Concierge Abu Dhabi Magazine, May 2013 by npimedia fz llc

MAY 2013 | issue 78

M A G A Z I N E V I S I T O R F I V E - S T A R l u x u r y T H E

ABU DHABI edition MAY 2013 | issue 78

T H E

l u x u r y

F I V E - S T A R

V I S I T O R

M A G A Z I N E

Licensed by international Media Production Zone

Breguet, the innovator.

Marine Tourbillon with chronograph A member of the Board of Longitudes as of 1814, Breguet was appointed Horologer to the French Royal Navy by Louis XVIII the following year. These prestigious titles, synonymous with exceptional scientific competencies, are perpetuated today through the Marine collection and the Marine Tourbillon chronograph 5837 with its titanium tourbillon carriage and silicon balancespring, escape-wheel and lever. History is still being writtenâ&#x20AC;Ś

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B R E G U E T B O U T I Q U E S – D U B A I M A L L , M A L L O F T H E E M I R A T E S D U B A I & E T I H A D T O W E R A B U D H A B I – W W W. B R E G U E T. C O M

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Here time doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass. It flies.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

On the fastest rollercoaster on earth, the only thing quicker is your pulse. Here, imagination meets adrenaline. And exhilaration is pushed to its very limits. Every twist is electric. Every turn designed to thrill. Arrive with your head racing. And heart pounding. Leave with all your senses rediscovered. And you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done it all? Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae

MAY 2013 / Issue 78 / abu Dhabi Edition

Pu bl isher Rob Nichol a s

edi tor i a l Grou p Edi tor fay e Bart l e Edi tor ol i v ia cu t hbert fa shion Edi tor naomi ch adde rton CONTRIBUTING Edi tor JACQUEL I NE C A STELLUCCI A CONTRIBUTor S M EL ISSA SLE IM A N

st u dio

Welcome

Se n ior A rt Dir ec tor A n dr e a T e m pesta Se n ior Design er Ton y Sa n t iago Photogr a pher A dh am Sn e e h Produc t ion Coor dinator Nav e e d A ziz

a dv ert isi ng GROU P a dv ert isi ng dir ec tor dav id wade A dv ert isi ng M a nager STEPHEN N I XON Hot el r e l at ionship m a nager Mia Cache ro SENIOR SALES m a nager DA R RY L W I LLE Y Sa l es M a nager s madih a zou biri PAOLO A NGHI LE R I Sa nge eta Bu ta n i Speci a l proj ec ts K irat Sa bh arwa l

CIRCULATION & M AR K ETING c arol mil a n Christ in e Hamada

In t er nat iona l sa l es Blei SpA, Italy Via Carlo Cazzaniga, 19 – 20132 Milano  Tel +39 02 722 511 / Email: info@bleispa.it

As a visitor and guest in Abu Dhabi, you are staying in a destination of distinction which I hope you will find so engaging and exciting that you return time and time again. We in Abu Dhabi believe our homeland is something of a welcome contradiction for travellers. It is a place where deep-rooted Arabian heritage is deftly woven into a rich destination tapestry which also boasts luxury accommodation and world-class, state-of-the-art leisure attractions. Abu Dhabi is blessed with a diverse landscape. We have 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, over 200 natural islands, vast tracts of serene desert, tranquil oasis towns and a vibrant, cosmopolitan capital city. I hope during your stay you are able to experience as much of this variety as possible. In many ways, Abu Dhabi is several destinations in one, from the rustic charm of Al Ain, the birthplace of the country’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the breathtaking vastness of the Liwa Desert in Al Gharbia, with its mountainous dunes, to the energising pace and brightness of our capital city. We all share a desire to make you feel as welcome as possible and hope you leave with a positive, lasting impression of our homeland, traditions and people. In the pages of this magazine, you will get an overview of the emirate’s diverse offering. I am sure you will find something which truly excites and entertains you. I wish you a very relaxing, enjoyable and memorable stay in Abu Dhabi.

S’REGIE, France 46, Rue Sainte Anne 75002 Paris Tel +33 1 56 88 20 80 / Email: STOMA@sregie.com

Concierge magazine is published monthly and copies ar e dist ri bu t e d f r e e of c h arge i n f i v e -star a n d se l ec t fou r-star hot e ls. A lt hough e v e ry e f fort is made to e nsu r e t h e acc u rac y of i n format ion con tai n e d i n Conci e rge maga zi n e , t h e pu bl ish e r c a n n o t b e h e l d r e s p o n s i b l e f o r a n y e rro r s o r inaccuracies. Articles contained within Concierge maga zi n e ar e u n de r cop yrigh t to t h e pu bl ish e r a nd ca nnot be r eproduced or tra nsmit ted in a n y form, without first obtaining written permission.

Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Nicholas Publishing International FZ LLC P.O. Box 500573, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 4243600 Fax: 04 4327505 Email: concierge@npimedia.com Web: www.conciergedubai.com Concierge’s circulation is independently audited by BPA Worldwide www.bpaww.com

Concierge magazine is also available in Russian, Arabic and Mandarin languages. Please request a copy from the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Жу рна л «Конс ьерж» та к же и з дае т с я на русском, арабском и китайском языках. Вы можете попросить экземп ляр ж у рна ла у консьерж-службы в вестибюле гостиницы.

‫ أطلب نسخه‬.‫مجلة كونسيرج متوفرة باللغة العربية كذلك‬ .‫من مكتب االستقبال في بهو الفندق‬ <<Concierge>> 杂志也以俄语﹑中文﹑阿拉伯语出版，请联系您所下榻的酒店前台索取。

_WELCOME_AUH MAY13.indd 5

In focus Photography: Adham Sneeh Location: Al Jaddaf dhow-building yard, Dubai

Dhow building is one of the UAE’s most treasured traditions. Once a vital source of income, these elegant vessels now serve as a symbol of the past and are still a familiar sight on the waterways of Dubai and Abu Dhabi today. Discover the incredible skill and passion that goes into the making of each and every dhow in our focus feature on page 24 then turn over to this issue’s illuminating photo essay on page 26.

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Contents MAY 2013 / Issue 78

10/Essentials

Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top attractions and events

Discover 16/On the record

With 103 records to date, the UAE is no stranger to setting new standards for the rest of the world

24/Labour of love

Dhow building is a time-honoured tradition in the UAE, underpinned by centuries of expertise passed down through the generations

26/Vessels of history

Discover the traditional craft of dhow building and embark on a fascinating voyage through time in this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s photoshoot

Experience 36/Treasure island

Exotic animals, stunning scenery and very little infrastructure sets Sir Bani Yas Island apart from other destinations in the capital. Concierge explores the wonders of this magnificent spot with Anantara

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Contents MAY 2013 / Issue 78

Shop 44/Timely display

Tourbillons are one of the most complicated and beautiful mechanisms a watch can contain, which is why only the most exclusive models feature them

50/Going for gold

Expert advice on buying gold in the capital

Taste 58/Sea breeze

Enjoy dinner by the sea at one of Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best beachside restaurants this May before they close their doors for the hot summer months

62/Local largesse

Hospitality in this region has long been shown by sharing food, and lots of it, with guests

65 The guide

Gold Souk

80/My life in Abu Dhabi

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Mubarak al Nuaimi from Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority discusses his favourite features of life in the UAE capital

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Essentials

MAY

E X PER I E NCE Yas Links

Designed by Kyle Philips, this is the Middle Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first true links course and features all the thrills and challenges associated with the distinctive links style. Many players have commented that a game at Yas Links feels similar to a round along the Scottish coast, where the links style was first developed. Those who want to hone their skills before taking on the challenges of a 7,404-yard championship round can practise on the par-three, nine-hole academy course, which is floodlit for evening sessions. A luxurious clubhouse with restaurant terraces that command views of Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on one side and the fairways and the ocean on the other, completes the attractions on offer here. Where: Yas Island. How much: 18 holes, Sun to Thu AED550 (twilight rate AED450), Thu to Sat AED850 (twilight rate AED650). Contact: 02 8107777

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UPCOMING EVENTS Ta l k i n g a r t

SHOP

Avenue at Etihad Towers Situated in the heart of the city on the Corniche, Avenue at Etihad Towers offers luxury shoppers the capital’s only exclusive environment in which to browse the latest designer collections. In the future, it will be joined by The Galleria at Sowwah Square, which is due to open in August 2013 on the up-and-coming Al Maryah Island. The new mall will offer the highest concentration of luxury retailers in Abu Dhabi with Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Prada, Gucci, Van Cleef & Arpels and Bulgari among those already setting up shop here.

May 6 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s (pictured) latest Talking Art Series starts this month with public panels, screenings, workshops and demonstrations by leading contemporary artists, including James Rosenquist (May 6), El Anatsui and Fengo Mengbo (May 7). Visit: saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

ARA B IAN T RAV E L M ARK E T May 6 to 9 The region’s most popular annual travel and tourism market returns to Dubai this month with delegations from destinations around the world showcasing breathtaking tourist attractions from the region and beyond. Visit: arabiantravelmarket.com

a L g A F F AL d H O W r A C E May 18 The last race of the water sports season at the Dubai International Marine Club offers visitors an opportunity to see traditional 60-foot dhows in action as they race from Sur Bu Na’air Island to Mina Seyahi. Visit: dxbmarine.com

J U M E IRA H R E S TA U RAN T W E E K

D I S C OV E R Birth of a Museum

May 23 to June 1 Mirroring the internationally renowned restaurant weeks of New York and Hong Kong, the second annual Jumeirah Restaurant Week will offer excellent meal deals at some of Abu Dhabi’s finest dining venues. Enjoy three-course set menus at BiCE, Tori No Su and Li Beirut for AED120 or AED180 per person. Visit: jumeirah.com/restaurantweek

ECO-FUTURE EXHIBITION When it opens in 2015, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be the first instalment of the historic Parisian gallery overseas. At present, curators are busy building up a priceless collection of works to occupy the new venue, a selection of which can be viewed at the Birth of a Museum exhibition, which opened in April. Among the works on display is a sculpture of a Bactrian Princess from the third millennium BCE, a golden bracelet from the Middle East that dates back around 3,000 years and a number of paintings, including A Young Emir Studying (pictured) by Osman Hamdi Bey, painted in 1878 and a cycle of nine canvases by contemporary artist, CY Twombly. Where: Manarat al Saadiyat. When: April 22 to July 20. Contact: 02 4061400

Runs to September 27 The interactive exhibition explores sustainable lifestyles through a series of hands-on displays designed to raise awareness about prevailing issues such as climate change, over-consumption and dwindling global resources Visit: saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

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Ask the concierge Michael Loth, Chief C o n c i e r g e at C r o w n e Plaza Abu Dhabi shares his tips on how to make t h e m o s t o f THE CIT Y

There is no more comfortable way to discover Abu Dhabi’s sights than by a Rolls Royce chauffeur service. Start the experience at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary guided tour in English or Arabic, then go on to explore Yas Island, the capital’s leisure hub. Here, you can take in the striking Yas Viceroy Hotel, Yas Marina Circuit – home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which houses the world’s fastest roller coaster. The tour then moves on to neighbouring Saadiyat Island, passing the mangroves, one of the capital’s most carefully protected natural ecosystems, on the way. A short stop at Manarat al Saadiyat will inform visitors about plans for the up-and-coming cultural district on the island, where Louvre Abu Dhabi is currently under construction, soon to be followed by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Sheikh Zayed National Museum. After this, it’s on to the souks, including the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable market, which affords excellent photo opportunities with the many colourful displays. Then drive along the Corniche to Heritage Village, which offers a glimpse of Abu Dhabi life in the pre-oil days. Before heading back to the hotel, take in the Emirates Palace, where you can enjoy a gold-dusted cappuccino in the lobby lounge. In the evening, treat yourself to a fantastic meal at Spaccanapoli in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, where, in addition to the ever-popular metre-long pizza, a wide selection of delicious homemade pasta and seafood dishes combine innovative cooking with classic Italian cuisine.

D I S C OV E R Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Learn about Islam and the role it plays in UAE society by taking a free guided tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The iconic mosque was opened to the public in 2007 and is one of the few in the region accessible to non-Muslims. Visitors must wear conservative clothing and women will be given an abaya and sheila to wear on arrival. Where: Al Maqtaa. When: Visiting times vary each day. To find out the current schedule see: szgmc.ae or contact: 02 4416444

TA S T E Pachaylen

It’s clear from the first bite that you are in for a treat at Pachaylen when, to whet your appetite for the delights to come, the waiter brings over Miang Kham, a traditional Thai street snack. This combination of chopped chilli, lime, shallots, peanuts, dried shrimps and toasted coconut shavings served in separate bowls with sweet dipping sauce on the side, looks too simple to taste so good. The idea is to take one of the betel leaves provided and make a bite-size parcel with all the fresh ingredients, then enjoy the explosion of flavour. Where: Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. When: Noon to 3.30pm and 7 to 11.30pm. Contact: 02 6561000

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TA S T E Shisha

Along with the distinctive smell of oudh, or Arabic perfume, one of the most noticeable scents lingering on the Abu Dhabi breeze is that of shisha. It’s a popular social pastime here in which flavoured tobacco is smoked through a waterpipe, often after dinner or in the late afternoon with coffee. Shisha tobacco comes in a huge variety of flavours from mixed fruit to rose or mint and can be tried at many Arabic restaurants and cafés throughout the city.

D I S C OV E R Al Ain National Museum

The oldest museum in the UAE and also one of the most informative when it comes to regional history, Al Ain National Museum has display cabinets bursting with interesting artefacts. There are two main sections. The first is ethnographical and looks back toward the pre-oil era, exploring how people lived their lives here before the discovery of oil changed the course of UAE history. The archaeological section goes much further back into the country’s past with artefacts that hail from the Stone Age and Iron Age. There are ancient arrow heads and tools that testify to human occupation here almost 7,500 years ago. Other items, including pottery, stone vessels and funerary objects which were unearthed in 5,000-year-old collective graves at Hili, are also on display. Where: Al Ain. When: Sat to Thu 8am to 7.30pm and Fri 3pm to 7.30pm. Contact: 03 7641595

E X PER I E NCE Wadi Adventure

Based at the foot of the famed Jebel Hafeet mountain, this aquatic adventure park is the only facility in the UAE that can cater for white water rafting, surfing and kayaking in a single location. There are three main water channels which allow for different experience levels and expert guides are on hand to help make the most out of the experience. If the drier side of life is a little more appealing then head to the Air Park and get to grips with the centre’s climbing wall, high rope course, zip line and for those who dare, the 14-metre falling swing. Where: Al Ain. When: Wed and Sun noon to midnight, Thu noon to 11pm, Tue, Fri and Sat 9am to midnight. How much: Admission AED100 for adults, AED50 for children. Contact: 03 7818422 or visit wadiadventure.ae

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Discover Cave of wonders

Walking into Etihad Antiques Gallery feels like wandering into a scene from the Arabian Nights stories. A treasure trove of historic art works, magnificently hilted swords and stately ornaments from centuries past fill these rooms, where you could be forgiven for rubbing an old-style lamp in the hopes of being offered three wishes by the resident genie. Contact: 02 6671229

UA E RE CORD S / DIS COVE R

On the record From the world’s tallest building and largest airport terminal to the biggest motorised model car and the most environmentally friendly city on the planet, the UAE has made it into the record books many times over Words by

M E L I SS A S L E I M A N

With much of its touristic lure reliant on wowing the world, the UAE has become synonymous with superlatives. This is a country where mega-engineering, uninhibited architectural feats and hyper-charged creative innovations are the norm and anything less than the biggest, fastest and most expensive just doesn’t cut it. But while the 103 world records held by the UAE have plenty of novel marketing cachet, they are also a proud testament to a nation’s ever-growing ambition of transforming dreams into reality. Against such an excitable backdrop, it is hardly surprising to learn that Guinness World Records (GWR) recently opened its first Middle Eastern office in the UAE. Since then, the company has been besieged by applications from aspiring record-breakers. “We’ve seen how passionate people are, so we’re expecting growth and lots of it,” notes Talal Omar, who is head of the Middle East office and has been charting the region’s records for the past four years.

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DIS C O VER /UA E RECORDS

Although the UAE is trailing in record-breaking instances compared to countries like the US (5,600) and the UK (2,900), GWR is noting a huge upsurge in applications year on year. The office’s database shows that the UAE is up 300 percent compared to five years ago, while the US saw an increase of just 60 percent. Other Middle Eastern countries in hot pursuit include Egypt and Saudi Arabia, which plans to take Dubai’s place as home to the world’s tallest building when Kingdom Tower in Jeddah surpasses the 830-metre Burj Khalifa. Although Omar describes the late ’90s as the UAE’s record-breaking boom period, the country’s first world record was achieved as far back as 1979. At a height of 41.14 metres, the atrium of the Ramada hotel in Dubai still holds the record for the ‘tallest stained glass window’.

1 Capital Gate Building, Abu Dhabi (previous page) 2 Emirates Towers, Dubai 3 Burj Khalifa, Dubai 4 The Dubai Mall

The country’s first world record was achieved as far back as 1979. At a height of 41.14 metres, the atrium of the Ramada hotel in Dubai still holds the record for the ‘tallest stained glass window’

Since then, the UAE has gone on to collect every title from ‘most people parachute jumping from a balloon’ (40 participants, organised by Skydive Dubai), to ‘largest gathering of people dressed as chefs’ (organised by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Emirates Culinary Guild at Meydan) and ‘highest sword throw’ as part of a traditional dance (21.275 metres, set by Hazza Sulaiman Al Shehhi at Fujairah’s Al Saif Traditional Sword Competition). “When it comes to world records it’s not about ‘bigger is better’, but showing the world you are the best at something in your field,” says Omar.

