Concierge Abu Dhabi Dec 2013

DECEmbEr 2013 | issuE 85

T H E

l u x u r y

Abu DHAbi edition

F I V E - S T A r

V I S I T O r

M A G A Z I N E

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IN THEIR OWN LITTLE WORLDS The tiny precision components in our mechanical movements dance to the rhythm of our lives – and they have been with us on some of mankind’s greatest adventures.

Available at:

OMEGA Boutiques - Dubai: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Dubai Festival City • Mall of the Emirates • Mina A'Salam • Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Centre • Wafi and at select Rivoli Stores.

Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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www.omegawatches.com

IN THEIR OWN LITTLE WORLDS The tiny precision components in our mechanical movements dance to the rhythm of our lives – and they have been with us on some of mankind’s greatest adventures.

Available at:

OMEGA Boutiques - Dubai: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Dubai Festival City • Mall of the Emirates • Mina A'Salam • Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Centre • Wafi and at select Rivoli Stores.

Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI

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10/21/13 4:56 PM

Find elegance and sophistication

at Braschi

Find elegance and sophistication

at Braschi

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

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

EMIRATES PALACE

ISLAND BOAT TOURS

FROM SOUK TO MALL

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

TripAdvisor has named our iconic mosque ‘one of the world’s most talked about attractions.’

Have you visited yet?

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

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

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

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

YAS LINKS ABU DHABI

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

OPEN-TOP BUS TOUR

MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

YAS WATERWORLD

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

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

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

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

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

Explore a city built on tradition and inspired by innovation.

Where you can lose yourself in age-old hospitality and marvel at the wonder that is Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae or call 800 555

DECEMBER 2013 / IssuE 85 / aBu DhaBI EDItIon

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CirC u l at ioN & m a r K et i NG C a Rol MI l a n ChR Ist I n E h a M a Da

Welcome December is a great time to visit Abu Dhabi with a busy calendar of high-profile social, cultural and sporting events that see the year out in a whirlwind of activity.

Those looking to find out more about these events can take a look at the capital’s destination portal: visitabudhabi.ae A major highlight this month is the 42nd UAE National Day and I hope you get the chance to join in the celebrations, which take place in Abu Dhabi city, our heritage heartland of Al Ain and also in Al Gharbia, situated in the beautiful Western region where the desert meets the sea. It’s an opportunity for visitors to learn more about the history of the country and join in the festive spirit as fireworks light up the city, which comes to life with parades, concerts, theatre shows and more.

Those with us towards the end of the month will find Abu Dhabi brimming with distinctive and glamorous New Year’s Eve venues. This is a city that knows how to celebrate in style and the perfect place to make a positive start to 2014.

We already have lots on the cards for next year and recommend that those planning to pay us a visit in the near future mark their cards now for January’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the much-anticipated Gourmet Abu Dhabi food festival in February.

These events are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Abu Dhabi, where the ever-growing list of attractions and events constantly offers new ways to explore our waters, experience our culture, get out into the beautiful UAE desert and sample our famed hospitality. I hope you have the time to experience as much as you can in our dynamic capital.

ConCIERgE MagazInE Is puBlIshED Monthly anD CopIEs a R E DIst R I Bu t E D f R E E of C h a RgE I n f I v E -sta R a n D sE l EC t fou R-sta R hot E ls. a lt hough E v E Ry E f foRt Is M a DE to E nsu R E t h E aCC u R aC y of I n foR M at Ion Con ta I n E D I n ConCI E RgE M aga zI n E , t h E pu Bl Ish E R C a n n o t B E h E l D R E s p o n s I B l E f o R a n y E R Ro R s o R InaCCuR aCIEs. aRtIClEs ContaInED wIthIn ConCIERgE M aga z I n E a R E u n DE R Cop y R Igh t to t h E pu Bl Ish E R a nD Ca nnot BE R EpRoDuCED oR tR a nsMIt tED In a n y foRM, wIthout fIRst oBtaInIng wRIttEn pERMIssIon.

Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority nicholas Publishing International fZ LLc P.O . Box 500573, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 4243600 Fax: 04 4327505 Email: concierge@npimedia.com Web: www.conciergedubai.com Concierge’s circulation is independently audited

by B PA Worldwide www.bpaww.com

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

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

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

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In focus Photography: Sheban Naim, Airspectiv Media, airspectiv.com

This year, the capital welcomes back the perennially popular Al Ain Aerobatic Show following a two-year hiatus. The event, which runs to December 2, brings the promise of daring stunts, skillful manoeuveres and breathtaking acrobatics all performed hundreds of metres above ground by some of the world’s leading pilots, wingwalkers and military flyers. The display will be held in conjunction with National Day festivites as the UAE celebrates 42 years of the union.

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ULT IM AT E F E M IN IN IT Y

LIMELIGHT GALA 18K white gold watch Case set with brilliant-cut diamonds

piaget-gala.com

PIAGET BOUTIQUES: Abu Dhabi: Avenue at Etihad Towers, 02 667 0044 Dubai: The Dubai Mall, 04 339 8222 Dubai: Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Atlantis 04 422 0233, Burj Al Arab, 04 348 9000 Burjuman Centre, 04 355 9090, Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 1211 Abu Dhabi: Al Manara International Jewellery, St. Regis Hotel, 02 6673535

Contents DECEMBER 2013 / IssuE 85

18/Essentials

Top attractions and events in the UAE capital

24

Discover 26/Flying the flag As the UAE hoists its colours for National Day, Concierge reflects on the formation of the emirates 42 years ago and the genesis of its distinctive flag

32/Towering glory

The UAE is known for its adventurous approach to architecture and boasts some of the world’s most intriguing structures

34/In the detail The country’s most recognisable buildings in pictures

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Experience 46/Ahead of the game

The 2013 Mubadala World Tennis Championship brings leading tennis players to the capital for a fiercely fought taster ahead of the upcoming season

Wallow on the terrace of the country’s largest hotel suite, soak up the sun from the deck of a private yacht or view the city by helicopter on one of these luxury activities that showcase the best of Abu Dhabi

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hyatt capital gate

52/Perfect perspective

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Contents DECEMBER 2013 / IssuE 85

58

Shop 60/Made for the UAE

High-end accessories created exclusively for the UAE make the ideal souvenir for visitors to Abu Dhabi

66/Market day The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s souks are the ideal place for seasonal shopping with jewellery, fabrics, spices and more

70/Test of time 160 years of creative expertise at Tissot

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Taste 78/Festive feasts Tap into the seasonal cheer sweeping across the city at one of these lavish feasts

84/The magic flute

The hilTon abu dhabi

Sip the finest vintages at Champagne bars around Abu Dhabi

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104/My life in Abu Dhabi

Nora Hassan, business development manager at Wadi Adventure tells Concierge about life in Al Ain and visits to Abu Dhabi city

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NOW OPEN IN ABU DHABI

T H E G A L L E R I A S O W WA H S Q U A R E

02-6743666

W W W. G R A F F D I A M O N D S . C O M

The guide

90

Discover Art galleries / Tours / Museums

92

Experience Adventure / Family activities / Golf / Sports

96 Shop Malls / Souks

98 Taste

Hotel outlets & promotions

conciergeabudhabi.com

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Brought to you in association with

Essentials

DECEMBER

E X PER I E NCE Al Ain Aerobatic Show

Turn your gaze upwards for this exhilarating display of aeronautical expertise as daring pilots perform a series of stunts and routines to celebrate UAE National Day. The family event pays tribute to the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and heritage with a series of UAE-themed displays that leave the national colours emblazoned across the skies. Where: Al Ain. When: November 30 to December 2. Contact: 02 4440444

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E X PER I E NCE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Creamfields

Mubadala World Tennis ChaMpionship

The world-famous dance-music festival makes its annual Abu Dhabi stop this month with one of the best line-ups in the event’s five-year history here. The Prodigy, Calvin Harris, Disclosure and Above & Beyond will be among the international electronica heavyweights taking the stage alongside a number of regional and local artists, including Hollaphonic, maDJam, Omar Basaad, Gunther & Stamina, Ronin & Nesta, Genie & Stacktraxxx, Asphyxia & Angelo, Mr Mr & Raxon, Mark Pickup and Smokingroove. Where: du Arena, Yas Island. When: December 13. For more information visit: thinkflash.ae

December 26 to 28 See six of the world’s best tennis stars battle it out at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex.

The event, which is now in its fifth year, will bring the strongest ever line-up to the capital for 2013 with six top-10 players due to take part.

Visit: mubadalawtc.com

abu dhabi hsbC golf ChaMpionship January 16 to 19, 2014 The annual golf championship returns to Abu Dhabi Golf Club where players will compete for the coveted Falcon Trophy.

Last year saw one of the most exciting finale’s ever as James Donaldson secured his victory against world number five, Justin Rose at the last hole.

Visit: abudhabigolfchampionship.com

TA S T E Seaside dining

Take advantage of balmy temperatures, offset by the cool ocean breeze at one of Abu Dhabi’s seaside dining spots.

BBQ al Qasr at Emirates Palace (02 6907999) is one of the best al fresco eateries in the capital with its stunning setting, mouthwatering cuisine and superb service.

Diners are invited to take a seat in one of the cabanas and enjoy a menu of five-star barbecue fare complemented by excellent wines and, of course, a picture-perfect view of the ocean. At Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas (02 4071234) Beach House serves Mediterranean sharing platters by the sea, taking traditional recipes and giving them an artful, modern twist while Turquoiz at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (02 4988888) offers light bites and tasty seafood in a beachside setting.

World fuTure energY suMMiT January 20 to 22, 2014 Leaders from around the world come together at this annual event to discuss and shape the future of renewable energy.

Visit: worldfutureenergysummit.com

gourMeT abu dhabi

SHOP Montblanc

Montblanc celebrates the genius of the greatest artist of the Italian Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci with its Great Characters Limited Edition Leonardo writing instrument. Inspired by da Vinci’s talents as a painter and sculptor, architect, scientist and inventor, the artistic design includes elements of his fascination with human flight and engineering. Crafted in anodised aluminium with polished platinum-plated fittings, the materials are intended as a reference to some of those used in aviation manufacture today. A red gold-plated gear at the end of the clip is reminiscent of the cog wheels the Italian master used in his designs. The nib is engraved with one of da Vinci’s famous drawings of a bat whose wings he studied to develop his flying machine. Contact: 02 68114801

February 2014 Sample a series of culinary delights from around the globe and pick up top tips from Michelin-starred restaurant chefs at the capital’s food festival.

Visit: gourmetabudhabi.ae

dubai World Cup March 2014 Head over to neighbouring Dubai for a day at the races and enjoy one of the glitziest events on the UAE’s social calender.

Visit: dubaiworldcup.com

a b u d h a b i f e s T i va l March 2014 Leading performers from around the world come to the UAE capital to take part in this annual cultural extravaganza which features dance, music, art and more.

Visit: abudhabifestival.ae

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E X PER I E NCE

ASk ThE CONCIERgE S A NDR A NE W M A N, C ON C IE RGE AT E MIR AT E S PA L A C E Of f E R S A N INS IGH T IN T O T HE BE S T A BU DH A BI H A S T O Of f E R

With its colourful blend of tradition and modernity, a richly varied landscape and the cosmopolitan society that calls it home, Abu Dhabi is a diverse and captivating destination for visitors. The main city, located on an island that jutts off the coastline, is populated by people of all cultures and nationalities – a quality that is reflected in the food, architecture and atmosphere of this dynamic capital. A good way to start is by gaining a sense of the heritage and tradition that underpins the emirate by embarking on the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. Guests are taken out on an authentic jalboot (traditional pearling boat) with a knowlegeable guide who will discuss the country’s historic pearling trade before giving visitors the opportunity to try opening an oyster themselves – those who find a pearl inside will even get to keep it.

Another great way to get to know Abu Dhabi is to book a tour with Seawings. Experience the thrilling take-off from Emirates Palace Marina by seaplane before soaring through the clear skies, from where guests can gain an unparalleled view of the emirate’s landmark attractions, including Yas Island, home to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas Waterworld. Emirates Palace can also arrange for visitors to explore these sights at ground level. Step inside a Rolls-Royce and embark on a chauffered tour of the city, pausing at major sights along the way, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Heritage Village, both of which offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole.

In the evening, visitors can enjoy a cocktail at Breeze Lounge by the pool at Emirates Palace before heading to BBQ Al Qasr for a mouthwatering feast in cabanas on the sand. Finish the night over the road at Ray’s Bar in Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, which affords sweeping views of the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.

National Day

There’s no mistaking National Day, the anniversary of the day on which, 42 years ago, the unification of the Trucial states marked the dawn of the United Arab Emirates. Celebrated every year on December 2, the occasion spurs a flood of jubilant patriotism from Emiratis who drape their homes with flags and spray their cars with the country’s colours in a UAE-wide demonstration of national pride. In Abu Dhabi, 11 fireworks displays will take place across the city alongside parades, shows and other celebrations. For more information on specific National Day activities, visit: abudhabievents.ae

D I S C OV E R Emirati expressions

Now in its third edition, Emirati Expressions is an exhibition showcasing newly commissioned works by six established local artists, including Abdullah Al Saadi, Ebtisam Abdulaziz (pictured), Layla Juma, Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim and Mohammed kazem. Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat. When: Runs to January 18. Visit: manaratalsaadiyat@tcaabudhabi.ae

TA S T E Arabic sweets

No trip to the UAE would be complete without sampling some traditional Arabic sweets, including baklava. These irresistible sticky treats come in all shapes and sizes and are generally made from chopped nuts and layers of pastry glued together with honey or syrup. Often served at the end of a meal or as an accompaniment to coffee, baklava is found across the Arab world, although the ingredients vary from country to country.

In the UAE, filo pastry filled with pistachios or pine nuts, sweetened with honey and flavoured with cinnamon, is typical.

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SHOP

TA S T E

Stock up on seasonal goodies at Christmas markets across the capital. Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi (02 6979000) will host its annual Swiss market featuring 35 wooden chalets, each packed with seasonal gifts, trinkets and edible goodies. The event runs from December 5 to 7 and, with a festive atmosphere and plenty of good cheer assured, it’s a great opportunity to get into the seasonal spirit not to mention finish off this year’s Christmas shopping ahead of time. Later in the month, look in at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal (02 8188888), where a festive food market featuring a selection of mince pies and other traditional treats will be in full swing at the hotel’s Italian café, Dolce.

