Welcome To: Abu Dhabi 2012/13

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WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 2012/2013

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 2012/2013

NOT FOR SALE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

From UAE: 800 Cartier (800-2278437) Outside UAE: +971 4 236 8345

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O azi plac . 20 nbelievabl experi c .

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

AL AIN OASIS

FROM SOUK TO MALL

MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF COURSE

Abu Dhabi’s malls boast a world of choice to satisfy even the most intense shopaholic. Alternatively join in the traditional ‘bargaining’ trade method at Abu Dhabi’s souks (markets), and experience the bustling atmosphere.

Experience Abu Dhabi’s arts exhibition centre on Saadiyat Island. It houses international art exhibitions and brings the vision of this cutural island alive.

A place to breathe away from the hustle of city life, this Gary Player-designed golf course harnesses the stunning natural beauty of Saadiyat Island.

Excitement and thrills are the name of the game at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park. Feel the 240 kph adrenaline rush of the world’s fastest rollercoaster.

The ingenious Al Falaj irrigation system developed 3,000 years ago in Al Ain still channels groundwater to the thriving date-gardens of the oasis.

ABU DHABI’S UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE

AL AIN WILDLIFE PARK & RESORT

ABU DHABI DESERTS

AL JAHILI FORT

SOUGHA

Abu Dhabi is home to breathtaking and groundbreaking architecture.

Visit the Aldar HQ, the world’s first circular skyscraper, and Capital Gate, the world’s furthestleaning, man-made building.

See the White Lions of Sambona and the White Tigers ‘Sugar & Spice’, amongst an array of unique exhibits that epitomise a life of harmony with nature.

Explore the arid and beautiful Liwa Desert, experience the tranquillity of a night camping under desert skies, or scale the dramatic crests of the Empty Quarter’s vast dunes in an off-road adventure.

This superbly renovated fort was the birthplace of the Emirates’ founding father and today is a cultural hub filled with tradition and a symbol of strength and power for the people.

Take home a piece of Abu Dhabi culture in the form of traditional handcrafted goods made by local Emirati artisans.

Visit a destination where experiences are endless.

Where through city, desert, oases and islands, the inspiring heritage of the past infuses the present.

Let Abu Dhabi captivate you.

Abu Dhabi. Travellers welcome.

Discover more. www.visitabudhabi.ae

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Al Jahili Fort - Al Ain

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL

LIWA DESERT

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT & SPA

SIR BANI YAS ISLAND

ARABIAN WILDLIFE PARK

Try your hand at the traditional sport of falconry at the UAE’s first and largest falcon hospital which has offered sanctuary and recuperation to over 42,000 patients.

With striking architecture that mirrors its setting, you can take a step back in time at the majestic Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the legendary Liwa Desert.

Explore nature’s majestic hilltops and wildlife whether walking, mountain biking, kayaking or on horse back.

If you’re not in the mood to explore, simply lie back and enjoy Anantara Spa, or a shoreline infinity-edge swimming pool.

This island is a sanctuary for many different wild birds and mammals, including the endangered Arabian Oryx.

It is also home to the UAE’s only Christian monastery archaeological site.

Take a 4x4 safari adventure through this expansive conservation park that also includes nature trails, mountain biking and exclusive outdoor dining experiences.

DINE AT MEZLAI

AL AIN PALACE MUSEUM

AL GHARBIA WATERSPORTS FESTIVAL

THE LIWA DATE FESTIVAL

CAMEL MARKET

Enjoy a truly authentic and traditional culinary experience at the city’s first Emirati finedining restaurant in Emirates Palace, one of the world’s most opulent hotels.

Relive history and retrace the footsteps of the Emirates’ founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan by visiting his ancestral home.

Whether you’re into surfing, kite surfing, jet skiing or any water activity you can think of, you’ll find it here all year round at the wettest and wildest event in Abu Dhabi.

Taste the heritage that only a vast array of dates can provide at this traditional festival, which richly delivers on culture and has evolved into an epitome of folklore and style.

The lively, bustling market provides an opportunity to hear traders from all over the UAE bargaining with one another while admiring the merits of their prized animals.

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Abu Dhabi - Khalidiya – Arab Gulf St. Tel: 02- 6811119

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You’ll never want to leave

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A room at the Palace Set amidst the splendour of Arabian architecture and opulence, your room at The Emirates Palace is the ultimate in luxury and comfort. As our guest, your night sleep is important to us.

Each impressive room comes with its own pillow menu, allowing you to choose from a selection of superior pillows, helping to ensure that you are well rested and rejuvenated in the morning.

The down in our MĂźhldorfers pillows are cleaned in the clear, calcium free waters of the Bavarian Forest in Germany and then infused with a special antibacterial formula.

After ensuring you the best conditions for a peaceful and healthy sleep, your personal Butler will be ready to assist you with your schedule for another blissful day.

All of this from a room at the Palace.

You’ll never want to leave emiratespalace.ae

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Contents

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 014 Message from the Managing Editor 018 Welcome to Abu Dhabi 026 Fast Facts 032 Express Yourself

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ESSENCE OF ABU DHABI 036 Past and Present 040 Property and Building Development 046 Arts and Culture 050 Fashion

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056 Jewellery 064 Timepieces

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Contents

EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI 072 Must Do’s 074

Events Calendar

076 Sport and Outdoor Adventure 080 Shopping

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086 Dining 100 Beyond Abu Dhabi 104 Luxury Hotel Guide 108 Arabic Translations

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WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 2012/2013 PUBLISHER Tina Cooper MANAGING EDITOR Nick Argyriou ART DIRECTOR Louise Ayres SALES AND ADVERTISING InterCommunications Advertising PRODUCTION MANAGER Elizabeth Rudenko PRE-PRESS Davin Lim SUB-EDITOR Madeleine Swain CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Parker, Heather Bloom, Ally Everard, Simone Turner, Elizabeth Rudenko, Jamie Farshchi, Mary Erskine

For all advertising inquiries relating to the prestigious international Welcome To series, read by millions of affluent travellers each year, please contact the following:

CHAIRMAN AND GROUP PUBLISHER Nicholas Dower

AUSTRALIA Head Office Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au

MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Lidgerwood FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Sonia Jurista STUDIO DESIGN MANAGER Keely Atkins DIGITAL MANAGER Nugie Lim OTHER TITLES IN THE WELCOME TO‌ SERIES INCLUDE: Welcome To Australia Welcome To Dubai Welcome To New Zealand Welcome To Victoria South Africa Guest Information

DUBAI/ABU DHABI InterCommunications Advertising PO Box 55894 Dubai UAE Tel: +971 4 2281 977 Fax: +971 4 2231 732 Email: adil1@emirates.net.ae NEW ZEALAND Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au SOUTH AFRICA Niche Media 142 Dorcas Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia Tel: +61 3 9948 4932 Fax: +61 3 9948 4933 Email: tina.cooper@niche.com.au

ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SapphireOne www.sapphireone.com

ALSO PUBLISHED BY NICHE MEDIA PTY LTD AR (Architectural Review Asia-Pacific) desktop FM (Facility Management) HeliNEWS (inside) Interior Design Review Macworld Australia Marketing The Welcome To publications are distributed annually to the guest rooms of prestigious international hotels in the aforementioned countries. Other destinations will follow.

While every endeavour is made to avoid errors, some information contained within may be superseded during the term of publication. The publishers would appreciate advice of any changes which may occur after publication.

This book is copyright 2012/2013.

No part may be reproduced by any process without the written permission of the publishers.

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COVER PHOTOGRAPH Image courtesy Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI IS PUBLISHED BY Waiviata Pty Ltd ABN 89 005 577 873, a member of the Niche Group ABN 20 097 172 337

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR NICK ARGYRIOU The capital and second largest city of the United Arab Emirates simply continues to evolve culturally, expand in infrastructure yearly, and be a thriving tourist destination for travellers from all over the globe.

Development is currently underway on Saadiyat Island to erect a New York University campus, a Guggenheim, and even a Louvre, demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s profound admiration for the West.

There’s even a recent collaboration with Sir Richard Branson to build the world’s second Virgin Galactic Spaceport in the Emirati capital. That’s not to say that Abu Dhabi is distancing itself from its heritage and roots, for this is a city merely revelling in ambition and a want to become the best it can be.

Al Ain 2030 is one such project that is taking local living to new, sustainable heights with ecological housing and an emphasis on water-based travel with extensive waterways and canals helping to link the city.

Buildings are being designed smarter with solar shading to keep the desert heat at bay, and the capital continues to balance the grandiose with the viable.

It’s all a part of Abu Dhabi’s 2030 vision.

From the desert escapades of the land, best enjoyed through Balloon Adventures Emirates’ hot air balloon expeditions into the heart of the emirates’ pure desert, to the aquatic wonderland of Yas Island, and Yas Marina that houses the Formula 1 in November, there’s much to see and do.

Nick Argyriou Managing editor, Welcome To luxury travel series The definitive resource for discerning travellers.

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So, get out there and do. See you soon.

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WELCOME TO Enter a magical land where desert sands lead to azure waters, where ancient traditions fuse into futuristic vision, and where a call to prayer marks the beginning of a day before the stir of international trade starts up...

Arabic sweets. Š A. Grigoriev

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ABU DHABI

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Abu Dhabi City. © Zubair Khan

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Welcome to ABU DHABI

A

of Bani Yas, descendants of whom are the current rulers of the nation today. Originally trading in pearls, an abundance of which were found in the azure waters of the gulf, this settlement came to be of vast importance to the British in colonial times.

They used its location to protect their trade routes to India from pirates. It later rose from the sands of the desert with the discovery of oil in the 1960s, turning what was once a small port into a bustling, international metropolis.

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bu Dhabi is something of a mirage rising out of the dusty desert of the United Arab Emirates. A city of glittering gold and shimmering glass, it is everything you want it to be and more – an epic contrast of the barren and the beautiful, the privileged and the poor, the noble and nomadic.

Nestled in the Arabian Gulf, the modern site of this grand city began as a source of fresh water – of paramount importance to the Bedouin tribes

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI

Emily Parker explores the cultural significance of one visionary capital city.

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WELCOME TO ABU DHABI

A good ‘taster’ of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi has enough sheikdom and sand dunes to fire the inquisitive, yet still retains enough of a cosmopolitan union of Islam and the Western world to please any traveller.

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Sand dunes. © David Steele

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of fun. There is simply so much to do, and the city is laid out for convenience. The signature Corniche Road runs directly along the coastline and opens up to a number of beautiful cafes where one can stop and admire the view with a fortifying coffee or relax and soak up some of the heart-warming sunshine on the immaculate beaches.

Abu Dhabi offers more than just your typical tourist attractions of shops, beaches and fine dining; it is a world-class cultural destination. Only minutes from the city centre, Saadiyat Island is set to become the art haunt of the Middle East, as it will house a New York University campus, a Guggenheim, and even a Louvre!

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A good ‘taster’ of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi has enough sheikdom and sand dunes to fire the inquisitive, yet still retains enough of a cosmopolitan union of Islam and the Western world to please any traveller.

You may be surprised by the city’s greenery, but you will soon discover that, with over 400 kilometres of coastline and 2000 parks, the city is known for its lush shrubbery in what is normally a very beige landscape.

Traditions and customs abound in the United Arab Emirates and it pays to be respectful of Islamic culture: a modest dress code, friendly manner and mindful tone will serve you well here, but that’s not to say you won’t find plenty

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI

Sheikh Zayed Mosque. © Hainault Photo

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If the arts aren’t enough for you, head to Yas Island, home of the Formula 1 Grand Prix track, yacht club, marina and Ferrari World. Don’t miss a trip to the Central Market; a vast shopping arena that rivals New York’s Fifth Avenue – meanwhile, the souk is the best spot for buying all of your souvenirs and trinkets.

The scale of the entertainment in Abu Dhabi is unrivalled anywhere else in the world. It’s like the Las Vegas of the Middle East… without the drinking and gambling, of course!

The jewel of Abu Dhabi’s Heritage crown has to be the imposing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

A national icon, it offers tours for all cultures, backgrounds and religions, but this is a place of worship, so you must adhere to Islamic guidelines.

It is, frankly, jaw-dropping in size at 22,412 square metres and fits a staggering 40,960 worshippers. Consider this: there are 82 domes of white marble and more than 1000 columns

featuring any number of semi-precious gems and stones, including mother-of-pearl, amethyst and lapis lazuli. And it’s not just the exterior that impresses; the carpet was handcrafted by more than 1100 artisans in the famed carpet region of Mashhad in Iran, and has been valued at over US$8 million!

The chandelier in the prayer hall is the largest of its kind in the world. The Mosque’s construction used materials and designs from numerous countries around the world and the result is intended to promote peace, tolerance and understanding. The scale and beauty of this place is genuinely awe-inspiring.

If you are looking for an oasis away from the everyday hubbub of the Western world, then the refreshing, vast and contrast-heavy Abu Dhabi is for you – one of the most barren environments on earth unveiling a veritable playground for all things glitzy and grand. w

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Al Ain Palace. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Souk shopping. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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WELCOME TO ABU DHABI

Abu Dhabi offers more than just your typical tourist attractions of shops, beaches and fine dining; it is a world-class cultural destination. Only minutes from the city centre, Saadiyat Island is set to become the art haunt of the Middle East, as it will house a New York University campus, a Guggenheim and even a Louvre!

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Saadiyat Island. Š S Lava

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Fast FACTS

AIRPORT Abu Dhabi International Airport is the second largest airport in the UAE, and continues to expand to accommodate the fast growing tourism industry of the region. The airport itself is a modern hub of activity, incorporating the latest technology to achieve a high level of service for its estimated 12 million passengers per annum. It includes state-of-the-art facilities and international boutiques, with a unique 18-hole sand golf course constructed on the airport grounds and available for use by transit passengers and local golf enthusiasts alike.

The current multibillion-dollar development plan for the Midfield Terminal Complex, a new passenger terminal between the two runways, will prepare the airport for a potential 20 million passengers when it is completed in 2012.

BARGAINING Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Abu Dhabi, although it is more a matter of negotiation than haggling. Persistent bargaining will usually reduce the list price substantially – especially for cash sales. In the souks (markets), the rule of thumb is to offer half the listed or quoted price and work upwards from there.

BUSINESS HOURS The Islamic weekend generally starts from noon on Thursdays. Friday is the holy day when businesses – other than shops – close down completely. During the working week – Saturday to Wednesday – government offices are usually open between 07.30 and 14.30.

Abu Dhabi city skyline. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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ALCOHOL Alcoholic drinks are served in the major hotels and their restaurants, as well as in a few clubs (such as some golf clubs) and associations, and the

minimum drinking age is 21. Non-Muslim residents can buy supplies of liquor for home consumption by obtaining a permit. Public drunkenness or driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly against the law, as is serving, selling or giving liquor to Muslims.

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CAR HIRE There are plenty of car rental offices in Abu Dhabi, with all sizes and makes available for hire, with or without a driver. Rates begin at around Dhs120 (US$32.50) a day for small cars, and Dhs1000 (US$272) a day for limousines. Roads are excellent; however, the inner-city traffic has a reputation for being somewhat chaotic.

CLIMATE The climate is at its best between October and April when, even in mid-winter, temperatures on the coast hover at around 24 degrees Celsius maximum. Nights are cool, sometimes even chilly, but rain is so infrequent it poses no threat to outdoor activities. From May until October, it is extremely hot and humid on the coast and, although humidity drops significantly inland, temperatures soar over 40 degrees Celsius during the day and only drop about 10 degrees at night.

Even those cooling Gulf breezes that spring up during the summer are sometimes laden with dust and sand. Summers in the Gulf are no longer unbearable, however, thanks to air-conditioning, swimming pools and the successful greening of the cities.

CREDIT CARDS Most credit cards such as Diners, American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at the major hotels and some of the larger shops; however, better bargains can usually be obtained with cash.

CURRENCY The United Arab Emirate dirham (AED) and fils are the units of currency with 100 fils to the dirham. The dirham is tied to the US dollar at a steady exchange rate of US$1 = AED3.68.

Banks usually give the best rates on foreign currency exchange, but hotels and airports are often quicker and are open outside of banking hours. Money exchangers tend to have a wider range of currencies, but their rates may be higher. Exchange rates are published daily in newspapers.

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CLOTHING Lightweight summer clothing is suitable all year round, with the addition of a warmer jacket for cool winter nights. Air-conditioned hotels and restaurants can also be quite cold at times.

During the summer months, it is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothes in fabrics suitable for hot conditions. With the exception of beaches and around swimming pools, where modern swimwear can be worn without contravening local dress codes, visitors are expected to dress conservatively in public. It is advisable to cover up under the strong Middle Eastern sun with sleeved clothing, hats and sunglasses. Hotel restaurants do not insist that male guests wear ties, but most men, if not wearing a lightweight suit and tie, will at least be in smart casual attire.

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DRIVING LICENCES Visitors wishing to drive must have a valid international licence. A UAE driver’s licence can be obtained if your job classification allows it and you can produce the relevant documentation.

Check with the Traffic and Licensing Department for more information.

DUTY FREE ALLOWANCE Four litres of alcohol (for non-Muslim adults only), AED3000 worth of gifts including perfume and AED2000 worth of cigarettes, or two kilograms of tobacco are permitted duty free allowances. There are no restrictions on the amount of currency you may bring into Abu Dhabi and no customs duty on personal effects accompanied or unaccompanied.

There is a duty free store at the airport that stocks an extensive range of merchandise.

ELECTRICITY The electricity supply is 220/240 volts AC at 50 cycles. The socket type is identical to the threepoint British system.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS No health certificates are required currently for entry to the UAE, except for visitors who have been in a cholera or yellow fever infected area during the 14 days before arrival. Health requirements can change suddenly, so it is always wise to check the situation with your travel agent before departure.

INTERNET Fixed and wireless internet access is readily available throughout much of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Most hotels and many cafés around the city centres have

Wi-Fi access, and now many public places such as malls and the airport have it also. Internet cafés charge around AED5 to AED10 per hour.

LANGUAGE The official language is Arabic, but English is widely understood in hotels and shops. English is also used as a second language in commerce.

MEDICAL CARE There are many well-equipped modern facilities in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including several private hospitals. Most hotels have their own doctor on 24-hour call, and pharmacies carry common medicines and health products. Healthcare is free to all nationals and residents with a health card.

Others may choose between inexpensive care in government health facilities or higher priced private treatment.

NEWSPAPERS The English language newspapers such as Gulf News, Gulf Today and Khaleej Times are published daily, as are six Arabic newspapers. Foreign newspapers (a day late) and magazines are also available in bookshops and supermarkets, along with many other specialist Arabic magazines.

PHOTOGRAPHY Abu Dhabi is rich in subject matter; only a few things are taboo, including military and other government installations. It is courteous to ask permission before photographing any nationals and be mindful that taking photographs of local women could be considered inappropriate.

Take particular care to protect your photographic equipment from sand and heat.

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Dirham coins. © Fotonium

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Oasis. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS As the dates of Islamic holidays are not fixed, it is best to ask a resident or consult the daily newspapers for information, because holidays are frequently confirmed less than 24 hours in advance. There are some fixed non-Muslim holidays like New Year on 1 January and National Day on 2-3 December. Christmas is observed by some Western companies and some embassies may observe Easter.

2012/2013 public holiday dates Israa and Miaraj Night* – 6 June 2013 Ramadan – expected to begin 9 July 2013 Eid Al Fitr* – 8 August 2013 Arafat (Hajj) Day* – 25 October 2012 Eid Al Adha* – 26 October 2012 UAE National Day – 2 December 2012 Hijri New Year’s Day* – 15 November 2012 New Year – 1 January 2013 Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday * – 24 January 2013 * Islamic holidays (exact date is subject to moon-sighting) RAMADAN Ramadan falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which means that it usually occurs around August/September. It is a month of fasting, during which no food or water may be consumed in public during daylight hours. As a matter of respect, non-Muslims should also observe these religious customs.

Licensed premises are closed during Ramadan and working hours are reduced; however, business is sometimes conducted after dark.

The end of Ramadan is marked by joyous feasting and dancing over the three-day Eid Al-Fitr holiday.

RADIO Both Arabic and English commercial radio stations broadcast in Abu Dhabi. Arabic radio is broadcast in alternating short wave frequencies.

RELIGION Islam is the official religion, but other creeds are respected. There are three Christian churches: St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, St George Orthodox Cathedral and St Andrew’s Protestant

TAXIS Taxis are plentiful, comparatively cheap and have fixed-metre fares around the city from about AED5 to AED20. If you travel outside the city by taxi, however, it is wise to establish the price before setting out. Sharing is common practice for longer journeys. Upmarket Al Ghazal taxis can be called by any hotel concierge.

TELEPHONE Telecommunications throughout Abu Dhabi are modern and efficient. International direct dialling is available to most countries. Local and international dialling codes may be obtained by dialling the operator on 181. If you have difficulty with dialling, ring 151 for assistance. Pay phones, located in the cities and at points along the highways, can be operated by coins (AED1 or 50 fils) or phone cards, which may be purchased from post offices and licensed agents throughout the city. Reduced charges apply between 21.00 and 07.00, plus all day on Fridays, public or national holidays. Major hotels have all the latest telecommunications facilities.

TELEVISION There are about 13 channels broadcasting in Arabic and English in Abu Dhabi, and it is also possible to pick up signals from Dubai, Sharjah and countries outside of the UAE. Plus Abu Dhabi receives satellite television from around the world, transmitting CNN, the BBC and Star TV, among others.

TIME UAE time is four hours ahead of GMT. TIPPING Tipping is a practice that varies from country to country, depending on tradition. In Abu Dhabi, the practice is to tip according to service. Even where a service charge is applied, staff expect a little extra. Ten percent is acceptable in hotel restaurants; for luggage porters at airports a tip of AED5 or AED10 is customary, depending on the amount of luggage.

WATER Tap water in major centres comes from desalination plants and is safe to drink; however, many people prefer bottled water, which is served in most hotels and restaurants and may be purchased at shops throughout Abu Dhabi. w

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PUBLIC TRANSPORT A modern bus system operates almost 24 hours a day. The major coach station is on Hazza Bin Zayed Road, where buses arrive and depart for destinations throughout Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Some are air-conditioned, some not. Fares are inexpensive.

Church. Every Muslim has a duty to pray five times a day; the precise times are published daily.

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Flag of the United Arab Emirates. Š Philip Lange

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Express o

YOURSELF

Yes

Na’am

No

La’

Hello

Marhaba

Thank you

Ashkurak (female – ashkurik)

Welcome

Ahlan wa sahlan

How are you?

Kaif halak? (female – kaif halik?)

Very well, thank you

Taib katheer, shokran

I am grateful

Ana muttashakkir

Thank you for your hospitality

Shokran ala hathihi-l-dhiafah

Good morning

Sabah al-khair

Good evening

Masa’al-khair

Goodbye

Fi aman lllah

How much?

Qadaish

On the right

‘Ala yaminak

On the left

‘Ala shimalak

Straight ahead

Doghri

When?

Emta?

I do not have...

Ma’indi...

Stop

Qif

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Although English is widely spoken throughout the United Arab Emirates, the following words and phrases may be helpful:

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I don’t speak Arabic

Ma ata – kallam Arabi

What time is it?

As-sa’a kam?

Call me a taxi

Areed taxi

I want to buy...

Areed ashtiri...

Do you sell...?

Andak...?

Where is the market?

Wain is-souq?

One

Wahid

Two

Ithnain

Three

Thalatha

Four

Arba’a

Five

Khamsa

Six

Sitta

Seven

Sab’a

Eight

Thamaniya

Nine

Tis’a

Ten

Ashara

Hundred

Mi’a

Thousand

Alf

Sunday

Yom al-ahad

Monday

Yom al-ithnain

Tuesday

Yom ath-thalatha

Wednesday

Yom al-arba’a

Thursday

Yom al-khamees

Friday

Yom al-jum’a

Saturday

Yom as-sabt

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI

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ESSENCE OF Abu Dhabi is as culturally rich as it is oil wealthy – with luxury, opulence and grandeur at the forefront of its art, events, developments, attractions, shopping and fashion worlds.

Interior of Sheikh Zayed Mosque. © Vladimir Melnik

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ABU DHABI

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Man on the corniche. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Past

AND PRESENT

This all changed in 1958 when British discoverers tapped into oil coffers in Abu Dhabi that today still account for about nine percent of the world’s oil reserves. Four years later, Abu Dhabi was exporting barrels of it to the world and starting a rapid transformation from a somewhat arid land of camels, mud and reed huts into a boomtown of Ferraris and shiny high-rises. When Abu Dhabi gained independence from the UK in 1971 and the UAE was officially created, its new president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan (the former ruler of Abu Dhabi) set out to modernise the country. And this has been achieved, particularly in the capital.

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PAST Over the years, the waters off Abu Dhabi have been hotly contested, namely by the Portuguese (1498 to 1633) and the British (early 1600s to 1971), who both had stints at controlling parts of the Gulf and the valuable trade route waters that went along with it. Traditionally, mainland Abu Dhabi was never as bustling or as sought after as its waters, and was only sparsely populated by various Bedouin tribes until the middle part of the 20th century. Until this point, Abu Dhabi had about 46,000 inhabitants and the emirates’ economy largely consisted of date farming, camel herding, fishing and pearling.

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Welcome To discovers that while the capital of the United Arab Emirates honours its heritage, it continues to modernise at a rate of knots.

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The Louvre Abu Dhabi Due to open in 2015, this is a product of a 30-year cultural accord between the UAE and French Government. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, will present major artefacts and works in archaeology, the fine arts and decorative arts from all historic periods.

The stunning, fretted canopy which is a key design feature was inspired by sunlight streaming through the palm plantations of the ancient oasis in Al Ain – Abu Dhabi’s second city and its heritage heartland.

Exhibitions to go on show will be drawn from the collections of the Louvre and other French museums including the Musée du Quai Branley, Centre George Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Versailles, Guimet, Rodin and the Réunion des Musées Nationaux. The Louvre Abu Dhabi will also present works from its own permanent collection.

The 24,000-square metre museum will include 6000 square metres of galleries devoted to permanent display with 2000 square metres reserved for temporary exhibitions.

PRESENT Today, Abu Dhabi is characterised by its modern architecture and global investments; it even has its own international airline, Etihad Airways. While there has been a push to diversify the economy, oil production is to this day the primary industry and looks to stay like that for a couple more decades to come.

This oil wealth has made Abu Dhabi one of the richest cities in the world, with its 900,000 permanent residents accounting for one of the highest GDP per capita in the world.

Abu Dhabi also boasts its fair share of man-made attractions, which give the emirate a distinct progressive and almost futuristic feel. Some of these developments include buildings such as the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, HQ, Capital Gate, as well as Yas Island, with its Ferrari theme park, racetrack, water park, apartments, hotels, golf courses and retail centre. In the future there will be the Saadiyat Island cultural attractions, due for completion in the next few years and Al Reem, which will have an 83-storey skyscraper, New York-style central park and a Venetian-like canal system by its completion in 2023. w

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Today, Abu Dhabi is characterised by its modern architecture and global investments; it even has its own international airline, Etihad Airways.

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Abu Dhabi panorama. Š S Hock

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Property building AND

DEVELOPMENT

Heather Bloom takes a close look at Abu Dhabi’s unique building construction and architectural empire that is helping pave the way for the emirate’s future.

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omewhere over the rainbow underneath the harsh desert sun rests the Middle East’s most prized treasure; the world-dominating force that is the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi. What began as a society of semi-nomadic desert dwellers has quickly evolved into the Emirate leader in awardwinning architecture and design. Primitive Abu Dhabi residences were made from the scarce resources found in the harsh barren climate of the Middle Eastern desert and were typically formed using sun-dried mud bricks and date palm fronds.

These rudimentary designs are now just a distant memory for the residents of Abu Dhabi, as the

in the world and therefore allows Emirati designs to be some of the most spectacular, opulent and innovative pieces ever created.

Constantly pushing the boundaries in terms of creativity and excessive magnificence, Abu Dhabi still looks to its rich history when building modern designs. In what is considered one of the most important pieces of the Abu Dhabi landscape, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has been inspired by both Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture, and is a unique piece of architecture that has brought aspects from every continent to its design.

Reaching from Asia to the UK, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an example of Abu Dhabi’s global reach and appeal.

current skyline reflects the city’s global reach, with inspiration drawn from New York to Paris creating an exotic and eclectic mix of old and new, East and West, vintage glamour and futuristic design, all collaborating to create a completely new frontier of global architecture.

Since the mid-1970s, Abu Dhabi has been experiencing an economic boom mostly due to its rich oil supplies that keep the engines running the world over. Holding 95 percent of the UAE’s oil reserves makes this capital city one of the richest

While Abu Dhabi and big sister Dubai are often renowned for their elaborate structures and grand designs, the UAE capital is also at the forefront when it comes to economical and ecological housing, having begun planning for Al Ain 2030.

Meaning ‘The Spring’ in Arabic, this urban society 150 kilometres east of Abu Dhabi, is home to more than 400,000 residents and is one of the UAE’s most preserved historic sites. It is the site of six natural oases fed by an ancient irrigation system called a falaj that dates back as far as 1000 BCE.

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Holding 95 percent of the UAE’s oil reserves makes this capital city one of the richest in the world and therefore allows Emirati designs to be some of the most spectacular, opulent and innovative pieces ever created.

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Š Ferrari World

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Current plans for Al Ain 2030 include low-rise, low-cost and low-impact ecological housing and an emphasis on water-based travel with extensive waterways and canals linking the city. Buildings will also be designed to withstand the desert location with appropriate materials and solar shading to keep the desert heat at bay. Al Ain will also be the home of a brand new multipurpose built dome with a 40,000-seat enclosed stadium to ensure a sports focus on the ‘garden city’ of the UAE. From economic to excessive, the UAE is wellknown for its giant skyscrapers, huge shopping malls and incredible tourist attractions. Abu Dhabi is leading the pack with the biggest and best in

theme parks, shopping and a series of buildings classed as ‘super tall’. Etihad Towers is one of the current projects set to realign the Abu Dhabi landscape with its super tall, über-modern design.

The five towers that make up the project consist of one office tower, three residential and a hotel. The tallest of the five will reach 3000 metres and 76 storeys, classing the finished development as one of the world’s epic ‘super talls’.

At the base of the five towers lies a multilevel podium consisting of designer boutiques, a convention centre and a 167-square metre ballroom that can accommodate up to 1000 guests, as well as a fitness club, wellness centre and the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Grand Lobby.

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Abu Dhabi Corniche. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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is a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and is home to world-class attractions, the Yas Marina Circuit (the state-of-the-art motor sports race track, which hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix) and the stunning Yas Hotel, which sits atop both land and ocean with innovative design and

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Located directly opposite the Emirates Palace, this is one (or rather five!) pieces of design sure to please the style-savvy Emiratis.

For the adventure seekers, Yas Island holds everything wet, wild and wonderful and is sure to thrill your senses. The entertainment destination

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Etihad Towers is one of the current projects set to realign the Abu Dhabi landscape with its super tall, über-modern design. The five towers that make up the project consist of one office tower, three residential and a hotel. The tallest of the five will reach 3000 metres and 76 storeys, classing the finished development as one of the world’s epic ‘super talls’.

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spectacular craftsmanship. Currently the island, which is already home to Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park for the autoloving motoring enthusiast, is about to take its entertainment capacity to the next level with the development of Yas Waterworld. This gigantic development will thrill guests with speed slides, the world’s largest surf-friendly sheet wave and the Dawwama, the world’s primary and longest hydro magnetic powered tornado. As well as these incredible attractions, Yas Waterworld also houses the Falcon’s Falaj, the Middle East’s longest waterslide and Bandit Bomber, the largest suspended roller-coaster with on-board water and laser effects.

All these remarkable developments, plus the recent collaboration with Sir Richard Branson to build the world’s second Virgin Galactic Spaceport in the Emirati capital, mean the future of this incredible city pays homage to its past while looking into the future, both stylistically and ecologically, to create a brand new vision for the UAE. Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, the city’s premium business address, is located on the top floors of the iconic Capital Gate building, which leans a record-breaking 18 degrees. The hotel is adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the largest conference and exhibition venue in the Middle East. Strategically located above prime office space, the hotel is within walking distance of the UAE capital’s upmarket Embassy District, and 15 minutes from the city’s international airport. The hotel offers 189 luxury guestrooms and suites with panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows, innovative and authentic dining experiences and the Rayana Spa, Abu Dhabi’s first sky spa.

The hotel’s signature restaurant, 18 Degrees (18˚), presents authentic seasonal Eastern Mediterranean dishes using perfect preparation methods and fresh market produce in elegant and stylish surroundings. Profiterole offers an à la carte menu that revolves around small puff pastries with a sweet or savoury filling in a sophisticated environment, whereas the residential-style Lounge offers a more intimate atmosphere for its afternoon tea. The Privé bar on the mezzanine floor next to the hotel’s four ‘Salon’ meeting rooms is a sleek contemporary bar-meets-urban lounge. w

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Profiterole offers an à la carte menu that revolves around small puff pastries with a sweet or savour y filling in a sophisticated environment, whereas the residential-style Lounge offers a more intimate atmosphere for its afternoon tea.

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Š Profiterole

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Arts culture AND

Heather Bloom uncovers the melting pot of tradition and modernity that feeds Abu Dhabi’s rich landscape of arts and culture.

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CULTURE The adoption of the Islamic faith has had the largest effect on Abu Dhabi’s culture, as many of its traditions revolve around the promotion and celebration of the national religion. The Islamic faith is based on the Quran values. It encourages generosity, charity and family, and is evident in every facet of Abu Dhabi society – from politics to national dress. The Emirati people are warm, respectful people who value their deeply ingrained cultural roots and religion.

The most widely respected and celebrated holiday in Abu Dhabi is Ramadan, usually falling on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar (Al Hijri). This is a spiritual time in which practising Muslims refrain from eating and drinking during daylight hours. Visitors to Abu Dhabi are required

Arabian Horses. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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wild and untamed landscape of sandy desert that is anything but barren lies in the cultural hub of the United Arab Emirates. The thriving nation of Abu Dhabi is where rich culture meets the modern urbanisation that has become synonymous with the UAE. Deeply connected to the land, Abu Dhabi residents have learned the skills needed to survive their harsh environment. For thousands of years they have travelled the desert, living a semi-nomadic lifestyle and adapting to the difficult climate under a burning sun. Generous, warm and kind, Abu Dhabi locals are more tolerant than many other Arabic nations and therefore welcome travellers to their beautiful nation under the sun.

Central to Abu Dhabi’s national identity are its traditions and the necessity of preserving these traditions for future generations. Currently, the growing trend within Abu Dhabi is the melding of old and new – respecting tradition while creating a new artistic landscape for the UAE.

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to respect this tradition and therefore non-Muslim guests are asked to eat meals and drink water in private between dawn and dusk. Many shops are closed or have limited hours during this period, which lasts for 29 to 30 days. The end of Ramadan results in the festival Eid al-Fitr, in which the fast is broken and Muslim followers rejoice by attending religious ceremonies and showing their generosity. It is customary to give something to charity during the two or three days of Eid al-Fitr.

Local residents are easily distinguishable from tourists as they often wear traditional garments; for men this means the dishdasha, a long white collarless gown and matching headdress (guhtrah). Local Emirati women wear abayas over their clothing; a long, black loosefitting garment that may be worn with a nijab (face covering) headdress. While Islam is the prominent faith followed by Emirati people, Abu Dhabi residents are renowned for their religious tolerance and it is not uncommon to see Christian churches or Hindu temples alongside traditional mosques. This unifying nature is due to the influx of immigrants over the past century. Iranians moved to the desert paradise in the early 1900s, while Indians and Pakistanis flocked to the UAE capital during the 1960s.

TRADITIONAL ARTS The traditional arts of Abu Dhabi are as rich in history and as bright as the fabric used to create such extraordinary pieces of art and handicrafts.

Largely dominated by women, the original arts and crafts skills have been passed from one generation to the next in a tradition that is as much cultural experience as it is artistic venture.

Weaving and embroidery are popular skills in Abu Dhabi, where women weave brightly coloured strings of gold and silver on a wooden block in order to achieve the teli: an intricate and exquisite embroidery technique that decorates the traditional costumes worn during special occasions and festivals.

Weaving isn’t confined to embroidery, however. The sadu is a traditional handicraft where wool and cotton are woven together in detailed designs in order to make tents for Emirati tribes living in the desert. Native Abu Dhabi arts intertwine their way into every sector of daily life.

Creating everything from woven baskets made from palm fronds to clothes, carpets and pottery, the local women are adept at finding useful and eye-catching ways to enhance the beauty in everyone’s life. For a unique souvenir of Abu Dhabi, female visitors can have a piece of local

Man reading the Quran. Š Tom Gowanlock

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The Islamic faith is based on the Quran values. It encourages generosity, charity and family, and is evident in ever y facet of Abu Dhabi society from politics to national dress. The Emirati people are warm, respectful people who value their deeply ingrained cultural roots and religion.

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www.torath.ae MODERN ART Abu Dhabi is in the middle of a cultural boom; the artistic community has well and truly found its feet in the hot, sandy desert and is quickly becoming the epicentre for the Middle Eastern arts scene.

Bringing the world to Abu Dhabi is the team at the Tourism and Development Company, which plans to shape Abu Dhabi into a regional centre of culture by 2030.

Part of this incredible development is the completion of Saadiyat Island, an ‘island of art’ that aims to bring the greatest artists and artwork to the UAE, therefore uniting the corners of the globe in one thriving hub of creativity and beauty.

Some of the plans involve the world’s largest ever Guggenheim Museum that stands at 30,000 square metres (320,000 square feet) and will house the finest in contemporary art as well as a library, children’s education facility and state-ofart-conservation laboratory.

In addition to the Guggenheim, there is the world’s first Louvre Museum built in the UAE, which is designed to appear to be floating with its web-patterned dome giving the illusion of sunlight filtering through palm fronds in a desert oasis.

This cluster of artistic venues is only growing as preparations for the Sheikh Zayed National Museum come into place. The series of 125metre high aerodynamic towers both represent the wings of a falcon and use traditional wind power methods to help cool the building. The Sheikh Zayed National Museum, named after the late Emirati ruler, is an exciting example of the blend of new technology and old traditions preserving the past while embracing the future.

For a taste of what’s to come, guests can visit the Manarat Al Saadiyat, a purpose built visitors’ centre that displays the exciting projects being created on the ‘island of enlightenment’ (the Arabic meaning of Manarat Al Saadiyat) including a contemporary art gallery, landscaped garden and 250-seat state-of-the-art auditorium.

Ghaf Art Gallery Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Khalidiyah Tel: +971 2 665 5332

www.ghafartgallery.com Barakat Gallery Emirates Palace Tel: +971 2 690 8950

FESTIVALS Abu Dhabi Art is an annual festival incorporating a selection of the world’s finest art galleries in displaying emerging artists of the nation. In 2011, the festival brought 17,000 visitors to the Saadiyat Cultural District, where 500 artists exhibited their work. It included public programs run by worldrenowned artists and brought together over 50 galleries from across the globe.

A call to prayer – a beautiful, eerie chant that emanates from the mosques, the first of which sounds at dawn – sets the tone of this city. Abu Dhabi is a curious and fascinating blend of tradition and development.

More conservative than neighbouring Dubai, it nevertheless is tolerant and respectful of the many cultures that make up its population. In reflecting its dedication to Islam and its rich cultural ties, Abu Dhabi’s art and culture scene is positively passionate and pervasive. w

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www.barakatgallery.com

THEATRE AND MUSIC Established in 1981, the National Theatre in Abu Dhabi was developed by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and houses a 2250-seat auditorium for theatre and events, complete with a purpose-built gallery for art exhibitions.

Next door to the National Theatre is the city’s Cultural Centre, home to an array of cultural and artistic activities, including seminars. It also houses two exhibition halls exhibiting over 100 pieces of work from local Emirati artists.

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) is at the forefront of arts in the region, bringing theatre and other performing arts to the UAE capital. Regular concerts featuring local and international artists are also often held at the Cultural Foundation auditorium or the Emirates Palace auditorium. The popular Abu Dhabi Classics series brings the world’s greatest stars to the stage and has included the New York Philharmonic, the Russian Chamber Orchestra and famous oud player, Naseer Shamma.

The oud itself is a remarkable instrument. A stringed piece, designed like a lute, it is the oldest string instrument in the world and has been described as ‘the soul of Arab people’.

While theatre isn’t as prominent in Emirati culture as other artistic practices, the process of storytelling is one that is passed down through the generations and remains an important aspect in modern day Arabic culture.

ADMAF Tel: +971 2 677 8432, Fax: +971 2 671 1422 Email: admfauh@emirates.net.ae National Theatre and Cultural Centre PO Box 17 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel: +971 2 445 2501, Fax: +971 2 443 2522

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art painted on their body in the form of a henna tattoo, a non-permanent but stunning reminder of the unique art scene of the Emirati capital.

Heritage Village: Near Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi UAE Tel: +971 2 681 4455

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Fashion -

AN EMERGENCE OF INTERNATIONAL ELEGANCE

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Elizabeth Rudenko discovers an emerging ‘fashion capital’ of the world.

© Fendi

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© Fendi

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© Tommy Hilfiger

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Dhabi Fashion Week also provided a platform to participate in the other great international fashion weeks. Designers such as Milia Maroun, an Abu Dhabi Fashion Week designer, enjoyed enormous success and became the first ever Arabian designer to show her collection at Milan Fashion Week in 2008. Alice Teeuwen of Maven, the creator of the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week, says, “Fashion is one of the largest global industries, and this region is globally significant within that industry. The number of top executives from some of the world’s largest design houses, retailers and brands coming to the Abu Dhabi Fashion Week is testimony to the importance of the fashion industry in this region.”

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s an art form, fashion is known for its ability to evolve with time and look forward – whether in textures, designs or even by capital. Traditionally, the term ‘fashion capital’ has been deemed to belong on the streets of Paris, Rome, London and New York, but in 2008 all that changed as Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, hosted its first fashion week, and its ascent in the global fashion stakes has not slowed since.

Abu Dhabi, labelled as the wealthiest emirate, is rapidly establishing itself as the luxury fashion capital of the Middle East. The 2008 show certainly set a new standard in the fashion industry within 18 months. For the top regional designers, Abu

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© Veneto

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Abu Dhabi, labelled as the wealthiest emirate, is rapidly establishing itself as the luxur y fashion capital of the Middle East.

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Š Fendi

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© Fendi

© Fendi

This reputation has been further enhanced by several luxury international fashion boutiques, including Chanel, Fendi, Valentino and Roberto Cavalli, opening in Etihad Towers. Designed by Australian architects DBI Design. Etihad Towers is a truly cosmopolitan exercise in pure luxury that has been described as the city’s most notable landmark. Changing the Abu Dhabi skyline forever, the Towers offer the most amazing vantage points, with breathtaking views over both the vibrant city and the Arabian Sea. The complex is set in the most desirable and exclusive beachside of Ras Al Akhdar, a district of Abu Dhabi, located near the famous Corniche.

‘Shopping centre’ is too modest a description for such a luxurious complex – this extraordinary location turns a simple day of shopping into a majestic art form with every designer showcased individually, making Abu Dhabi a true pacesetter in the fashion world.

Staged at the impressive new Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, the 2012 World Luxury Fashion Week symbolises Abu Dhabi’s position as a centre for excellence. Much like the standard it set in 2008, the 2012 model again elevates the

luxury bar even higher and undoubtedly claims the Fashion Week’s place as a world-class annual signature fashion event.

In 2012, Abu Dhabi successfully showcased yet another unique fashion experience, the Bridal Show, an event so successful it has already been locked in for a 2013 showing. The Bridal Show can only be described as simply exquisite.

Highlighting the grand nature of the occasion, Her Highness Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saif officially opened the 2012 Bride Show Abu Dhabi at a special VIP event with a private tour of the exhibition. Showcasing a new look and feel, the largest bridal and fashion event in Abu Dhabi hosted more than 230 exhibitors and saw more than 15,000 visitors attending across four days.

The Bride Show Abu Dhabi will celebrate its 12th edition in 2013, in the company of more than 250 wedding and bridal experts and exciting features, making it an exclusive and glitzy shopping experience. For Abu Dhabi, the future of fashion is brilliant and boundless, and United Arab Emirates’ connection to the international and regional fashion worlds continues to add additional glamour to this future. w

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Designers such as Milia Maroun, an Abu Dhabi Fashion Week designer, enjoyed enormous success and became the first ever Arabian designer to show her collection at Milan Fashion Week in 2008.

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© Tommy Hilfiger

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Jewellery

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The shimmer and shine of Abu Dhabi’s amazing array of quality jewellery continue to bedazzle Simone Turner.

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© Cartier

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s the second largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with more than 1.6 million residents, Abu Dhabi is also one of the world’s richest, meaning that there is an amazing range of jewellery to behold here.

From the big names, Cartier, Piaget to Tiffany & Co, glamorous jewellery brands such as Stellina and Mikimoto rise to the challenge. Take your mind, body and soul on an incredible journey unearthing gold, pearls and diamonds of all varieties – this city offers a truly ‘glistening’ experience.

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GOLD This precious metal is sold worldwide, yet a 2005 to 2009 study by the Ministry of Foreign Trade revealed that the UAE sits among one of the world’s top five gold traders, with Abu Dhabi’s gold market being one of the biggest. Gold in the UAE has no Value Added Tax (VAT), making it particularly inexpensive, and often offering prices up to 40 percent lower than in the West.

With around 85 gold shops and jewellery manufacturers in Abu Dhabi, tourists and expatriates will find purchasing gold enjoyable.

You may also find yourself staying at one of the few hotels with a ‘gold to go’, the world’s first gold vending machine, a German-made machine first installed at the Emirates Palace Hotel in 2010.

The Madinat Zayed Gold Souk is gold heaven and features many varieties of gold at reasonable prices. Distinguishing gold can be complicated, which is why carats are used to measure the purity. While 24 carats are desired for their purest form, gold made from it can easily lose shape or become scratched. To overcome this, gold is often mixed with alloys, decreasing the carat rating and altering the colour (depending on the metal used), with pink, yellow and white tinges being popular.

© Cartier

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© Stellina

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Take your mind, body and soul on an incredible journey unearthing gold, pearls and diamonds of all varieties – this city offers a truly ‘glistening’ experience.

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PEARLS Abu Dhabi pearls are a beautiful and significant reminder of the city’s ancient pearling industry, its main source of income before 1930. During this time, many families would leave the desert for a coastal lifestyle where the most exquisite pearls could be found by men diving up to 40 metres deep without equipment in the Arabian Gulf waters.

During the worldwide economic depression of the 1930s, Abu Dhabi’s pearling industry was heading for non-existence, but the discovery of oil some two decades later saved the economy and brought the pearl trade back to life.

Pearls occur when an oyster tries to disperse a foreign object by coating it with tiny layers of calcium carbonate in crystalline form. In natural surroundings, only one pearl is found in approximately every 10,000 oysters. For this reason, today there are cultured pearl farms

(where a pearl is created by manually placing a shell bead inside an oyster).

A pearl’s value will always be determined by a combination of factors including size, colour, lustre, shape and surface quality. Pearls are weighed in carats and measured in millimetres and the bigger the pearl, the more valuable it is likely to be. The most common and valuable shapes in pearls are spherical, but tear- and pearshaped pearls are also popular. The ‘lustre’ of a pearl refers to its sheen. The higher the lustre, the shinier and more mirror-like it will be. A low lustre pearl will appear matte and chalky and thus be less desirable. The surface quality of a pearl refers to its flaws – a pearl with flaws will generally be lower in value. Coloured pearls (as opposed to those that are plain white) are the most highly prized, particularly those with silver, pink or gold tints.

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© Tiffany & Co

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Abu Dhabi pearls are a beautiful and significant reminder of the city’s ancient pearling industry, its main source of income before 1930.

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Š Mikimoto

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DIAMONDS As the world’s most valued gemstones, diamonds are an extremely popular purchase in Abu Dhabi, where the stone is renowned for its high quality.

Cartier, for instance, takes a creative and stylistic journey to the heart of the joys and delights of Middle Eastern culture and its wares are a highlight of the region. Femininity finds expression here in the form of bejewelled arabesques and volutes, and the colours and splendour of gemstone ornamentation.

Diamond, meaning ‘unbreakable’ in Greek, is the hardest substance known to man. So while it is highly unlikely that they will break while in their natural environment, diamonds are in fact ‘breakable’ if they are hit along certain grain lines (yet this doesn’t counteract their beauty). All diamonds are unique. Their beauty in the eye of the beholder, comes down to the four Cs: carat, colour, clarity and cut.

First, the carat is the weight in which the diamond is measured – one carat equates to one fifth of a gram. Carats are divided into 100 points, so a 10-point diamond weighs 1/10 of a carat.

Generally, the higher the carat, the higher the price.

Second, there are many colours of diamonds, including blue, pink and even black, which are graded from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).

There are also ‘fancy colour’ diamonds, which have a high saturation of colour and are very rare.

Third, the clarity of a diamond refers to its internal and external characteristics, which basically come down to whether or not the stone has any flaws. Flawless stones are graded as ‘FL’, whereas imperfect stones (ones that have inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye) are labelled ‘I’.

Finally, the angles and proportions at which the diamond has been sculpted, as well as its symmetry and polish create the cut of a diamond. A well-cut diamond will seem to be illuminated from within because of skilfully cut angles that reflect the light off one another; therefore, if the diamond is not cut well, the light inside it will tend to escape through the sides or bottom, thus not sparkling as much as it could.

Abu Dhabi is full of treasures, with many retailers housing these fine riches, as well as events such as the International Jewellery and Watch Show held annually in October, which showcase these jewels. For an experience unlike any other, submerge yourself in the wonderful jewels of Abu Dhabi, where you will gain cultural insights, discover history and be beguiled by their beauty. w

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© Piaget

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Femininity finds expression here in the form of bejewelled arabesques and volutes, and the colours and splendour of gemstone ornamentation.

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Š Cartier

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Timepieces

Time is fleeting, but timepieces are forever, as Mary Erskine explains…

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whereas women will are more likely to base their watch purchase on appearance or as an adornment.

With so much choice out there, it may be hard to know where to start when looking for the right timepiece for you. Choosing a brand that specialises in what you are looking for, however, can be a step in the right direction.

For example, brands such as Breitling have made their name by engineering precision timepieces that service a range of professions that rely on keeping time – such as pilots, divers and astronauts. Seiko is renowned for its sports watches, IWC for classic style, Piaget and Cartier for elegance and extravagance, and so on.

Nevertheless, no matter what your personal timepiece style is – something classic that reflects a bygone era and won’t date or something more contemporary that can be tailored to an individual – buying a timepiece is like purchasing a piece of art. It is subjective and, once you’ve made your decision, if you look after your purchase, it may even grow in value.

But whatever it is that you do find, if you’ve chosen well, you can be assured that your timepiece will be timeless. w

Soudure process. © Piaget

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hile a timepiece is undoubtedly functional, most would agree that in a world of mobile phones, computers, alarm clocks and other household items, the humble wristwatch could be considered somewhat unnecessary.

But the popularity of the personal timepiece with men, women and children around the globe is a testament to the value bestowed on it. And this is true for all, from celebrities such as Nicole Kidman with her Omega Ladymatic and George Clooney with his Seamaster to regular people going about their daily business.

The longevity of brands such as Vacheron Constantin and Breguet, which have more than 500 years’ experience in watchmaking between them, is also proof that watches have more value than telling the time and are indeed a lasting commodity.

Because of their grand appeal there is much variation when it comes to wristwatches; for example, men and women’s watches tend to differ in terms of size and capability.

If not opting for a classic design, men tend to choose their timepieces based on added functions, such as water resistance or an alarm;

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Nevertheless, no matter what your personal timepiece style is – something classic that reflects a bygone era and won’t date or something more contemporar y that can be tailored to be an individual – buying a timepiece is like purchasing a piece of art.

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© Lange

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Classics

FROM PRACTICALITY TO AN EVERLASTING SENSE OF STYLE

WOMEN’S Traditional Piaget Watch Ultra-thin, mechanical movement, white gold, diamonds. Wow. A traditional timepiece with pure, retro-chic lines, this ultra-thin watch features a characteristic and particularly flexible bracelet that’s exceptionally crafted. Piaget has revisited one of its historical techniques to create this instantly recognisable model with its twisted threads that are subtly welded to the links.

Prestige SKU# 14DP-IDW Cocktail stainless steel case, paved diamond encrusted bezel, white paved diamond dial, 0.77 total carat weight, 216 diamonds, double curved sapphire crystal with anti-glare coating – and that’s just the beginning! Dual Swiss movements, natural frequency technology inside, 5-ATM water resistant, and an interchangeable strap make the Prestige another timeless piece.

Prestige SKU# 14DP-IDW Philip Stein

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Traditional Watch © Piaget

Tank Louis Cartier XL slimline watch Encased in an 18-carat pink gold and grained in its silver-plated dial, the Tank Louis Cartier XL slimline watch is water-resistance to 20 metres, has a semi-matte brown alligator-skin strap, and its Ardillon buckle is also 18-carat pink gold.

Other notable features include its manual-winding manufacture mechanical movement. A true women’s classic.

Tank Louis Cartier XL slimline watch

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MEN’S Piaget Polo FortyFive Featuring a 45mm diameter case, the Piaget Polo FortyFive adopts a resolutely sporty-chic style with a titanium case and a strap with injected rubber and steel. It is the perfect combination of timeless elegance and the latest technical advances thanks to an in-house calibre (Piaget 880P), that displays hour and minutes functions, along with small seconds at 6 o’clock, date at 12 o’clock, a second 24- hour time zone at 9 o’clock and flyback chronograph at 3 o’clock.

Piaget Polo FortyFive courtesy Piaget

Armin Strom Damas has been appointed as the official retailer of luxury watch brand Armin Storm throughout the UAE. Together with its Formula 1 partner, the Marussia Virgin Racing F1 Team, Armin Strom AG has developed the ARMIN Racing Collection of exclusive timekeepers, custom-built for motor racing, with titanium or stainless steel cases and the black, red and white dials reflecting the racing teams’ colours.

Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN Mechanical movement, Pellaton automatic winding, power reserve display, perpetual calendar with displays for the date, day and month, perpetual moon phase display. The double moon phases for the northern and southern hemispheres, while Big Pilot also features four-digit year display and small hacking seconds. Glucydur® beryllium alloy balance, Breguet spring, screw-in crown and blasted Glass sapphire, convex, antireflective coating on both sides are key features.

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Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN IWC

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Armin Strom courtesy Damas

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Showstoppers SPARKLE AND SHINE WHENEVER YOU FEEL LIKE A BIT OF DRAMA

WOMEN’S Tank Folle watch Cased in 18-carat rhodium-plated white gold and with a total of 1.6 carats, the Tank Folle watch is set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Its lacquered silver-coloured dial with sunburst effect is notable as is the glass sapphire and water-resistance to 30 metres part of the equation.

Anthracite grey brushed canvas strap, the Ardillon buckle also shines in 18-carat rhodium-plated white gold.

Photo 2000 © Cartier 2011

Secret watch with sapphire beads and diamond This Secret watch, a creation that took 500 hours to craft, is white gold but barely visible, thanks to a coating of 186 brilliant-cut diamonds (3.74 carats); four squareshaped diamonds (0.49 carats); and a further 634 sapphire beads (115.79 carats) on the bracelet. The quartz movement means no winding and its exquisite beading is sure to make head turns at that next cocktail event.

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Inès Dieleman © Cartier 2011

La Montre Extraordinaire La Rose The rose is covered with a total of 1420 diamonds. Working with an extremely broad palette of individually cut and adjusted stones, the master gem-setter fits them closely side by side, playing with the varying diameters, and little by little this fine workmanship entirely covers the white gold of the case and dial. Punctuated by pink sapphires symbolising the precious and transcendent nature of time, the gem-setting is matched by an exceptional mechanism: the manually-wound Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 846 which lies hidden at the heart of this sparkling floral creation.

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La Montre Extraordinaire La Rose © Jaeger-LeCoultre

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MEN’S Round Prestige Limited Edition Kudoke A world first: first hand-skeletonised watch in a limited edition of 25 pieces incorporating Natural Frequency Technology from Philip Stein. Mechanical movement, manual winding, diameter 36.6mm, thickness 4.5mm, 17 jewels, frequency 18,000 vibrations/hour, power reserve 46 hours, and Nivarox balance spring. Incredible. Add to this the fully hand-skeletonised and hand-engraved face, manually open-worked Philip Stein logo and hand-skeletonised globe with continents portrayed in handengraved relief with black Louisiana alligator-skin strap.

Round Prestige Limited Edition Kudoke © Philip Stein

Deep Sea Chronograph In scuba diving, the precise and accurate measurement of time is a vital necessity, and any mistake in counting off the minutes spent under water or any sudden stoppage of the watch mechanism could have dire consequences. Since the appearance of the first diver’s watch bearing the Jaeger-LeCoultre signature, watchmakers have always sought to go one better. Now introducing the Deep Sea Chronograph for all to see and love; and you will love.

Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon à Quantième Perpétuel Jaeger-LeCoultre is one of the world’s few remaining watch companies that manufactures all the components of its watches completely in house-the movements, the cases, the dials and even the hands-nothing is outsourced. The unidirectional self-winding rotor is fashioned from case-matching 18 carat yellow gold and the watch is fitted with a special magnification cyclops on the sapphire observation caseback, which allows a better view of the new silicon escapement.

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Deep Sea Chronograph © Jaeger-LeCoultre

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Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon à Quantième Perpétuel © Jaeger-LeCoultre

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EXPERIENCE Humming markets heaving with timeworn Arabic sounds, tastes and smells; a landscape that entices the escapade enthusiast and relaxed tourist alike, and an international buffet of world-class food, fashion, fun… and the rest!

Pointing to camels. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Must do’s

Spices. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

DHOW CRUISE Revisit Abu Dhabi’s merchant days, when The Gulf was filled with wooden dhows used for trading and transporting goods.

Nowadays, you can relax aboard one of these vessels, take in the city’s sights and enjoy a hearty meal. Abu Dhabi Dhow Cruise organises a range of these trips, which are specifically geared to tourists.

SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN MOSQUE Known by residents as the Grand Mosque, this architectural highlight is imperative viewing. The majestic domes of this religious masterpiece are breathtaking. It is considered to be a ‘globally unifying’ landmark because designers and materials from all over the world have contributed to its splendour.

OFF-ROAD DRIVING There is nothing that compares to cruising across the undulating terrain of the desert in a four-wheel drive. Off-road driving can be a great adventure for skilled drivers, but make sure you are well-prepared before you set off. For those who’d rather leave the driving to the experts, Arabian Adventures has more information about off-road tours.

EMIRATES HERITAGE VILLAGE This is a lovely way to experience the charm of Abu Dhabi from centuries past.

The picturesque village overlooks the Corniche and features a reconstruction of the old well, as well as colourful bazaars, mud-brick houses, spice markets and craft stores.

BREAKWATER Connected to the Corniche by a causeway, close to cafés and shops, the Breakwater is truly a stunning jewel in Abu Dhabi’s crown. The water here is so clear it appears as if it almost isn’t there. It’s fair to say that Breakwater is one of Abu Dhabi’s richest treasures.

OLD SOUK MARKETS The old souk markets are Abu Dhabi’s most traditional Arab marketplaces.

Filled with stalls selling anything from glistening jewellery to luxuriant carpets, the souk markets are an ideal way to sample the traditions of Abu Dhabi.

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Heritage shops. © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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CORNICHE Winding gently along the Gulf shore, brimming with greenery and luxury hotels, the Corniche offers perhaps the best view of Abu Dhabi. There are easily accessible walkways on which to take a stroll or hire a boat to view the spectacular city skyline from the sea.

CAMEL SAFARI Travelling by camel is the best way to truly get a feel for Abu Dhabi’s unique and rich natural environment.

On your trip, you will visit oases and experience stunning views, as well as learn the history and culture of the desert. Abu Dhabi Desert Safari has more information about tours.

SAND SKIING Take everything you know about skiing and turn it upside down, as you take to some of the largest sand dunes in the world. Set aside time to visit the Liwa Oasis or the Empty Quarter. A helpful tip: tackle this activity in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

QASR AL-HOSN Qasr al-Hosn or the ‘White Fort’ is Abu Dhabi’s oldest historical building and was constructed in 1791 as the residence of Abu Dhabi’s rulers. The fort is also famous for its stunning Portuguese tile work, dazzling white walls, relaxed courtyards and gardens filled with palms.

WOMEN’S HANDICRAFT CENTRE For an insight into local art and crafts, head to the Women’s Handicraft Centre where you can see women working on traditional weaving, textiles, clothing, camel bags and crafts. The gift shop here provides the perfect spot from which to purchase a unique, handmade Abu Dhabi souvenir.

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EMIRATES PALACE Considered to be one of the most expensive hotels ever built, this palatial accommodation cost an estimated US$3 billion to complete.

Much of the grand interior is decorated in marble and gold, and its opulence has to be seen to be believed.

Camel safari. © H Unta

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© Emirates Palace

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2012/2013 Events Calendar ABU DHABI FILM FESTIVAL 11 to 20 October 2012 This festival has grown rapidly, with each event bringing more fi lms, more awards and more stars to the UAE capital. Ten days of cinema screenings, fi lmmaking classes and events are held at various Abu Dhabi venues, while feature and short fi lms from all over the world compete at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival.

Venue: Emirates Palace Hotel, Marina Mall and the Abu Dhabi Theatre, Abu Dhabi www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae

ABU DHABI ART FAIR ART ABU DHABI 7 to 10 November 2012 Held in the UAE Pavilion on Saadiyat Island, this is much more than an art fair. It is a platform for modern and contemporary art and public programs, bringing together a selection of leading art galleries from across the world. In its fourth edition in 2012, galleries will showcase a variety of works in a range of prices – from museum-quality pieces to those in a dedicated section for emerging artists that have already proven popular with collectors.

Venue: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi www.abudhabiartfair.ae

Abu Dhabi Art Fair UAE Pavilion © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

F1 UIM POWERBOAT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 29 to 30 November 2012 A world-class water sports competition, the 2011 powerboating circuit lands in Abu Dhabi. Get set to see teams race in a spectacular, fast-paced fashion that sees the boats able to go from standstill to 160 kilometres per hour in only four seconds.

Venue: Corniche, Abu Dhabi www.f1h2o.com

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Abu Dhabi Formula 1 © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

ETIHAD AIRWAYS FORMULA ONE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2 to 4 November 2012 The Grand Prix is held yearly at the Yas Island Marina Circuit, the 5.6-kilometre circuit on Yas Island, to the east of Abu Dhabi Island. This is a world-class FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) sanctioned racetrack where fans can enjoy a close view of the action.

Venue: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi www.yasmarinacircuit.com

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AL AIN AEROBATIC SHOW 30 November to 2 December 2012 The show is a popular annual event held every winter at Al Ain Airport and regularly attracts more than 130,000 spectators.

In 2012, it will be held for the first time to coincide with UAE National Day on 2 December. It will feature some incredible aerobatic and stunt flying with model aircraft, helicopters, wing walkers and gliders, military and civilian planes, and exhibitions, all with the backdrop of the red dunes and well worth a visit. There is a festival atmosphere, with tents and displays related to flying, and children are well-catered for with a play area and bouncy castles. Food is available.

Venue: Al Ain International Airport, Abu Dhabi www.alainaerobaticshow.com ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 17 to 20 January 2013 With some of the biggest names in golf appearing annually – Tiger Woods was in the 2012 field – the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship is the European PGA Tour curtain raiser.

Held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the event has an engaging spectator village and after-play entertainment to make it a great day out.

Venue: Abu Dhabi Golf Club www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com GOURMET ABU DHABI 5 to 20 February 2013 This is a ‘lifestyle gastronomic extravaganza’ featuring a starstudded cast of Michelin-star chefs and special guests, master classes, industry insights from hospitality experts, and château and gourmet dinners hosted by a range of the UAE capital’s top hotels.

Venue: Various locations throughout Abu Dhabi www.gourmetabudhabi.ae

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship 2012 © Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

© Gourmet Abu Dhabi

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YAS ISLAND SHOWS All year round A wide range of entertainment shows and concerts take place in Yas Island’s Du Arena and Du Forum organised by Flash Entertainment. The biggest names from around the globe jet into Abu Dhabi to rock out and have included the likes of Christina Aguilera, Coldplay and Stevie Wonder of late.

Venue: Du Arena and Du Forum www.thinkflash.ae

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ABU DHABI FESTIVAL March/April 2013 This highly successful international festival promotes classical music and the fine arts among Abu Dhabi residents and visitors.

Featuring world-class performances from the likes of the Bolshoi Ballet, Andrea Bocelli, Natalie Cole and Sir James Galway, the festival spans 20 concerts over 13 days. The culturally rich and diverse concerts are usually held at the end of March and beginning of April in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Venue: Various locations throughout Abu Dhabi www.abudhabifestival.ae

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Sport and outdoor adventure

Abu Dhabi’s desert dunes and crystal clear waters really do provide the perfect balance for the outdoor or underwater aficionado, Heather Bloom finds.

MOTOR SPORTS Yas Marina is hotting up for the Formula 1 races in November 2012, as it is located right next to the racetrack, and for those with their own yacht, it offers trackside berths for the best seats in the house. The exclusive luxury yacht-berthing marina that is operated and managed by Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has released its F1™ rates, and is now taking expressions of interest. F1 berth holders are given a privilege card, which entitles them to entry to venues where the F1 parties take place, including luxury hotel Yas Viceroy (which the racetrack actually runs through). It has also just been confirmed that for F1 berth holders, Yas Marina guest passes now also offer entry to the F1 Flash concerts. The acts are to be confirmed but to give you an idea; last year saw the likes of Paul McCartney and Beyonce. The number of passes allocated by Yas Marina depends on the boat size – for boats up to 10m, Yas Marina offers six complimentary guest passes, entitling the bearer to the F1 concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night.

One of the most exciting adventure sports of Abu Dhabi, wadi bashing is definitely not for the fainthearted. A wadi is a dry and rocky riverbed and wadi bashing involves four-wheel driving through the rocky valleys carved out by floodwaters. You will need to be an excellent driver or have a guide to direct you as you negotiate the tricky and unpredictable sand. The rough and rocky journey is well worth it, particularly when you discover hidden gems such as mountain waterfalls and local animals on your trails.

Yas Marina Circuit www.yasmarinacircuit.com

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DESERT ESCAPADES Experience Abu Dhabi in all its glory as you explore its desert landscape atop a camel. Camel trekking is incredibly popular in the region and offers visitors the opportunity to descend into the ancient sand dunes while being engrossed in a true Arabian journey.

If you prefer to remain on your own two feet, however, the desert walks are ideal. The rugged landscape of the Empty Quarter allows you to experience the natural beauty of the trails that wind through the dunes in an intimate journey with the natural environment.

For those who rise before dawn, an early morning bike ride across the desert is the perfect way to start your day.

Held during the coolest part of the day, bike tours offer spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi sunrise.

Desert Rangers www.desertrangers.com Abu Dhabi Desert Safari www.abudhabi-desert-safari.com

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Abu Dhabi Formula 1. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Sailing race. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Desert Balloon Expeditions Providing a unique concept for this part of the world, Balloon Adventures Emirates is now offering hot air balloon expeditions into the heart of the emirate’s pure desert. Its service will operate from the end of September to the end of May, with these self-referenced ‘magic carpet ride’ expeditions presenting passengers with a distinctive view of a landscape surrounded by mammoth red sand dunes, the emerald green oases of Al Ain, the emirates’ second city and heritage capital, and the chance to spot Arabian gazelles and wandering camels in their natural habitat. Beginning early in the morning around 5.30 to capitalise on the cool and serene ambience, this is one adventure you just don’t want to miss. www.ballooning.ae

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GOLF Abu Dhabi has a range of world-class golf courses, the most renowned of which, the Abu Dhabi Golf Club, attracts the biggest names in golf each January when it hosts the Abu Dhabi International Golf Championship. Non-professional golfing enthusiasts also have the opportunity to play on the same fairways as these golfing greats.

The Al Ghazal Golf Club is another course where you can hit out a few rounds. It’s purposely built two minutes from the international airport and caters for passengers with a few hours to spare between flights.

If you’re planning to enjoy Abu Dhabi for longer than a few hours, then the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the perfect way to spend an afternoon – playing the incredible 18-hole course designed by golfing legend Gary Player.

The Arabian Gulf’s only ocean course, its views of the beaches are unparalleled, and are designed so golfers will never play the same hole twice. Purposely built to avoid environmental damage, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is an ecological golfing experience for the beginner to the most experienced golfer on the green. w Abu Dhabi Golf Club www.adgolfclub.com Saadiyat Beach Golf Club www.sbgolfclub.ae

If you prefer to stay above water, however, and journey through the shallow waters of the Gulf, then a sea kayak to your own private island is a must. The sparkling white-sanded beaches will allow you to escape the busy atmosphere of the city and provide the perfect location for a seafood barbecue.

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AQUATIC JOURNEYS For those that prefer things a little calmer, Yas Marina offers access to more than 200 uninhabited islands.

Unbeknown to many, exotic fish, coral and turtles are easily spotted. Seven species of dolphin and eight species of whale have been recorded and the bottlenose dolphin is a common sight. Abu Dhabi has the second largest population in the world of the endangered marine mammal – the dugong, and the critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtles hatch on nearby Saadiyat Island too. Yas Marina is also one of the WWF’s partners for turtle adoption and Yas Marina members are given turtle adoption packs as part of their contract.

Abu Dhabi is also host of a UIM powerboat world championship event, which attracts a huge audience each year as powerboats race through the narrow channels of the Corniche.

If you prefer to stay above water, however, and journey through the shallow waters of the Gulf, then a sea kayak to your own private island is a must. The sparkling white-sanded beaches will allow you to escape the busy atmosphere of the city and provide the perfect location for a seafood barbecue.

There are even many fishing tours available in Abu Dhabi, where you can reel in a dinner of local seafood delicacies such as kingfish or tuna.

Emirates Divers Centre www.edc-ad.ae Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters www.fishabudhabi.com Luxury Marinas & Turtle Adoption www.cnmarinas.com

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Avenue at Etihad Towers. Š Etihad Towers

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Shopping –

an unparalleled experience

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Ally Everard happily discovers some of Abu Dhabi’s best shopping spots.

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Abu Dhabi city. © V Entdusud

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ich with culture and tradition, Abu Dhabi rightly holds a reputation as a shopper’s heaven. From the glamour and glitz of high-end boutiques to the hustle and bustle of the marketplaces, Abu Dhabi is a unique shopping experience. The UAE city is rich with history, with development and modernisation providing the perfect balance between then and now. The welcoming Arabic culture will make you feel at home the minute you arrive, so all that is left to do is hit the shops!

Shopping bag 1:

Shopping bag 2:

THE SOUK AT QARYAT AL BERI The souk at Qaryat Al Beri provides more than just shopping. The souk represents the best of Arabic architecture and is said to reflect the culture and hospitality of the country. Enjoy hundreds of boutiques displaying local and international designs. Take a relaxing stroll through the souk, alongside meandering canals or jump on a ferry from one side to the other if you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped. www.soukqaryatalberi.com

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AVENUE AT ETIHAD TOWERS Avenue at Etihad Towers is a prestigious retail experience with an exclusive selection of luxury brands under one roof. Offering the latest in fashion, accessories, jewels and timepieces, Avenue will also soon unveil a unique array of client services and food and beverage (F&B) outlets. www.etihadtowers.com

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Philip Stein showroom in Abu Dhabi. Š Philip Stein

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© Paris Gallery

Shopping bag 3:

MARINA MALL Clear a whole day with the family to experience everything Marina Mall has to offer. If hundreds of designer brands under one roof isn’t enough to grab your attention, check out the smorgasbord of dining options and you’ll never want to leave Marina Mall. The musical fountains are a must-see for locals and tourists alike, lifting the shopping experience out of the ordinary. www.marinamall.ae

PARIS GALLERY A luxuriously exciting way to shop your way through the extensive list of designer labels found in Paris Gallery.

With product launches and in-store events, shopping isn’t just your average day out if the Paris Gallery is involved.

Oozing charm and sophistication, this is your one-stop shop for designer fashion accessories, fragrances and latest trends. From Cartier and Bobbi Brown to Versace, you really will be spoilt for choice. www.parisgallery.com

Shopping bag 5:

ABU DHABI MALL Escape the heat of the day and enjoy the cool atmosphere of the Abu Dhabi Mall. Not only does this mall boast more than 200 retail stores, but there’s also a child play

Shopping bag 6:

CENTRAL MARKET Designed to be sustainable from the inside out, Central Market is a hub of activity. Business combined with leisure, history, state-of-the-art modern facilities and, of course, shopping all make this place a must-see.

The souk located within Central Market is a great place to get your hands on gold and local handcrafts while experiencing the uniqueness of a traditional Arabic marketplace. www.centralmarket.ae

Shopping bag 7:

THE GOLD SOUK Located within the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, the Gold Souk houses over 400 stalls selling gold from all over the world. Whether you go for a purchase or just an experience, prepare to be dazzled by the Gold Souk.

Prices change daily with the market price of gold and there is something at the right price for everyone. Leave your camera at home as there are no photos allowed. w www.madinatzayed-mall.com

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Shopping bag 4:

area, a Cineplex and restaurants on every level, offering both local and international cuisine. Take time out from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in designer luxury and style. www.abudhabi-mall.com

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Marina Mall. © L Osevsky

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Dining

in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi’s fine cuisine is very fine indeed, as Welcome To discovers.

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rue to the Abu Dhabi spirit, many restaurants doggedly challenge the desert climate to provide worldwide cuisine such as rich Italian and French fare, and do so with great success. Numerous restaurants in the largest city of the United Arab Emirates are internationally renowned, and all of them provide the traveller with a memorable culinary experience. Seafood dominates the menu at places such as Nautilus at the Viceroy Hotel and Resort, while The Park Bar and Grill at the Park Hyatt focuses on Asian-style cuisine. And the king crabs sautéed in oyster mushroom sauce that the team at Samak serves up nightly are to die for.

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MEZLAI Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com Mezlai is the first restaurant in the UAE that features the Emirati cuisine with a Middle Eastern touch to suit the palate of a multicultural environment. Its traditional atmosphere, design and authentic Emirati cuisine will give you an experience to savour – combining luxury and tradition in a contemporary and unique design.

For restaurant information/reservations, email restaurants@emiratespalace.ae.

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18 DEGREES RESTAURANT Hyatt Capital Gate Tel: +971 2 596 1440 www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com A modern, warm and chic restaurant with highly theatrical elements and a dynamic visual environment.

Enjoy panoramic views of the city while you devour speciality dishes from the gastronomic heritage of the eastern Mediterranean. Three show kitchens and seasonally changing menus provide an exquisite experience for one and all.

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NAUTILUS Viceroy Hotels and Resorts Tel: +971 2 656 0600 www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Feast on freshly shucked oysters, Gulf shrimp, Omani lobster and creative and flavourful daily specialities.

With striking views of the Yas Marina, this Abu Dhabi seafood restaurant is one of the city’s most alluring dining destinations. Enjoy a beverage in the marina lobby lounge, and then indulge in the private dining area complete with a Lazy Susan for the ultimate convenience.

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QUEST Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Tel: +971 2 811 5555 www.jumeirah.com Quest restaurant on Level 63 at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is where panoramic views, refined luxurious interiors and contemporary Asian gourmet masterpieces provide inspiration, salutes to culinary traditions and gastronomic delight. At Quest, the food journey begins.

HOI AN Shangri-La Hotel Tel: +971 2 509 8888 www.shangri-la.com This restaurant oozes a similarly quaint and charming atmosphere, as well as a delectable menu of fine cuisine, as its namesake city in Vietnam. The elegant, colonial inspired dĂŠcor is as impressive as the contemporary Vietnamese cuisine. Try the fresh spring rolls or seafood hotpot.

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ABU DHABI DINING ADVERTORIAL

SHO CHO Souk Qaryat al Beri (Shangri La Hotel) PO Box 95150, Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +97125581117 Fax: +97125581119 Email: shocho.abudhabi@gmail.com sho-cho.com For those looking for great Japanese food, a fabulous bar scene and an ultra-hip setting look no further than sho cho Abu Dhabi.

Like its sister restaurant in Dubai, this restaurant and lounge serves an extensive menu of modern Japanese cuisine, including fabulous appetisers, main courses and the freshest sushi in town.

Patrons entering sho cho are greeted by a soothing blue glow in a room furnished with white leather sofas. The outdoor area overlooks Abu Dhabi’s Gulf Coast and the souk’s private yacht marina. Here you can chill out on the deck, eat amazing Japanese food, drink specially-prepared cocktails and listen to the best that lounge music has to offer. The sho cho ‘experience’ is something that has attracted people from all over the world, and Abu Dhabi’s sho cho is no different – it has become the place for dining out and hanging out in Abu Dhabi.

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: Lunch 12noon to 3.00pm, Dinner 6.00pm to 12midnight Fri - Sat: 12noon to 12midnight (beverages served until 2am)

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VASCO’S Hilton Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 681 1900 www3.hilton.com Vasco’s restaurant, named after the famous discoverer Admiral Dom Vasco da Gama, is a lively modern restaurant serving tastes from the far corners of the globe. One of Abu Dhabi’s most award-winning restaurants, it offers a unique dining experience in a relaxing atmosphere. Dine either inside or on the deck with its spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf. Vasco’s is open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call Hilton Abu Dhabi on the above number or email abudhabi.info@hilton.com.

LE BEAUJOLAIS Novotel Centre Hotel Tel: +971 2 633 3555 www.novotel.com For a French option that is more low-key, try Le Beaujolais. Authentic and cosy, here it is easy to forget that you are in Abu Dhabi, and not Paris. The food is a brilliant example of rustic yet sophisticated cuisine. The slow-cooked boeuf bourguignon is rich and the meat is tender, while the leek tart is light and fl avoursome. For superb cooking matched with an authentic atmosphere, it doesn’t get any better than Le Beaujolais.

SAMAK Desert Islands Resort and Spa Tel: +971 2 801 5240 www.desertislands.anantara.com This speciality seafood restaurant enjoys a relaxed alfresco dining atmosphere, with quaint lighting along the hotel’s pristine beach. The seafood and imported steaks are prepared to taste, using a range of international flavours and indigenous spices and herbs on an open grill and accompanied by an impressive wine list. Try the king crabs sautéed in oyster mushroom sauce.

FISHMARKET InterContinental Hotel Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental As the name suggests, Fishmarket specialises in the freshest, juiciest seafood that the Arabian Gulf has to offer. The tom yum goong is highly recommended if you enjoy prawns and a kick of fresh chilli. Choose your favourite seafood dish, and enjoy your meal in a peaceful setting, topped off with wonderful service.

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ABU DHABI DINING ADVERTORIAL

AMADOR RESTAURANT AND CELLAR Park Rotana Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 657 3333 Fax: +971 2 657 3000 Email: park.hotel@rotana.com fb.park@rotana.com rotana.com Amador Restaurant and Cellar offers you two dynamic experiences to discover the Spanish-influenced avantgarde cuisine of 3-Michelin starred German Chef, Juan Amador. Amador Restaurant brings you fine dining settings to savour Chef Amador’s culinary creations with the restaurant’s menu exploring the tastes, colours, aromas and textures of various ingredients through scientifically precise recipes and culinary techniques. Becoming one of the city’s favourite social destinations Amador Cellar serves imaginative Tapas of Chef Amador accompanied by an extensive selection of fine beverages in a more casual, relaxed ambience featuring an elegant open bar together with cozy booth seating. Located on the hotel’s Mezzanine level, Amador Restaurant and Cellar also has two private dining rooms and an outdoor terrace.

Opening hours: Amador Cellar – open every day from 4pm till 2.30am Amador Restaurant – open Sun to Fri 7pm to 11.30pm

Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant

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PEARLS AND CAVIAR Shangri-La Hotel Tel: +971 2 509 8777 www.shangri-la.com Pearls and Caviar – the name alone is enticing enough.

Fusing Middle Eastern ingredients in a beautiful pairing with Mediterranean flavours, Pearls and Caviar is undoubtedly a unique culinary indulgence. Sit back and enjoy a fine dining experience or, for a little sample of everything, the Pearls Bar also offers a delectable tapas menu.

BICE Hilton Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 681 1900 www1.hilton.com This award-winning restaurant serves some of the best Italian food in Abu Dhabi and it’s an institution in the UAE. Fresh homemade pasta is made from top quality, authentic ingredients and meals are served in a sleek, modern setting with panoramic views of the Corniche.

Live music entertains guests from 9pm onwards, Sunday to Friday.

WASABI Al Diar Mina Hotel Tel: +971 2 678 1000 www.aldiarhotels.com Universally acknowledged as having the best sushi in Abu Dhabi, this restaurant is more than a place to eat: it is a complete Japanese experience. Put on a pair of the slippers provided, enter one of the booths with sliding doors and you will find a small device to call for one of the courteous waiters. In addition to the excellent sushi, there is a variety of succulent chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes to choose from.

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THE PARK BAR AND GRILL PO Box 52007, Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 407 1138 www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com Situated in the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, the Park Bar and Grill is an idyllic spot for intimate and sophisticated dining. This elegant two-storey bar and dining venue, with its long showpiece staircase, features an array of charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, and a selection of Asian-inspired dishes, all prepared in a beautiful, elegant setting around an open kitchen. The Park Bar and Grill is open daily from 7pm to 12 midnight.

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Finz

Winner of the What’s On award for Favorite Seafood Restaurant and Special Panelist’s Awards, Finz offers an ample selection of Seafood in a relaxed, up-market atmosphere. Our menu portrays a wide option of cooking styles.

Lunch: 12:30-15:30 Dinner: 19:00-23:30 Tel: 02-697 9350 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Rodeo Grill Winner of the What’s On award for favorite American restaurant, Rodeo Grill can truly trigger an appetite. It features an open kitchen where steaks and specialty grills are expertly prepared. Boasting a wide array of delicious starters and mains, Rodeo Grill portrays a simple yet sophisticated elegance.

Lunch: 12:30-15:30 Dinner: 19:00-23:30 Tel: 02-697 9126 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Benihana Benihana welcomes you to the capitals finest place to dine. Featuring live cooking for guests at Teppanyaki, we offer a variety of sushi, sashimi, makimono rolls, steaks, seafood, chicken and vegetables in a delectable American Japanese Style. At Benihana, we guarantee a scrumptious experience for the entire family.

Timings: 18:00-23:30 Tel: 02-697 9122 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Essence Our spacious restaurant set in opulence, gives you the option of dining in the comfort of indoors or experiencing the soothing outdoor terrace. Essence offers a vast range of the best cuisines from around the world. We also offer a splendid continental a la carte menu.

Breakfast: (Sun-Thurs) 06:00-10:30, (Fri-Sat) 06:00-11:00 Friday Brunch 12:30-15:30 Lunch (Sun-Thurs) 12:00-15:30, Lunch (Saturday) 12:30-15:30 Dinner: 19:00 – 22:30 Tel: 02-697 9121 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Prego’s

Come to Italy at Prego’s. We serve only the authentic flavors reminiscent of the Italian culture. Feast in the comfort of the relaxed indoor dining area or at the soothing terrace overlooking the Arabian Sea. Also, take delight in watching our chef and his team preparing their delicacies in an open kitchen featuring a wood oven.

Lunch: Sunday - Thurs 12:00-15:30 Friday & Saturday 12:00 - 23:30 15:30 - 19:00 Limited selection of pizza & pasta Dinner: 19:00 - 23:30 Tel: 02-697 9125 Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

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RODEO GRILL Beach Rotana Tel: +971 2 697 9011 www.rotana.com/beachrotana Consistently outstanding food is the order of the day for Rodeo Grill. The green leather armchairs and pleasant décor make for a comfortable dining experience, but the steaks are what draw in visitors and their praises. Wagyu and Angus steaks are cooked to perfection and finished off with magnificent desserts such as the tangy lemon panna cotta.

LE VENDÔME BRASSERIE Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com If you’re looking for an upmarket, decadent dining experience, look no further than Le Vendôme Brasserie.

Offering views of the sparkling turquoise beach and

marina below, with fine French cuisine and succulent seafood, Le Vendôme Brasserie is almost always full of guests, so it’s a good idea to book a table. Choose from the buffet or order à la carte, but make sure to order the chocolate brownie for dessert.

SAYAD Emirates Palace Hotel Tel: +971 2 690 7999 www.emiratespalace.com As the name of this restaurant translates to ‘fisherman’ in Arab, you can imagine what the cuisine speciality at Sayad is – seafood! This fine dining restaurant elegantly serves up the best from the Arabian Gulf in a relaxed atmosphere, which features a crisp combination of blue and white décor. Dine indoors or outdoors on the terrace.

There are also private dining rooms that seat up to eight, if you’re after a little more privacy.

ORIGINS The Yas Hotel Tel: +971 2 656 0600 www.theyashotel.com For diversity in dining, you can’t go past Origins at the Yas Hotel. Here you will find a combination of international and local cuisine, made from fresh seasonal produce, which you can see being prepared in the open kitchen or resident tandoor oven. The all-day dining includes buffet or à la carte options, indoor and outdoor. While you’re here, you must try the freshly baked chocolate cake, which, if you’re lucky, will reach your plate still warm from the oven. w

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SUHAIL Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort Tel: +971 2 895 8155 www.qasralsarab.anantara.com Suhail offers diners fresh cuts of meat and seafood from a menu that features international cuisine with a touch of French flair. Whether dining indoors or out on the terrace, you can be assured of a good time. There is also a variety of local and international performances, providing special dining experiences under the starlit sky.

Exclusive degustation dinners and wine tastings can also be arranged.

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ABU DHABI DINING ADVERTORIAL

MILLENNIUM HOTEL ABU DHABI P.O. Box 44486 Abu Dhabi Tel: +971 2 614 6000 Fax: +971 2 614 6005 Email: sales@mill-abudhabi.com www.millenniumhotels.com Standing elegantly on Khalifa Street overlooking the Capital Gardens from one side and the Corniche from the other, the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi makes its mark as the capital’s newest five-star business lifestyle hotel. Consisting of 16 floors and 325 luxurious guestrooms, the Millennium offers meeting and events facilities, a health and fitness club, business centre and a diverse range of culinary options: Cristal, a cigar and champagne bar with its own jazz pianist; Marakesh, the unique Moroccan restaurant in town with a belly dancer and live entertainment; Citrus, offering daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets with various theme nights; and Sevilo’s, the Italian restaurant with seafood night on Wednesdays and fun-filled Friday brunch. The Millennium Hotel caters for both corporate and leisure travellers alike, with a striking mix of Arabic and contemporary style. Its distinctively warm and welcoming ambience assures guests of refined service, blended with traditional Middle Eastern hospitality and a ‘Yes We Can’ attitude’ and a motto ‘You are The Centre of Our World’.

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INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI Bainouna Street Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Fax: +971 2 666 9153 Email: abudhabi@icauh.ae www.intercontinental.com/abudhabi www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae

CHAMAS For those of you who don’t know what a Brazilian Churrascaria is, think endless skewers of freshly barbecued meat and chicken served by enthusiastic Passadores until you tell them to stop. It’s an eatas-much-as-you-want experience unlike anything else.

Opening hours: daily Bar: 6.00pm to 1.00am Restaurant: 6.00pm to 11.30pm

BOCCACCIO Located at Marina level, Boccaccio is a light and airy Italian restaurant famed for its fine pasta and pizza. It also has a reputation for offering excellent value-for-money.

Opening hours: daily Lunch: 12.30pm to 3.00pm Dinner: 7.00pm to 12midnight

PIANO LOUNGE Located on the lobby level, the Piano Lounge has monthly promotions on light bites and drinks. In the evenings, guests can enjoy the ambiance with the pianist and singer from 9pm onwards.

Opening hours: 24 hours daily

EXPERIENCE ABU DHABI

FRIDAY MARINA BRUNCH A lavish Marina Brunch every Friday, including refreshing beverages or a free flow of champagne. Choose from three flamboyant buffets and live cooking stations at Boccaccio, Chamas and Belgian Cafe terrace. Dine inside or out while listening to music by our resident DJ and the Chamas band who sets the ambience.

Opening hours: Friday: 12 noon to 4.00pm

THE YACHT CLUB What better setting than a stylish terrace overlooking Abu Dhabi’s most picturesque marina. The Yacht Club is the hottest spot in town with contemporary interiors, Japanese cuisine and the unlimited imagination of the bar staff.

Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 5pm to 1am Fridays: 2pm to 1am Saturdays: closed

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BELGIAN CAFÉ ABU DHABI A place that offers something different, Belgian Café follows the Belgian theme of beer. There are hot bowls of mussels, Belgian dishes and the delicious Belgian fries to choose from. From the shiny brass bar to the authentic wall mirrors, Belgian Café Abu Dhabi offers so much more. With terrace seating featuring a private marina view and easy parking.

Opening hours: Daily 5.00pm to 1.00am

SELECTIONS If you thought all-day-dining restaurants were all the same, think again. Sit down to breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy the beauty of the beach and marina. The chef and his team spice things up with regular theme nights and a fabulous Saturday brunch.

Opening hours: Daily 6.30am to 11.00pm Breakfast: 6.30am to 10.30am Lunch: 12.30pm to 4.00pm Dinner: 7.00pm to 10.30pm

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FISHMARKET Take the freshest seafood, cooked Thai-style, all served in a relaxed setting right on the beach and you have the recipe for a truly legendary dining experience. This awardwinning restaurant owes its long-running popularity to a winning formula of superb ingredients and genuinely friendly service.

Opening hours: daily Lunch: 12.30pm to 4.00pm Dinner: 7.00pm to 11.00pm

BELGIAN CAFÉ

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Beyond

Abu Dhabi

The ever-nomadic Jamie Farshchi discovers there’s much more to the Arabian Peninsula than meets the eye…

Sitting off the coast, the Burj al Arab hotel signifies the epitome of luxury in Dubai. Built to resemble the billowing sail of a dhow, a traditional Arabian ship, the iconic hotel stands 321 metres high and offers a custom hotel experience, with in-suite check-in, a chauffeured fleet of Rolls-Royces and underwater dining among the experiences at your disposal.

Dubai has an arid, subtropical climate with little cloud cover and a summer average of 42 degrees Celsius.

A winter average of 23 degrees Celsius keeps the city warm year round, perfect for lazing on Palm Beach or discovering the city that exists beyond the skyscrapers by visiting the souks or historic Al Bastakiya, Dubai’s oldest residential district.

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DUBAI With an opulence that is unparalleled, Dubai is a city of excess. Boasting the highest population of all the emirates, Dubai is lauded for its shopping, luxury hotels and awe-inspiring architecture that has one foot firmly in the future while paying deference to Islamic tradition.

Located 124 kilometres north-east of Abu Dhabi, Dubai rests on the Arabian Peninsula. At once both a beachside Shangri-La (with some of the whitest, sandiest beaches in the world) and bustling urban centre, Dubai is famous for its artificial archipelagos, sky scraping developments and fantastical activities – like skiing the 22,500 square metre indoor snowfields at the Mall of Emirates.

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Burj Al Arab, Dubai. © Anna Subbotina

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SHARJAH Mere minutes from the city of Dubai, Sharjah is the UAE’s third largest emirate and overlooks the Arabian Gulf coastline.

An historic area, Sharjah is renowned through the Arab world for its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. With more than 20 museums, art galleries and theatres, Sharjah is Dubai’s quiet but stunning neighbour.

The city’s carefully restored central and Heritage precincts are architecturally striking and worthy of a languid stroll during a cool summer evening. And the traditional souks and bazaars offer a cultural experience as well as the opportunity to get out of the sun and grab a bargain.

More temperate than its desert neighbour, Sharjah’s climate is low in humidity and offers pleasant summer days and cool evenings, making the months from November to April an ideal time to visit.

The Qanat Al Qasba area is the region’s tourist hub.

The area boasts the Maraya Art Centre, curated by Italian artist, Giuseppe Moscatello. You can also take a ride on the Eye of the Emirates, a 60-metre high Ferris wheel featuring 42 air-conditioned cabins from which one can view the city’s landmarks and the spectacular Dubai horizon.

RAS AL-KHAIMAH Sitting between the Hajjar Mountains and the Arabian Gulf, and spanning 1700 square kilometres, is Ras Al-Khaimah. Touted as a national treasure, the emirate holds the key to historic UAE with mediaeval ruins, prehistoric tombs and the natural wonders of the Rak Jebel Al Jais mountains.

FUJAIRAH Set against the dramatic Hajjar Mountains and with the Indian Ocean at its doorstep, Fujairah is brimming with spectacular valleys and waterfalls. The easternmost emirate, Fujairah is the only region not to have a coastline on the Arabian Gulf. Just outside the city is the Bitnah Fort, a majestic, restored historic site thought to hail from the 18th century.

UMM AL QUWAIN Umm Al Quwain or ‘Mother of Two Powers’ has the smallest in population of the seven emirates in the UAE. What the region lacks in local population, it makes up for in sheer serenity. The golden beaches of the mainland peninsula give way to crystal blue waters, perfect for soaking up the UAE sunshine. Just off the east coast and surrounded by dense mangrove forests lie the Islands of Umm Al Quwain. Featuring pristine beaches and a marine sanctuary, the islands are home to rare and exotic birds, perfect for the avid bird watcher.

Many resorts in the region offer boat tours of the islands or they can be viewed from the shore. Umm Al Quwain also features Dreamland Aqua Park, the UAE’s largest water park. With 250,000 square metres of landscaped gardens and more than 30 rides and attractions, the park is open year round.

AJMAN The smallest of the emirates, Ajman is an enchanting escape from the bustle of the big cities. Just 10 kilometres from Dubai, the emirate offers respite for the weary visitor while maintaining the glamour, shopping and fine dining for which the UAE is famous. w

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Fort of Umm Al Quwain. © Styve Reineck

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The easternmost emirate, Fujairah is the only region not to have a coastline on the Arabian Gulf.

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Monument in Fujairah. Š Philip Lange

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THE YAS VICEROY

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI is featured in the following luxury hotels: ABU DHABI HILTON

AL AIN HILTON

Tel: +971 2 681 1900 Fax: +971 2 681 1696 www.hilton.com

Tel: +971 3 768 6666 Fax: +971 3 768 6888 www.hilton.com

AL AIN ROTANA

BEACH ROTANA HOTEL AND TOWERS

Tel: +971 3 754 5111 Fax: +971 3 754 5444 www.rotana.com

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL ABU DHABI

DANAT AL AIN RESORT Tel: +971 3 704 600 Fax: +971 3 768 6766 www.danathotels.com

DESERT ISLANDS RESORT AND SPA BY ANANTARA

EASTERN MANGROVES HOTEL & SPA BY ANANTARA

Tel: +971 2 801 5400 Fax: +971 2 801 5404 www.desertislands.anantara.com

Tel: +971 2 406 1400 Fax: +971 2 406 1500 www.anantara.com

EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABI

HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 690 8888 Fax: +971 2 690 9999 www.emiratespalace.com

Tel: +971 2 666 6888 Fax: +971 2 666 9153 www.ichotelsgroup.com

HYATT CAPITAL GATE

LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 596 1234 Fax: +971 2 596 1235 www.abudhabi.capitalgate.hyatt.com

Tel: +971 2 644 6666 Fax: +971 2 644 0348 www.lemeridienabudhabi.com

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI

MILLENNIUM HOTEL ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 674 2020 Fax: +971 2 674 2552 www.leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Tel: +971 2 614 6000 Fax: +971 2 626 0005 www.millenniumhotels.com

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Tel: +971 2 621 0000 Fax: +971 2 621 7444 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tel: +971 2 697 9000 Fax: +971 2 644 2111 www.rotana.com

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MECURE CITY CENTRE HOTEL

PARK HYATT

Tel: +971 2 633 3555 Fax: +971 2 634 3633 www.mecure.com

Tel: +971 2 407 1234 Fax: +971 2 407 1235 www.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA

SANDS HOTEL ABU DHABI

Tel: +971 2 886 2088 Fax: +971 2 886 2086 www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

Tel: +971 2 615 6666 Fax: +971 2 633 5766 www.danathotels.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL QUARYAT AL BERI ABU DHABI

SHERATON ABU DHABI HOTEL AND RESORT

Tel: +971 2 509 8888 Fax: +971 2 558 5999 www.shangri-la.com

Tel: +971 2 677 3333 Fax: +971 2 672 5149 www.sheratonabudhabihotel.com

THE YAS VICEROY Tel: +971 2 656 0000 Fax: +971 2 656 0001 www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/ abudhabi

Keep an eye out for Welcome To Dubai in the following locations: THE ADDRESS, DOWNTOWN BURJ DUBAI

THE ADDRESS, DUBAI MALL

Tel: +971 4 436 8888 Fax: +971 4 436 8880 www.theaddress.com

Tel: +971 4 438 8888 Fax: +971 4 438 7888 www.theaddress.com

THE ADDRESS, DUBAI MARINA

AL BUSTAN ROTANA DUBAI Tel: +971 4 282 0000 Fax: +971 4 282 8100 www.rotana.com

AL MUROOJ ROTANA DUBAI

ATLANTIS, THE PALM, DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 321 1111 Fax: +971 4 321 5555 www.rotana.com

Tel: +971 4 426 0000 Fax: +971 4 426 0001 www.atlantisthepalm.com

BURJ AL ARAB

BURJUMAN ARJAAN

BY ROTANA

Tel: +971 4 301 7777 Fax: +971 4 301 7000 www.jumeirah.com

Tel: +971 4 352 4444 Fax: +971 4 352 7666 www.rotana.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT GREEN COMMUNITY DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 294 1222 Fax: +971 4 295 4444 www.accorhotels.com

Tel: +971 4 885 2222 Fax: +971 4 885 2525 www.marriott.com

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CITY CENTRE HOTEL AND RESIDENCE

LUXURY HOTEL GUIDE

Tel: +971 4 436 7777 Fax: +971 4 436 7788 www.theaddress.com

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CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI DEIRA Tel: +971 4 262 5555 Fax: +971 4 269 7358 www.crowneplaza.com

Tel: +971 4 701 2222 Fax: +971 4 232 9097 www.crowneplaza.com

DUBAI MARINE BEACH RESORT AND SPA

DUBAI MARRIOTT HOTEL AND SUITES

Tel: +971 4 346 1111 Fax: +971 4 346 0234 www.dxbmarine.com

Tel: +971 4 319 4000 Fax: +971 4 319 4006 www.marriotthotels.com

DUSIT THANI DUBAI

FAIRMONT HOTEL

PO Box 23335 Tel: +971 4 343 3333 Fax: +971 4 343 3042 www.dusit.com

Tel: +971 4 332 5555 Fax: +971 4 332 4555 www.fairmont.com

GRAND HYATT DUBAI

GROSVENOR HOUSE DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 317 1234 Fax: +971 4 317 1235 www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com

Tel: +971 4 399 8888 Fax: +971 4 399 8444 www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

HABTOOR GRAND RESORT AND SPA

HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH

Tel: +971 4 408 4444 Fax: +971 4 399 4207 www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com

Tel: +971 4 399 1111 Fax: +971 4 399 1112 www.hilton.com

HILTON DUBAI CREEK

HYATT REGENCY DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 227 1111 Fax: +971 4 227 1131 www.hilton.com

Tel: +971 4 209 1234 Fax: +971 4 209 1235 www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com

IBIS WORLD TRADE CENTRE DUBAI

INTERCONTINENTAL DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

Tel: +971 4 332 4444 Fax: +971 4 331 1220 www.ibishotel.com

Tel: +971 4 701 1111 Fax: +971 4 232 9095 www.ichotelsgroup.com

INTERCONTINENTAL RESIDENCE SUITES DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT AND SPA

Tel: +971 4 701 3333 Fax: +971 4 232 9096 www.ichotelsgroup.com

Tel: +971 4 814 5555 Fax: +971 4 883 5543 www.jebelali-international.com

JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL

JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

Tel: +971 4 348 0000 Fax: +971 4 301 6800 www.jumeirah.com

Tel: +971 4 330 0000 Fax: +971 4 330 3030 www.jumeirah.com

JUMEIRA ROTANA DUBAI

JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY

Tel: +971 4 345 5888 Fax: +971 4 345 8777 www.rotana.com

Tel: +971 4 453 0000 Fax: +971 4 453 0001 www.jumeirah.com

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CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

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Tel: +971 4 262 4444 Fax: +971 4 262 6264 www.marriott.com

LE MERIDIEN DUBAI Tel: +971 4 219 0000 Fax: +971 4 282 9327 www.lemeridien-dubai.com

KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES Tel: +971 4 341 0000 Fax: +971 4 341 4500 www.kempinski.com

LE MERIDIEN MINA SEYAHI RESORT AND MARINA Tel: +971 4 399 3333 Fax: +971 4 399 3000 www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN BEACH RESORT AND SPA

MADINAT JUMEIRAH, THE ARABIAN RESORT DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 399 5555 Fax: +971 4 399 5999 www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com

Tel: +971 4 366 8888 Fax: +971 4 366 7788 www.jumeirah.com

THE MEYDAN HOTEL

MILLENNIUM HOTEL DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 381 3333 Fax: +971 4 381 3344 www.meydanhotels.com

Tel: +971 4 282 3464 Fax: +971 4 282 3781 www.millenniumhotels.com

NOVOTEL WORLD TRADE CENTRE DUBAI

ONE AND ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 332 0000 Fax: +971 4 332 0001 www.novotel.com

Tel: +971 4 399 9999 Fax: +971 4 399 9998 www.oneandonlyroyalmirage.com

ONE AND ONLY THE PALM, DUBAI

THE PALACE – THE OLD TOWN

Tel: +971 4 440 1010 Fax: + 971 4 440 1011 www.oneandonlythepalm.com

PARK HYATT DUBAI Tel: +971 4 602 1234 Fax: +971 4 602 1235 www.dubai.park.hyatt.com

Tel: +971 4 428 7888 Fax: +971 4 428 7999 www.theaddress.com

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, DUBAI DEIRA CREEK Tel: +971 4 222 7171 Fax: +971 4 228 4777 www.radissonblu.com

RAFFLES DUBAI

RITZ CARLTON DUBAI

Tel: +971 4 324 8888 Fax: +971 4 324 6000 www.raffles.com

Tel: +971 4 399 4000 Fax: +971 4 399 4001 www.ritzcarlton.com

SHANGRI-LA HOTEL DUBAI

SHERATON CREEK HOTEL AND TOWERS

Tel: +971 4 343 8888 Fax: +971 4 343 8886 www.shangri-la.com

TOWERS ROTANA DUBAI

THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI BEACH RESORT AND MARINA Tel: +971 4 399 4141 Fax: +971 4 399 9144 www.starwoodhotels.com

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Tel: +971 4 343 8000 Fax: +971 4 343 5111 www.rotana.com

Tel: +971 4 228 1111 Fax: +971 4 221 3468 www.sheraton.com/dubai

LUXURY HOTEL GUIDE

JW MARRIOTT HOTEL

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ABU DHABI

Mountain Green. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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ABU DHABI

Young Boy. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Š GekaSkr

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Jebel Hafeet Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Traditional dance. Š Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

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Abu Dhabi | Etihad Towers, Tower2 | 9712 667 2891 Dubai Mall | Ground Floor, Fashion Avenue | 04 339 8024 Mall Of The Emirates | Ground Floor, Fashion Dome | 04 399 0289 www.fauchon.com

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cartier.com

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 2012/2013

WELCOME TO ABU DHABI 2012/2013

NOT FOR SALE PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE

From UAE: 800 Cartier (800-2278437) Outside UAE: +971 4 236 8345

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