24 HOURS... IN ABU DHABI

WORDS GEMMA GREENWOOD

A diverse destination awaits, with the UAE capital o ering everything from culture capital o ering everything from culture and nature to theme parks and desert fun and nature to theme parks and desert fun Abu Dhabi

For the modern-day traveller visiting a destination for either business or leisure, diversity of attractions, venues, hotels, restaurants and landscapes, is hugely appealing. With three distinct ‘destinations’ in just one emirate, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), o ers experiential diversity in abundance.

Whether you want to explore a treasure trove of culture and heritage, embark on a journey of gastronomical indulgence, or simply get away from the hustle and bustle at a luxury beachside resort – or in the vast desert – the emirate, the largest in the UAE, ts the bill perfectly.

If you’re dropping by for just 24 hours, either alone, with colleagues, or with your family, you are spoiled for choice with

Abu Dhabi o ering world-class hotels, immaculate beaches, delicious and authentic dining options, rich history and culture and thrilling entertainment activities and cultural attractions galore. Here are a few themed itineraries to help you make the most of a quick trip to Abu Dhabi.

For culture enthusiasts

Abu Dhabi’s symbolic birthplace, Qasr al Hosn (qasralhosn.ae), is Abu Dhabi’s rst permanent structure, once home to the emirate’s ruling Al Nahyan family. A permanent exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the city’s oldest building.

Open since November 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi was born by an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France. e museum, designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by the UAE’s palm groves, displays art, manuscripts, and objects of historical, cultural, and sociological signi cance. Spanning millennia, the items on display originate from societies and cultures all over the world, but universal themes and common in uences are highlighted to illustrate similarities arising from shared human experiences transcending geography, nationality and history.

One of the world’s largest mosques, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from di erent Muslim civilisations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational. For thrill seekers and families

Packed with some of the most famous and iconic characters in the world, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (wbworldabudhabi.com) features six immersive lands including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, as well as Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. e sprawling theme park boasts 29 state-of-the-art thrill rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, and unique live entertainment, as well as a variety of dining and shopping outlets. It’s guaranteed fun for fans of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo. ere’s fast and furious fun for all ages at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (ferrariworldabudhabi.com) on Yas Island. e expansive indoor theme park is home to more than 20 exhilarating rides and attractions, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller-coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 240kmph.

Splash down in Abu Dhabi with a trip to Yas Waterworld (yaswaterworld.com), a water park with 45 rides, slides, and attractions – ideal for children, and big kids, of all ages. Surf the world’s largest sheet wave, Bubble’s Barrel, drop through a 20-metrehigh funnel in a six-person ra on Dawama, or soak up Arabia’s longest suspended rollercoaster, the Bandit Bomber. OUT OF TOWN

If you’ve been to Abu Dhabi city before and fancy heading out of town, why not take a guided tour of Al Ain Oasis, one of UAE’s first places to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Explore the Al Ain Oasis Eco-Centre and discover the rich history of its palm orchards and ancient irrigation canals. Wander its paths under the cascading shadows of palm trees while enjoying the fresh breeze and the sound of water gently running through the Aflaj irrigation system, which is still in use to this day. Al Ain’s picturesque Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s most historic buildings, is also a must visit. Built in 1891 to defend the city’s palm groves, the fort hosts regular exhibitions and is set in beautifully landscaped gardens, which visitors are encouraged to explore (abudhabiculture.ae).

CLOCKWISE FROM

RIGHT: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi; Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; Kayaking at Louvre Abu Dhabi

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Jebel Hafit; Emirati traditional cuisines; Yas Links Abu Dhabi

For sports and adventure lovers

Golf fanatics can tee off at any of Abu Dhabi’s fantastic pay-and-play golf courses, all of which have certified PGA professionals on the books. Three championship-standard courses are within a 20-minute drive of Abu Dhabi city, including the award-winning Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour event; Yas Links on Yas Island, Arabia’s only true links golf course; and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the first ocean course in the region.

No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without having some fun in the desert. Arabian Nights Village (arabiannightsvillage.com) offers the full complement of desert activities, including dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, sand surfing, camel trekking, and cycling through the dunes.

In an emirate comprising around 200 islands, perhaps it’s no surprise that water sports are everywhere. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara (anantara.com) offers kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding through the city’s natural mangroves, activities that are also available at Yas Beach. Snorkelers and divers can spot rays and barracuda among various wrecks and reefs, while surfing, wakeboarding and white-water rafting are among the watersports on offer at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain.

A range of kayak tours are available from adventure specialist Noukhada (noukhada.ae), including mangrove tours, full-moon night tours, half-day island tours and an overnight desert island camping adventure. Kayaking around the Louvre Abu Dhabi is another inspirational option.

The emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second, Jebel Hafit stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.

SHOPPING

Abu Dhabi is home to a plethora of luxury brands including some regional firsts, so if you want to treat yourself or your nearest and dearest, you’ve come to the right place. Explore Nation Galleria’s exclusive collection of shops and restaurants; explore The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, with 130 of the world’s most renowned brand outlets; or head over to the Avenue at Etihad Towers for VIP treatment in one of the world’s most exclusive boutiques. For foodies

Visiting a city and not trying the local food is unforgivable, so if you are interested in getting a real taste of local Emirati culture and a flavour of Abu Dhabi, there are loads of restaurants to check out. One such budget-friendly place is Meylas at Al Raha, ranked as one of the best places to eat Emirati cuisine. Some must-try dishes include khabees, fareed and machboos. Another great place for a traditional Emirati meal is Mezlai at Emirates Palace hotel (mandarinoriental.com/abudhabi). With beautiful décor and ambience that showcases the best of Arabia, Mezlai is famous for its lamb machboos and fresh khubz (pita bread). Another option is Yadoo’s House, which means ‘grandmother’s house’, a charming but contemporary restaurant inspired by family traditions and Arabian hospitality and serving a feast of Arabian flavours including salona (traditional stew using chicken, lamb or seafood) and kofta (meatballs). Save a space for kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry or fine semolina dough soaked in sugar-based syrup and layered with cheese and nuts. Located behind Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, close to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition

Centre, it’s the ideal spot for a meal if you’re attending an event or exhibition. Top tip: Al Bateen Marina is fast becoming Abu Dhabi’s go-to café district and its new Meditteranean restaurant, Medi Terra, is considered a breakfast hotspot. Sit out on the covered terrace overlooking the luxury yachts, enjoying the cool breeze, while you tuck into signature dishes such as the truffle eggs Benedict or avocado toast on sourdough with a piquillo pepper marmalade.

Work. Play. Rest. Repeat.

A vibrant address for savvy guests

Whether it’s a business opportunity or the flamboyant lifestyle that brings one to the city of dreams, Dubai’s pulsating vibe is certainly inevitable for all. For lovers of global destinations of distinction, who also enjoy convenience, comfort and savvy living, Ascott offers the perfect home-away-from-home in the midst of this bustling metropolis.

Steps away from the Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Citadines Metro Central Dubai is a stylish property by leading international lodger owneroperator, The Ascott Limited. Offering studios and one-bedroom serviced spaces, accommodation is spaciously optimised with separate living and dining areas and a fully functional kitchenette: a seamless choice for solo or two guests.

Featuring a swimming pool, gym and business centre, Citadines Metro Central Dubai also offers comprehensive living solutions for expats and tourists. Both in-house guests and local residents can enjoy fresh and delicious bites at ‘Brambles Café’, located on the ground floor of the property.

Citadines Metro Central Dubai has implemented several applaud worthy programmes following the onset of COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of its guests, as part of the brand’s Ascott Cares initiatives. These include the accredited Dubai Assured Stamp, contactless services, lodging initiatives, and the brand’s newly announced partnership with International SOS for health, counselling and travel security teleservices. Citadines Metro Central Dubai has also received the Green Key label for the fifth consecutive year in 2021, testament to its efforts to develop an environment friendly, sustainable and responsible business. The property was also recently recognised as the ‘2021 Travellers’ Choice’ by leading travel company Tripadvisor. Early birds looking to book a city escape anytime this year can enjoy up to 25 per cent off on bookings made 21 days earlier with the 'Advance Purchase' promo when they sign-up to the brand’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards. Download the ‘Discover ASR’ app to become a member and manage your bookings. For more information on the 'Advance Purchase' promo, visit the-ascott.com/offers

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Stylish and spacious bedrooms; well-optimised living spaces; easily accessible, just steps away from Dubai Internet City Metro Station

Leading airlines, hotels and airports scooped accolades across 33 categories at Busines Traveller Middle East Awards 2021

The winners of the hotly anticipated Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 have been revealed.

Leading airlines, hotels, airports and other providers to the business travel sector were recognised across 33 categories in an exclusive online ceremony staged on May 25, 2021, with several travel companies crowned with more than one title including Emirates Airline, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Dubai International Airport (DXB), Four Seasons and Hilton, all of which received at least three awards.

