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JOURNEY TO ABU DHABI THIS IS A STORY OF TWO PASSENGERS; CATCH TRAVELER AND OLIVIA ON A FLIGHT TO ABU DHABI
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his is a story about the conversations between two passengers on a flight to Abu Dhabi; Olivia
– a lady passenger – and Catch traveler. They sat in a same row and there were no other passengers between them. Olivia has never been in the UAE. “Do you live in Abu Dhabi or you are just going there for a pleasure or some sort of business?” Olivia asked the Catch traveler. “I’m Emirati, and I live in Abu Dhabi,” Catch traveler replied. “I have never been in the UAE. Can you tell me a bit about Abu Dhabi?” Olivia asked Catch traveler. Catch traveler smiled. “Let me describe Abu Dhabi,” Catch traveler said. “It is a magical city surrounded by captivating Arabian Gulf, enigmatic deserts and alluring mountains. Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates and its strategic location on Arabian Gulf means not just lots of seafood but also boatloads of activity. You can enjoy the easy, breezy atmosphere of the scenic and the prestigious Corniche. It is a leisure-time central,” Catch traveler said. “What can I do in Corniche?” Olivia asked. “You can walk along manicured waterfront that includes pedestrian pathway and children’s play areas and enjoy the mesmerizing water views of Arabian Gulf, hire bicycle for fun way to tour Corniche, or go to one of the many cafes and restaurants in this fabulous beachfront. “You can also go to eminent Nation Riviera Beach Club; part of St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi which is perched on luxury Nation Towers – two luxury skyscrapers both are connected with skybridge. There is a private access to the Nation Riviera beach club through St. Regis Hotel. You can pamper yourself by swimming in the pool or dive into a turquoise water of the gulf at this luxury beachfront or do one of the many watersports that are offered in this gorgeous place,” Catch traveler told Olivia.
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Page 2, Right: Corniche Page 2, Left: Nation Riviera Beach Club Left: St. Regis Hotel Right: Nation Galleria Bottom: Nation Towers Opposite, Top Right: Catch Restaurant Opposite, Middle Left: Souk Central Market Opposite, Bottom Right: Date Market
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“You describe in such a way that makes me feel so anxious to arrive soon in Abu Dhabi. What else are available surrounding Nation Riviera that I can explore?” Olivia asked Catch traveler. “Well, there are a plenty of other things you can do around Nation Riviera. If you are in the mood for shopping, you can go to many high end stores and boutiques in Nation Galleria, located at Nation Towers and get yourself spoiled. Afterwards, you can get revived and enjoy Arabian sunset by dining at stunning seafood restaurant, Catch, a step away from Nation Riviera, for ultimate Abu Dhabi experience,” Catch traveler replied. “It sounds very interesting and I’m so excited to arrive in Abu Dhabi. But I want to learn more about Abu Dhabi,” Olivia told Catch traveler. “OK, let me see what else I can tell you. To get a traditional feel of Abu Dhabi, you must visit Abu Dhabi Date Market where you will find different varieties of dates and dried fruits. You can also go to Souk Central Market, a modern rethink of souk, where contemporary architecture and traditional wares blend seamlessly,” Catch traveler said. “Wow, it seems fascinating city and I feel so bewitched by your stories. You make stories about Abu Dhabi come alive in my mind. I actually sense that I have already been in Abu Dhabi. “I don’t want to bother you, but can you tell me just a little bit more?” Olivia asked Catch traveler. “You are not bothering me at all. I’m Emirati and I love Abu Dhabi. I want to tell the whole world about this enthralling city, a cosmopolitan and modern city with old and traditional charms. “You must visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. You will be mesmerized by the majestic grandness of this mosque, as it is one of the largest mosques in the world. The design and construction of this Grand Mosque ‘unites the world’, using artisans and materials from many countries including India, Iran, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, China, to just name a few. More than 3000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the mosque. 4
Left: Sheikh Zayed Mosque Middle: Union Square Right: Emirates Palace Opposite, Right: Marina Mall Opposite, Middle: Heritage Village Opposite, Bottom: Desert Safari
ABU DHABI, UAE’S CAPITAL COMBINES THE PLEASURE OF OCEAN AND LAND, HISTORY AND THE MODERN-DAY.
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“I also recommend you to go to Marina Mall which is one of the biggest malls in Abu Dhabi in the Corniche road. The mall is home to more than 400 diverse retail outlets featuring a unique selection of fashion, leisure and entertainment brands arranged over four levels. In addition to retail outlets, there are 100 meter observatory, ice rink, a bowling alley, a multiplex movie complex, musical fountains and a Carrefour department store. This is a perfect place to shop, buy gifts and have fun through your shopping. “After your shopping at Marina Mall, you can go for lunch to one of the most luxurious and unique hotels in the world, Emirates Palace, which is close to the Marina Mall for finishing touch to your day,” Catch Traveler told Olivia. “Wow, there are so many things to explore in Abu Dhabi. I had a plan to stay only for one week as this is a business trip for me. But I’m thinking to extend my stay in Abu Dhabi and immerse myself in this fascinating and charming city. It will be a business trip as well as pleasure,” Olivia said to Catch Traveler. “Well, in that’s the case I need to tell you more about this thrilling city,” Catch travel told Olivia. “To experience more of Abu Dhabi’s traditional charm, it’s necessary to visit Heritage Village. This is an oasis village that provides an interesting glimpse into Emirate’s past. It showcases tradition aspects of desert way of life, including campfire with coffee pots, a goat’s hair tent and a falaj irrigation system are attractively displayed in the open air museum,” Catch travel mentioned to Olivia. “I really love to learn about traditions and customs of different countries. It makes me feel somehow connected to part of those customs and traditions. I guess that’s because we are all part of one world. I will for sure visit Heritage Village to find out what kind of connections I have with Arabian culture,” Olivia told Catch traveler.
