Concierge Abu Dhabi Magazine, June 2013 by npimedia fz llc

June 2013 | issue 79

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 June 2013 | issue 79

T H E

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JUNe 2013 / Issue 79 / abu Dhabi Edition

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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.

Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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In focus Photography: Adham Sneeh Location: UAE desert

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

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Before the discovery of oil changed the course of history in Abu Dhabi the local Bedouin population carved out a simple existence in the desert. Food was hard to come by and conditions were harsh but the traditions and customs that arose during this era still underpin UAE society today. Read about Bedouin life in the UAE in our focus feature on page 20 then turn over to this issue’s stunning photo essay on page 22 and explore the desert in pictures.

Contents JUNe 2013 / Issue 79

8/Essentials

Abu Dhabi’s top attractions and events

Discover 14/Artistic vision Private galleries and creative initiatives are driving a flourishing local art scene in the UAE capital

20/A simpler time

Before oil wealth triggered a construction boom, local Bedu carved out a basic existence on the land

22/Great escape

Discover the raw beauty of the desert in this month’s photoshoot

32/Hunters in harmony Falconry is a time-honoured tradition in the UAE

Experience 36/All aboard 40/Back to nature

All-natural cosmetics and spa therapies are increasingly popular in the capital’s spas

_CONTENTS_AUH JUN13.indd 5

ABU DHABI falcon hospital

Take to the waters and gain access to a whole new realm of attractions from desert islands to flourishing mangrove ecosystems

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Contents JUNE 2013 / Issue 79

Shop 46/Show stopper

The most important date on the watch and jewellery calendar, Baselworld 2013 welcomed industry heavyweights this year with an impressive new venue filled with glittering displays from leading international brands

52/To market

Browse the spice shops and souvenir stores before admiring contemporary designs in fashion and jewellery boutiques at The Souk at World Trade Centre

Taste 56/The final flourish

Concierge ventures behind the scenes of the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five-star dining venues in a series of interviews with Abu Dhabi maitre dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and restaurant managers

62/Desert dairy High in vitamins and low in fat, camel milk is enjoying a popular revival in the region and beyond

65 The guide

Gold Souk

80/My life in Abu Dhabi

_CONTENTS_AUH JUN13.indd 6

Mark Freeman, owner of Noukhada Adventure Company tells Concierge about his life in the UAE capital

21/05/2013 18:54

Essentials

E X PER I E NCE Yas Waterworld

Surf the endless sheet wave on Rush Rider before progressing on to the three-metre-high wave at Bubbles Barrel then soar through the air on Liwa Loop before plunging back to earth via Jebel’s Drop, the summit of which affords a view of the many rides, slides and attractions at Abu Dhabi’s newest waterpark. Situated in the heart of the Yas Island entertainment hub, Yas Waterworld is the ideal place to enjoy adrenaline-packed activities during the hot summer months. There are facilities to suit all age groups from Tot’s playground, where toddlers can splash around in the infant pool, to leisurely rides for adults such as the lazy river and fast-paced slides for those who dare, including Dawwama, the world’s first hydromagnetic-powered six-person Tornado waterslide. Where: Yas Island Abu Dhabi. How much: AED225 for adults and AED185 for children. Contact: 02 4142887 or visit: yaswaterworld.com

JUNE

UPCOMING EVENTS birth of a museum Runs to July 20 See a preview of the collection that one day soon will adorn the walls of Louvre Abu Dhabi at this exhibition in Manarat al Saadiyat, where the works acquired to date are on display. Visit: saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

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

A b u D h a b i F i l m F e s t i va l October 24 to November 2 See the latest films and celebrities from the Arab and international film world while participating in a range of events at the seventh edition of this popular festival. Visit: abudhabifilmfestival.ae

TA S T E Ray’s Bar

Nibble on delicate, Asian-influenced tapas and sip imaginative cocktails while admiring stunning views of Abu Dhabi’s pristine coastline and white beaches. Ray’s Bar, situated high above the city on the 62nd floor, is the ideal place to enjoy sundowners in a sleek setting and mingle with Abu Dhabi’s trendy set. Alternatively, you can book a private room for a select group of friends and enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the Corniche, with the Arabian Gulf stretching into the distance behind it, all to yourselves. Where: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. When: 5pm to 3am. Contact 02 8115555

2 013 F o r m u l a 1 E t i h a d A i r way s A b u D h a b i G r a nd P r i x November 1 to 3 Tickets are already on sale for the hottest sporting event of the season. Book a seat in the stands or reserve a place in the prestigious Paddock Club to watch the world’s best racing drivers put their skills to the test on the famous Yas Marina Circuit. Visit: yasmarinacircuit.ae

D I S C OV E R Hatta

Renowned for the beauty of its rugged landscape and the slow, peaceful way of life, Hatta is the perfect place to escape the noise and bustle of the city for a day or two. Just a few hours drive from Abu Dhabi, this serene spot offers more than meets the eye with its historic fort that dates back to 1790, the heritage village where visitors can gain an insight into traditional Bedouin living and the stunning Hajar mountain range providing a dramatic backdrop at every turn.

Abu Dhabi Art November 20 to 23 The annual art fair brings together prominent galleries and artists from around the world in a showcase of modern and contemporary art. Visit: abudhabiartfair.ae

Mubadala World T e nn i s C h a m p i o n s h i p December See some of the world’s best tennis stars up close as they battle it out at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex. Visit: mubadalawtc.com

Ask the concierge Ronald Ciano, concierge at C r i s ta l S a l a m h o t e l o f f e r s a d v i c e o n w h at t O do and see in Abu Dhabi

Of the many sights to see in Abu Dhabi, two places not to be missed are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Heritage Village. Add a desert safari complete with henna tattoos, camel rides and dune driving in a 4x4, followed by a traditional Arabian dinner and you will be well on the way to getting a real taste of the history and culture that underpins UAE society. There are many modern attractions too of course. Action and adventure seekers will love Al Forsan International Sports Resort, where activities ranging from go-karting and horse riding to paint balling and wake boarding are available, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which is home to the fastest roller coaster on the planet and a variety of other auto-themed rides. Nearby is another major leisure attraction – the new Yas Waterworld where fast-paced fun awaits or visitors can opt for a more serene aquatic experience, such as kayaking trips through the mangroves and islandhopping tours around the coast. Top of the Abu Dhabi to-do list for many visitors is shopping and there’s no better place than Avenue at Etihad Towers to cater to those with a taste for high-end designer brands. A diverse dining scene is another of this city’s assets with an abundance of places to enjoy great food in a variety of settings. Vertical Restaurant and Bar, located on the rooftop of Cristal Salam Hotel, offers an enormous selection of vintages complemented by tasty grilled seafood and steaks while Abdel Wahab at Souk Qaryat al Beri serves excellent Arabic cuisine. Alternatively, head out on a sunset cruise along the Corniche with sight-seeing, photo opportunities and dinner all rolled into one.

SHOP

Red Sea Antiques Pick up souvenirs at Red Sea Antiques, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Here you can spend hours browsing the store’s extensive and eccentric selection of traditional local treasures, which range from ornate trinket boxes and decorative weapons to beautiful Arabian lamps and Omani jewellery. As the name suggests, not everything here is sourced locally and you can find weird and wonderful items, including curious wooden figurines, old telephones and other oddities from all over the world. There are two branches, one on Khalifa Street and the other on Madinat Zayed. When: Sun to Sat 9am to 1.30pm and 4 to 10.30pm, Fri 4 to 10.30pm. Contact: Khalifa Street, 02 6266145 and Madinat Zayed, 02 6327115

TA S T E

Diwan L’Auberge All the Lebanese favourites, including hot and cold mezze and succulent platters of lamb, chicken and beef are served in generous portions at Diwan L’Auberge. This is Lebanese food at its best; true to form and not too complicated, but grilled to perfection and enhanced by a delicious combination of sauces and spices. The layout is typically Lebanese and the authentic atmosphere is heightened by beautiful background music provided by the live oud player. Try the Habra Nayyeh, a wonderfully mound of fresh minced lamb, served with warm flatbreads and rich garlic cream. Where: Emirates Palace. When: Open 12.30pm to midnight. Contact: 02 6908990

E X PER I E NCE Hot air ballooning

Soar 3,000 feet over the city and admire the varied landscape of the UAE from the basket of a hot air balloon. The ever-changing view takes in rolling desert dunes, lush green oases and rugged mountains, where visitors may spot camels, gazelles and other indigenous creatures of the Arabian peninsula. Arabian Adventures and Balloon Adventures Emirates are among several local tour operators offering hot air balloon excursions. Contact: Arabian Adventures on 04 3034888 and Balloon Adventures Emirates 04 2854949

SHOP

Dubai Summer Surprises Dubai is a popular retail destination throughout the year but its summer shopping festival, known colloquially as DSS, makes it even more attractive to shoppers. For one month the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many malls host a series of events, including raffles, competitions, giveaways and, most importantly, big sales. Visitors can also look forward to live entertainment most days in many malls around the city, including The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre, BurJuman and Ibn Battuta. Fashion shows, music performances and a whole range of family entertainment shows and activities will add to the experience as well as browsing the boutiques and taking advantage of major discounts. Where: Dubai is just an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Abu Dhabi. When: June 14 to July 14. Visit: summerisdubai.com

D I S C OV E R Tourist Club Area

One of the liveliest, trendiest and most cosmopolitan parts of the city, the Tourist Club Area is where the highest concentration of five-star hotels, restaurants and bars is to be found. New buildings are being constructed all the time here, but the area, which is also one of the oldest in the city, still retains its local flavour in the shawarma stands that line Electra Street and the curiosity shops dotted along the side roads. Abu Dhabi Mall, which sits at the heart of the area, is one of the best in the city with a wide selection of high-street and designer fashion outlets. A few minutesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; drive away in Madinat Zayed is the Gold Souk (pictured), which is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the city for cultural as well as shopping purposes.

Discover

PHOTOGRAPHY: ADHAM SNEEH

By t he sea

On any given day of the week the Corniche is abuzz with activities. It’s the gateway to the city’s public beach and during weekends especially people pass along here to reach their favourite sunbathing, volleyball or swimming spot. In the cafés others sit drinking coffee or enjoying a bite to eat, while on the seaside path a regular stream of joggers, cyclists and roller bladers make their way along the eight-kilometre stretch.

Artistic vision Behind the high-profile events and investments, Abu Dhabi’s grass-roots art scene is evolving in intriguing ways Words by

Melissa Sleiman

Backed by big funds and even bigger visions, Abu Dhabi’s art credentials have been stratospheric in recent years. It’s not just the mega-projects such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi either. The ripple effects are spreading well beyond the Saadiyat Cultural District and international art jamborees such as Abu Dhabi Art as a multitude of up-and-coming galleries crop up and a vibrant grass-roots movement gathers pace across the city. The Etihad Antiques Gallery perfectly exemplifies the new era of curatorial adventurism. Having already amassed a credible 11-year track record the gallery, which is co-owned by Khalid Seddiq Al Mutawa and Mohammed Khalil Ibrahim, is now intent on connecting the region with modern art in addition to showcasing antiques. “We try to think outside the box by hunting for creativity from around the world,” explains Al Mutawa. “We are not afraid to embrace new concepts that may be seen as strange or weird. Our artists are inventing new things, much like what has happened with technology. Who would have guessed smart phones would be so popular today? You need to go out there and find talented people and we aim to help them on that journey of discovery.”

A RT s / DIS COVE R

DIS C O VER/A RT

Everything is a lesson, Al Mutawa continues. “It is beautiful to see. There is a lot of aggression in the world today, but we say, come and experience this art, its message and its imaginative power.” HE Hoda Al K hamis-Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) which has been instrumental in advocating the social benefits of art throughout the city, echoes the sentiment. “Visual arts have an incredible ability to unlock the creativity within a person,” he says. “Through creativity, one ventures beyond the boundaries of convention and discovers new perspectives and approaches. While the visual arts may be the key, creativity is beneficial for everyone. Because of this, Abu Dhabi is a platform for originality and an incubator for new and dynamic forms of expression.”

“Art in Abu Dhabi is beginning to attract worldwide attention and its global voice is expanding daily, but I am confident that the best is still to come. What we need is additional project initiatives and more community interaction,” says Ahmed al Yafei

1 Caland Rossina under cover ii by Janine Rubeiz Huguette (previous page) 2 Etihad Antiques Gallery 3 The family nest by Subodh Gupta 4 Abu Dhabi Art, UAE Pavilion 5 Human disintegration by Julian Clavijo

Inspired by such potent artistic vitality, the Abu Dhabi Art Hub burst into existence last year as the UAE’s first live work community exclusively dedicated to artists – particularly for young emerging artists from across the world. Already the venture has spawned a whirlwind of compelling exhibitions, training sessions and powerful community outreach programs. “When it comes to gallery spaces, we believe that the art hub will show others the way,” says Ahmed Al Yafei, founder and owner of Abu Dhabi Art Hub. “Art in Abu Dhabi is beginning to attract worldwide attention and its global voice is expanding daily, but I am confident that the best is still to come. What we need is additional project initiatives and more community interaction.” Al Yafei points out that without ongoing support it will be difficult to encourage youngsters to follow in the footsteps of local artists such as jewellery artist and sculpturer Azza Al Qubaisi and contemporary creative powerhouses Mohamed Al Astad and Wafa Khazander. The Abu Dhabi offshoot of Dubai’s Gallery One is another vocal mouthpiece keeping the artistic conversation flowing year round. Intent on democratising art, the gallery features a diverse

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mix of up-and-coming and established artists, photographers and illustrators, both locally and internationally based. Recent exhibitions include virtuosic Iraqi calligrapher Wissam Shawkat (Letters of love), Jeanette Jones’ intimate photo essay on ballroom dancing (The ballroom spy) and the surreal stylistics of enigmatic photographer Mr Kuu (Small things in a big world). For Salwa Zeidan, a Lebanese artist and gallery owner who has been a mainstay of the Abu Dhabi art scene for over 25 years, the city’s unprecedented levels of activity are already having a profound effect. “As Arab people, there is much more pride in art today than there has ever been and this has encouraged so many creative people

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Meaning ‘the place of enlightenment’, Manarat Al Saadiyat is a purposebuilt art and exhibition centre. Opened in late 2009, Manarat Al Saadiyat showcases Saadiyat’s projects and hosts art exhibitions organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) with collections from around the world, providing visitors with a taste of the plans for the Saadiyat Cultural District museums’ programme. UAE Pavilion

The UAE Pavilion is located in the grounds of Manarat al Saadiyat. Inspired by the desert dunes of the region, the striking structure was inaugurated for Abu Dhabi Art in November 2011 and continues to house the art exhibition element of the fair every year. Louvre Abu Dhabi 6

6 7 8 9

Untitled by Ahmad Moualla Salwa Zeidan Dancing the sharp edge by Samira Hodaei Etihad Antiques Gallery

To open in 2015, Louvre Abu Dhabi will display

to pursue their talent more seriously. The standard of the region’s artistic output is much higher as a result of this change and I can see that in the quality of the works being shown by local and regional artists,” she explains. Salwa Zeidan Gallery first opened in Abu Dhabi in 1994 and reopened again in January 2009. Today it serves as a contemporary art space for internationally recognised Middle Eastern artists, as well as an incubator for emerging talent from the UAE and the greater Gulf region. Zeidan can barely contain her delight as she reels off a list of local artists that have captured her imagination, including Hassan Sharif (one of the UAE’s first contemporary artists) and Emirati artist Mohammad Kazem, who debuted his work at Salwa Zeidan Gallery and represented the UAE at the Venice Biennale in May. She believes that much of Abu Dhabi’s artistic success story is down to a varied cast that includes the Sheikha Salama Foundation, governmental entities such as Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture & Heritage (ADACH), Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Tourism

works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from the most ancient to the most contemporary. Spanning millennia, the artworks on display will originate from civilisations across the world. Zayed National Museum

Due for completion in 2016, the national museum of the UAE will tell the story of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his unification of the UAE, the history of the region and its cultural connections across the world. Furthermore, it will provide a forum for discussion, learning and inspiration for the entire Arab region. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

A museum dedicated to contemporary art and culture that will provide a pre-eminent platform for local, regional and global contemporary art and culture. The grand opening is expected in 2017.

Development & Investment Company (TDIC), as well as clusters of embassies, universities and art organisations. “I find it really heart-warming to see the amount of effort, resources and investment being placed in the art scene here. I don’t believe art has ever been so active or prominent in the region as it is today,” Zeidan enthuses. “It is genuinely offering something new and different than anything we have known before.”

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A simpler time Despite the harsh conditions, small populations have been making the UAE desert their home for thousands of years Words by

Charlot t e Van de n Broucq ue

With scorching summer temperatures of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and sand dunes stretching in every direction as far as the eye could see, it’s hard to believe that people have lived in UAE desert since the third millennium BCE. Before the now-cosmopolitan cities of the seven emirates emerged in the middle of the last century, the wild landscape offered few resources to its inhabitants. The adjacent Arabian Gulf with its fish supplies, small herds of gazelle indigenous to this region, the freshwater springs of Jebel Hafeet – the UAE’s tallest mountain – and a number of small oases scattered throughout the desert were all they had to go on. It was evidently enough, though, to sustain a resilient nomadic population who managed to farm dates and vegetables as well as raise animals on the arid land.

For hundreds of years the native Bani Yas tribe navigated its way through this harsh environment and created an organised and successful population with over 20 subsections. Known as Bedouin, meaning ‘desert dwellers’, the tribe was originally based at Liwa Oasis 150 kilometres from the city of Abu Dhabi. Matar Al-Mansoori’s ancestors have been living as Bedouin in this area for centuries and he too grew up in this fascinating culture. Now the CEO of Al Badeyah Tourism, his aim is to keep the UAE’s heritage, culture and traditions alive and invite others to experience them at an authentic desert safari camp in Abu Dhabi emirate. “I grew up in a typical Bedouin community that remains close to traditional ways of life where people cannot live without their heritage” he reveals. While Al-Mansoori spent term time attending school away from the community he spent the weekends and holidays back in the camp. “I used to spend my summer vacation in Liwa Oasis driving my parents to visit our farm in the desert to collect daily camel milk for our house. In the morning I used to drive to my parents’ oasis to clean and water the palm trees and to gather dates in the summer.”

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D E S E R T D AY S O U T Al Badeyah Tourism Contact: 050 5117122 or visit abet-uae.com Desert Safari Dubai Contact: 04 3572200 or visit desertsafaridubai.com Oasis Palm Tourism Contact: 04 2628889 or visit opidubai.com

In the unbearable heat of the summer the community retreated under the shade of palms growing around the oases to keep cool

michael and renee hamilton-clark

Speaking of the Bedouin life that his ancestors would have known, he says: “Life was hard in the past as it was difficult to grow crops, but they were able to plant palm trees, grasses and some fruits in specific places. Diet consisted mainly of fresh fish, dry fish, camel, goat and sheep meat, rabbits and birds but they were sometimes able to supplement this with bread, rice and other foods that were brought by sea traders from neighbouring countries.” Accommodation was simple and consisted of palm-frond barasti settlements made of mud, leaves and goat

hair. In the unbearable heat of the summer the community retreated under the shade of palms growing around the oases to keep cool. Legend has it that while on a hunting trip a group of Bedouin from the Bani Yas tribe living at Liwa Oasis in the heart of the desert stalked a deer all the way to the shoreline. What they found here was to change the course of history and create the beginning of life as we know it in the UAE today. The area was made up of many islands with huge mangroves and a plentiful supply of fresh water. In honour of the legend that brought them to this place it

1 Nomadic Bedouin travel through the desert 2 Early Bedouin camp in Abu Dhabi 3 Aerial desert scene 4 Bedouin at the water well

was named Abu Dhabi, which translates as ‘father of the deer’. Slowly but surely, more and more members of the Bani Yas tribe began to move here, including the Al Nahyan family, which still rules Abu Dhabi today. While Bedouin life might not be as difficult in areas as it once was, Al-Mansoori reveals: “Those living in these communities today tend to strike a balance between their traditional way of life and modern conveniences. Generally speaking there has been a big change in the lifestyle of Bedouin over the last 41 years. Most now live a more comfortable life with modern luxuries such as mobile phones, 4x4s and caravan houses in the desert complete with air conditioning and solar energy for lighting.” With easy access to food for animals available at nearby markets the way of life has certainly become less precarious but the old culture still remains. “In the morning Bedouin will check their palm tree farms, which are near to their houses and then spend their time in the afternoon in the desert looking after their camels and goats,” says Al-Mansoori. With modern life beckoning he adds: “Many former Bedouin now live in cities but they still maintain links to their history and heritage. Their children now go to schools, universities and work in the public and private sector, but they’re still proud to keep their traditional life which they inherited from their parents, grandparents and ancestors.”

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Great escape The awe-inspiring majesty of the UAE desert is captured in these striking images taken by Concierge photographer, Adham Sneeh

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The desert is a prominent feature of the UAE landscape and has shaped local lifestyles over the decades. Once a Bedouin heartland and now a treasured natural attraction this stunning environment offers ample opportunity for exploration

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A thrilling way to experience the desert is to join a safari tour. Expert off-road drivers take visitors on a mesmerising journey across the dunes in 4x4 vehicles equipped to tackle the terrain. The exhilirating ride offers a whole new perspective on the boundless landscape

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Tyre tracks crisscross the amber sands left behind by dune drivers

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A popular pursuit in the UAE, dune driving offers visitors an opportunity to combine edge-of-the-seat action with breathtaking photographic opportunities

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The convoy pauses to admire the dramatic scenery as the sun prepares to set over the horizon

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As the day draws to a close the convoy reaches an authentic Bedouin camp in the heart of the desert. Here a feast of Arabian fare, local dancing and other traditional entertainment awaits

Hunters in harmony Falcons played a vital role in the lives of the early Bedouins of the region and are still celebrated today as the national bird of the UAE Years ago, when the Bedouin struggled for survival in a hostile desert environment, it was the falcon that caught and supplied him with much-needed meat. Today, mementos of the birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; past service can be seen all over the UAE, on banknotes and official documents, in paintings and architecture and at heritage centres and cultural events. Some of these prized birds are also chosen and trained to take part in competitions around the world. The UAE is well-represented on the international falconry scene and Emiratis, who have been practising the sport in much the same way for centuries, make up a significant portion of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s falconers. The difference today is that it is pleasure rather than necessity that makes the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s falcon enthusiasts go to great lengths to secure and tame these majestic creatures before teaching them to do their bidding.

FA L CON RY/ Disc ove r

Schooling the birds was and still is, a carefully engineered process. As a hunter for early inhabitants, a falcon not only had to respond to his master’s commands and return after being set loose, but also had to catch the prey without killing it. This was so Bedouin families could eat the meat in accordance with their Halal beliefs, which state that the animal must still be alive when the throat is cut and the blood is drawn. A handler must form a bond with the falcon, which can only arise from weeks of perseverance. During the early stages, the bird is kept with the trainer at all times, perched on his leather glove and shielded from distraction by a leather hood. Because the falcon’s vision is so sharp, it can be easily upset by large crowds of people or unfamiliar places. When the falcon cannot see, it is instantly calmed. A s t ra i n i ng com mences, t he fa lconer removes the hood and permits the bird to make short flights while swinging a feathered lure (a long chord with artifical bait attached). When the bird catches the lure, he is rewarded with raw meat. Eventually, it progresses to longer distances and live prey. Then, the falcon is ready to hunt. Before all this though, the falcon must be caught. In his autobiography, former diplomat, Edward Henderson gives an account of a falcon

1 A remote-controlled plane, with a feathered lure attached to rope, is chased by the falcon during training 2 Falcon with its handler 3 The birds rest on special stands

A handler must form a bond with the falcon, which can only arise from weeks of perseverance. During the early stages the bird must be kept with the handler at all times

catcher at work in which he describes how the man conceals himself in a hole in the sand and sets a trap before luring the bird with a live pigeon and trapping it in a net. These days, a common method is to attach a noose to the bait, which traps the bird when it makes a grab for the food. Most people now purchase their falcons from dealers and keep them for the duration of the hunting season before returning them to the wild. Previously, the most successful falcons would be kept in captivity for several years, but a recent law states that they must be released at the end of each season. Now the birds are sent to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where they receive a full medical check-up to ensure that they are completely healthy before being released back into the wild. The largest falcon hospital in the UAE, this state-of-the-art clinic takens in more than 6,000 falcons every year, many of which come from countries around

the region. Each falcon is fitted with a microchip and a leg ring to aid future identification and then put through a rigorous exercise programme and given extra food to boost its chances of survival in the first few weeks of release. Of course, today’s falconers are only in it for the sport. Hunting with falcons has been banned in the UAE to protect the falcon’s natural prey species such as houbaras (bustards) and karawan (stone curlews). Yet while the practical use for the birds has long died out, it is by no means forgotten. On the contrary, owning, training and flying a falcon is a popular and vital way of tapping into UAE history and maintaining a link with the region’s local traditions. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a popular visitor attraction and runs guided tours of the facilities from Sun to Thu, 10am to 2pm. Contact: 02 5755155 or visit: falcon hospital.com

Experience High roller

Hurtle 62 metres through the open roof before plummeting back to earth on ‘G-Force’, explore the vintage cars at the Ferrari Museum or hitch a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rosso (pictured), at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. The largest indoor theme park on the planet, this one-of-a-kind attraction features a variety of rides for all age groups. Contact: 02 4968001

All aboard

YAS MARINA

One of the best ways to explore Abu Dhabi is by boat and as summer temperatures soar there couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a better time to take to the water

BOA T T OURS / E XP E R IE NCE

From the deck of a catamaran sailing along the Corniche, an all-encompassing panorama of the Abu Dhabi skyline is visible. There are only a few places in the city that offer this impressive vista, with state-of-the-art skyscrapers soaring gracefully behind a long stretch of golden beach and the meandering Corniche road that leads from the historic Zayed Port to the iconic Emirates Palace hotel. Carry on out to sea and an entirely different perspective of Abu Dhabi comes into view. Off the coastline are hundreds of islands of varying shapes and sizes, many of which are protected as nesting and breeding grounds for the birds and fish that populate these parts. Some however are open to visitors and can be explored as part of an island-hopping trip that offers an insight into the natural splendour of the local landscape. Alternatively tap into Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historical and cultural heritage by boarding a dhow for a cruise along the coast. Once, these traditional wooden vessels formed the lifeblood of the local community, which relied heavily on fishing and pearl diving. Today, many have been refitted to host visitors on sailing trips and dinner cruises. For those who prefer a faster pace, there are whistlestop tours by speed boat that take in the highlights, while yacht charters and motor boat rentals cater to visitors who prefer to explore under their own steam. To help navigate the abundance of water-based tours available in Abu Dhabi, Concierge has rounded up a selection of the best aquatic adventures.

Capt. Tony’s Sunset Cruise New to the boating scene, Capt. Tony’s brings something a little different to cruise excursions in the capital. Founder, Antonio Neto prefers destinations that are off the beaten track and treats his guests to some of the emirate’s most spectacular natural sights on a cruise around the coast and islands. His ecoconscious approach affords a glimpse of Abu Dhabi’s lesserknown but nonetheless spectacular native environments from the flourishing mangroves rich in plant and aquatic life to the serene desert islands where turquoise waters lap lazily against golden beaches and not a soul is in sight. His particular recommendation is the Sunset Cruise, during which guests can relax to the sounds of chill-out music and enjoy cool beverages in the evening breeze while sailing along the tip of Al Smaliyah Island and watching the sun go down. Contact: 02 6507175 / Visit: captaintony.ae

During the Sunset Cruise guests can relax to the sounds of chill-out music and enjoy cool beverages in the evening breeze while sailing along the tip of Al Smaliyah Island and watching the sun go down The Yellow Boats The bright yellow speed boat sets off from Emirates Palace Marina, affording a close-up of the capital’s iconic hotel before heading along the Corniche. Here visitors can take in the many sights along the capital’s busiest stretch, where modern high rises and five-star hotels create an

impressive panorama of the city skyline. After this, the boat pauses for guests to take pictures of a colourful fisherman’s village then heads out into the open water, skirting round the manmade Lulu Island before heading back to Emirates Palace. Contact: 800 8044 / Visit: theyellowboats.com

BOA T T OURS / E XP E R IE NCE

Noukhada Adventure Company

Fishing

Combine sightseeing with action-adventure on a two-person catamaran as you head out with a guide to explore the waters in this hands-on experience. See islands, inlets, mangroves and other sheltered marine environments as you skim across the waves and explore the coastline. Moor on remote beaches to go snorkelling or soak up the picturesque surroundings while enjoying a picnic lunch on a desert island. The tour company also offers kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and fishing tours in addition to a number of land-based pursuits.

The Arabian Gulf is a paradise for keen fishermen with a large variety of species that includes kingfish, queenfish, trevally, kawa kawa, cobia and others.

Contact: 02 6503600 / Visit: noukhada.ae

Abu Dhabi Marina Yacht Explore the coast and surrounding islands at your leisure by chartering a boat and setting sail on the open water for the day. Cruise along the Corniche or soak up the sights around Yas Marina, where every year yacht owners from all over the world gather to watch the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the adjoining Yas Marina Circuit. The company offers four different types of luxury yacht ranging from 48-foot to 88-foot. The latter has capacity for 30 people and contains six comfortable and spacious suites, each with a private bathroom.

Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters (050 6146931) specialises in big game fishing and runs full-, half- and multiday excursions. The company also offers light tackle sport fishing and stand-up sport fishing in customised boats. X-Ventures (02 6396059) invites visitors to climb aboard a 27-foot Boston Whaler and spend four hours fishing on the open water. The company runs both deep-sea fishing and trolling excursions for groups of up to six people and will either supply the equipment or cater to guests who prefer to bring their own. Abu Dhabi Fishing Tour

(055 3570011) offers

a luxurious fishing experience on a 50-foot yacht for groups of up to 15 people. The spacious yacht features three cabins, a living room and an upper deck with seating.

Contact: 055 3570011 / Visit: abudhabimarinayacht.com

1 Noukhada Adventure Company 2 Yas Marina

Lulu Boats Leave the noise of the city behind and head off on a voyage around the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many off-shore islands. Spend a few hours cruising through the waters on a guided tour or charter a boat and strike out alone. Visitors can tailor the trip to their requirements and may even choose to spend the night on a desert island for a genuine Robinson Crusoe experience. Contact: 050 6429777 / Visit: info@luluboats.com

Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise Dinner aboard one of the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional wooden dhows is a must for visitors on holiday in Abu Dhabi. Nothing could be more romantic than cruising along the Corniche in one of these historic vessels, admiring a sweeping panorama of the city, while dining on a mouth-watering spread of local and international fare. 2

Contact: 055 4842003 / Visit: abudhabidhowcruise.org

Back to nature Natural products and organic spa treatments are increasingly in demand in Abu Dhabi as visitors turn back to nature

Avocado oil for moisture, Vitamin E for anti-ageing, manuka honey for inflammation, lemon juice for acne – the list of skin treatments found in nature’s store cupboard is endless. As concerns mount over how the quantity of synthetic chemicals we ingest and absorb on a daily basis will affect us over a lifetime of scrubbing, spraying and moisturising, many people are looking to nature for an alternative beauty source. In Abu Dhabi, more and more spas are responding to the growing demand for natural treatments by expanding their menus to include organic therapies and switching to natural product lines. “We’ve definitely noticed more guests enquiring about the ingredients in our products. The increase in knowledge of natural therapies and a desire to avoid ingredients that could trigger unwanted reactions has sparked a greater interest in the benefits of sticking to an all-natural skincare regime,” says Melanie Schneider, who manages Rayana Spa at Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi. “The skin is the body’s largest organ and it absorbs almost everything we apply to it including all those obscure-sounding chemicals listed on the labels of many products,” explains Zoe Wall, spa director at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara. With more people suffering from skin problems, including allergic rashes and adult acne there is a growing demand for cosmetics that replace synthetic chemicals and other potential irritants with natural ingredients.

S PA S / E XPE R IE NCE

1 to 4 Rayana Spa, Hyatt Capital Gate 5 Zayna Spa, Grand Millennium Al Wahda

At Rayana Spa therapists use a product line by June Jacobs that is free of parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances and sulfates. “My absolute favourite treatment is our June Jacobs Signature Spa Collection Facial. “The experience lasts 90 minutes and is designed to generate new skin cells, enhance moisture retention and counteract the signs of environmental damage,” she explains. Research into the benefits of choosing botanically sourced products has pointed out the long-term effects cosmetic chemicals can have with numerous studies citing a minimum of 10 or more personal care products used daily by the average person. One study by natural deodorant company Bionsen found that the average women ‘hosts’ 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every day.

“Natural products are comprised of all the things that are great for our skin including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes”

In response, some cosmetics companies are working to rid their products of the offending ingredients beginning in many cases with parabens. “Found in food and cosmetics, parabens are a specific type of preservative that protects cosmetics and food against microbial contaminants, specifically yeast or mould. Recent studies show that they may be a cause of a number of ailments including allergic reactions, skin rashes and even cancer,” Schneider says. The benefits of taking the green skincare path are not simply about ridding the body of unnatural chemicals. “Natural products are comprised of all the things that are great for our skin including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. These moisturise the pores, fight dryness and can also help alter the signs of ageing,” Wall says, adding that the natural oils in these products also work wonders on the texture of the skin, making it feel smooth and soft.

Many of the ingredients found in natural products have been used for hundreds of years and offer time-tested results. Among the most widely used is honey, which is one of the world’s oldest enduring skincare remedies and has been used to treat everything from sun damage to dryness for centuries. Today, it is especially valued for its anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant and moisturising qualities. Another naturally occurring substance that has long been used in the treatment of skin complaints is rose extract. Medicinal recipes containing rose petals, water and oil have been handed down from ancient times and many modern skincare lines have taken advantage of the plant’s curative qualities to treat a long list of ailments from eczema and dermatitis to acne and stretch marks. One such product line is Shiffa Dubai, a holistic and natural skincare brand based in the UAE.

S PA S / E XPE R IE NCE

Inspired by ancient Arabia, the brand takes a luxurious approach towards natural skincare, sourcing ingredients from around the world to be sure that the best and purest components are brought together to create each product. “Iranian rose is used to soothe, Southeast Asian tamanu to nourish, Indian amber to detoxify and Lebanese orange blossom to heal,” explains Wall. At Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa a special line infused with emerald is used for treatments such as the Shiffa Cleansing Emerald Ritual and the Shiffa Luxury Emerald Gemstone Body Massage. “The powerful healing properties of emeralds are combined with pure essential oils, natural clay masks and other natural recipes designed to detoxify, balance and stimulate the skin,” Wall adds. More recently, research into the antioxidant properties of coffee has also pointed towards the firming effects of caffeine when applied to the skin. Coffee is now a regular feature on spa menus, with treatments such as the Detoxifying Arabic Coffee Scrub at Chi, The Spa, in Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri and the Green Coffee Anti-Cellulite Treatment at Zayna Spa in Grand Millennium al Wahda. Green coffee is a relatively new phenomenon in beauty circles and has quickly become popular in anti-cellulite and antioxidant therapies. Part of its potency stems from the fact that the beans are ground and processed cold (instead of being roasted), allowing them to retain their waxy outer layer and a high percentage of their active ingredients.

N at u r e ’s c u r e

6 Zayna Spa, Grand Millennium al Wahda 7 Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara 8 & 9 Zen, The Spa, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Green Coffee AntiCellulite Treatment

The combination of soothing massage and vigorous rubbing in which trouble spots on the skin will redden to show the presence of excess cellulite works wonders in this 90-minute treatment. Unlike roasted coffee oil, green coffee oil is pressed from the fresh beans or seeds of the plant and is said to contain enzymes that help combat cellulite, reduce inflammation and smooth the surface of the skin. Book in for several sessions to enjoy optimal results. Where: Zayna Spa, Grand Millennium al Wahda. How much: AED675. Contact: 02 4953822 Herbal Compress Massage

Balls of herbs and spices are used to soothe aching muscles before herbal essences and essential oils are massaged into the skin. Where: Zen, The Spa, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. How much: AED675. Contact: 02 6979000 Rose Renewal Facial

The regenerative properties of the damask rose are called upon in this relaxing facial, where a traditional aromatherapy pressure point massage is combined with lymphatic drainage to release facial tension and congestion. Where: The Spa, Radisson Blu. How much: AED375. Contact: 02 6562494

Herbal tea is another popular ingredient in natural skincare. According to Schneider, “White, green and red tea extract help to neutralise free radicals, protect skin from environmental toxins and combat the visible signs of premature aging.” A short spell on Google will reveal a huge number of herbal options when it comes to curing a skin complaint from chamomile and calendula for redness and rashes to shea butter for moisture and algae for cleansing blocked pores. As with any skincare regime, whether naturally based or not, finding the right substance for your skin is a matter of trial and error. As Chantelle Mason, director of Zen, The Spa at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, says: “The best way to find the right skincare routine is to play around with different products until you land on the combination that suits you best. For me great skin relies heavily on two overriding factors, both of them as natural as can be – sleep and water taken in abundance.”

around the world-Concierge FP.ai

5/1/13

5:20 PM

Shop Car tier Nouvelle Vag ue

Launched this month, the Cartier Nouvelle Vague collection is inspired by the elegance of the archetypal Parisian lady. Seven jewellery lines represent different attitudes, including Espiègle, Voluptueuse, Impertinente, Affranchie, Pétillante, Délicate and Glamour. The collection is available in Abu Dhabi from June 1. Where: Avenue at Etihad Towers. Contact: 800 2278437

Show stopper

A well-conceived exhibition offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase incredible ideas. Many months of hard work, attention to detail and passion are embodied in the innovative products and exclusive pieces presented. Baselworld - the World Watch and Jewellery Show is one of the finest examples of a modern luxury-goods exhibition boasting collections from the world’s most renowned jewellers. A key date in the international watch and jewellery industry calendar, the influential show sets the pace for the market for the rest of the year. It’s where many of the high-end watch and jewellery brands debut their most prized new collections before they are launched around the world. Baselworld dates back to 1917 with the opening of the first Schweizer Mustermesse Basel (MUBA) retail fair which initially incorporated a watch and jewellery section. Over the years this element grew until a Swiss watch show was held in a dedicated pavilion in 1931. Subsequent incarnations of the exhibition led to the birth of Basel in 1983. It was renamed Baselworld Watch and Jewellery Show in 2003 and the following year a new hall complex was introduced capable of accommodating more than 89,000 visitors who flock to this esteemed event.

Stunning designs capitvated visitors at this year’s Baselworld–the World Watch and Jewellery Show

W A T CHE S / S HOP

SHO P/ WA TCHES

Marking the most important date on the annual watch and jewellery calendar, this year’s edition from April 25 to May 2, was a landmark occasion. An incredible new venue was revealed, designed by renowned international architects Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron. The new space boasts impressive architectural features such as a built-over section at the Exhibition Square, where a striking atrium kown as the City Lounge can be found. “For visitors the new

1 Bulgari Il Giardino Tropicale Tourbillon (previous page) 2 & 4 Baselworld 2013 3 Omega De Ville Ladymatic Bicolour

hall and stands are very impressive with a modern infrastructure that makes the venue attractive for brands as well as buyers,” says Bernard Keller, communication manager at Baselworld. “The wide range of watches and jewellery as well as stones and pearls are also very interesting for enthusiasts. “Baselworld is a very glamorous setting for buyers and brands to interact as the biggest names in the industry are here. It’s the ideal platform to meet all the important CEOs behind the brands during the eight days. We really focus on providing the industry with the best possible show and on developing our concept hand in hand with the evolution of this sector. We will never stop refining Baselworld,” he adds. This year’s event saw 1,460 exhibiting companies from 40 different countries present their latest products and collections to more than 100,000 professional visitors in 12 halls. The most established names in international watch and jewellery design were present, each unveiling new collections and a series of world firsts. Brands such as, Chopard, Rolex and Patek Phillipe led the grand gathering which was also attended by major players in the industry from Raymond Weil and Longines to Tag

“Baselworld is the ideal platform to meet all the important brands and CEOs behind them. We really focus on providing the industry with the best possible show and on developing our concept”

Heuer and Breguet. A dynamic range of watches and jewellery represented the wide spectrum 3 available and the stands themselves were also an aesthetic attraction with a great deal of effort channelled into their layout and design. La Montre Hermès, the watchmaking arm of luxury design house Hermès, showcased sensational pieces over two levels in a space designed by famed architect Toyo Ito. Many brands employed the services of leading architects to craft the perfect exhibition area which often carried references from watch boutiques. Zenith marked its 19th anniversary at the show with a stand designed by Geneva’s Brandstorm architects. Themes of cream stone alongside smoked glass, leather and wood were carried over from the firm’s boutique stores. Chopard’s stand followed the architectural concept of its ‘new generation’ boutiques developed by New York designer Thierry Despont. Amid the innovative venue and chic displays it was of course the stunning selection of watches and jewellery that stole the show. Concierge presents highlights from the remarkable exhibition offers a glimpse of the best of Baselworld.

The Rotana 20,000 one night stay giveaway

Spend AED 699* in one of our 62 Rotana restaurants across the UAE and get a complimentary night stay in one of our UAE hotels & resorts. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all! Rotana Rewards Exclusive members will also benefit from their regular summer promotion and will get a dining voucher worth 50% off, redeemable on their next visit. To learn more about the participating Rotana restaurants, simply visit rotanatimes.com

*Terms and Conditions apply

SHO P/ WA TCHES

Bulgari Il Giardino Tropicale Tourbillon

5, 7 & 8 Visitors enjoying Baselworld sights 6 Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel

The celebrated Italian design house presented Il Giardino Tropicale Tourbillon, its first complication for women, to Baselworld’s visitors. Combining style with dynamic functionality the design of the timepiece’s hand-painted face is based on a beautiful tropical garden peppered with stunning gemstones. The watch’s exquisite form is then enhanced by its inventive tourbillon mechanism. A self-winding movement with tourbillion escapement is supported by a sapphire crystal bridge upon which a decorative parrot is perched achieving an overall harmony between design and performance.

Omega De Ville Ladymatic Bicolour Omega took the opportunity to unveil a reinvention of this iconic timepiece at the Baselworld exhibition. Much like the Omega brand itself the Ladymatic has set the standard for excellence in timepiece design for women down the decades. A state-of-the-art mechanism is complemented by a stainless steel and 18-carat red or yellow gold bracelet presenting a playful fusion of styles in one. The strap also comes in elegant brushed satin and white or brown leather. The dramatic dial, in brown or mother-ofpearl, is decorated with a supernova pattern and set with 11 diamond indexes in 18-carat gold. The polished hour, minute and second hands are also crafted from 18-carat gold while the case sparkles with a single ‘Brilliant Omega Cut’ diamond set into the polished crown. Waves of 18-carat red or yellow gold cover the case exterior for a sleek finish that clearly took the watch show by storm.

W H E R E T O B U Y: BLANCPAIN: blancpain.com Available at Marina Mall, 02 6580019

BULGARI: bulgari.com Available at Etihad Towers,

02 6818828 OMEGA: omegawatches.com

Available at Rivoli boutiques across Abu Dhabi, 02 6813035 HYSEK: hysek.com Available at Majestic Palace, Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 6452080

Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel Making horological history, the innovative Manufacture from Le Brassus combined two complications in one watch. The tourbillon and carrousel devices both combat gravity-related effects on the running of the watch’s movement. This impressive timepiece features a flying tourbillon at 12 o’clock, flying carrousel at 6 o’clock and a date display at 3 o’clock. The movements also lend a stunning aesthetic aspect to the watch while the sapphire crystal caseback provides a view of the ingenious mechanisms and moving parts in action. The discreet dial boasts a grand feu enamel chapter ring bearing gold Roman numerals while the classic alligator leather strap complements this stylish design.

Hysek Abyss 38MM

Swiss watch brand Hysek unveiled a sporty yet chic offering for ladies at this year’s Baselworld. Designed to perfectly fit the contours of the wrist this new piece boasts elegant curves and a slender case. The bezel is embedded with six diamonds while the dial features a sleek ripple effect. The case, at 38millimetres in diameter, allows for a happy balance between beauty of form and sports function while the hour display is the ideal size to be perfectly readable on the move without altering the overall delicacy.

EXPERIENCE LAVISH DINING AND

SOPHISTICATED SHOPPING...

VISIT THE SOUK QARYAT AL BERI - WHERE ARABIAN ELEGANCE IS TRULY WORTH REMEMBERING

LOCATED AT AL MAQTAA AREA, NEXT TO SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, ABU DHABI TELEPHONE NUMBER : 02-5581670 FAX NUMBER : 02-5581671 EMAIL ADDRESS: info@soukqaryatalberi.com WEBSITE: www.soukqaryatalberi.com

To market A seamless blend of retail, culture and history makes The Souk at World Trade Centre a highlight for visitors to the city

Shopping in Abu Dhabi today is an undeniably glamorous affair. In the city’s state-of-the-art malls, corridors lined with shop fronts bearing the logos of leading retail brands lead into large, airy atriums filled with smart cafés and restaurants. Over recent decades, the world’s top designers have congregated here and now luxurious boutiques, exclusive jewellers and high-end fashion brands fill the capital’s malls, securing the city’s reputation as one of the Middle East’s premier retail destinations. It hasn’t always been this way though. Before the city gained its designer shopping status and mall culture arrived, people purchased everything from food and other necessities to clothing and household furnishings at the local souk. Spices, textiles and a huge variety of other goods were brought in by dhow from the Far East and India to be sold at the city’s central market.

T HE s ouk/ s hop

Until 10 years ago the old souk, which stood in the heart of the city close to the Corniche, still served as a hub for trade and commerce. In 2003, however, a fire destroyed the old building, taking with it a piece of the capital’s past. Today The Souk at World Trade Centre stands in its place filling a gap that was left by the destruction of the historic site with a modern interpretation of the country’s traditional shopping destination. The new souk, completed in 2010 retains the character of an old-style Arabian market place with its narrow corridors, quaint stores and Middle Eastern design theme, but features a contemporary twist that brings it up to date with the needs of modern shoppers.

In the future Last month, the capital announced plans to construct a new souk, built in the traditional style but featuring modern amenities including a waterfront, open-air performance space, dining outlets and shops. The 150,000-square-metre structure will be situated between the Sheikh Zayed and Al Maqtaa bridges at the opposite end of town to the Corniche.

The bags of exotic spices spilling out into the alleyways and odds-and-ends stores selling exotic trinkets from across the region are here but there are also hole-in-the-wall art galleries, contemporary fashion boutiques and modern jewellery shops that blend harmoniously with the more traditional retail offerings. “The Souk at World Trade Centre is a great location for visitors who want to combine shopping with a taste of the local culture and history. There’s a real sense of old Arabia in these corridors that provides a very different experience to shopping at the malls,” says Dave Wallace, retail mall manager at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi. Soon, however, visitors to the new World Trade Centre won’t have to choose. Next door to the souk construction is underway on the Mall at World Trade Centre where a broad spectrum of international brands, dining outlets and entertainment facilities will provide a more conventional interpretation of shopping in Abu Dhabi. When it opens within the next few months the spacious new mall will complete the all-encompassing visitor experience on offer here by providing a one-stop destination for retail, culture and history in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

Taste Fr uits of t he sea

Served with flame-grilled sour dough bread, the slow-poached garlic and chilli oil prawns are one of many mouth-watering treats on the menu at Nautilus. The award-winning restaurant, which overlooks the F1 race track at Yas Marina Circuit, takes a modern European approach to food with an emphasis on delicious seafood dishes. Where: Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. Contact: 02 6560600

The final flourish Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene gets more competitive by the day and it’s up to the city’s busy maitre d’s to make sure their venue stands out from the crowd Is the cutlery gleaming and the seating plan in place? Are all the waiters immaculately turned out? Have the reservations been confirmed and the table settings checked? Does everyone know tonight’s specials by heart? These are some of the many questions that must be asked by the maitre d’ or restaurant manager of a fine dining restaurant every day as they double and triple check every last detail to be sure that everything is perfect. Only then, when they are certain that nothing has been overlooked, can they open the doors of their establishment and welcome guests for the evening meal. From the impression given by some of Abu Dhabi’s high-end restaurants, running a five-star dining venue is a pleasant and relaxing business. At Sontaya, the trendy Southeast Asian restaurant at The St.Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, the smiling, laidback restaurant manager, Le Hoang Vu greets guests on arrival and makes time to pop over for a chat between courses later on. He’s quite happy to explain each and every dish should you require it and seems in no hurry to dash off and deal with this crisis or that. During the course of the evening he will make time to converse with all the guests in addition to performing a hundred and one other tasks necessary to ensure the night flows smoothly.

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Sontaya, St.Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

FI N E D I N I N G/ t a s t e

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3 1 Li Jiang, The Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal (previous page) 2&3 Sontaya, The St.Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 4 Li Jiang, The Ritz Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal

“Restaurants are often compared to orchestras and the restaurant manager’s role is much like the conductor – he or she must ensure that the timing is precise, the service is synchronised, the guests are entertained and that all information is communicated smoothly and seamlessly within the team,” explains Vu. It’s a role he manages effortlessly but it’s easy to see why this is not a job that anyone can perform. “Among other things, a good manager must be sociable as this business is all about people. On top of that they must have a good understanding of people, a sharp eye for detail and excellent team leadership skills,” he explains, adding that with the long hours required, a restaurant manager’s work-life balance is not suited to everyone. It’s immediately apparent when a restaurant lacks proper direction. The sloppy waiter who seems willfully bent on messing up an order or the grumpy chef who arrogantly refuses to accommodate any alterations to his menu are less than pleasant dining experiences we can all relate to. Being a good maitre d’, however, is about much more than pre-empting a miscalculated bill or apologising to an offended guest. As the ringmaster he needs to anticipate a potential problem and solve it long before it comes to pass and certainly before it could affect a guest.

“It’s all in the details. From the restaurant’s design and finishing to food presentation and uniforms – every little thing matters. What makes or breaks a dining venue however is service” “It’s all in the details. From the restaurant’s design and finishing to food presentation and uniforms – every little thing matters. What makes or breaks a dining venue however is service,” explains PierreGuillaume Musset, restaurant manager at Li Jiang at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. The evening’s finessing begins well before the guests arrive with a staff briefing, table checks and a wellthought-out seating plan. “It’s extremely important to make the seating procedures as smooth as possible. Before setting the

tables for the night, we always take into consideration the restaurant layout and the reservations on the books to make sure all our guests are appropriately seated,” he says. Once guests have been promptly shown to their table, its Musset’s job to make sure they have a meal to remember. “Every day I challenge myself to create a dining experience that is more than sitting down and ordering food from a menu in front of you. It’s all about engaging with guests, educating them about the food and enlivening their senses,” he enthuses.

FI N E D I N I N G/ t a s t e

5&7 Barouk, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island 6 Nader Mohammed, Barouk, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island 8 Agadir, Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

This is particularly the case in Li Jiang, which offers an authentic Oriental experience. “I love seeing the excitement on guests’ faces as they walk in. With its show kitchen, tableside noodle-pulling and vibrant Asian-market feel, this restaurant makes my job easier,” says Musset. At Barouk, the L ebanese restaurant in Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, restaurant manager Nader Mohhamed is sometimes tasked with explaining the cuisine to diners who are new to Arabian fare. “People are increasingly well-travelled so many guests will have come into contact with the more commonly known Arabic dishes before.

In some cases however they have little or no experience of the cuisine so I have to ensure that we respond to their needs while also meeting the expectations of our regular clientele.” As anyone who has earned ‘regular’ status at a bar or restaurant will know, it pays to feel recognised and at home in a place. Maitre d’s and restaurant managers are well aware of this and some are now going out of their way to create that pleasant sense of belonging for all guests, not just the familiar faces. “I always like my team to know the names of our diners and where possible to anticipate their needs,” says Habib, maitre d’ at Agadir,

t a st e/fin e D ININ G

T h e r e s ta u r a n t s

Agadir: Mouth-watering Moroccan fare is served in an authentic Arabian setting at Agadir, where it’s worth leaving enough space to sample the wide selection of exotic desserts. Where: Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa. When: Open daily, 7pm to midnight and also for lunch on Fri and Sat from 1 to 3.30pm. Contact: 02 6169999 Li Jiang: Diners can immerse themselves in the market-day vibe of this energetic Southeast Asian eaterie, where the open kitchen and noodle-pulling displays thrust you into the heart of the action. Where: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. When: Open Sun to Fri, 7pm to midnight. Contact: 02 8188282 Sontaya: Spectacular views of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows are complemented by creative cuisine and a laid-back ambience at this popular restaurant. Where: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. When: Open daily, noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to midnight. Contact: 02 4988888 Porto Bello: Traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist is artfully presented at this stylish Italian restaurant where the meals taste as good as they look. Where: Grand Millennium al Wahda. When: Open daily, noon to 11.30pm. Contact: 02 4953905 Barouk: The best of Lebanese cuisine is brought together under one roof at Barouk where friendly service, large portions and hearty fare transport you to straight to the country of its origin. Where: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. When: Open Mon to Sat, 7pm onwards and Fri 4pm onwards. Contact: 02 6563000

the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa’s Moroccan fine dining restaurant. This is made possible by finding out as much about each guest in advance as possible. “The more information we have, the more personalised and memorable the experience we create for them can be,” he adds. When the last bill has been paid and the dishes are cleared away a maitre d’ can at last sit back and take stock of the evening. A successful night for Saverio Gianni, manager of Porto Bello, the Italian restaurant at the Grand Millennium al Wahda, is when one of his team is singled out for praise by a guest. “My favourite aspect of this role is passing on my knowledge to my staff and seeing them

all improve with experience,” he explains, adding that a restaurant’s reputation rests in the hands of the entire team and that one person alone cannot make it stand out against its competitors. For Habib, positive feedback from a guest who tries something new is one of the greatest rewards, while Mohammed knows he is doing his job well when he sees guests return time and time again. According to Musset “a night is a success when I see smiles on guests’ faces and they thank me and my team for creating great memories that will stay with them for ever. There is no better compliment than hearing that my team did an amazing job and seeing guests come back.”

9&11 Porto Bello, Grand Millennium al Wahda 10 Habib, Maitre’d, the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa 12 Agadir, the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

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Desert dairy The wider world is only just waking up to the health benefits of camel milk, but in the UAE, this highly nutritious beverage is a traditional dietary staple Not so long ago, the basic Emirati diet consisted fundamentally of dates and camel milk. For Bedouin desert dwellers, little else was readily available. Then oil was discovered in the region, the UAE was formed and the arid desert landscape rapidly transformed with the arrival of international restaurant and supermarket chains. The traditional, Bedouin way of life declined and with it went the former emphasis on local food sources. With diminished demand, camel milk faded from the culinary scene and entered into a long hiatus. Then a few years ago, interest began to pick up as people reawakened to its nutritional benefits, leading to an unprecedented demand, says April Hobbs at Al Ain Dairy.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the last two years especially, camel milk has seen quite a resurgence. Both the media and the general public have become fascinated with the general subject. There is a certain novelty value that has captured the imagination of expats, but what seems to have sparked this surge in interest is the growing awareness of its nutritional qualities,â&#x20AC;? she explains. A quick glance at the nutritional profile of camel milk makes it easy to see how a simple diet was sufficient to keep Bedouin tribes healthy. With enough nutrients to sustain a person through the whole day, it is a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals while also being significantly lower in cholesterol than other forms of milk.

1 Al Ain Dairy 2 Camel milk chocolate, Al Nassma 3 Camel milk ice cream, Al Nassma

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

in the UAE. Meanwhile, visitors can get involved in the craze for camel-milk products by trying camel milk chocolate, made by al Nassma or sipping on a Camelcino in the lobby lounge at Jumeriah at Etihad Towers. “Nowadays, camel milk products are enjoying an increasing popularity, not only in the UAE but all over the world. The elaborate taste and the nutritious attributes of camel milk make it attractive to a wider market and we at Al Nassma are taking the unique attributes of this local delicacy and adapting it to suit modern consumers,” says Martin van Almsick, General Manager of Al Nassma Chocolate However, it’s not just the nutritional values that make camel milk worth trying. From a visitor’s perspective, drinking a cup of camel milk in the UAE is a way to experience the local culture and get a taste of traditional dietary staples. As Hobbs states: “Visitors should try it simply because camel milk is such an important part of Emirati culture and history. Tasting it is an extension of the UAE experience.”

With enough nutrients to sustain a person through the whole day, camel milk is a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals while also being significantly lower in cholesterol than other forms of milk

In fact, from a health perspective, camel milk runs circles around the more commonly consumed cows’ milk. According to Hobbs, it is one of the most nutritious foods (or beverages) a person can consume, with 10 times more antiviral properties and three times more vitamin C than cows’ milk. According to Hobbs: “Camel milk is the closest to human mothers’ milk and our bodies literally thrive on it.” Its outstanding health credentials have landed camel milk on the World Health Organisation’s exclusive superfood list, alongside nutritional heavyweights like green tea and blueberries. Now, with its reputation growing, demand is spreading overseas to such an extent that camel farms are struggling to meet it. “Camel milk is in significant undersupply for the current demand, both globally and here in the UAE. The other challenge is the production. This type of milk farming is highly specialised and, while there are many small holdings and hobby farms around the world still milking by hand the old, traditional way, there are very few that are fully integrated vertical farms equipped for full production. The result of this is that supply cannot meet demand,” says Hobbs. It’s not just basic milk that consumers want either. As its popularity grows, people want to try new forms like camel-milk cheese and ice cream, both of which have recently been introduced to the market and are available

Camel Craze Other ways to enjoy a camel experience in the UAE include: Camel racing: Camel racing is the UAE’s national sport. The season starts in October at Al Wathba race track in Abu Dhabi. Al Dhafra camel festival: If you visit in December make time to take in this annual festival, which offers an unparalleled taste of Emirati culture. Camel beauty contests: The country’s prettiest camels compete in this hotly contested competition held during Al Dhafra’s camel festival. Camel farm: There are plenty of camel farms around the UAE and some of the safari tours will stop off at one on the way for photo opportunities. Or just travel down some of the inter-Emirate highways where drivers frequently have to stop for crossing camels. Camel rides: There’s no better way to tap into UAE history than by riding a camel through the desert. Available through desert safari tour operators the UAE.

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.

June Programme Exhibitions

Workshops

Birth of a Museum Eco Future The Saadiyat Story Talks 26 June 18:45 Louvre Abu Dhabi: Talking Art Series, Using Science to Unlock the Mystery of Art Artscape 4 June 18:00 Birth of a Museum Artscape: Cultures in Dialogue

1 June 10:00 Eco Future Kayaking Trip and Art Making Workshop

19 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Living Colour

1 June 13:00 Birth of a Museum Family Workshop: An Artful Afternoon Tea

19 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Photographing Art

5 June 17:30 Louvre Abu Dhabi: Taking Art Series Family Workshop

24 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Creatures Great and Small

10 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Teen Workshop: Drawing Comics

24 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Photographing Art

10 June 17:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Artistic Sketching Techniques

29 June 10:00 Birth of a Museum Children’s Workshop: Drawing Comics

15 June 14:00 Eco Future Workshop: Eco-Tote

29 June 10:00 Birth of a Museum Teen Workshop: Metal Etching

15 June 14:00 Birth of a Museum Adult Workshop: Metal Etching 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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The guide discover / experience / shop / taste

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

1. Arabian Wildlife Park, Sir Bani Yas Island 2. Al Hosn Palace 3. Heritage Village 4. Camel trekking in the desert 5. Carpet Souk 6. Artist's impression of the future development on Saadiyat Island

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

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.

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.

Timings: Sun to Thu

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

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

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

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

AL WATHBA

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

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.

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

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

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

KIDOOS

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

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 2. Rayana Spa, Hyatt Capital Gate 3. Mountain biking, Sir Bani Yas Island 4. Stand-up paddle boarding, the mangroves 5. Desert safari, Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI CHARTERS

Timings: Check website for details Guide price: AED200

Bowling

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

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 02 6459070

02 5839200 or 50 6147007

02 6354316

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

SPARKY’S

Guide price: AED235 for visitors over 1.3m tall, AED195 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

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

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

02 6731111 or 050 5409041

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

Guide price: Call for details

ANIMAL ANTICS Arabian horses Visitors can watch these hardy creatures in action at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Centre on Sundays during horse racing season or go horse riding at the Sir Bani Yas Stables (pictured). Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Learn about this cherished bird and its importance to the people of the UAE at the largest falcon hospital in the country. Al Ain Wildlife Park Board the zoo train and embark on an Arabian safari, spotting animals such as oryx, gazelles and camels. There’s also African and Asian wildlife, two rare white lions and a big-cat house. Arabian Wildlife Park Sir Bani Yas island is home to a diverse range of animals, which can be seen on a guided safari or early morning kayak.

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

Camel races A popular pastime in the Arabian Gulf is camel racing. Events are held at weekends at Al Wathba and Al Maqam camel race tracks.

Guide price: Call for details

Green fees: National Course,

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

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

AL MAHARA DIVING CENTRE

02 6437377 or divemahara.com

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.

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)

ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUB

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

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

Horse racing

ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB

AED350 for one hour

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

AED315, children AED290

ABU DHABI SUB AQUA CLUB

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

Island Hopping

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

THE VILLAGE CLUB

Timings: Daily Guide price: Adults

Diving

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.

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

02 5568555

Guide price: AED400,

02 6911711

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

Mutahida Flight Simulator

BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

Abu Dhabi is home to over 200 islands – here’s a few that are easily accessible to visitors. One of the largest natural islands in the emirate, Sir Bani Yas Island is located 240 kilometres from the mainland. A major attraction is the Arabian Wildlife Park, which takes up almost half the island and is home to more than 10,000 free-roaming animals. Ask your hotel concierge for advice on getting a boat across. Inhabited for over 7,000 years and once one of the Gulf's most important pearl-diving centres, Delma Island continues to maintain strong links to its maritime heritage. It also boasts some of the region’s earliest evidence of date-palm cultivation along with Mesopotamian pottery and finely flaked stone tools. Delma Island can be visited by ferry from Jebel Dhanna. Easily reached from Bateen Marina, Al Futaisi Island spreads across an area of around 50 sq km, most of which remains untouched, creating a very effective wildlife sanctuary. Discover the island by bike or take a mini-bus tour to see Gazelles running free, Ospreys nesting on outbreaks of rocks and to observe shy spiny tailed lizards called Dhubs.

04 2854949

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

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

Ice skating 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

Island trips 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.

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

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.

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 ABU DHABI'S GRAND WEEKEND The 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix rolls into the capital from November 1 to 3, bringing 50,000 motor sport fans, the world's best race car drivers and a swathe of celebrities all ready to party the weekend away in style. The high-octane event, one of the biggest and most glamorous on the city's sporting calendar, is held each year at Yas Marina Circuit, a 5.55-kilometre track that winds around a stunning marina and through the five-star Yas Viceroy hotel. Tickets sell out and hotel rooms are booked well in advance so it is wise to book early to avoid disappointment. For more information, see yasmarinacircuit.ae

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

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

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.

Guide price: Two-hour

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

Motor sports DRAG RACING

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

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

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

Water sports

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

action packed Abu Dhabi is a haven for the adventurous with world-class attractions for thrill seekers… Al Forsan International Sports Resort Try paintball, shooting, horse riding, go karting, wakeboarding and skiing at this international sports facility in Khalifa City. Then create some dust as you race your friends on the dune buggies. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Ride the world’s fastest rollercoaster, hitting speeds of 240kmh, then test your driving skills in a Formula One simulator before being shot 62 metres through the distinctive red roof of the planet’s only Ferrari-themed amusement park. Wadi Adventure With three worldclass courses, Wadi Adventure in Al Ain is the Middle East’s only manmade whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing facility. Take a lesson from the professionals or hone your skills in a controlled environment Yas Marina Circuit Hold on for the ride of your life as you speed around Yas Marina Circuit as a passenger in a modified Formula One car, or test your nerve behind the wheel of an Aston Martin. Why not try drag racing your family and friends? Yas Marina Circuit is not for the faint-hearted.

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 7

Karting

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

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. Wadi Adventure 7. Talise Spa, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 8. Quad biking in the desert

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

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 at World Trade Centre 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. .

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 Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 3 to 10pm

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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 features 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 Café. 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

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 Vertical – Wine bar

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

02 6166122

Al Markaziyah Enjoy Thai specialities prepared by Chef Sonthaya at Cho Gao, which is featuring an extended menu this month 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. Cho Gao – Asian Heroes Bar – Sports bar Level Lounge – Rooftop bar Spaccanapoli – Italian The Garden – International Vincent’s – Cocktail bar

02 6563000

All you can eat mussels for AED160 per person draws seafood lovers to Stills every Monday, then on Thursday Barouk – Lebanese Jing Asia – Asian buffet Stills Bar & Brasserie – European bar and restaurant Sundowner – Bar

DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI

02 6988888

Al Mushrif

Urban Kitchen is a contemporary Arabian eaterie with live cooking stations and a buffet set-up while Benjarong specialises in the hotel's signature Thai cuisine. Urban Kitchen – Arabic Benjarong – Thai Dusit Gourmet – Lounge The Capital Grill – Steakhouse Breeze – Bar

1. 18°, Hyatt Capital Gate 2. Turquoiz, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 3. Hoi Ann, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri 4. Al Fanar, Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

02 6561000

Eastern Mangroves On Tuesdays Impressions hosts The Big Brunch, where five open kitchens team up to deliver a huge spread of delicious and creative cuisine for AED225 per person or AED425 with French Champagne. Ingredients – All-day international Pachaylen – Thai restaurant Impressions – Rooftop lounge

Emirates Palace

02 6909000

Ras Al Akhdar 3

Dine in style at award-winning Italian restaurant, Mezzaluna or sample some authentic local cuisine at Mezlai, Abu Dhabi's first Emirati restaurant. 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

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

02 6543000

Bain Al Jessrain 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. 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

T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

Grand Millennium Al Wahda

02 4439999

Al Wahda

Start Ramadan early this year with authentic Arabian dishes, shisha and snacks at Haritna tent. Porters is featuring a new summer menu, including award-winning speciality dishes and refreshing light bites. At Toshi, theme nights throughout the week offer diners an opportunity to explore different types of Arabian cuisine with Sushi & Teppanyaki Night on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Noodles Night on Monday for AED99 per person.

DINE BY THE SEA

Jumeirah At Etihad Towers

02 8115555

Ras Al Akhdar 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. 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

Hala Arjaan by Rotana

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

Tourist Club Area

Ras Al Akdar

02 4180000

02 6570000

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

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

The Gallery – International

Hilton Abu Dhabi

02 6811900

Al Khubeirah 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 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

HYATT CAPITAL GATE

02 5961234

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 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

Learn how to create the perfect Japanese snack in chef Dexter's sushi masterclass on June 22. Each lesson includes a two-course lunch and costs AED185 per person. Friday sees a lavish culinary display for the hotel's Marina brunch, which includes cooking stations from Chamas, Boccaccio and Belgian Café. 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

Breakfast: Essence, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Start the day with a buffet breakfast on the terrace and tuck in to a selection of international foods that range from French pastries to Saj stations. Where: Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi. Contact: 02 6979011 Lunch: Beach House, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotels & Villas Order a selection of Mediterranean dishes to share and enjoy fresh, flavoursome food right on the beach. Where: Saadiyat Island. Contact: 02 4071138. Afternoon snack: Sea Lounge, MonteCarlo Beach Club A range of beverages and light snacks is served in a contemporary, beachside setting. Where: Saadiyat Island. Contact: 02 6563500. Dinner: BBQ al Qasr, Emirates Palace Soak up the atmosphere of this romantic restaurant while dining on succulent platters of grilled meats and seafood in cabanas on the beach. Where: Corniche. Contact: 02 690 7999. Nightcap: Turquoiz, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Round off the evening with a drink at this sophisticated new beach lounge, which also serves an array of light snacks and main dishes. Where: Saadiyat Island. Contact: 02 4988001.

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

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi

02 6446666

Tourist Club Area 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. Thursday is Thai buffet night at Talay, with a 50 percent discount for diners. 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 Seafood lovers can head over to Amalfi on Friday nights when the Italian restaurant lays on a feast of fresh fish for AED180 per person. On Friday afternoons, Al Fanar hosts a bubbly brunch, where diners can wash down a mouth-watering spread with unlimited champagne for AED220 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

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

Mercure Centre Hotel

INDIAN

Al Markaziyah

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

02 6333555

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

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

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

5. Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri 6. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill, Fairmont Bab al Bahr 7. Filini, Radisson Blu 8. Le Deck, Monte-Carlo Beach Club

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

02 4071234

Saadiyat Island

6 8

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 Monday is Lobster Night at Sofra Bld with the chance to eat as much of the delicacy as you like, accompanied by a wide selection of other seafood dishes for AED199 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

02 6773333

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.

Asparagus fans should stop in at La Mamma at the beginning of June when the popular Italian eatery will be celebrating the vegetable with an array of delicious dishes. Those who want to sample some authentic Mexican cuisine can head to El Sombrero Mexican Restaurant, as the chef is whipping up traditional moles this month.

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

02 8188888

Bain Al Jessrain Those with a sweet tooth can pay a visit to Dolce this month where chef Laurent Allereau will be creating an array of delicious crumbly fruit tarts. On Tuesdays, ladies don red to take advantage of selected beverages priced at AED5 for the new Sorso in Rosso night. 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.

Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel

02 6666220

Al Khalidiyah 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. Corniche All Day Dining – International Jazz ’N Fizz Bar – bar La Mer – French seafood Silk and Spice – Thai

Catalan – Spanish La Cava – Wine cellar Hidden Bar – Lounge bar Aqua – Italian Sambusek – Lebanese

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

AL MAQTA HOTEL

Saadiyat Island

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 4988888

Soak up the stunning view of Saadiyat Beach while enjoying exquisite fare at Southeast Asian eaterie, Sontaya or head down to Turquoiz and select some seafood specialities from the new menu and dine right by the beach. 55th&5th, The Grill – Steakhouse Olea – Mediterranean Sontaya – Southeast Asian Turquoiz – Seafood

Yas Island Eateries

Al Ain

The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi

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 flavours from around the world at the Afya international buffet. 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

Yas Viceroy ABU DHABI

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. Park Bar & Grill, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas 10. Sayad, Emirates Palace 11. Bubbalicious Brunch, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

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

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 Café – 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 Amwaj restaurant and enjoy a selection of dishes from the modern tapas style menu in a stunning, waterfront setting before indulging in some of the chef's home-made ice cream. 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. 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

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al manhal a

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et re

al khalidiyah

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al karamah

al bateen

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al dhafrah

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al nahyan

al mussala

al rodhah

ad ro

reem island

al baladia

madinat zayed

al khubeirah

presidential court

al ittihad

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

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al khubeirah garden

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al ghaf park

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al shatie picnic area

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

qaser al shatie

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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 1 2 3 4 5 6

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

Yas Island M4 14 Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi E5 15 Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara G6 16 Emirates Palace A5 17 Fairmont Bab Al Bahr H7 18 Grand Millennium Al Wahda D4 19 Hala Arjaan D2 20 Hilton Abu Dhabi B4 21 Hyatt Capital Gate Hotel F7 22 InterContinental Abu Dhabi B5 23 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers B5

sh k pa hal rk ifa

abu dhabi national exhibition centre

al matar

12 zayed sports city

al madina al riyadiya

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR

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24 Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

officers city

Abu Dhabi TOURIST MAP HOTELS

al sa la m

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.

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al hosn palace & cultural foundation 10

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by Rotana B5 25 Le Méridien Abu Dhabi D3 26 Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi C3 27 Mercure Centre Hotel C3 28 Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi C3 29 Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate I8 30 One to One Hotels - The Village D4 31 Oryx Hotel B4 32 Park Inn, Abu Dhabi Yas Island M4 33 Park Arjaan by Rotana H6 34 Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas G1 35 Park Rotana H6

36 Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi

M4 Yas Island 37 Rosewood Abu Dhabi D3 38 Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri H7 39 Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort C2 40 Sheraton Khalidiya C3 41 Sofitel, Abu Dhabi Corniche C3 42 Staybridge Suites, Abu Dhabi Yas Island M4 43 St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort F1 44 The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, H7 Grand Canal 45 The Royal Hotel Abu Dhabi D3

46 The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf

Resort & Spa

47 Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri H7 48 Yas Island Rotana M4 49 Yas Viceroy M4

SHOPPING 1 2 3 4 5

Abu Dhabi Mall D3 Al Muhairy Centre C4 Al Raha Mall M5 Al Wahda Mall D4 Avenue at Eithad Towers B5

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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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umm al nar

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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

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dina diya

ISTRY TERIOR

khalifa city

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bain al jessrain

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to int'labu dh airp abi o rt

H E3 D2 C3 J8 C3 C3 C1 C4 C3 C4

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

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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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ABU DHABI 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

9 ab i u dh to abairport 'l int

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

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

to dalma mall

6 Boutik Mall 7 Carpet Souk 8 Central Market 9 Dalma Mall 10 Fotouh Al Khair Centre 11 Hamdan Centre 12 Iranian Souk 13 Khalidiya Mall 14 Liwa Centre 15 Madinat Zayed Shopping

and Gold Centre

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www.conciergeabudhabi.com

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K GOLF C4

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3 Cultural Foundation C4 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

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

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LANDMARKS

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Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Al Bateen Dhow Yard Al Maqtaa Bridge Breakwater Bus & Taxi Terminal

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Emirates Palace Ittihad Square Khalifa Mosque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

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Second Mosque 11 Volcano Fountain

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SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club Abu Dhabi Sailing & Sub Aqua Club 1 2

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Al Forsan International Sports Resort Art Marine yacht charters Falcon Aviation Services (helipad base) 6 Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 7 International Marine Sports Club 8 Monte Carlo Beach Club 9 Shooting (Caracal Shooting Club) 10 Yas Marina Circuit 11 Yas Waterworld 12 Zayed Sports City

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K7 M4 B4 M4 B4 F1 G8 M4 M4 G7

{

My life in Abu Dhabi

}

Mark Freeman, founder and owner of Noukhada Adventure Company, shares his experience of life in Abu Dhabi

1 Kayaking with Noukhada Adventure Company 2 Mark Freeman 3 Noukhada cycling trail

I was born in the UK but have spent most of my life living abroad, moving from Bahrain to Germany and on to Singapore as a child, followed by Hong Kong, Australia, Brunei, Dubai and now Abu Dhabi as an adult. I arrived in 2005 and three years later launched Noukhada Adventure with my co-founder Don Revis. Since then I have focused on developing the company, which runs low impact tours designed to educate and promote awareness of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vital ecosystems and offers people an opportunity to explore these areas of natural beauty. For me, one of the most exciting things about living in Abu Dhabi is having the opportunity to explore the coastal waters of these parts. The gentle move towards understanding and, by extension, protecting the saltwater wetlands is something I take great interest in and enjoy being a part of Noukhada Adventure Company tours, which include kayaking, sailing and

island-hopping, are a great way for visitors to get close to these natural ecosystems and the plants and animals that thrive in them, without leaving a lasting footprint. I spend most of my time engaged in one or other of these activities, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camping in the desert, trail biking through the wadis or kayaking through the mangroves. Running your own business does not leave much time for socialising, particularly as we operate at weekends and only take time off on a Sunday, when everyone else has gone back to work. When I do have some free time, one of my favourite things to do is have friends round to our house in Khalifa City, where I feel most relaxed. We also enjoy going to The Club to unwind. The service is great and The Vista restaurant here offers the best ambience, food and value for money in town. Another place we go to a lot is Hanoi on Khalifa Street, which is great when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the mood for decent Vietnamese food.

For me, one of the most exciting things about living in Abu Dhabi is having the opportunity to explore the coastal waters of these parts

Let the wind take you places your imagination has not yet been.

Corniche â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Dhow Sailing

Where the shore ends, adventure begins. Crystal shimmering waters whisper a language only the heart can interpret. A secret. A breeze. Set adrift on endless azure dreams. A liquid haven, where stories of the past write the verses to the future. And you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen it all? Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae