top beach destinations including Saadiyat Island, Yas Beach, Zaya Nurai Island and the Corniche.
9A cruise is a fantastic way to experience Abu Dhabi, with both MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises offering day excursions of the city and desert-island paradise, Sir Bani Yas Island.
Time: GMT +4 hours
2The flight time is just seven hours, making Abu Dhabi a great alternative to the Caribbean and North Africa for those in search of winter sun. Abu Dhabi is also a perfect stopover destination en route to Asia or Australia. Etihad Airways has a two-nights-for free stopover initiative.
Warner bros. World™ abu dhabi is now open the stunning sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Chill out at saadiyat beach Club high-speed thrills at Ferrari World abu dhabi WORLD™ ABu DHABI
Currency: Arab Emirate Dirham (AED) • International dial code: +971 • Language: Arabic, though English is widely spoken
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5TripAdvisor’scameGrandSheikhstunningTheZayedMosque,thirdinlist of Top 10 Landmarks in the world. It’s free to enter and open to members of all religious faiths.
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3Abu Dhabi has a well-planned, modern road system. Taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. All of the major car hire companies have a presence in the emirate.
10Remind clients nervous of flying with children about Etihad Airways inflight services. Kids can make the most of movies, games and cartoons on E-Box and delve into a activity pack with help from Scooby-Doo and the Looney Tunes gang from Warner Bros. WorldTM Abu Dhabi Keep these great facts to hand and you're guaranteed to secure those valuable sales
8Looking for the best views in the city? Direct clients towards the Observation Deck at 300, a sky-high restaurant on the 74th floor of the luxurious Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers hotel.
Visas: British passport holders get a free 30-day visa • Religion: Islam • When to go: Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate with year-round sunshine. Temperatures average 24C in the winter (Nov to Apr). Summer (May to Sep) can reach 45C, and hotels offer superb rates during this time.warmer
Top 10 ABU sellingDHABItips
7For a cultural experience, Louvre Abu Dhabi (see p6) is home to permanent works and temporary exhibitions. There is also a Children's Museum for little ones.
4At Yas Island (see p8), Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi rub shoulders with the capital's largest shopping mall, a links golf course and a F1 race track.
In partnership with 1 AirwaysEtihad (etihad.com) offers flights to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow, Manchester and Dublin. When customers travel with Etihad they can benefit from better value in Abu Dhabi with the ‘Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass’ (etihad.com/en-gb/abu-dhabi/discounts) and save up to £636pp over a five-night stay with discounts at leading attractions, restaurants and on leisure activities.
Emirates Palace One of the world's most opulent hotels is now managed by Mandarin Oriental and will benefit from upgrades to rooms as well as new bars and restaurants. mandarinoriental.com
At the heart of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment epicentre, this is the only hotel in the world sitting above a Grand Prix racetrack.
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Also in Yas Bay this new 18,000-capacity multi-purpose indoor arena is set to host big-name concerts and events, adding to the area's reputation for entertainment. etihadarena.ae
YasAbuHiltonDhabiIsland This 641-room, fivestar resort has seven food and beverage options and is part of the modern Yas Bay development, which includes a recreational pier.
Expect Bedouin-inspired tents and seating inspired by the mangroves, On the roof is the brand’s iconic WET poolside experience with live DJ sets and guests can enjoy eclectic dining ranging from Peruvian to Lebanese. marriott.co.uk
The WB Abu Dhabi Adjacent to the Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi theme park, this 250-room hotel features a modern décor celebrating Warner Bros.’ films and TV, signature WB restaurants, a spa and fitness club, kids’ club and a shaded rooftop pool overlooking Yas Island’s distinctive skyline. wbworldabudhabi.com
W Abu Dhabi - Yas Island
Refreshed shopping Reem Mall (reemmall.ae) is a soon-to-open 2.8-million-squarefoot retail, leisure, dining and entertainment centre which houses 450 stores, 85 restaurants and the world’s largest indoor snow-play park, Snow Abu Dhabi, offering activities like sledging and zorbing! Meanwhile, Galleria Al Maryah Island (thegalleria. ae) has expanded to add over 300 brands, 250,000 square feet of entertainment space and 70 new dining options.
The modern WB Abu Dhabi Hotel Head to CLYMB to experience the free-fall feeling in the world’s biggest indoor skydiving chamberThe Zayed National Museum will explore the UAE’s unification plus the region's history and culture
Zayed National Museum Set to open next year, this addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District will narrate the story of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. Exhibits at the Lord Norman Foster designed facility will highlight the geography and history , including evidence of the human habitation of this area from 200,000 years ago to the present. abudhabiculture.ae Jubail Mangrove Park Abu Dhabi never rests on its laurels – new resorts, hotels and attractions are opening and adding to the emirate's exciting array of experiences
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The White Fort Abu Dhabi city’s oldest stone building, Qasr Al Hosn –also known as The White Fort –reopened in December 2018 following extensive restoration work. Built in 1761 to defend the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi Island, the fort has become a symbol of Emirati heritage. Following years of restoration and careful development, the fort howcases historical artefacts, photographs and memorabilia throughout the museum and visitor centre.
Learn about abu dhabi's past on a Pearl Journey tour
In partnership with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sightsof the city
Now open to the public, the stunning Presidential Palace houses the formal offices of the President, Vice President and Crown Prince of From world-leading art to incredible feats of architecture and ancient arabic heritage, abu dhabi is establishing itself as a cultural hub in the region
The Abu Dhabi Culture app for iOS and Android devices offers a gateway of information for visitors to Abu Dhabi. Gain access to cultural life and heritage via the app and information from the main website Top tip discovering Qasr al hosn the Louvre abu dhabi
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The Louvre Abu Dhabi's celebrated collection comprises more than 600 pieces of art, displayed across 23 state-of-the-art galleries. Drawn from civilisations around the world, the works tell the story of shared human experience from ancient times to the present day. The permanent collection is complemented by around 300 masterpieces on loan from major French institutions, including works by Titian, Rodin, and Mondrian. The Art Lounge offers stunning views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, louvreabudhabi.ae Qasr Al Hosn –
Abu Dhabi’s stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was ranked third in TripAdvisor’s list of the world’s top 10 landmarks, beating the likes of the Taj Mahal in India and Peru’s Machu Picchu. Able to accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers, it features 82 domes, more than 1,000 marble columns and the world’s largest handmade carpet, which weighs 35 tonnes and took 1,200 women two years to make. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to all faiths, is free to enter and guided tours are offered daily. szgmc.ae Louvre Abu Dhabi
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Emiratesadpearljourney.comPalace Stretching over a kilometre from wing to wing, Abu Dhabi’s most palatial hotel, now managed by Mandarin oriental, sits on a 1.3km stretch of private beach. It has 11 restaurants, two pools, a lavish spa and a private marina. Even the Cappuccino is sprinkled with 24-carat gold flakes. emiratespalace.com
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The ‘Emirati Experiences’ initiative showcases Abu Dhabi from a local’s view with a selection of tours designed and led by Emirati nationals. Tours include exploring of a traditional UAE neighbourhood, cycling the Corniche and pearling. Book visitabudhabi.aevia Top tip the stunnning sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
view a display of diplomatic gifts received from heads of state and visit the House of Knowledge to see a collection of rare artefacts, books, manuscripts and antiquities. Each evening a spectacular light and sound show takes place on the palace's exterior and tells its story. qasralwatan.ae
Abu Dhabi. As well as giving an insight into the UAE's cabinetreservedwhichhallsaccesstraditions,governingitofferstoopulentandchambersareusuallyforstateguestsandmeetings.Visitorscanalso
Abu PearlDhabiJourney
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Clients looking for a unique way to learn some Emirati history can take the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. Sailing through the city’s natural mangroves on a traditional pearl-diving vessel, they’ll learn how pearl diving formed the basis of the region’s economy before the oil boom, and of the hardships the pearlers underwent. They’ll also get to shuck their own oysters and keep any pearls they find inside!
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turquoise waters Beach HEAVEN Zaya Nurai features 32 private villas Staycations for every soul, Family Brunches & more Complimentary Stays, Happy Hours, & Dinner Brunches 10% off Rooms & Spa, 20% off Restaurants Book res@ramadaabudhabi.comNow: Book reservations@tryphotelauh.comNow: Book reservations@eclipsesuites.comNow: T&Cs Apply Abu Dhabi: Staycation Edition Untitled-2 1 05/05/2022 07:32 Turtles SaadiyatonBeach
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The beating heart of the city, Abu Dhabi’s Corniche is an 8km promenade that is home to lifeguarded beaches, restaurants, cafes, children’s play areas and cycle and pedestrian pathways. Located at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi on the Corniche is the Nation Riviera Beach Club (nationrivierabeachclub.com), which views of the bay. The club open Head one of Abu Dhabi’s its
golden beaches to soak up some rays and relax in
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This 9km ribbon of pristine white sand has a magnificent public beach, as well as private sections that can be accessed from all of the island's hotels (see page 18), and from the super stylish Saadiyat Beach Club (saadiyatbeachclub.ae) with its own outdoor pool and private cabanas. Visitors can also take part in beach yoga and eco-friendly watersports activities. Go from April to August for the chance to spot endangered hawksbill turtles that come to nest each year among the dunes. Saadiyat.ae
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Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and NorthEtihadAmerica.andWarnes
The private beach at Emirates Palace Saadiyat Beach Club
Nurai Island
Saadiyat Beach
The ultimate escape, this private-island resort is reached in 15 minutes by private speedboat from Saadiyat Island. More akin to the Maldives than the Arabian Peninsula, the boutique private island’s 32 villas offer direct beach access, plunge pools and personal butlers. The island offers plenty of authentic dining options supporting a fresh food-to-fork philosophy. nuraiisland.com
The Park’s iconic animation characters like Scooby-Doo and the Looney Tunes are emblazoned across the children’s activity packs, which are given to guests travelling on longer flights. The new children’s gifts are designed for three age ranges (infants –2, 3-8 and 9-13) ranging from activity books, memory card games and boardgames. In addition to the inflight gifts, families will have a dedicated family check-in space at Abu Dhabi International Airport, to ensure family journeys are as smooth as possible.Etihadoffers daily services from London Heathrow and Manchester to Abu Dhabi and beyond to over 60 destinations. ADVERTORIAL residents, members and guests during the day and is accessible via air-conditioned tunnels. Enjoy its private sandy beach, swimming pool, bar, outdoor Jacuzzi and the Pirate Ship kids play area. Yas Beach Facilities at this pristine beach are second to none and include a shaded kids’ splash pool, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, paddle boarding, jet skis, volleyball, an authentic Italian pizza restaurant and a stylish beach lounge (adults only on Fridays) complete with DJ booth and infinity pool. Guests staying at any of Yas Island’s seven hotels and hotel apartments can enjoy complimentary access to the crystal clear waters and natural mangrove surrounds, in the tranquil getaway at the beach. Yas Plaza guests will need to collect a voucher from their hotel reception to enter for free. yasbeach.ae
Bros. World ™ Abu Dhabi have teamed up to introduce a one-of-a-kind family friendly experience on boards its fleet. Etihad’s new ‘Little VIP’ children packs recognise young travellers are all very important people and aims to make travelling with children as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Top tip be seen at the trendy Yas Marina Cool off at the popular Yas Waterworld abu dhabi
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Save money with a one-day or two-day Yas Park Pass, offering discounted entry to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Or take your Etihad Airways boarding pass to make use of discounts, thanks to their Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass experiencehub.com
WARNER BRoS WoRLD ABu DhABI experience the F1 etihad airways abu dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit the ultimate leisure and entertainment destination, Yas island is made for both kids and adults thanks to its thrilling theme parks and spectacular sports venues – with some transforming into night hot spots YAS iSlAnd
The world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park offers fun for the whole family. The star attraction, Formula Rossa, hits a top speed of 240kmph in just 4.9 seconds, making it the world’s rollercoaster.fastestNotto
In partnership with Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
Yas Links
be outdone, the Flying Aces rollercoaster has the tallest inverted loop in the world – a stomach-churning 52m. And the thrills keep coming – Turbo Track, hits new highs by launching its 'victims' vertically through the park’s famous red roof to Yas Island's highest point. Younger kids can practise their racing skills at the Junior GP or make a pit stop at the Junior Training Academy, complete with climbing walls, slides, gymnastic rings and suspension bridges. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
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Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi Splash out, literally, with a trip to Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, home to more rides, slides and attractions than any other waterpark in the Middle East. Parents can relax while kids enjoy the biggest children’s play area in Arabia and thrill seekers can dive into wet and wild rides.
The first true Links coastal golf course in the Middle East, Yas Links boasts a magnificent 18-hole course. With an astonishing 112 bunkers and a breathtaking backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a perfect stop for gulf enthusiasts. yaslinks.com
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
This theme park brings iconic characters and stories under one roof in six immersive lands including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, as well as Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. The park features 29 rides, interactive attractions, live entertainment and plenty of themed restaurants and shopping outlets. wbworldabudhabi.com
Takeinthebreath-takingviewsfromourluxuriousguestroomsandsuites, dineinoneofour12award-winningrestaurantsandbars, loungebythepoolsortakeawalkalong thegoldensandsofourprivatebeachorsimplyrelaxinourConradSpa. ABUDHABI
CLYMB Abu Dhabi
Yas
Yasyaswaterworld.comMarinaCircuit
A geometrically-designed building houses the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and world’s tallest indoor climbing wall. Little ones as young as three can try a sky dive while climbers can attempt all levels of scramble up to The SuMMYT™, a towering 43-metre wall. clymbabudhabi.com
Surf the world’s largest sheet wave, Bubble’s Barrel; drop through a giant funnel in a six-person raft on Dawwama; or soak up Arabia’s longest suspended rollercoaster, the Bandit Bomber.
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Each November, Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the spectacular conclusion to the F1 season. But there’s plenty going on all year round. Petrolheads can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the circuit or drive the track in an Aston Martin, Jaguar, or Mercedes AMG. And on Sundays and Tuesdays visitors can jog, cycle or walk the track thanks to a local health initiative. Khalid, Stormzy, and Martin Garrix all performed in 2021 and Swedish house Mafia will perform at the Grand Prix event in 2022. yasmarinacircuit.com
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More than just a place for superyachts, Yas Marina has restaurants and bars located along the waterside promenade, with views of the Yas Marina Circuit. Visitors can also find water sports and charters.boat Marina
Warner bros. World™ abu dhabi thrillseekers will love Ferrari World abu dhabi
FERRARIWoRLDABuDhABI www.conradetihadtowers.com
Cross the desert on camel back Extreme duneadventuresbashing ANANTARA HOTELS, RESORTS&SPAS
Arabian SANDS
The Empty Quarter is recognised as one of the world's few 'dark sky' regions, thanks to its lack of light pollution. Grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope and look to the sky – stargazing doesn't get better than this! Top tip
Luxury stays on Sir Bani Yas
You can't visit Abu Dhabi without venturing into its timeless desert for a true Bedouin experience and a glimpse of wild Arabia
Desertpool.aamongcomfortablehousespalm-frondofferlodgingthedunes,pluslicensedrestaurantandFive-starQasrAlSarabResortbyAnantara (qasralsarab.anantara.com) is built to resemble an old Arabian fortress with sweeping views, a sumptuous spa and world-class cuisine. Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, draws inspiration from historic desert villages, with courtyards, Arabian-style rooms and water features giving it an oasis feel. It also has a pool, six restaurants and bars and activities like fat biking and axe-throwing. At Telal Resort, in the Remah Desert near Al Ain, visitors can spot rare species of antelopes, from ones of it heritage suites, rooms or tented villas.
In partnership with The QuarterEmpty You don’t have to travel far from the city before the desert takes hold. Much of the Western Al Dhafra Region is comprised of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) – the largest expanse of sand in the world. Made famous by British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, and more recently seen in Star Wars: The Force Awakens as the desert planet Jakku. Day trips are popular and typically guests are collected from their hotel to be treated to a mix of modern and traditional fun, like dune bashing in 4x4s, camel trekking, sand surfing and dinner beneath the stars.Etihad Holidays (eyholidays4agents.co.uk), If Only (agents.ifonly.net), Gold Medal (goldmedal.co.uk) and Travel2 (travel2.com) all offer half- or full-day options.
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Sir Bani Yas Safari Offer clients the chance to see highly endangered Arabian oryx, Barbary sheep, gazelles, giraffes and even cheetahs on an openjeep safari on Sir Bani Yas Island. Stretching over 1,400 hectares, the Arabian Wildlife park is a protected wilderness home to thousands of free-roaming animals and birds. Book one of the island’s three luxurious Anantara hotels (sir-bani-yas-island. anantara.com) and add activities like hiking, mountain biking, kayaking or falconry. islands/sir-bani-yas-islandvisitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/
Arabian Nights Urge clients to consider a night or two at one of Abu Dhabi’s desert hotels. Perched on the edge of the dunes is the Tilal Liwa tilalliwahotel),(danathotels.com/zayedcity/ a Danat property and sister to Al Raha Beach. Or try Arabian Nights Village (arabiannightsvillage.com), where woven Bedouin tents and traditional mud and
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The Al Wathba Cycling Track is one of the UAE’s premier cycling destinations. Surrounded by miles of desert, it promises picturesque vistas.
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The illuminated track is 30km-long and offers four routes, depending on ability. For a more casual bike ride, visitors can cycle Abu Dhabi’s famous Corniche. FunRideSports even hires out bikes which can fit two or three passengers. Yas Island has purpose-built cycling paths with signage, maps, water stations and shaded rest areas, and don’t forget that you can cycle around Yas Marina Circuit (see p.11). Stay fit Those who want to stay fit on holiday will find top-notch gyms and sports facilties abound. Zayed Sports City is is home to everything from basketball and tennis courts to an ice rink (zsc.ae/en) while CLYMB Abu Dhabi on Yas Island has the world's highest indoor climbing wall at a 138 feet tall. clymbabudhabi.com
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From golf to go-karting and scenic flights to stand-up paddle boards, there’s no shortage of excitement in action-packed Abu Dhabi Get Active
Tee time Tee off at any of Abu Dhabi’s six pay-and-play golf courses, all of which have certified PGA professionals on their books. Favourite fairways include the award-winning Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour event; Yas Links Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, Arabia’s only true links golf course; and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the first ocean course in the region. Yas Links Abu Dhabi welcomes non-members, giving everyone the opportunity to test themselves on its demanding 7,450 yards. A nine-hole academy course, floodlit practice facilities and a great restaurant, Hickory’s, round out facilities. troonabudhabi.com World of water Explore Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests by kayak or stand-up paddle board at Mangrove National Park or the recently opened Jubail Mangrove Park. (park.jubailisland.ae).. Companies like Sea Hawk Water Sports (sea-hawk.ae) include beach and swimming stops during their tours. Offer a Seawings seaplane tour (seawings.ae) with a water take-off from Yas Marina and panoramic views of Yas Island, the Corniche and other city landmarks. Thrill clients with a 60-minute Yellow Boats speedboat ride along the waterfront (theyellowboats.com). For a luxury experience, Arabian Breeze offers private trips for up to ten guests on a crewed sailing catamaran, with en-suite cabins and on-demand.catering Wheely fun
Abu Dhabi is firmly established on the Formula 1 calendar – and the destination really celebrates the race weekend. Special packages are available featuring hotels, race tickets and concerts by top music acts Top tip Yellow magroveKayakingspeedboatBoatsrideintheforest dunes of Saadiyat Island SAADIYAT BEACH GOLFCLUB
Al Ain Oasis
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The Al Ain Oasis is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UAE open to the public. The visitors’ centre provides insight into how the region’s inhabitants began taming the desert 4,000 years ago, while a nifty new app allows visitors to navigate the shady walkways and many working date farms. The visitor centre features a series of interactive exhibits and highlights the measure being taken to preserve the delicate oasis ecosystem, which sprawls 3,000 acres and houses up to 100 different varieties of vegetation.
Al Ain Zoo Spread over 400 hectares at the foot of Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, Al Ain Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals and is the region’s
In partnership with Al Jahili Fort Built in 1891 to defend the city’s palm groves, this picturepostcard fort is now home to an exhibition about British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, who crossed the deserts of the Empty Quarter twice in the 1940s and 1950s, disguised as a Bedouin. It opened its doors to visitors in 2008 and has since acted as a focal point for historical and cultural activities. It is one of the largest forts in the UAE and was restored between 2007 and 2008. Entry to the fort is free of charge and it is open to the public daily.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Clients looking to stay in Al Ain could consider the recently re-branded Radisson Blu Al Ain (radissonhotels.com) or the five-star Al Ain Rotana, which has spacious rooms, suites and chalets plus an inviting pool and spa (rotana.com) Stay here
Discover Qasr Al Muwaji's museum
The iconic Al Jahili Fort ROTANAHOTElS
For an authentic taste of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, send clients to the rustic charms of Al Ain, about a 90-minute drive from the capital Awesome al ain
The ancient Qasr Al Muwaji Stayfortressatthe five-star Al Ain Rotana
AND RESORTS
This modern museum has been built around the ruins of a century-old fortress that was home to generations of Abu Dhabi’s ruling dynasty. It recounts the history of the fortress and its famous residents, as well as the wider history and archaeology of Al Ain. Visitors can experience a variety of historical and traditional experiences. The museum also offers an insight into the timeline of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family associated with Qasr Al Muwaji told via interactive activities and performances. qasralmuwaiji.ae
visitabudhabi.ae 15 largest zoo. Guests can see plenty of enclosurefeedingHighlightshippos,BarbaryOryx,indigenousincludingspeciesamazingtheArabianthebig-hornedsheep,rhinos,tigersandlions.atthezooincludegiraffes,awalk-throughlemurandsafaritoursin26-seatertrucksorprivateSUVsthrougha217-hectarelandscapewhichmorethan250AfricanandArabiananimalscallhome.Don'tmissthelearningcentreandthenumerouscafeandrestaurantofferings.
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Al Ain's famous camel market is a great way to discover traditional Arab culture - watch locals arrive in pickups laden with goats and sheep, witness mock races, prized beauties and some hard haggling for future stars of the race track Top tip
Wadi Adventure Point thrill seekers towards Wadi Adventure, the Middle East’s first and only manmade white-water rafting, kayaking, surfing and wakeboarding facility. The park is located at the base of Jebel Hafit and features three whitewater channels, an aerial adventure course with 18 obstacles, an airpark, a 200-metre zip line, vertical climbing wall and a high giant swing. wadiadventure.ae Jebel Hafit For amazing views, visitors can drive, hike or cycle to the top of Jebel Hafit. The emirate’s highest peak has long looked over Al Ain and its ancient limestone hides fossils and tombs. At the base, the Jebel Hafit Desert Park preserves its history and biodiversity and you can overnight in a Bedouin-style tent or airconditioned bubble tent. adventure-and-theme-parks/jebel-hafit-desert-parkvisitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/
Al Ain Oasis is the UAE's first UNESCO site Camping at Jebel Hafit Desert Park
Etihad’s promise is net emissionszero by 2050 Because we believe you shouldn’t have to choose between travel and the planet. Join us on our journey to transform the world of flying and to leave the planet in a better way than we found it. Discover more on etihad.com/sustainability From Abu Dhabi for the world.