With its laid-back approach and good-food-to-go philosophy this trendy new eaterie brings something new to the dining scene in Abu Dhabi. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the artisan bakery and bistro is the ideal spot for those seeking tasty, healthy fare made from fresh, natural ingredients in addition to some more indulgent treats. Where: Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi. Contact: 02 6950450

Festive markets

whEAT

E X PER I E NCE Golf

The golf season is in full swing in the UAE with the much-anticipated 2014 HSBC Abu Dhabi Golf Championship due to take place in the capital next month followed by the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in February. This month brings one of the most eagerly awaited events on Dubai’s golfing calendar – the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters, which sees the finest in the sport’s female talent battle it out at Emirates Golf Club. Visitors looking to hone their skills can choose from numerous excellent golf courses in the capital, including Yas Links, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (pictured) and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, among others. For more information visit: golfinabudhabi.ae

D I S C OV E R Manarat Al Saadiyat

See what Abu Dhabi has in store for the future at the impressive exhibition in Manarat Al Saadiyat. Wander through nine chapters of the Saadiyat story and watch the capital’s cultural hub unfold through a series of interactive displays, electronic books and audio-visual media. Different sections of the exhibit focus on separate stages of the project from the five-star hotels and luxury villas built in phase one to the upcoming construction of the major galleries and museums to open here over the years, including Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum (pictured). Where: Saadiyat Island. When: 10am to 10pm. How much: Entry is free. Contact: 02 6575800 or visit: saadiyat.ae

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E X PER I E NCE

Dubai International Film Festival Now in its 10th year, this much-anticipated event offers a broad insight into the wealth of filmmaking talent across the region. Aspiring filmmakers from the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and beyond display their works alongside those by established figures in the industry. Where: Screenings take place at Madinat Jumeirah and Mall of the Emirates. For more information visit: dubaifilmfest.com

D I S C OV E R Desert dogs

Historically, Saluki dogs played an important role in Bedouin life, helping their nomadic masters hunt for food in the arid desert. Today, the high value placed on these animals in the UAE is evident at Abu Dhabi’s Arabian Saluki Centre, where the hounds live a life of luxury, cared for by the centre’s doting handlers.

When: Opening hours may vary so it’s advisable to call ahead. Where: Arabian Saluki Centre. When: Open Sat to Thu 9am to 2.30pm. Contact: 02 5755330

D I S C OV E R Art exhibition

Admire a series of striking works in a new exhibition by artist Michel Bizet at Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi this month.

Presented by Abu Dhabi Art Hub, the show features 10 tall canvases of abstract paintings in the impressionist school. For more information contact: 02 5961234

SHOP

The Galleria The latest addition to the capital’s shopping attractions offers visitors a new retail experience with a focus on high-end brands and restaurants in a purpose-designed waterfront setting. Since its launch in September, the luxury mall has welcomed a large number of high-end brands to the fold and now boasts a selection of reputed fashion, watch and jewellery names including IWC Schaffhausen, Van Cleef & Arpels, Alexander McQueen, Carolina Herrera, Mulberry and many more. There are also some first-rate restaurants, including the city’s first Zuma and Armani Caffé, not to mention the selection of five-star eateries available in nearby Rosewood hotel, which is accessible from the mall via a covered walkway. Where: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi. Contact: 02 6166999 or visit: thegalleria.ae

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Now Open in World Trade Centre Mall, Abu Dhabi

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Discover Wr ite lines

Inky strokes made by a specially crafted pen are expertly interwoven to form beautiful works of calligraphy. Modern variations remain faithful to traditional styles that have been handed down from one skilled practitioner to the next. Exquisite examples of the ancient art form can be found throughout the UAE in mosques and in architecture where this national treasure is kept alive today.

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Flying the flag As the UAE flag flies proudly each National Day, it carries with it the dreams of a country and the teenage boy whose winning design now adorns the patriotic pennant Words by

CLAIrE MALCoLM

A symbol of national and cultural identity, the UAE flag flies proudly above government buildings, hotels and homes across the country, a witness to the birth and development of the nation. Yet its fascinating history is the story of an Emirati boy who rose to become a UAE ambassador.

In a non-traditional move in 1971 the ruler’s office in Abu Dhabi decided to launch a newspaper competition to design the UAE flag. The nation responded and the office received over 1,000 proposed designs. Just six were shortlisted.

The winning entry was submitted by teenager HE Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah and was one of several options the enthusiastic 19-year-old submitted.

“Drawing had been a hobby of mine since an early age. I decided to take part in the competition at the last minute. The idea to participate was the realisation of a dream to design the official logo of our newly founded state, following a talk by the rulers of the Emirates, led by HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,” says Al Maainah.

“I submitted six designs in the first phase, one of which was chosen to be presented to the Supreme Council of the Federation for the final decision.

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children in traditional dress on uae national day

n a t i on a lsdhop a y//dis w acove t cher s

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DI SC OVER/n a tIO n a l Da y

“I cannot describe the feeling of joy and pride I felt at the time. I saw the flag that I had designed raised by the hands of HH Sheikh Zayed and HH Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and other members of the Supreme Council. The joy was twofold that day, as a citizen of the union and because God blessed me with this great honour,” recalls Al Maainah.

That ambitious young teen has now risen to become the UAE ambassador to Chile, following on from the success of his winning design, which earned him a 4,000-riyal prize in the days before the dirham existed.

His E-shaped design uses four colours – red, green, white and black – with the red the vertical backbone of the ‘E’ and the corresponding horizontal strips descending in green, white and black.

1 UAE flag flies on Dubai Creek abra 2 & 3 National Day celebrations

1

“The UAE flag is the symbol of an independent country and of the state’s sovereignty and dignity. It is a companion in the daily life of all UAE citizens and residents. It is a mark of security, peace, joy and happiness”

“The colours of the UAE flag were inspired by the colours of flags and brigades used since the time of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him). The Umayyad and the Abbasid flags were black and the Fatimid state flag was green, with red featuring in the flag of the Ottoman Empire. Red and white were also commonly used in each of the seven emirates’ flags before the union was formed.

“The UAE flag is the symbol of an independent country and of the state’s sovereignty and dignity. It is a companion in the daily life of all UAE citizens and residents. It is a mark of security, peace, joy and happiness in national achievements from religious holidays to social and sporting events,” says Al Maainah.

The UAE will be awash with red, green, white and black on December 2 as the country celebrates National Day. This year marks the 42nd annual celebration of the

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F ly i n g t h e F l a g Union House in Dubai is home to one of the city’s best-known landmarks and one of the world’s largest flagpoles (122 metres) and flags (40 metres by 20 metres). Abu Dhabi also has one of the world’s largest flagpoles at the Breakwater area of the city with a 30-metre by 15-metre flag and 123-metre tall flagpole.

In 2012, as part of the 41st National Day celebrations, the emirate of Sharjah inaugurated Flag Island by raising a 123-metre flagpole – the seventh highest in the world.

The current Guinness World Record for the largest flag flown from a flagpole was a 34.3-metre by 60-metre

3

Mexican national flag in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, on December 2, 2011.

The current Guinness World Record for the tallest unsupported flagpole goes to Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Measuring 165 metres in height, it was erected by US-based flag company Trident Support on May 24, 2011.

The current Guinness World Record holder for the largest draped flag draped belongs to Ashraf Makarem of Lebanon (2010), with the flag covering an area of 65,975 square metres, measuring 325 metres by 203 metres and weighing in at six tonnes.

formation of Dawlat al Imarat al Arabiyya al Muttahida – the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Originally mooted as the Union of Arab Emirates, with Bahrain and Qatar also invited to join the proposed union but opting for independent statehood instead, the seven Trucial States (or sheikhdoms) joined forces to form the UAE in 1971.

On December 2, the federation was formalised during a ceremony at Union House in Dubai, in the presence of the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. Two months later Ras Al Khaimah, the seventh emirate, joined the federation, completing the unification of the newly formed country.

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DI SC OVER/n a tIO n a l Da y

Today, National Day celebrations are a highly anticipated annual opportunity for Emiratis to proudly share their love for their homeland, with the country a riot of colour and festivities during the public holiday and the national flag a focal point.

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Patriotism by design The National Day holiday also means increased demand for UAE f lags of all shapes and sizes.

“With 15 years’ experience in flag making we are pretty much able to predict demand and so we gear up for National Day by making sure we have up to 75 percent of the required quantities of readymade flags in stock, in all major sizes,” says Manoj K, sales manager for Sharjah-based Traditions Trading.

“We receive a lot of custom orders and we can turn these around in one week, including large-scale f lags. We always get last minute requests and will even be delivering on December 2 itself,” he adds.

Traditions Trading supplies flags as small as 20 centimetres by 30 centimetres for tabletop display up to gigantic 30-metre by 40-metre flags, as well as flagpoles.

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Flag etiquette

4 UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nayhan 5, 6 & 7 National Day celebrations

The Protocol School of Washington conducts annual training sessions for protocol managers in the UAE and the intensive course includes a section dedicated to flag etiquette and handling, while the Protocol DepartmentDubai also provides guidelines on flag usage.

WHAT TO DO

When flags of two or more nations are flown together, neither can be higher than the other. The host nation’s flag is usually to the right (on the the observer’s left), but in the UAE the guest country gets the position of honour.

When flying a flag at night, the flag should be illuminated.

When flying all the flags of the GCC countries together, the ranking is alphabetically in Arabic: GCC, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

“We are a government-approved supplier and work with a lot of five-star hotels, including the Jumeirah Group, Hilton and TDIC in Abu Dhabi, as well as universities and municipalities,” he says.

With two local factories, Traditions Trading started production for the UAE National Day flags several months ago.

The choice of material is also important.

For large-scale flags, parachute fabric or micro-polyester from Korea is extremely hardwearing, while smaller decorative flags are available in woven polyester, taffeta or satin.

Traditions Trading both imports material and produces flag fabric locally, working with a team of skilled flagmakers, all with more than a decade of experience.

“We pull out all of the stops for National Day to do the day and the flags justice,” says Manoj.

The UAE flag can be flown in vertical position, but the red strip must be on top with the green strip leading the three bands from the right.

When flying the presidential flag, the coat of arms of the UAE must be used in the centre of the white coloured band.

The national flag should be hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously but also hoisted first and lowered last when used at official occasions.

WHAT NOT TO DO

The colours of the UAE flag should not be used to paint houses, presented upside down or used for decorative purposes on cakes.

The UAE flag should never be placed on the floor or feature any logo, drawing or additional design.

The flag should never be fastened, displayed, used, or stored in such a manner as to permit it to be easily torn, soiled, or damaged in any way.

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Towering glory

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With its soaring skscrapes and cutting-edge developments, the UAE has gained a reputation for distinctive architectural designs

Home to some of the most talked-about structures on the planet, the UAE is no stranger to eminent architecture. In recent years, the addition of numerous record-breaking buildings to the property portfolios of Abu Dhabi and Dubai has attracted widespread attention from international onlookers, who have been eager to join in the dialogue on the country’s limitless structural ambitions.

One of the most widely discussed was Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a project that proposed to create the world’s largest manmade island and set new standards for maritime engineering in doing so.

Billed as the eighth wonder of the world, the palm tree-shaped development was to be visible from space and serve, among other things, as a prominent symbol of the emirate’s success.

1 Palm Jumeirah, Dubai 2 Skyscrapers along Sheikh Zayed Road 3 Artist’s impression of The Louvre Abu Dhabi 4 Minaret from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 5 Traditional wind tower

Delays during construction fuelled controversy surrounding the project, which some felt was simply unfeasible.

However, in 2006, UAE developer Nakheel announced the handover of the first residential units and today Palm Jumeirah is one of the most sought-after addresses in Dubai, home to numerous five-star hotels and resorts, not to mention some of the city’s most luxurious residences.

The ultimate success of the Palm Jumeirah project fuelled the emirate’s appetite

for pioneering construction and in 2008 Dubai completed another ground-breaking development, The World. Also visible from space, this artificial archipelago sits 4.5 kilometres off Dubai’s coast and consists of 300 islands that have been reclaimed from surrounding sea beds.

Further along the coast other, even larger palm-shaped islands are under construction while an hour’s drive away in Abu Dhabi, the purpose-built Yas Island is a major magnet for visitors and residents.

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a rchi t e ct ure / dis cove r

Here, many of the city’s top attractions are also some of its most intriguing structural feats. There’s Ferrari World Abu Dhabi where the vast red roof covers the largest indoor theme park on the planet and Yas Marina Circuit, home to the striking Yas Viceroy, which sits astride the race track at the base of the longest straight in Formula 1.

With the main island of Abu Dhabi reaching construction capacity, the UAE capital is increasingly turning its attention to both the natural and manmade islands clustered around its coast. A number of these, including Al Maryah Island and Saadiyat Island have been earmarked for development as part of a multi-tiered expansion plan that will see Abu Dhabi metamorphose into a global capital by the year 2030.

Visitors to the UAE capital can look on as the programme unfolds across the city leaving a trail of impressive structures in its wake. Already, the capital’s new heart of business and commerce on Al Maryah Island is visible, where the sleek Rosewood Abu Dhabi tower rises up over The Galleria, Abu Dhabi’s vast new luxury mall. Nearby, on Saadiyat Island, work is underway on the new Cultural District which will house some of the capital’s most visually compelling structures.

The new museums, which include Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, represent a major step in the capital’s plans to establish itself as an international hub

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Woven into the fabric of many towering skyscrapers, luxury resorts and contemporary structures across these cities are gestures that remind onlookers of the country’s culture

for art and education. The impressive structures, each of which has been designed by a world-renowned architect, will provide a focal point for visitors coming from all over the world to experience the Saadiyat Cultural District.

Visitors and residents are already looking forward to the 2015 launch of Louvre Abu Dhabi, which has been designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Jean Nouvel.

Artist impressions reveal a beautiful, futuristic edifice with a vast domed roof where a geometric lace effect allows the ever-shining sun to stream through, creating a spectacular dappling effect on the white walls and floors inside.

Nouvel took inspiration for this from the traditional barasti homes that lined these shores back when Abu Dhabi was little more than a simple fishing village. Bedouin settlers constructing basic dwellings made use of the few resources available to them back then, fashioning makeshift roofs from interlaced palm leaves. The atmospheric dappling effect has been recreated on a grand scale

by Nouvel for the new landmark – one of many contemporary UAE structures that bear subtle reminders of simpler times.

At first glance, both Dubai and Abu Dhabi appear to be progressively modern cities with few vestiges of the past to speak for traditional ways of life, but a closer inspection of the details reveals otherwise. Woven into the

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fabric of many towering skyscrapers, luxury resorts and contemporary structures across these cities are gestures that remind onlookers of the country’s culture and heritage.

Wind towers, calligraphy patterns, minarets and many other architectural idiosyncracies are everywhere in the UAE, reminding visitors and residents that, though the cities are new and the buildings modern, the land on which they have placed their foundations and the culture of its people reaches back centuries. Concierge explores this link between the modern city and the ancient land overleaf in this month’s photo essay.

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In the detail There's more to the UAE than first meets the eye. Concierge photographer Adham Sneeh presents a gallery of cuttingedge design details that provide a fascinating insight into the country's architectural landscape

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AL BAHAR TOWERS

PHOT O E S S A Y/ DIS COVE R

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Many of the UAE's modern structures recall centuries of culture and tradition in their design. Emirates Palace (pictured left), the capital's landmark luxury hotel, features a number of the region's traditional architectural styles in the Arabesque motifs and ornate gold finishing that adorn its interior. Other structures in the city take inspiration from the local landscape such as the 842-metre-long Sheikh Zayed Bridge (below) which echoes the undulating sand dunes of the desert

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As Abu Dhabi forges ahead with its ambitious development plans, the city is shaping up to be a centre for innovative architecture in the region.

Cutting-edge designs such as the perfectly circular Aldar HQ building display the city's determination to impress the outside world with its structural feats. The distinctive building was voted Best Futuristic Design by The Building Exchange Conference in Spain. Its shape is achieved through the use of a diagonal grid of steel

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Another example of pioneering engineering in the UAE capital is the Capital Gate building. Known for being the furthest-leaning madmade tower on the planet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; its incline is an impressive four degrees more than Italy's famous Tower of Pisa - the structre is one of several in Abu Dhabi to appear in the Guinness Book of World Records. Inside, the Hyatt Capital Gate occupies floors 18 to 33 and adds a luxurious touch to this iconic edifice

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Another take on the twisting-tower theme can be found in Dubai where the 80-storey Cayan Tower spirals up towards the sky. The residential building, which opened earlier this year, was designed by the same team behind Burj Khalifa and Chicago's Trump Tower. It complements well the distinctive collection of skyscrapers lining Dubai Marina

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One of the best ways to fully appreciate the pioneering design of the world's tallest building, Burj Khalifa is by visiting at night when its intricate detailing stands out.

The structure, which dominates the city's skyline, is an icon for the region.

At over 828 metres and more than 160 storeys high, the tower holds a slew of records, however its true magnificence lies in the carefully considered design features

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The name, Almas Tower, means diamond â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a shape reflected in the distinctive base of this striking structure. Upon completion in 2008, the 68-storey building became the tallest in Dubai until it was surpassed by Burj Khalifa in 2010

Drawing on Arabian themes from across the region, the base of Burj Khalifa takes the shape of a hymenocallis desert flower while its core incorporates build elements particular to the Middle East such as the spiral minaret â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a feature found in mosques and other traditional structures in the UAE and beyond

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Standing at 355-metres tall, Jumeirah Emirates Towers is not only a stunning example of interconnected architecture but a major component of any view of Dubai's skyline. A striking jigsaw-puzzle effect is created by the indentations of each perfectly matched sister tower. The space is further enhanced by the presence of the five-star Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel and adjoining designer shopping boulevard

The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognisable Dubai sights. Inside, the luxurious hotel's magnificent 180-metre atrium features aqua hues and gleaming golden arches that rise to form a colourful ceiling. The unusual atrium links the building's 'sail' with two 'wings' spread in a V to form a vast mast

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Experience Spor t of k ings

Camel racing is a popular sport in the UAE and exhilarating for spectators on the sidelines. Visitors to this monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Al Dhafra Camel Festival can enjoy the fast-paced action on track then watch as owners parade their prize beasts before judges in the camel beauty pageant.

Other highlights include the saluki race, falcon competition and traditional market. When: December 14 to 28. Visit: algharbiafestivals.com

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ZAYED SPORTS CITY INTERNATIONAL TENNIS CENTRE

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t e n n i s / E XPE R IE NCE

Ahead of the game the Mubadala World tennis Championship has become a major stop on the international circuit, attracting fans from across the globe with the promise of a hotly contested tournament between the sport’s top players Words by

reem Abulleil

Always intended to be a headline sporting event, the Mubadala World Tennis Championship has quickly gained traction on the international tennis circuit and is rapidly becoming a highlight of the season for fans and players alike. Now in its sixth consecutive year, the tournament acts as a warm-up for the season and offers Abu Dhabi crowds an opprtunity to enjoy world-class tennis in the heart of the capital. This year promises to be more exhilarating than ever with what organisers describe as “the strongest line-up in the history of the championship”.

It was late 2008, when Abu Dhabi announced the launch of an exhibition tennis event that would see six of the world’s best players ring in the New Year on the immaculate courts of Zayed Sports City. The likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were to kick off their season in the UAE capital, wowing local crowds with their on-court skills and setting a precedent for world-class tennis from the start.

This was a tournament for the best of the best; six sports stars who would compete over three days for the winner-takes-all prize pot of US$250,000 and, in the process, test themselves against their rivals only a couple of weeks before the opening Grand Slam of the season – the Australian Open.

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EXPE R IENCE /ten n is

The tournament would not only benefit the players, who would receive hefty appearance fees and some valuable match play, but organisers insisted that this tennis extravaganza would create a legacy for all UAE residents and would return year after year with new ways to engage the community and perhaps one day unveil a local player as a world-class star.

The venture has been a resounding success and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship is set to take the city by storm once more from December 26 to 28.

Tennis is just one part of the busy agenda that will entertain crowds at this year’s

tournament. Other highlights include autograph opportunities, question and answer sessions with tennis stars and player clinics for spectators. This year, the organisers have brought in two ambassadors – Australian tennis legend Pat Cash and UAE number one Omar Behroozian to lead workshops and other activities throughout the tournament.

“This event is a great opportunity to promote the sport in Abu Dhabi,” says Cash, adding: “The great thing about smaller tournaments like this is that the audience has access to the players. People can ask for their autographs and watch them in a relaxed situation. You don’t get that at the big games.”

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This year, the championship welcomes the return of its former winners, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray who, together, have won all previous editions to date, in addition to David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Stanislas Wawrinka. With all players ranked in the top 10, it promises to be a fiercely fought competition that offers spectators an insight into the kind of form top players are enjoying ahead of the season and an excellent opportunity to enjoy some first-class tennis.

To provide a taste of things to come, Concierge recalls some classic moments that have shaped the history of the Abu Dhabi tournament thus far.

It promises to be a fiercely fought competition that offers spectators an insight into the kind of form top players are enjoying ahead of the season and an excellent opportunity to enjoy some first-class tennis January 2, 2009: semi-finals Andy Murray defeats Roger Federer In the inaugural edition of the tournament, a 21-yearold Andy Murray entered the semi-finals against Roger Federer – ranked number two at the time – with a comfortable 4-2 record against the Swiss legend.

However, the young Scot had lost the tournament that mattered most – the US Open – in the final match only a few months prior to this Abu Dhabi showdown.

Murray was determined to claw back his lead on Federer and managed to take the match to a decider.

Then, after leading 4-1 in the final set with two breaks, Murray was pegged back and the match went to a tiebreak. In a tremendously tense match-end, however, the young Brit bounced back and booked himself a spot in the final by clinching the tiebreak.

“I have realised that I will win some and lose some,” Federer said after the match, which saw sensational serve-and-volley play from the Swiss champion. “As long as I enjoy the game, I don’t mind the losses.”

Murray beat Federer again the following week in Doha.

1 Rafael Nadal 2 The line-up for the Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2013 is announced.

From left to right: Amina Taher of Mubadala, Pat Cash, Greg Sproule of IMG Middle East and Omar Behroozian – the UAE’s tennis top player 3 Andy Murray with the trophy in 2009 4 Novak Djokovic

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Jaeger-LeCoultre Boutiques: The Dubai Mall +971 4 339 8769, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall +971 2 658 0004 Avenue at Etihad Towers +971 2 681 2834 Find your nearest point of sale at www.jaeger-lecoultre.com

yO u d e s e rv e a r e a l Watc h.

EXPE R IENCE /ten n is

January 1, 2010: semi-finals Robin Soderling defeats Roger Federer

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Six months prior to the Abu Dhabi game, Sweden’s Robin Soderling scored a stunning victory over Rafael Nadal, becoming the only player to beat the world number one in the French Open. However, Soderling was not playing Nadal in these semi-finals, but Federer, who had beaten him on 12 previous occasions.

A blasting forehand from the Swede’s side and a crisp single-handed backhand from Federer delivered an incredible first two sets before Soderling edged ahead in the decider.

“I always said that the more times I play him, the closer I’ll get and here I am today,” a proud Soderling said after winning the match.

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January 1, 2011: final Rafael Nadal defeats Roger Federer In 2011, the Abu Dhabi crowd was treated to what is arguably tennis’ greatest rivalry of all time. With their contrasting styles and incomparable on-court skills, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have produced some of the most enthralling games ever and, on this particular day, the pair was more electric than ever.

Though he failed to break his opponent’s serve once throughout the entire game, Nadal ended up winning the match, coming out on top in the tiebreaks. “These are the first matches of the season, so it’s a special tournament for both of us. This is the perfect place to start the season here in Abu Dhabi,” said Nadal, after defending his title.

December 29, 2012: final Novak Djokovic defeats Nicolas Almagro Following Nadal’s last-minute withdrawal from the 2012 tournament, organisers invited Nicolas Almagro to fill the Spaniard’s place.

Along with defending champion, Novak Djokovic, the pair gave Abu Dhabi a final to remember, battling it out for two hours and 34 minutes. Eventually, Djokovic successfully defended his crown while Almagro made some new fans on his first visit to the city.

For more information on the Mubadala World Tennis Championship visit: mubadalawtc.com or to purchase tickets visit: thinkflash.ae

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5 Nicolas Almagro (left) and Novak Djokovic 6 Novak Djokovic 7 Pat Cash launches Mubadala Tennis In Schools 8 Mubadala World Tennis Championship 2012

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Perfect perspective See the city in the most luxurious style possible with one of these bespoke experiences that show Abu Dhabi at its absolute best

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b e s t of a bu d ha bi / E XP E R IE NCE

CORBIS IMAGES

From the deck of a private yacht sailing along Abu Dhabi Corniche, visitors gain an unparalleled view of the city. As they settle back on deck, sipping Champagne and enjoying five-star cuisine prepared by the on-board chef, it’s easy to see why the UAE capital is lauded for its luxury lifestyle. Another impressive perspective, this time a bird’s-eye view, is visible through the windows of a private helicopter or seaplane. Soar over the city with one of the local aviation tour companies and cover the capital from above, exploring the major landmarks from a different angle.

Those looking to immerse themselves fully in the five-star way of life can book into the UAE’s largest hotel suite, which was recently unveiled at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. This spectacular abode, which resembles a modest mansion in size, also features a sprawling terrace complete with swimming pool, sun loungers and bar. From here, guests can gaze out across landscaped gardens towards Saadiyat Beach and drink in the glorious view of golden sands stretching down towards the glittering blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. It’s one of many stunning scenes in the emirate which is brimming with opportunity for those seeking a creative and luxurious way to experience the attractions.

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EXPE R IENCE/ b es t o f a b u dh a b i

Floating palace As an archipelago with much of the city scattered across various interconnected islands, Abu Dhabi is perhaps best explored by boat.

Numerous local companies in the capital run boat tours around the city’s waterways, including Walidia Yachts, where the emphasis lies on creating a luxury experience for passengers, tailoring every last detail to suit their requirements.

The company specialises in private charters so passengers always have the yacht to themselves and chosen guests. Simply determine where you want to go and what you want to see – not forgetting to outline

any additional requirements such as food and drinks, extra sun loungers or water sports equipment – then sit back and enjoy a cruise tailored to your exact demands. Staff at Walidia Yachts will go out of their way to meet guests’ requests and can accommodate all manner of add-ons, from disco lights and live bands on deck to five-star chefs equipped to set up a private beach barbecue on one of the archipelago’s remote desert islands.

How much: Luxury yacht charter from AED1,500 to AED6,500 per hour. Sunset cruise or island tour on a luxury speed boat from AED850 per hour.

Contact: 050 07113474 or visit: wyevents.webs.com

Dinner in the dunes Surrounded by golden sand that stretches out as far as the eye can see, the dining-bydesign tent at Qasr al Sarab looks, from a distance, like a mirage in the heart of the desert. Drawing closer to the crackling bonfire, guests catch the rich aroma of gour-

This is the ultimate in private dining, where guests can enjoy the comforts of five-star service and cuisine while gaining an up-close experience of Arabian customs as they eat on floor cushions surrounded on all sides by the dunes of the Liwa desert.

met food on the breeze before they are invited to recline on traditional majlis-style seats

Where: Qasr al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

and place their orders with a personal butler.

How much: AED520 / Contact: 02 8862088

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EXPE R IENCE/ b es t o f a b u dh a b i

Royal apartments In a country where huge, luxurious suites are the hospitality standard, a hotel room needs to be really special to stand out from the crowd. Spread over 2,100 square metres, the Royal Suite at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort easily achieves this, not least because it is the city’s largest hotel suite.

The house-sized duplex contains a private spa treatment room, a spiral staircase and a 12-seater dining room, in addition to four spacious bedrooms and a palatial living room where the finishing touches include a Steinway grand piano and an indoor water feature.

Guests are also attended by a private butler.

The décor has been designed in keeping with the local surroundings using an earthtoned palette that gestures towards the soft, umber hues of the UAE desert, offset by shades of teal and blue to resemble the ocean. It’s a magnificent space and ideal for those seeking an incomparable setting that offers the very best in Abu Dhabi hospitality, not to mention stunning panoramas of Saadiyat Beach from the expansive terrace.

Where: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort How much: AED130,000 per night. Contact: 02 4988888

From the skies, visitors can appreciate the dynamic between old and new that underpins the UAE capital, where the state-of-the art developments clustered around the coast give way to stately villas and homes

The high life At ground level, Abu Dhabi looks and feels like a fast-paced modern city but viewed from above, the size and variety of this diverse emirate becomes apparent. From the skies, visitors can appreciate the dynamic between old and new that underpins the UAE capital, where the state-of-the art developments clustered around the coast give way to stately villas and homes that lead back to the desert.

For a comprehensive view of Abu Dhabi, Falcon Aviation Services offers 20- or 30-minute helicopter sightseeing tours that take in the highlights. The half-hour Abu Dhabi Experience flight is a great way to gain a quick but all-encompassing overview of the city, flying along The Corniche from the historic Port Zayed at one end to the Emirates Palace hotel at the other

before jetting over to Saadiyat Island where passengers can glimpse the huge red roof of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the largest indoor theme park on the planet and see the pristine greens of the island’s golf course, Yas Links.

The helicopter then swoops down over Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina Circuit before passing over Lulu Island and heading back to Al Bateen Executive Airport.

Private charters are also available and visitors can opt for a helicopter or a jet to take them to a destination of their choice.

It takes just half an hour to reach Dubai’s Burj Khalifa by chopper, where passengers can disembark for dinner at At.mosphere – the highest restaurant in the world.

For more information contact: 02 4440007 or visit: falconaviation.ae

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10/17/13 3:41 PM

Shop Diane Von Furstenberg

To celebrate 40 years in fashion, Belgian designer Diane Von Furstenberg opened her extensive personal archives for a visual project entitled ‘Playing in Diane’s closet’ run by casting agent and blogger, Natalie Joos.

The result is a short film and a series of beautiful images showcasing some of her most recent designs paired with archive pieces such as the signature DFV wrap dress. Where: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island

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Made for the UAE International brands have responded to the strong demand for bespoke products in Abu Dhabi with luxury items tailored to the local market Words by

rachel Ingram

In a country where luxury reigns supreme, it takes more than a designer label or a heavy price tag to make a product leap off the shelves.

Here, shoppers are looking for a cut above the high-end average and, rather than purchase the latest trendy watch or handbag, many will opt for pieces that really stand out in the VIP crowd. Abu Dhabi boutiques are well aware of this and go out of their way to create an exclusive environment where shoppers have access to limited edition items. At the capitalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest luxury mall, The Galleria, a number of brands have released bespoke designs that can only be purchased here, giving luxury shoppers a greater incentive to visit the destination. With many luxury fashion, watch and jewellery brands offering items created specifically for the region, visitors to the UAE capital will find no shortage of opportunities to tap into this niche field and take home a stylish souvenir that could only have come from Abu Dhabi.

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Fabergé Uae jewelled egg

UA E D E S I GN S / s hop

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Bespoke jewels

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UAE essentials With UAE National Day on December 2, there couldn’t be a more appropriate time to pick up a luxury accessory emblazoned with the country’s colours. Emporio Armani has released a sleek black baseball cap, discreetly adorned with the UAE flag, while Russian jeweller Fabergé has unveiled a special egg pendant set that’s studded with precious gemstones in the distinctive green, red, white and black of the local standard. Just seven pendant styles have been made to represent the seven emirates of the UAE. Luxury accessories brand, Montblanc salutes the country with a pen featuring the flag made out of diamonds, emeralds and rubies while prestige watchmaker TAG Heuer has released the limited edition TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 timepiece, which is adorned with a UAE flag in the six o’clock position.

Traditionally, Abu Dhabi shoppers seeking custom jewellery pieces have visited the city’s historic gold souk, where skilled craftsmen create designs to order. Now, global brands have begun to offer jewellery shoppers in the UAE capital a greater level of exclusivity with limited edition or oneof-a-kind lines created especially for the emirate. Pomellato at The Galleria houses pieces from its haute couture collection of one-of-a-kind cocktail rings. Montblanc also offers one-off jewelled pieces, including the Montblanc Ruby Fountain Pen. The stunning writing instrument, which is valued at approximately AED4.2million is studded all over with diamonds and rubies and is only available from the brand’s boutique at The Galleria.

Other brands create an air of exclusivity by allowing customers to choose the designs themselves. Spanish luxury jewellery brand ARTÊ Madrid offers a tailormade service at its boutique in Bawabat Al Sharq Mall where shoppers collaborate with a designer to customise each piece to suit their preferences. Clients sit with an expert to select a jewel-studded design and then choose from 3,000 different combinations of colours to add the finishing touches. Each piece is then handcrafted in Spain and delivered within 90 days of the order date.

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1 Jimmy Choo Shadow bag 2 Pomellato 67 necklace 3 Pomellato 67 jewellery set 4 ARTÊ Madrid customised necklace 5 Pomellato 67 earrings 6 Pandora camel charm 7 Pandora Arabian Journey bracelet 8 TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre 5 9 Artê Madrid Customised Ring

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Middle East exclusives

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When The Galleria opened its doors earlier this year, it not only ushered in a host of debut luxury brands to the capital but also gave designers a platform to unveil exclusive items. In honour of the occasion, Abu Dhabi newcomer Tory Burch introduced a special printed scarf made from lightweight material to suit the warm UAE climate. Another brand to open its first Abu Dhabi store at The Galleria was Moschino which revealed an elegant teal edition of its Rossella bag – a version that can only be found in this boutique.

Other designer outlets around the city stock items that are exclusive to the UAE, such as Pucci’s canary yellow kaftan. Jimmy Choo has also created two unique versions of popular products for shoppers in the Emirates. The Jimmy Choo Crown pumps and the Jimmy Choo Shadow bag are both made from striking bronze elaphe snakeskin and tailored to suit the preferences of local shoppers in the UAE.

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My environment...

my Saadiyat A beautiful setting for your healthy lifestyle.

The signature features of the island are magnificent, white sand beaches and crystal clear waters under blue skies. And harmony prevails as environmental experts have created sustainable systems to protect the lush mangrove forests, flourishing wetlands and nesting turtles that are the cherished natives of this island.

Just minutes from Abu Dhabi Corniche, Saadiyat is a natural island featuring pristine beaches, a championship golf course, world famous art, education, retail and hospitality brands, and a wide range of luxury residences.

Make Saadiyat, your Saadiyat developed by saadiyat.ae | 800 TDIC (8342)

SHO P/ UA E DES IGN S

On a wider scale, Baume & Mercier has launched its first ceramic timepiece as a Middle East exclusive. The glamorous black and gold women’s wristwatch, which is available to order at Al Manara International Jewellery in Marina Mall or to buy at Seddiqi & Sons and Baume & Mercier boutiques in Dubai, is limited to 150 pieces and features nine grams of eight-carat gold, making it a collectors’ item for those with a particular appreciation of exclusive luxury timepieces.

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International appeal As Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global fashion capital grows, high-end brands are increasingly selecting the city as their preferred destination to launch products in the region. In some cases luxury brands have chosen their Abu Dhabi boutiques as the sole distributor of certain luxury collections or models that are not available anywhere else in the UAE. One example is the Pomellato 67 silver jewellery range.

This collection is unique because each piece represents an item from the brand’s archive that has been reinterpreted and handcrafted from silver instead of the brand’s usual material of choice, gold.

Lacoste, on the other hand, has chosen its store in Abu Dhabi as the home of at least 10 styles of men’s shoes that are unavailable anywhere else in the Emirates. The designs range from casual white Ampthill Par trainers to smart leather Walsham RC ankle boots and can be found at the brand’s boutiques in Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi Marina Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall.

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To the outside world the progressive emirate now represents an important market, both in its own right and as a window to the wider Middle East

Destination Abu Dhabi

10 Baume & Mercier ceramic watch 11 & 12 Tory Burch scarf 13 Pucci kaftan 14 Thomas Pink polo shirt 15 A. Lange & Söhne watch 16 Lacoste Denshaw shoes 17 Pandora Arabian Journey bracelet

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As more malls open their doors in the capital, fed by the constant trickle of global brands arriving here to set up shop, Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a centre for retail and commerce in the Middle East grows ever-more established. To the outside world the progressive emirate now represents an important market, both in its own right and as a window to the wider Middle East and, for some luxury brands Abu Dhabi now ranks alongside the major international retail zones. In October, A. Lange & Söhne chose its Avenue at Etihad Towers boutique in Abu Dhabi to be one of just 11 international stores to stock the exclusive Saxonia Automatic Outsize Date timepiece in a

limited edition pink gold, of which just 25 were made. Another high-end Swiss watch manufacturer, Gc selected Abu Dhabi to host its largest boutique worldwide, while French couture label, Stephane Rolland opened its first-ever boutique in Avenue at Etihad Towers earlier this year.

These are just some of the many testaments to Abu Dhabi’s inf luence on the global retail map. As brands and shoppers from across the world f lock to the city’s shores, where news malls and souks are opening their doors with remarkable frequency, the UA E capital is rapidly moving from regional retail hub status to international shopping destination.

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Private Festive Parties 1 - 30 December

Time flies and before you know it, the year is almost over and it’s time to be singing “Auld Lang Syne” all over again.

As the festive season approaches, if you’re planning a party or two at home or in the office, let us help you. Or otherwise, book a venue at Beach Rotana – either indoors or outdoors – to toast to the year gone by.

Our menus include traditional festive favourites such as turkey, mince pies, roasts and more!

For reservations or more information, please contact us on +971 (0)2 697 9139 or via email at bqts.beach@rotana.com.

Tourist Club Area, P. O. Box: 45200, Abu Dhabi, UAE T: +971 (0)2 697 9000, F: +971 (0)2 644 2111, beach.hotel@rotana.com

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A BU D HA BI S OUKS / s hop

Market day Next to the glittering, designer face of modern Abu Dhabi, Middle Eastern markets offer a more traditional shopping experience.

Concierge spent the day soaking up the souks around the capital Words by

AdAM WorKMAN

With mall culture so focal in the mindset of Abu Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big spenders, it can be all too easy to overlook the unobtrusive souks that speckle the streets of the city. These traditional Arabian market places open a window into the emirateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past and recall a time when buyers purchased their wares at stalls, nosily bartering down the price with vendors over the counter. Today, many of the older markets remain and a number of new-style souks have sprung up alongside them, offering an upmarket alternative to the traditional shopping experience.

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The Souk at World Trade Centre Recently renovated, this shining new souk has been restored to its rightful place after severe fire damage gutted the building some time ago. Now freshly refurbished, the gleaming structure features an elegant design modelled on a traditional style with wooden trellises and exposed black metal work. Inside, a maze of narrow paths has been opened up to create spacious and airy passages that bridge the gap between modern mall and historical souk. Taking its influence from the latter on the ground floor, where souvenir and trinket shops abound, the architecture evolves to a more mall-like design on the upper floor, where a multicultural clientele can stroll past artwork exhibited on the walls and wander into clothing and jewellery boutiques.

The choice of merchandise is quite staggering, with a new discovery waiting around every corner. Perfume, watches and jewellery are given particular attention via countless specialists in all three fields. There are also plenty of options when it comes to tailoring, handicrafts, local palm leaf-weaved textiles, gifts such as finely crafted walking sticks and even ranges of locally-produced honey.

At less than 10 minutes from Emirates Palace and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, and even closer to the Corniche beachfront, The Souk at World Trade Centre is conveniently near many of Abu Dhabi’s major attractions. It also offers a clutch of sophisticated restaurants and cafés and, with many more outlets set to open in the near future, its trendy vibe is only set to intensify.

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1 Gold Souk, Abu Dhabi (previous page) 2 The Souk at World Trade Centre 3&4 The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

Valet parking greets visitors at the entrance of this modern waterfront souk, where manmade canals snake through buildings, leading up to the Shangri-La Hotel next door

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The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

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Undoubtedly the city’s most luxurious souk, this venue comes complete with many of the services offered by Abu Dhabi’s smartest malls. Valet parking greets visitors at the entrance of this modern waterfront souk, where manmade canals snake through buildings, leading up to the Shangri-La Hotel next door. Visitors can hop on an abra and enjoy a leisurely cruise around the ornate Venetian-inspired property. Inside, shops and boutiques offer a range of wares from designer clothing and pashminas to antique ornaments, furniture and stacks of souvenirs. A lively nightlife quarter and a smattering of classy restaurants complete the 21st century atmosphere of this vibrant venue, which also boasts scenic views that reach out across softly lapping waters to the stately Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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A BU D HA BI S OUKS / s hop

Gold souk Housing suff icient quantities of the precious metal to give even Cleopatra a run for her money, the venerable Gold Souk remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular attractions. It’s not just that rows of tiny jewellery stores offering market price rates line the walls, but the authentic atmosphere of old-style Arabia that lives on enabling a sneak peek into the city’s past. However, the savvy vendors at this traditional souk are well aware of modern trends and their glittering window displays feature many of the latest designs from branded pieces through to bespoke creations by local makers. It’s not solely gold on the agenda either: silver, diamonds and pearls, sourced from around the world, are also readily available. In addition, should you make any snap decisions to trade existing adornments, many of the stores will also buy your gold, which saves a trip to the ATM, if nothing else.

E S S E N T I A L I N F O R M AT I O N The Souk aT QaryaT al Beri

opening hours: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 3 to 11pm Contact: 02 5581670 The Souk aT World Trade CenTre

opening hours: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri to Sat 10am to 11pm Contact: 02 8107810 Gold Souk

opening hours: Sat to Fri 9am to 11pm Contact: 02 6333311

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5 Gold Souk, Abu Dhabi 6 Spice Souk 7 Carpet Souk

Food souks The Mina Port district just beyond the eastern end of the Corniche plays host to some of Abu Dhabi’s more traditional souks. A journey off the beaten track is rewarded with the genuine hustle and bustle of some of the capital’s oldest market places. At the Carpet Souk, seasoned vendors have a lifetime’s experience and expertise to draw on, both in terms of offering customers advice and extracting a high price for their wares. Those who want to bag a bargain will need to haggle.

Across the port, food takes centre stage at Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk and the Fish Souk, both of which are fantastic sources of the freshest produce. It’s worth a trip here simply to soak up the atmosphere, but be sure to go early in the morning, when the food souks are at their liveliest as towards the middle of the day when the stock has been depleted, they tend to quieten down.

Al Ain

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Perfectly positioned for a day trip, or even a weekend stopover, Al Ain is easily close enough to the capital to warrant a shopping sojourn. Less ostentatiously affected by the emirate’s hyper-modernisation, Abu Dhabi’s second city is perhaps an even more genuine site for traditional souks. Al Ain Souk has a reputation for

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being charmingly ramshackle. Sometimes known as the Central Souk, it is perfect for picking up fresh spices, fruit and vegetables. Bartering is expected.

At the other end of the scale is Souk Al Zafarana, Al Ain’s revamped and modernised market place where all manner of local merchandise can be picked up from traditional garments and scarves to Arabic coffee pots and incense.

Leave time to spend an hour or two soaking up the spectacle at Al Ain Camel Souk, one of the emirate’s oldest market places. If not for the shopping opportunities, then definitely go along for the cultural experience as prized camels are paraded before local buyers in a trading ritual that dates back centuries.

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Test of time Tissot watches embody a unique blend of innovation and style that has been 160 years in the making Nestled among Switzerland’s beautiful Jura Mountains is the enchanting city of Le Locle, a picture-postcard destination where lush rolling hills meet blankets of alpine forest. It is here, among the pointed rooftops and quaint cobbled streets, that the watchmaking industry was born.

Along the winding alleyways, workshops and residences sit side by side as they have since the 17th century when watchmaker Daniel Jean Richard first encouraged local farmers to manufacture timepiece components. Since then, watchmaking has been the lifeblood of Le Locle, which is in turn considered the birthplace of the horology industry and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status as a result.

Some of Le Locle’s greatest triumphs stem from the achievements of innovative timepiece creator Tissot. From the humble beginnings of its workshop in the town in 1853, Tissot has grown to become one of watchmaking’s leading lights. This year marks it’s 160th anniversary and is a timely reminder of an incredible success story that is the very embodiment of the company’s motto, ‘innovators by tradition’.

A blend of expert craftsmanship, classic style and bold vision has seen the firm consistently evolve over the decades with special collections and a number of world firsts. As early as 1853, Tissot released the first mass-produced pocket watch that was soon followed by a model with two time zones. Another innovation followed in 1930 with the world’s first anti-magnetic watch, designed to combat the effects of magnetic fields on the watch mechanism. Almost 70 years later and the revolutionary touch-screen technology in the T-Touch watch has simply affirmed Tissot’s pioneering credentials.

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tissot heritage navigator automatic 160 th anniversary

W A T CHE S / s hop

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1 Tissot PRC200 2 Tissot’s first workshop, 1900-1905 3 Tissot atelier, 1923

That pioneering spirit also extended to the world of sport when Tissot became the official timekeeper and partner at a host of major events including the cycling, fencing and ice hockey world championships as well as the RBS Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Aligned to some of the greats of the sporting and acting world, ambassadors for the brand include MotoGP racer Bradley Smith, US basketball star Tony

Parker and Chinese actress Barbie Xu. In further testament to the brand’s enduring appeal, Tissot creations have been worn by some of history’s most prominent figures from Elvis Presley and Grace Kelly to Nelson Mandela. A member of the Swatch Group, Tissot is not only present in 150 countries on five continents but is the world’s largest timepiece producer and distributor of Swiss watches.

In further testament to the brand’s enduring appeal, Tissot creations have been worn by some of history’s most prominent figures from Elvis presley and Grace Kelly to Nelson Mandela

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“From the very beginning, Tissot was destined to be more than just a local creation. In 1858, Charles-Emile Tissot, son of founder Charles-Félicien, travelled to Russia, the US and Latin America to champion the brand. The company just kept on broadening its horizons from there. It is this relentless innovative spirit and dedication to fine craftsmanship that forms Tissot’s distinctive identity and that has been the key to its success,” says Tissot president Francois Thiebaud.

“That spirit has led the company to produce many firsts which have made watchmaking history. In 1953, ground-breaking multiple time zone technology arrived in the form of the Tissot Navigator, which was the first with 24 time zones. In 1971, the Tissot Astrolon became the first plastic mechanical watch with plastic movement components. Tissot further explored the use of unusual materials with the Tissot Rock Watch made from Swiss alpine granite launched in 1985. By 1999, the touch-screen technology in the Tissot T-Touch and the Powermatic 80, with 80 hours of power reserve, revolutionised watchmaking,” says Thiebaud.

The innovations continue in Tissot’s 160th year with a reinvention of a classic watch to mark the occasion. A stunning feat of timepiece design, the Tissot Heritage Navigator boasts 24 time zones indicated by the capital cities of each country displayed on the dial.

Once the watch is set to a chosen country, that particular time zone is indicated by the numbers on the bezel. The time in any of the other 23 countries is shown by the minute track on the dial in front of its capital. “The Tissot Heritage Navigator celebrates Tissot’s

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160 th anniversary and is the re-edition of the Tissot Navigator, created to celebrate the brand’s centenary in 1953. It is not only a piece which marks our history but also represents Tissot’s adventure and the new horizons explored since the beginning of the journey,” says Thiebaud.

That journey has seen Tissot supported by a host of high-profile brand ambassadors who reaffirm the pioneering spirit. “The Tissot brand ambassadors share the same family values we have at Tissot and within the Swatch Group. They are independent, yet team players, with an entrepreneurial ethos. These ambassadors share the brand’s dynamism and in turn we provide them with the utmost precision in timekeeping, no matter what their sport or passion,” says Thiebaud, who joined Swatch Group in 1996.

TISSOT TIMELINE: 1853: Tissot is founded by Charles-Félicien Tissot and his son Charles-Émile Tissot.

The first Tissot pocket watches are produced 1858: Tissot pocket watch with diamonds is dedicated to the US market 1930: Tissot Antimagnétique is the first anti-magnetic watch 1953: Tissot Navigator is the first watch with 24 time zones launched to mark the brand’s centenary 1971: Astrolon, the first plastic mechanical watch 1985: Tissot Rock Watch is the first watch made of stone 1999: Tissot T-Touch, the first touch-screen watch 2013: Tissot celebrates its 160 th year

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4 Tissot T-Touch Lady Solar 5 Tissot Rose Dream Quartz 6 Tissot Two Time Zones Pocket Watch 1853 7 Tissot exhibition, Geneva

WHERE TO BUY Tissot is available at Rivoli stores across the capital, including Abu Dhabi Mall (02 6456220) and Abu Dhabi Marina Mall (02 6813035). For more information visit: tissot.ch

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Describing the special relationship that exists between Tissot clients and the brand, Thiebaud explains: “Tissot, unlike many other renowned Swiss watchmakers, is not limited in terms of its target market. Tissot customers are driven by the watches as historical assets.

Often, they are souvenirs from relatives who owned or gifted a Tissot watch. Past, existing and future customers are all extremely important to us, as they are the true ambassadors around the world.

“I believe that Tissot, in the hub of the Swiss watch industry, has great potential. In the sporting arena, from the very beginning, Tissot wanted to go beyond being just a name on a poster. Like any good athlete, we kept striving for better performance, searching for new technologies to deliver more accurate results for our products. As part of the Swatch

Group, Tissot, like its sister brands, can bring quality Swiss products into the market that reflect the incredible watchmaking know-how of the country,” says Thiebaud.

That specialist expertise is celebrated in a captivating exhibition at the Cité du Temps in Geneva this month. A timeline on the floor leads visitors into the exhibition space as each step marks a milestone in Tissot history. The last date represents Tissot’s 160 th anniversary and opens onto a fascinating showcase of some of its most iconic creations from the 1878 Tissot Pendant pocket watch to the Tissot Heritage Navigator 160th anniversary edition. Carefully considered displays allow each piece to shine in a fitting tribute to the firm’s talented craftsmen as they continue to create pioneering designs from the Tissot workshops in the Swiss alpine town of Le Locle.

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DEC 5TH- JAN 4TH A WINNER’S WONDERLAND

Experience the magic of winter at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi as the world’s largest indoor theme park gets transformed into a winner’s wonderland.

Enjoy festive fun for the whole family with special attractions like our spectacular ice skating rink complete with breathtaking performances on ice. Frolic in the snow, marvel merrily at our giant tree, witness our live ice sculpture displays and so much more.

Don’t wait in line, book your tickets online today!

Taste A cut above

There are many excellent dishes on the menu at The Park Bar & Grill but the restaurant’s crowning glory is undoubtedly chef Lilienthal’s stunning chateaubriand. Served on a wooden platter to reinforce the rustic authenticity of the homely French dish, this beautiful cut of meat comes complete with asparagus, potato gratin and a rich béarnaise sauce.

Where: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas. Contact: 02 4071138

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Festive feasts The season for grand banquets, glittering gifts and festive cheer has arrived and restaurants around the capital are laying on lavish feasts. Concierge rounds up a selection of the best places to enjoy the Christmas festivities Words by

C av e ll Malle t t

As holidaymakers bask in the sun and enjoy the capital’s attractions, luxury hotels across the city have gone into overdrive. In early December, the buzz of activity at Abu Dhabi’s busy five-star resorts ramps up several levels as the build-up to the end-of-year celebrations gets underway.

For visitors, festive events begin at the start of the month and carry on right through to New Year’s Eve. Party-goers can attend cocktail soirées and grand feasts on a nightly basis while families embrace the festive spirit at tree-lighting ceremonies and Yuletide celebrations across the city.

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Fe s t i v e d i n i n g/ T A S T E

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Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi It’s an early start to the holiday season at Beach Rotana as festivities kick off on December 4 with carol singing and tree lighting in the grand lobby.

Over in Café Columbia, visitors are invited to sample the delights of a traditional gingerbread house, which up until Christmas Day will house holiday goodies, including German stollen and mince pies.

Once the big day arrives there are countless ways to join in the merriment. For Christmas Eve, Essence and Benihana will lay on a buffet spread of international fare. Packages start at AED250 per person including soft drinks. Meanwhile, at Finz and Rodeo Grill, visitors are invited to indulge in a delicious, four-course menu that brings together the best of both restaurants for AED330 or AED530 including paired vintages. The Al Thuraya Ballroom will also be opening its doors for a Christmas brunch, complete with live entertainment and all the customary trimmings.

Contact: 02 6979000 or visit: rotana.com

The Hilton Abu Dhabi With a nod to the cosmopolitan blend of different cultures and nationalities that makes up UAE society, the Hilton Abu Dhabi has chosen to mark the holiday season with an international gourmet experience. The culinary voyage begins at Bocca on Christmas Eve with a four-course menu of Italian delights for AED295, including slow-braised veal served with risotto and black truffle, followed by dark chocolate and Amaretti biscuit mousse. Over at Hemmingway, a quintessentially British three-course menu is available for AED245 with traditional treats of turkey breast stuffed with chestnuts and mushrooms accompanied

by roasted vegetables and rounded off with Christmas pudding drizzled with warm caramel sauce. On Christmas Day, La Terrazza invites guests to dig into a mouthwatering array of dishes at its pasta, salad, soup and carving stations served with house drinks for AED245 per guest. Then, ring in the New Year at the Liwa ballroom grand gala dinner, with a lavish spread priced at AED299, excluding alcoholic beverages. After that, head over to Cinnabar, which aims to keep the party going until 4am with plenty of seasonal tipples and canapés.

Contact: 02 6811900 or visit: hilton.com

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Dock. Dine. Discover.

The new Yas Marina

Weekly Promotions

Now bigger and better than ever before, navigate your way through 7 licensed restaurants, a children’s playground, marine focused retail offerings and a great range of promotions and events.

Sunday Ladies coffee morning @ Café d’Alsace & Rozannah Monday Quiz night @ Stars ‘N’ Bars Tuesday Train Yas

Sunset lounge with live music

Spanish tapas bar & terrace

French-German café & bakery

Lebanese restaurant

Wednesday Ladies night@ Yas Marina Thursday Happy hour @ Yas Marina Friday Brunches & Kids film screenings @ Yas Marina

Seafood restaurant

Italian fine dining

American style sport bar

Saturday Weekly markets @ Yas Marina

For more information: call 800 MARINAS (6274627) yas.marina@cnyasmarina.com | www.cnmarinas.com/yas

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T A ST E/Festive din in g

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Embracing its first festive season with gusto, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, which opened its doors earlier t his year, is hosting a busy programme of events to mark the end of 2013. Much attention has been given to keeping little ones entertained with lessons in decorating gingerbread houses held by executive pastry chef Laurent Allereau, who will be on hand to share his confectionary secrets as the kids get creative with marshmallows, candy sticks and more. The classes will run from December 4 to 24 and cost AED150 per child.

Grown-ups, meanwhile, can indulge in a series of feasts at the hotel’s restaurants, each of which offers a different take on traditional Christmas cuisine. Over at The Forge, Christmas Day highlights include wagyu tenderloin with foie gras and truff le-scented pomme bouchon which is accompanied by house beverages for AED700. At Giornotte, a sumptuous brunch will be served featuring an array of cuisines and culinary traditions, including tapas, meat carving stations and Middle Eastern favourites. Here the premium package includes free-flowing bubbly and costs AED800 per person.

If the whirlwind of social soirées begins to take its toll, choose a spot on the al fresco terrace for a casual Boxing Day barbecue, where the laid-back tone is set by big screens showing the holiday sports plus Mexican fare and cocktails on the go. Asian eatery, Li Jang, will host the hotel’s New Year celebrations with a mouthwatering feast while Giornotte, where buffet prices start at AED600, is hosting the Extravaganza Dinner with live entertainment followed by fireworks over the Grand Canal. Those able to continue burning the midnight oil can head over to Sorso afterwards, where celebrations continue until 4am.

Contact: 02 8188888 or visit: ritzcarlton.com

Emirates Palace is pulling out all the stops this year to stage a series of lavish celebrations for those who want to usher in the New Year in style with some of the best food and entertainment in the city Emirates Palace Emirates Palace is pulling out all the stops this year to stage a series of lavish celebrations for those who want to usher in the New Year in style with some of the best food and entertainment in the city. Visitors at the luxury hotel can take a seat at Le Vendôme Brasserie, where Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch will be served in a plush buffet format for AED390 per person or AED590 including a bottle of Champagne per couple. For an endof-year party to rival all, tickets to the Emirates Palace New Year’s Eve Gala are in hot demand. The evening kicks off at 7pm with a welcome drink in the Oriental Gazebo, after which guests will be led through to a five-course gala dinner accompanied by live classical performances in the Dome. As the clock strikes midnight, diners will be treated to a spectacular fireworks display near the main entrance with complimentary drinks served up until 1am at the Oriental Gazebo. Also included in this fantastic gala package is a New Year’s Day brunch to be served at La Biss on January 1.

Contact: 02 6909000 or visit: kempinski.com/emiratespalace

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cha mpa gn e / T A S T E

The magic flute abu Dhabi’s cellars are stocked with some of the finest sparkling wines on the market. Sample top-end vintages at champagne bars around the city

Champagne has been associated with special occasions for hundreds of years.

As far back as the fifth century, wines from the Champagne region of France were being used to toast French kings as they were crowned at Reims Cathedral. The prestige of this early royal association has remained with the beverage to this day and Champagne is now widely recognised as a superior beverage.

For a long time, however, the predominant characteristic of modern Champagne, the fizzing quality, was considered a flaw and winemakers battled in vain to avoid it. Initially, their attempts to prevent the second fermentation (which causes the bubbles in wine) either failed or were spectacularly thwarted when the weak glass bottles, unable to withstand the pressure from gas building up inside, exploded, setting off others and wreaking havoc in the cellars.

Then, in the 17th century, a Benedictine monk, Dom Pérignon, was appointed business manager of the Abbey at Hautevilliers in Champagne.

Charged with improving the dwindling financial health of the monastery, Pérignon set about restoring the vineyards and restocking the cellar.

Many now believe that the Dom was responsible for inventing modern Champagne when in fact he spent many years trying to produce a still wine before eventually turning his attention to creating a blend that was complemented by the unavoidable bubbles. Meanwhile, overseas in Britain, the aristocracy was busy developing a taste for the new wine and, when the Duke of Orléans became regent and ordered it in large quantities for the French court, sparkling Champagne began to catch on around Europe.

Today, Champagne is firmly established as a symbol of celebration and wealth and in Abu Dhabi, where the luxury lifestyle flourishes, the sparkling beverage f lows freely at five-star venues around the city. Both connoisseurs and amateur appreciators will find themselves at home in the city’s Champagne bars, where a variety of vintages can be enjoyed in sophisticated surroundings. Read on for Concierge’s selection of the best places to sip Champagne in the UAE capital.

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Jazz ‘n’ Fizz The spirit of the 1920s fills this trendy bar, where the smooth sounds of the in-house saxophonist playing soft jazz vie with the soft chatter of glamorous guests sipping Champagne cocktails and Martini blends. The contents of the bar’s amply stocked walkin wine cellar are detailed on a wine list compiled by the hotel’s sommelier, Igor Hutler. A seasoned connoisseur of fine wine and Champagne, Hutler has travelled the world, sampling the best blends and building an encyclopaedic knowledge of his field. Highlights from his Champagne list include the Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle at AED2,000 a bottle or the Louis Roederer Cristal, which comes in at AED3,850.

Where: Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche When: 6pm to 2am / Contact: 02 8137777

Caviar Bar A glass of premium Champagne, complemented by just the right variety of caviar, taken together in the grand yet comfortable setting of the Caviar Bar at Emirate’s Palace is the perfect way to tap into the Abu Dhabi lifestyle where life’s luxuries are enjoyed in abundance. Among the many Champagnes served is the hotel’s own variety – Luxo Brut. Created especially for Emirates Palace, this exclusive vintage is flecked with 24-carat gold flakes and comes in a distinctive bottle emblazoned with the hotel’s logo. Prices range from AED700 for the Luxo Brut Rosé (1.5 litres) to AED5,300 for Luxo Brut Rosé (three litres).

Where: Emirates Palace When: 10pm to 1am / Contact: 02 6907999

Cristal Polished wooden f loors, shuttered blinds and a grand piano in the corner contribute to the colonial vibe of this bar, while heavy Persian carpets and contemporary artworks throw Arabian and modern influences in. The overall effect is one of understated elegance, where Champagne connoisseurs, cigar smokers and wine drinkers can mingle harmoniously to enjoy the finer things in life in an atmosphere of casual comfort. That being said, the Champagne list here is one of the smartest in the city with a number of exceptional vintages available, including a stunning Bollinger Special Cuvee.

Where: Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi When: 5pm to 2am / Contact: 02 6146020

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Crystal Lounge A glass of premium Champagne tastes good almost anywhere, but at Crystal Lounge, where every aspect of the décor is designed to complement and enhance the experience, Champagne-drinking takes on an additional level of enjoyment. As you pad softly over the golden carpets and settle into the elegant (Champagne-coloured) seats, the serene, sophisticated vibe of the lounge washes over you, creating a tranquil environment in which to enjoy the luxury beverage to the fullest extent. Above the bar, a sculpture of delicate blown-glass bubbles leaves guests in no doubt that, though a wide range of wines is available here, it’s the Champagne that people come for.

Where: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi When: 5pm to 2am / Contact: 02 6944444

As you pad softly over the golden carpets and settle into the elegant (Champagne-coloured) seats, the serene, sophisticated vibe of the lounge washes over you, creating a tranquil environment in which to enjoy the luxury beverage to the fullest extent

Lemon and Lime From the silver-leaf ceiling to the low-level lighting that sets a sultry tone, this stylish bar is ideally suited to the sophisticated business of sipping Champagne. Expert mixologists man the bar, deftly conjuring up exotic blends, including the Deluxe Champagne Cocktail – a luxuriant concoction comprising Cognac, sugar, aromatic bitters and, of course, Champagne. For purists, there’s a sizeable selection of premium vintages, including Dom Pérignon, Moët & Chandon and Salon Cuvee S. Food, in the form of sophisticated tapasstyle bar snacks is served at Lemon & Lime, which also features an extensive array of cigars, complemented by malt whiskies and full-bodied vintages.

Where: The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa When: 5pm to 1am / Contact: 02 6169999

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In Touch

With Nature

Al Ain Zoo at it’s very best! Experience wildlife and entertainment in a natural outdoor environment. Join us this December to enjoy the spectacular Arabian Month along with celebrations of the UAE’s 42 National Day. For opening times and special attractions or visit www.alainzoo.ae

@AlAinZooUAE #AlAinZooo

The guide discover / experience / shop / taste

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

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Discover

1

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

art Galleries

HeMisPHere desiGn studiO & GallerY

02 6768614

The gallery shows original art from locally based artists.

Hemisphere also organises exhibitions and events.

MuseuMs and cultural sites

Timings: Sat to Thu 9.30am to 12.45pm and 3 to 9pm Manarat al saadiYat

Abu Dhabi etiHad GallerY

02 6444366

On one side of this converted villa is an antiques emporium, crammed with historic treasures and on the other is a sleek modern art gallery featuring works by regional and international artists.

Timings: Sat to Thu

10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to 10.30pm FOlKlOre GallerY

02 6660361

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

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 10pm GHaF art GallerY

02 6655332

Ghaf is the oldest art gallery in the capital and features work by artists in Abu Dhabi and around the world.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 9pm

02 4061400, saadiyat.ae

The interactive exhibition offers an insight into future developments on Saadiyat Island, including the culture hub taking shape here.

Timings: Daily 10am to 8pm QiBaB art GallerY

02 6652350

Specialises in Iraqi art, but also shows work from international, regional and local artists.

Timings: Daily 10am to 1pm and

5 to 8pm

salWa Zeidan GallerY

02 6669656

Aims to be the main address for international and Middle Eastern contemporary and emerging artists.

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

Al Ain 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

Abu Dhabi eMirates natiOnal autO MuseuM

02 6676999, 050 8293952, enam.ae

A diverse collection of more than 200 classic vehicles owned

by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

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

1. 'Sunset at the Grand Mosque' by Julia Ibbini 2. Sougha Initiative 3. Yola dance 4. Al Hosn Palace 5. Etihad Antiques Gallery

3

HeritaGe VillaGe

02 6814455

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.

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

02 665 9555

For a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Sheikh Zayed visit the Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen district.

This museum, housed in an Emirati heritage village is an incredible homage to the man who shaped the nation.

Timings: Open Sun to Thu. Bookings must be made a week in advance.

Al Ain al JaHili FOrt

03 7843996

HISTORIC BUILDINGS Sightseers are spoilt for choice as Abu Dhabi is peppered with historic landmarks. Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain 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: 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

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T HE GUI D E / Dis cove r

2

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.

HERITAGE SITES

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

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.

Al Gharbia

Timings: 9am to 5pm.

Ticket valid 24 hours Guide price: Adults AED200, children AED100, family (two adults, two children) AED500

CHrIStIAN MONAStErY

02 6445117

EMIrAtES AdvENtUrES

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.

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

Timings: Daily 9am to 1pm Guide price: AED180, children AED120

02 8015400

History in the making The earliest known habitation in this part of the world dates back as far as 5500BCE. However, it was in 1971, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's ruler from 1966 to 2004, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990, set the wheels in motion with their neighbouring sheikhdoms, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman (Ras Al Khaimah joined in 1972) to form an alliance.

NEt tOUrS

02 6794656

tOUrS

Haggle over carpets, admire the Corniche, learn about local culture and visit the Grand Mosque.

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

AED150, children AED100 SHEIKH ZAYEd GrANd MOSQUE

800 555 or szgmc.ae

Air FALCON AvIAtION SErvICES

02 4440007

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

Guide price: AED1,250 per

person for a 30-minute city tour

Land 4

AL MASAOOd trAvEL

02 6211797

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

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 ArABIAN NIGHtS

02 6779988

The corporate travel company organises excursions around the capital.

Visitors can also book an overnight stay at the Arabian Nights Village, a luxurious Bedouin camp in the desert.

Guide price: Accommodation

at the village ranges from AED1,250 for a bayt al bahr heritage room to AED3,750 for a luxurious wind tower suite.

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.

One of the largest mosques in the world, this place of worship runs tours that offer an insight into Islamic culture and religion.

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

02 4449914

Tours are available in different destinations around the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Liwa and Al Ain.

HILtONIA BEACH CLUB

ArABIAN AdvENtUrES

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

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

02 6811900

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 PEArL JOUrNEY

02 6419914

Learn more about the pearl diving industry that once underpinned the local economy on this fascinting cruise, where guests have the chance to find their own pearl.

Guide price: AED500 for adults,

children (under 12) AED400.

SEA CrUISEr

Guide price: Abu Dhabi city

050 8009495 or seacruiser.ae

Water

Guide price: Adults

tour AED190. Dubai or Al Ain city tours cost AED390 and include lunch.

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

AED120, children AED75

AL dHAFrA

YELLOw BOAtS

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

Skim through the waves in these bright yellow boats on a high-speed tour of Abu Dhabi.

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 CAPt. tONY'S

02 6507175

Abu Dhabi's first ecoconscious boat tour operators runs island-hopping excursions, coastal cruises, mangrove trips and more.

Guide price: Sunset cruise AED250 for adults and AED150 for children. Island Beach Tour, AED350 for adults and AED250 for children.

Private charter AED2,800

800 8044

Guide price: Adults

AED200, children AED150 SHErAtON ABU dHABI

02 6773333

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

Timings: On demand Guide price: Corniche cruise

AED 200 for 30 minutes.

Sunset cruise AED200

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.

02 6911711

Timings: Tours on Tuesdays Guide price: Adults AED225, children AED115 EMIrAtES AdvENtUrES

02 6445117

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.

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

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 take in an old fort before the journey back.

Timings: On request Guide price: On request EMIrAtES AdvENtUrES

02 6445117

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

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

Guide price: From AED250 for adults and AED180 for children

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Experience

1

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.

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 Sun 2 to 6pm 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 SpARKY’S

02 6354316

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

Timings: Sat to Sun 9am to

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 8pm, Thu and Fri 9am to 10pm Guide price: Varies.

Bowling AED15 per game

midnight, Fri 1pm to midnight.

Guide price: AED36 for ice rink, AED15 for bowling

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

02 4437654

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: Open daily,

11am to 8pm

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

Premium tickets available FUN CITY

02 6815527

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

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

Guide price: Varies by ride.

Rollercoaster AED10 per ride.

FUN WORLD

02 6322255

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

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 KIDOOS

02 6459070

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

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

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WANASA LAND 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 YAS WATERWORLD

02 4142000, yaswaterworld.com

Bowling ARMED FORCES OFFICERS’ CLUB

02 4415900

This huge sports complex is an active family's paradise.

Test your aim at the bowling centre which has four alleys.

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: Members

and guests AED10 per game including shoe hire.

Non-members AED15 per game

02 4034200

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

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

Camel racing 02 5839200 or 50 6147007 Call the UAE Camel Race Association for directions to the camel race track.

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

Cruising & sailing

Guide price:Standard admission AED225 for adults, AED185 for children.

AL BANDAR SAILING SCHOOL

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSpITAL

02 5755155 or 050 6660739

050 6606428

Brush up on your sailing skills with professional lessons then charter a boat and take to the seas in one of Al Bandar's dinghys, keelboats or powerboats.

Timings:Daily, 9am to 5pm

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.

ABU DHABI CHARTERS

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am

Guide price: From

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 NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMpANY

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

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

Timings: Check website for details Guide price: AED200

1. Drag Racing Academy, Yas Marina Circuit 2. Coutts Polo at the Palace 3. Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort 4. Al Forsan International Sports Resort, shooting

AL WATHBA

Choose between 40 rides, slides and attractions at this new water park which is the latest addition to the Yas Island entertainment hub.

Birdwatching

2

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL BOWLING CENTRE

02 6424222

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

3

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

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T HE GUI D E / e xpe r ie nce

capt. tony's

aRaBIan aDVEntUREs

Fishing

tHE VILLaGE cLUB

The Yas Island-based boat tour company offers a range of cruises around the Abu Dhabi waters which can be tailored to suit guest preferences. Other aquatic activites include a stand-up paddle boarding island-hopping tour.

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.

Individual hotels without marinas can also arrange fishing trips on request

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

Timings: Daily Guide price: Adults AED315, children AED290

050 6146931

02 6507175

Guide price: Call for details HILtonIa BEacH cLUB

02 6811900

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

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

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. sHERaton aBU DHaBI

02 6773333

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

Guide price: AED50 per

02 6911711

Diving

Guide price: Call for details

FaLcon aVIatIon sERVIcEs

Part of the British Club, offers BSAC-certified courses.

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

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

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

02 5568555

02 6731111 or 050 5409041

Guide price: Call for details aL MaHaRa DIVInG cEntRE

02 6437377 or divemahara.com

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

Guide price: Call for details aRaBIan DIVERs & spoRtFIsHInG cHaRtERs

050 6146931

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

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. Located at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi.

02 6441696

Guide price: Call for details

02 6443000

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.

Guide price: AED400, including fishing equipment. AED50 for each additional hour

AED180, island cruise AED300 tHE yELLoW Boats

800 4044 or theyellowboats.com

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

Home to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship this challenging course offers tough, but fair, play with a nine-hole putting green, floodlit driving range and golf institute. Also offers night golf on the floodlit course.

02 6779988

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

Set in the middle of a racecourse with the city skyline in the background this course was the first nine-hole facility to open in Abu Dhabi. The 27-year old club has a golf academy and a floodlit driving range in addition to a new pavilion with views of the greens where players can relax with a drink after their game.

aBU DHaBI GoLF cLUB

aRaBIan nIGHts

at The Village ranges from AED1,250 for a heritage room to AED3,750 for a wind tower suite

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

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

Desert safari

Guide price: Accommodation

aBU DHaBI cIty GoLF cLUB

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

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

The corporate travel company organises excursions around the capital.

Visitors can also book an overnight stay at the Arabian Nights Village, a luxurious Bedouin camp in the desert.

Golf

FAST AND FURIoUS Fun for all the family, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the most thrilling attractions in the city. As the world's largest indoor theme park, it features a host of rides and attractions including the world’s fastest rollercoaster Formula Rosso, which accelerates up to 240kmh. Passengers wear safety goggles for the duration of the ride, just like every other racer that takes on Grand Prix-style speeds. For younger visitors there is a range of tamer rides and experiences, including theatrical shows and a state-of-the-art flume ride that takes guests on a journey through the heart of a 12-cylinder Ferrari 599 engine. For more information, contact: ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Green fees: National Course,

18 holes Sun to Thu AED525, Fri and Sat AED675. AED275.

Night golf AED275. Includes golf cart and unlimited use of practice facilities aL GHaZaL GoLF cLUB

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

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

Brown fees: 18 holes Sun

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

Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, this beachfront course offers spectacular views of the Gulf waters and golfers may even spot dolphins.

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

Slip into the pilot's seat of a life-size Boeing 747-400 simulator and take flight. to 2pm and 3 to 7pm, Fri 2 to 7pm. Closed Tue Guide price: From AED350 for one hour

02 5578000 or sbgolfclub.ae (18 holes, 7,784 yards, par 72)

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

MUtaHIDa FLIGHt sIMULatoR

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

saaDIyat BEacH GoLF cLUB

Green fees: Sun to Wed

02 4448866

Green fees: Nine holes

Guide price: From AED150 for

ISlAND HoPPING

Flying

BEacH Rotana aBU DHaBI

Guide price: Call for details

Guide price: Coastline cruise

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

aBU DHaBI sUB aQUa cLUB

person for one hour

02 4952000

aRaBIan DIVERs & spoRtFIsHInG cHaRtERs

02 4952000

Horse racing 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.

Racing season is November to March.

For more information visit adec-web.com aBU DHaBI EQUEstRIan cLUB

02 4455500

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.

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

Hot air ballooning BaLLoon aDVEntUREs EMIRatEs

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

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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 WATER WONDERLAND Abu Dhabi made global yachting history when it became the first Middle Eastern port ever to host the gruelling Volvo Ocean Race last year. Now, the city is preparing to host a second stop-over in at the end of 2014 and will once again field its own team, Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing.

The UAE capital is not new to water-based racing. The country has become a major force in powerboat racing and regularly unveils a top-class team to compete in the UIM Formula 1 World Championship which climaxes in front of thousands of spectators at the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club by the Breakwater.

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

NOUKHADA ADVENTURE COMPANY

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

OFF-ROAD BUGGIES

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

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

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

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-half-hour kayak tour that is suitable for all levels.

Guide price: AED450 per person

Motor sports

050 7218928 or noukhada.ae

DRAG RACING

Guide price: Two-hour

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

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

Karting AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

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

Timings: Daily 3 to 11pm Guide price: From

AED120 for 15 minutes

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

Timings: See website

for availability Guide price: Three-seat dragster passenger experience from AED500. Formula Yas 3000 experience AED1,200.

Off-road buggies AED200 adults and AED150 children.

FORMULA ONE

800 YAS (927) or yasmarinacircuit.ae

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

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: AED11,500.

Formula Yas 3000 experience AED1,200

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

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

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 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

Quad Biking TILAL LIwA

02 8946111

Race over the dunes on a quad bike for an exhilarating way to explore the UAE desert.

Guide price: AED200 for 60 minutes, AED100 for 30 minutes

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

02 6577601

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.

Guide price: Introductory ticket AED180, family package AED720

Camel racing

Water sports

AL MAQAM CAMEL RACE TRACK

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

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

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 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 DANAT JEBEL DHANNA RESORT

02 8012222

A huge array of watersports and aquatic activities is available here, including banana boat and tube rides, windsurfing, waterskiing, knee boarding, kayaking, fishing trips, snorkelling and boat cruises

Guide price: Ask at reception

for details

CARACAL SHOOTING CLUB

050 6144024 or wrsmuts@emirates.net.ae

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

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

AL AIN

SPACE wALK INDOOR SKYDIVING

Shooting 02 4416404

Mountain biking

Skydiving

ABU DHABI wILDLIFE CENTRE

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

02 5839200

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

Family amusements BAwADI MALL ENTERTAINMENT

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 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

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

Golf

EMIRATES PARK ZOO

03 7026400

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 EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB (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

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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

Parks & gardens

04 2854949

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.

Camel trekking

Guide price: Free

Shooting

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

AL AIN EQUESTRIAN, SHOOTING & GOLF CLUB

TILAL LIWA HOTEL

02 8946111

Experience the beauty of the UAE in true Bedouin style â&#x20AC;&#x201C; aboard a camel.

5

Guide price: AED30 for every

03 7026500

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

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

10 minutes of camel trekking

Ice skating

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

Explore the Rub Al Khali, trekking through vast sand valleys.

AL FORSAN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS RESORT

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.

The Resort is the first in the Gulf to offer both Olympic disciplines and sporting clays combined with handgun and rifle ranges.

03 7845542

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.

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

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

Karting AL AIN RACEWAY

03 7686662

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT

02 8862088

AED90 for 50 rounds

AL AIN ICE RINK, HILI FUN CITY

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

02 5568555 or alforsan.com

Skiing BAWADI MALL SKI VILLAGE

03 7840000

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

Cruising & sailing 6

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

02 8015400

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

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

Water park

Guide price: Sunset cruise AED250

Snorkelling

5. Quad biking in the desert 6. Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat 7. Walidia Yachts

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

02 8015400

WADI ADVENTURE

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

03 7818422

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

Guide price: AED200

Desert safari

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

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT

02 8862088

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

Wildlife park

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 AIN ZOO

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

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

Horse riding SIR BANI YAS STABLES

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.

BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

04 2854949

AL GHARBIA

03 7828188

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

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

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

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

Know the law

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

Consumption of alcohol must be within licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs or private venues. Do not consume alcohol if driving.

TILAL LIWA HOTEL

Dancing is only allowed in the privacy of your hotel room or at licensed clubs.

02 8946111

Discover the desert by 4x4 or quad bike and pause to try the exhilarating local sport of sandboarding down the dunes

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

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

Guide price:AED400 for adults and AED200 for children

avoid addressing Muslim women in public or taking photographs without their permission. offensive language, spitting and hand gestures must be avoided.

Married couples may hold hands in public, but not kiss or hug.

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1

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 Dhabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Abu Dhabi aBU DHaBI Mall

02 6454858

02 6904422

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

02 6328555

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

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

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.

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

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to

10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm avenUe at etIHaD toWeRs

800 3844238

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

Timings: Call for store timings

KHalIDIYaH Mall

02 6354000

MaDInat ZaYeD sHoPPInG CentRe & GolD CentRe

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.

03 7660333

al JIMI Mall 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

Timings: Sat to Fri 9am

Al Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest and largest mall offers an indoor ski slope, cinema, bowling alley, skating rink, family entertainment centre and almost 400 shops.

MaRIna Mall

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

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

02 6818300

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

3

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.

2

soUKs

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

1.

2.

3.

4.

Bulgari boutique, The Galleria Spice souk Al Ain Bawadi Mall Madre bag by Rue du Bac, Rasool Khoury

Abu Dhabi tHe soUK at WoRlD tRaDe CentRe

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

Go For GolD Gold is paricularly popular with tourists visiting the UAE thanks to the competitive prices and lack of sales tax. The Madinat Zayed Gold Centre is a must for those looking to buy jewellery at affordable prices, however there are also many reputable regional and international retailers and brands at the city's malls.

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LISTINGS_SHOP_AUH DEC13.indd 96

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

4

20/11/2013 13:01

NavigatiNg New water s Sailing the Dhow, Abu Dhabi, UAE

a s e N s e o f p l ac e . ro s e wo o d a b u d h a b i N ow o p e N . +971 (0) 2 813 5555

| abudhabi.reservations@rosewoodhotels.com | rosewoodhotels.com

504408_RAD_Dhow_ENG_220x27.5_Concierge FAW.indd 1

11/24/13 10:55 AM

1

2

Taste

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

Hotel outlets & promotions

Al mAHA ArjAAn

02 6106666

Al Markaziyah City Café offers Mexican on Mondays, pasta on Tuesdays and Indian on Wednesdays 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.

beAcH rotAnA Abu DHAbi

02 6979000

Tourist Club Area Restaurants across the hotel are holding elaborate feasts over the festive season. Family-friendly Italian eaterie Prego's has a revamped look and some delicious new dishes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine.

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 cApitAl centre

02 4096666

Al Safarat

crowne plAzA Abu DHAbi YAs islAnD

02 6563000

Yas Island

Enjoy all-you-can-eat mussels for AED160 per person at Stills every Monday.

Barouk – Lebanese Jing Asia – Asian buffet Stills Bar & Brasserie – European bar and restaurant

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

Aloft Abu DHAbi

Contemporary cuisine is served throughout the day at C.Taste while drinks and light bites are available from C.Mondo.

Al Safarat

C.Mondo – Lounge bar C.Taste – International buffet

eAstern mAngroves Hotel & spA

centro YAs islAnD

Eastern Mangroves

City Café – International

02 6545013

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 Sevilla Restaurant serves tasty international fare while Wanasah is a great venue for those seeking an introduction to authentic Arabian fare.

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 international cuisine from the à la carte menu at Al Dar or the international buffet for speciality dishes. Enjoy light snacks, coffee and cakes at Moka Café.

Al Dar – International Moka Café – International

ArmeD forces officers’ club & Hotel

02 4415900

Al Maqtaa

Head to Taverna for lively barbecue buffet nights every Wednesday with two house beverages included for AED120.

Al Bathna – International Kennedy – European Taverna – Tex-Mex

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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 mocktails at Gems Restaurant features refreshing, fruity beverages for AED20 this month.

Gems Restaurant – International

cristAl sAlAm Hotel

02 6597666

Tourist Club Area Visit 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. 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 Vietnamese specialities at Cho Gao or treat yourself to Italian delicacies at Spaccanapoli where chef Carmelo has created a series of classic winter dishes featuring wild mushrooms and game.

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

1. Mezlai, Emirates Palace 2. Bord Eau, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri 3 Rhodes 44, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 4 The Pool Deck, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

02 6561000

Al fresco barbecue nights take place every Thursday at the Pool Deck. On Tuesdays Impressions hosts The Big Brunch 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 The festive season brings special menus to a number of restaurants at the luxury hotel, including Mezzaluna, where a Christmas Eve dinner followed by lunch the next day costs AED550 per person, or AED700 including alcholic beverages. Seafood brasserie, Sayad will also be laying on a seasonal spread with New Years Eve dinner available for AED850 per person.

3

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 Cedar Lounge serves delicious Arabian fare while Frankie's is one of the capital's top Italian eateries.

Cedar Lounge – Lebanese Chameleon – Champagne bar CuiScene – International buffet Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill – Steakhouse Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Bar – Italian The Chocolate Gallery - patisserie

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T HE GUI D E / T A S T E

Grand millennium al wahda

02 4439999

Al Wahda

Tuck into Friday brunch at Porto Bello where a feast of beautifully prepared food awaits for AED195 per person.

At Toshi, Monday is noodle night, Tuesday and Thursday are dedicated to sushi and teppanyaki while the rest of the week is given over to a mouthwatering sushi buffet.

AFTERnoon TEA

Al Wahda – International buffet Porto Bello – Italian Porters – Pub Toshi – Asian

02 4180000

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

The Gallery – International

hilton abu dhabi

Al Khubeirah

hyatt caPital Gate

02 5961234

Al Safarat

Usher in 2014 with the New Year's Gala Dinner and feast on a five-course set menu of mouthwatering cuisine at 18°.

A premium dinner package, priced at AED1,200 per person includes a welcome glass of Veuve Clicquot and wine pairing throughout your meal.

18° – Eastern Mediterranean Lounge – Tea lounge and bar Profiterole – Pastries Privé – Bar

intercontinental abu dhabi

800 423463

Al Bateen

A four-course set menu priced at AED215 will tempt diners on December 24 while December 31 brings a fivecourse feast for AED410 per person. Every Monday, an Italian chocolate and cheese night is held in the hotel.

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

Ras Al Akhdar Pay a visit to Rosewater on December 24 and 25 for family-orientated Christmas feasts, complete with visits from Santa and an array of succulent dishes for AED375 (not including alcohol). Alternatively, opt for a French-themed festive feast at Brasserie Angélique or a British-style spread with a seafood twist at Scott's for AED375 and AED425, respectively.

Khalidiya Palace rayhaan by rotana

02 6811900

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

02 8115555

Brasserie Angélique – French 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

hala arJaan by rotana

Bocca serves contemporary Italian cuisine in a stylish setting while Mawal Restaurant offers excellent Lebanese fare for those seeking an authentic taste of Arabia. Over the road, the hotel's popular Portuguese eatery, Vasco's is a popular spot among Abu Dhabi diners and widely known for its delicious food, which can be enjoyed outside on the picturesque terrace.

Jumeirah at etihad towers

02 6570000

Ras Al Akdar

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi: Afternoon tea is a time-honoured tradition here with just the right balance between savoury nibbles and sweet treats piled high on an elegant serving platter.

Contact: 02 6944444 Emirates Palace: Rich chocolate fondant adorned with real gold sprinkles is one of many indulgent treats served for afternoon tea at Le Café, where visitors can also try an Arabian-themed option.

Contact: 02 5961440 The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal A selection of teas is available ranging from indulgent, pastry-laded Gold Tea to the healthy Tea Tox option, which features wholewheat scones and salads Contact: 02 8188888 Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas: Take a seat in The Library and indulge in a selection of freshly baked scones with clotted cream and French jam alongside canapés, sandwiches, pastries and more.

Contact: 02 4071234 Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche: Gourmet finger sandwiches, pastries and other treats make up this sumptuous spread of French delights. A more casual selection of sandwiches and sweets is also available.

Contact: 02 8137777

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

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

le méridien abu dhabi

02 6446666

Tourist Club Area Tuck into a tasty three-course Italian lunch at Pappagallo for a very reasonable AED75 per person. Talay just next door is known for serving excellent Thai cuisine.

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 Seasonal favourites are on the menu at Café Palmier for Christmas Eve followed by a Christmas Day brunch with all the trimmings and more. whEAT - Bistro Café Palmier – All-day dining Illusions – Nightclub P.J. O’Reilly’s – Irish pub Imago - Bar and restaurant Sax Restaurant Club – International restaurant and bar The Piano Lounge – Cocktail lounge

mercure centre hotel

02 6333555

Al Markaziyah Book a table at Le Beaujolais this month to enjoy delicious French fare or take a seat at Le Jardin for a rich array of cuisines in an attractive al fresco setting.

Le Beaujolais – Bistro Le Jardin – International buffet Le Privé – French Mood Indigo – Lounge bar Pergola – Sports bar China Restaurant – Chinese

DINE BY CUISINE ARABIC Wanasah – Al Raha Beach Hotel Barouk – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Diwan L’Auberge – Emirates Palace Hakkasan – Emirates Palace Mezlai – Emirates Palace Arabic Café – Hilton Abu Dhabi Mawal – Hilton Abu Dhabi Li Beirut – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Al Birkeh – Le Méridien Abu Dhabi Marakesh – Millenium Hotel Abu Dhabi Pearls & Caviar – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri 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 Shang Palace – Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri Sontaya - St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Kazu - Yas Viceroy Hotel Noodle Box – Yas Viceroy Hotel The Wok – Danat Al Ain Resort Orient Café – Mercure Grand Hotel Jebel Hafeet

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

INTERNATIONAL Dine – Aloft Abu Dhabi Al Manzil – Al Raha Beach Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

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MillenniuM Hotel Abu DHAbi

02 6262700

Al Markaziyah

Citrus – International Cristal Cigar & Champagne Bar – Champagne bar Marakesh – Moroccan Sevilo’s – Italian

Ginger All-Day Dining – International buffet Cooper's Bar & Restaurant – British gastro pub Teatro – International

novotel Abu DHAbi GAte

rADisson blu Hotel, Abu DHAbi yAs islAnD

A wide selection of cuisines from around the world is served in the daily buffet at Horizon for lunch and dinner.

Restaurant – International Al Gabbiano - Italian Al Nassim Pool bar – Snacks

one to one Hotel tHe villAGe

02 4952000

Al Nahyan

Choose from a wide selection of freshly 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 alcohol-free environment.

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 Restaurant – International West Side – International

PArk HyAtt Abu DHAbi Hotel & villAs

02 4071234

Saadiyat Island 6

7

Al Matar

Sevilo's runs a Mamma Mia Serata promotion every Thursday offering guests an Italian feast of antipasti dishes, two mains and dessert for AED160.

Bain Al Jessrain

5 Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 6. Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 7. Filini, Radisson Blu 8. The Library, Park Hyatt, Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

02 6573333

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.

02 5089999

5

PArk rotAnA

For some of the best steak in town, book a table in the evenings 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

Every Wednesday Ameringo's Mexican Bar & Restaurant honours the simple steak.

Choose your favourite cut from a wide selection and complement it with a range of sauces and sides. Choose the meat from the trolley and watch as it's cut in front of you and weighed. Diners who can guess the correct weight get to enjoy their meat for free.

Amerigos Mexican Bar & Restaurant – Mexican Mint – International buffet

02 6562000

Yas Island

Friday is World of Curry night at Assymetri with a focus on Indian cuisine while Wednesday features an Arabian-themed buffet. Filini serves excellent Italian food that's best enjoyed on the terrace overlooking the pristine greens of Yas Links golf course.

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

ritz-cArlton Abu DHAbi, GrAnD cAnAl

02 8188888

Bain Al Jessrain On December 25 a generous spread will be laid on at The Forge followed by a relaxed Boxing Day barbecue on the 26th. On Fridays, Giornotte hosts an elaborate brunch priced from AED240 to AED490 including alchol.

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 platter for lunch to accompany à la carte dishes based on Northern Italian cuisine.

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

sHAnGri-lA Hotel, QAryAt Al beri

02 5098555

Bain Al Jessrain Mark the 42nd anniversary of the UAE with a celebratory brunch at Sofra Bld on December 2. Diners will be treated to a gastronomic spread of local and international specialities from Sofra Bld, Hoi An and Shang Palace for AED190 per person. A few days later the holiday season kicks off with a tree-lighting ceremony on December 5 followed by carols on the 24th and 25th when different festive feasts are available at restaurants around the hotel. A Christmas High Tea will be available in the Lobby lounge throughout the month for AED110 per person.

Al Hanah – Wine bar Bord Eau – French Hoi An – Vietnamese Pearls & Caviar – Mediterranean restaurant and bar Shang Palace – Chinese Sofra bld – International

sHerAton Abu DHAbi Hotel & resort

02 6773333

Al Markaziyah Embrace the spirit of the season at the tree-lighting ceremony on December 11 from 4 to 7pm, when little ones can meet Santa, decorate gingerbread houses and enjoy and array of festive snacks.

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

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 Indulge in a six-course banquet at La Mer, where the mouthwatering ChristmasDay menu includes delicacies such as foie gras, de Clare oysters and fresh Atlantic cod for AED345 per person.

Embrace the festive mood this month at Jazz 'N Fizz Bar, where special live entertainment and bar tenders in Yuletide costume set the festive spirit.

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

tHe st.reGis Abu DHAbi

02 6944444

Al Khubeirah Get in the Christmas spirit early with the four-course Festive Afternoon Tea running from the start of December in the Tea Lounge and Crystal Lounge. On December 24, guests can celebrate Christmas Eve in traditional Italian style at the hotel's signature restaurant Villa Toscana, where a traditional Tuscan four-course fish banquet followed by sweets will be served.

Rhodes 44 – International Villa Toscana – Italian Café 44 – Patisserie Azura - Lounge Crystal Lounge - Bar The St. Regis Bar - light snacks

tHe st. reGis sAADiyAt islAnD resort

02 4988888

Saadiyat Island The Friday brunch at Oléa features a feast of Mediterranean cuisine complemented by freshly mixed cocktails, inluding the resort's signature Bloody Mary - the Red Snapper.

55th&5th, The Grill – Steakhouse Oléa – Mediterranean Sontaya – Southeast Asian Turquoiz – Seafood

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ARABIC TASTE

tHe RoyAl Hotel Abu DHAbi

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.

tHe westin Abu DHAbi Golf ResoRt & spA

02 6169999

Sas Al Nakhl A seasonal sale featuring festive treats, including Yuletide logs, Christmas puddings, chocolates and more will be held at The Lounge this month.

At Moroccan eaterie, Agadir diners can enjoy five-star fare for AED159 each. A two-for-one ladies luncheon is available from Sunday to Thursday at Fairways for AED145.

Agadir – Moroccan Fairways – International Lemon & Lime – Bar The Retreat – Bar

tRADeRs Hotel, QARyAt Al beRi

Ouzi: This popular baked lamb and spiced rice dish is a favourite during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.

Umm Ali: Similar to bread and butter pudding served in the west, this favourite Arabic dessert contains milk, pastry and nuts, and is a staple dish in many buffets.

Al Muwaiji 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.

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

AylA Hotel

03 7610111

Al Mutaredh

Ayla Restaurant – International Tamra Cafe – Tea lounge

Yas Island

DAnAt Al Ain ResoRt

Some of the best steaks in town are accompanied by a selection of fine wines from Argentina, America and Australia at Blue Grill. A wide selection of cuisines from across the world is available at the Choices buffet.

Al Nyadat East

02 6564000

Blue Grill – Steakhouse Choices – International buffet Rangoli – Indian Y Bar – Bar

yAs ViceRoy Abu DHAbi

02 6560600

Yas Island

Angar serves gourmet Indian fare complemented by a range of Indian beers and refreshing Lassi yoghurt drinks while Amici specialises in tasty Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting. At Kazu, fill your plate from the sushi and sashimi bar then select a premium sake to enjoy with the meal.

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

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 or not but check with the waiter if it is unclear.

DAnAt Jebel DHAnnA ResoRt

02 8012222

yAs islAnD RotAnA

Italian Tuesdays at Afyä make the most of the Mediterranean's classic stone-baked pizza and fresh pastas complemented by large salad and dessert bars.

Sambusek: Small, triangular pastry pies filled with cheese, meat or spinach.

03 7545111

Afyä – International buffet Afyä Beach Lounge – Barbecue

Bain Al Jessrain

Fattoush: This Levantine salad is made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread and mixed with lettuce, cucumber, onion and other vegetables.

Al Ain RotAnA Hotel

Ayla Restaurant hosts themed buffet meals throughout the week. Highlights include the seafood lovers’ night on ` Thursdays, which costs AED130 per person, or AED159 if you'd like to include a small bottle of Champagne. Add to this half a kilogram of giant lobster for AED108, or a full kilogram for AED200.

02 5108888

Moutabel: A delicious and spicy smoked aubergine dip that is popular in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.

Al GHARbiA

Al Markaziyah

Al Hawara – Lebanese Basil – Indian Optimist – International

Hummous: Well known and loved even beyond the Middle East, this Arabic dip or spread is made from cooked and mashed chickpeas blended with ground sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic.

Al Ain

02 8152222

03 7046000

The Wok it the scene of a seafood night every Tuesday for AED99. Alternatively, visit Arabesque on Thursdays for a full buffet of lobster, shrimps, oysters and mussels, for AED140.

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

MeRcuRe GRAnD Hotel Jebel HAfeet

03 7838888

Jebel Hafeet Eden Rock restaurant serves tasty Arabian fare while, at Lawrence’s Lounge bar, Ladies receive a complimentary cocktail on Thursday nights.

Eden Rock – Arabic Le Belvedere – French-Mediterranean Lawrence's Lounge – Bar Orient Café – Oriental

Ruwais

Tides will host a Christmas buffet on December 24 priced at AED324 per person, including house beverages.On Christmas Day head to Zaitoun for a four-course Italian feast.

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 homemade ice cream. C Alternatively, dine on delectable seafood at Samak, where the resident salt guru can advise M you on the best condiments to complement your dish.

Y Samak – Seafood The Lounge – Lounge bar Amwaj - Tapas The Palm – International

QAsR Al sARAb DeseRt ResoRt by AnAntARA

02 8862088

Liwa Desert

CM

MY

CY

CMY

Treat the taste buds to an eclectic K feast at the Al Waha international and Emirati 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 didning-by-design experience for a romatnic, private meal.

Al Liwan – Lobby lounge and bar Al Waha – International/Emirati Ghadeer – Mediterranean Suhail – Steakhouse

tilAl liwA Hotel

02 8946111

Madinat Zayed

Come along with your loved ones and celebrate a fabulous Christmas Day Special & a spectacular New Year’s Eve with the company of the French Duo, Michel DELPECH & Virginie in all our Restaurants & Bars.

Your Party is ours too, just let us know and we will be there to make it happen Order your Turkey NOW, it is Yummy...

Count down to the New Year at a spectacular outdoor event complete with plenty of live entertainment, including a live band, dancer, DJ, raffle draw and a gala dinner featuring a mouthwatering spread for AED499 per person.

Al Badiya – International Al Liwan – Snacks Layali – Bar

WINING AND DINING Although the UAE is a Muslim country, alcohol is permitted in several emirates including Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Wine, Champagne and spirits are available in most five-star hotels, but be warned, there is zero tolerance to drink-driving and being drunk in public is a crime, both punishable with a fine and, in more serious cases, imprisonment.

2013

Winning Restaurant Mercure Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi, Tel: +971 (2) 6 333 555, Fax: +971 (2) 63 43 633 email: h0662-re@accor.com, h0662-fb1@accor.com BEST PRICE GUARANTEE ON MERCURE.COM- OVER 700 HOTELS WORLDWIDE

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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.

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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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Abu DhAbi TOuRiST MAP hOTELS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana C3 Aloft Abu Dhabi F7 Al Raha beach hotel M5 Al Rawda Arjaan by Rotana D4 Armed Forces Officers’ Club and hotel G8 beach Rotana Abu Dhabi D3 Centro Capital Centre by Rotana F7 Centro Yas island M4 Cristal hotel Abu Dhabi C3 Cristal Salam hotel D3 Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi C3

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Crowne Plaza, Abu Dhabi Yas island M4 Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi E5 Eastern Mangroves hotel & Spa

by Anantara G6 Emirates Palace A5 Fairmont bab Al bahr h7 Grand Millennium Al Wahda D4 hala Arjaan D2 hilton Abu Dhabi b4 hilton Abu Dhabi Capital Grand G7 hyatt Capital Gate hotel F7 interContinental Abu Dhabi b5 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers b5

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

by Rotana b5 Le Méridien Abu Dhabi D3 Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi C3 Mercure Centre hotel C3 Millennium hotel Abu Dhabi C3 Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate i8 One to One hotels - The Village D4 Oryx hotel b4 Park inn, Abu Dhabi Yas island M4 Park Arjaan by Rotana h6 Park hyatt Abu Dhabi hotel & Villas G1 35 Park Rotana h6 24

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Radisson blu hotel, Abu Dhabi M4 Yas island Rosewood Abu Dhabi D3 Shangri-La hotel, Qaryat Al beri h7 Sheraton Abu Dhabi hotel & Resort C2 Sheraton Khalidiya C3 Sofitel, Abu Dhabi Corniche C3 Staybridge Suites, Abu Dhabi Yas island M4 St. Regis Abu Dhabi b4 St. Regis Saadiyat island Resort F1 The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, h7 Grand Canal The Royal hotel Abu Dhabi D3

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The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Traders hotel, Qaryat Al beri Yas island Rotana Yas Viceroy

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Abu Dhabi Mall Al Muhairy Centre Al Raha Mall Al Wahda Mall Avenue at Eithad Towers boutik Mall Carpet Souk

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Souk at World Trade Centre Dalma Mall Fotouh Al Khair Centre Hamdan Centre Iranian Souk Khalidiya Mall Liwa Centre Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre Marina Mall Paris Gallery The Galleria The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri

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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

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

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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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Cultural Foundation Falcon Hospital Gallery One Ghaf Art Gallery Hemisphere Design Studio & Gallery Heritage Village Manarat Al Saadiyat Salwa Zeidan Gallery

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

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LANDMARKS Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre 2 Al Bateen Dhow Yard 3 Al Maqtaa Bridge 4 Breakwater 1

Bus & Taxi Terminal Emirates Palace Ittihad Square Khalifa Mosque Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed the Second Mosque 11 Volcano Fountain

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

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10/21/13 6:12 PM

{

My life in Abu Dhabi

Nora Hassan, business development manager at Wadi Adventure, tells Concierge about her life in the UAE capital and working for one of the emirate’s top attractions

}

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I only recently moved to the UAE and have been struck by what a vibrant and energetic place this is. It has been an exciting transition from life in the US where I was born and raised, particularly because of my role at the Middle East’s first manmade white water rafting, surfing and kayaking facility. I work with a dynamic team to promote Wadi Adventure, which is made easy by the fact that it combines world-class facilities with a stunning setting in the shadow of Jebel Hafeet – Abu Dhabi’s highest peak.

Wadi Adventure is one of Al Ain’s star attractions though there are plenty of other reasons for people to visit the UAE’s second-largest city. The lush Green Mubazzarah is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the hot springs, lake and swimming pools and there are several stunning oases nearby in addition to impressive historical sites, including Al Jahili Fort, the Al Ain National Museum and the ancient Hili burial tombs.

I make the hour-long journey to Abu Dhabi city fairly regularly to take advantage of the excellent shopping and dining facilities. For me, an ideal weekend would consist of a walk or jog along the Corniche followed by a visit

to the fish market where they sell wonderfully fresh seafood. It’s fun to select your own fish and then have one of the market chefs prepare it for you on the spot, using your selection of sauces and spices.

Alternatively, I’ll head to one of my favourite restaurants in Abu Dhabi, such as Royal Orchid at Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, which serves great Thai food or BuTafish in the Tourist Club Area.

Another good venue is the Tiara Restaurant on top of the Burj Marina Tower where diners can enjoy 360-degree views of the city as they tuck into delicious food.

I’ll also make sure to include a visit to one of the capital’s landmarks, such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque or Emirates Palace, then dedicate the next day to relaxing on the beach and soaking up the sun.

An ever-growing number of high-profile events that take place here throughout the year mean there is always something interesting to look forward to. Occasions such as the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which took place last month and the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, running from December 26 to 28, are major highlights of the capital’s annual events calendar and not to be missed.

Wadi Adventure is one of Al Ain’s star attractions though there are plenty of other reasons for people to visit the UAE’s second-largest city

1 Al Jahili Fort 2 Wadi Adventure

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Every turn brings adventure, every ripple a new discovery.

Mangroves - Sir Bani Yas Island

Here, shimmering waters call the explorer.

A fascinating playground is revealed.

The amazing is shared with those closest to you.

And nothing matters but the golden hours of the day.

An endless horizon beckons.

And you think youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done it all?

Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae

Reine de Naples Collection

in every woman is a queen

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

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