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Abu Dhabi is the
largest of all seven emirates with an area of 67,340 square
kilometers, equivalent to 86.7% of the country’s total area, excluding
the islands. Its coastline extends for more than 400 kilometers. The
Emirates is divided into three regions. The first is the city of Abu
Dhabi. The second is known Eastern Region, has its capital Al Ain
city. The Western Region, The emirates third, comprises of 52 villages
and has its capital Bida Zayed, or Zayed city.
In addition to the three mainland regions of Abu Dhabi, There are a
number of important islands within the emirate including Das, Mubarraz,
Zirku & Arzanah, near where the main offshore oil fields are located.
Closer inshore are Dalma, Sir Bani Yas, Merawah & Saadityat, together
with many smaller islands.
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The
traditional Arabic coffeepot here as a monument |
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Just 40 years ago,
Abu Dhabi, now the island capital of the UAE was a small fishing
village, today, mainly as a result of revenue from oil, it is one of
the world’s richest cities, with tree-lined boulevards, lush green
parks, gushing fountains and magnificent skyscrapers. Abu Dhabi is a
combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arabian mystique.
The Island City is 8 kilometers wide & 14 Kilometers long & connected
to the mainland via two bridges. The Island Population is believed to
be almost one million.
Getting there
Abu Dhabi
International Airport is situated on the mainland, approximately 35
Kilometers from the city. The city can also be reached via Dubai
Airport which is approximately 2 hours from the city.
Accommodation
The city of Abu Dhabi
has a wide range of 4 & 5 star hotels of good International standards.
Hilton, Sheraton, Intercontinental and local chain hotels are all
present in Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Palace hotel, Managed by The
Kempinski, is the latest addition to Abu Dhabi’s hotels.
Most 4 star and all 5 star hotels offer a wide variety of
entertainment & dining options where alcohol is served to guests with
the exception of the Muslim holy Month of Ramadan when alcohol is not
served and Pubs and Night clubs remain closed for the entire month.
Attractions
Al-Hosn Palace
Al-Hosn
palace, commonly known as the Old fort or the White Fort, Was built in
the late 19th Century, Making it the oldest building in
town. The interior has been completely modernized and is now used by
the Cultural Foundation as a documents & research centre.
Heritage Village
The
village is situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi and is a living
exhibition of lifestyle & tradition of Bedouin life and other
cultures.
The Women’s Craft
Centre
This is a
government sponsored centre where traditional crafts such as high
quality weavings, hand made souvenirs and local artifacts are made,
displayed and sold at a fixed price.
Cultural Foundation
This large
Building houses the National Archives, The National Library and the
Institution of Culture & Art. There are often interesting exhibits on
local history & Islamic art, as well as modern art exhibits and
Musical concerts.
The Croniche
A
park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city, with a backdrop of
modern buildings facing the sea, it is one of the most picturesque
sites in Abu Dhabi. It also offers many kilometers of risk-free
walking, cycling, jogging and roller skating.
Breakwater
Opposite
Abu Dhabi Corniche, This is the best place in the city to watch the
skyline and experience some local food. It is also home to the
ultra-modern Marina Shopping Mall featuring many brand named fashion
shops, cafes & Restaurants.
Dhow Wharf & Fish
Market
At the
eastern end of the cornice, near the port, lies Abu Dhabi’s Fish
market and small Dhow (boat) wharf offering a good local color and an
excellent view back towards the city.
Petroleum Exhibition
Explains
how oil was discovered and developed in the UAE through the use of old
photographs and aerial shots tracking the scale of development in the
region. Interactive displays & a 25-min documentary give a fascinating
insight into Abu Dhabi’s phenomenal transformation from Oasis to
cosmopolitan city.
The Grand Mosque
A large
Square Building, notable for its vast size & triple domed roof, is
most impressive by night when the walls are floodlit in the centre of
the city. As you cross one of the bridges connecting the island city
of Abu Dhabi to the mainland, one cannot fail to see Abu Dhabi’s new
mosque which is nearing completion. It is believed to be one of the
biggest in the world.
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This town is
an oasis framed by red and golden sand dunes along with bizarrely
shaped hills. Because of its constant blooms throughout the year, Al
Ain acquired the attributed name of the "Flower City". The town winds
itself around the border of the Sultanate of Oman. It is also
famous by charming Buraimi oasis, the amazing souk and the 1000 years
old falj system.
The ancient
heritage of this civilization is surrounded by a botanical
garden, while the history of the Bedouins is displayed in the
biggest Museum in the Emirates. The camel souk also
distributes to the town's Arabian cultured atmosphere. Al Ain is a
flourishing greenery in the middle of the golden desert.
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