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Glittering turquoise waters were lapping at the sugary sands as I strolled among palm trees
and pretty gardens carpeting an exquisitely-manicured waterfront. On my
left-hand side the skyscrapers
soaring above the city resembled Manhattan. The sun had the effect of a
spotlight covering the scene with a golden glow. It could not have been more
perfect if I had been styling a photo shoot.
Atmospheric and invigorating while radiating calm and
serenity, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, seduces you with
charm and culture packaged in a sophisticated and classy environment.
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Abu Dhabi: aerial view Corniche
Courtesy of
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
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I was walking on the Corniche, a road that runs for
approximately 5 miles (8 kilometres) by the waterfront from Zayed Port up to the
Emirates Palace. People were enjoying bike rides. Many like me were enjoying an
afternoon walk soaking up the winter sunshine, while others were relaxing in
the bustling cafés and restaurants or swimming in the sea.
Perched on the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the largest and
the wealthiest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab
Emirates Formed in 1971, this is a relatively new country that is not
only rich in oil but also natural beauty. The triangular island of Abu Dhabi
city, connected to the mainland by a small bridge, is, like neighbouring
islands, awash with construction projects.
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Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Courtesy of
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
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And it is not just more towering buildings and luxurious
hotels that are rising out of the desert, Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island is set to
be a hub of world-renowned museums including branches of the Guggenheim and the
Louvre which you would want to see just for the building alone. Surrounded by
the sea it is an ingenious combination of 21st-century architecture
and intrinsic Arabian influences.
Paying homage to Abu Dhabi’s long maritime history is the
recently-opened Cruise Terminal, in Zayed Port, where traditional markers of
the region, including a souk collide with state-of-the-art design. A stone’s
throw from the centre of the capital, it makes stopping here on a cruise an ideal way for getting a taste
of the city.
If you are looking for adventure head south to Yas Island,
home of the Formula One circuit and Ferrari World, a theme park where you can
take a ride on what is said to be the fastest roller-coaster on the planet.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi (artist's impression)
Courtesy of
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
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While the winds of change have been brisk here, they have
not been as rapid as those of its neighbour Dubai. The attention to detail here
is amazing, everything seems to have been thoroughly thought through. Even the
traffic flows well here. In Abu Dhabi, you savour a distinct Arabian flavour.
Although modernity stakes its claim,
this emirate is fiercely protective of its past and that makes it special.
Being virtually crime free is another plus.
The Heritage Village
gives a glimpse of what desert life was like living next to an oasis. Women
weave and spin while men are occupied with skills such as making pottery.
Its star attraction is the views of the Corniche. You should go there for that
alone.
Shopaholics can test their bartering skills at traditional
souks as well as sauntering round the myriad of shopping malls that the city
has to offer. At the Marina Mal
l you
can appreciate the vastness of Abu Dhabi as you take in the great views from
the 100-metre high viewing platform.
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Emirates Palace
Courtesy of
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
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It is, however, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque that
will really make your jaw drop – whatever time of day you visit. Designers have
come from all over the world to create one of the world’s largest mosques.
Elegant and tastefully decorated, its 82 white marble domes, 24 carat
gold-gilded chandeliers and columns adorned with floral motives inlaid with
semi-precious stones will dazzle you with their beauty. The reflective pools
and stunning gardens that hem it intensify the splendour of this architectural
wonder.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is named after the founder and
first President of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan, and is based on his vision.
The mosque, said to hold over 40,000 worshippers, not only
boasts in its main prayer hall one of the world’s largest chandeliers, which
glistens with gold and Swarovski crystals, it also claims to have the world’s
largest hand-knotted carpet. It is said to have taken approximately 1,300
Iranian craftsmen two and half years to complete.
Women, especially, should take note that the dress code here
is extremely conservative. Not even your wrists can be on show. You have to
wear loose-fitting ankle-length skirts or trousers and long sleeves. Also
ensure you are not wearing white or anything transparent including the scarf
that covers your head.
There was just time on my whirlwind trip to fit in a visit
to the fabled Emirates Palace, one of the city’s most renowned landmarks.
Nestled on its own private beach, surrounded by beautiful lawns and gardens, dancing
water fountains greet you as you walk up the sweeping driveway. Indulging in a
gold-leaf flecked cappuccino I reflected on the many wonderful surprises
that Abu Dhabi kept unravelling. With still more to discover, I hope one day to
go back.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting there
Fly with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United
Arab Emirates. You will experience Arabian hospitality as soon as you board the
plane. For best fares
and more details about destinations and Etihad
visit
etihad.com
Stay at the Emirates Palace. For more information and best
rates visit
kempinski.com
For more information about Abu Dhabi visit Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
visitabudhabi.ae
