Contact Centre Inside: 800 555 Outside: +971 2 666 4442 Issue: 2014
Top Transit Tips www.visitabudhabi.ae
get the best out of abu dhabi SHORT CAN BE SWEET
WELCOME TO ABU DHABI. You’re
found at www.visitabudhabi.ae, and
transitting a destination where you
via our visitor information centres and
can engage with a captivating past,
information points across the city.
intriguing traditions and culture, and experience
thrilling,
modern-day
There’s now much more to see and do in Abu Dhabi – and you will always
attractions.
be assured of a true Abu Dhabi No matter how short your stay, we’ll
Travellers Welcome.
help you find something to leave you wanting to come back for more.
How to use this guide These itineraries provide essential tips
Our transit itineraries are designed to
on not-to-be-missed attractions and
help you get the best out of your stay.
experiences for our stop-over visitors. They show how easy it is to explore
i
These four, eight and 12 hour trip
the emirate, and can be combined
ideas can be combined to tailor a
to create action-packed, full day
memorable
experience,
itineraries for the maximum 96 hour
whatever your interest. This collection
lay-over. They indicate recommended
is not exhaustive, remember fuller
visit duration and typical journey
details of activities, events, dining,
time
stay and attraction options can be
International Airport.
stop-over
by
road
from
Abu
Dhabi
ii
CONTENTS 4 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Sample local culture and true Arabian hospitality
1
8 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Abu Dhabi – Blend tradition with modernity 5
Itinerary 2 The ancient art of falconry
3
Itinerary 2 Par and Spa
7
3
Itinerary 3 Sea, Fly, Drive on Yas Island
9
Itinerary 3 Glimpse our cultural vision
Getting Around
12 Hour Stay Itinerary 1 Explore our heritage heartland
11
Itinerary 2
13
Itinerary 3 At one with the sea
15
17
Where to Eat and Where to Stay 18 Further information
18
4 HOUR STAY
On the nearby beachfront, you’ll find
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
an array of exquisite hotels where
+971 2 654 3000
culinary delights await to while away
fairmont.com/babalbahr
the hours. There’s the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi – home to
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi,
several award-winning restaurants and
Grand Canal
the signature Chi spa – and its sister
+971 2 818 8888
Traders
ritzcarlton.com
Hotel.
They’re
connected
by waterways to the charming Souk Qary’at Al Beri where you can browse
Shangri-La Hotel,
and shop in an Arabian market-like
Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi
atmosphere of stalls and shops. Then
+971 2 509 8888
there’s the Fairmont Bab al Bahr, with
shangri-la.com/abudhabi
a variety of celebrity chef eateries. Inspired by 15th to early 17th century
Souk Qary’at Al Beri
Renaissance architecture, the Ritz-
+971 2 558 1670
Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is the
soukqaryatalberi.com
world’s largest Ritz-Carlton resort, with 10 top-class restaurants. Journey time 20 minutes. visitabudhabi.ae Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Souk Qaryat Al Beri
ITINERARY 1 SAMPLE LOCAL CULTURE AND TRUE ARABIAN HOSPITALITY
1
tell the story of this masterpiece of
Start with a tour of the Sheikh Zayed
worship and give visitors an insight
Grand Mosque, recommended by
into local heritage and traditions.
TripAdvisor as one of the world’s Top
Tours last approximately 1.5–2hrs.
25 landmark attractions. There are
Journey time 20 minutes.
daily complimentary ‘walk-in’ guided
szgmc.ae
tours by trained UAE nationals who
+971 2 441 6444 2
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
3
Manarat Al Saadiyat
ITINERARY 2
ITINERARY 3
THE ANCIENT ART OF FALCONRY
GLIMPSE OUR CULTURAL VISION
The state-of-the-art Abu Dhabi Falcon
On Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District
Often individual art exhibitions are
Hospital is an award-winning attraction
– soon to be home to a premier
also held in an additional gallery.
dedicated to caring and protection of
collection of world class museums,
Recommended visit time 2.5–4hrs
the national emblem of the UAE. On
you can visit the free-to-enter Manarat
including time to enjoy the on-site
guided tours, learn why these noble
al Saadiyat exhibition centre and tour
restaurant, Fanr.
birds of prey are so revered and try
the interactive Saadiyat Story. It will
your hand at the ancient Arabian sport
tell you of the transformation of this
Journey time 30 minutes each way.
of falconry.
natural island and you’ll be able to
saadiyat.ae
Recommended visit time 2.5–4hrs.
explore the future with models and
+971 2 643 5781
Journey time 15 minutes each way
explanations of the Louvre Abu Dhabi,
falconhospital.com
the Zayed National Museum, and the
+971 2 575 5155
Guggenheim
Abu
Dhabi
Museum 4
8 HOUR STAY
spectacular backdrop. Recommended
you will simply never forget.
visit time 1.5–2hrs
Journey time 45 minutes each way.
From this 300 metre vantage point, the
Heritage Village
Emirates Palace – an iconic Abu Dhabi
+971 2 681 4455
landmark – is a sight to behold and
visitabudhabi.ae
among the world’s most opulent hotels. Resplendent with gold leaf
Observation Deck at 300
chandeliers and fittings, 114 domes
+971 2 881 5555
and a gold dispensing ATM machine,
jumeirah.com
another popular pastime is taking High Tea in Le Café. Recommended visit
Emirates Palace
time 1.5–2hrs
+971 2 690 9000 emiratespalace.com
Wrap up your visit with a thrill-a-minute
Corniche
ride on a Yellow Boats Speedboat Tour
Yellow Boats Speedboat Tours
of Abu Dhabi’s spectacular Corniche.
+971 800 8044
Launching from the exclusive Emirates
theyellowboats.com
Palace Marina, this nautical perspective of the city’s attractions is an experience
ITINERARY 1 ABU DHABI – BLEND TRADITION Heritage Village
WITH MODERNITY Head to Abu Dhabi’s spectacular
by the Corniche Breakwater and
beachfront Corniche, where you can
explore a reconstruction of a desert
stroll, roller-blade, hire bicycles, or
village with a small traditional souk.
bask on the lifeguarded Blue Flag
Recommended duration 2–4hrs
public beach which has a minimal
5
US$3 entry fee. There are lots of
On level 74 of Tower 2 at the nearby
coffee shops to sit and sip a brew
Jumeirah
and people watch. Next, close to
Observation
the expansive Marina Mall and set
the highest vantage of Abu Dhabi’s
beneath Abu Dhabi’s giant flag-pole,
cityscape is where guests can enjoy
visit the free-to-enter Heritage Village
delicious
at
Etihad Deck
at
refreshments
Towers, 300
the offers
against
a 6
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
ITINERARY 2 PAR AND SPA With
three
championship-ready
selection of luxury spa and wellness
courses within a 25 kilometre radius
experiences for non-playing partners.
and six clubs within a 90-minute
Journey time 15–30 minutes each
drive, Abu Dhabi has a wealth of
way, dependent on club.
golf offerings. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, the parkland course with its iconic
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
falcon
+971 2 558 8990
clubhouse
is
home,
each
January, to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf
adgolfclub.com
Championship. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is the region’s only ‘ocean’ course
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
with
+971 2 557 8000
several
beautiful
beachfront
holes. Yas Links is the region’s premier
sbgolfclub.ae
links course. These are complemented by a city course and an intriguing
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
sand course just a chip-and-putt
+971 2 810 7710
from Abu Dhabi International Airport
yaslinks.com
and can be easily combined with a
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
7
8
Yas Island
ITINERARY 3
Marina Circuit and its F1 Grand Prix
SEA, FLY, DRIVE ON YAS ISLAND Enjoy a Seawings aerial seaplane tour which covers all of Abu Dhabi city’s sights from the air or choose a 20 or 30-minute Falcon Aviation helicopter tour.
For
a
seaborne
alternative,
Capt. Tony’s operates a range of cruises around our scenic natural islands, including ‘Sunset Cruises’, ‘Island Beach Tours’, and tailored ‘Romantic Cruises’ from Yas Marina on sustainably operated craft. Back
track, and complete their visit with lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the iconic Yas Viceroy – the only hotel in the world straddling an F1™ circuit. Journey time 20 minutes each way. visitabudhabi.ae Seawings Abu Dhabi +971 800 SEAWINGS Falcon Aviation +971 2 444 0007
on terra firma, race like a champion
Capt. Tony’s
at the Yas Racing School which offers
+971 2 650 7175
expert tuition in a variety of cars, such as Aston Martin GT4 racers, from
Yas Marina Circuit
specialised instructors for those who
+971 2 659 9800 or 800 YAS
have never driven a racing car before.
9
The less adventurous can embark on
Yas Viceroy Hotel
a behind the scenes tour of the Yas
+971 2 656 0000 10
12 HOUR STAY
Alternatively spend the day at the
Al Ain Oasis
unique Wadi Adventure , a man-made
+971 3 763 0155
white-water
rafting,
kayaking
and
surfing playground in the foothills of
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
Jebel Hafeet. The park’s 3.3 metre
+971 3 751 7755
man-made surf wave is the world’s largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking
Al Jahili Fort
channel network is the world’s longest,
+971 3 711 8311
makes for a great adrenaline-filled family day out.
Al Qattara Arts Centre
Journey time 90 minutes each way.
+971 3 761 8080
visitabudhabi.ae Wadi Adventure +971 3 781 8422
Wadi Adventure Al Ain Oasis
ITINERARY 1 EXPLORE OUR HERITAGE HEARTLAND
11
The Oasis City of Al Ain, with its array of
is filled with palm plantations, many
UNESCO World Heritage sites, offers
of which are still working farms. Visit
insights to Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural
the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
past. This charming city is within the
and see how the founder of the UAE
shadows of Jebel Hafeet, a towering
lived, or the picturesque Al Jahili fort
rocky height, home to significant fossil
– one of the UAE’s most historic o the
discoveries and over 500 ancient burial
Al Qattara Arts Centre, the only arts
tombs dating back 5,000. Famed for
centre in Al Ain, which is housed in an
working examples of the falaj – the
historic renovated fort on a site that
UAE’s traditional irrigation system – the
dates to the Iron Age (1100 – 300Bc)
Al Ain Oasis in the heart of the city,
in Al Ain’s Qattara Oasis. 12
ITINERARY 2 YAS THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT Experience the thrill of Yas Island – our entertainment destination. Here you’ll find the Yas Marina Circuit – the world class motor sports race track which hosts the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stunning Yas Marina with its superb Yacht Club, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course, and set on the island’s tranquil southern shores, Yas Beach which is a great spot to relax and enjoy sun, sea, and sand.
Use the complimentary round-island
Yas Waterworld
Yas Express shuttle service to reach Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park with more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions – including the world’s fastest roller-coaster the Formula Rossa. The award-winning Arabian-themed
Yas
Waterworld
waterpark – with its 43 rides, slides & attractions, including five that are oneof-a-kind is not to be missed, and has been named the World Travel Award’s ‘Middle East’s Leading Attraction’.
Formula Rossa
A combination ticket, the Yas Park Pass, which includes access to both Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld is available. Journey time just 20 minutes each way! Yas Express +971 2 496 8110 yasisland.ae Ferrari World Abu Dhabi +971 2 496 8001 ferrariworldabudhabi.com Yas Waterworld +971 2 496 8236 yaswaterworld.com
13
14
relax and admire the most Arabian
Noukhada Kayaking Tours
Gulf shoreline and islands onboard
+971 2 650 3600
the Gulf’s largest catamaran with
noukhada.ae
Belevari Marine’s three hour odyssey departing from the exclusive Emirates
Eastern Mangroves Hotel
Palace Marina.
+971 2 656 1000 abu-dhabi.anantara.com Al Dhafra +971 2 444 9914 aldhafra.net Abu Dhbai Pearl Journey +971 2 641 9914 adpearljourney.com Belevari Marine +971 2 643 1494
ITINERARY 3
belevari.com
AT ONE WITH THE SEA Enjoy the waters of the Arabian Gulf
lunch at the Al Dhafra Tourist Village
with an early morning Noukhada
for
Kayaking Tour of the protected eastern
experience. Sample a wide selection
mangrove forest that meanders along
of the market’s fresh fish and shellfish
the
and try ‘Jesheed’ – a shark speciality
city’s
coastline.
Learn
about
the natural wildlife habitats from an
an
authentic
Emirati
dining
Eastern Mangroves Hotel
garnished with turmeric.
experienced guide before enjoying a
15
buffet breakfast brunch at the nearby
Later, take a break from the busy city
Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by
and join the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
Anantara.
your
for a two hour cruise to understand
camera ready for the early morning
the enchanting history of the Arabian
bustle of the Mina Zayed Fish Souk
Gulf’s ancient pearling industry –
to capture the array of locally-caught
you’re guaranteed to find a pearl
fruits of the sea before calling for
to take home as a souvenir. Then,
Alternatively,
get
16
GETTING AROUND
Emirates Palace
Abu Dhabi has a well-planned road system and getting around Abu Dhabi is easy. Visitors will find all major car rental companies at Abu Dhabi International
Airport.
Taxis
are
reasonably priced and plentiful and can be picked up at the airport taxi rank, flagged down by the roadside or booked by phone through the TransAD hotline 600 535353.
WHERE TO EAT AND WHERE TO STAY Abu
Dhabi
has
an
Saadiyat Beach Club Dinner
extensive
array of fine quality dining and accommodation searched
via
options,
easily
visitabudhabi.ae
or
through our dedicated Where to Eat and Where to Stay publications available from any visitor information centre and selected locations across the emirate.
Arabian Nights Restaurant
FURTHER INFORMATION visitabudhabi.ae contains a wealth of additional information as does our
extensive
network
of
visitor
information centres and electronic visitor
information
points
at
Abu Dhabi International Airport and across the emirate. 17
18