ABU DHABI TOURISM

January 2017 WHY VISIT

• Stunning surroundings • Heritage (Heritage Village, forts, oases) • Amazing beaches (Corniche, Saadiyat, Yas) • Festivals and events • Friendly and laid-back environment • Well designed infrastructure • Art • Local traditions • Saadiyat Cultural District

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 2 TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS

Ferrari World Sheikh Zayed Emirates Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque Palace Falcon Hospital Island

Yas Island Yas Marina City The Corniche Heritage Circuit Beach Village

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 3 WANDER ABU DHABI’S TOPART GALLERIES

Abu Dhabi is home to several reputable galleries featuring interesting exhibitions of local art and traditional Arabian artefacts. Here are a few of the best art galleries:

• Salwa Zeidan Gallery • Warehouse 421 • Etihad Modern Gallery • Art Hub • Manarat Al Saadiyat

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 4 WHEN AUTHENTICITY MEETS LUXURY HOTELS AND RESORTS

AUTHENTICITY LUXURY 1. Qasr Al Sarab 1. Emirates Palace Hotel 2. Telal Al Ain 2. Jumeirah Etihad Towers 3. Zaya Nurai Island Resort 3. Ritz Carlton 4. Bab Al Qasr 4. Shangri-La 5. Tilal Liwa 5. Fairmont

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 5 ABU DHABI IS A CULTURAL HUB

HERITAGE VILLAGE WAREHOUSE 421 QASR AL MUWAIJI The historic Qasr Al Muwaiji , birthplace of His A cultural destination and exhibition Resting on a white sandy beach overlooking the perfect Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, space that takes its name from azure sea, the fantastic Heritage Village gives visitors a President of the UAE, has been lovingly warehouses that have been glimpse into life before the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi. restored to its former glory and reopened to the transformed to become a platform See replicas of a barasti, or palm frond house, small souq, public as a museum and permanent exhibition. for both artistic expression, and traditional mosque. It’s possible to ride a camel here Located in the centre of the Al Ain, Qasr al understanding, and even further in the Bedouin encampment, while watching craftsmen Muwaiji is an impressive structure that has development of the UAE’s creative beating brass trays, blowing glass, and weaving their watched over the oasis for over a 100 years. community. The main purpose of traditional looms. Be sure to visit the fascinating museum Warehouse421 is to celebrate art where you can find black and white photos and exhibits of WAHAT AL KARAMA and culture, design and creativity, Bedouin costumes, jewelry, baskets, cooking utensils and Wahat Al Karama is a permanent tribute to performance and music, from artists bronze coffee pots. UAE’s brave soldiers and other Emiratis and designers based here in the who made the ultimate sacrifice while UAE and from around the world, serving the nation. It is a place where and to let people experience these citizens, residents and visitors can pay disciplines in a unique and original homage to those who selflessly gave their space. life to a cause greater than themselves.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 6 SPORTS GALORE

Motor racing is a firm favourite in the emirate, and the A global golfing destination: With superb golf courses across Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix usually the emirate, including three championship courses, there are held in November at the Yas Marina Circuit has the eyes of amazing opportunities to play the sport. The annual HSBC the sporting world on the emirate. Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January also brings the best players in the world to the city. There are two powerboat events in Abu Dhabi, starting with the XCAT World Series usually held in November. The World Tennis Championship (currently sponsored by This event features extreme catamarans with twin 600 Mubadala) is a singles-only, professional tennis exhibition hp outboard engines taking them to speeds of up to 220 tournament, played on outdoor hard courts. It has been held km/h. Three weeks later, the same course between the annually since 2009 at the Abu Dhabi International Tennis Breakwater and the Corniche is used for the Abu Dhabi Complex. UIM F1 H2O World Championship

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 7 AWARD WINNING SPAS IN ABU DHABI

No one does wellness spas better than Abu Dhabi. • The Emirates Palace Spa Leave your troubles at the door when you enter any of • Anantara Spa these luxurious spas and instantly relax and unwind • Atarmia Spa (Park Hyatt) • Espa (Yas Viceroy)

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 8 AMAZING RESTAURANTS WITH A VIEW

With a skyline as enthralling as Abu Dhabi’s, it makes sense that this city by the sea has its fair share of panoramic restaurants. Whether you’re after a seat by the water or you want sky-high dining along with the dizzying heights of luxury that the gastronomic scene here has to offer, there will be something in Abu Dhabi that gives you the perfect view along with exceptional cuisine.

1. Cipriani 2. Stratos 3. Asia de Cuba 4. Byblos Sur Mer 5. Li Jang 6. Observation Deck 300 7. Catch

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 9 ENDLESS SEA ADVENTURES

With the waves of the Arabian Gulf lapping the length of 1. Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club the UAE, watersports of all kinds are one of the region’s 2. Wadi Adventure most pleasurable pursuits for everyone from tranquil ocean dwellers to adrenalin-thirsty watersport junkies. 3. Noukhada Adventure Company Take to the sea for a peaceful afternoon of yacht lounging 4. Al Forsan or opt for high-impact, thrill-seeking sea bound adventures. The open water awaits you. 5. Eden Yachting

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 10 LUXURY SHOPPING

Abu Dhabi has some of the finest luxury shopping in the Emirates. As the largest of the seven emirates, there is a high demand for a wide variety of shopping venues. From designers to boutiques, Abu Dhabi has it all.

1. Avenue at Etihad Towers 2. Yas Mall 3. The Galleria Mall

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 11 GETAWAY ISLANDS

Nurai Island Just a 10-minute boat ride from lies Abu Dhabi’s latest As a designated A-list playground, Yas Island is home to Abu Dhabi’s island idyll, Zaya Nurai Island. This boutique resort offers everything Formula One racing circuit, Yas Links Golf Club and Ferrari World, but it and more than you could wish for from a private island escape is also the place to go in the city if you are a running or cycling buff.

Dalma Island Belvari Island Its ‘older brother’ Island may be famed for its wildlife Perhaps the most secret and serene of Abu Dhabi’s islands, Belevari reserve and Anantara Desert Resort & Spa, but if it’s history, heritage is the ultimate in escapism. and traditional Arabian island life you’re after, then Island awaits.

Saadiyat Island There may be a few more years to wait for this island’s ‘Big Five’ to Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island, has been open in the famed Saadiyat Cultural District, with the most anticipated designated as the centre of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business being the Guggenheim and the Louvre, but do not let this put you off District (CBD). venturing to this location, already a notable cultural and artistic hub. A wander around the Saadiyat Experience Exhibition at Manarat Al Sir Bani Yas Saadiyat will give you a real taster for what is happening here – past, Sir Bani Yas Island is the perfect weekend getaway for luxury travellers present and future. who enjoy rare encounters with spectacular animals. You’ll be sure to leave the retreat with a better knowledge of wildlife and conservation.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 12 UNBEATABLE NIGHT LIFE

Much like its amazing restaurants, a lot of Abu Dhabi’s 1. Etoiles Emirates Palace nightlife is centred around the scores of hotels and 2. Rush Lounge Yas Viceroy Hotel complexes where you can guarantee revelry late into 3. People by Crystal St. Regis Hotel the night in fantastic settings. 4. Maya Island 5. Iris Yas Marina

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 13 LEADING MEDICAL CARE

1. Cleveland Clinic 2. DNA Center for Integrative Medicine & Wellness 3. Imperial College London Diabetes Center

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 14 HALAL DESTINATIONS

1. Khalidyah Palace 2. Ladies night at Yas Waterworld 3. Ladies day at Yas Marina Circuit 4. Jannah Hotels & Resorts

UAE ranks as top Halal travel destination - Khaleej Times 23rd January 2017

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 15 ENDLESS DESERT JOURNEYS

Take an exciting dune bash; visit a camel farm to ride one of the hardy desert animals; try sandboarding or watch a serene desert sunset

• Al Ain Zoo Safari • TEL Mera’ab • 4X4 Desert Safari • Sand sports • Camel rides

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 16 MARVELS IN THE PIPELINE

• Warner Bros. Theme Park • Midfield Terminal • • Largest Indoor Snow Play Park • Seaworld

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 17 ITINERARIES DAY 1 Morning

Time: 9:00 - 9:45 Time: 10:00 - 11:45 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 Time: 1:30 - 3:00 Place: Qasr Al Hosn Place: Observation Deck at 300 Place: Rosewater buffet lunch Place: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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This permanent exhibition at the Qasr Head up to Observation Deck at Rosewater has seven global stations: Strap yourself in and feel the Gs at al Hosn Centre tells the story of Abu 300, the capital city’s highest tJapanese and Italian, the Indian Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, an indoor Dhabi and its people through the city’s Tandoor oven, Western and Asian, vantage point. Located in Tower 2 of theme park sprawling across 86,000 oldest building. the Levant and Wok, daily carving Fascinating oral testimonies and the Etihad Towers, the observation station, and the dessert station. sq m (925,696 sq ft). Upon opening in historic photographs bring this area gives you views of the city from Rosewater observes five cycle 2010, it was the largest of its kind in important monument to life. 300 m (984 ft) up. Rent one of the changes in its menu. the world. The park references the Contemporary Emirati voices reflect on Abu Dhabi’s history and transformation powerful telescopes to admire the world of motor sports and its Italian and Qasr al Hosn’s key role as a vibrant modern cityscape and watch the heritage everywhere you look, with symbol of Emirati heritage, culture and bustle of crowds, cars, and themed rides, driving experiences, tradition. development far below. Take in the and Italian dining. Dare yourself to The exhibition is free to enter and open daily from 9am to 8pm. There’s also a views from the onsite restaurant, get on the lightning-fast roller coaster, public programme of talks and where the high tea in particular has and fulfill your lifetime ambition to be workshops. become a favourite of visitors and behind the wheel of a Ferrari. A host residents alike. of interactive shows, gentle rides, and go-karting challenges give the little ones more than enough to keep them going.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 18 ITINERARIES DAY 1 Evening

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 Time: 5:30 - 6:30 Time: 6:45 - 7:15 Time: 7:15 - 8:30 Place: Yas Mall Place: Mina Zayed Fish Market Place: Warehouse421 Place: Al Dhafra Dinner Cruise

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International shopping Fish market tour – vegetable Enjoy the art, design, dance and Hop on board one of the traditional destination with famous & plants/trees market. music performances that have wooden dhow ships for a leisurely brands, designer and luxury brands, Entertainment, Events been- scheduled for this urban cruise along the Corniche. You’ll be & Activities space. served an Arabic feast and, as you’d expect, seafood is very prominent on the menu.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 19 ITINERARIES DAY 2 Morning

Time: 10:30 - 12:30 Time: 9:00 - 10:00 Time: 12:30 - 1:30 Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Place: Azure Marine Charters, Place: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Place: Mezlai at Emirates Palace Place: Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi Marina

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Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Cruise in style just off Abu Dhabi’s Lunch at Emirates Palace. Admire the Arabian architecture see a key place of worship and centre coast with an exclusive yacht rental and design at Emirates Palace, and for Islamic culture. Completed in 2007, from Azure Marine Charters. The take advantage of the luxury resort’s the centre houses the largest mosque rental company provides luxurious recreation and relaxation facilities. in the country - a sprawling structure vessels to individuals looking to Built in 2005, the palatial main of many spherical domes and four tall indulge and experience the area like building includes 394 guest rooms and minarets - and an enormous library royalty. Cruise the waters, swim, and suites, a large, patterned dome, and showcasing classic books and soak up some sunshine, allowing impressive marble flooring. The land- publications related to the Islamic the crew to help and get involved scaped grounds stretch out across world. Inside the main prayer hall, as much or as little as you wish 85 hectares (210 acres), providing admire the numerous ornamental The 24 m (78 ft) yacht holds up ample space for walking, jogging, features of the atmospheric place of to 27 people. and gentle exploration. Relax at the worship, including the largest carpet in onsite spa or private beach, and the world and seven chandeliers enjoy a spot of fine dining at one of incorporating millions of crystals. Take the hotel’s many restaurants. a guided tour of the library to learn more about Islamic faith, history, and art.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 20 ITINERARIES DAY 2 Evening

Time: 6:30 - 8:30 Time: 2:30 - 4:00 Time: 4:00 - 5:30 Time: 5:30 - 6:15 Place: Marina Mall/Dinner/ Place: Break Place: Corniche Place: Heritage Village Marina Eye

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Hotel Break Take a gentle trip down The Gain insight into the country’s This mall features a 100 metre Corniche, an attractive stretch of traditional culture and folklore at high viewing platform, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a Cineplex, manicured waterfront on the west Heritage Village, a life-size musical fountains and hundreds side of the main island. Enjoy a reconstruction of a desert village. of big name brands and stores. swim at the public beach, or stroll Walk through the replica town, A true Abu Dhabi landmark, along the 8km public footpath, taking admiring the architecture of a bygone Marina Mall's many restaurants in the sights of the carefully era, as well as the village’s simple and coffee shops make it designed coastline. Alternatively, arrangement and separate living possible to spend a full day here. consider exploring the area by bike - areas. Learn about traditional you can rent some wheels on site, agricultural methods, and visit the with options including two- and mosque for a glimpse into the primary three- seaters. The many children’s role that faith has played in the history play areas offer good diversions for of the country. Watch a demonstration little ones, and a solid set of of traditional artisanal techniques, restaurants and cafes lining the such as pottery and glassblowing, and street gives you plenty of options for try your hand at making your own little relaxing afterwards. memento to take home with you.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 21 ITINERARIES DAY 3

Time: 9:00 - 12:00 Time: 3:30 - 4:30 Time: 12:00 - 1:30 Time: 5:30 - 6:00 Place: Morning Abu Dhabi Place: Abu Dhabi Falcon Safari with Quad Bike Place: Break & check out hotel Hospital, Abu Dhabi Place: Arrive at Telal Al Ain Resort

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Make the most of an Abu Dhabi Check out current hotel Visit Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, morning with a rip-roaring 4-hour afterwards. one of the world’s foremost centres desert adventure and sports dedicated to the welfare and experience. Head into the desert protection of these majestic birds. by 4x4, and enjoy an exhilarating, Take a guided tour of the Check in at Al Ain hotel. 20-minute dune bash with a veterinary centre to learn more trained driver at the wheel. Zoom about falcons, their cultural over rolling, orange dunes before importance in the country, and the Time: 1:30 - 2:30 Time: 6:00 - 8:30 continuing to a desert camp for a challenges facing the bird camel ride, and a thrilling sand Place: Golden Dallah restaurant population in the modern era. Be Place: Full day at the resort board and quad bike session. introduced to the birds and Boost your energy with discover the techniques of falconry Description: Description: complimentary refreshments used in the region, and also gain a during the action. Traditional Emerati boutique restaurant sense of the important veterinary Falcon show/Camel riding/salukis and research work conducted at show/ traditional cooking show/ the facility. Classes on Emerati traditions etc.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 22 ITINERARIES DAY 4 Morning

Time: 9:00 - 10:00 Time: 10:00 - 11:00 Time: 11:00 - 12:00 Time: 12:00 - 1:00 Place: , Al Ain Place: Al Ain National Musem Place: Al Jahili Fort Place: Camel Souk, Al Ain

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Explore one of the most essential At Al Ain National Museum, the Built in 1891, Al Jahili Fort stands Busy, loud, and often a little aspects of urban infrastructure at Al oldest museum in the UAE, you will as a historic structure surrounded pungent, Camel Souk offers a Ain Oasis, a peaceful urban oasis. find discoveries from the Bronze by landscaped gardens with fascinating glimpse into a specific Known for its below-ground falaj Age, ethnographic information, and collections from past adventure aspect of traditional Arabic culture. irrigation system, with sloping artifacts from Hili Archeological Park. expeditions. The fort was erected to Traders come to the market to buy underground channels transporting Located next to the Eastern Fort, protect the city’s palm groves, and and sell camels, usually through water from the main source to key this museum focuses its exhibitions through the years has acted as the some intense bargaining. Feel free areas, the site possesses agricultural, on regional collections from Al Ain headquarters for Oman Trucial to walk around and observe the historical, and biological importance. and other significant objects from Scouts and as a governor‘s animals in their pens, from young Recognised internationally as a around the country. Tour this popular residence. Walk around this ones to studs designed for breeding. significant heritage site, the irrigation museum, which was founded by landmark and view exhibitions on The camels make for great photos, system dates back some 3,000 years, former President Sheikh Zayed Bin Zayed I and British explorer Sir but be aware that traders may well and many of the palm plantations Sultan Al Nahyan, to learn more Wilfred Thesiger, including finds demand money afterwards, so here still function as farms. Covering about the history of United Arab from his 1940s expedition across consider asking permission first. an area of 1,200 hectares, the oasis Emirates and its people. Rub Al Khali desert. Women should dress modestly, so and surrounding plantations are as to respect local customs. home to more than 147,000 date palms of 100 different varieties. Follow the shady pathways and take in the greenery and tranquility.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 23 ITINERARIES DAY 4 Evening

Time: 5:30 - 8:30 Time: 1:00 - 3:00 Time: 3:30 - 4:30 Time: 4:30 - 5:30 Place: Al Ain Equestrian, shooting Place: Bawadi Mall, Al Ain Place: Al Ain Zoo Place: Mubazarah and Golf club

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The largest mall in Al Ain, Bawadi Enjoy a day of education and Relax in a well-maintained green Tour and Dinner. Mall has over 400 shops, entertainment with the animals at space at Mubazzara Park. Offering representing both international and regional brands, and a range of high Al Ain Zoo, a 400 hectare (990 a welcome area of verdant grass, street and designer names, a food acre) site hosting over 4,000 the manicured lawns provide court and many casual dining animals. Opened in 1969, the zoo plenty of room for activities outlets. enjoys a scenic location in the beneath the highly impressive foothills of the surrounding mountains. Dip into mountains, where the native the hot springs for a refreshing and landscape serves as the natural replenishing experience in a desert home for many of its residents. environment, and take a stroll This leader in the field of animal along the flowing streams to the conservation counts over 30 per expansive man-made lake. Fish for cent of its species as endangered, carp in the large body of water and including the Arabian oryx and the enjoy a barbecue in one of the white lion. Take the onsite train to many designated areas. see the animals in habitats reminiscent of their native lands, and enjoy a guided tour to learn more about their behaviour and the wider conservation project.

ABU DHABI TOURISM visitabudhabi.ae 24 THANK YOU