“On a personal level, I’ve learned that there are no limits for the human spirit and no boundaries when it comes to generating ideas for new records. The interesting thing about the UAE is that you will see world records from the moment you set foot here,” he adds. In neighbouring Dubai, this is very literally the case. On landing, visitors encounter the largest airport building by floor space, which is connected to the longest driverless metro in the world. From here, it’s a short ride to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping centre, next to which is Burj Khalifa – currently the tallest building on the planet.

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DIS C O VER /UA E RECORDS

In Abu Dhabi, an interesting spot for visiting record-hunters is the gravitydefying Capital Gate tower. Developed by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, it houses 20,000 square metres of office space as well as Abu Dhabi’s first Hyatt hotel. At 160 metres (35 storeys) tall, it leans a staggering 18 degrees to the west – four degrees more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa – making it the farthest leaning manmade building on earth. Abu Dhabi is also a hot spot for the eco-minded and scientifically curious thanks to the Masdar project. When completed, this will be the world’s first zero-waste, zero-carbon city.

Quirkiest UAE a p p l i c at i o n s

Some of the applications GWR received from the UAE in the past 12 months include: • Largest collection

of phonecards

• Farthest distance

walked balancing a baseball bat on the finger

• Shortest police

officer

• Largest gathering

of people dressed as scientists

5 Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 6 The Dubai Metro 7 Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi

Over on Yas island, thrill-seekers can let loose at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park and home to Formula Rossa, which holds the title of ‘fastest roller coaster made of steel’. With a top speed of 240 kilometres per hour (150 mph), the attraction is designed to mimic the feeling of driving an F1 car and braking at maximum speed. This ties in nicely with neighbouring Yas Marina Circuit, where the longest straight in Formula 1 is located. “There is a great premium placed in the UAE on really doing things differently and

raising the bar on each and every project. It is testament to the forward-thinking spirit and appreciation for innovation that drives the country,” says Andy Keeling, park manager at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Manmade marvels aside, the UAE also proudly boasts a collection of records for human achievement. In March, Yas Marina Circuit’s Drag Strip was the venue for a new drifting record when Saudi national Mishari Al Turki took part in the Pro Drag Racing motor sport competition on his Super Street Bike. “Super Street Bikes are modified versions of 7

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DIS C O VER /UA E RECORDS

road-going bikes, usually Suzuki Hayabusas. Technicians and mechanics are permitted to modify the suspension, gear changes and the engine to produce a machine that kicks out massive power,” explains Al Turki. “I customise the bike myself, so that makes it even more special for me. I have raced in the US and no one believed a man from the Gulf would be able to go as fast as I am at the moment. I have a friend from Canada who, once he heard of the record I set, decided to ship his bike and come down to Yas Marina Circuit to try the drag strip. I hope more racers around the world will do the same and come down and help develop this sport.” If they do, GWR’s Omar will be among the first to welcome them. “Here at GWR, we live people’s dreams and see their passion throughout each attempt. One day we’re working with a seven-year-old kid and the other with a multinational or a charity,” he says. “When it comes to achievement, I believe we’ve only just scratched the surface of the talent we have in this region.”

8 Talal Omar, head of Guinness World Records, Middle East Office 9 Mishari al Turki at the YMC Pro Drag Race 10 World’s largest parade of Hyundai buses

Top Abu Dhabi records

“When it comes to achievement, I believe we’ve only just scratched the surface of the talent we have in this region”

Farthest leaning manmade building: The Capital Gate tower’s lean means it has to cope with extreme gravitational, wind and seismic pressures, which called for an unusual design. To make the structure a reality, it had to be constructed on a dense mesh of reinforced steel, which sits above an intensive distribution of 490 piles, drilled 30 metres underground. As the building grew, the ‘slanting core’ pulled in the opposite direction to the lean and then straightend. Largest aluminium can sculpture: The sculpture is made of 46,566 cans and was achieved by Emirates Aluminium (UAE), in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on December 8, 2012. Fastest steel roller coaster in the world: Accelerating to top speed in approximately 4.9 seconds using a hydraulic launch system, Formula Rossa generates a release velocity similar to that of an aircraft carrier’s steam catapults, enabling it to reach 1.7 Gs - the strongest acceleration likely to occur on an F1 racing track.

Largest motorised model car: The largest motorised model car is an outsized replica of a

Willy Jeep in a scale of 4 to 1. It was created by Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and was measured at the Pyramid Museum of cars in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 3, 2010. Largest parade of Hyundai buses: The largest parade of Hyundai buses totalled 390 buses and was organised by Emirates Transport Authority, in Abu Dhabi, on December 2, 2010. Largest salt water garden park: The world’s largest gardens measure 20,000 metres and contain 22,000 specimens from 40 different types of plants, all of which tolerate pure salt water or a salt water/fresh water mixture, either naturally or from genetic modification. The gardens were created by the Higher Colleges of Technology, Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training based in Abu Dhabi, UAE and took 10 weeks to build. Longest vehicle drift: The longest vehicle drift is 11,180 metres (36,679 feet 8 inches) and was achieved by Abdo El Feghali (Lebanon), at the Yas Marina Circuit, in Abu Dhabi on February 15, 2013.

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Stores – Deira City Centre: +971 4 295 0066 / The Dubai Mall–The Souk: +971 4 339 9019 / Abu Hail: +971 4 297 0789 / Mall of the Emirates: +971 4 341 2237 / Mirdif City Centre: +971 4 284 0440 / Ras Al Khaimah: +971 7 233 5547 / Fujairah City Centre: +971 9 223 6860 Scarves & Glitters – Dubai Festival City: +971 4 232 8430 / Deira City Centre: +971 4 295 3625 / The Dubai mall: +971 4 330 8135 For trade enquiries please contact: nawab@kashkha.ae and raju@kashkha.ae Like us today at www.facebook.com/kashkhallc

Labour of love Dhow building is a time-honoured tradition in the UAE, underpinned by centuries of skill and experitise handed down from father to son

A dedicated craftsman crouches beneath the great hull of a wooden ship, shaping and smoothing each plank until it takes on exactly the right form. No plans have been drawn: instead the dhow is realised through a combination of inherent skill and expert knowledge handed down the generations. Slowly months of hard work and diligent attention to detail begin to pay off as the dhow takes shape. Much of the endeavour is conducted with traditional tools and method, meaning the entire exercise

requires a great deal of patience and a steady hand. Finally, the labour of love is ready to take to the waves, shaped by the hands of many skilled artisans who have painstakingly hammered and honed every rivet and wooden plank into place. For most, the majestic sight of dhows plying glittering waterways such as Dubai Creek and the capital’s Mina Zayed Port is a welcome reminder of days gone by and deep-rooted traditions that reaffirm the country’s long-lasting connection to the sea. For centuries, the traditional wooden boats were relied upon to keep the bustling ports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi afloat as they serviced busy markets and facilitated the export and import of a wide range of produce. The boats not only carried local wares for sale across oceans to India, China and East Africa, they also returned to port laden with fish to eat. During the summer months, these versatile vessels also played a central role in the pearl diving trade which was at the time the mainstay of the country’s economy. The boats sailed out to the Gulf’s oyster banks where brave divers plunged into the waters to retrieve the precious pearls.

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D HOW S / DIS COVE R

“I was raised by watching my father and grandfather working on dhows, it became part of my life. Dhows are still so important to trading in the UAE” These extraordinary boats, once the lifeblood of the nation, are still used today to ferry produce by a new generation of dhow builders. “I was raised by watching my father and grandfather working on dhows and it became part of my life. Dhows are still so important to trading in the UAE. When I was old enough, I started building dhows alongside my brother,” says local dhow builder Huraiz bin Touq. Materials for these grand vessels were originally imported from surrounding countries. Teak for the keel and masts

was brought from India, rope came from Zanzibar while sail canvas was sourced from Bahrain and Kuwait. Nowadays wood comes from Malaysia , India, or Pakistan while iron and pins are available in Dubai. Traditional tools of the dhow-building trade were simple aids, such as a hammer, saw, chisel and plane. Modern dhows are now driven by engines instead of sails, but their heritage still shines through in the shape of hulls and distinctive triangular sails called lateens. In an effort to protect the traditions of the past,

dhow-building is still carried out in a manner faithful to early techniques. “You should have good experience in this industry. From five to seven years, depending on the size of the dhow. We do not work from drawings at all. Instead we start the dhow with temporary wood cuts and then substitute them with permanent wood pieces. This procedure works better because it gives you an idea of how the dhow will look rather than trying to imagine it from drawings. We have around 20 workers in our dhow-building teams. One group works on cutting the wood, another on the design templates and the rest work on melting the iron to join with the wood,” says Huraiz who is currently working on a dhow he believes will be the UAE’s largest. Dhows continue to ply regular trade routes to and from the UAE and take centre stage at a host of dhow-racing events held across the country each year. The skills of both dhow builders and sailors are showcased at prestigious competitions such as the Al Gaffal Long Distance Race held in Dubai in May. Pristine sails billow in the wind as hundreds of majestic dhows slice through the waves in the stunning spectacle watched by thousands. Just like his father and grandfather, Huraiz has dedicated his life to the art of dhow building. Many months of tireless toil pay off when the magnificent boats finally take to the waves and the satisfied boat builders look on with a sense of pride that is shared by the generations before them.

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Vessels of history Discover the highly skilled craft of dhow building and embark on a fascinating voyage through time with Concierge photographer, Adham Sneeh

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Dhow-building traditions are kept alive throughout the UAE in areas such as Bateen shipyard in Abu Dhabi and around the edges of Dubai Creek at Al Jaddaf where teams of skilled dhow builders can be seen hard at work shaping the elegant vessels

A large dhow can take up to a year to build, while a smaller boat takes from one to four months to complete. Dhows have different names depending on the shapes of their hulls, such as Baghlah, a large deep-sea dhow with an ornately carved stern, or the Boum which is a medium-sized boat with a tapered stern and two masts. The Shasha, one of the oldest and most popular dhows, is smaller in size, capable of carrying a maximum of two people and used primarily for fishing

In echoes of the past, craftsmen still use basic tools to hammer and plane great teak planks to fit the boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frame in preparation for the dhowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s maiden voyage

The early technique used in boat building, known as 'al qalafa' in Arabic, saw craftsmen tie wooden planks together using palm tree rope. As the trade developed, nails eventually replaced rope to bind the wooden planks

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Much of the traditional dhow-building method has been retained down the decades, passed on from one generation to the next

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Experience On top of t he world

The highest vantage point in the city can be found at Observation Deck in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel. The sleek cafĂŠ serves the highest high tea in Abu Dhabi, complementing the sweeping panorama of the city and sea with freshly baked scones, macaroons and English fruit cake. Where: Tower 2, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. When: 10 am to 6pm. Contact: 04 2 8115666

Treasure island Abu Dhabi’s manmade marvels are well-charted territory, but its natural wonders are a better-kept secret. Concierge flies out to the beautiful and remote Sir Bani Yas Island to explore with Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

As the plane begins its descent and Sir Bani Yas Island hoves into sight, it is immediately apparent that this is not like any other place in Abu Dhabi. Just 20 minutes earlier at take-off, passengers looking through the windows of the small Rotana Jet were treated to a bird’s-eye view of the capital’s many island development projects, from the financial hub currently under construction on Al Maryah Island and the cultural district taking shape on Saadiyat, to the villa complexes that have sprung up on Reem Island and the impressive leisure attractions that have launched on Yas. These are the high-profile destinations Abu Dhabi is becoming known for, with their recordsetting structures (see feature on page 16), dazzling designs and luxurious facilities that have placed the UAE capital firmly in the spotlight. Sir Bani Yas Island, however, offers something else entirely. As the plane touches down in the secluded spot there is only sand and trees as far as the eye can see, and here, on this out-of-the-way island, with not a shopping centre or a skyscraper in sight, is one of Abu Dhabi’s greatest assets.

S I R B ANI YA S I S L A N D / E XPE R IE NCE

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A preview of what to expect awaits arrivals in the tiny airport terminal, where blown-up photographs on the wall show scenes that look like something out of an African safari park. Cheetahs lurking in the long grass, giraffes nibbling the uppermost branches of leafy trees and gazelles galloping across wide, open plains are not what conventional depictions of Abu Dhabi as one of the Middle East’s most glamorous destinations have led most people to expect. However, as those who scratch the gilded surface of this state-of-the-art city will discover, there is much more to Abu Dhabi than meets the eye.

1&5 Nature and Wildlife Drive 2 Nature and Wildlife Walk 3 Arabian Oryx 4 Sir Bani Yas Stables

Arrivals at Sir Bani Yas Airport are taken by bus to the only hotel on the island, the luxurious Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara. Set between a lagoon on one side, where pink flamingos like to gather at low tide and the sea on the other, the five-yearold hotel actually began life as a grand guest house for visitors of the Sheikh. Work was never completed and in 2008, Anantara took over and transformed it into a hotel. The décor now creates a laid-back, safarilodge vibe with rustic, wicker chairs and Indonesian wall hangings offset by touches of Arabia in the Moroccan lamps and bowls of fresh dates in the lobby.

This is where people congregate to begin their excursions into the wildlife park, led by experienced guides who will share a mine of information on the behaviour and characteristics of the island’s 11,500 animals on the way round. Between activities, guests can take advantage of the facilities at the hotel, where everything, from the spacious suites and villas to the snug library and comfortable lounge area is arranged to create a sense of ease and laidback luxury. This becomes even more apparent as guests head out to the pool area, where sunbeds on the beachside decking overlooking the sea form that picture-perfect vista of an exotic island getaway. The aim here, explains Steven Philips, general manager of the hotel, is to provide a place of total escapism where people can leave real life outside and find relaxation in whichever of the many activities on the island appeal to them most. “I’ve worked in a lot of different hotels and there aren’t many places where you can see sharks in the morning and cheetahs in the afternoon,” Philips says. “Here, you can get up early for a wildlife drive in the park, then go kayaking through the mangroves at midday followed by scuba diving or snorkelling after lunch. Of course, if all you want to do is lie by the pool and do absolutely nothing, then you can do that too,” he adds. Guests can pay a visit the hotel’s dedicated activity centre, where the list of different things to do and see could easily keep visitors busy every hour of the day for a week. In addition to a number of different wildlife

“Get up early for a wildlife drive in the park, then go kayaking through the mangroves at midday followed by scuba diving or snorkelling after lunch. Of course, if all you want to do is lie by the pool and do absolutely nothing, then you can do that too” 5

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ostrich, antelope and many other species that can’t be gained from a car. “In addition to the many experienced riders that come here to enjoy the spectacular scenery on horse back, we also get a lot of beginners at the stables and teaching them how to overcome their nerves and feel comfortable on a horse is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” says MacLucas. Other activities include archery, camel treks and moonlight barbecues in the park, where guests can observe the nocturnal behaviour of the animals and admire a sky strewn with stars, which look especially bright here with no light pollution to rival them. Another great spot to sit back and soak up the view of the night sky is at Amwaj, the hotel’s new beachside restaurant. Open for lunch and dinner, the laidback venue features a tapas-style menu with an eclectic selection of Asian, Arabic and international sharing platters that couldn’t be more welcome after a busy day in the park. Diners can also head over to Samak for a feast of fresh seafood complemented by a very lengthy wine list that seems to offer vintages from most wine-producing countries around the world. The restaurant, which looks out over the pool, also has its own salt guru, whose role it is to advise diners on the selection of exotic salts that can be paired with each meal. There are different kinds to go with the various dishes, which include seafood cooked and served on a salt brick. This may be more than the recommended daily intake of salt but it’s well worth the indulgence for the wonderful intensity of flavour.

drives, mountain biking tours and guided treks, including a fascinating wadi walk that delves into the geology of the mineralrich dried river beds, is the brand new waters ports centre. Jet skis, wakeboarding and other noisy water sports are, of course banned here due to the disturbance they would cause the animals and marine life, but snorkelling, kayaking, boat trips and scuba diving for all levels are catered to, including courses for beginners who can start their PADI training in the centre’s dedicated dive pool. This month, the new pearl diving experience will be launched, offering guests an opportunity to engage with the culture and heritage of the island, where the historic pearl trade has been carried out for hundreds of years. “The local population commented that we could do more to tell visitors about the history and traditions of the island, which has been inhabited by humans since the Stone Age,” explains Philips. The pearl diving experience will go some way towards addressing this by giving guests a chance to go out on the boat and dive down in the traditional way, using a rope and weight to pull themselves towards the seabed in search of pearls. As an added bonus, those lucky enough to find one, can keep it, Philips promises. Another major highlight is the riding centre. Laura MacLucas, who runs the stables and trains the horses, has devised a series of different rides for all levels, from the Royal Bay Ride along the beach to the new Wildlife Ride through the park. The latter takes you right up close to the animals, affording a proximity to giraffe, cheetah,

6 Wadi Walk 7 Sir Bani Yas Stables 8 Mangrove kayaking 9 Al Shams pool bar

Other restaurants include The Palm, where a hearty breakfast is served each morning on the terrace. With so much to do during the day here, there’s every excuse to take advantage of the rich pastries, jams and fresh fruit piled up on the buffet tables or load a plate with Thai noodles and spiced eggs from the hot stations. After that it’s off to the water sports centre for a guided tour of the nearby wrecks or back to the park in search of cheetahs and hyenas. Later on, you might join a trip to the ancient Christian monastery that dates back to around 600 CE. It’s one of 36 archaeological sites that have been identified on the island, though only this one has been excavated so far. “There were other digs underway but these have stopped for the present. We want to avoid making the island too busy and prefer to do things in our own time step by step,” Philips explains. This is not just for the sake of the guests who get to benefit from the wonderful tranquility of this remote spot, but also for the animals that call Sir Bani Yas home. As Philips says: “One thing we all have to remember is that the most important thing on this island is not me and you, it’s the animals.” For more information on Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara contact: 02 8015400 or visit: anantara.com

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TEN MINUTES FROM THE CITY TWENTY METRES FROM THE BEACH ONE HOUR’S ESCAPE AT THE SPA A FEW STEPS TO THE RESTAURANT A FEW MORE ON THE DANCE FLOOR IT’S A LIFESTYLE WITHIN REACH

Be part of the legend! Experience Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat, an award-winning social, leisure and dining destination. Dine al fresco, luxuriate in the spa, relax by the beach, take a plunge in the pool or simply enjoy the uniquely Mediterranean atmosphere. Sign up for our Annual or Monthly Membership, avail our day pass starting from AED 250 or just walk in and enjoy our restaurant and lounges. Follow us on For enquiries, email info@montecarlobeachclub.ae or call +9712 656 3500

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Soft, neutral tones, flowing lines and fluid fabrics give the Emporio Armani Spring/Summer 2013 collection an innately Mediterranean feel. A subtle elegance underscores the line, which captures the essence of Italy in the summer with its mushroom-brown silks, nude satins and pale, oyster hues. Where: Marina Mall. Contact: 02 6811464

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Timely display One of the most complicated and beautiful mechanisms in the vastly intricate and aesthetically orientated world of horology, the tourbillon has retained its position at the helm of fine watchmaking for centuries

It takes incredible skill, many months of labour and several hundred micro-mechanic parts to create a tourbillon, a complication that still commands immense respect in horological circles more than 200 years after its invention. Today, most connoisseurs agree that the historic movement is redundant but that doesn’t stop the world’s leading watchmakers from producing new tourbillon models year after year, nor does it prevent people from spending hundreds of thousands of dirhams to buy one. When master horologist Abraham Louis Breguet received the patent for a curious new device entitled the ‘tourbillon regulator’ in June 1801, he held in his hand the solution to a longstanding problem with timekeeping. For years, watchmakers had struggled against an enduring problem – the fact that gravity exercises a detrimental effect on the regularity of movement. Simply put, as the timepiece is shifted between different positions, the downward force deregulates the carefully balanced mechanisms in the movement, pulling the watch out of time.