For the rst time in the event’s history, there was a hotel category recognising the ‘Best Business Hotel in Tel Aviv’, while ‘Overall Best Business Hotel in the Middle East’ went to the design-led Mondrian Doha in Qatar.

Notable achievements included Emirates being voted ‘Best Airline Worldwide’ and partner carrier, ydubai, recgonised as ‘Best LowCost Airline serving the Middle East’.

Rotana scooped ‘Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East’ and for its Centro Hotels by Rotana concept, ‘Best Budget Hotel Brand in the Middle East’, while e Ascott Limited was crowned ‘Best Serviced Apartments Brand in the Middle East’ and Marriott Bonvoy was named ‘Best Hotel Loyalty Programme in the Middle East’. e coveted ‘Best Hotel Brand Worldwide’ title went to Hilton Hotels & Resorts.

DXB dominated the airport categories, named ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’, ‘Best Airport for Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East’ and ‘Best Airport in the World’, but Qatar Airways made its mark for ‘Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East’, with voters impressed by the Al Safwa First Class Lounge at its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport

International travel providers recognised included Singapore Airlines, which won ‘Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class’ and ‘Best Asian Airline serving the Middle East,’ while German carrier Lu hansa took the ‘Best European Airline serving the Middle East’ title.

Now in its 19th year, e Business Traveller Middle East Awards celebrate the companies at the forefront of business travel and services, as well as the hard work of top-level industry executives.

Due to ongoing regional and international travel restrictions, the event was staged virtually for the second year running, enabling winners, runners-up and viewers to sit back and relax in the comfort of their home or o ce to enjoy the awards presentation. is included a comprehensive industry round-up video and a warm welcome speech from Ian Fairservice, Managing Partner and Group Editorin-Chief at Motivate, who stressed how the industry had come a long way since the start of the pandemic, with the Middle East proving a pioneer during the crisis. He noted how key stakeholders, from airlines and airports to tourism boards and hotels had been quick to “embrace change, pursue innovation and adapt to the new normal”.

“From world-class health and safety measures to the rapid roll out of

ABOVE: HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, receives trophies on behalf of Emirates and Dubai Airports

The awards honour those who continue to delight and surprise travellers in the face of adversity

new technology, the region has set the benchmark for safe travel in a mid-pandemic world,” he said.

“ is, coupled with exemplary e orts to reopen borders to international travellers, stage global business and sporting events and launch innovative programmes and initiatives, has set the region apart.”

Fairservice highlighted how the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2021 re ected the pandemicdriven evolution of the industry in many ways, from the addition of new awards categories to the new virtual ceremony format.

“But perhaps most poignantly, the awards honour those who continue to delight and surprise travellers in the face of adversity; those who go the extra mile to serve their customers, putting their wellbeing, safety and satisfaction rst; who turn challenges into opportunities while keeping sight of their long-term strategy; and who not only adapt to change, but pioneer new and better ways of facilitating travel,” he concluded. e Business Traveller Middle East team would like to thank everyone who supported the 2021 awards, including e American Legal Centre, voteprocessing partner Jacobsons Direct, which helped to deliver the votes, and you, our readers and voters, without whom, the awards would not be possible.

Lastly, a huge congratulations to all of our winners and shortlisted candidates for making the cut.

To view the awards ceremony in full, visit bit.ly/BTMEAwards2021.

THE WINNERS REVEALED

It reads like a who’s who of the travel sector: the impressive 2021 winning line-up

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Emirates was crowned ‘Best Airline Worldwide’; Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, with Ian Fairservice; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and CEO and Founder of the Emirates Group, receives trophies on behalf of Emirates from Motivate’s Ian Fairservice

Paul Gri iths, CEO of Dubai Airports with Motivate’s Ian Fairservice Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free with Motivate’s Ian Fairservice

Etihad Airways’ cabin crew with Captain Jihad Matta, Head of Crew Performance and Support, and Kawthar Boulaied, Manager Inflight Performance & Operations Ryan Yeoh, General Manager, Gulf & Middle East, Singapore Airlines, with BTME’s Dane Hills

Terry Daly, Executive Director Guest Experience, Brand & Marketing, Etihad Airways, and Kim Hardaker, Head of Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways Rotana President & CEO Guy Hutchinson with BTME’s Dane Hills Airline with the Best Cabin Crew ★ Etihad Airways Airline with the Best Economy Class ★ Emirates Airline with the Best Premium Economy Class ★ Singapore Airlines Airline with the Best Business Class ★ Qatar Airways Airline with the Best First Class ★ Emirates Airline with the Best Frequent Flyer Programme ★ Etihad Guest Best Asian Airline serving the Middle East ★ Singapore Airlines Best European Airline serving the Middle East ★ Lufthansa Best Low-Cost Airline serving the Middle East ★ flydubai Best Airline Worldwide ★ Emirates Best Airport in the Middle East ★ Dubai International Airport Best Airport for Duty Free Shopping in the Middle East ★ Dubai International Airport Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East ★ Qatar Airways Al Safwa

First Class Lounge, Hamad

International Airport Best Airport in the World ★ Dubai International Airport

(L-r) Hilton Hotels’ Jochem-Jan Slei er, President, and Stijn Bastiaens, Vice President and Commercial Director (both for the Middle East Africa & Turkey region) Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island – parent company Hilton was voted ‘Best Hotel Brand Worldwide’

The Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort team

Jeddah Hilton hotel team Leonardo Baiocchi (middle), Regional Vice President & General Manager, Four Seasons Hotels Dubai and Renan Astolpho (left), Hotel Manager, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, with BTME’s Dane Hills

(L-r) Four Seasons Hotel Amman’s Fadi Samaan, Director of Sales, and Randa Shaaban, Social Media & Marketing Manager Best Business Hotel in Abu Dhabi ★ Park Rotana Abu Dhabi Best Business Hotel in Amman ★ Four Seasons Hotel Amman Best Business Hotel in Bahrain ★ InterContinental Regency Bahrain Best Business Hotel in Cairo ★ InterContinental Citystars Cairo Best Business Hotel in Doha ★ Mondrian Doha Best Business Hotel in Dubai ★ Four Seasons Hotel Dubai

International Financial Centre Best Business Hotel in Jeddah ★ Jeddah Hilton Hotel Best Business Hotel in Kuwait ★ Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya Best Business Hotel in Muscat ★ InterContinental Muscat Best Business Hotel in Riyadh ★ voco Riyadh Best Business Hotel in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates ★ Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort Best Business Hotel in Tel Aviv ★ InterContinental David Tel Aviv Best Leisure Hotel in the United Arab Emirates ★ The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah Overall Best Business Hotel in the Middle East ★ Mondrian Doha Best Budget Hotel Brand in the Middle East ★ Centro Hotels by Rotana Best Serviced Apartments Brand in the Middle East ★ The Ascott Limited Best Hotel Loyalty Programme in the Middle East ★ Marriott Bonvoy Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East ★ Rotana Best Hotel Brand Worldwide ★ Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Mondrian Doha was named ‘Best Business Hotel in Doha’ The team at InterContinental Cairo Citystars

(L-r) Marriott Bonvoy’s Rania Chamoun, Director of Loyalty Operations, MEA; Jitendra Jain, VP Loyalty & Partnerships, EMEA; Virginie Liddawi, Senior Director of Loyalty, MEA; and Sina Laubli, Senior Manager Loyalty Marketing, MEA

The hotel team at InterContinental Regency Bahrain

Antonino Cardillo, General Manager, The Oberoi Beach Resort, Al Zorah, with BTME’s Dane Hills Rabih Melhem, General Manager, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, with BTME’s Dane Hills InterContinental David Tel Aviv hotel team

Voco Riyadh hotel team

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MOMENTS THAT LAST FOREVER

Step into a vibrant haven with uplifting experiences that will inspire you in every corner at voco® Riyadh - an IHG hotel! One of the most sophisticated hotels in Riyadh, featuring 438 rooms and suites, located in Riyadh’s key business district and offering you a variety of fine restaurants and leisure facilities to indulge your senses. It also secures more than 400 underground parking spaces for guests. Dine in one of our six delightful restaurants and cafes; savor a refreshing juice on the sundeck after your swim or simply unwind in the sauna before a relaxing massage. Business travellers can use one of our 22 meeting rooms and a large hall that can accommodate more than 1,200 guests. At voco® Riyadh - an IHG Hotel, we promise you a heartfelt welcome and a comfortable stay. One of the perks we certainly are proud of is our (IHG rewards club). With more than 5,600 hotels in nearly 100 countries, IHG Rewards Club provides more member-preferred features than any other hotel loyalty offering, combining more sought-after benefits into one powerful program that is simple and easy.

HOTEL INFORMATION King Fahad Road, Facing the Ministry of Interior, P.O. Box 13003, Riyadh 11493, KSA +966 11 457 9999 | vocohotels.com/Riyadh