Meet Abu Dhabi 2018

ABU DHABI 2018

2018

Your essential destination and meeting guide Licensed by International Media Production Zone

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Welcome

Welcome to Meet Abu Dhabi 2018, your essential destination and meeting guide ABU DHABI 2018

2018

Your essential destination and meeting guide Licensed by International Media Production Zone

YO U R E SS E N T I A L D E ST I N AT I O N A N D M E E T I N G G U I D E

M E E T M I D D L E E AST.CO M

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Firmly established as one of the region’s leading destinations for the meetings and events industry, Abu Dhabi is in the midst of diversifying its tourism proposition. Renowned for its idyllic islands, towering skyscrapers and sweeping deserts, the emirate has placed a firm emphasis on boosting its cultural offering. Last year saw the much-anticipated opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi, a striking venue that showcases prehistoric artefacts right through to contemporary works of art. Situated in Saadiyat Cultural District it will be joined in the coming years by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, two distinct venues that are certain to help the emirate reach its ambitious tourism targets.

Last year 4.9 million people stayed in Abu Dhabi’s 162 hotels, a 9.8 percent rise from 2016. With a host of ambitious projects on the horizon and the capital’s airport undergoing a major expansion, the target of 8.5 million visitors by 2021 announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi appears achievable.

In this issue we delve into the key developments taking place across the emirate, and offer an expansive guide to the newest event venues, incentive options and essential activities that make Abu Dhabi the ideal destination for event planners.

Rob Nicholas Publisher

Visit us online at meetmiddleeast.com

PUBLISHER Rob Nicholas EDITORIAL Group Editor Jacqueline Castelluccia Editor Adrian Back COVER IMAGE Louvre Abu Dhabi, Adham Sneeh

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STUDIO Art Director Maria Al Daoudi Designers Tony Santiago, Ritz Gutierrez Photographer Adham Sneeh ADVERTISING Relationship Manager Rose D’Souza Senior and Marketing Coordinator Carol Milan

npimedia FZ LLC PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE Tel +971 4 4243600 Fax +971 4 4327505 Email meet@npimedia.com Web meetmiddleeast.com Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this publication, npimedia cannot be held responsible for any errors or inaccuracies contained within it. All information contained in this publication is under copyright to npimedia and cannot be reproduced or transmitted in any form, without first obtaining written permission from the publisher.

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Contents

Insight

Meet

4........ City map - A snapshot of the thriving UAE capital and its major source markets

28...... Signature spaces - Abu Dhabi’s numerous hotels provide a wealth of options for the meetings and events industry

6......... Fact file - All the essential information you need to know before visiting Abu Dhabi

36...... A unique offering - A selection of creative spaces that will help deliver a memorable event in the capital

8......... Aiming higher - Etihad Airways and the emirate’s ever-expanding international airport are playing a key role in attracting more visitors to Abu Dhabi 10....... A changing landscape - Abu Dhabi’s focus on the future continues with these exciting new developments 12....... Abu Dhabi Corniche - Journey along the picturesque waterfront and discover some of city’s leading landmarks 14....... Yas Island - The capital’s leading leisure destination is home to everything from a Formula 1 track to a sprawling shopping mall 16....... Capital Centre - The leading business hub in the city feature a series of top hotels and must-visit attractions 18....... Saadiyat Island - This popular destination features pictureperfect beaches and fascinating cultural landmarks 20..... Travel smart - The emirate’s vast network of public transport makes it easy to navigate the bustling city

Stay 42...... Hotel venues - Our pick of the city’s vibrant hospitality scene 58...... Listings - A detailed look at some of the emirate’s top hotels

Play

66...... Appetite for success - Abu Dhabi’s varied dining scene boasts a wide range of culinary delights 72...... Striking a balance - The UAE capital has a unique blend of modern attractions and cultural centres 74...... Setting the standard - Attracting the biggest names in sport, the city delivers an enviable visitor offering 76...... An oasis in the desert - Thanks to spectacular settings and lush green courses, Abu Dhabi has become a leading golf destination

22...... Leading the way - The Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau is helping the capital cement its position as a leading destination for business tourists

24...... Ready for business - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is one of the region’s most in-demand venues

80..... Simplify planning your next event with our essential guide of the best service providers in the emirate

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Directory

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Abu Dhabi The UAE’s largest emirate comprises 200 islands and borders Saudi Arabia, Oman and the Arabian Gulf

SAAD SA I YAADTI Y A T B E A CBH EACH

SAAD SA I YAADTI Y A T I S L A INSD LAND Z A Y EZD AYED PORT PORT

AL J ISL

AL AL SHAM SH SA M S M A RM YA AH R Y AAHB U ADBHUA D B IH A B I I S L A INSD LAND

AL LU A L UL U L U I S L A INSD LAND AL AL D A ND AA HN A H

A L RA EL EM REEM I S L A INSD LAND

AL AL HOSH NOSN AL AL KHAK L IHDAI Y L IADHI Y A H K H OK RH O R A LG H BAG L HAL M A NM GA RN OG VE R O V EA L B A N A T INOANTAI O LN PA A LR K PARK

A L MAULS M HR UISFH R I F A L AA MLAA NM A N A L HA ULD H AU YR DIAAYTR I A T I S L A INSD LAND

A L BA A LT EBEANT E E N A I R PAOI R T PORT Z A Y EZD AYED SPOR ST P SO R T S C I T YC I T Y

23.8 million

passengers came through Abu Dhabi International Airport during the first 10 months of 2017

Top 5 arrivals Abu Dhabi’s leading source markets (Jan - Dec 2017) 01 China (372,400 visitors) 02 India (360,400) 03 UK (270,800)

A B U AABLUS A LY A SY AIYFAM Y IPFA M P A

04 Philippines (180,200) 05 United States (169,200)

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AL AL BAHY BA H Y A

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4.9 million

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hotel guests stayed in the emirate in 2017, marking a 10 percent increase on the previous year. This figure is expected to rise to six million by the end of 2018

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A B U ADBHUA D B IH A B I I N T EIRNNTA ET R INOANTAI O L NAL A I R PAOI R T PORT

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84 million

passengers per year will be the overall capacity of the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport when it opens in 2019. It will also handle 11,000 passengers per hour

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INSIGHT | FACT FILE

Need to know: Abu Dhabi

This handy visitor’s guide will help you make the most of your time in the bustling UAE capital Geography Divided into three municipal regions: Al Ain in the east, Al Gharbia in the west and the city of Abu Dhabi in the centre, the capital of the United Arab Emirates is the largest of the seven emirates. It covers some 67,340 square kilometres (87 percent of the country's total area) and is comprised of more than 200 islands, with its picturesque coastline stretching for more than 700 kilometres. Located on the northeastern part of the Arabian Gulf, it is bordered by Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south.

Getting there Abu Dhabi is ideally placed to link with destinations across Africa, Asia and Europe. The main hub, Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), is currently home to more than 80 airlines serving over 100 destinations in more than 60 countries, and its reach is growing all the time. It welcomed 23.8 million passengers from January to October 2017 and is set to open a new terminal in 2019 that will have the capacity to handle 11,000 passengers per hour. Etihad Airways, the UAE national carrier which is based at AUH, recorded network punctuality of 82 percent for flight departures and 86 percent for arrivals, results that made it one of the most reliable airlines in the world in 2017.

Arrivals Visa on arrival is available for a wide selection of nationalities, while citizens of some countries can apply for a tourist, transit or visit visa prior to their trip. If you intend to shop before boarding, it’s best to check all of the duty free allowances in advance at abudhabiairport.ae. In addition, some medications that may be purchased over the counter in other countries are classified as controlled substances in the UAE, and are therefore illegal to possess. Therefore, it’s wise to carry a doctor’s prescription along with any medication that is brought into the country.

Contact your nearest UAE embassy or consulate for advice and recommendations.

Climate Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate with hot summers, warm winters and very little rainfall. During the peak of summer, temperatures

reach around 45 degrees Celsius. The cooler months are from November to March when the temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius during the day.

Local time UTC +4 Currency US$1 = AED3.67 Language Arabic is the official language, while English is also widely spoken.

Religion Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and its holy day falls on a Friday.

Business hours The UAE weekend is on a Friday and Saturday. Throughout the emirate, government offices are generally open from 8am to 4pm, from Sunday through to Thursday.

Ramadan Ramadan, also known as the Holy Month, is a religious observance and a time for spiritual reflection that involves fasting. The fast is broken at sunset each day with iftar feasts held across the country. Dates follow the Islamic lunar calendar and, in 2018, Ramadan is expected to begin on May 16. Non-Muslims are required to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public spaces during daylight hours.

The sale of alcohol is also restricted. Ramadan also affects business hours, with work days shortened by two hours according to the country’s labour laws.

Dress code Although the attitude towards dress is fairly liberal throughout the seven emirates, it is wise to show respect for the local culture by covering bare shoulders and legs. This is especially important when visiting government offices, religious sites and places of work. Visitors should also dress conservatively during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

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ABU DHABI SKYLINE

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INSIGHT | AVIATION

Aiming higher With tourism booming, Abu Dhabi’s national airline and everexpanding airport are leading the way towards a bright future Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism proposition is seeing a major boost from a host of new cultural and entertainment venues, while a thriving hospitality sector and impressive new developments pipeline have made the destination more popular than ever with business and leisure visitors.

Each year the UAE capital attracts more visitors, with a record 4.8 million checking into the emirate’s hotels in 2017, an impressive 9.8 percent yearon-year rise. To meet this increased demand, national airline Etihad Airways is embarking on an ambitious expansion programme, adding to both its fleet and far-reaching network.

The airline is constantly adding new destinations and increasing the number of direct flights, making the UAE capital even easier to access. And with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi hoping to attract 8.5 million visitors by 2021, both Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi International Airport will play key roles in the years ahead.

CONTINUED EXPANSION In the first six months of 2017, Abu Dhabi International Airport handled 11,928,609 passengers, with 1,763,103 in the month of June alone. In order to cope with the steadily increasing numbers, the airport is undergoing major renovations that will bring it in line with the most sophisticated aviation hubs in the world. The most high-profile development is the Midfield Terminal project that is expected to be completed next year. Featuring the latest immigration controls and even artificial intelligence, it will process 11,000 passengers an hour, with luggage technology handling close to 19,200 bags per hour. Stretching across 742,000 square metres, it will have the ability to handle a capacity of 84 million passengers annually.

This expansion will play an essential part in raising the profile of the emirate as a world-class travel hub. In addition

to helping Abu Dhabi attract more international visitors, it will also have a significant impact on the number of business travellers. In recent years there has been a growing amount of international exhibitors bringing events to the capital and the new terminal will be a key factor in attracting leading players from the MICE industry.

While Abu Dhabi is working hard to become a cultural hub and make sure tourists extend their stay, the capital also has a burgeoning reputation as the ideal destination for a short stopover.

Offering passengers a welcome break from travelling from west to east or vice-versa, Abu Dhabi International Airport’s Terminal 3 has a new visa counter that allows visitors to gain a visa in as little as 15 minutes. All nationalities travelling through the emirate will be able to get a four-day or 96-hour transit visa.

that placed it as one of the most reliable airlines in the world for 2017. The number of passengers carried annually also significantly increased last year.

“We are pleased to have recorded these strong on-time performance figures for 2017, which illustrate that Etihad Airways is an airline that – following safety – prioritises punctuality for its guests,” said Richard Hill, Chief Operations Officer.

He added: “Furthermore, the number of passengers carried annually increased from the previous year, with more than 18.6 million air travellers flying with Etihad Airways in 2017.”

Showcasing the importance of the airline, it was reported that in June last year 81 percent of all passengers at Terminal 3 at Abu Dhabi International Airport used Etihad Airways. This percentage is set to increase when the new terminal opens.

EXTENDING ITS REACH 01: VIP Terminal, Abu Dhabi International Airport 02: Abu Dhabi Duty Free 03: Abu Dhabi International Airport 04 & 05: Etihad Airways

Etihad Aiways determination to add new destinations and routes played a crucial role in bringing more tourists to Abu Dhabi in 2017. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was deployed on a new

MAJOR PLAYER Etihad Airways has continued to go from strength to strength in recent years and in 2017 the airline achieved its best operational performance since 2009. The airline recorded punctuality figures of 82 percent for departures and 86 percent for arrivals, results

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Already this year the airline has announced increases in service, with two additional weekly flights to Lagos, Nigeria and four additional weekly flights to Male in the Maldives. These will commence on May 1 and June 15 respectively. Additionally, threeclass Boeing 787 Dreamliners will be deployed on several new destinations including Geneva and Casablanca.

Etihad Airways currently has a fleet of 18 Dreamliners operating from Abu Dhabi to 17 destinations worldwide.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

84

million passengers a year will travel through Midfield Terminal

9.8

percent yearon-year rise in tourists visiting Abu Dhabi in 2017

18.6

million travellers flew with Eithad Aiways in 2017

route to Shanghai and with regular flights from Beijing and Chengdu, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Abu Dhabi surged. Around 372,000 visited the capital, a rise of 61 percent on 2016, making Chinese travellers the largest overseas source market.

Another key part of the airline’s growth strategy is its partnerships and Etihad Airways’ equity partner network that include Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia and Etihad Regional. This represents the seventh largest global grouping of airlines.

Etihad Airways also continues to spread its reach through sponsor deals and is now associated with 12 different teams across a variety of sports. Additionally it is also the title sponsor of Major League Soccer which ensures visibility in the huge US market, with the airline operating 45 return flights between Abu Dhabi and six US cities.

With Etihad Airways expanding its global reach, it is becoming even easier for travellers to reach the UAE capital. According to the latest visitor breakdowns, last year saw a 91 percent rise in Russian visitors to the emirate, while German tourists stayed the longest with an average of 4.6 nights. French visitors increased by 61 percent, while 54 percent more US tourists came into Abu Dhabi.

The emirate’s focus on culture also played a major part in the growing number of visitors, with the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi in November, and the planned opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum expected to contribute further to the emirate’s tourism growth in the coming years. And with the opening of the new Midfield Terminal planned for 2019, there is no doubt tourism will continue to thrive in Abu Dhabi.

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MEET | NEW DEVELOPMENTS

A changing landscape Abu Dhabi continues to evolve at a rapid pace thanks to numerous ambitious developments that are sure to boost tourism in the capital 2

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1. Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi Opening in June on Yas Island, this huge indoor amusement park will be split into six themed lands and will have 29 thrilling rides. There will also be retail outlets, unique live entertainment and a full range of dining outlets.

3. Al Qana A new tourist and entertainment destination in the Khor Al Maqta area, this development will have residential apartments, retail outlets, the city’s largest cinema, a marina club and a 5,000 square metre aquarium.

2. Mamsha Al Saadiyat This luxury beachfront project consists of nine low-rise residential buildings with 461 units ranging from one to four bedrooms.

Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District and connected to a 1.4 kilometre promenade, residents will be within walking distance of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

4. Al Maryah Central This US$1 billion (AED3.6 billion) shopping mall will feature the first Macy’s outside of the US as part of its 400-store retail offering. There will be 100 restaurants and cafés, a 21-screen cinema, a public library and three rooftop parks. It will also link to The Galleria, a waterfront shopping and dining destination.

5. Reflection Situated on Reem Island, this US$119 million (AED440 million) boutique residential development will consist of two towers offering 374 homes. Comprised of one, two and three bedroom apartments, residents will have use of a large infinity pool and an outdoor fitness area.

6. Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort Another edition to the bustling Saadiyat Island, this 294-room hotel will include spa suites, presidential suites and private villas. As well as two signature restaurants and beach bars, there will be retail shops, pool areas and an expansive beach.

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7. Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport The new US$2.7billion (AED9.9 billion) terminal is set to open in 2019 and will span 742,000 square metres. Once fully operational it will be able to handle 84 million passengers a year and 11,000 passengers an hour.

8. Water’s Edge Ideally situated on its own canal, this US$650 million (AED2.3 billion) development will add 2,250 new homes to Yas Island. The destination, set to open in 2020, will feature landscaped gardens, fully equipped gyms and a jogging track. Residents can also make use of a boardwalk lined with restaurants and shops.

9. The Bridges Coming to Yas Island in 2020, this new development will consist of six mid-rise towers each offering 212 homes that look out over either the canal, park, sea or city. The area will also feature pop-up shops, outdoor fitness equipment and a café.

10. Mayan Comprised of seven contemporary buildings overlooking Yas Links golf course and stunning natural mangroves, the development will include more than 800 units, multiple swimming pools, children’s play areas, gymnasiums and retail outlets.

11. Reem Mall A US$1 billion (AED3.6 billion) project covering 2.8 million square feet of retail space, the mall will comprise around 450 stores. Set to open in 2020, it will also be home to the region’s first stand-alone indoor snow park.

12. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas With striking Arabic architecture and stunning sea views, this luxury development will boast 327 rooms and 12 beach villas. The expansive hotel, set to open this year, will also feature numerous dining options, three meeting rooms and a ballroom that offers a huge outdoor space, perfect for any kind of event.

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INSIGHT | NEIGHBOURHOODS

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 Abu Dhabi Corniche Insider guide

This picturesque stretch of manicured waterfront is a popular choice for residents and visitors looking to shop, dine and discover cultural sights Spreading out along eight kilometres and flanked by a scenic waterfront, one of the major attractions on Corniche Road is the lengthy stretch of beach where you can find children’s play areas, prayer rooms and facilities for football, basketball and volleyball. There are also numerous restaurants and cafés, while the separate cycle and pedestrian pathways allow for a relaxed way to explore the area.

As you would expect from such a charming and picturesque area there are plenty of hotels making full use of the location. One of the most prestigious is Emirates Palace Hotel which has 394 luxurious guestrooms and suites, as well as a private beach and its own marina. Similarly, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi are also hugely popular destinations, with all three hotels boasting numerous first-class restaurants and plenty of event space for meetings and conferences.

At this southern edge of the Corniche you will also discover cultural offerings with Heritage Village a must visit for those interested in learning about Abu Dhabi’s rich history. This reconstruction of an authentic oasis village

features goat hair tents and a falaj irrigation system, while workshops showcase traditional skills such as pottery and metal work. The craftsmen here are more than happy to share their experience and the small spice shop is a great place to buy some dried herbs or handmade soap. It is here that you will also discover Al Bateen Wharf which presents a fascinating glimpse into the emirate’s rich maritime past.

Travelling towards the centre of the neighbourhood, Qasr Al Hosn continues the heritage theme as it is was the emirate’s first permanent structure. Beginning life in the 1760s as a coral and sea stone watchtower, it is now home to a free-to-enter exhibition that tells the history of the capital and its people.

For those wishing to enjoy some shoppingtherapy, Marina Mall is one of the largest retail outlets in the emirate and is home to more than 400 stores. The WTC Mall and Souk also provide plenty of choice, as does Abu Dhabi Mall which has 200 shops and dozens of restaurants. Additionally, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island houses 130 of the world’s most renowned brands – including 50 new brands for the capital.

This north eastern tip of the Corniche also has numerous plush hotels such as the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi and Beach Rotana, all three of which have wonderful views of the Arabian Gulf and plenty of meeting space. The Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi are luxury offerings, with the former home to five meeting venues and the Arzanah Ballroom that can accommodate 700 guests. The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is also a popular choice for corporate visitors thanks to its array of business services and 1,753 square metres of meeting space.

Close to the luxury hotels you will find the Dhow Harbour where the fishing tradition of the city continues. Here you can explore the huge fish market, dine in wonderful seafood restaurants or enjoy a boat tour along Abu Dhabi’s waterways.

01: Marina Mall 02: H eritage Village 03: A bu Dhabi Corniche

1 Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi

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14 Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

20 Gloria Downtown Hotel

2 Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

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15 Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi

21 Marriott Hotel Downtown

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3 Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

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4 InterContinental Abu Dhabi

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5 Hilton Abu Dhabi

12 Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

19 Courtyard by Marriott World

6 The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

13 Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi

by Rotana

Trade Center

Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

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Maryah Island 29 Dhow Harbour

24 WTC Mall and Souk 25 Khalidiya Mall

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INSIGHT | NEIGHBOURHOODS

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 Yas Island Insider guide

Home to uniquely designed hotels, a Formula 1 circuit and the world’s fastest rollercoaster, this island is the leading leisure and entertainment destination in the capital A thriving destination where you can watch world-class sporting events, attend concerts, ride rollercoasters and relax in luxury hotels, Yas Island is also just a seven minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. A popular choice among residents and tourists, the expansive island has plenty to offer, especially when it comes to entertainment.

Racing enthusiasts will enjoy Ferrari World Abu Dhabi which boasts a karting track and a state-of-the-art race simulator. It is here you will find the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240 kilometres an hour. A great venue for an incentive trip, it boasts more than 3,000 square metres of meeting space.

Similarly, Yas Marina Circuit has plenty of room for events with the various venues boasting more than 34,000 square metres of indoor space and over 200 acres of outdoor space. Home each year to the Formula 1 Etihad

1 Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi 2 Radisson Blu Hotel,

Abu Dhabi Yas Island

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Abu Dhabi Yas Island 4 Yas Island Rotana

Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, planners can take their pick from the conference zones in the GP Hall and the Marina Views suites, while Corporate Driving packages allow for skills to be tested on the hugely challenging track.

Next door to these two venues is another popular destination in Yas Waterworld, the largest water park in the capital. Boasting 45 rides, slides and attractions, it also offers corporate packages for groups of 15 or more.

Should you desire a more relaxing stay, then Yas Links Abu Dhabi has a par-72 championship golf course that will test professionals, enthrall amateurs and excite beginners. The club also organises corporate golf days and team-building packages.

Elsewhere on the island, du Forum is a concert and event venue that can host conferences for up to 2,500 delegates, while du Arena is available for private events such as lavish gala dinners. The sprawling Yas Mall is

5 Park Inn by Radisson,

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also the perfect spot for those requiring some retail therapy thanks to its 25 million square feet of shopping and entertainment space.

With so much to offer it is little surprise that there are plenty of options when it comes to hotels. There are six dotted around the island, with each offering a wealth of dining options and a host of meeting and event spaces to choose from. These include Yas Island Rotana and Centro Yas Island, while Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is perhaps the most recognisable due to its distinct design and its location right next door to Yas Marina Circuit. The luxury hotel has five restaurants and eight meeting rooms, as well as the impressive Al Manar ballroom that can hold up to 300 guests.

01: Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi 02: Yas Links Abu Dhabi 03 Yas Mall 04: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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INSIGHT | NEIGHBOURHOODS

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 Capital Centre Insider guide

The leading business hub in the capital, this bustling destination has huge exhibition spaces, must-visit attractions and a host of modern hotels An expansive area with more than a dozen high-end hotels, a first-class sports complex and the country’s biggest mosque, it is undoubtedly Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) that drives so many business visitors to this busy district. The largest conference space in the region, the venue has more than 133,000 square metres of flexible event options and has been attracting major exhibitions for more than a decade.

Such has been the success of the centre that it has stimulated development around it, take for example the 189-room Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi that is set inside the iconic Capital Gate Tower, famed for its 18-degree slant. The Centro Capital Centre – Abu Dhabi also boasts easy access to ADNEC and has six meeting rooms and a business centre capable of hosting events ranging from 10 to 100 delegates.

For those seeking incentive activities, the nearby Zayed Sports City offers everything

1 Abu Dhabi National Exhibition

Centre (ADNEC) 2 Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi 3 Aloft Abu Dhabi 4 Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

from football and basketball to bowling and paintball. This enormous venue is also home to Zayed Sports City Stadium which has 43,000 seats and is featured on the AED200 banknote.

The facility features conference rooms, catering and a number of other amenities, while The Domes is a nearby indoor complex that has close to 1,100 square metres of event space.

Visitors to the area should also make time to visit the striking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which has 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knitted carpet. One of the largest mosques on earth, it has the ability to accommodate an astonishing 40,000 worshippers.

For easy access to the mosque, The RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is within walking distance and boasts 14 meeting rooms and a massive ballroom that can host up to 1,500 people. The Fairmont Bab Al Babr, Abu Dhabi is also located nearby and is hugely a big

5 Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital

Centre Hotel 6 Centro Capital Centre -

Abu Dhabi 7 Zayed Sports City Stadium 8 The Domes

9 Hilton Capital Grand

Abu Dhabi 10 Park Rotana Abu Dhabi 11 Park Arjaan by Rotana 12 Armed Forces Officers

Club & Hotel

draw with business guests thanks to more than 2,500 square metres of flexible, modern function space, including a huge outdoor lawn and a beachfront venue.

Another attraction to explore is Souk Qaryat Al Beri which is a modern adaptation of a classic Arabian market. Here you will discover a myriad of stalls selling jewellery, perfumes and hand-stitched carpets as well as an array of dining options, all in a traditional-style shopping experience.

For those seeking a relaxing stay, slightly further afield is Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa

by Anantara which boasts stunning views, a sizeable spa, an array of top restaurants and plenty of space for events.

01: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal 02: Souk Qaryat Al Beri 03 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 04: Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

13 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 14 Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi,

Grand Canal 15 Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat

Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

16 Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri,

Abu Dhabi 17 Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi 18 Souk Qaryat Al Beri 19 Eastern Mangroves Hotel &

Spa by Anantara

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INSIGHT | NEIGHBOURHOODS

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 Saadiyat Island Insider guide

In the midst of a major transformation, this popular destination is home to picture-perfect beaches, first-class hotels and fascinating cultural centres A naturally beautiful island spread out across 27 square kilometres, this rising destination has placed a major emphasis on promoting the rich heritage and warm culture of Abu Dhabi.

Years of planning have gone into transforming the area and the benefits are beginning to bear fruit with ambitious projects attracting a huge number of visitors.

Leading the way is Louvre Abu Dhabi which opened to great fanfare at the end of 2017. The striking museum houses a stunning collection of artefacts and artwork that span the entirety of human existence, from prehistoric objects to commissioned contemporary pieces. Designed as a micro city there are 55 detached buildings to explore, with 23 of these devoted to galleries and four housing temporary exhibitions.

Set to join Louvre Abu Dhabi in Saadiyat Cultural District in the coming years will be Zayed National Museum. Designed by awardwinning architects, it will be the country’s first national museum and aims to bring the UAE’s rich history to life. Another planned addition is Guggenheim Abu Dhabi which will boast

an impressive 18,000 square metres of cuttingedge exhibition space.

A cultural hub that is already open on the island is Manarat Al Saadiyat, which translates from Arabic as ‘the place of enlightenment’.

This art centre has three major galleries, a 250seat theatre and hosts a popular annual art fair that attracts leading galleries from around the world. Also located nearby is the UAE Pavilion that serves as a top event and exhibition venue and has already hosted numerous cultural functions.

For visitors looking to relax and unwind on the island, Saadiyat Beach District is home to two luxurious hotels, numerous restaurants and a lush-green golf course.

Designed by Gary Player, Saadiyat Beach Golf Course makes full use of the stunning natural beauty of the island with its challenging par-72 beachfront course. If this sounds like too much hard work then the plush Saadiyat Beach Club has a pool surrounded by cabanas, a spa and a nine kilometre stretch of beach where you can relax. It is also part of a

1 Louvre Abu Dhabi

4 Manarat Al Saadiyat

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2 Zayed National Museum

5 UAE Pavilion

8 Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel

3 Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

6 Saadiyat Beach Club

and Villas

protected habitat where endangered Hawksbill turtles are known to nest and hatch.

Also offering rest and relaxation is the fivestar Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas.

This beachfront property has numerous dining options and a variety of meeting spaces, with the Alyazya Ballroom a popular choice for events thanks to its ability to accommodate 550 guests in theatre-style seating. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, is another great option for conferences thanks to the 13 meeting rooms that can hold up to 1,600 people. The luxurious hotel has several restaurants, a sizeable spa and a host of entertainment options.

Also within the hotel grounds is The Collection, a popular lifestyle destination that houses 26 restaurants, a host of retails outlets as well as plenty of health and beauty options.

01: Louvre Abu Dhabi 02: S aadiyat Beach Club 03: Artist impression of Zayed National Museum

9 The St. Regis Saadiyat Island

Resort, Abu Dhabi

11 New York University

Abu Dhabi

10 The Collection

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INSIGHT | GETTING AROUND

Travel smart

LEAVING THE AIRPORT

TAXI

Navigating your way around the emirate has never been easier thanks to a vast array of transport options that cover the busy city centre, the numerous islands and the second city of Al Ain

When first arriving at the airport there are numerous ways you can reach your final destination. A queue of metered taxis can be found 24 hours a day outside Terminal 1,2 and 3, while if you wish to travel in luxury you will find a fleet of Mercedes-Benz Vitos. These vehicles can carry five passengers, come with soundproof glass dividers for privacy and are also wheelchair-friendly.

Should you be travelling on a budget then there is an air-conditioned bus service that leaves every 40 minutes and can reach anywhere in the emirate. Departing from Terminals 1, 2 and 3, it costs just US$1.09 (AED4) and can reach the centre of the city in around 45 minutes.

Alternatively, there are branches of Avis and Hertz at the airport should you wish to rent a car.

By far the most popular mode of transport and the easiest way to explore all Abu Dhabi has to offer, taxis are available throughout the emirate.

Either hail a cab from the side of the road, download the free Abu Dhabi Taxi app or call the TransAD hotline on 600 535353.

All drivers speak English and are happy to help with local advice, but it certainly helps to have a map or a phone number for your destination handy. Daytime fares (6am to 10pm) have a $1.30 (AED5) flag fall, or starting fee. Every kilometre travelled up to 50km costs $0.43 (AED1.60) and every kilometre thereafter is $0.64 (AED1.69).

There is a small charge for booking through the call centre and the minimum fare is $3.20 (AED12). Fees later at night and in the early morning (10pm to 6am) are slightly higher.

Abu Dhabi from above

Contact: +971 2 5055555 / abudhabiairport.ae

Contact: 600 535353 / transad.ae

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PRIVATE CARS

WATER TAXIS

CAR RENTAL

Local car booking service Careem is another option for busy delegates on the move as rides can be easily arranged via the dedicated app. Uber is also available throughout the emirate.

The Jalboot Ferry is a great transport option with services running daily from 12pm to 8pm with four stop-off points – Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas Marina, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Etihad Towers. All-day passes cost from US$53 (AED195) online or from kiosks in Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Wahda Mall and Mushrif Mall. Private bookings and other experiences onbard the Jalboot are also available.

Another option is the Abra Water Hopping Service, operated by Captain Tony’s. The traditional wooden abra runs between the Khor Al Maqta hotels, Eastern Mangroves and Yas Island. There are three routes, taking visitors to some of the city’s most popular waterfront attractions. The hop-on, hop-off service runs daily from 4pm to 10.30pm and tickets are priced from US$5.47 (AED20).

To hire a car you will need a passport copy, credit card and valid driving licence from your home country, or an international driving licence.

Contact: captaintonys.ae / jalboot.ae

Contact: +971 2 4443366 / rotanajet.com

Contact: careem.com or uber.com

YAS EXPRESS Yas Island offers the Yas Express, a free shuttle bus service that runs daily, taking passengers to the island’s various attractions.. The Blue Express operates from 9:30am to 10pm (weekdays) and 9:30am to 12am (weekends) and connects guests from all hotels on the island to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall and Yas Waterworld. Meanwhile, the Red Express operates from 9:30am to 12am daily, and connects guests from all hotels to Yas Beach, Yas Marina, Yas Links and Yas Central.

Contact: 800 92723 (YAS AD) / yasisland.ae

Top tips Take to the open waters with Jalboot Ferry and book the Corniche sunset cruise or try the Abra Hopping Service to explore Yas Island There are regular bus services between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including bus 490 from Abu Dhabi International Airport to Al Ain’s main bus station.

Contact: +971 2 4440444 / visitabudhabi.com

SIR BANI YAS ISLAND FLIGHTS Sir Bani Yas Island, in the Western Region, is one of the UAE’s largest natural islands and offers a host of outdoor activities. It is also home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, which has more than 30 species of free-roaming animals.

Visitors can reach the destination by land, sea or air. Rotana Jet offers a service to and from Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 2, five times a week. There are also a host of chartered planes that are readily available to make the journey.

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INSIGHT | INTERVIEW

Leading the way Following another record-breaking year, the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau is helping the emirate further cement its position as one of the leading destinations in the region for business events

Ever since the inception of the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB) in 2013, the UAE capital has firmly established itself as a leading destination for the meetings and events sector. Having made it a priority to bid for the largest and most influential conferences, 2017 proved to be another stellar year as the city played host to an impressive 69 events, an increase of 53 percent compared to 2016.

With the bureau’s hard work clearly paying dividends, Abu Dhabi has risen 160 places in the last four years to 74th in the International Congress and Convention Association rankings. It was also named as the second-best city to conduct business in by the Ipsos City Index, leapfrogging traditional powerhouses London and Paris.

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Overtaking the two major European capitals was a major accomplishment and thanks to a burgeoning reputation and a unique offering, the upward march is expected to continue in the coming years.

“The future looks very promising with new events heading to the city,” explains Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of ADCB. “In 2019 we have the Special Olympics World Games which is expected to attract 10,000 participants, as well as the World Road Congress and the World Energy Congress.

“Other bids the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau won last year include the sixth Congress of the World Union of Wound Healing Societies, which is expected to attract 6,000 healthcare professionals in 2020, and the World

01: M anarat Al Saadiyat 02: Louvre Abu Dhabi 03: M ubarak Al Shamsi, ADCB Director

Conference of Family Doctors with about 4,000 delegates.”

Last year the bureau, which is a division of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), successfully submitted applications to host 14 conferences that over the next few years are expected to attract tens of thousands of delegates.

Already in 2018 the capital has played host to the American Association of Blood Banks Conference and there are 13 more regional and global events scheduled for the remainder of the year, including the highly anticipated WOF Regional Obesity Conference and the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

There are also a plans in place to fortify the MICE sector with ADCB having identified a number of key industries that will attract even greater numbers in the future.

“Abu Dhabi has established a reputation as a global knowledge hub, and has increasingly become known as a primary destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions throughout the region,” says Al Shamsi.

“We will continue to target conferences, congress and association meetings from sectors that are considered pillars of the 2030 Economic Vision such as education, healthcare, transport, energy and sustainability. More specifically, scientific and medical conferences are a huge focus for us.”

While the bureau has enjoyed success in making Abu Dhabi an attractive events destination, they still face competition from cities both regionally and internationally. Standing out from the crowd is vitally important and Al Shamsi insists that the emirate’s distinctive approach has made it a unique destination for business events.

“Importantly we have a reputation for excellence and businesses

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“The initiative’s mission is to aid the expansion of the emirate’s already growing MICE sector and further promote its world-class venues” 03

are assured that any aspect of work in Abu Dhabi will come with a focus on high quality and state-of-the-art equipment,” he says.

“We also have fantastic leisure and lifestyle experiences and opportunities that come alongside that.

“Additionally, the DCT established Advantage Abu Dhabi, an incentive initiative aimed at increasing the overall value proposition of the destination and providing an array of support throughout the event planning cycle.

“The initiative’s mission is to aid the expansion of the emirate’s already growing MICE sector and further promote its

world-class venues and facilities, which already attracts a host of top organisations and events.”

The emirate has invested heavily in an array of exciting new developments, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Museum, all aimed at driving the tourism sector.

Last year the emirate recorded more than 4.4 million visitors, an increase of nine percent compared to 2016, as it placed an increasing emphasis on arts and culture.

As well as venues such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, these additional offerings have strengthened Abu Dhabi’s profile

and have allowed the ADCB to further extend their reach.

“The amazing diversity in activities offered in Abu Dhabi, both in terms of what’s available to visitors as well as the geographic diversity has allowed us to achieve the success that we have had so far,” says Al Shamsi.

In addition to capitalising on what Abu Dhabi has to offer, the bureau are confident that the fast approaching Expo 2020 in neighbouring Dubai will offer more opportunities for the capital’s own MICE industry.

“With the influx of visitors that will be coming to the country through Dubai in 2020, there will be a spotlight on the entire country, and it is a great opportunity for us to work in tandem to leverage that exposure,” adds Al Shamsi.

“There is also so much on offer in the emirates, not just in terms of the beautiful outdoor spaces, but also the booming arts and culture scene.

“Our plans are to support the growth of these initiatives, such as the increasing number of conferences and exhibitions, in order to further showcase the UAE capital as the go-to location for the largest and most influential events in the region.”

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MEET | LEAD VENUE

Ready for business With a prime location and the latest technology, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is one of the region’s most in-demand venues

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As Abu Dhabi continues to gain significant ground in the meetings and events sector, one of the chief success stories has been the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) which has played a crucial role in raising awareness of the UAE capital as a major destination for business.

Last year the venue staged 14 worldclass conferences, posting year-on-year growth of 28 percent in revenue, and won a number of international conference bids. Some of the notable additions to the event portfolio included the International Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 2019, World Congress of Nephrology 2020 and the 33rd International Confederation of Midwives Triennial Congress taking place in 2023.

ADNEC’s ability to draw in these lucrative, large-scale events has helped to bolster the emirate’s reputation within the events industry and there are already numerous plans in place to attract further business over the coming years.

“Of our new wins, medical conferences account for a significant portion of growth and these are expected to attract 44,000 international visitors to Abu Dhabi by 2023,” reveals Khalifa Al Qubaisi, COO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

“But we are also targeting specialised conferences in sectors contained within the ‘Economic Engine’ section of Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. This is to support economic diversification in the emirate and enable domestic industries to drive growth. We aim to achieve our goals for these sectors through attracting specialised international events that help bring knowledge and technology to Abu Dhabi.”

This year alone will see dozens of high profile events taking place at ADNEC including the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture, Tawdheef Recruitment Show, International Security National Resilience and the inaugural Abu Dhabi International Boat Show.

Yet despite boasting an impressive schedule of events and earning a

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reputation as one of the most technologically advanced exhibition venues in the region, there is still plenty of competition both regionally and internationally. However, Al Qubaisi believes the venue’s impressive facilities and proven track record help it to stand out in a crowded market.

“Our greatest strength lies in our world-class event infrastructure that allows us to exceed the expectations of exhibitors and event organisers,” he says. “Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company’s proven success record in delivering multiple high-profile

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international events, together with its best-in-class facilities and vast knowledge, has sustained its competitive edge in an increasingly competitive market.

“Needless to say, these efforts have helped Abu Dhabi achieve steady business growth despite the challenges, placing the emirate at the forefront of the MICE industry regionally and globally.”

Delivering a standout experience for exhibitors is crucial and the team in Abu Dhabi are constantly seeking ways in which they can improve. With new technology and trends impacting the market, it is vitally important for ADNEC to adjust accordingly.

“It is our top priority to make the best use of the latest technologies in our quest to remain a leader in the MICE sector,” assures Al Qubaisi. “This approach allows us to continually innovate and expand our services to keep pace with dynamic client needs.

“For example, our recently revamped website features an ADNEC Exhibitor Service Centre that allows event organisers and exhibitors to order, at the push

“Our greatest strength lies in our world-class event infrastructure that allows us to exceed all expectations”

01: Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre 02: Khalifa Al Qubaisi, COO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.

of a button, all the relevant services needed to prepare and host events of different types and specifications.

“Last year, we also opened an Innovation Lab as part of the company’s sustained efforts to foster a workplace culture that is based on creativity and innovation. It provides a dedicated space for brainstorming and effective decision making, all with the aim of helping employees deliver best-in-class services to ensure superior levels of customer satisfaction.”

Having previously laid out a Strategy Plan for 2017-2021, the recent success in drawing in new events has seen

all expectations exceeded and now the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company are already looking ahead to the next decade. As well as collaborating with partners and continuing to develop new initiatives, Al Qubaisi and his team have a number of plans in place to increase the attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination of choice on both the regional and international level.

“Our long-term goals for growth include delivering further economic impact for the local economy, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s competitiveness to attract more world-class MICE events and optimising market opportunities by working closely with our partners,” he adds.

“To achieve these goals, we will continue to provide and develop excellent venues and services, bid for a series of world-class events and explore new avenues of collaboration and revenue generation. We will also develop creative ideas for new shows, attract new organisers and focus on sustaining a diversified calendar of events.”

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SPECIAL FEATURE | YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Business, just not as usual A venue unlike any other, Yas Marina Circuit offers everything from meetings by its famous F1 track to gala dinners under the stars

Ever since it opened in 2009, Yas Marina Circuit has been an iconic venue in the UAE capital. One of the most exciting sporting and entertainment multipurpose venues in Abu Dhabi, it has also evolved into a thriving hub for a range of corporate and business events. With 11 versatile venues for planners to choose from, there is an option for every type of event, from huge conferences and gala dinners to intimate board meetings and product announcements.

Yas Conference Centre is a dynamic hub, offering multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces covering more than 34,000 square metres. On the ground floor there are two meeting rooms, the larger of which can accommodate

01: Luna Lounge   02: Y as Marina Circuit creative space 03: Y as Marina Circuit meeting room

more than 350 people in a theatre-style set-up. On the first floor there is even more event space, with three zones that can be partitioned in order to create venues capable of housing more than 300 people. Should a larger space be required then the entire area can be used to host a banquet for 650 guests or as a theatre for 1,260 delegates. A cafeteria, one meeting room and office space can also be found on this floor.

For those hoping to impress guests with stunning views of the racetrack and the marina, the Luna Lounge is an open-air rooftop terrace with office space and a fully equipped kitchen.

The memorable venue also has a DJ booth and dance floor, and can host up to 1,200 people in a cocktail reception set-up. Meanwhile, the Trackside Terrace is another option for open-air events as it offers stunning

Yas Conference Centre is a dynamic hub offering multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces covering more than 34,000 square metres

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views and enough space to comfortably accommodate 390 guests.

There are also numerous venues for a range of indoor events, with the Paddock Club suites overlooking the circuit’s main starting grid and consisting of 12 interconnected suites that are each capable of catering for 480 guests in a variety of configurations. The Pit Garages is another unique venue thanks to its direct access to the pit lane.

This air-conditioned space allows for customised fit out and branding, and can host more than 500 people.

Other venues include the Main Pits, Marina Views, Team Villas and Shams Tower, all of which are ideal for more intimate events thanks to the versatile configurations and impressive views. Shams Tower in particular is sure to impress thanks to its ability to offer 360-degree views of the track, the marina and the Yas Viceroy hotel.

Fitted out with luxury furniture and split over two levels, it can host up to 120 guests for a banquet or 164 for a cocktail reception.

In addition to the versatile venues, Yas Marina Circuit has an in-house events management team that is experienced in conceptualising and delivering creative solutions for a range of clients.

The Y Solutions team can add an extra

detail to engage guests, or take a brief and deliver a bespoke turnkey event management solution. The team have experience of delivering more than 500 events from 20 to 60,000 people each year, and will assign a dedicated account manager to help with the planning of all events.

As the UAE’s home of motorsports, Yas Marina Circuit’s MICE solutions would not be complete without a host of on-track incentives. Yas Events Centre offers clients and team members a day

to remember that is sure to drive up performance levels.

The corporate driving experiences provide a wide range of vehicle options, including the Aston Martin GT4, Formula YAS 3000, Mercedes-AMG and Radical SST, guaranteed to get the teams’ adrenaline pumping. Packages can be tailored to requirements and include driving experiences, team building activities and more.

For more information, contact 02 659 9800 or visit yasmarinacircuit.com

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

Signature spaces With everything from magnificent ballrooms to luxurious lounges, the capital’s numerous hotels provide a wealth of options for the meetings and events industry

Step outside Arabian influences Meeting expectations Stylish venues Opulent offerings

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Step outside Whether it’s a banquet in the sun or a conference beneath the stars, these outdoor spaces are sure to deliver a memorable event

Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi This luxurious hotel located on Yas Island presents an ideal location for large events thanks to two spacious outdoor venues that make perfect use of the resort’s setting. The impressive Palm Garden boasts spectacular views of the nearby marina and Yas Marina Circuit, and can accommodate up to 2,000 guests for a reception. Alternatively there is the Marina rooftop which can house 350 guests and offers panoramic views of the island. The property also boasts eight meeting rooms, two boardrooms and a large ballroom.

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Contact: +971 2 6560000 / viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Set on the fringes of Abu Dhabi Creek, this stunning five-star hotel is a popular venue for planners looking to hold large-scale outdoor events. The lush Falcon Lawn can comfortably accommodate 1,000 guests and is an impressive venue for a banquet thanks to the stunning views of the huge expanse of water and the nearby Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The hotel also has a dedicated conference concierge and a host of banquet options, while inside there are six meeting rooms and an expansive ballroom that can house 1,100 people in a reception.

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01 & 02: Yas Viceroy 03: St. Regis Abu Dhabi 04: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Contact: +971 2 6543333 / fairmont.com

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The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi Corniche, this expansive hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to its wide range of flexible venues for any kind of conference or event. The Nation Riviera Beach Club Events Lawn is an exclusive venue that can be privately accessed from the hotel through an air-conditioned marble tunnel. The 500-square-metre lush green lawn is ideal for a picturesque reception, while the Crystal Lounge and the Azura Lounge are perfect destinations for more intimate meetings.

Contact: +971 2 6944444/ stregisabudhabi.com

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

Arabian influences These popular venues across the capital perfectly combine modern meeting spaces with traditional Middle Eastern hospitality

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara Located in the Rub Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, this five-star hotel is adorned with Middle Eastern fabrics and local artefacts. Far away from the hectic centre of the capital, this desert retreat boasts two boardrooms and the Liwa Ballroom that is capable of accommodating anywhere from 64 to 350 guests in a variety of setups. Decorated with dark wood, plush carpets and Arabian chandeliers, the room can also be partitioned into three separate rooms each capable of hosting up to 50 guests.

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Contact: +971 2 8862088 / qasralsarab.anantara.com

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal This beachfront property cleverly blends the grand architecture of the Italian Renaissance with the traditions of the Middle East. The luxury hotel not only overlooks the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and boasts a spa with a Bedouin-inspired setting, but amid the 57 acres are 14 meeting rooms and a massive ballroom capable of hosting 1,500 guests. There is also a dedicated catering and conference services team who can even arrange for a private limousine to transport guests to the event. Each of the rooms also comes complete with the latest audio and visual technology.

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05: Ballroom meeting, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara 06: Majilis, Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa

by Anantara 07: The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

Contact: +971 2 8188282 / ritzcarlton.com 07

Eastern Mangroves Hotel and Spa

by Anantara Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, guests at this picturesque hotel will immediately be struck by the Arabian design thanks to grand central passageways and huge arched ceilings.

The event spaces also feature Middle Eastern touches with the Mangroves Ballroom, the largest and most opulent.

Capable of accommodating up to 550 guests, this versatile venue can be used in its entirety or split into three separate sections. The hotel also has a meeting room capable of housing 10 people, while the Majilis can host 70 guests and the outdoor Pool Deck is ideal for an al fresco banquet.

Contact: +971 2 6561000 / abu-dhabi.anantara.com

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Meeting expectations Whether in the capital for a huge exhibition or a series of meetings, these hotels are ideally located and well equipped

Pearl Rotana Capital Centre Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s business district and just a few steps away from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, this modern hotel is a popular choice for business tourists. In addition to its prime location, the property itself has seven fully-equipped meeting rooms, a business centre with secretarial support and a dedicated events team.

Each of the venues is capable of housing at least 15 guests, while the largest room can accommodate 90 people in a theatre set-up.

Contact: +971 2 3075555 / rotana.com

Centro Capital Centre This sleek hotel is the perfect destination for business travellers thanks to its close proximity to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and its wealth of event space. The six conference rooms within the property are perfect for a boardroom meeting of 10, a cocktail party for 80 guests or even a banquet for 100 delegates. Additionally the hotel offers high-speed Wi-Fi within all guest rooms, meeting spaces and public areas, as well as state-of-theart technology to ensure that all meetings run as planned.

Contact: +971 2 4096666 / rotana.com

08: Executive guestroom, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre 09: The Residence, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas 10: Centro Capital Centre 11: Filini Garden, Radisson Blu, Yas Island  

Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island Conveniently situated close to numerous event spaces on Yas Island, this stylish hotel is home to seven meeting rooms and one ballroom. Ideal for large events, the Galaxy Ballroom can accommodate 450 guests and even has an adjoining terrace that overlooks the island and makes for a memorable backdrop for any occasion. The hotel also offers customised menus created by innovate chefs, a fully equipped business centre and a complimentary valet service. Planners can also take advantage of the Experience Meetings concept that is a service that looks after every aspect of an event.

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Contact: +971 2 6562000 / radissonblu.com

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas Less than 10 minutes away from the popular event destination Manarat Al Saadiyat, this beach resort offers an impressive range of meeting venues including 11 flexible function rooms.

The hotel has more than 1,220 square metres of both indoor and outdoor event space, with the Alyazya Ballroom capable of accommodating 550 guests and The Residence capable of housing 200 people. There is also a dedicated convention service team and a top class culinary team who can create a customised menus for everything from working lunches to elaborate banquets and plated dinners.

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Contact: +971 2 4071234 / abudhabi.park.hyatt.com 10

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

Stylish venues Take a break at a luxurious lounge or meet clients in a spacious boardroom at these popular spaces

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Marriott Hotel Al Forsan An ideal destination for a business trip, this five-star hotel is just a short drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and has a host of venues able to hold a range of meetings and events. In total there are eight meeting rooms each capable of hosting receptions, conferences and banquets, with the largest of which being the Al Forsan Ballroom. This 4,844-square-metre space can accommodate 750 guests, while the attached breakout room is perfect for pre-event functions. The Couture Lounge and Lobby Lounge also provide a relaxed environment for small meetings or simply a well deserved coffee break.

Contact: +971 2 2014000 / marriott.com

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Royal Rose Hotel An elegant and luxurious five-star hotel in the middle of Abu Dhabi, this spacious property has a range of banquet and conference facilities. As well as four rooms that are perfect for small meetings, there are two ballrooms that can be configured as theatres or to host banquets and receptions. The Al Ain Ballroom is the largest and can accommodate 325 guests, while the Yas Ballroom can hold 160 people. All of the rooms come with the latest equipment and technical support, while The Brasserie Lounge provides an extra option for those seeking a location for an informal business meeting.

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi This vibrant and modern property offers an extensive range of distinctive and flexible venues. It is designed to accommodate any event, from small company meetings for eight people to huge conferences for 700 guests. In total the hotel has 10 meeting rooms, a ballroom terrace and a pre-function area.

All of the venues are fitted with the latest technology, while the staff at the business centre are on hand to take care of any additional requirements. This spacious hotel also features a lounge cafĂŠ that is perfect for those seeking a break from a busy day of meetings.

Contact: +9712 6724000 /royalrosehotel.com

Contact: +971 2 6573333 / rotana.com

12: Park Rotana 13: Marriott Al Forsan 14: Yas Island Rotana

Yas Island Rotana Conveniently located close to a number of attractions on Yas Island, this modern and stylish hotel has nine fully equipped and flexible meeting rooms with the latest communication technology. It is also home to a spacious ballroom that can accommodate up to 400 guests or be sectioned in order to make three smaller venues. Additionally, the property boasts its own dedicated conference team who are on hand to help with every detail of an event, while the Island CafĂŠ lounge is a chic and elegant space that can also be used to host more intimate meetings.

Contact: +971 2 6564000 / rotana.com

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Opulent offerings Ideal for large-scale events, these magnificent ballrooms are certain to dazzle your delegates

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers This striking hotel not only offers one of the largest event facilities in the capital but also one of the most impressive in the stunning Mezzoon Ballroom. The palatial room can accommodate up to 1,400 guests for a conference and can be cleverly divided into three sections to allow it to cater to any style of event from a smaller gathering of 200 to a large banquet for 1,000 people. The ballroom also comes with the latest technology to make sure every event runs smoothly.

There are also 13 elegant meeting rooms and a spacious pre-function area that offers stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

Contact: +971 2 8115555 / jumeirah.com

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15: Lobby, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 16: Ballroom, Emriates Palace 17: Pre-function area, Jumeirah Etihad Towers

Emirates Palace As you would expect from this luxurious hotel, the main events space at Emirates Palace is sure to leave a lasting impression thanks to its sheer size and grandeur. Stretching across an impressive 2,138 square metres and divisible into three sections, the Etihad Ballroom boasts three Swarovski chandeliers, the largest of which weighs a massive 2.5 tonnes. Perfect for a variety of events, it can house 1,200 guests for a banquet or 2,500 for a cocktail reception. The hotel also has a spacious auditorium that is equally opulent and can accommodate 1,100 seated guests.

Contact: +9712 6909000 /kempinski.com

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi For grand occasions there are few better choices than the huge Al Mudhaif Ballroom that has more than 1,300 square metres of floor space. With the capability to be split into three smaller areas, the venue can host anywhere from 150 people in a U-shape set-up to 1,080 in a theatre-style arrangement.

Guests arriving to the ballroom can also choose between entering via the dedicated street entrance or through the mezzanine level of the hotel.

Additionally the property boasts more intimate function rooms and a wellequipped business centre providing secretarial services, broadband and wireless Internet.

Contact: +971 2 6944444 / stregisabudhabi.com

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MEET | HOTEL VENUES

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr This stunning hotel’s most impressive venue is without doubt the huge Saqr Ballroom that stretches across more than 1,000 square metres. Featuring sweeping floor-to-ceiling windows, the room can also be split into three areas for smaller events. However, it is at its most impressive when fully opened up, at which time it can accommodate up to 1,100 guests. Additionally there is a pre-function area and an outdoor terrace to provide even more space

18: Intercontinental Abu Dhabi 19: Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan

for any type of event. All three locations also offer stunning views of the Abu Dhabi Creek and the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr provides a personalised touch thanks to a dedicated conference concierge, while the catering team can provide a host of banquet options for any size of event.

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Contact: +971 2 6543333 / fairmont.com

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InterContinental Abu Dhabi The sprawling ground-floor Grand Ballroom at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is a stunning space and measures an impressive 1,050 square metres.

With the ability to host up to 3,500 guests for a reception, the venue has long been a popular choice for event planners. As well as the huge ballroom, the hotel has 25 meeting rooms of various sizes as well as a team of 10 on-site professionals who can help with every aspect of an event.

Contact 800 116000 / ihg.com/intercontinental

Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan Spread across 1,035 square metres at this sleek city hotel, the property’s Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 850

guests. It also has the ability to be split into three sections for smaller events and comes with a pre-function area that stretches across 365 square metres.

The hotel also boasts seven other dedicated meeting rooms for intimate business gatherings, with the Orchardmeeting room the largest at 70 square metres and able to host 50 guests.

Contact +971 2 5016444 / novotel.com

Set the stage for game-changing events From high octane concerts to global conventions and luxury automobile launches, industry innovators bring their events to life at Abu Dhabi’s premier event venues, du Forum and du Arena.

Whether you want to be inside or outdoors, intimate or ultimate, we have world-class versatile venues to deliver your optimal event, right in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s iconic entertainment district.

For more information please visit www.duForum.ae or www.duArena.ae. For bookings and enquiries email marcus@duforum.ae or call +971 (0)2 509 8143

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ANANTARA | SPECIAL FEATURE

Memorable incentives Embark on an unforgettable journey at Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Abu Dhabi

With five resorts and hotels to choose from throughout the UAE capital, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas offers guests the chance to sample traditional Arabian hospitality in a range of breathtaking surroundings. Each property also boasts a range of venues perfect for a variety of business events as well as offering unique incentive trips that are sure to create lasting memories.

Island retreat Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Resorts may be a single destination but it offers up three very distinct experiences.

Discover rustic lodge luxury in the heart of the island’s vast nature park at Al Sahel Villa Resort or relax on the pristine beaches and admire the stunning mangrove lagoons at Al Yamm Villa Resort. Alternatively, soak up the sun and take in the picturesque views of the Arabian Gulf at Anantara Desert Island Resort & Spa. Each location offers a host of possibilities for business guests, with the Desert Islands Conference Centre providing a range of meeting and event venues that can cater for up to 550 guests. There are also a host of incentive offerings, including a sunrise nature and wildlife drive, sea kayaking, horseback riding and cooking classes by the beach.

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01: Anantara Qasr Al Sarab 02: Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa 03: Kayaking 04: Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort

metre majlis and a large ballroom that can cater for up to 550 guests. For incentives, the resort makes perfect use of its waterfront location by offering morning kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding tours through the stunning mangroves.

Signature spa treatments are also available for groups, while those wishing to explore the city can arrange trips to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Heritage Village and many more locations.

Enjoy a sunrise camel trek, tackle the dunes by sandboarding or discover the many wonders of the Empty Quarter 03

04

As well as encountering the free roaming wildlife and exploring the rugged landscape of the island, those wishing to learn about the history of Abu Dhabi can book a trip to the monastery on the eastern side of Sir Bani Yas Island that dates back to the sixth century AD.

Urban sanctuary Just a 20-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa provides a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated on a pristine stretch of the capital’s Eastern Mangrove district, the lavish property has 222 rooms and suites all featuring cultural touches and a chic appearance.

For a range of events the hotel has an intimate meeting room, a 70 square

Desert escape Located in the legendary Rub Al Khali, the largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world, Anantara Qasr Al Sarab is a luxury oasis amidst the rolling sands.

The resorts 205 magnificent room, suites and villas provide stunning views of the desert landscape, while the impressive Liwa Ballroom is a memorable venue for a range of business events thanks to its impressive backdrop and ability to accommodate up to 200 guests.

The resort is also the ideal choice for an inspirational incentive getaway with corporate guests able to enjoy a host of excursions that offer insight into the region’s culture and traditions. Enjoy a sunrise camel trek, tackle the dunes by sandboarding or discover the wonders of the Empty Quarter with a night walk.

There is also the opportunity to spend the night at a Bedouin Camp with a delicious barbecue and a host of tailormade entertainment. With the chance to witness stunning sunsets from the hotel’s rooftop terrace and discover authentic Arabic cuisine with a cooking class, there are a number of intriguing programmes well worth exploring.

To find out more and to plan an incentive programme, contact 02 8958700 or visit anantara.com

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MEET | ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Break with convention These creative spaces across the capital will help make sure that planners deliver a memorable event with a difference

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit Zaya Nurai Island Manarat Al Saadiyat Louvre Abu Dhabi 36

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Yas Links This sporting venue may be best known for its challenging 18-hole golf course but it is also a great choice for events ranging from the conventional to the creative. The striking clubhouse can accommodate from 30 to 300 guests, while the meeting and conference facilities all offer views of the lush green course and the picturesque coastline. Yas Links also offers planners the chance to make use of the championship course whether for a team-building exercise or as an incentive based option. A variety of hotels are nearby, as are the mangrove forests that can be explored by kayak in between a day of meetings. Contact: +971 2 8107710 / yaslinks.com 37

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MEET | ALTERNATIVE VENUES

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi The perfect destination for event planners looking to combine business and entertainment, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has more than 3,000 square metres of meeting space and an array of adrenaline fuelled activities. Housed inside the huge indoor amusement park are eight meeting rooms that are capable of hosting up to 200 guests, all of which come with a wealth of catering options. There is also plenty of choice when it comes to team-building activities thanks to the impressive karting academy and the Scuderia Challenge, a state-of-the-art race simulator

Yas Marina Circuit From meetings by the famous Formula 1 track to gala dinners under the stars, Yas Marina Circuit has a host of creative spaces that are perfect for any event. The home of the annual Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are 11 venues ranging from the Trackside Terrace with room for 390 guests to The Paddock which has 12 interconnected corporate suites.

Perhaps most impressive is the GP Halls which has 1,200-square-metres of event space that can be split into three sections, which combined can accommodate 1,000 guests.

Contact: +971 2 4968000 / ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Contact: +971 2 6599999 / yasmarinacircuit.com

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From meetings by the famous Formula 1 track to gala dinners under the stars, Yas Marina Circuit has a host of creative spaces that are perfect for any event 03

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Zaya Nurai Island This island getaway is ideal for those seeking a place for the team to unwind and get their creative juices flowing.

Just a 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat Island, this stunning resort has numerous options for a variety of events.

The Light House is a meeting room that comes with its own private bar and has the ability to accommodate 60 people. The Book Cellar is perfect for an intimate board meeting, while the Beach Estates can house 150 people and also offers access to their own private beach. The hotel offers the services of acclaimed chef Marc Abed who is on hand to create any menu required from buffets to barbecues.

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Contact: +971 2 5066222 / zayanuraiisland.com

01: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 02: Yas Marina Circuit 03: Yas Island aerial view 04 to 05: Zaya Nurai Island

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The expansive venue includes four galleries, a 250-seat auditorium, conference room and an impressive 1,800 square metre garden area Manarat Al Saadiyat This purpose-built art and culture centre houses an array of exhibitions and also offers plenty of space for those hoping to organise business events. The expansive venue includes four galleries, a 250-seat auditorium, conference room and an impressive 1,800-squaremetre garden that is perfect for outdoor conferences. Also within easy reach is the UAE Pavilion, a unique private venue that was designed to resemble an Arabian sand dune and was originally built for Expo 2010 in Shanghai.

It was then transported to the UAE capital and pieced back together at its permanent home.

Contact: +971 2 6575800 / saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

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This cultural venue offers plenty of space for a wide range of events

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06 & 07: Manarat Al Saadiyat 08 to 10 Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi Designed by acclaimed French architect Jean Nouvel, this striking museum houses an important collection of artworks and artefacts from around the world. The museum’s galleries cover 6,400 square metres and showcase more than 600 works of art, while the indoor exhibition spaces cover a total area of 8,600 square metres.

This cultural venue offers plenty of space for a wide range of events, with the 271-seat auditorium perfect for large conferences. With a variety of hotels located nearby, the memorable venue on Saadiyat Island could soon become a firm favourite among event planners.

Contact: +971 600565566 / louvreabudhabi.ae

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STAY

An essential guide to the capital’s leading hotels and all they have to offer, from meeting spaces and event venues to guestrooms, restaurants and leisure facilities

01: Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara 02: Emirates Palace 03: Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

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02

03

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STAY | HOTEL VENUES

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Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

PO Box 12452, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 801 5400 | dirs@anantara.com | sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

Total number of guestrooms: 64 Number of suites: 2 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Sir Bani Yas Island Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport, 250 kilometres Leisure highlights: Wildlife activities; kayaking; mountain biking; watersports activities; team building activities; cooking competitions; extensive fitness facilities; Anantara Spa; meeting room and Conference Centre; and various outdoor venues for events.

F&B facilities: • The Palm (International and Middle Eastern buffet) • Al Shams (Arabic) • Amwaj (Seafood) • Savannah (African) • Olio (Italian) • Dining by Design (customised dining)

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

WHY THIS HOTEL? Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Reem

40 3 - 30 15 - 15 15 15

Dhabi Ballroom 1-3

525 5.3 550 460 320 550 315 95 -

Dhabi Ballroom 1

175 5.3 155 130 80 155 95 45 -

Dhabi Ballroom 2

175 5.3 155 130 80 155 95 45 -

Dhabi Ballroom 3

175 5.3 155 130 80 155 95 45 -

Al Maha 1-2

75 3.8 - 60 - - 30 25 25

Al Maha 1

35 3.8 - 25 - - 20 - -

Al Maha 2

35 3.8 - 25 - - 20 - -

Al Anood 3-4

90 3.8 - 70 - - 20 30 30

Al Anood 3

65 3.8 - 30 - - 55 - -

Al Anood 4

65 3.8 - 30 - - 20 - -

Al Ghizlan 5 and 6

90 3.8 - 70 - - 55 30 30

Al Ghizlan 5

65 3.8 - 30 - - 20 - -

Al Ghizlan 6

65 3.8 - 30 - - 20 - -

Located on Sir Bani Yas Island, just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara is regarded as one of the most luxurious resorts in the UAE capital, offering intrepid travellers an unforgettable island escape.

The resort boasts luxurious Arabian inspired accommodation and is home to exotic wildlife.

Guests can experience a variety of desert activities, relax in one of the luxurious rooms, savour the finest cuisine and unwind in the Anantara Spa.

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A SINGLE ISLAND, AN OCEAN OF EXPERIENCES. From sublime beaches to exotic wildlife. Escape to one of the three Anantara resorts on the island paradise of Sir Bani Yas and turn your dream vacation into reality.

To book your stay, call +971 (0) 2 895 8700 or email crome@anantara.com

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com CAMBODIA • CHINA • INDONESIA • MALDIVES • MOZAMBIQUE • OMAN • PORTUGAL • QATAR • SRI LANKA • THAILAND • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • VIETNAM • ZAMBIA

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STAY | HOTEL VENUES

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Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara PO Box 128555, Sheikh Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 656 1000 | easternmangroves@anantara.com | abu-dhabi.anantara.com

Total number of guestrooms: 222 Number of suites: 6 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Al Zahraa Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport, 23 kilometres Leisure highlights: Anantara Spa; The Workout Room (24-hour gym); Mangroves activities: kayaking, pearl journey, stand up paddle boarding F&B facilities: • Pachaylen (Thai) • Ingredients (International) • The Pool Deck (Mediterranean) • Impressions (bar bites) • Mangroves Lounge (cafe)

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Mangroves Ballroom

560 5.3 550 460 320 550 315 100 65

Mangroves Ballroom A+B

370 5.3 335 280 200 335 190 65 40

Mangroves Ballroom A, B, or C

185 5.3 155 130 80 155 95 45 35

Pre-function Area

320 5.3 260 - - 260 - - -

Conference Lobby

160 5.3 130 - - 130 - - -

The View

70 2.4 - 60 50 75 20 30 38

Majlis

75 2.4 - - - - - - 20

Tides 1

25 2.4 - - - - - - 10

Tides 2

25 2.4 - - - - - - 10

Tides 3

35 2.4 - - - - - 20 -

Tides 4

45 2.4 - - - - - - 20

Tides 5

55 2.4 - - - - - - 20

WHY THIS HOTEL? Set on the waterfront, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara forms part of an integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential destination. Its unique location, close to Abu Dhabi’s major touristic attractions and business centre, offers guests an opportunity to explore the Mangrove National Park, which provides the perfect backdrop to the hotel’s traditional architecture.

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RETREAT TO AN URBAN SANCTUARY IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI. Luxury accommodation in inspiring surroundings by the lush mangroves, signature Thai dining, acclaimed Anantara Spa. Welcome to Abu Dhabi’s hidden gem.

To book your stay, call +971 (0) 2 895 8700 or email crome@anantara.com

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com CAMBODIA • CHINA • INDONESIA • MALDIVES • MOZAMBIQUE • OMAN • PORTUGAL • QATAR • SRI LANKA • THAILAND • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • VIETNAM • ZAMBIA

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STAY | HOTEL VENUES

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Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

PO Box 131277, 1 Qasr Al Sarab Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 886 2088 | infoqas@anantara.com | qasralsarab.anantara.com

Total number of guestrooms: 205 Number of suites: 14 Number of villas: 52 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport, 200 kilometres Leisure highlights: Desert activities; extensive fitness facilities; Anantara Spa; meeting room and ballroom facilities; various outdoor venues for events; Royal Pavilion Pool Villas for exclusive events.

F&B facilities: • Al Waha (International) • Ghadeer (Mediterranean) • Suhail (Fine Grill) • Al Falaj (Bedouin Barbeque) • Dining by Design (customised dinner in the sand dunes) • Villa BBQ; and in-room dining

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Liwa Ballroom

362.5 5.3 350 300 200 350 180 64 -

Liwa A

118.9 5.3 100 72 50 100 36 25 30

Liwa B

118.9 5.3 100 72 50 100 36 25 30

Liwa C

118.9 5.3 100 72 50 100 36 25 30

Liwa A + B

237.8 5.3 250 154 120 250 70 45 -

Liwa B + C

237.8 5.3 250 - 120 250 - - -

Antarah Boardroom

29.9 5.3 - - - - - - 10

Ablah Boardroom

29.9 5.3 - - - - - - 10

Pre-function Area

178 4 - - - - - - -

Liwa Terrace

107 - - - - - - - -

WHY THIS HOTEL? Located in the Liwa Desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara blends traditional desert culture with signature luxury.

Create distinctive memories by experiencing a variety of desert activities, relax in one of 205 luxurious rooms, suites and villas, savour fine cuisine and unwind in the Anantara Spa.

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JOURNEY INTO THE SPIRIT OF ARABIA. Relax and unwind as you breathe in the mystical charm of the Rub’ Al Khali.

Discover unparalleled desert luxury and cultural passion just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi. Trek the footsteps of the Bedouin and create a thousand timeless moments in a luxury desert oasis.

To book your stay, call +971 (0) 2 895 8700 or email crome@anantara.com

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com CAMBODIA • CHINA • INDONESIA • MALDIVES • MOZAMBIQUE • OMAN • PORTUGAL • QATAR • SRI LANKA • THAILAND • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • VIETNAM • ZAMBIA

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STAY | HOTEL VENUES

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Emirates Palace

PO Box 39999, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6909000 | mice@emiratespalace.ae | emiratespalace.ae

Total number of guestrooms: 302 Number of suites: 92 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Abu Dhbai Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport , 36 kilometres Leisure highlights: A lavishly imagined dream, Emirates Palace offers you a magical location to enjoy the quintessence of awardwinning 5-star luxury hospitality and authentic local experiences.

From a 1.3 km pristine beach, landscaped pools and a private marina overlooking a natural bay, Emirates Palace is perfect for a once-in-a lifetime holiday or for events and meetings that make a statement. The 1,500 sqm award-winning Emirates Palace Spa features a traditional Moroccan Hammam that is well equipped with two Jacuzzis, two steam rooms, heated marble and an ice cave, to ignite a sense of balance and serenity.

F&B facilities: • Le Vendome Brasserie (renowned international buffet for all-day dining) • Mezlai (signature restaurant offering authentic Emirati cuisine) • BBQ Al Qasr (Al Fresco dining experience) • Sayad (delectable seafood and fine dining experience) • Mezzaluna (rich Mediterranean culinary delights)

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Etihad Ballroom

2183

6

1500

2900

1500

2500

1500

-

-

Etihad Ballroom Sect 1

703

6

-

450

320

400

280

-

-

Etihad Ballroom Sect 2

740

5.5

-

450

320

400

280

-

-

Etihad Ballroom Sect 3

703

6

-

450

320

400

280

-

-

Ballroom Terrace

2250 - - - 800 - - -

Auditorium

3000

21

-

1100

-

-

-

-

-

Auditorium Terrace

2250

-

-

-

800

-

-

-

-

Conference Centre

1258 3 - - - - - - -

Emirates Centre

519 3 - - - - - - -

Business Centre

381 3 - - - - - - -

Meeting Room 31

220

Island Centre

500 3 - - - - - - -

Conference Room 31

120 3 - - - - - - 24

Conference Room 32

120 3 - - - - - - 24

3

-

120

90

100

90

40

-

WHY THIS HOTEL? Emirates Palace has the ideal address in the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi. With a grand auditorium, separable ballroom, many flexible indoor and outdoor venues for meetings, conferences, weddings and exhibitions, world-class catering and a committed as well as creative banquet team, we can guarantee your ability to create unforgettable memories for your guests.

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Designed for distinction Stunning venues for inspiring events Reigning as the premier meeting and conference destination in Abu Dhabi, Emirates Palace is the pinnacle of Arabian hospitality offering impeccable service across 7,000 sqm of event space. Magnificent venues, world-class catering and a creative banqueting team collaborate to craft bespoke events ranging from private meetings, cocktail receptions and banquets to product launches and conferences.

Grand Auditorium | Ballroom | 40 meeting rooms | Indoor and outdoor venues | 6 large terraces | Pre-function areas For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 8888 or email mice@emiratespalace.ae Terms & conditions apply.

/EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

@EmiratesPalace

MEET ABU DHABI 2018_FACT SHEET___Emirates Palace_TS.indd 51

#AtThePalace

4/8/18 5:39 PM

STAY | HOTEL VENUES

H H H H H

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi PO Box 43377, Al Salam St. Eastern Ring Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6573333 | park.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com/parkrotana

Total number of guestrooms: 318 Number of suites: 36 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Al Salam Street Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport , 22 kilometres Leisure highlights: Outdoor swimming pool, Sauna, Wellness Centre, Gym, Tennis court, and Club lounge.

F&B facilities: • Ginger All-Day Dining (International Cuisine) • Teatro Restaurant (International cuisines - Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Thai, Indian) • Cooper’s Bar and Restaurant (British bar bites / gastropub) • Parkafe (Lobby lounge cafe with snacks, salads and pastries) • Aquarius Pool bar (Snacks)

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WHY THIS HOTEL?

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Grand Park Ballroom A

368 6 300 368 210 300 180 72 62

Grand Park Ballroom B

368 6 300 368 210 300 180 72 62

Grand Park Ballroom

736 6 700 736 550 700 736 144 124

Meeting plus 1

38 3 - 25 - - 9 12 14

Meeting plus 2

63 3 19 50 40 50 36 19 20

Meeting plus 3

69 3 60 50 50 50 36 21 20

Meeting plus 4

30 3 - 15 - - - 10 8

The Garden Room 1

73 3 60 70 50 60 36 26 20

The Garden Room 2

67 3 60 70 50 60 36 26 20

The Garden Room 1+2

141 3 120 140 90 100 72 40 38

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel designed in a vibrant modern style providing a combination of deluxe accommodation, diverse culinary experiences, stateof-the-art meeting rooms and recreational facilities.

In close proximity to major business centres including the Embassies and Government district, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and Masdar City, Park Rotana is the perfect choice for business travellers.

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MEET ABU DHABI 2018_FACT SHEET___Park Rotana Abu Dhabi_TS.indd 52

4/8/18 5:39 PM

C

C

M

M

Y

Y

M

M

Y

Y

Y

Y

MY

MY

K

K

MEET ABU DHABI 2018_FACT SHEET___Park Rotana Abu Dhabi_TS.indd 53

4/8/18 5:39 PM

STAY | HOTEL VENUES

H H H H H

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi PO Box 60476, Nation Towers, Corniche Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6944444 | info.abudhabi@stregis.com | stregisabudhabi.com

Total number of guestrooms: 228 Number of suites: 55 Disabled facilities: Yes Location: Corniche Distance to airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport, 36 kilometres Leisure highlights: The hotel features extensive event, wedding and business facilities. Nation Riviera Beach Club is a haven of wellness and recreation, featuring a 200 metre private beach, secluded cabanas and a spacious infinity pool complete with gardens and a swim-up pool bar. Moreover, it is accessible via a private, air conditioned, marbledclad underpass that runs below the Corniche. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi features the world’s highest suspended suite, The Abu Dhabi Suite, adjoining the building’s two towers on the 48th and 49th floors with a captivating 360 degree view of the city, private entrance, and a dedicated spa and movie theatre.

F&B facilities: • Villa Toscana (Italian) • Crystal Lounge (Afternoon Tea) • The Terrace on the Corniche (International) • Azura Panoramic Lounge (Arabic & Asian) • Cabana Bar & Grill (Casual Grill) • St. Regis Bar (Bar & Cigar Lounge)

WHY THIS HOTEL?

MEETING ROOMS

Area (sqm)

Ceiling height (m)

Reception

Theatre

Banquet

Cocktail

Classroom

U-Shape

Boardroom

Al Jurf

83 4 75 50 40 75 24 18 20

Al Khaznah 1+2

183 4 150 100 120 150 60 42 32

Al Khaznah 1

92 4 75 65 60 75 36 24 20

Al Khaznah 2

92 4 75 65 60 75 36 24 20

Al Muqam

83 4 75 50 40 75 24 18 20

Liwa

57 4 - - - - - - 12

Al Mudhaif Ballroom

1311 6.6 1000 1080 750 1000 600 150 -

Located at the heart of Abu Dhabi on the Corniche, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is opposite of the Emirates Palace and directly connected to Nation Galleria Mall and just minutes from ADNOC offices and the sophisticated World Trade Center. The destination showcases extensive event, wedding and business facilities including 4,800 square metres of state-of-the-art meeting and event space and leisure facilities that include the exclusive, private Nation Riviera Beach Club and award-winning Remède Spa.

54

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4/9/18 5:10 PM

The Art Of Celebration – 5th Anniversary Offer The St. Regis Abu Dhabi celebrates five years of splendour, this summer. We are proud to provide service beyond expectation. Located in the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi with a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf.

Stay Exquisite in a Superior Room from AED 550* Five complimentary inclusions: • Buffet breakfast at The Terrace on the Corniche • 1 meeting room • 1 entry ticket to The Louvre per person • Upgrade to seaview room • Double SPG points To book please email Tanja.simolke@stregis.com or call +971 (0) 2 6944721 Valid for stays between 15th May – 15th September 2018, from 15th September 2018 onwards from AED 700* | For a minimum of 10 rooms per night *All rates are subject to availability at time of request and are exclusive of 10% service fee, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT taxes

©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. @stregishotels

MEET ABU DHABI 2018_FACT SHEET___The St Regis Abu Dhabi_TS.indd 55

4/8/18 5:39 PM

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9/6/17 2:41 PM

WHERE TO STAY

Abu Dhabi boasts some of the country’s finest hotels offering the perfect mix of facilities for both business and pleasure. From meeting and event spaces to fine-dining and top leisure facilities, our guide has the capital covered

01

02

03

01: Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort 02: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island 03: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

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MEET ABU DHABI 2018___WHERE TO STAY OPENER_TS.indd 57

4/8/18 5:38 PM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | LISTINGS

HHHH

ADAGIO ABU DHABI AL BUSTAN PO Box 95208, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street cor. Rabdan Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5086444 | H7872@accor.com | adagio-city.com

C 20 279 - Y Y Y - - - N N - N N Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

AL RAHA BEACH HOTEL PO Box 38616, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5080555 | info.alraha@danathotels.com | alrahabeach.danathotels.com

R 10 254 24 Y Y Y 924 9 800 Y Y 300 Y Y Y 6 1 Y Y Y Y

HHHH

ALOFT HOTEL ABU DHABI PO Box 94943, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6545000 | reservations.aloftabudhabi@alofthotels.com | aloftabudhabi.com C 23 408 36 Y Y Y 700 6 247 Y Y 1,200 Y

N Y 6

ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL SAHEL VILLA RESORT PO Box 12452, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8014300 | alsahel@anantara.com | sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

1 N Y N Y

HHHHH See advertisement on page 45

ABU DHABI

R 250 - 30 Y Y Y 820 8 525 - Y 500 N Y Y 5 3 Y Y N Y

ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND AL YAMM VILLA RESORT PO Box 12452, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8014200 | alyamm@anantara.com | sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

HHHHH See advertisement on page 45

R 250 - 30 Y Y Y 820 8 525 - Y 500 N Y Y 5 3 Y Y Y Y

ARMED FORCES OFFICERS CLUB & HOTEL

HHHHH

PO Box 29810, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4415900 | reservation@afoc.mil.ae | afoc.mil.ae C 18 294 32 Y Y Y - 26 650 Y Y 10,000 Y Y Y 4 2 Y Y N Y

BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 45200, 10th Street Al Zahiyah Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6979000 | beach.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com C 38 565 207 Y Y Y 526 7 300 Y Y 1,000 Y Y Y 10 2 Y Y Y Y

CAPITAL CENTRE ARJAAN BY ROTANA

HHHH

PO Box 44012, Al Khaleej Al Arabi St Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4954444 | arjaan.capital@rotana.com | rotana.com/capitalcentrearjaanbyrotana C 24 259 93 Y Y Y 228 5 150 Y N - Y Y Y 1 1 Y Y N Y

CENTRO CAPITAL CENTRE

HHH

PO Box 44493, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street Abu Dhabi Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4096666 | centrocapital@rotana.com | rotana.com/centrocapitalcentre C 24 414 34 Y Y Y 279 6 112 Y N - Y Y Y 2 1 N Y N Y

58

MEET ABU DHABI 2018__Where to stay_TSRG.indd 58

4/9/18 2:29 PM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

Business Centre (Y/N)

HHH

CENTRO YAS ISLAND P.O. Box 131755 Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6564444 | centro.yasisland@rotana.com | rotana.com/centroyasisland

C 8 259 - Y Y Y 125 3 50 Y N - N - N 2 1 N Y N Y

HHHH

CITY SEASONS AL HAMRA, ABU DHABI PO Box 4706, Sheikh Zayed the 1st St (Electra St.), Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4176500 | info.abudhabi@cityseasonshotels.com | cityseasonshotels.com

C 33 310 97 Y Y Y 449 5 300 Y N - N N Y 2 1 Y N N Y

HHHHH

CORNICHE HOTEL ABU DHABI PO Box 44486, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6146000 | reservations@cornichehotel.com | cornichehotelabudhabi.com

C 36 305 - Y Y Y - 10 400 Y N - Y N Y 4 - N Y N Y

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT WORLD TRADE CENTER, ABU DHABI

HHHH

PO Box 107005, Hamdan Street (5th), Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6982222 | courtyard.abudhabi@marriott.com | courtyardmarriottabudhabi.com

ABU DHABI

C 36 195 9 Y Y Y 100 3 60 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 N Y N Y

HHHH

CRISTAL HOTEL ABU DHABI PO Box 72898, Zayed the First st. (adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre), Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6520000 | mail@cristalhospitality.com | cristalhospitality.com

C 36 192 128 Y Y Y 354 5 135 Y N - Y N Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 3541, Sheikh Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6166152 | reservations.cpauh@ihg.com | crowneplaza.com/abudhabicity C 30 236 49 Y Y Y 9,816 7 650 Y N - Y Y Y 6 1 Y Y N Y

CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

HHHH

PO Box 41880, Yas Plaza, Golf Plaza, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6563000 | info.cpyas@ihg.com | crowneplaza.com/abudhabi C 14 428 45 Y

Y Y 7,692 5 600 Y - - - Y Y 5 - Y Y N Y

DANAT JEBEL DHANNA RESORT

HHHHH

PO Box 12333, Jebel Dhanna, Western Region, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8012222 | info.jebeldhanna@danathotels.com | danathotels.com R 250 96 37 Y Y Y 465 3 250 Y Y 1,000 N Y Y 4 1 Y Y Y Y

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA BY ANANTARA

HHHHH

PO Box 12452, Al Ruwais, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8015400 | dirs@anantara.com | sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

(see advertisement on page 45)

R 250 64 60 Y Y Y 820 9 550 Y Y 500 N Y Y 5 1 Y Y Y Y

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MEET ABU DHABI 2018__Where to stay_TSRG.indd 59

4/9/18 2:30 PM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | LISTINGS

HHHHH

DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI PO Box 52799, 925 Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (Al Muroor Road), Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6988888 | reservations.abudhabi@dusit.com | dusit.com/dusitthani/abudhabi C 25 402 65 Y

Y Y 1,245 10 1,000 Y Y 2,200 Y Y Y 6 2 Y Y N Y

EASTERN MANGROVES HOTEL & SPA BY ANANTARA

HHHHH

PO Box 128555, Sheikh Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6561000 | easternmangroves@anantara.com | abu-dhabi.anantara.com

see advertisement on page 47

C 23 222 6 N Y Y 1200 9 550 Y Y 500 N Y Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL PO Box 3999, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6909000 | mice@emiratespalace.ae | emiratespalace.ae R

36 394 92 Y

Y

see advertisement on page 51

Y 7000 40 2,900 Y Y 8,000 Y Y Y 14 2 Y Y Y Y

FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR

HHHHH

PO Box 114304, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6543333 | babalbahr@fairmont.com | fairmont.com/babalbahr

ABU DHABI

R 25 369 24 Y Y Y 2,500 23 1,100 Y Y 1.100 Y Y Y 10 1 N Y Y Y

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ABU DHABI AT AL MARYAH ISLAND

HHHHH

PO Box 107032, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 3332222 | contactus.abudhabi@fourseasons.com | fourseasons.com/abudhabi C 47 200 38 Y Y Y 1,753 7 530 Y Y 200 Y Y Y 6 - Y Y N Y

GRAND HYATT ABU DHABI HOTEL & RESIDENCES EMIRATES PEARL

HHHHH

PO Box 7309, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 02 5101234 | abudhabi.grand@hyatt.com | abudhabi.grand.hyatt.com C 36 428 36 Y Y Y 4,700 13 900 Y Y 500 N Y Y 7 1 Y Y N Y

GRAND MILLENNIUM AL WADHA

HHHHH

PO Box 107080, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wadha Complex, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4439999 | reservations.gmaw@millenniumhotels.com | millenniumhotels.com/abu-dhabi C 32 830 34 Y Y Y 291 12 280 Y N - Y N Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

HALA ARJAAN BY ROTANA

HHHH

PO Box 53066, One Hamdan Street Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4180000 | halaarjaan@rotana.com | rotana.com/halaaarjaanbyrotana C 38 166 73 Y Y Y 38 1 25 Y N - Y Y Y 1 2 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

HILTON ABU DHABI PO Box 877, Corniche road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6811900 | abudhabi.reservations@hilton.com | hilton.com/abu-dhabi C 37 288 38 Y

Y Y 2,484 14 2,000 Y Y 2,000 Y Y Y 9 2 Y Y Y Y

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MEET ABU DHABI 2018__Where to stay_TSRG.indd 60

4/9/18 2:35 PM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

HILTON CAPITAL GRAND ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 2785, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6170000 | res.capitalgrandabudhabi@hilton.com | capitalgrandabudhabi.hilton.com C 20 281 32 Y Y Y 693 11 700 Y Y 400 Y N Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

HOLIDAY INN ABU DHABI DOWNTOWN

HHHH

PO Box 32430, Sheikh Zayed First Street (Electra), Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6156666 | info.hiabudhabi.dt@ihg.com | holidayinn.com/abudhabidwtn C 36 241 47 Y Y Y 144 1 100 Y N - Y Y Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

HYATT CAPITAL GATE ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 95165, Al Khaleej Al Arabi St, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5961234 | abudhabi.capitalgate@hyatt.com | abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatthotels.hyatt.com C 20 189 22 Y Y Y 205 4 22 Y N - N N Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 4171, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6666888 | intercontinental.abudhabi@ihg.com | ihg.com

ABU DHABI

R 37 390 54 Y Y Y 2,982 25 1,200 Y Y 700 Y Y Y 9 1 Y Y Y Y

JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

HHHHH

PO Box 111929, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8115555 | jadinfo@jumeirah.com | jumeirah.com/Jumeirah-Etihad-Towers C 36 382 15 Y Y Y 3,300 13 1,400 Y Y 200 N Y Y 10 1 Y Y Y Y

KHALIDIYA PALACE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA

HHHHH

PO Box 4010, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6570000 | khalidiya.rayhaan@rotana.com | rotana.com R 35 443 51 Y Y Y 975 6 200 Y Y 500 Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y Y Y

LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

HHHH

PO Box 46066, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6446666 | lemeridien.abudhabi@lemeridien.com | lemeridien.com/abudhabi C 36 234 22 Y Y Y 315 2 400 Y Y 500 Y Y Y 8 1 Y Y Y Y

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 45505, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6742020 | Info.lrmad@lemeridien.com | leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com C 30 202 74 Y Y Y 1,500 10 450 Y Y - Y Y Y 9 2 Y Y N Y

MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS DOWNTOWN ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 37421, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 3047778 | sales.downtownabudhabi@marriott.com | meadowntownabudhabi.com C 30 64 64 Y Y Y - - - N Y - N N N - - N Y N Y

61

MEET ABU DHABI 2018__Where to stay_TSRG.indd 61

4/8/18 6:35 PM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

STAY | LISTINGS

HHHHH

MARRIOTT HOTEL DOWNTOWN ABU DHABI PO Box 37421, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 3047777 | sales.downtownabudhabi@marriott.com | marriott.com

C 30 315 32 Y Y Y 1,514 16 560 - N - N Y Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

HHHHH

MARRIOTT HOTEL AL FORSAN, ABU DHABI PO Box 146435, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa Cuty A, Street 12, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 201 4000 | sales@marriott.com | marriott.com

C 10 400 39 Y Y Y 727 8 750 - Y 750 N Y Y 6 1 Y Y N Y

NOVOTEL ABU DHABI AL BUSTAN HOTEL

HHHH

PO Box 95208, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St., corner Rabdan 29th Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5016444 | H6533@accor.com | novotel.com C 20 361 13 Y Y Y 1705 10 55 Y N - N N Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

NOVOTEL ABU DHABI GATE HOTEL

HHHH

PO Box 92156, 222, Al Maqta Street, Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5089999 | H6948-RE1@accor.com | novotel.com/6948

ABU DHABI

C 19 224 106 Y Y Y 76 7 60 Y Y 100 N N Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

PARK HYATT ABU DHABI HOTEL AND VILLAS

HHHHH

PO Box 52007, Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4071234 | abudhabi.park@hyatt.com | abudhabi.park.hyatt.com C 20 306 39 Y Y Y 1,220 11 550 Y Y 300 Y - Y 4 1 Y Y Y Y

PARK INN BY RADISSON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

HHH

PO Box 93725, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6562222 | info.abudhabi@rezidorparkinn.com | parkinn.com R 10 204 10 Y Y Y - 2 30 Y N N N N Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

PARK ROTANA ABU DHABI PO Box 43377, Al Salam St. Eastern Ring Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6573333 | park.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com/parkrotana

HHHHHH (see advertisement on page 53)

C 22 318 36 Y Y Y 1,450 6 700 Y Y 600 Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

PARK ARJAAN BY ROTANA

HHHH

PO Box 43377, Al Salam St. Eastern Ring Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6573333 | park.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com/parkrotana C - 1,721 - Y Y Y - - - N N - N N N 4 1 Y Y N Y

PEARL ROTANA

HHHH

PO Box 94895, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 3075566 | pearl.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com C 28 315 17 Y Y Y 333 7 90 Y N - Y Y Y 3 1 N Y N Y

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MEET ABU DHABI 2018__Where to stay_TSRG.indd 62

4/10/18 11:04 AM

Fitness centre (Y/N)

Beachfront (Y/N)

Swimming pool/s (Y/N)

Spa (Y/N)

Total No. of cafÂŽs

Total No. of restaurants

Business Centre (Y/N)

Group leisure activities (Y/N)

Off-site catering (Y/N)

Capacity of largest outdoor space

Outdoor space available (Y/N)

Conference equipment (Y/N)

Capacity of largest meeting room

Total No. of meeting rooms

Total meeting space (sqm)

In-room Internet access (Y/N)

Disabled facilities (Y/N)

Group check-in (Y/N)

Number of suites/villas

Total number of guestrooms

Distance from airport (km)

Location: resort/city

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

HHHH

PO Box 93725, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6562000 | info.abudhabi@radissonblu.com | radissonblu.com/hotel-abudhabi C 10 397 30 Y Y Y 423 8 445 Y Y 200 Y Y Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA PO Box 131277, 1 Qasr Al Sarab Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8862088 | infoqas@anantara.com | qasralsarab.anantara.com

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 49)

R 200 206 56 Y Y Y 375 3 350 Y Y - N Y Y 7 1 Y Y N Y

ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 41184, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8135550 | abudhabi@rosewoodhotels.com | rosewoodhotels.com/abu-dhabi C 30 189 35 Y Y Y 968 8 900 Y Y 300 Y Y Y 4 1 Y Y N Y

ROYAL ROSE ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 4708, 1025 Zayed the 1st Street, Al Markaziyah Distict, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6724000 | info@royalrosehotel.com | royalrosehotel.com

ABU DHABI

C 33 355 133 Y Y Y 651 6 325 Y Y 60 Y N Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

SAADIYAT ROTANA

HHHHH

PO Box 48578, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6970000 | saadiyat.resort@rotana.com | rotana.com R 36 327 13 Y Y Y 594 7 500 Y Y 500 Y Y Y 6 1 Y Y Y Y

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 128881, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5098888 | slad@shangri-la.com | shangri-la.com/abudhabi C 19 213 31 Y Y Y 1,527 8 300 Y Y 1,200 Y Y Y 7 1 Y Y Y Y

SHERATON ABU DHABI HOTEL & RESORT

HHHHH

PO Box 640, Corniche Road, Al Zahiya, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6773333 | sheraton.abudhabi@sheraton.com | sheratonabudhabihotel.com R 35 272 17 Y Y Y 845 5 800 Y Y 600 Y Y Y 11 1 Y Y Y Y

SHERATON KHALIDIYA HOTEL ABU DHABI

HHHH

PO Box 6727, Zayed the 1st Street - Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6666220 | info@sheratonkhalidya.com | sheratonkhalidiya.com C 37 262 69 Y Y Y - 8 200 Y - - - - Y 3 - N Y N Y

SOFITEL ABU DHABI CORNICHE

HHHHH

PO Box 44966, Corniche East Road - Capital Plaza Complex, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8137777 | H7507@sofitel.com | sofitel.com/7507 C 35 280 47 Y Y Y 780 10 1000 Y Y 100 Y Y Y 5 2 Y Y N Y

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SOUTHERN SUN ABU DHABI

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STAY | LISTINGS

HHHH

PO Box 51997, Al Mina Street, Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8184888 | reservations.abudhabi@tsogosun.com | tsogosun.com C 35 353 38 Y Y Y 311 6 128 Y Y 70 N N Y 5 1 N Y N Y

STAYBRIDGE SUITES ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

HHHH

PO Box 42375, Yas Island Golf Plaza, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6563000 | info.cpyas@ihg.com | ihg.com/staybridge C 13.8 164 45 Y Y Y - - - - - - - - Y 2 1 N Y N Y

THE RITZ-CARLTON ABU DHABI, GRAND CANAL

HHHHH

PO Box 91888, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8188888 | rc.auhrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com | ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi R 20 388 144 Y

Y

Y 2,782 14 1,500 Y Y 3,000 Y Y Y 8 2 Y Y Y Y

THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI PO Box 60476, Nation Tower, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6944666 | reservations.abudhabi@stregis.com | stregisabudhabi.com

HHHHH (see advertisement on page 55)

ABU DHABI

C 42 283 55 Y Y Y 1,717 6 1,080 Y Y 300 N Y Y 7 1 Y Y Y Y

THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT, ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 54345, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 4988888 | reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com | stregissaadiyatisland.com R 15 312 64 Y Y Y 3,788 13 1,600 Y Y 1,500 N Y Y 5 1 Y Y Y Y

THE WESTIN ABU DHABI GOLF RESORT & SPA

HHHHH

PO Box 126797, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6169999 | westinauh.info@westin.com | westinabudhabigolfresort.com R 20 172 19 Y Y Y 1,256 16 700 Y Y 800 Y Y Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

TILAL LIWA HOTEL

HHHH

PO Box 112723, Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 8946111 | info.tilal@danathotels.com | tilalliwa.danathotels.com R 180 111 7 Y Y Y 185 3 250 Y Y 300 Y Y Y 1 1 Y Y N Y

TRADERS HOTEL, QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

HHHH

PO Box 128881, Khor Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 5108888 | thad@tradershotels.com | tradershotels.com/abudhabi C 18 301 13 Y Y Y 75 2 45 Y Y 1,500 N Y Y 3 1 N Y Y Y

YAS ISLAND ROTANA

HHHH

PO Box 13175, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6564000 | yasisland.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com/yasislandrotana C 8 308 27 Y Y Y 308 9 48 Y N - Y Y Y 5 1 Y Y N Y

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Fitness centre (Y/N)

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Group leisure activities (Y/N)

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ABU DHABI

YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI

HHHHH

PO Box 131808, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE +971 2 6560000 | yas.events@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com | viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi C 15 499 75 Y Y Y 3,250 10 504 Y Y 2,469 Y Y Y 10 1 Y Y N Y

AL AIN ROTANA

HHHHH

PO Box 1210, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7545111 | alain.hotel@rotana.com | rotana.com/alainrotana C 160 242 57 Y Y Y 1,065 5 1,200 Y Y 1,000 Y Y Y 6 1 Y Y N Y

AYLA BAWADI HOTEL & MALL

HHHH

PO Box 222095, Zayed Bin Sultan St., Bawadi Mall Area, Mayzad, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7030111 | book@aylahotels.com | aylahotels.com C 160 90 9 Y Y Y 357 1 200 Y Y - Y Y Y 1 2 Y Y N Y

AYLA GRAND HOTEL

HHHHH

PO Box 222094, Othman Bin Affan St., Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7051111 | book.grand@aylahotels.com | aylahotels.com C 160 220 75 Y Y Y 264 5 200 Y Y - Y Y Y 3 1 Y Y N Y

AYLA HOTEL

HHHH

AL AIN

PO Box 86990, Khalifa Bin Zayed, Al Awwal Street, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7610111 | book@aylahotels.com | aylahotels.com C 149 153 18 Y Y Y 998 4 700 Y Y - Y Y Y 1 2 Y Y N Y

DANAT AL AIN RESORT

HHHHH

PO Box 16031, Al Salam Street, Nyadat Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7046000 | info.alain@danathotels.com | alain.danathotels.com R 157 194 22 Y Y Y 1,112 9 1,000 Y Y 1,500 Y Y Y 6 2 Y Y N Y

HILTON AL AIN

HHHH

P.O Box 1333, Al Sarooj District, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7686666 | alain@hilton.com | hilton.com/alain C 155 202 21 Y Y Y 1,070 6 650 Y Y 1,200 - Y Y 7 2 N Y N Y

HILI RAYHAAN BY ROTANA

HHHHH

PO Box 68456, Bani Yas Street, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 705333 | hili.rayhaan@rotana.com | rotana.com/rayhaanhotelandresorts C 140 254 34 Y Y Y 476 7 150 Y Y 500 Y Y Y 3 1 N Y N Y

MERCURE GRAND JEBEL HAFEET AL AIN HOTEL

HHHH

PO Box 24476, Al Ain, UAE +971 3 7838888 | H3573@accor.com | accor.com C 165 124 9 Y Y Y 340 3 300 Y - - - - Y 2 1 Y Y N Y

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PLAY | DINING

Appetite for success Abu Dhabi has all the right ingredients to become a culinary capital thanks to an eclectic range of restaurants offering an array of cuisines

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ROSEWATER, JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS

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PLAY | DINING

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TRADITIONAL FARE Experience a variety of regional flavours at these first-class venues

Azura Panoramic Lounge The St. Regis Abu Dhabi This relaxed setting is the ideal place to savour the timeless traditions of Arabic cuisine while taking in the stunning views of the picturesque Corniche. Here you can expect to find delicious light bites and classic dishes such as grilled shish kebab, fresh fattoush and an array of grilled seafood.

Li Beirut Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Aiming to revolutionise Arabic cuisine, this chic restaurant takes fine dining to a whole new level thanks to its team of creative chefs. Here you will discover unique dishes such as foie gras kebbeh and zaatar-crusted rack of lamb with sweet potato and truffle. The knowledgeable staff also help this venue to really stand out.

Contact: +971 2 8115666 / jumeirah.com

The Café Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas With an impressive show kitchen and wide variety of Middle Eastern specialities, this all-day dining restaurant is always a popular choice. The menu features a range of classics such as shish tawook and chicken joojeh kebab, both of which are sure to impress. The restaurant also places a firm emphasis on sustainability so only fresh and local ingredients are used.

Contact: +971 2 4071234 / abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

Al Waha Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara This desert restaurant features live cooking stations that perfectly combine Middle Eastern cuisine with Emirati flair. Serving up delicious dishes all day, the traditional pancakes and mana’ish are perfect for breakfast, while the live grill serves up lamb chops and tasty kofta that is ideal for dinner.

Mijana The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Featuring live Arabic music to create an authentic atmosphere, this contemporary Middle Eastern restaurant excels in presenting classic dishes such as hot and cold mezzah, fresh salads and a wide variety of succulent grilled meats. It also has plenty to offer for those with a sweet tooth, with the restaurant’s signature date pudding one of the standout dishes on the menu.

Contact: +971 2 8862088 / qasralsarab.anantara.com

Contact: +971 2 8188282 / ritzcarlton.com

Contact: +971 2 6944553 / stregisabudhabi.com

01: T ori No Su Jumeirah at Etihad Towers i Beirut 02: L Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 03: Li Jiang, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal 04: Kazu, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi

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EASTERN PROMISE These exceptional eateries are perfect for those seeking an authentic taste of Asia

Pachaylen Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Delivering a taste of Thailand, this expansive restaurant features an open kitchen and delivers an array of flavourful dishes that include curries and spicy salads. The coconut sticky rice pudding with mango is perfect for those with a sweet tooth, while groups requiring some privacy can use the striking gilded bronze screens to create a more secluded setting.

Contact: +971 2 6561000 / abu-dhabi.anantara.com

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi Emirates Palace Opened back in 2010 this spacious restaurant offers award-winning cuisine that has seen Hakkasan become a renowned venue all around the world.

Serving Cantonese cuisine, signature dishes such as Peking Duck with caviar and grilled Wagyu beef with king soy sauce sit alongside a range of specialities that have been created especially for the region.

Contact: +971 2 6907999 / hakkasan.com

Li Jiang The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Featuring an open kitchen where diners can watch the skilled chefs in action, this southeast Asian restaurant also has an outdoor terrace and two stylish private dining rooms. The vast menu features homemade dim sum as well as authentic rice and noodle dishes, while the deepfried ice-cream is the perfect way to finish any meal.

Contact: +971 2 8188282 / ritzcarlton.com

Kazu Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Offering up a true taste of Japan from a team of skilled Teppanyaki chefs, this restaurant boasts a dedicated sushi and sashimi bar, as well as a tempura station. The menu also offers up traditional handmade soba and sizzling Teppanyaki dishes, while expert staff are on hand to recommend an array of teas and traditional drinks to accompany any meal.

Contact: +971 2 6560600 / viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Tori No Su Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Guests at this modern Japanese restaurant will be spoilt for choice thanks to the venue boasting a sushi bar serving up fresh fish, a Teppanyaki counter with iron plate dishes, as well as a Robatayaki counter offering a selection of slow-grilled meat. Alternatively, for something extra special, the unique ‘omakse’ course sees the talented chefs preparing a surprising selection of dishes on demand.

Contact: +971 2 28115666 / jumeirah.com

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Delivering a taste of Thailand, this expansive restaurant features an open kitchen and delivers an array of flavourful curries and spicy salads

HIGH STEAKS Discover the world’s finest cuts of meat in the UAE capital

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & Grill Fairmont Bab Al Bahr With its dramatic interior and menu featuring succulent cuts of Wagyu and Angus beef, this restaurant from awardwinning chef Marco Pierre White has long been a favourite with foodies in the capital. As well as several cuts of prime steak, the menu includes Norwegian salmon, Canadian lobster and Australian lamb. There is also a wide selection of oysters and caviar.

Contact: +971 2 6543238 / fairmont.com

Café Sushi Fairmont Bab Al Bahr This modern concept features a beltstyle conveyor offering an array of fresh and casual Japanese dishes that are perfect for those seeking a quick and healthy lunch. For those planning to order from the expansive menu and with more time on their hands, there is a wide variety of sushi, salads and main courses, with the black cod miso a signature dish of the restaurant that is sure to delight.

Suhail Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara An upscale restaurant that only serves the best cuts of beef from all over the globe, this restaurant also boasts a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the vast desert. Menu highlights include the symphony of Omani lobster and scallop, while the trilogy of lamb with Arabic lentil puree and baby vegetables is always a popular choice.

Contact: +971 2 6543333 / fairmont.com

Contact: +971 2 8958700 / qasralsarab.anantara.com

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PLAY | DINING

As well as the classic New York striploin and Australian Wagyu, other signature dishes include broiled Atlantic salmon and Cornish hen

The Forge The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Named after the intricate process of forging a steak knife blade, this elegant restaurant is spearheaded by head chef Marcos García Rodríguez. Alongside his team, the chef has created a menu that includes steaks from around the world, including Kobe beef from Australia, tenderloin from Canada and prime sirloins from Ireland.

Contact: +971 2 8188282 / ritzcarlton.com

Blue Grill Yas Island Rotana Taking great pride in satisfying even the healthiest of appetites, this restaurant serves up hefty prime Angus beef steaks from America and Australia. There are also plenty of options for those who don’t eat red meat such as the ovenbaked sea bass, lobster bisque and the delicious roasted butternut salad.

Contact: +971 2 6564000 / rotana.com

Ray’s Grill Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Boasting stunning views of Abu Dhabi and the Arabian Gulf thanks to its location on the 63rd floor, this venue is ideal for discerning meat lovers. The extensive menu features prime cuts from world-famous cattle breeds sourced from Australia, Ireland and the USA. Diners can even choose to have a tenderloin flambé prepared live at the table.

Contact: +971 2 8115666 / jumeirah.com

The Grill Marriott Hotel Al Forsan This casual offering in Khalifa City has an extensive menu that includes more than a dozen cuts of steak and a large open kitchen that allows diners to see their meals being prepared. As well as the classic New York striploin and Australian Wagyu, other signature dishes include broiled Atlantic salmon and Cornish hen.

The Park Bar & Grill Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villa This elegant restaurant offers a large variety of steaks and seafood prepared from the charcoal grill. Here you can choose everything from Wagyu rib-eye and lamb rump to beef tenderloin and corn-fed chicken. There is also an Asian influence with the steamed Vietnamese flan served with coffee sauce.

Contact: +971 2 2014000 / marriott.com

Contact: +971 2 8188282 / ritzcarlton.com

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EYE ON EUROPE Be transported on a culinary trip and enjoy classics from across the continent

Barocco Restaurant Royal Rose This glitzy restaurant combines traditional recipes when slow cooking and earthy ingredients were the standard. The varied menu has dishes from Spain, Portugal, France, Italy and Greece, while the cooking methods and presentation are distinctively French. The Cretan risotto is a standout dish.

Contact +971 2 6724000 / royalrosehotel.com

Amici Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Representing genuine Italian gastronomy, this sizeable restaurant sources all of its ingredients from artisanal merchants across different parts of Italy. With a large outdoor terrace that provides peace and quiet, this popular venue offer up a range of homemade dishes, including pizza, pasta, hearty soups and salads.

Contact +971 2 6560600 / viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

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Belgian Beer Café Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island This 1920s-style café boasts a menu full of top-notch Belgian food, with special offers during the week including Mussels Tuesday, Wings Wednesday and the Saturday Roast.

Highlights include the slow roast beef sirloin, while the Belgian waffles are a must order.

Contact +971 2 6562407 / radissonblu.com

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07

Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant Park Rotana Abu Dhabi This gastropub has a firm focus on British favourites, serving up healthy portions of battered fish and chips and cottage pies. The menu also includes comfort food in the style of spaghetti bolognese and chilli cheese fries. Additionally, the live entertainment, carvery brunch and huge outdoor terrace make this a popular destination.

Contact +971 2 6573333 / rotana.com

Dino’s Bistro Italiano Pearl Rotana Capital Centre With a large team of passionate chefs, this recently opened restaurant offers up a range of Italian classics from pasta and pizzas to seafood and cured meats.

All dishes are made from fresh ingredients in order to bring a true tasty of Italy to the plate.

Contact +971 2 3075555 / rotana.com

AROUND THE WORLD Try something unique with these venues serving dishes from all corners of the globe

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05: R ay’s Grill, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers 06: A ngar, Yas Viceroy 07: I ngredients, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara 08: The Forge, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal

c.taste Centro Capital Rotana With an intimate yet lively atmosphere, this all day dining restaurant offers a menu bursting with a variety of international dishes. The huge offering includes everything from Cajun salmon and Asian dim sum to butter chicken and spaghetti bolognese.

Contact +971 2 4096666 / rotana.com

Rosewater Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Whether you are craving seafood or steak, an Indian curry or an Arabic salad, this restaurant’s huge buffet has something for everyone to enjoy. There

are also numerous live cooking stations where chefs prepare everything from spiced lamb to tuna steaks, while the sizeable outdoor terrace provides ocean views along the Abu Dhabi coast.

Contact +971 2 8115666 / jumeirah.com

The Terrace on the Corniche The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Open throughout the day and boasting a huge dining room and al fresco garden terrace, this popular restaurant serves up a range of international and Middle Eastern dishes. With live cooking stations and a bakery offering handmade delicacies, guests can indulge in fresh seafood, sushi, foie gras and grilled cuts of meat.

Contact +971 2 6944553 / theterraceonthecorniche.com

Angar Yas Viceroy Offering a unique take on Indian cuisine, this restaurant uses traditional flavours and spices but gives them a modern twist. The vast menu has plenty of choice for vegetarians, while specialities include marinated meats and seafood rich in flavour. There is also a huge selection of tandoor dishes and breads, as well as several choices for dessert.

Contact +971 2 6560600 / viceroyhotelsandresorts.com

Ingredients Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Regarded as one of the best restaurants in the city, this all-day venue lets diners choose from an array of dishes from all over the world. With a huge dining space and two outdoor terraces, stand out dishes include nasi goreng, Indonisian fried rice with eggs and chicken satay, and the oreo cheesecake.

Contact +971 2 6561000 / abu-dhabi.anantara.com

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PLAY | HISTORY & CULTURE

Striking a balance The ever-changing Abu Dhabi landscape boasts a unique blend of historic sites and cultural centres sitting proudly alongside modern attractions 02

In recent years Abu Dhabi has become renowned as an opulent oasis in the desert thanks to its forest of high rise building and array of five-star hotels.

But as the emirate continues to flourish, more emphasis is being placed on preserving its past and embracing its rich heritage. Now the UAE capital is becoming a centre for culture, with modern venues such as Louvre Abu Dhabi joining a collection of historical sites that showcase the emirate’s incredibly journey over the eras.

ABU DHABI CITY Museums and mosques provide a glimpse into the history of the capital

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Ever since opening in late 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has been a popular attraction for visitors thanks to its breathtaking architecture and sparkling white marble exterior. Commissioned by the late UAE president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who hoped it would unite the cultural diversity of the Islamic world, it is the third largest mosque in the world and can accommodate 40,000 worshippers.

Inside visitors will be welcomed by a huge 12-tonne crystal chandelier in the main prayer hall and 96 columns that are clad with marble and inlaid with mother of pearl.

Contact: +971 2 4191919 / szgmc.ae

Louvre Abu Dhabi This iconic art and civilisation museum may have been 10 years in the making, but once opened in November 2017, quickly established itself as one of the leading attractions in the capital.

Covering 24,000 square metres, the museum showcases prehistoric artefacts right through to contemporary artwork, with four temporary exhibitions each year. The museum is also soon set to offer the option of holding a variety of events at the venue for an occasion with plenty of wow factor.

Contact: +971 600 565566 / louvreabudhabi.ae

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04

Qasr Al Hosn The symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn was the emirate’s first permanent structure and was home to the ruling Al Nahyan family. Built in the 1760s as a watchtower, it was later transformed into an impenetrable fort.

H av i ng u nder gone met ic u lou s

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The UAE capital is becoming a centre for culture, with modern venues such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, joining a collection of historical sites

renovation work, it now houses a museum displaying artefacts and pictures detailing the history of Abu Dhabi and its people. The annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival also provides visitors with a great chance to see live music and dance performances showing the UAE’s cultural heritage.

Contact: +971 2 6664442 / qasralhosn.ae

Zayed Centre Providing a fascinating insight into the life of the ‘Father of the Nation’, the late HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Zayed Centre is located in the Al Bateen district of the capital. Inside the centre there is an array of Sheikh Zayed’s personal memorabilia to browse and a gallery of photographs taken throughout Sheikh Zayed’s reign, that saw the UAE transformed from a cluster of desert sheikhdoms to the progressive Middle Eastern country it is today.

Taking centre stage are the late President’s cherished vehicles and collection of gifts which he received from leaders all over the world, including stuffed lions and cheetahs.

05

AL AIN Abu Dhabi’s second largest city combines green landscapes with historic landmarks

Etihad Modern Art Gallery A multi-purpose art space and café in the heart of the capital, the gallery showcases work by a host of Emirati and international artists. Opened in 2013, it was the first ever privately-funded gallery from the UAE to host a large scale exhibition in Berlin. The ‘Art Nomads: Made in Abu Dhabi’ exhibition announced the arrival of Emirati artists in the international art world. Next door at the Etihad Antique Gallery you will find 19th century furniture and antique swords.

Al Jahili Fort The picturesque and equally commanding Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most historic building. Built in the 1890s it has served as a summer home for the UAE’s ruling family, an army base and a watchtower, while today it offers a captivating look into the area’s past. Set in wonderfully landscaped gardens that visitors are encouraged to explore, the fort houses a permanent exhibition on the life of Wilfred Thesiger. The great British explorer was affectionately known as Mubarak bin London by locals and was famed for crossing the vast Empty Quarter desert twice in the 1940s.

Contact: +971 2 6210145 / etihadmodernart.com

Contact: +971 3 7118311

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Launched in 1999, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) has become the world’s leading facility of its kind, as well as the largest, welcoming more than 11,000 falcons each year for treatment and examinations. The falcon is a national symbol of the UAE and was originally used by desert Bedouins to seek out prey, while now the birds have taken on a special cultural significance in recent years. The centre itself has also diversified and now has an animal shelter and conference centre.

Al Ain National Museum Established in 1969, this is the oldest museum in the UAE and has become a must visit attraction for those wishing to learn more about the country’s past.

The museum charts the history of Al Ain from the Stone Age through to the foundation of the UAE and is split into three main sections: Archaeology, Ethnography and Gifts. The former charts the evolution of the Bronze Age society in the area, dating back 4,500 years, with ancient items such as weapons and Mesopotamian pots on display.

Contact: +971 2 5755155 / falconhospital.com

Contact: +971 3 7118331

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Contact: +971 2 6659555 / torath.ae

01: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 02: Falconry 03: Al Ain National Museum 04: Louvre Abu Dhabi 05: Qasr Al Hosn 06: Date palms, Al Ain

Traditional routes For a greater understanding of the Arabian Gulf’s ancient pearl diving industry, the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey offers tourists the chance to climb aboard a Jjalboot - a traditional pearling dhow - and gain a glimpse into the ancient trade.

Journeying across the mangroves, guides tell of their forefathers dedication to diving for oysters, as each guest receives a souvenir pearl.

Contact: +971 2 6419914 / adpearljourney.com

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PLAY | SPECTATOR SPORTS

Raising the bar With a host of top-class events held throughout the year, Abu Dhabi attracts some of the biggest names in sport in an enviable visitor offering Net worth The Mubadala World Tennis Championship, at Zayed Sports City, continually attracts upwards of 15,000 fans across three days of action, providing a unique platform for hospitality opportunities. As well as Q&A sessions with tennis legends and autograph signing areas, the sizeable Tennis Village has an extensive F&B offering and a live music stage for the perfect corporate outing. The 10th edition of the tournament saw a new name carved onto the winner’s trophy as South African Kevin Anderson beat Roberto Bautista Agut in straight sets. The 2017 edition

also saw 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams play a special exhibition match.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship, December 2018 Contact: mubadalawtc.com / +971 2 4088388

Driven to succeed The final race of the Formula One season, the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to be one of biggest events on the sporting calendar. Held at Yas Marina Circuit since it opened in 2009, the track has also played host to Formula Drift and the Abu Dhabi rally. It also developed its own race series, the TRD 86 Cup,

which aims to bring new blood into the sport of racing. The circuit can host indoor and outdoor hospitality with The Paddock boasting 12 luxury suites, while the GP Halls offer almost 1,200-square-metres of event space.

Meanwhile, ideally located right next door to the track is the plush Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel. As well as offering amazing views of the circuit, the hotel has 3,520-square-metres of conference and banqueting space, including a ballroom, four boardrooms and six meeting rooms.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, November 25, 2018 Contact: +971 2 6599800 / yasmarinacircuit.com

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The 2017 edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship featured a surprise appearance as 23time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams played in a specially arranged exhibition match Out to bat Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi has seen its fair share of international cricket in recent years. Last year the 20,000-seat stadium played host to Test, One Day International and Twenty20 matches as Sri Lanka took on Pakistan, as well as several games in the second season of the Pakistan Super League. A host of domestic games also take place at the stadium every year, while the UAE national team also use the facility both for matches and practice sessions. The facility can also host large-scale concerts and corporate events, with meeting rooms capable of holding up to 500 people.

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Abu Dhabi Cricket Club Contact: adcricketclub.ae / +971 2 5588331

22 under par. Abu Dhabi Golf Club also offers an array of meeting rooms and conference rooms for business guests.

There is a two-storey event space that offers a fantastic view of the golf course, especially the crucial 18th green.

Taking the reigns The UAE capital has a rich tradition of horse racing and polo, with the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club in Al Mushrif boasting an international standard racecourse, a 2,000 metre training track and 250 air-conditioned stalls.

The Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club also hosts events throughout the year thanks to its eight polo fields and stables for 300 ponies. The 300-hectare club also offers bespoke hospitality packages and a business centre.

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, January 2019 Contact: abudhabigolfchampionship.com / +971 2 5588990

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Join the club Attracting big names such as Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is one of the leading events on the European Tour. Held on the demanding par-72 course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club since its inception in 2006, the championship prize fund has grown to US$2.7 million (AED9.9 million) thus ensuring the leading lights in golf enter the tournament. This year the sizeable winner’s cheque was collected by England’s Tommy Fleetwood who retained the title thanks to an impressive score of

Hit the road For four consecutive years now the UAE capital has played host to the first stage of the ITU World Triathlon Series as the world’s best battle it out for early season points. Now taking place on Yas Island, the event not only attracts famed Olympians, but 3,500 amateur athletes and aspiring young triathletes who can choose from multiple age-group race options. Amateurs feeling brave can even opt to tackle the same course as the Olympic and World Champions taking part. The three distance options are: Olympic (1,500m swim, 40km bike ride and 10km run), Sprint (750m swim, 20km bike and 5k run) and Maxi (1,500m swim, 80km bike and 20km run). As well as a great potential group activity, it’s also the ideal way to see the best of Yas Island as competitors take to the picturesque course.

IPIC World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, March 2019 Contact: abudhabi.triathlon.org

Contact: visitabudhabi.ae

01: Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 02: I TU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 03: Mubadala World Tennis Championship 04: Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club

Heritage trail Camel racing has long been a popular past time in the UAE, but these days it is also embracing the future with remotecontrolled robot jockeys riding the camels and taking to the tracks. Al Ain boasts two tracks – Al Wathba Camel Racetrack and Al Maqam Track. The regular races make for a fascinating day out. Dhow racing has also played an important role in the history of the country. Still a popular pastime, races can contain up to 90 vessels, with Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club still regularly hosting events featuring a range of vessels.

Contact: abudhabievents.ae

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PLAY | GOLF

An oasis in the desert With lush green courses carved out of the sand and along spectacular coastlines, Abu Dhabi has quickly become a popular golfing destination 01

This year marks two decades since Abu Dhabi City Golf Club transformed from an 18-hole sand course to the very first all grass course in the UAE capital. In the 20 years that have passed since then golf has come a very long way with Abu Dhabi now boasting some of the finest fairways in the world. Each golf club offers a unique experience and caters for every level, with all five pay-andplay courses offering instruction from certified professionals. With some of the finest clubhouse hospitality around and an array of luxurious post-round experiences, it is little wonder that Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a leading destination for golf tourism.

Both the course and the clubhouse are well set up to host corporate events and incentive trips, offering a range of options including a dedicated corporate golf co-ordinator, widespread corporate branding, personalised golf carts, a live leaderboard, a prize presentation and mini competitions for ‘longest drive’ and ‘nearest the pin’.

Team building is also well catered for at Yas Links with a variety of exercises with which to create an engaging itinerary, including beginners sessions for up to six people, a crazy putting competition and a nine-hole round with a PGA qualified golf professional.

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Abu Dhabi Golf Club is well set up to cater to corporate events and incentive trips

By the beach Essential links One of the most picturesque and challenging courses in the capital is Yas Links Abu Dhabi. Situated on Yas Island, the course is among a number of highprofile attractions here, including Yas Marina Circuit – home of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld. It also has the distinction of being the first official links course in the region. In true links-style, the 18-hole championship course hugs the coast and is unobstructed by trees, requiring players to drive low and accurately to avoid interfering winds. Designed by renowned architect Kyle Phillips, the course provides a unique challenge for golfers of all abilities.

The Andalucia-inspired clubhouse is a highlight in itself and features panoramic views across Yas Island, with the Abu Dhabi skyline forming a distant backdrop. Taking full advantage of this, each of the bright, airy meeting rooms here boast huge windows framing stunning vistas of the sand, sea and rolling green fairways.

Nestled between Yas Island and downtown Abu Dhabi is another course offering spectacular scenery. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club takes full advantage of its location with several beachfront holes on a course that winds its way through the five-star hotels lining the beach.

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Designed by Gary Player in line with strict environmental guidelines, the club is in perfect harmony with its surroundings, the course itself merging seamlessly with the local habitat. Lucky golfers may even catch a glimpse of gazelles or dolphins during their round.

Bespoke events can also be coordinated with the help of the in-house team. These include corporate golf tournaments for up to 120 participants, which come complete with GPS advertising, on-course catering, golf clinics, merchandise and on-course signage. It’s also possible to host large-scale events at the grounds, or smaller gatherings in the clubhouse at Hawksbill Restaurant.

Course of champions Instantly one of the country’s most recognisable golfing venues is Abu Dhabi Golf Club that is dominated by the imposing Falcon Clubhouse. Designed by Peter Harridine, the 7,334-yard championship course provides a tough-but-

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with browns, rather than greens, but don’t be deterred as the sand is specially treated, rolled and compacted to give an extremely smooth surface. The front nine holes are based around an archaeological site, further enhancing its traditional ambience. Meanwhile, the clubhouse is designed to reflect a traditional English golfing scene, with Chesterfield sofas and varnished wooden floors. It also hosts an award-winning catering team that can customise menus for corporate events as well as arranging other services such as transportation.

The terrace here can accommodate up to 200 people for private functions..

From an urban oasis to an actual oasis, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club proves that world-class golfing in the emirate is not just limited to Abu Dhabi city. Opened in 2007, the club underwent major reconstruction in 2016 and now boasts a picturesque 18-hole championship course, along with a nine hole par 36 academy course which is part of the AEGSC Golf Academy.

The dining options reflect the pioneering spirit of the golf course itself, with The Palm Greens Restaurant featuring Al Ain’s first ‘stone grill’ menu, allowing diners the novelty of cooking their own meal at the table over hot volcanic stones. For corporate events, the nearby Millennium Golf Resort Hotel offers a range of meeting spaces.

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tough-but-fair challenge with 18 holes of lush fairways and greens. There is also a 3,299-yard, nine-hole par-36 course that is more forgiving but still provides a stern test for those new to the game.

The club itself is best known for hosting the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, one of the leading events on the European Tour. Each year it welcomes the world’s leading players with Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler and Henrik Stenson all competing.

The venue is also perfect for corporate events thanks to the dedicated packages and full event management services on offer. The club offers the services of its professional public relations team as part of the package and can send out a press release to media organisations for local and international coverage of events.

Golf is one of several sport activities available here. The impressive Falcon Clubhouse also offers a squash court, gym and swimming pool in addition to several excellent dining options from The Grille, which features a steak and seafood-centric menu, to Café 28’s fine international fare.

The space is equally well equipped for events, featuring four state-of-the-art meeting and conference rooms and two luxurious event spaces: Qanas, situated on the top floor of the clubhouse, and the Falcon Terrace, which looks out over the 18th green.

Taking aim 04

Alternative play Launched in 1976, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the capital and was initially a sand course until 1998 when it was revamped as the capital’s first grass course. The club provides space to host small gala dinners or full corporate days out. In addition, there are three superb dining options catering to a range of tastes, including the homely atmosphere of 19th Street Bar and Restaurant, the al fresco Pavilion which offers a view of the course and a daily barbecue, in addition to the laid-back Pool Bar. For a more unusual golfing experience, the 18-hole course at Al Ghazal Golf Club harks back to the early days of development in the UAE. At 6,711 yards, the par-71 course is punctuated

01 & 02: Abu Dhabi

HSBC Golf Championship 03: Saadiyat Beach Golf Club 04: Yas Links Abu Dhabi

With golf tourism growing in popularity, it will not be long before Abu Dhabi has yet more courses to offer.

There are already plans for another 18hole course on Yas Island, with Aldar Properties revealing they have plans to construct a golf and waterfront development named Yas Acres. The golf portal on visitabudhabi.ae also makes it easy to plan a golfing adventure to the capital, with available package deals encompassing flights, hotel accommodation, on-the-ground transportation and the course rates.

For MICE groups, the opportunities afforded by the city’s golf courses remain plentiful, whether it’s an incentive outing on a championship course, a night game with colleagues after a busy day’s work, team-building activities at the clubhouse or a corporate tournament complete with all the trimmings.

For more information visit: golfinabudhabi.com

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PLAY | ACTIVITIES

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Fast track to fun

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Whether racing at an F1 circuit, kayaking through mangroves or driving desert dunes, Abu Dhabi’s incentives are second to none

As Abu Dhabi continues to develop, exciting attractions and activities await business visitors and groups looking for the perfect incentive activity. The sprawling emirate has everything from amazing natural landscapes to thrilling theme parks that guarantee down time with a difference.

NATURAL WONDERS Beyond the impressive modern city, there are plenty of ways to get back to nature

Desert adventure One activity not to be missed while in the emirate is an adventure in the desert. A good selection of experienced companies are on hand to take groups out among the dunes, where you can career across the sands in a 4x4, enjoy an Arabian feast in a Bedouin-style camp, or simply unwind in this stunning setting. There is also the option to spend a night in the desert, camping out beneath the stars for the ultimate way to get away from it all.

Hala Abu Dhabi / +971 2 6177810 / etihad.com

Island paradise While Saadiyat Island and Yas Island are laden with modern attractions, plenty of the 200 islands

around Abu Dhabi retain a remote feel. Amble along untouched beaches where the coastline is dotted with traditional dhows. A host of companies offer excellent group island tours.

X-ventures / +971 55 5404500 / x-ventures.ae Noukhada Adventure Company / +971 2 5581889 / noukhada.ae

Walk on the wild side Al Ain Zoo boasts an impressive array of animals including lions, zebras and leopards. Meanwhile, the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island is home to some of the region’s indigenous creatures, as well as numerous exotic animals. Visitors can try wildlife drives and walks, horse riding and even scuba diving.

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Al Ain Zoo / +971 3 7992000 / alainzoo.ae Arabian Wildlife Park / sirbaniyasisland.com

Paddle power The capital has vast areas covered in mangroves which provide a rich natural habitat for fish, sea snakes and turtles. Explore these fascinating marine forests with a relaxing kayak tour.

Noukhada Adventure Company runs a number of trips around the mangroves, including a full moon group excursion.

Noukhada Adventure Company / noukhada.ae

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SHOPPING CAPITAL There is no shortage of retail therapy with plush malls all across the city

Yas Mall Home to a 20-screen cinema and a Funworks family entertainment zone, this huge mall sprawls across 2.5 million square feet and has a wide variety of shops and restaurants.

Yas Mall / +971 800 9276255 / yasmall.ae

Marina Mall Abu Dhabi Large department stores, high street and 05 designer fashion and a host of restaurants can all be found at the Corniche Breakwater. There is also an eye-catching Ferris wheel, Marina Eye, located just outside the mall.

Marina Mall Abu Dhabi / +971 2 6818300 / marinamall.ae

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island A range of designer stores here showcase the latest trends in fashion and jewellery. It is also where you will find one of the best restaurants in the city in high-end Japanese eatery Zuma.

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island / +971 2 6166999 / thegalleria.ae

Take to the skies There are few better ways to see the city than from the sky and Falcon Aviation is a great option for those who fancy a helicopter tour of Abu Dhabi. Another option is to take a seaplane, with Seawings offering a range of flights including the Abu Dhabi Snapshot which makes sure to showcase all the major highlights along the way.

ACTION AND ADVENTURE Abu Dhabi is home to thrills and spills on land, sea and in the air

Ready to roll The famous Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa.

Reaching speeds of 240kph it is a must for thrill seekers. Groups can head out onto the go-kart track, compete in challenges for the best lap times in a stateof-the-art simulator or try out the park’s latest ride, Turbo Track which bursts through the Ferrari red roof. Head next door to enjoy the delights of Yas Waterworld which has 43 rides and attractions to try.

Falcon Aviation / +971 2 4448866 / falconaviation.ae Seawings / +971 4 8070708 / seawings.ae

Stay active Located in Jebel Hafeet, Wadi Adventure is the ideal location for those seeking to keep active. Here groups can choose from a range of activities including whitewater rafting, rock climbing and surfing, or head to the airpark obstacle course which has 18 elements and a 200-metre zip line.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi / +971 2 4968000 / ferrariworldabudhabi.com Yas Waterworld / +971 2 4142000 / yaswaterworld.com

Avenue at Etihad Towers This fashionable retail space is home to more than 30 high-end outlets from leading brands including Tom Ford and Versace. Luxury watch brands Rolex and Piaget also have stores here.

Avenue at Etihad Towers / +971 2 6661345 / avenueatetihadtowers.ae

World Trade Centre Mall This mall has a varied offering thanks to its numerous retail options, eight-screen cinema and dining outlets. It is also connected to the nearby World Trade Centre Souk where you will discover a wide variety of charming gift shops.

World Trade Centre Mall / +971 2 5082400 / wtcad.ae

Wadi Adventure / +971 3 7818422 / wadiadventure.ae

On the right track Perfect for groups looking to follow in the footsteps of Formula One stars, Yas Marina Circuit has a specialised driving school and a karting circuit that can be hired for private events. The home of Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there is a range of corporate packages to try including stints on the famed track itself.

Yas Marina Circuit / +971 2 6599800 / yasmarinacircuit.com

01: Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 02: D esert Safari 03: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi 04: Wadi Adventure 05: Al Ain Zoo

Tame the dunes Sand skiing takes on a whole new meaning on Abu Dhabi’s desert dunes. The Liwa Oasis, on the edge of the Empty Quarter, is the perfect spot to strap on your sandboard or skis to tame the large dunes that tower hundreds of metres above the surrounding plains.

Abu Dhabi Desert Safari / + 971 5 09660720 / abudhabidesertsafari.org

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DIRECTORY | LISTINGS

Build your contacts An essential go-to guide of service providers ready to lend their expertise in the capital

EXHIBITION ORGANISERS Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) PO Box 5546, Abu Dhabi +971 2 4446900 customer.service@adnec.ae adnecgroup.ae Al Hader Exhibitions & Conferences PO Box 35979, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6222733 info@alhader.com al-hader.com Dmg Events PO Box 769256, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6970516 adipec@dmgeventsme.com dmgeventsme.com Dome Exhibitions PO Box 52641, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6744040 domexh@emirates.net.ae domeexhibitions.com IIR Middle East PO Box 111734, Abu Dhabi +971 4 4072500 info-mea@informa.com informa-mea.com Reed Exhibitions FZ LLC PO Box 77899, Abu Dhabi +971 2 4917615 info@reedexpo.ae reedexpo.com Turret Media PO Box 77806, Abu Dhabi +971 2 2348400 info@turretme.com turretme.com

EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPANIES & EVENT SUPPLIERS A&O Technology Middle East PO Box 55307, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6816608 infouae@ao-technology.com ao-technology.com Action Impact PO Box 39053, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6323244 info@actionimpact.com actionimpact.com Ad Box Media & Events PO Box 38181, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6346611 ceo@adbox.ae Aim Events PO Box 59911, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5015421 info@aimevents.net aimevents.net BSL Middle East PO Box 77808, Abu Dhabi +971 2 4445378 hello@bslmiddleast.com bslmiddleeast.com Dome Exhibitions PO Box 52641, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6744040 domexh@emirates.net.ae domeexhibitions.com Electra Events & Exhibitions PO Box 95001, Abu Dhabi +971 2 4064377 info@electradubai.ae electra-exhibitions.com

Flash PO Box 77828, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5098000 corporatesales@thinkflash.ae thinkflash.ae Fonoon PO Box 59501, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6660708 info@fonoon.ae fonoon.ae Intellego Event Management PO Box 113673, Abu Dhabi +971 50 5588492 Julia@intellego-events.com Matrix Audio Visual & Entertainment LLC PO Box 5100638, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5102430 info@matrixave.com matrixave.com Matrix Laser PO Box 114248, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6459554 m.hilgemann@matrix-laser.com matrix-laser.com Viola Events PO Box 43241, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6449444 events@viola.ae vevents.ae WRG Creative Communication FZ LLC +971 2 6138600 hello.abudhabi@wrglive.com wrglive.com

DMCS & LOCAL TOUR OPERATORS Abu Dhabi Travel Bureau PO Box 278, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6338700 atb@emirates.net.ae abudhabitravelbureau.com Al Masaood Travel & Services PO Box 806, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6521800 online@almasaoodtravel.com almasaoodtravel.com Arabian Nights PO Box 111894, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6779988 info@arabiannights.ae arabiannights.ae DBA & Sons Travel and Tours PO Box 25058, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5527414 theresa.gutierrez@dbasons.com Desert Adventures PO Box 45377, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5566155 abudhabi@desertadventures.ae desertadventures.com Hala Abu Dhabi PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi +971 2 5990700 halaabudhabi@etihad.ae etihad.com The Vision - Destination Management Company PO Box 113585, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6799914 info@thevisionme.com thevisionme.com

CAR RENTAL COMPANIES Avis Rent A Car PO Box 3237, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6218400 customerservice@avisuae.ae avis.com Dollar Rent A Car PO Box 48282, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6419002 customer.care@dollaruae.ae dollaruae.com Europcar PO Box 4399, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6261441 ae_customerservice@ europcar-uae.com europcar-abudhabi.com Eurostar Rent A Car PO Box 859, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6455855 info@eurostarrental.com eurostarrental.com Fast Rent A Car PO Box 6365, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6220088 assist@fastuae.com fastuae.com Roadstar Rent A Car PO Box 47299, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6795377 info@roadstaruae.com roadstaruae.com Thrifty Car Rental PO Box 5216, Abu Dhabi +971 2 8130300 adrez@thriftyuae.ae thriftyuae.com

Filmmaster MEA PO Box 464000, Abu Dhabi +971 2 6565907 info@filmmastermea.com filmmaster.com

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