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“A tourbillon gathers the most active parts of the mechanism within a permanently rotating cage and reduces the effects of gravity on those parts by constantly altering their position. In this way, the device enhances the accuracy and longevity of the timepiece”

Mechanical watches are subject to variations depending on the position in which they are worn or kept. A good watch must therefore be adjusted for precision in several positions to prevent it from losing or gaining time when the wearer moves his arm throughout the day or leaves it face down on the dresser all night. Typically, a high-quality modern watch will be adjusted to at least five positions, including dial up, dial down, crown up, crown down and vertical. In Breguet’s day, portable time-keeping devices were limited to the pocket watch, which had to be wound daily and even then could only keep time to within a minute or two at best. Meanwhile, town

clocks, which remained consistently in the same position, kept time very well, so people attributed the discrepancy to the constant motion of a pocket watch. Subject to innumerable tiny shifts throughout the day combined with the downward force of gravity, the portable pocket watches were slowly being pulled out of sync. What Breguet did was create a mobile carriage that would keep the workings of the watch in constant rotation so that they never paused to feel the effects of gravity. “A tourbillon gathers the most active parts of the mechanism within a permanently rotating cage and reduces the effects of gravity on those parts by constantly altering their position. In

1 IWC Portuguese Siderale Scafusia (previous page) 2 Breguet Tourbillon cage 3 Classique Grande Complication Tourbillon 5317, Breguet 4 An early tourbillon by Breguet 5 Abraham Louis Breguet

this way, the device enhances the accuracy and longevity of the timepiece,” explains Marianne al Jord, managing director of International Business Group Majestic, Dubai, distributor of luxury Swiss watch brand, Hysek. Breguet’s first tourbillon was for a heavy carriage clock, commissioned by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, but before long the device was enjoying widespread use in pocket watches. One of the most famous Breguet tourbillon designs is the model he made for a Polish aristocrat named Count Stanislas Potocki in 1809. The piece originally sold for 4,600 French francs and fetched almost US$750,000 (AED2.75 million) when it came up for auction in the early ‘90s. After the patent expired in 1811, Breguet’s design was quickly taken up by other watchmakers and over time tourbillons of all shapes and sizes appeared. Today, advances in watchmaking and the materials used have rendered the device largely obsolete but it nevertheless remains a consistent feature in top of the range watches produced by the world’s leading horology houses.

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“Nowadays, the tourbillon is used as an exercise in sheer horological beauty and as a demonstration of watchmaking virtuosity,” says Al Jord. On average, it takes more than 12 months to design and develop a tourbillon then at least one month to assemble it – a job that can only be performed by the hands of a master watchmaker at the peak of his craft, she adds. Neither the watchmakers nor the shoppers seem too concerned that the device is more for show than anything else, an anomaly that Al jord accounts for by explaining that those who

purchase tourbillon watches generally prioritise workmanship over anything else. “Mechanical watches today are mostly sold to customers who value craftsmanship and aesthetics over very accurate timing. The tourbillon shopper is a connoisseur and collector – someone seeking more than a simple object indicating time.” Of course due in large part to the labour-intensive nature of their creation, tourbillon watches come with a huge price tag. “Because it’s so timeconsuming to create and requires such a highly skilled watchmaker, you are unlikely to find a tourbillon that retails at less than AED350,000,” says Yousef Mohamed Rasool Khoory, general manager of Rasool Khoory & Sons. As a result, they are only incorporated into the works of watches at the very top of the horological hierarchy, he explains. Earlier this year, in a celebration of a mechanism that the brand described as “one of the most striking inventions in watchmaking history,” Breguet launched an exhibition dedicated to its founder’s genius in creating the tourbillon. Entitled, ‘Breguet, the innovator. Inventor of the tourbillon’ the display, which will be making a stop in the Middle East as part of a global tour, explores the history of tourbillons from the early

6 Tourbillon mechanism, A Lange and Söhne 7 A.Lange and Söhne Richard Lange Tourbillon “Pour le Mérite 8 Yousef Mohamed Rasool Khoory, general manager of Rasool Khoory & Sons 9 Verdict Tourbillon, Hysek

designs right through to contemporary models. Today, the tourbillon is very much a luxury item, though there is some concern within the Swiss watch industry that the exclusivity of this highly complicated, beautiful and expensive mechanism is on the decline as a growing number of cheaply produced Chinese tourbillons hit the market. However, according to Rasool Khoury the threat level to the Swiss manufacturers remains relatively minimal. “People still want the branding, marketing and innovation of the Swiss watches. They are considered to be the best timepieces in the world and the kind of person who buys a tourbillon watch is generally looking for the very best.”

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Going for gold With its bustling gold souk and mix of regional and international jewellers, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that people travel from all over the world to purchase gold in Abu Dhabi

Throughout history gold has enjoyed universal popularity as a symbol of wealth, power and beauty. In the Arab world, where gold has long played a central role in tradition and ceremony, it also possesses a strong cultural significance and nowhere is this more evidently on display than in the UAE. Here, gold is part of everyday life. Shop windows glitter with extravagant displays of gold jewellery and entire souks are dedicated to the sale of this precious metal. Five-star hotels create a sense of Arabian luxury with gilded interiors and restaurants convey gourmet status by sprinkling edible gold leaf on chocolates and desserts. There are even ATMs that dispense gold nuggets at the market price of the day and spas that offer gold facials which utilise the metalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mineral qualities. Almost every aspect of life is touched by gold, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardly surprising that this is also one of the best places to purchase it. The first port of call for many jewellery shoppers in Abu Dhabi is the gold souk located in the Madina Zayed area. The merchandise here hails from all over the world with gold from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and India alongside jewellery and nuggets from Europe, pearls from Japan and silver from Oman. Gold is priced according to the international daily rate and buyers can browse the jewellery, purchase ingots or have pieces designed to their specifications.

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In the malls, regional and international brands feature a wide range of designs to suit the tastes of many different cultures. This means that gold shoppers in Abu Dhabi are likely to find designs that aren’t available elsewhere, explains Raj Sahai, retail director at Damas. While demand for gold has remained fairly consistent over recent years, the type of buyer has not, says Sahai. “Visitor demographics have changed. Therefore, the styles available have changed to meet the tastes of new customers. Visitors play a key role in the development of the gold and jewellery sector. In the UAE, at certain times of the year, visitors can account for up to 30 or 40 percent of sales.”

4 2

3 1 Al Masaood Jewellery (previous page) 2&3 Ornate gold earrngs from the Damas heritage collection 4 Gehna necklace and earrings 5 K di Kuore bangle and ring, available at Al Masaood Jewellery

Western shoppers prefer simple, classic styles in white and yellow gold, while Chinese shoppers tend to choose more intricate designs with coloured stones and diamonds

STOCKISTS Al Masaood Jewellery

Stores are located in Abu Dhabi 02 6337800

and Al Ain 03 7656875 Damas

Damas has 21 stores in malls and hotels across Abu Dhabi 04 4270338

Tiffany & Co.

Stores are located in Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall 02 6441182

There are certain identifiable trends among shoppers of different nationalities when it comes to buying gold in Abu Dhabi. According to Rafif Tarabishi, general manager of Al Masaood Jewellery, western shoppers prefer simple, classic styles in white and yellow gold, while Chinese visitors, who make up one of the most rapidly growing source markets in Abu Dhabi, tend to choose more intricate designs featuring gold with coloured stones and diamonds. In addition to design, the brand name is a key purchasing factor among Chinese and Russian buyers, says Sahai, adding that Russian shoppers generally prefer jewellery decorated with large stones. For Indian buyers who purchase gold during important religious and cultural festivals such as Diwali, designs are more traditional, with chains and bangles among the most popular pieces. During the festival season, Damas releases a special Diwali range for Indian visitors, who are also one of the emirate’s fastest growing visitor groups. When it comes to customers from the Middle East, there is a lot of variation, Sahai adds. “During weddings, Arab brides like to wear heavy bridal jewellery sets that feature white gold offset by pearls and diamonds.” These are readily available at Al Masaood Jewellery and most other leading regional jewellers. “Recently, we have also noticed new trends among younger Middle Eastern consumers in this segment for lightweight jewellery that can be worn every day rather than the traditional, heavier style.”

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6 Enchant Pendant, Tiffany & Co. 7 Paloma’s Venezia Goldoni Earrings, Tiffany & Co. 8 Jean Schlumberger Daisy Bracelet, Tiffany & Co. 9 Diamond and Gemstone Flower Bracelet, Tiffany & Co. 10 Gold jewellery in its different tones 11 Damas boutique

Gold Mine There is no shortage of places to purchase gold in Abu Dhabi: Madinat Zayed Gold Souk: Worth visiting for the cultural experience alone, the gold souk is a top tourist attraction and one of the best places to get a good price on gold The malls: Abu Dhabi is home to leading brands such as Tiffany & Co. and Cartier as well as premier homegrown jewellers, including Damas, and Al Masaood Jewellery Emirates Palace: Stock up on gold bars and coins at the Gold to Go vending machine, which sells 24-carat bars weighing up to 10 grams

Abu Dhabi International Airport: Make a last-minute addition to your jewellery box from regional and international brands at Abu Dhabi Duty Free

The UAE is known for the high quality of its jewellery and the purity of its gold, but it is still worth taking note of a few basic considerations before making a large purchase. To be certain of a fair exchange, visitors should make sure they buy from reputable stores and obtain a receipt that clearly outlines the caratage and weight of the gold, advises Tarabishi. While it’s always worth exercising some caution before buying, Abu Dhabi is certainly one of the safer places to buy gold. “The government is very proactive in maintaining the image of the UAE as the world’s leading jewellery destination, so there are many initiatives designed to make it an attractive place for people to come and buy their gold,” says Sahai. In Abu Dhabi, regular checks are carried out on jewellers to ensure quality standards are met and shoppers can invest in the certainty that they are getting exactly what they pay for.

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What s on at Manarat Al Saadiyat Visit Manarat Al Saadiyat, at the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, to discover art and educational exhibitions, art talks, music and theatrical performances, Artscape interactive events and hands-on workshops for all ages.

May Programme Workshops

Exhibitions Birth of a Museum Eco Future The Saadiyat Story Talks 1 May 19:00 Muntada, presented by Her Highness Sheikha Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation 6 May 18:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series conversation with James Rosenquist 7 May 18:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series conversations with El Anatsui and Feng Mengbo 8 May 18:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series conversations with Adel El-Siwi and Youssef Nabil 29 May 18:45 Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series, Looking East from West: Orientalist Art and Photography

4 May 10:00 Eco Future Kayaking Trip and Art Making Workshop

18 May 10:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Moving Forms

4 May 13:00 Birth of a Museum Family Workshop: An Artful Afternoon Tea

22 May 17:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Metal Etching

11 May 10:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series Family Workshop

25 May 10:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Creatures Great and Small

11 May 12:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series Family Workshop

25 May 10:00 Birth of a Museum Teen Workshop: Drawing Comics

11 May 14:00 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series Adults and Teens Workshop

27 May 17:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Drawing Comics

15 May 13:00 Birth of a Museum Family Workshop: An Artful Afternoon Tea

27 May 17:00 Birth of a Museum Teen Workshop: Artistic Sketching Techniques

18 May 10:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Living Colour

Manarat Al Saadiyat is open daily 09:00 to 20:00 and entry is free. Some activities and exhibitions incur an entrance fee. Workshops and talks require prior registration, call +971 2 657 5800, email manaratalsaadiyat@tdic.ae, or visit saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae to register. Programme is subject to change, visit saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae or call +971 2 657 5800 for information. @SaadiyatCD

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Saadiyat Cultural District

SaadiyatCulturalDistrict

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Taste Gastronomique touch

French food has a reputation for being one of the finest cuisines in the world and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to see why at gourmet eaterie, Bord Eau. Melt-in-the-mouth dishes such as pan-seared venison tenderloin with Willian pear, figs and cassis or Dover sole Ă la Grenobloise with capers and lemon are among the many delights on the menu. Where: Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri. Contact: 02 5098888

Sea breeze Concierge heads to the shore to enjoy the cool evening breeze at some of the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best beachside dining venues

S E A S I D E D I N I N G/ t a s t e

BBQ al Qasr, Emirates Palace

The ocean is never far away in Abu Dhabi. Built on an island that juts off the coast, the capital’s main city is surrounded by water and the sea is always within quick and easy reach. So too are the many beachside cafés and restaurants that populate the coastline, offering a range of dining venues from casual eateries to gourmet restaurants, all with sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf. Pick a spot on the beach and enjoy the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against the shore as you dine on tasty Mediterranean fare at Beach House or tuck into a hearty steak at Nahaam. Alternatively, take a seat in one of the cabanas at BBQ al Qasr and indulge in traditional barbecue fare with a gourmet twist on the water’s edge or head over to Talay for Thai cuisine complemented by a sea view. With the long, hot summer approaching, now is the time to book a table by the sea and dine in the evening breeze at the capital’s best beachside restaurants. Concierge has hand-picked some of Abu Dhabi’s best al fresco venues that combine excellent food with stunning sea views.