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Left: Marina – Yas Island Right: Ferrari World – Yas Island Opposite, Top: Saadiyat Beach Club Opposite, Bottom: Saadiyat Island
“That’s great, and I’m sure you will enjoy your visit there. Since you like old customs and traditions, let me tell you that you must also visit Union Square which houses symbolic themes inspired by the custom of the UAE. It also called Cannon Square and that’s because of display of cannon statue. “You must also discover the ancient charm and magic of Arabian desert through desert safari. To travel across the mystic sands of Arabian Desert is an enigmatic experience,” Catch traveler told Olivia. “Your story is just getting better and better. It’s so fascinating to learn about the city with so many magical characters. “I’m starting to truly visualize everything that you have so far mentioned and I really feel that I have already lived in Abu Dhabi for quite some times,” Olivia told Catch traveler. “Thank you for appreciating all the beauties in Abu Dhabi and I’m so flattered by your compliments,” Catch travel told Olivia. “I also want to tell you about some of the gorgeous islands in Abu Dhabi, before our plane lands. It just makes me feel that if I didn’t tell you about these islands; my story wouldn’t be completed. “There are several islands in Abu Dhabi, but I’m just going to talk to you about the two of my favorite islands; Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. “Yas Island is a man-made island and it is an emerging entertainment destination within 30 minutes a drive from Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is a home to some of the UAE’s most exciting attractions. It is a place for indulgence, adventure, relaxation and fun. There are many things that you can explore in Yas Island.
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“You must visit Ferrari World which is the world’s largest indoor theme park designed for all ages. It offers visitors not only insight into the history of the brand but also a superb selection of rides and excitements. “Yas Water World is another must- see place. It is a futuristic water park and one of the best water parks in the Middle East. “Yas Beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy sun, sea, sand, food and drink. If you decide to go for shopping, Yas Mall is a vibrant gateway shopping experience and it is UAE’s second largest shopping centre,” Catch travel told Olivia. “It sounds like paradise and I can’t wait to see and experience all these fascinating places,” Olivia told Catch traveler. “Now, let me tell you a bit about Saadiyat Island which is five minutes a drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat is a natural island alongside Abu Dhabi’s coast and is a place set to become Abu Dhabi’s cultural centre. The island still is under development, however, currently, there are many things to be explored in this desert oasis. “Saadiyat offers a variety of venues for leisurely activities. You can go to luxurious Saadiyat Beach Club for ultimate indulgence. Built along the shores of Arabian Gulf, Saadiyat Beach Club is the perfect place to get away and relax. This club presents numerous luxurious leisure services including an outdoor
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Left: Salwa Zeidan Gallery – Saadiyat Island Right: Heritage For Henna – Saadiyat Island
swimming pool, a spa, and private cabanas not to mention a sumptuous selection of restaurants. “Surround yourself with natural beauty on the beach, take a cooling dip in the stunning pool and sample the delights that the restaurants and lounges have to offer. It’s all yours to immerse yourself. “If you are a person who enjoys playing gulf in a breath-taking location, then Saadiyat Beach Golf Academy is the prefect venue. Its spectacular hole design and magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf, visible across a third of its landscape, have attracted golfing enthusiast from around the world. “I would also recommend that you visit Salwa Zeidan Gallery. The gallery has become renowned for its selective representation of 35 of the region’s most prominent sculptors, painters, and photographers. “Since you like tradition and culture of different countries, I would suggest you visit Heritage For Henna. It provides contemporary henna designing by using fresh, natural and pure henna that can last for 15 days without fading and any allergies on the body. Heritage For Henna has grown rapidly with 28 henna Majalis now located in some of the most stylish locations throughout the Emirates,” Catch traveler told Olivia. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Abu Dhabi airport, local time is 6 am and the temperature is 36 centigrade,” flight attendant announced. “Oh my! When you were telling me about Abu Dhabi’s islands and beautiful beaches, I’ve actually pictured myself walking on the beach, smelling the salt water, listening to mesmerizing sound of the sea and hearing the waves crashing against the shoreline, feeling the granular glitzy sands under my feet, and enjoying a cool morning breeze. My imagination seemed intensified and engulfed me as I heard the gentle waves lapped on the shore and the sound of the waves echoed across the landscape.
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“I want to thank you for all the information about stunning Abu Dhabi and I’m so anxious to start my journey in this enthralling city,” Olivia told Catch traveler. “You are welcome Olivia. I enjoyed talking to you and telling you about fascinating Abu Dhabi. Please come and visit me at Catch Restaurant and tell me about your experiences. I collect experiences from around the globe and share all my findings with Catch’s guests and the world. I would most definitely want to find out about your voyage in this magical city. “Goodbye and looking forward to see you soon at Catch,” Catch traveler said to Olivia. “Thank you again. I don’t like to say goodbye, but I can tell you that I most definitely looking forward to see you at Catch Restaurant,” Olivia told Catch traveler.
THE END
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Top: Catch Restaurant & Nation Towers
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