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BBQ al Qasr Seated comfortably in a rustic cabana, with the sea on one side and the grand façade of Emirates Palace on the other, it’s easy to see why BBQ al Qasr is so popular with diners in the capital. One look at the menu confirms that this place is not just about the beautiful setting either, with a choice of delicious-sounding dishes that manage to combine the comforting simplicity of typical barbecue fare with the gourmet touches of a five-star dining venue. Starters such as honey-glazed organic chicken wings served with jalapeno blue cheese dressing or macaroni and cheese with a creamy truffle sauce give an idea of the way simple dishes take on a sophisticated air in the expert hands of BBQ al Qasr chefs. For mains, diners can choose from the very best cuts of beef, including a pepper-crusted chateaubriand and an Australian wagyu fillet, before adding individual toppings such as smoked blue cheese and roasted foie gras, or, for a more surf ‘n’ turf-style meal, grilled lobster tail and Alaskan King Crab Legs. Then choose from a long list of side order options, including buttered corn, polenta, asparagus, wild mushrooms with truffle oil, barbecue baked beans and baked

Idaho potato, among others. Seafood fans can go straight to the fish market section, where king prawns, seasonal lobster and chargrilled seabass are among the many options, while vegetarians should look no further than the tomato tart tatin, which is simply sublime. Where: Emirates Palace When: 7pm to midnight / Contact: 02 6907999

Starters such as honey-glazed organic chicken wings served with jalapeno blue cheese dressing or macaroni and cheese with a creamy truffle sauce give an idea of the way simple dishes take on a sophisticated air in the expert hands of BBQ al Qasr chefs

Talay Be sure to book one of the tables on the edge of the terrace overlooking the sea at Talay. Sitting here, visitors enjoy an uninterrupted view of the ocean, providing the perfect accompaniment to the delicious Thai seafood dishes on the menu. There’s stir-fried Omani lobster, given a spicy twist with chilli and Thai basil, or succulent jumbo prawns scented with kaffir leaves, coriander and coconut red curry sauce. The pièce de résistence, however, has to be the Talay Plow, a towering platter of fresh, grilled seafood, including Australian lobster, jumbo prawns, hammour and squid served with steamed Thai vegetables and fried rice with crab. This is Thai food at its creative best. Chef Ongart Pengkomseang specialises in adding a modern touch to give popular Thai dishes a twist while still using traditional cooking methods. It’s a formula that definitely works. Where: Le Méridien Abu Dhabi When: Daily, 12.30 to 3.30pm and 7 to 11.30pm / Contact: 02 6446666

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S E A S I D E D I N I N G/ t a s t e

Nahaam Named after the singer on pearl diving ships employed to keep the crew’s spirits high with traditional ballads on the voyage, Nahaam offers casual dining in a seaside setting. In keeping with the ‘comforting’ theme of its name, a menu of international favourites, including wood-oven pizzas, Asian stir-fries, salads and steaks are available to choose from in addition to a number of more gourmet options, such as the black peppercoated tuna with watermelon and tomato consommé. There are 13 chefs of various nationalities and culinary backgrounds including European, Asian and Far Eastern in the kitchens here and each specialises in the cuisine of a particular region. As a result, the pizza tastes like it was made in Italy, the noodles are convincingly Asian and the steak could have come from a French bistro. Where: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers When: Daily, 11am to 11pm / Contact: 02 8115666

Beach House It’s hard to decide whether to go to Beach House for lunch when you can fully appreciate the picture-perfect view of the golden beach on one side and landscaped gardens on the other, or at night when you can dine under the stars on the terrace. For a happy compromise, book a table in the early evening and watch the sun set over the Arabian Gulf before darkness falls and the focus shifts away from the stunning views to the restaurant itself. Inside, the décor is a comfortable blend of rustic Italian with a modern twist. Heavy, wooden tables, slatted blinds and just a touch of wicker retain the traditional Mediterranean vibe without going overboard on the Tuscan touches. There are no chequered tablecloths or wax-drizzled wine bottles here. This is a spacious, modern eatery that nevertheless retains a sense of cosy, family dinners with its menu based around homemade Mediterranean-style meals. Where: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island When: Daily, noon to 3pm and from 6pm onwards / Contact: 02 4071138

Beachside bars Sea Lounge: Listen to

the most popular DJs in town and sip expertly blended cocktails while rubbing shoulders with Abu Dhabi socialites at trendy Sea Lounge. Where: Monte-Carlo Beach Club When: Daily 4pm till late Contact: 02 6563500 The Yacht Club: Admire views of the marina from comfortable seats on the terrace at this stylish bar and lounge.

Where: InterContinental Abu Dhabi When: Sun to Wed 5pm to 1am, Thu 5pm to 3am, Fri noon to 3am Contact: 02 6666888 Turquoiz: Sip cocktails and enjoy delicious seafood dishes from the new menu while watching the sun go down over the sea at this stunning beachfront lounge. Where: St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort When: 12pm to 2.30am Contact: 02 4988888

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Local largesse

Hospitality is a cornerstone of Arabian culture and nowhere is it more apparent than in the traditions surrounding food in the UAE

The Arab world is renowned for the hospitality of its people who consider it a duty to extend the hand of welcome to strangers. To Arabs, the level of courtesy and generosity shown towards a guest is a direct reflection of a person’s character and it has long been customary to shelter weary travellers and provide them with a night’s rest and food. It’s a tradition that dates back to the days of the Bedouin, when it was not out of the ordinary for people to undertake great journeys across the desert and throw themselves on the mercy of local tribes if their supplies ran dry.

Today, the nomadic way of life has largely died out, but many of the customs and traditions that derive from those times still carry weight in modern UAE society. Notable among these is the tendency for Arabian hosts to serve more food than the average diner could possibly eat. Even at Arabic restaurants, visitors are far more likely to find the portions over-generous than insubstantial. This is nothing to do with a local preference for enormous portions – the reason lies in a general belief that showering a guest with food is an important part of making them welcome and displaying your largesse as a host.

As a result, family meals in Arabic households are usually large-scale affairs, particularly lunch, which has traditionally been the most important meal of the day in this region and is generally the preferred meal to invite guests to. On a Friday, the Islamic day of rest, the whole family will usually gather round the table after noon prayers to share a meal of meat, vegetables and salads. This will normally be accompanied by Arabic bread, dips, including hummous and moutabel and other mezze dishes such as sambousek (pastry stuffed with meat and pine kernels) or kalmata olives and halloumi cheese.

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L OCA L FL A V OUR/ t a s t e

Historically, however, people of the Arabian Peninsula were limited to foods they could source and grow in the desert and relied heavily on a diet of dates, wheat, barley, rice and what little meat they could find or raise. Today, of course, the UAE has diversified its culinary traditions and is now know for its rich and varied dining scene, with no end of gourmet restaurants offering cuisines from the far corners of the world. Within the category of Arabic food alone, there is a huge range of national cuisines to choose from, including Moroccan, Persian, Omani and, most popularly, Lebanese. There is also a specific category of food unique to this country, though it’s harder to find restaurants that serve it. In Abu Dhabi, visitors can book a table at Mezlai in Emirates Palace, the country’s first dedicated Emirati restaurant and try some of the dishes native to the UAE, including Harees and Bezar. Generally speaking, though, most Arabic restaurants here offer a mix of Lebanese and Persian cuisine, the vast majority of which stays true to the age-old tradition of serving incredibly generous portions and making every effort to ensure that their guest feels full and happy.

Historically people of the Arabian Peninsula were limited to foods they could source and grow in the desert and relied heavily on a diet of dates, wheat, barley, rice and what little meat they could find or raise

E m i r at i d i s h e s

Madroubat al-dijaj – the national dish of the UAE, this is a rich dip made with boiled chicken, Emirati spices and crushed wheat served with Arabic bread. Harees – a popular local recipe, this hearty dish contains chunks of tender lamb, served in a thick, white stew. Biryani samak – an Emirati variation on the popular Indian rice dish cooked with kingfish and spices. Saloona badawiah – a wholesome stew made from root vegetables, tomatoes and lamb. This dish was traditionally served to guests visiting the Bedouin camp. Rigag – similar to a French crêpe, this wafer-thin bread is often served with meat or white cheese.

1 Arabic mezze 2 Cultural breakfast at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding 3 Desert Camp 4 Arabic buffet at InterContinental Abu Dhabi

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Your five-star concierge is now available online at www.conciergeabudhabi.com

Find everything you need to book and plan your next stay.

MAY 2013 | issue 78

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OctOber 2012 | issue 71

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Licensed by internationaL Media Production Zone

The guide discover / experience / shop / taste

art galleries / museums and cultural sites tours / family activities / adventure golf / sports / malls / souks hotel outlets and promotions

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Discover

Proud of its culture and history, Abu Dhabi has focused efforts on preserving its identity through galleries and museums

art galleries

QIBAB ART GALLERY

02 6652350

EMIRATES NATIONAL AUTO MUSEUM

Timings: Daily 10am to 1pm and

A diverse collection of more than 200 classic vehicles owned by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

Specialises in Iraqi art, but also shows work from international, regional and local artists. Villa 3, Street 15 in Al Zaab area. 5 to 8pm

SALWA ZEIDAN GALLERY

02 6669656

Abu Dhabi CULTURAL FOUNDATION

02 6576171

Hosts photography and art exhibitions throughout the year, as well as concerts and screenings of international films.

Timings: Sun to Thu 8am to 3pm, Fri 5 to 8pm, Sat 9am to noon and 5 to 8pm FOLKLORE GALLERY

02 6660361

Offers art, craft and gift items from the Arab world along with prints and paintings inspired by the UAE landscape. Zayed the First Street, Khalidiyah.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 10pm GHAF ART GALLERY

02 6655332

Aims to be the main address for international and Middle Eastern contemporary and emerging artists. Villa 256, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Khalidiyah.

The gallery shows original art from locally based artists. Hemisphere also organises exhibitions and events. Located next to the Russian Embassy.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9.30am

to 12.45pm and 3 to 9pm

HERITAGE VILLAGE

02 6814455

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 7pm. To set up a private viewing contact: 02 6669656

Al Ain

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 5pm, Fri 3.30 to 9pm Guide price: Free

AL QATTARA ARTS CENTER

03 7618080

Housed in a historic fort in Al Ain’s Al Qattara Oasis, this centre specialises in local and Arab art as well as UAE heritage and culture.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 8pm

Museums and cultural sites

MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

02 6575800, saadiyat.ae

This visitor centre on Saadiyat Island houses international exhibitions with four galleries, a theatre, events' space and Fanr restaurant.

Timings: Daily 10am to 8pm

Al Ain AL JAHILI FORT

03 7843996

One of the largest forts in the UAE, Al Jahili Fort was built by Sheikh Zayed the First between 1891 and 1898 and used as a royal summer residence.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 9pm

02 6768614

Timings: Daily 9am to 6pm (closed for lunch) Guide price: AED50

This tourist site on the Breakwater near Marina Mall is a recreation of Bedouin life with a museum of original artefacts and photographs and a small souk for souvenirs.

Ghaf is the oldest art gallery in the capital and features work by artists in Abu Dhabi and around the world. Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Khalidiyah.

HEMISPHERE DESIGN STUDIO & GALLERY

02 6676999, 050 8293952, enam.ae

Abu Dhabi AL HOSN PALACE (WHITE FORT)

adach.ae

Built in 1793, Al Hosn Palace was the official home of the rulers of Abu Dhabi. It is currently under renovation.

Timings: Daily 9am to 5pm, Fri 3 to 5pm. Closed Mondays Guide price: Free AL AIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

03 7641595

This museum illustrates the UAE's distant past as well as recent history through archaeological and ethnographical sections.

1. Arabian Wildlife Park, Sir Bani Yas Island 2. Al Hosn Palace 3. Heritage Village 4. Arabian Adventure 5. Carpet Souk 6. Saadiyat Island

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 7.30pm, Fri 3 to 7.30pm. Closed Mondays Guide price: AED3 adults, AED1 children under 10 years SHEIKH ZAYED PALACE MUSEUM

03 7517755

Originally a palace for the Al Nahyan family, it is now a museum that chronicles the lifestyle of the ruling family.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 7.30pm, Fri 3 to 7pm. Closed Mondays Guide price: Free

HISTORIC BUILDINGS Sightseers are spoilt for choice as Abu Dhabi is peppered with historic landmarks. Make sure you pay a visit to Qasr Al Hosn Fort, constructed in the 18th century and symbolising the development of the emirate and its rulers. Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain is also well worth a visit. It houses a permanent exhibition devoted to the explorer and traveller Mubarak bin London (Wilfred Thesiger) who crossed the Empty Quarter twice in the 1940s, as well as a temporary exhibition space, a shop and a café.

Al Gharbia CHRISTIAN MONASTERY

02 8015400

Explore the remains of a Christian monastery which is believed to have been founded in the late 6th century CE on Sir Bani Yas Island. The guided tour takes one hour.

Timings: Daily at 7, 9 and 11am, 2 and 4pm Guide price: AED250

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T HE GUI D E / Dis cove r

tours

HERITAGE SITES

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

800 555 or szgmc.ae

One of the largest mosques in the world, this place of worship is open to non-Muslims.

Timings: Open 9am to 10pm (except Friday mornings). See boxout at right for free tour times Guide price: Free

Air

Water

FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

AL DHAFRA

For a completely different view of Abu Dhabi, board a helicopter and see the city's major landmarks from above.

Al Dhafra’s dhows can take up to 60 people. Sail to nearby islands or simply along the Corniche.

02 4440007

02 6732266

Timings: Boarding 8.30pm, cruise from 9 to 11pm Guide price: AED180 per hour for large dhows, AED150 per hour for small dhow, private hire starting at AED600 per hour

Guide price: AED1,250 per

person for a 30-minute city tour

Land

HILTONIA BEACH CLUB

02 6811900

AL MASAOOD TRAVEL

Take a sightseeing cruise along the Corniche, around Abu Dhabi island or enjoy a dinner cruise.

02 6211797

Explore Abu Dhabi’s rich Arabic culture and modern architecture on this fivehour city tour that takes in all the major sites.

Guide price: Sightseeing cruise along Corniche from AED250 for half an hour (five people or less). Cruise around Abu Dhabi AED750 for two hours(five people or less). Dinner cruise AED300

Guide price: From AED150 for adults and AED100 for children ARABIAN ADVENTURES

02 6911711

Take in the Grand Mosque, Cultural Foundation, souks, Corniche and Heritage Village before driving past the presidential palace area and Emirates Palace.

Timings: Monday and

Wednesday mornings Guide price: Adults AED160, children AED80 BIG BUS COMPANY

800 244287

See Abu Dhabi's major attractions on an open-top double-decker bus at your own pace, hopping on and off where you like. Commentary is available in eight languages.

Timings: 9am to 5pm. Ticket valid 24 hours Guide price: Adults AED200, children AED100, family (two adults, two children) AED500 Emirates Adventures

02 6445117

Experience Abu Dhabi's unique culture by visiting Heritage Village, the dates market, Gold Centre and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on the half-day city tour.

Timings: Daily 9am to 1pm Guide price: AED180,

children AED120 NET TOURS

02 6794656

Visit Al Hosn Palace, haggle over carpets, admire the Corniche and skyline, learn about local culture at Heritage Village and visit the Grand Mosque.

Timings: Daily 9am to 1.30pm Guide price: Adults

AED150, children AED100

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SEA CRUISER

Al Ain National Museum The oldest museum in the UAE, Al Ain National Museum has displays dating from the Stone Age to the country’s preoil era with photography exhibits as well as jewellery, tools, pottery and other artefacts. Cultural Foundation Located in the grounds of the Old Fort, the Cultural Foundation hosts year-round exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photography, pottery and Arabic calligraphy. Heritage Village A must-see destination for traditional Emirati handicrafts, the Heritage Village features reconstructions of Bedouin tents, old fishing villages and traditional markets. Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum Built in 1937, the palace of the late Sheikh Zayed was converted to a museum and opened in 2001. Visitors won’t find a large collection of photographs or exhibits because Sheikh Zayed wanted the royal palace and residence to be a true reflection of his country’s culture prior to the discovery of oil.

050 8009495 or seacruiser.ae

Cruise along the Abu Dhabi Corniche before stopping for diving, snorkelling, fishing and other water activities.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque One of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable landmarks, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the only one in the emirate that is open to non-muslims and a must on any visitor’s itinerary. Opened to the public in 2007, it houses the world’s largest carpet and the world’s largest chandelier. Many of the columns, walls and furnishings are adorned with semi-precious stones and gold, while the main structure is made from white marble. Location: Al Khabeer Entry: Free tours are held Sunday to Thursday at 10am, 11am and 4.30pm, Fridays at 2pm, 4.30pm and 8pm and Saturdays at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 4.30pm and 8pm Contact: 800 555 or szgmc.ae

Guide price: Adults AED120, children AED75 SHERATON ABU DHABI

02 6773333

Emirates Adventures

Timings: On demand Guide price: Corniche cruise AED 200 for 30 minutes. Sunset cruise AED200

Discover the heritage heart of the emirate with a full-day tour of Al Ain. Learn the history of the region at the city's museums, see how Al Ain earned its reputation as the 'garden city' and go shopping for camels at the Camel Market.

Take a safari into Al Gharbia and the Rub Al Khali, see the Liwa Oasis and enjoy lunch at a local guest house.

See the city from the water along the Corniche on a private boat for up to six people.

Al Ain AL MASAOOD TRAVEL

02 6911711

Visit Al Ain’s attractions, including oases, souks, the Al Ain Museum, camel market, palaces and archaeological sites.

Guide price: From AED250 for adults and AED180 for children ARABIAN ADVENTURES

02 6911711

Head to the ‘garden city’ stopping at museums, oases and the camel market before venturing to Jebel Hafeet.

Timings: Tours on Tuesdays Guide price: Adults AED225, children AED115 PARADISE HANGING GARDENS 03 7820788 Brilliant colours and artistic floral displays await at this breathtaking garden, which holds a Guinness World Record for the greatest number of hanging flower baskets. Timings: Open daily Guide price: Entry is free

02 6445117

Timings: Saturday to Thursday (except Monday) 8.30am to 6pm Guide price: AED380 including lunch. Minimum of four people NET TOURS

02 6794656

See ancient Arabic manuscripts and royal treasures, camel market, forts, dates and Jebel Hafeet.

Timings: 8am to 5pm Guide price: Adults AED245 children AED200

Al Gharbia ARABIAN ADVENTURES

02 6911711

Visit the edge of the Rub Al Khali (also known as the Empty Quarter), stopping in Liwa to see Bedouin camps and enjoy lunch. Then visit an old fort before the journey back.

Timings: On request Guide price: On request

02 6445117

Timings: Daily 8.30am to 6pm Guide price: AED550 including lunch. Minimum of four people NET TOURS

02 6794656 or info@netgroupauh.com

Enjoy a thrilling 4x4 bash over the sand dunes and visit the Rub Al Khali, the world’s largest sand desert, before lunch at a local hotel.

Timings: 8am to 6pm Guide price: Adults

AED290 children AED235

Know the law Consumption of alcohol must be within licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs or private venues. Do not consume alcohol if driving. Dancing is only allowed in the privacy of your hotel room or at licensed clubs. Avoid addressing Muslim women in public or taking photographs without their permission. Offensive language, spitting and hand gestures must be avoided. Married couples may hold hands in public, but not kiss or hug.

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Experience

With a vast desert, spectacular coastline and world-class sporting facilities, Abu Dhabi is made for action and adventure

ABU DHABI

Murjan Splash Park

050 8781009

This mini water park at Khalifa Park is ideal for youngsters with seven water-based activities. Chill out on the 257-metre lazy river or battle it out in a water balloon fight.

Timings: Sat to Sun 2 to 6pm

Amusements CHILDREN’S VILLAGE

02 4415900

This village at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel has a Jungle Garden play area for the under-eights, electronic games and a bowling centre.

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 8pm, Thu and Fri 9am to 10pm Guide price: Varies. Bowling AED15 per game FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

02 4968001 or ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Ride roller coasters at top speed, race in an F1 simulator around a virtual Yas Marina Circuit and be propelled 62 metres into the air. Then feast on fine Italian cuisine before stopping in the world's largest Ferrari store.

02 5839200 or 50 6147007

02 6354316

Branches at Khalidiya Mall, Al Raha Mall, Mazyad Mall and Mushrif Mall with a modest ice rink, bowling alley and soft play area.

Timings: Sat to Sun 9am to midnight, Fri 1pm to midnight. Guide price: AED36 for ice rink, AED15 for bowling WANASA LAND

02 4437654

Wanasa Land at Al Wahda Mall boasts Strike Zone, a six-lane bowling alley and soft play area.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to midnight, Fri to Sat 10am to 1am. Guide price: AED40 for Strike Zone, AED35 for play area, AED15 for bowling

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

Hi-tech amusement centre in Marina Mall with an impressive line-up of rides, including a roller coaster, bumper cars and an area for under fives.

Timings: Sun to Thu

10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight. Guide price: Varies by ride. Rollercoaster AED10 per ride.

02 5755155 or 050 6660739

Get up close to the national bird of the UAE and see it in full flight. Educational and informative tours are available in a number of languages.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am

to 2pm. All tours must be booked in advance. Guide price: AED220 for adults and AED80 for children with a meal, or AED170 for adults and AED60 for children without a meal

FUN WORLD

NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

Fun World at Al Muhairy Centre caters to youngsters up to eight years old with soft play areas, bumper cars and a bouncy castle.

Take the two-and-a-half-hour Twitcher's Tour, paddling past the mangroves and see a variety of birds, including herons.

02 6322255

Timings: Daily 9am to 1am Guide price: AED12 per game

SPARKY’S

Guide price: AED225 for visitors over 1.3m tall, AED185 for visitors below 1.3m. Premium tickets available 02 6815527

A state-of-the-art centre at Zayed Sports City with 40 international-standard lanes.

Camel racing

Birdwatching

FUN CITY

02 4034200

and 7 to 11pm. Ladies' day on Tuesdays is from 10am to 7pm. Guide price: AED40 for guests above 75cm tall and free for guests under 75cm

Timings: Tue to Sun

11am to 8pm

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL BOWLING CENTRE

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

AL WATHBA

Call the UAE Camel Race Association for directions to the camel race track.

Timings: Fri and Sat 7 to 9am and 2.30 to 4pm Guide price: Free

Cruising & sailing 02 6424222

Take a three-hour cruise and experience sunset over the Arabian Gulf.

Guide price: From AED750 per person ARABIAN DIVERS & SPORTFISHING CHARTERS

050 6146931

Charter a boat for cruises along the Corniche, around Abu Dhabi island or to visit the outlying desert islands.

Guide price: Call for details ART MARINE

04 3388955 or yas.charter@artmarine.net Take a cruise along Abu Dhabi's coastline and explore the islands, or charter a yacht for a fishing adventure.

Guide price: From AED750 per hour capt. tony's

02 6507175

This new sailing company offers island-exploration trips, hotel-hopping tours and sunset cruises, which can be tailored to suit guest preferences.

KIDOOS

ARMED FORCES OFFICERS’ CLUB

Timings: 8am to 8pm. Guide price:Weekdays AED150, weekends AED185.

This huge sports complex is an active family's paradise. Test your aim at the bowling centre which has four alleys.

NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

Kidoos at Abu Dhabi Mall offers arcade games, a climbing wall and a play area for younger children.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am

to 10pm, Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 2 to 11pm Guide price: AED17 for climbing wall, AED35 weekdays, AED 45 weekends for play area

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_AUH APR13.indd 68

02 4415900

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: Members and guests AED10 per game including shoe hire. Non-members AED15 per game

3 5

Guide price: Call for details

Timings: Check website for details Guide price: AED200

02 6459070

1. Camel racing 2. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 3. G-Force, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 4. Diving, Abu Dhabi 5. Desert safari, Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI CHARTERS

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 1.30pm, 4 to 10pm; Fri 3.30 to 11pm; Sat 10am to 10pm Guide price: From AED3.50 for arcade games, AED10 for bouncy castle and AED15 for soft play area

Bowling

HILTONIA BEACH CLUB

02 6811900

Charter the 31-foot, twin-engine Barracuda and enjoy sightseeing along the Corniche, island trips and snorkelling.

02 6503600 or noukhada.ae

Learn to sail or just enjoy the sailing experience on Hobie 18 and Hobie 16 catamarans.

Guide price: Three-hour island tour AED250 for adults and AED200 for children. 4

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T HE GUI D E / e xpe r ie nce

SHERATON ABU DHABI

02 6773333

Enjoy a sunset cruise along the Corniche to Emirates Palace, watching dolphins at play.

Guide price: AED50 per person for one hour

ARABIAN DIVERS & SPORTFISHING CHARTERS

050 6146931

PADI dive resort with equipment sales/services, private instruction and daily dive charters.

Guide price: Call for details

THE VILLAGE CLUB

OCEAN DIVE CENTRE

Take a relaxing one-hour cruise along the Corniche or a four-hour cruise to nearby Bahraini Island.

Full range of courses available from open water to assistant instructor. Located at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi.

02 4952000

02 6441696

HILTONIA BEACH CLUB

02 6811900

Charter a 31-foot, twinengine boat for a fishing trip for up to six people.

Guide price: AED750 including equipment, soft drinks and water NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPA

02 6503600 or noukhada.ae

Paddle out into the Arabian Sea and enjoy four hours of fishing. Noukhada promotes ‘catch and release’.

Guide price: Coastline cruise

Guide price: Call for details

THE YELLOW BOATS

Fishing

Get the adrenaline pumping on an ultimate thrill ride, or take a more relaxed cruise and enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace.

Individual hotels without marinas can also arrange fishing trips on request

Guide price: From AED150 for

ARABIAN DIVERS & SPORTFISHING CHARTERS

Enjoy fishing off the coast of Abu Dhabi or venture out to the deep sea to try your luck.

Big game sport-fishing adventures. Twin diesel sports-fishing boats, tournament tackle and IGFA-certified captains.

Guide price: Four-hour angler cruise costs AED400, six-hour deep-sea fishing cruise costs AED650

AED180, island cruise AED300

800 4044 or theyellowboats.com

adults, AED100 for children or AED450 for a family of four

Desert safari AL MASAOOD TRAVEL

02 6212100

Go deep into the Arabian Desert, driving over the towering dunes, before heading to a camp for camel riding, belly dancing, shisha and a barbecue.

Timings: Daily 4 to 9.30pm Guide price: Adults AED300, children AED240 ARABIAN ADVENTURES

050 6146931

Guide price: Call for details BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI

02 6443000

Hotel boat available for charter for fishing trips or sea cruises. Equipment, bait and beverages are included in the price.

Guide price: AED750 for three hours, AED1,300 for six hours

Flying FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

02 4448866

Charter a helicopter for business or pleasure and see the capital from a whole new perspective in air-conditioned comfort.

Guide price: AED1,250 per

person for 30-minute city tour

The weekend falls on Fridays and Saturdays. On Friday, the holy day of rest, opening hours for some shops and other attractions can change so it’s best to check before visiting.

02 6731111 or 050 5409041

Try and avoid showing the soles of your feet, if you are sitting down, for instance, as this is considered rude in local culture.

Guide price: Call for details

Taxis are usually easy to flag down in Dubai and Abu Dhabi when you are out and about in popular areas. Charges for pre-booked taxis between 7 and 10am and 4 and 8pm, Saturday to Wednesday, have a higher flag-down rate of AED10, up from AED6 at other times. Journey costs are around AED2 per kilometre.

AL MAHARA DIVING CENTRE

02 6437377 or divemahara.com

Offers a full range of PADI courses as well as diving trips and watersports.

Guide price: Call for details

Most of the UAE’s five-star hotels, malls and attractions have wheelchair facilities, but be sure to check before you go.

Marvel at the changing colours of the desert landscape at sunrise from above the dunes with a peaceful hot air balloon ride.

Championship course providing a tough, but fair, challenge with a nine-hole putting green, floodlit driving range and golf institute. Also offers night golf on the floodlit course.

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

IN THE KNOW: USEFUL TIPS

04 2854949

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

to Thu AED140, Fri and Sat AED190. AED60 for club hire and AED50 for buggy hire

Timings: 4.30 to 9.30pm Guide price: Half-day

BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

02 5588990 National Course (27 holes, 7,334 yards, par 72)

Brown fees: 18 holes Sun

Go dune bashing in a 4x4 across the sand dunes as the sun sets, ride camels at a Bedouin camp and then enjoy an Arabic barbecue dinner.

Hot air ballooning

Sun to Thu AED145, Fri and Sat AED195. Rates for 18 holes on request. Includes golf cart, water and towel

Sand course near Abu Dhabi International Airport that provides free transit visas and complimentary transport for those passing through.

02 6794658 or info@netgroupauh.com

Timings: Private lessons 6 to 10am, group lessons 4.30 to 8pm Guide price: Group lessons AED300, 20-minute pony riding AED50

Green fees: Nine holes

AL GHAZAL GOLF CLUB

NET TOURS

The Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club offers a riding club and show jumping arena with a stable of 100 horses. There are also horse races held on Sunday evenings during the racing season.

02 4459600 (Nine holes, 6,350 yards, par 70)

18 holes Sun to Thu AED525, Fri and Sat AED675. Twilight rate weekends AED350, weekdays from 2.30pm AED275. Night golf AED275. Includes golf cart and unlimited use of practice facilities

02 5578000 or sbgolfclub.ae (18 holes, 7,784 yards, par 72) Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, this beachfront course offers spectacular views of the Gulf waters and golfers may even spot dolphins.

Green fees: Sun to Wed

AED525, twilight rate (after 2pm) AED275. Thu to Sat AED675, twilight rate AED350. Includes use of golf cart, water and practice facilities YAS LINKS

02 8107777 (18 holes, 7,450 yards, par 72) The region's first links-style golf course with views of the coast from every hole.

Green fees: Sun to Thu

AED550, twilight rate (after 3pm) AED450. Fri and Sat AED850, twilight rate AED650

Racing season is November to March. For more information visit adec-web.com

02 4455500

Golf

Green fees: National Course,

Horse racing

ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB

AED350 for one hour

02 5758040 (18 holes, 6,450 yards, par 71)

AED315, children AED290

Part of the British Club, offers BSAC-certified courses as well as dive trips to Abu Dhabi and the East Coast.

to 2pm and 3 to 7pm, Fri 2 to 7pm. Closed Tue

Guide price: From

Set in the middle of a racecourse, the club has a golf academy and floodlit driving range and offers night golf with tee-off until 8.30pm.

02 4952000

Sky-high sights

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

THE VILLAGE CLUB

Timings: Daily Guide price: Adults

ABU DHABI SUB AQUA CLUB

Slip into the pilot's seat of a life-size Boeing 747-400 simulator and take flight.

ABU DHABI CITY GOLF CLUB

including fishing equipment. AED50 for each additional hour

Take a four-wheel drive journey over the rolling dunes of the desert, visit camel camps, watch the stunning Arabian sunset and enjoy a traditional barbecue feast.

Diving

02 5568555

Guide price: AED400,

02 6911711

desert safari, adults AED275, children AED200. Morning safari, adults AED140

Mutahida Flight Simulator

Guide price: AED995 for adults, AED850 for 5- to 12-year-olds

Ice skating For a bird’s-eye view of the emirate try one of these aerial activities… Hot air ballooning Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and watch the sun rise over the desert. This serene, yet exhilarating experience is a wonderful way to see the emirate. Seaplane flight Fly from Yas Island to Dubai Creek on a seaplane and see some of the UAE’s most famous sights, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa.

ABU DHABI ICE RINK

02 4034200

Located at Zayed Sports City, the rink can accommodate up to 400 skaters. Ice skating and hockey lessons are available.

Timings: 9am to 10pm daily. Thu ladies only Guide price: AED25 per hour. MARINA MALL ICE RINK

02 681 5806

This ice-skating rink at the heart of the mall is ideal for ice skaters of all skill levels. Lessons are available.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 11am to 11pm Guide price: AED40 for one hour. Includes skate hire, socks and protective pads

Helicopter tours Enjoy unrivalled views of the capital from the comfort of a helicopter and see the city’s latest developments such as Saadiyat and Sowwah islands, as well as the emirate’s coastal and desert beauty.

Island trips

Flight simulator Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a plane? Mutahida at Al Forsan International Sports Resort offers visitors the chance to fly a Boeing 747-400 simulator and choose the destination too.

Guide price: Day trips from 9.30am to 6pm cost AED250 per person

AL FUTAISI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

02 6666601

Futaisi island has 40 chalets and two villas, as well as other facilities such as a swimming pool, cycling, nature walks and horse riding.

HILTONIA BEACH CLUB

02 6811900

Up to six people can spend the day relaxing at Bahraini and Futaisi islands with pick-ups, drop-offs, drinks and umbrellas included.

Guide price: AED830

per person

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_AUH APR13.indd 69

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THE CORNICHE Hire a bicycle or buggy and pedal along the wide open paths. Visit the family beach and spend the day on a sunlounger, or enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the cafés and restaurants.

Timings: 7am to 10pm Guide price: Entry to family beach AED10, sunlounger AED25, buggy hire AED20 for 30 minutes, bicycle hire AED20 per hour

AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

Learn how to water ski, kneeboard and wake board, or perfect your technique on the obstacle course in a safe, confined environment.

THE FAIREST WAYS

Timings: Weekdays 3 to 10pm, weekends 10.30am to 10pm Guide price: AED125 for one hour or AED280 for a full day

Race track tour Wildlife parks IN THE KNOW: APPROPRIATE ATTIRE The UAE has a warm climate with year-round sun and very little rainfall. For most of the year, lightweight summer clothing is suitable, but on cooler winter evenings it can be advisable to take out a light jumper or cardigan. You may also want to have something slightly warmer to hand in the heavily air-conditioned shopping malls. Visitors are advised to show their respect for the local culture by dressing conservatively around the UAE. Swimwear may be worn on the beach and at hotel swimming pools, but take care to cover up before going into any public areas. There are no hard and fast rules that state how much skin a person may or may not display, but generally speaking it’s best to cover shoulders and thighs in public areas, particularly family attractions like shopping malls and parks.

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

ABU DHABI WILDLIFE CENTRE

Visit the pits, team garages and race control with a photo stop at the podium.

See cheetahs, tigers, leopards and other endangered species at this rescue and rehabilitation centre on the outskirts of the city.

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

Timings: Tue to Sat 10am and 2pm Guide price: AED120

Shooting CARACAL SHOOTING CLUB

02 4416404 NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

Motorsports

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

DRAG RACING

Guide price: Two-hour

Hit 250kmh in five seconds in a drag car driven by a world champion at the Yas Drag Racing Centre, or race your friends in the Chevrolet Camaro SS

Paddle to nearby islands on this three-hour trip, stopping off to enjoy the quiet life and take photos at areas only accessible by boat. eco tour AED220, 1.5-hour mangrove tour AED150, threehour island tour AED250

Karting AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

Experience motorsport on a smaller scale racing around a circuit in karts for cadets, senior racers and advanced racers. Arrive and drive sessions are available.

Timings: Daily 3 to 11pm Guide price: From

AED120 for 15 minutes

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

This new go-karting centre has 40 karts for both adults and children.

Timings: Tue to Sun 3 to 11pm Guide price: Adults

AED120, children under 13 AED100 for 10 minutes

Kayaking NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

Venture into the mangroves on this one-and-a-halfhour kayak tour that is suitable for all levels.

Guide price: AED450 per person

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: Three-seat dragster passenger experience from AED500. Formula Yas 3000 experience AED1,200. Off-road buggies AED200 adults and AED150 children. FORMULA ONE

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

Experience the thrill of Formula One, screeching around Yas Marina Circuit at top speed as a passenger in an F1 two-seater. Alternatively, get behind the wheel of the Formula Yas 3000.

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: AED11,500. Formula Yas 3000 experience AED1,200 OFF-ROAD BUGGIES

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

Race buggies around the circuit with machines for all levels of experience.

Timings: Daily 3 to 11pm Guide price: From AED200 for

10km session

YAS Racing School

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

Drive race cars and sports cars or take a hot lap with a professional driver.

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: AED950 to drive, AED350 for hot lap with a driver. Private tuition starts at AED1,500

Mountain biking NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

02 6503600 or noukhada.ae

Take an all-terrain bike ride into the desert. See camels feeding, people riding horses, an Arabian sunset and a star-filled sky.

Guide price: AED250 per person

Paintball AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

Stage a shootout in the wild west or a Pacific warzone with special effects and air-conditioning.

Timings: Weekdays 3 to 10pm, weekends 10.30am to 10pm Guide price: From AED120 for 200 balls ARMED FORCES OFFICERS’ CLUB & HOTEL

02 4415900

Test your commando skills, take aim and let off a bit of steam.

Timings: 1 to 10pm Guide price: AED 150 per person per game including gear and 100 balls

Parks & gardens SHEIKH KHALIFA PARK Situated in Al Matar near Al Bateen Airport, the park features gardens that reflect Arabic and Islamic architecture with lakes, fountains and canals.

Timings: 10am to 11pm Guide price: AED1

Choose from a variety of pistols and rifles then take aim at the 25m target shooting range. Located at the Armed Forces Officers' Club & Hotel, there is also a 10m simulation shooting range, retail outlet and a coffee shop.

Timings: Sat to Thu noon to 10pm, Fri 2 to 10pm Guide price: 22lr AED180 and 9mm AED205. AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

050 6144024 or wrsmuts@emirates.net.ae

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 5pm Guide price: One-hour guided tour AED45 for adults, AED35 for children under 12 years Emirates PARK Zoo

02 5633100 or kidsparkuae.com

Meet, touch and help feed a variety of creatures including camels, emus, raccoons, boa constrictor and the park's newest attractions, five fur seals, which can be seen during daily shows.

Timings: Sun to Wed 9.30am

to 8pm; Thu to Sat and public holidays 9.30am to 9pm Guide price: AED20 for adults, AED15 for children, AED60 family ticket (two adults and three children). Extra AED5 for the Ocean Park

AL AIN

Catering for all skill levels, this expansive sports resort offers Olympic disciplines and sporting clays along with handgun and rifle ranges.

Timings: Weekdays 3 to 10pm, weekends 10.30am to 10pm Guide price: From AED150

Skydiving

Camel racing

SPACE WALK INDOOR SKYDIVING

AL MAQAM CAMEL RACE TRACK

Experience the thrill of a free fall without the fear of jumping from a plane at this wind tunnel located at the Abu Dhabi Country Club.

Get up early in the winter months for a unique and authentic Emirati cultural experience.

02 6577601

Guide price: Introductory ticket AED180, family package AED720

02 5839200

Timings: Fri to Sat 7 to 9am approximately Guide price: Free of charge

Watersports

Family amusements

Hotels can organise watersports on request, while some have their own facilities.

BAWADI MALL ENTERTAINMENT

Guide price:

Jetskiing AED180 for 30 minutes Wake boarding AED150 for 20 minutes Water skiing AED75 for 20 minutes Wind surfing from AED160 per hour

03 7840000

Spanning 10,000 square metres, this family entertainment centre includes a 12-lane bowling alley and Fun Ski Village.

Timings: SUN to Wed 10am to midnight, Thu and Fri 10am to 1am. Guide price: Call for details

Abu Dhabi’s golf courses are on a par with the best in the world Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, par 72 Known for its spectacular scenery, the Gary Playerdesigned course runs alongside a pristine coastline where nesting Hawksbill turtles can sometimes be spotted. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, par 72 Home to the annual HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, this immaculate course has hosted many of the world’s leading golfers and is conveniently situated just 15 minutes from the city centre. Yas Links, par 72 Designed by Kyle Philips, this is the Middle East’s first true links course and also features a nine-hole academy course that is floodlit for evening games. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, par 70 Set in the middle of a race track, this nine-hole course presents golfers with a mixed bag and an interesting game for players of all levels Al Ghazal Golf Club, par 71 The course offers a traditional take on golf in Abu Dhabi with its sand surface and location around an ancient archaeological site.

LISTINGS_EXPERIENCE_AUH APR13.indd 70

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HILI FUN CITY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK

03 7845542

A family-friendly destination with landscaped gardens and a fun park, with nine new rides. There are cafés and restaurants as well. The adjacent archaeological park dates to the third millennium BCE and makes an interesting day out.

Timings: Mon to Thu 4 to 10pm , Fri 10am to 10pm, Sat noon to midnight. Wed ladies only. Closed Sunday Guide price: Mon and Tue AED35, Wed to Sat AED40, including rides

Golf AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

03 7026400

(18 holes, 6,584 yards, par 71) Enjoy a round of golf and test out the newly opened back nine holes with lighting and 42-bay driving range, or get some tips from the professionals at the golf academy.

Green fees: Nine holes AED215 on weekdays, or AED245 on weekend; 18 holes AED300 on weekdays or AED390 on weekends. Includes use of driving range and golf cart. Ninehole academy course AED100 AL AIN GOLF CLUB

03 7686808

(Nine holes, Par 3) Sand course with a clubhouse and practice putting green. Clubs can be hired.

Green fees: Nine holes AED50 HILTON AL AIN GOLF CLUB

03 7686666

(Nine holes, par 3) Golf resort with facilities including a health club, two swimming pools and four floodlit tennis courts.

Green fees: Nine holes AED23

Hot air ballooning BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

04 2854949

Take to the skies in a hot air balloon and marvel at the changing colours of the desert landscape at sunrise.

Guide price: AED950 for adults, AED800 for 5- to 12-year-olds

Ice skating AL AIN ICE RINK, HILI FUN CITY

03 7845542

Enjoy an ice skating session with family and friends at this Olympic-size ice rink, which also offers ladiesand children-only days. It is located next door to Hili Fun City amusement park.

Timings: Mon to Thu 4 to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm, Sat noon to 10pm Guide price: Sun to Tue AED35, Wed to Sat AED35

AL AIN MALL ICE RINK

03 7660333

The ice rink hosts regular skating sessions, monthly family ice shows and hockey tournaments.

Water park

Horse riding

Wadi Adventure

Sir Bani Yas Stables

Go kayaking, white water rafting and surfing or test your skills on the adventure course.

Enjoy a two-hour horse ride along sandy beaches or take a lesson to improve your skills and confidence. Wildlife rides will be introduced soon.

03 7818422

Timings: Sat to Wed

10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED25 for 1.5 hours

Timings: Sun, Tue, Wed noon to 11pm; Thu noon to midnight; Fri 9am to midnight; Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: Entry adults AED100, children under 1.2m AED50. Surf pool, kayaking and whitewater rafting AED100

BAWADI MALL SKATING RINK

03 7840000

This artificial skating rink is suitable for metal blade and roller shoes. There is also a 12-lane bowling alley nearby.

Wildlife park

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to

10pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Fri noon to midnight Guide price: AED25 for two hours, includes skate hire

AL AIN Zoo

03 7828188

A desert-themed zoo with animals from the local area and African savannahs.

Karting

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

to 7pm; Fri 10am to 8pm Guide price: Adults AED15, children AED5, free for children under three years

AL AIN RACEWAY

03 7686662

State-of-the-art floodlit facility suitable for drivers aged eight years and upwards. Offers 'arrive and drive' sessions for individuals and small groups.

AL GHARBIA

Timings: Mon to Wed 2.30 to 10pm, Thu and Fri 2.30 to 11pm, Sat 10.30am to 6pm. Closed Sunday Guide price: AED150 for 15 minutes, AED250 for 30 minutes, AED400 for one hour

04 2854949

Guide price: AED250 for two-hour Royal Bay Ride, lessons from AED200

Island trips SIR BANI YAS ISLAND

02 8015400

Located 8km off Abu Dhabi’s mainland and 250km west of the capital, Sir Bani Yas Island is home to 23 species of free-roaming animals.

Guide price: Call for details

Kayaking DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

02 8015400

Explore the quiet waters of Sir Bani Yas Island and discover rare birds, fish and wild gazelle.

Guide price: AED60

Parks & gardens

Camel trekking

GREEN MUBAZZARAH HOT SPRINGS At the foot of Jebel Hafeet, Green Mubazzarah is a park of rolling grassy hills with streams, hot springs and waterfalls. It is a popular location for weekend picnics.

02 8862088

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT Explore the Rub Al Khali, trekking through vast sand valleys. 6. Indoor Skydiving 7. Al Ain Wildlife Park 8. Jetski

Guide price: Free

Shooting

Timings: 6am and 8am (40

minutes), 4.45pm (25 minutes), 5.45pm (50 minutes) Guide price: AED135 for 40 minutes, AED60 for 25 minutes, AED195 for 50 minutes

Cruising & sailing

AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

03 7026500

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

Try your hand at skeet and trap shooting as well as range shooting from 10 to 50 metres with rifles and pistols.

02 8015400

Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise around Sir Bani Yas Island, spotting dolphins and dugongs.

Timings: Mon to Sat 2 to 10pm Guide price: From

Guide price: Sunset

AED90 for 50 rounds

cruise AED250

Skiing

Desert safari

BAWADI MALL SKI VILLAGE

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT

03 7840000

Polish your snow plough technique on the artificial ski slope or slide downhill on a big rubber ring.

02 8862088

Explore the desert by four-wheel drive, either through the sand dunes or along a flat track.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Fri 2pm to midnight, Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Skiing AED60 for two hours, includes equipment

Timings: Dunes 6am, 8.30am, 5.45pm. Flat sand 10.30am, 3.30pm Guide price: AED175

Mountain biking DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

02 8015400

Explore the rugged landscape of Sir Bani Yas Island with two trails suitable for all levels.

Guide price: AED60 QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT

02 8862088

Start the day with an energising cycle across the desert while the sun rises from behind the dunes.

Timings: 6am Guide price: AED60

Snorkelling DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

02 8015400

Explore the rich underwater world near Sir Bani Yas Island on a snorkelling tour.

Guide price: AED200

Wildlife park ARABIAN WILDLIFE PARK

02 8015400

Taking up much of Sir Bani Yas Island, this nature reserve is home to free-roaming cheetahs, Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes and much more.

Guide price: Nature and wildlife drive AED100, nature walk AED60

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Shop

From haute couture to traditional souvenirs, Abu Dhabi is a shopping haven with spacious malls and atmospheric souks

Malls

DALMA MALL

MUSHRIF MALL

Abu Dhabi's biggest mall has 480 shops, including speciality retail stores, restaurants and entertainment options.

Abu Dhabi’s newest mall with more than 200 outlets stocking fashion, accessories, jewellery, cosmetics, beauty and electronics, as well as dining and entertainment facilities.

02 5506111

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight HAMDAN CENTRE

02 6904422

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm

02 6328555

Abu Dhabi

Houses fashion, sports equipment, jewellery and souvenirs at reasonable prices in addition to a cinema complex.

ABU DHABI MALL

02 6454858

Al Ain AL AIN MALL

Abu Dhabi Mall is one of the main attractions on the shopping scene with over 220 retail outlets, plus entertainment options.

Timings: Daily 10am to 1.30pm and 5 to 10.30pm

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 3.30 to 11pm

Spread over three levels with distinctive Islamic architecture, this mall has everything from fashion to furnishings.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri to Sat 10am to 11pm

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm

03 7638883

KHALIDIYAH MALL

02 6354000

AL RAHA MALL

02 5562229

Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Yas Island, this mall has an array of fashion outlets plus a cinema and food court.

MADINAT ZAYED SHOPPING CENTRE & GOLD CENTRE

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 2 to 11pm

02 6333311

The 400 outlets sell just about everything, while the adjacent Gold Centre is the ideal place to browse for gold, diamond and pearl jewellery.

AL WAHDA MALL

02 4437000, 02 4437070

With over 150 shops covering three floors, Al Wahda Mall houses fashion, jewellery and beauty stores as well as entertainment and restaurants. 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm Avenue at etihad towers

More than 110 shops to choose from offering a wide variety of products from fashion and jewellery to health and beauty.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 2 to 10pm BAWADI MALL

03 7840000

MARINA MALL

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight

A retail haven with a waterfront setting, Marina Mall has over 300 stores, a 100-metre-high viewing platform and an ice skating rink.

This newly opened exclusive boulevard is home to almost 40 luxury shops, showcasing designer labels and high-end brands, spread across two levels.

1. Spice Souk 2. Al Ain Bawadi Mall 3. Gold Souk 4. The Souk Central market 5. Marina Mall

AL JIMI MALL

Al Ain’s newest and largest mall offers an indoor ski slope, cinema, bowling alley, skating rink, family entertainment centre and almost 400 shops.

02 6818300

800 3844238

Offers over 100,000 square metres of retail and entertainment space spread over three floors, with cinemas, an ice skating rink and a bowling alley.

Timings: Sat to Fri 9am

to 11pm. Gold Centre Sat to Thu 9am to 2pm and 4 to 11pm, Fri 4 to 11pm

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to

03 7660333

Souks

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to 11pm

Timings: Call for store timings

Abu Dhabi CENTRAL MARKET

02 8107810

Shop for traditional souvenirs, spices, jewellery, perfumes, sunglasses and electronics at this modern souk.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 11pm

NAVIGATE THE SOUKS Abu Dhabi’s souks offer an authentic shopping experience. With everything from spices to textiles and gold, they are a haven for hidden treasures. Put your bargaining skills to the test, as prices of most items can be reduced by up to 75 percent – except for gold which is sold by weight and the price is more or less fixed. .

LISTINGS_SHOP_AUH APR13.indd 72

THE SOUK AT QARYAT AL BERI

02 5581670

Located next to the Shangri-La hotel is this classy, Arabian-themed souk with Venetian canals and a variety of shops and restaurants.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri 4 to 10pm

21/04/2013 16:28

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Taste

Superb restaurants and glamorous cocktail bars make Abu Dhabi a stylish and sophisticated choice for fine food and drink

Hotel outlets & promotions

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Tourist Club Area

Yas Island

02 6979000

Grade A steak is cooked to perfection by the head chef at Rodeo Grill and his indulgent chocolate dessert is a must-try for diners with a sweet tooth.

Al Maha Arjaan

02 6106666

Al Markaziyah City Café offers Mexican on Mondays, pasta on Tuesdays, Indian on Wednesdays and brunch on Fridays for AED95. An à la carte menu with salad, soup, main and dessert is available on Thursdays and Saturdays for AED75 and Sunday feaures a seafood buffet for AED130. City Café – International

Aloft Abu Dhabi

02 6545013

Al Safarat

Asian Tapas Nights at Relax@12, take place every Saturday and Sunday from 5.30pm for AED99 per person. Two glasses of house wine are included in the price. For international fare and lounge-pods-for-two complemented by an eclectic mix of laid-back tunes, don’t miss the evening brunch at Mai Café every Thursday from 6.30pm. Dine – International Mai Café – International Relax@12 – International WXYZ Bar - Bar

Al Raha Beach Hotel

02 5080555

Al Raha Beach This month brings Seafood Blues & Jazz night every Thursday at Sevilla where, for AED220 per person, you can pile your plate high with fresh catch of the day, including lobster, shrimp, oysters and mussels. Al Manzil – International Azur Restaurant – Mediterranean Black Pearl – Piano bar Enigma – Nightclub Sevilla Restaurant – International Wanasah – Arabic

Al Rawda Arjaan Abu Dhabi

02 4035000

Al Wahda

Choose Continental cuisine from the à la carte menu at Al Dar or the international buffet for speciality dishes. Enjoy a light snack and coffee at Moka Cafe. Al Dar – International Moka Café – International

Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel

02 4415900

Al Maqtaa

Head to Taverna for barbecue buffet nights every Wednesday with two house beverages included for AED120. Al Bathna – International Kennedy – European Taverna – Tex-Mex

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Bay View – Beach restaurant Benihana – American/Japanese Brauhaus – German Essence – International Finz – Seafood Indigo – Indian Prego’s – Italian Rodeo Grill – American steakhouse Trader Vic’s – French Polynesian

Centro Yas Island

02 6564444

Yas Island

C.Taste has introduced theme evenings for AED89. Enjoy roasts on Mondays, burgers on Tuesdays, pasta on Wednesdays and barbecue on Thursdays for AED99 per person. C.Deli – Deli C.Mondo – Lounge bar C.Taste – International buffet

Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi

02 6520000

Madinat Zayed A special offer on summer mocktails at Gems Restaurant features refreshing, fruity beverages for AED20 this month. Gems Restaurant – International

Cristal Salam Hotel

02 6597666

Tourist Club Area Drop in at Vertical bar during happy hour from 5 to 8pm when drinks are half price or swing by on a Wednesday for Spanish Night with tasty tapas for AED99 per person and entertainment by Spanish guitarist, Vincente Allende. For a really indulgent dessert, champagne and strawberries with a chocolate or cream dip can be enjoyed for just AED325. 2.35 – International & Middle Eastern

02 6563000

All you can eat mussels for AED160 per person draws seafood lovers to Stills every Monday, then on Thursday they head over to Jing Asia to enjoy the live sushi station. Barouk – Lebanese Jing Asia – Asian buffet Stills Bar & Brasserie – European bar and restaurant Sundowner – Bar

02 6561000

Eastern Mangroves Start the day with a kayaking tour of the mangroves followed by a well-deserved breakfast for AED225 per person. The experience lasts one hour and 20 minutes in total and the delectable breakfast buffet at Ingredients tastes even better after working up an appetite on the water. On Tuesdays Impressions hosts a wine and cheese night with unlimited vintages, artisan cheeses and crudités for AED149 per person. Mangroves Lounge – Lounge bar Ingredients – All-day international Pachaylen – Thai restaurant Impressions – Rooftop lounge

Emirates Palace

02 6909000

Ras Al Akhdar Dine in style at award-winning Italian restaurant, Mezzaluna or sample some authentic local cuisine at Mezlai, Abu Dhabi's first Emirati restaurant. For five-star Asian fare there is nowhere better than Hakkasan while Sayad is one the capital's top seafood restaurants.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

BBQ Al Qasr – Al fresco dining Breeze Lounge – Spanish bar Cascades – International Diwan L’Auberge – Lebanese Etoiles – European restaurant and nightclub Hakkasan – Chinese Havana Club – Wine and cigar lounge Las Brisas – International Le Café & Caviar Bar – Caviar bar Le Vendôme – International buffet Mezlai – Emirati Mezzaluna – Italian Sayad – Seafood

Al Markaziyah

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Enjoy Thai specialities prepared by Chef Sonthaya at Cho Gao, which is featuring an extended menu throughout May for lunch and dinner. Fans of asparagus can head over to Spaccanapoli, where Chef Carmelo has prepared a special menu based around the nutritious vegetable.

Bain Al Jessrain

Vertical – Wine bar

02 6166122

Cho Gao – Asian Heroes Bar – Sports bar Level Lounge – Rooftop bar Spaccanapoli – Italian The Garden – International Vincent’s – Cocktail bar

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

1. Rodeo Grill, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi 2. Camel Milk soft chocolate, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara 3. Sayad, Emirates Palace 4. The Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi

02 6543000

The Friday brunch here is one of the largest in the city with 18 food stations spread across CuiScene and Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Bar. Al Naba’a Lounge – Afternoon tea Cedar Lounge – Lebanese Chameleon – Champagne bar CuiScene – International buffet Frankie’s – Italian Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill – Steakhouse Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Bar – Italian The Chocolate Gallery

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T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

Grand Millennium Al Wahda

02 4439999

Al Wahda

Porto Bello has launched a new menu featuring awardwinning speciality dishes and light, refreshing delicacies for the summer months. Porters hosts a different themed night every evening of the week while during the day those on a busy schedule can pop in for the business lunch, where all dishes are guaranteed to be on the table within 25 minutes.

ARABIC TASTE

Hala Arjaan by Rotana

02 4180000

Tourist Club Area

Ras Al Akdar Contemporary seafood restaurant, The Beach has a choice of indoor or al fresco dining overlooking the pool or beach.

Hilton Abu Dhabi

02 6811900

Al Khubeirah

Horizon – International buffet The Beach – Seafood Sunset Bar – Beach restaurant

Chef Guiseppe Mosti has put together a delicious daily organic menu at Italian fine-dining restaurant, Bocca, a theme continued over the road at the hotel's popular Portuguese eatery, Vasco's. Arabic Cafe – Arabic

Al Safarat

Try the revamped menu featuring 16 new dishes at 18º, where delicious Mediterranean fare is cooked in open show kitchens. For an indulgent and sophisticated treat, go along to the new wine and cheese night every Wednesday at Privé where a selection of 20 artisan cheeses will be available to enjoy with premium vintages for AED130 per person. 18° – Eastern Mediterranean Lounge – Tea lounge and bar Profiterole – Pastries Privé – Bar

InterContinental Abu Dhabi

800 423463

Al Bateen

Round-off the week with a hearty barbecue in a laidback setting every Saturday at Belgian Café. Friday sees a lavish culinary display for the hotel's Marina brunch, which includes cooking stations from Chamas, Boccaccio and Belgian Cafe. Prices range from AED216 to AED250, Belgian Café – Belgian bar and restaurant Boccaccio – Italian Chamas Churrascaria & Bar – Brazilian restaurant and bar Piano Lounge – Piano bar Selections – International Fishmarket – Seafood The Yacht Club – Asian restaurant and bar

Situated up on the 63rd floor, Quest serves delicious panAsian fare in a vibrant environment accompanied by a stunning panorama. An equally impressive view can be gained on the 74th floor where Observation Deck serves the highest high tea in Abu Dhabi.

02 6570000

The Gallery – International

02 5961234

Ras Al Akhdar

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

The Gallery all-day dining restaurant offers international flavours served with flair.

HYATT CAPITAL GATE

02 8115555

Li Beirut – Lebanese Nahaam – International Observation Deck – High tea Quest – Asian fusion Ray’s Bar – Bar Rosewater - International Scott’s – Seafood Tori No Su – Japanese Bice – Italian

Al Wahda – International buffet Porto Bello – Italian Porters – Pub Reflexions – Nightclub

Bocca – Italian Cinnabar – Nightclub Escape Restaurant – Beachfront restaurant Hemingway’s – American bar and restaurant Jazz Bar & Dining – Jazz bar La Terrazza – Mediterranean Mawal – Lebanese Royal Orchid – Asian Toki – Japanese Vasco’s – International

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

02 6446666

Tourist Club Area

Hummous: Well known and loved even beyond the Middle East, this Arabic dip or spread is made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with ground sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Moutabel: A delicious and spicy smoked aubergine dip that is popular in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Fattoush: This Levantine salad is made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread and mixed with lettuce, cucumber, onion and other vegetables. Sambusek: Small, triangular pastry pies filled with cheese, meat or spinach. Ouzi: This popular baked lamb and spiced rice dish is a favourite during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month. Umm Ali: Similar to bread and butter pudding served in the west, this favourite Arabic dessert contains milk, pastry and nuts, and is a staple dish in many buffets.

Mussels, lobster, oysters, crab and fillets of fresh seafood grilled to perfection will greet diners every Monday at Le Brasserie this month. The new menu at French eaterie, Le Bistrot, features an array of gastronomic delights, including foie gras, escargots and bouillabasse. Al Birkeh – Lebanese Captain’s Arms – English pub Chi Chi’s – Tex-Mex G-Club – Nightclub La Brasserie – International Le Bistrot – French/sustainable NRG Sports Bar – Sports bar Opus Bar – Bar Pappagallo – Italian Talay – Thai Wakataua Terrace – Polynesian outdoor lounge

Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi

800 101101

Al Markaziyah What better way to start off the weekend than with a delicious meal by the pool? The Friday brunch at Amalfi offers just that with its al fresco buffet, where diners can help themselves to a wide selection of dishes from around the world for AED140 to AED170 per person. Al Fanar – European Amalfi – Italian Illusions – Nightclub P.J. O’Reilly’s – Irish pub Imago - Bar and restaurant Sax Restaurant Club – International restaurant and bar The Piano Lounge – Cocktail lounge

Mercure Centre Hotel

02 6333555

Al Markaziyah Couscous fans can book a table at Le Beaujolais on Thursdays this month, where the chef will be serving a series of tasty dishes based around the grain. Le Beaujolais – Bistro Le Jardin – International buffet Le Privé – French Mood Indigo – Lounge bar Pergola – Sports bar China Restaurant – chinese

DINE BY CUISINE ARABIC Wanasah – Al Raha Beach Hotel Barouk – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Diwan L’Auberge – Emirates Palace Hakkasan – Emirates Palace Mezlai – Emirates Palace Arabic Café – Hilton Abu Dhabi Mawal – Hilton Abu Dhabi Li Beirut – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Al Birkeh – Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Marakesh – Millenium Hotel Abu Dhabi Pearls & Caviar – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Shang Palace – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Al Hawara – The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi ArganaVert – The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi Agadir – The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Atayeb - Yas Viceroy Hotel Min Zaman – Al Ain Rotana Hotel Makani Café – Hilton Al Ain Eden Rock – Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet Al Waha – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

ASIAN Benihana – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Cho Gao – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Jing Asia - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Pachaylen - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa Royal Orchid – Hilton Abu Dhabi Toki - Hilton Abu Dhabi The Yacht Club Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Quest - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Tori No Su - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Talay - Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Soba - Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi China Restaurant Mercure Centre Hotel Wokcano - One to One Hotel, The Village Rouge - Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi Hoi Ann - Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Silk and Spice - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Sontaya - St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Kazu - Yas Viceroy Hotel Noodle Box – Yas Viceroy Hotel The Wok – Danat Al Ain Resort Orient Café – Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet

INDIAN Indigo – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Rangoli – Yas Island Rotana Angar – Yas Viceroy Hotel Tanjore – Danat Al Ain Resort

INTERNATIONAL Dine – Aloft Abu Dhabi Al Manzil – Al Raha

Beach Hotel Sevilla Restaurant – Al Raha Beach Hotel Al Dar – Al Rawda Arjaan Abu Dhabi Al Bathna – Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel Essence – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi C.Taste – Centro Yas Island Gems Restaurant – Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi 2.35 – Cristal Salam Hotel The Garden – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Ingredients – Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa BBQ Al Qasr – Emirates Palace Cascades – Emirates Palace Las Brisas – Emirates Palace Le Vendôme – Emirates Palace CuiScene – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Al Wahda – Grand Millenium Al Wahda The Gallery – Hala Arjaan by Rotana Vasco’s – Hilton Abu Dhabi Selections – Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Chamas Churrascaria & Bar – Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Nahaam – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Rosewater – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Horizon – Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana La Brasserie – Le Méridien Abu Dhabi L’Opera Brasserie – Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi Le Jardin – Mercure Centre Hotel Citrus – Millenium Hotel Abu Dhabi Resto – One to One Hotel, The Village The Village Club – One to One Hotel, The Village Horizon Restaurant – Oryx Hotel West Side – Oryx Hotel The Café – Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant – Park Inn Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Mint – Park Inn Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Ginger All-Day Dining – Park Rotana Teatro – Park Rotana Assymetri – Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island Oceana Grill – Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi Noche – Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi Sofra Bld – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Cloud Nine – Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant – Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Flavours – Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Downtown – Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel La Veranda – Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel Corniche All Day Dining – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Optimist – The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi Fairways – The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Afya – Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Afya Beach Lounge – Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri Choices – Yas Island Rotana Origins – Yas Viceroy Hotel Zest – Al Ain Rotana Hotel

Ayla Restaurant – Ayla Hotel Arabesque – Danat Al Ain Resort Flavours – Hilton Al Ain Paco’s – Hilton Al Ain Tides – Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort The Palm – Desert Islands Resort & Spa Al Badiya – Tilal Liwa Hotel

MEDITERRANEAN Azur Restaurant – Al Raha Beach Hotel Prego’s – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Breeze Lounge – Emirates Palace Mezzaluna – Emirates Palace Frankie’s – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Porto Bello – Grand Millenium Al Wahda Bocca – Hilton Abu Dhabi La Terrazza – Hilton Abu Dhabi 18° – Hyatt Capital Gate Boccaccio – Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Bice – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Pappagallo – Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Amalfi – Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi Sevilo’s – Millenium Hotel Abu Dhabi Beach House – Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Filini – Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island Oro – Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi La Mamma – Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Olea – St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Amici – Yas Viceroy Hotel Luce – Danat Al Ain Resort Casa Romana Restaurant – Hilton Al Ain Zaitoun – Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort Ghadeer – Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

SEAFOOD Finz – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Le Café & Caviar Bar – Emirates Palace Sayad – Emirates Palace Cedar Lounge – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Fishmarket – Intercontinental Abu Dhabi Scott’s – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers The Beach – Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana Oceans Seafood Kitchen & Lounge – Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi Sennara – One to One Hotel, The Village La Mer – Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Turquoiz – St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Nautilus – Yas Viceroy Hotel

STEAKHOUSES Rodeo Grill - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill 18 OZ – One to One Hotel, The Village Park Bar & Grill - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas 55 & 5th, The Grill – St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Blue Grill – Yas Island Rotana Suhail - Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

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Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi

02 6262700

Al Markaziyah Sevilo's runs a Mamma Mia Serata promotion every Thursday offering guests an Italian feast of antipasti dishes, two mains and dessert for AED160. Citrus – International Cristal Cigar & Champagne Bar – Champagne bar Marakesh – Moroccan Sevilo’s – Italian

One to One Hotel The Village

02 4952000

Al Nahyan

Choose from a wide selection of fresh-caught seafood dishes for AED85 per person at the Sennara Luncheon every Saturday. Over at Wokcano the emphasis is on Filippino dishes this month with an open buffet for AED90 per person. The Village Club serves up tasty barbecues in an alchol-free environment accompanied by live entertainment in the garden. 18 OZ – Steakhouse Resto! – International buffet Sennara – Lebanese seafood The Village Club – International Wokcano – Asian

Oryx Hotel

02 6810001

Al Khalidiyah Choose steak, salad and seafood from the à la carte menu and enjoy a dazzling view of the city as you dine at Horizon before heading to Blueline Bar for a nightcap. Blueline Bar – Bar Horizon Terrace – International Horizon Restaurant – International West Side – International

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas 5. Corniche All Day Dining, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche 6. Hakkasan, Emirates Palace 7. Nahaam, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 8. Hoi An, Shangri-La Hotel, Quayat Al Beri

02 4071234

Saadiyat Island Friday brunch at The Café is a feast of Arabian and international cuisine with a large selection of seafood, including oysters, smoked salmon, marinated kingfish and prawns from AED200 per person. At Beach House delicious Mediterranean dishes are served on sharing platters and best enjoyed on the terrace or the rooftop right next to the sea. For some of the best steak in town, book at table at Park Bar & Grill, where grade A cuts of beef are complemented by premium vintages from the venue's extensive wine cellar. Beach House – Mediterranean Park Bar & Grill – Steak and seafood/bar The Café – International The Library – Tea lounge The Park Bar – Cocktail bar

Park Inn Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

02 6562222

Yas Island

Ameringo's Mexican Bar & Restaurant offers three tapas and a pint of Spanish beer for AED99 every Monday night from 6 to 11pm. Wednesday is steak night for AED105, although prices vary according to the type of steak you order. Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant – Mexican Mint – International buffet

Park Rotana

02 6573333

Al Matar

Soak up the creative atmosphere at Teatro and take your pick from the mouthwatering selection of fushion dishes on the menu, which hail from Thailand, Japan, Italy, India, China and beyond. Ginger All-Day Dining has given its brunch a makeover and now offers a family Friday fiesta for AED150 to AED200 per person. Ginger All-Day Dining – International buffet Cooper's Bar & Restaurant – British gastro pub Teatro – International

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

02 5098555

Bain Al Jessrain Start with Loch Fyne oysters before moving on to a large selection of seafood delicacies at Pearls & Caviar. Prices range from AED249 to AED349 per person. Al Hanah – Wine bar Bord Eau – French Hoi An – Vietnamese Pearls & Caviar – Mediterranean restaurant and bar Shang Palace – Chinese Sofra bld – International

Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort

Yas Island

Al Markaziyah

02 6562000

On Friday afternoons, the Yas brunch is in full swing with food from across the world prepared at live cooking stations. Prices start at AED195 per person. Wednesdays are Flavours of Asia night at Assymetri with a selection of culinary treats from across the continent available for AED145 per person.

02 6773333

Fill up on tasty Italian cuisine at La Mamma or stop in at Bravo Spanish Tapas Bar for a selection of delicious bite-size treats.

Assymetri – International buffet Fast Track Lobby Bar – Cocktail lounge Filini – Italian restaurant and bar

B-Lounge by Beachcomber – Outdoor lounge Bravo Tapas Bar & Restaurant – Spanish Cloud Nine – International El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant – Mexican Flavours – International La Mamma – Italian The Tavern – English pub The Beachcomber – Tapas

Ritz-carlton abu dhabi. grand canal

Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel

Bain Al Jessrain

Al Khalidiyah

02 8188888

Li Jiang serves a tasty fusion of contemporary Chinese and Southeast Asian fare in an energetic supermarket-style restaurant while over at The Forge prime cuts of beef are complemented by an extensive beverage list, which can be browsed at at the restaurant's glass-fronted wine cellar. Giornotte – International The Forge – Steak house Li Jiang – Asian Mijana – Lebanese Sorso – Bar Dolce – Italian Café Al Fresco – Pool bar Alba – lobby lounge

ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

02 8135550

Al Maryah Island Sambusek serves authentic Lebanese fare with an emphasis on fresh seafood while Aqua offers a special antipasti selection for lunch to accompany à la carte dishes based on Northern Italian cuisine. For a romantic meal in a cozy setting complete with great food, head straight to Catalan. Catalan – Spanish La Cava – Wine cellar Hidden Bar – Lounge bar Aqua – Italian Sambusek – Lebanese

AL MAQTA HOTEL

02 4952000

Al Riyadiya Soak up the sultry atmosphere at Rouge, where a blend of Chinese and Japanese dishes are served. Oro – Italian Oceana Grill – International Rouge – Asian Brown's Tea Lounge – Light bites Noche – South American Blue – Cocktail bar

02 6666220

Downtown Restaurant has a three-course set dinner menu every night starting from AED99, which includes soup, main course and dessert. During the day, there is a business lunch from noon to 4pm for AED85. Downtown – International La Veranda – International buffet The 3rd Avenue – Bar

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

02 8137777

Al Markaziyah Feast on fresh Gulf seafood prepared in French style at La Mer, while Silk and Spice offers a contemporary take on Thai cuisine in a traditional setting. Jazz 'N Fizz Bar offers live music with chilled-out tunes, jazz and bossa nova. Corniche All Day Dining – International Jazz ’N Fizz Bar – bar La Mer – French seafood Silk and Spice – Thai

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

02 4988888

Saadiyat Island Anyone with a taste for exclusive vintages will want to book a table for the one-off Pio Cesare dinner on May 15 at 55&5th, The Grill. Pio Boffa, owner of the Pio Cesare Winery will pair a gourmet six-course dinner with his own selection of premium wines. AED750 per person. 55th&5th, The Grill – Steakhouse Olea – Mediterranean Sontaya – Southeast Asian Turquoiz – Seafood

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Yas Island Eateries

The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi

Al Ain

Al Markaziyah Al Hawara offers Lebanese cuisine on the rooftop with stunning views of the sea while Basil serves tasty Indian fare, including some very spicy curries. Al Hawara – Lebanese Basil – Indian Optimist – International

Al Ain Rotana Hotel

03 7545111

Al Muwaiji

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

At Zest, there’s steak ‘n’ barbecue night every Monday from 6.30 to 10.30pm where guests can select their favourite cuts to be grilled before their eyes for AED168 per person. Seafood night at Zest takes place every Wednesday from 6.30 to 10.30pm and costs AED185 per person.

02 6169999

Sas Al Nakhl Mouth-watering Pastillas and delicious tagine followed by exotic desserts are on the enormous menu at Agadir, which serves some of the best Moroccan cuisine in town. Relax after a round of golf at The Retreat or round off the night with a cocktail at Lemon & Lime. Agadir – Moroccan Fairways – International Lemon & Lime – Bar The Retreat – Bar

03 7610111

Al Mutaredh

02 5108888

Bain Al Jessrain

Best for stunning views: Nautilus – Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel Overlooking the Yas Marina, this Abu Dhabi seafood restaurant is one of the city's most alluring dining destinations. Contact 02 6560600. Best for 'steak lovers': Blue Grill Steakhouse Yas Island Rotana Hearty steaks from the US and Australian Prime Angus Beef are the star dishes of this trendy restaurant, with choice cuts chargrilled to order. Contact 02 6564000. Best for a taste of the exotic: Jing Asia – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Chefs prepare pan-Asian food to order from live cooking stations, creating a fun and interactive atmosphere. Contact 02 6563053. Best for a lively atmosphere: Amerigos Mexican Bar and Restauant - Park Inn by Radisson Abu Dhabi, Yas Island For creative dishes including prawn ceviche, quesadillas, fajitas and enchiladas. Contact 02 6562222.

Ayla Restaurant hosts themed buffets throughout the week. Highlights include the seafood lovers’ night on Thursdays, which costs AED130 each, or AED159 if you'd like to include a small bottle of Champagne. Add half a kilogram of giant lobsters for AED108, or a full kilogram for AED200. Visit the restaurant on Fridays for the new Namaste night, where diners can enjoy a traditional Indian dining experience for AED100 per person.

Enjoy the sunshine at the Afya Beach Lounge seaside barbecue every Friday for AED120 per person. Afya – International buffet Afya Beach Lounge – Barbecue

Yas Island Rotana

02 6564000

Yas Island

Some of the best steaks in town are accompanied by a selection of fine wines from Argentina, America and Australia at Blue Grill. Feast on Fridays at Rangoli, which is serving an à la carte Indian brunch for AED 199 per person, including select alcholic beverages. A wide selection of cuisines from across the world is available at the Choices buffet. Blue Grill – Steakhouse Choices – International buffet Rangoli – Indian Y Bar – Bar

Min Zaman – Lebanese Moodz – Lounge bar and club Trader Vic’s – French Polynesian restaurant and bar Zest – International

Ayla Hotel

Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Best for authentic Italian: Filini - Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island Savour simple Italian dishes from the seasonal menu in a contemporary setting. Contact 02 6562000.

al Gharbia

02 8152222

Ayla Restaurant – International Tamra Cafe – Tea lounge

Danat Al Ain Resort

03 7046000

Al Nyadat East The Wok has a seafood night every Tuesday for AED99. Alternatively, visit Arabesque on Thursdays for its buffet of lobster, shrimps, oysters and mussels, for AED140.

9. Soba, Le Royal Meridien 10. Frankie's, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr 11. Hakkasan, Emirates Palace

Al Nawafeer Terrace – Arabic snacks and shisha Arabesque – International Horse & Jockey Pub – English pub Luce – Italian restaurant and nightclub Shooters – Sports bar Tanjore – Indian The Wok – Asian

Yas Viceroy ABU DHABI

02 6560600

Yas Island

Head to Amici on a Wednesday this month to enjoy a threecourse dining experience themed around a different region of Italy each week. Start with an aperatif and anti-pasti followed by pizza, pasta or risotto and round off with traditional Italian dolce for AED275 per person. Those who prefer curry to pasta can book a table at Angar on Thursdays when the restaurant hosts a Star of India night for AED175 to 250 per head. The experience begins with a mixed platter of Indian starters followed by chicken, lamb, fish and vegetable kebabs cooked on the grill.

Hilton Al Ain

03 7686666

Al Surooj

Feast on Arabic food at Makani Café. Shisha is served in the gardens and there is Arabic music from 8pm to 1am. Casa Romana Restaurant – Italian Flavours – International Makani Café – Arabic Paco’s – Tex-Mex Snooker Bar – Sports bar

Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet

Amici – Italian Angar – Indian Atayeb – Arabic Kazu – Japanese Nautilus – Seafood Noodle Box – Asian Origins – International buffet Rush – Cocktail bar Skylite – Cabana lounge

03 7838888

Jebel Hafeet Ladies receive one free cocktail on Thursday nights at Lawrence’s Lounge. Eden Rock – Arabic Le Belvedere – French-Mediterranean Lawrence's Lounge – Bar Orient Cafe – Oriental

Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort

02 8012222

Ruwais

Tides hosts a family brunch every Friday with special activities to keep the little ones entertained for AED225 with house beverages. C-View – Lobby lounge Gazebo – Shisha café L’Attitude – Cocktail bar and lounge Tides – International Zaitoun – Italian

Desert Islands Resort & Spa

02 8015400

Sir Bani Yas Island Book a table on the terrace at the newly launched Amwaj restaurant and enjoy a selection of dishes from the modern tapas style menu in a stunning, waterfront setting. Alternatively, dine on delectable seafood at Samak, where the resident salt guru can advise you on the best condiments to complement your dish. Samak – Seafood The Lounge – Lounge bar Amwaj - Tapas The Palm – International

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

02 8862088

Liwa Desert Treat the taste buds to an eclectic feast at the Al Waha buffet, which features food from countries around the world, including Arabia, Southeast Asia, Japan and the Mediterranean. Prices range from AED130 per person for breakfast to AED175 for lunch and AED200 for dinner. Book the couple's dining by design experience and enjoy a tent to yourselves in the middle of the dunes with a private butler to wait on you. Prices start at AED520 for the four-course meal option. Al Liwan – Lobby lounge and bar Al Waha – International/Emirati Ghadeer – Mediterranean Suhail – Steakhouse

Tilal Liwa Hotel

02 8946111

Madinat Zayed Enjoy Thursday's seafood barbecue night at Al Badiya restaurant for AED160 or the Friday brunch from 12.30pm with live entertainment for AED130. Al Badiya – International Al Liwan – Snacks Layali – Bar

Bill please

As a general rule, all hotels will add a 10 percent charge to restaurant bills in addition to the six percent fee levied by the government. Most menus state whether these taxes have already been incorporated into the meal prices or not but check with the waiter if it is unclear.

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THE HERITAGE VILLAGE Designed to resemble a traditional oasis village, this quaint attraction provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past. There’s a Bedouin tent, reconstructions of original date palm houses, an example of the ancient falaj irrigation system and a small spice shop selling dried herbs and other trinkets.

saadiyat island al mina

al maryah island

al ras al akhdar 15

23 22 5

al manhal a

a al lf

et re

al khalidiyah

wahdah 5

al karamah

al bateen

as smaaliyyah

2 zaab

al dhafrah

17 4 al

al nahyan

al mussala

al rodhah

ad ro

reem island

al baladia

madinat zayed

al khubeirah

presidential court

rd bi ra la la ee al kh al

th ur fo

t es

al khubeirah garden

corniche west street

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w he

al ittihad

mangrove

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bin t ed e m tre al mushrif s m a a oh if m hal al mushrif k palace abu dhabi equestrian club & abu dhabi

et re st

hadbat al zafaranah

)

1 1

al ghaf park

al mushrif

sh r a

al shatie picnic area

al zahraa

shid rd ( bin al airp ma ort kto um r)

qaser al shatie

8 A

bu al siaief

al sa la m

HOTELS Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana C3 Al Maqta Hotel G7 Aloft Abu Dhabi F7 Al Raha Beach Hotel M5 Al Rawda Arjaan by Rotana D4 Armed Forces Officers’ Club and Hotel G8 7 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi D3 8 Centro Capital Centre by Rotana F7 9 Centro Yas Island M4 10 Cristal Hotel Abu Dhabi C3 11 Cristal Salam Hotel D3

12 Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi C3 13 Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi

Yas Island M4 14 Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara G6 15 Emirates Palace A5 16 Fairmont Bab Al Bahr H7 17 Grand Millennium Al Wahda D4 18 Hala Arjaan D2 19 Hilton Abu Dhabi B4 20 Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel F7 21 InterContinental Abu Dhabi B5 22 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers B5 23 Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana B5

al matar

2 12 zayed sports city

al madina al riyadiya

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

r ba tee n

officers city

6 9

24 Le Méridien Abu Dhabi D3 25 Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi C3 26 Mercure Centre Hotel C3 27 Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi C3 28 Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate I8 29 One to One Hotels - The Village D4 30 Oryx Hotel B4 31 Park Inn, Abu Dhabi Yas Island M4 32 Park Arjaan by Rotana H6 33 Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel

& Villas

Yas Island

sh k pa hal rk ifa

abu dhabi national exhibition centre

Abu Dhabi TOURIST MAP 1 2 3 4 5 6

al safarat

al muzoon kho

al bateen airport

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EMIRATES PALACE The iconic palace stands in pride of place at the tip of the Abu Dhabi Corniche and embodies the luxury lifestyle the capital has cultivated. Until recently the most expensive hotel ever to be built, the impressive structure is richly adorned with precious materials. 12 different shades of marble can be spotted in the cavernous atrium, while the central dome holds dual records as both the largest in the world and the greatest gilded expanse ever created in one building.

31st stre et

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tourist club area

29th stre et

4 7

1 3

et re

25 th str eet

al hosn palace & cultural foundation 10

al hosn

al 12 markaziyal

str eet

kasser al amouage

23 rd

8 39

40 27

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34 Park Rotana H6 35 Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi M4 36 Rosewood Abu Dhabi

37 Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri H7 38 Sheraton Abu Dhabi

Hotel & Resort C2 39 Sheraton Khalidiya C3 40 Sofitel, Abu Dhabi Corniche C3 41 Staybridge Suites, Abu Dhabi Yas Island M4 42 St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort F1 43 The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, H7 Grand Canal 44 The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi D3 45 The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa J6 46 Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri H7

47 Yas Island Rotana 48 Yas Viceroy

M4 M4

SHOPPING 1 Abu Dhabi Mall D3 2 Al Muhairy Centre C4 3 Al Raha Mall M5 4 Al Wahda Mall D4 5 Avenue at Eithad Towers B5 6 Boutik Mall E3 7 Carpet Souk D2 8 Central Market C3 9 Dalma Mall J8 10 Fotouh Al Khair Centre C3

al m

N 1

YAS WATERWORLD Yas Waterworld is the newest addition to the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressive portfolio of sport and leisure attractions. Included among the 43 rides, slides and attractions here is the first hydromagnetic-powered six-person Tornado waterslide and the largest FlowBarrel 10 Double sheet-wave ride in the world.

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI The first ever Ferrari theme park is home to Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster on the planet, which reaches speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour. Other rides include G-Force, which climbs up through the open roof, affording spectacular views of Yas Island, before hurtling 62 metres back to earth and the Fiorano GT Challenge, which offers an exhilarating simulated racing experience. There are rides for all the family here, from fast-paced coasters to leisurely tours and interactive games.

yas island

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3 3

umm al nar

sh k parhalifa k

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE Built by the late Sheikh Zayed to help build a bridge between faiths and create greater cross-cultural understanding, the Grand Mosque is a must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi. The third-largest mosque in the world, this majestic structure is wrought from over 1,000 columns and 82 domes embellished with semi-precious stones, gold and marble. Inside, the spectacle is equally impressive with glittering chandeliers, spectacular floral motifs adorning the walls and a vast hand-woven Persian carpet in the main prayer hall.

ZAYED BRIDGE

atar

AL MAQTAA BRIDGE

46 18

dina diya

ISTRY TERIOR

khalifa city

al maqtaa

16 43

bain al jessrain

s city

to int'labu dh airp abi o rt

and Gold Centre 16 Marina Mall 17 Paris Gallery 18 The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

A4 B4 H7

Cultural Foundation

ABU DHABI

ab i u dh to abairport 'l int

l u x u r y

F I V E - S T A r

V I S I T O r

M A G A Z I N E

GOLF Abu Dhabi City Golf Club Abu Dhabi Golf Club Al Ghazal Golf Club Saadiyat Beach Golf Club Yas Links

www.conciergeabudhabi.com

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4 Falcon Hospital N5 5 Gallery One A1 6 Ghaf Art Gallery C5 7 Hemisphere Design Studio & Gallery D3 8 Heritage Village B4 9 Manarat Al Saadiyat E1 10 Salwa Zeidan Gallery C5

1 2 3 4 5

Ask the concierge desk for a copy of the Concierge Abu Dhabi foldout map with tips on what to see and do in the city

T H E

HERITAGE/CULTURE 1 Al Hosn Palace C4 2 Al Qibab Art Gallery (Villa 3, Street 5, Al Zaab) C4 3

to dalma mall

C3 C1 C4 C3 C4

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT Home to the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit is one of the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most famous sporting attractions. Visitors can experience it all year round at one of the many events on the annual calendar or on a tour that takes in its state of the art facilities, from the drag strip and karting centre to the track itself, which boasts the longest straight in Formula 1.

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H 11 Hamdan Centre 12 Iranian Souk 13 Khalidiya Mall 14 Liwa Centre 15 Madinat Zayed Shopping

ai dub

D6 J6 N5 F1 M4

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

LANDMARKS Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 2 Al Bateen Dhow Yard 3 Al Maqtaa Bridge 4 Breakwater 5 Bus & Taxi Terminal 6 Emirates Palace 7 Ittihad Square 8 Khalifa Mosque 9 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 10 Sheikh Zayed the Second Mosque 11 Volcano Fountain 1

F7 B5 H6 A1 D5 A5 C3 C3 H7 C3 C3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Abu Dhabi Sailing & Sub Aqua Club Al Forsan International Sports Resort Art Marine yacht charters Falcon Aviation Services (helipad base) Ferrari World Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club Monte Carlo Beach Club Shooting (Caracal Shooting Club)

10 Yas Marina Circuit 11 Yas Waterworld 12 Zayed Sports City

M4 M4 G7

D2 K7 M4 B4 M4 B4 F1 G8

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My life in Abu Dhabi

}

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, director of promotions & overseas offices at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority offers an insight into his favourite aspects of life in the UAE capital

1 Shangri-La, Qaryat al Beri 2 Corniche, Abu Dhabi

One of the great things about Abu Dhabi is the sheer variety of things to do and see. Honestly, no two holidays here need ever be the same – there’s golf, beaches, sailing, fishing, shopping in either malls or souks and a range of cultural attractions from historic palaces to contemporary museums. If I had to sum up the capital in three words, ‘diverse’ would definitely be one of them. Another would be ‘relaxing’ – try strolling along the Corniche and see if you don’t find yourself unwinding as you take in the colour of the water, the gardens and the view out to Lulu island just off the coast. The Corniche is one of the most popular attractions in Abu Dhabu and everyone has their own way of enjoying it, whether they walk along the sea edge, cycle down the tree-lined path or drive the eight-kilometre stretch, which reaches from Port Zayed to Emirates Palace. My third word to describe Abu Dhabi would have to be ‘value’. We have tax-free shopping and a broad selection of malls,

which come alive in the summer with great deals, competitions and family entertainment. Then there is the rich dining scene with countless restaurants offering regular promotions. Some of my personal favourites include Sofra Bld at Shangri-La, Qaryat al Beri as it’s great for both business and social gatherings and Al Bathna restaurant at the Armed Forces Officers’ Club & Hotel, where the buffet takes some beating for the sheer choice, quality and value for money. A lot of my time is spent in Al Ain, which is the emirate’s second-largest city. I grew up there and now spend the week working in Abu Dhabi city before heading out to Al Ain at the weekends. My family owns a date plantation in the Al Ain Oasis, which has recently been renovated and visitors can now stroll through the shaded walkways and enjoy the sheer peacefulness of the place. There’s also a host of historic sites around here that offer a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s past and shows a very different city to the one we know and love today.

There’s also a host of historic sites around Al Ain that offer a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi’s past and shows a very different city to the one we know and love today

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21/04/2013 16:17

It’s more than just a city. It’s intriguing Abu Dhabi.

SHEIKH ZAyED GRAND MOSQUE

EMIRATES PALACE

ISLAND BOAT TOURS

FROM SOUK TO MALL

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

TripAdvisor has named our iconic mosque ‘one of the world’s most talked about attractions.’ Have you visited yet?

Experience ultimate luxury at one of the world’s most opulent hotels.

Explore the natural beauty of the Corniche as you drift along clear seas on a relaxing cruise boat.

Seek out a bargain at traditional markets or cut a dash in a modern mall.

Feel the 240kph adrenaline rush of the world’s fastest roller coaster.

yAS LINKS ABU DHABI

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

OPEN-TOP BUS TOUR

MANARAT AL SAADIyAT

yAS WATERWORLD

Take on the challenge of Yas Links Abu Dhabi - the region’s first links course.

Learn more about the UAE’s national bird and try your hand at the traditional sport of falconry at this state-of-the-art facility.

All aboard for this tour of the UAE capital with commentary in any one of eight languages.

Experience Abu Dhabi’s arts exhibition centre on Saadiyat Island.

Futuristic waterpark with 43 rides and attractions. Splash into fun with the world’s largest tornado waterslide and the 3 metre waves of Bubbles Barrel.

Explore a city built on tradition and inspired by innovation. Where you can lose yourself in age-old hospitality and marvel at the wonder that is Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae