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VISITABUDHABI.AE YOUR GUIDE TO ABU DHABI An International Traveller Promotion An International Traveller Promotion FIND OUT EXACTLY WHY THIS MESMERISING EMIRATE DESERVES YOUR ATTENTION, AND YOUR TIME. NOT TO BE MISSED

• Al Dhafra Festival An annual celebration of WHERE TO STAY: LUXE TO SUPER LUXE the heritage and traditions of Abu Dhabi and A chic island resort, an evocative desert camp, and luxury on a grand scale. the UAE, this year’s festivities will take place from 17-28 December at in ZAYA NURAI ISLAND RESORT the Al Dhafra region, about two hours’ drive This laid-back island resort is a world away from Abu Dhabi city. Events include saluki (greyhound), falcon and date packaging from the high rises of downtown Abu Dhabi. competitions, as well as poetry, photography, A quick 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat cooking competitions and one of the most Island, the island boasts 32 villas and 23 popular spectacles – the camel beauty contest. private residences and water villas, all of which THE YEAR OF ZAYED To mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Zayed bin Sultan Al have stunning views out to the Arabian Gulf. • Abu Dhabi Art The tenth edition of Abu Nahyan, the founding father of the , 2018 has been designated as There are five restaurants, including a buzzy Dhabi’s annual art fair takes place this year The Year of Zayed. With a genuine passion for Arab culture, Zayed was accomplished beach club, Smokin’ Pineapple, and a modern between 14–17 November, showcasing modern ON YOUR PLATE in the traditional pursuits of archery, falconry and horse and camel riding, while his Mexican offering, while the Friday brunch and contemporary art from all around the world. What to eat and where, temperament as an inclusive and understanding head of state was nurtured in the vast, Held at Manarat Al Saadiyat, a custom-built here is renowned for its generosity and fun. calm landscape of his birthplace of . Declared by his son, His Highness Sheikh from local delicacies to cultural centre, it’s the culmination of a year- Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the current President of the UAE, the objective of The Year round program of arts. abudhabiart.ae the best haute cuisine. EMIRATES PALACE ABU DHABI If you want of Zayed is to commemorate and honour the legacy of the man who did so much to create • Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand to experience other-level opulence this is the the thriving modern UAE, and build on the strong foundations he laid for the future. Prix The only twilight race on the F1 circuit, • What to try Traditional Emirati place to do it. There is silk, brocade and the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the cuisine reflects the UAE’s trading gilding absolutely everywhere, while a staff of final race of the season, takes place this year from traditions, with lots of exotic spices MUST VISIT: around 2000 busy themselves servicing 394 23–25 November. The Yas Marina circuit on Yas involved. Here are the signature rooms, 12 restaurants and bars, a spa and Island has two long straights, as well as a few dishes that you should definitely try: extensive gardens and grounds; the general Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel’s otherworldly design for unique features, including the fact that the cars served on special occasions such as manager admits to sometimes getting lost in the Louvre Abu Dhabi has created a ‘museum city’ of 55 detached pass through the yacht-filled marina and exit the weddings, Eid and Ramadan, Al its labyrinthine wings. There’s also pools, a buildings that appear to float atop the cool waters of the Arabian Sea. pit lane through a tunnel. The accompanying Harees is a slow-cooked meat and kids’ club, fitness centre and a pristine private Anchored by a giant dome, an intricate metal web of 7850 ‘stars’, entertainment program is another drawcard of the wheat dish cooked in a clay pot and beach complete with camel rides! rendered in various sizes and at different angles over eight different event: this year’s headliners include The Weeknd. served with ghee; Al Majboos is layers, casts intricate shadow patterns into the interior. Twenty-three of yasmarinacircuit.com made up of meat and rice which are the buildings are dedicated to gallery space, with works either acquired infused with spices and dried limes; • National Day Celebrated on 2 December each QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY by the museum itself or on loan from the Louvre and 12 other leading salted fish is the main ingredient of year, National Day commemorates the union of ANANTARA A 90-minute drive through a French institutions, including the Musée Rodin, Centre Pompidou and Al Madrooba, infused with spices the Arab states that today form the United Arab mesmerising desert landscape delivers you to to make a rich sauce. And there is Musée d’Orsay. Works to search out include Bellini’s Madonna and Child, Emirates. The celebrations of national pride – from absolutely no chance during a visit this exquisite desert camp, located in the heart Whistler’s Mother by James Abbott McNeill Whistler, and Napoleon Crossing traditional dance performances to an air show – to Abu Dhabi that you will not be of the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali), the the Alps by Jacques-Louis David, as well as the latest jewel in the crown, culminate in spectacular firework displays on Al offered Arabic coffee (a light blend largest uninterrupted sand desert in the world. Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi. The Children’s Museum is spread Maryah and Yas Islands and an outdoor concert infused with saffron and cardamom Days here are spent navigating the sparse dune across two floors hosting family-focused exhibitions and interactive at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain. landscape by camel, horse, 4WD or on foot, and served in small cups) and dates; workshops designed to educate as well as enchant. louvreabudhabi.ae this timeless combination is a symbol reclining on daybeds, and getting a taste for • Liwa Date Festival Held in July in the oasis city of hospitality and welcome. traditional pursuits like falconry and archery, of Liwa in the Dharfa region, the festival includes while at night you dine under Arabian skies. a hotly contested competition to find the best date • Where to eat Abu Dhabi’s dining grower, a live date auction, and cultural events. scene is diverse and sophisticated, with many of the five-star hotels boasting fine-dining restaurants: RIDING HIGH Bord Eau at Shangri-La Hotel, WHAT TO BRING BACK Tradition meets technology in one Qaryat Al Beri, for French cuisine; Sticky, sweet dates; an Arabic coffee pot or dallah; oud, a warm and heady Arabic perfume; of the UAE’s most popular sports: award-winning Lebanese at Li ghutra headscarves, traditionally worn by men, and gold jewellery. camel racing. While in the past child Beirut in Jumeirah at Etihad riders were used to lighten the load Towers; an outpost of the London during races, today it is the job of hotspot Hakkasan at Emirates robot riders to steer the animals home Palace; Marco Pierre White has two to victory. Races in Al Ain feature ventures at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, voice-activated remote control robots, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse & with the benefits going beyond just Grill and Frankie’s; and Mezlai making the the camels faster: there at Emirates Palace serves Emirati are no jockey injuries and much cuisine in style. less harm is done to the animals.

A THE WILDLIFE OF ABU DHABI From humble beginnings this Emirate state has grown into a vital and vivid modern society. You’ll find a wonderful variety of animals to seek out in the Emirate. DUGONGS CAMELS FLAMINGOS TURTLES ORYX FALCONS 1761 1790S 1918 1958 1966-1971 1980-PRESENT With the discovery of The Bani Yasi tribal Sheikh Zayed bin Oil is discovered in Sheikh Zayed Abu Dhabi becomes fresh drinking water confederation, led Sultan Al Nahyan Abu Dhabi and a becomes the ruler a thriving modern on Abu Dhabi Island, by the Al Nahyan is born on 6 May in period of expansion of Abu Dhabi in society. Upon Zayed’s settlement of the area family, relocates to Al Ain; he is named and growth begins as 1966, and the first passing in 2004, his begins in earnest. Abu Dhabi. after his grandfather, the society transitions president of the UAE son Sheikh Khalifa ‘Zayed the Great’, towards a modern upon its formation bin Zayed Al Nahyan ruler of the Emirate one from its roots in in 1971. succeeds him. from 1885-1909. Bedouin culture. An International Traveller Promotion

An International Traveller Promotion

48 HOURS IN ABU DHABI DAY ONE medjool dates, the gold standard. 10.30AM – The massive Al Jahili Fort was 12PM 6AM – An early arrival into Abu Dhabi – have a fascinating erected between 1891 and 1898 by Sheikh International Airport means you can hit relationship with the falcon; you can even Zayed the First to defend the city and the ground running on your first day. buy seats for birds on planes. The Falcon its precious palm groves. Within the Check into your hotel, grab some breakfast, Hospital offers state-of-the-art treatment soaring fortified walls is a series of circular stock up on water and then it’s time to to these exquisite creatures. Over 11,000 towers and a visitor centre that houses hit the road: taxis are plentiful and birds come through the doors each year, photography by English explorer Wilfred affordable, and can be flagged down on and visitors can find out what goes on by Thesiger documenting the lives of the still taking one of the regular guided tours. largely nomadic people before oil was the streets; buses operate throughout the 1.30PM city, costing two Dirham coins per trip, –Emirates Palace, once the most discovered in 1958. 12PM or you can buy a weekly pass; or opt for expensive hotel ever built, has a floor for – The nearby Qasr al Muwaiji is the a private tour with a driver. exclusive use by royalty, one for heads of birthplace of the current ruler, Sheikh 9AM – Your first stop should be the state, and one for celebrities. For lunch, Khalifa, the son of Sheikh Zayed; the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, order the signature camel burger with palace includes a sleek modern glass box named in honour of His Highness Sheikh gold-dusted chips and finish with a of a visitor centre, with exhibits on the Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The stunning gold-dusted cappuccino. history of the ruling . 3.00PM 1.00PM marble edifice shines a sparkling bright – The luxury and arts enclave of – Feast on traditional Emirati fare white, its multiple domes (80 to be precise) is home to the Louvre Abu at Al Fanar, including subtly spiced and soaring minarets contrasted by the Dhabi. The Jean Nouvel-designed building chicken and rice (machboos deyay), blue skies. A sense of tranquility pervades features a latticed roof made to resemble and slow-cooked meat (thareed laham). here, while the combination of the sun and the shadows cast by the interlocking Finish with lequimat, little doughnut balls the intricate architecture produces the fronds of date palms. drenched in date syrup, and fresh mint tea. 6.30PM most amazing shadow play, like artworks – Jump on a boat and head to Zaya 4.00PM – An afternoon of fun can be had in their own right. Head inside the main Nurai Island, a laid-back luxury resort: try at . Check out the Yas Marina prayer hall to walk on the world’s largest crispy pizza from a pineapple-shaped oven Circuit, home to the F1 Etihad Airways hand-knotted carpet. Visitors are required at Smokin’ Pineapple beach bar or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a driver’s to cover up; women can borrow an abaya Levant-inspired seafood at Hooked. experience; head to Ferrari World Abu (long robe) and headscarf, and men a Dhabi, the first theme park dedicated to kandura at the entrance to the grounds. DAY TWO the luxury Italian car brand; and immerse 11AM – Get a taste of local life at the Al 8.30AM – The oasis city of Al Ain, a yourself in the thrilling and brand new Mina markets, where locals come and go two-hour drive through undulating desert, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. Later, buying fresh produce, spices and dates, a complete with camels, is a perfect day trip cool off at Yas Waterworld. prized commodity here. Along ‘date alley’ from Abu Dhabi. One of the world’s oldest 8.00PM – Finish your day of action the dried fruits are stacked high on plates permanently inhabited settlements, the with a soothing tradition hammam in or packed tightly into boxes; at least 45 oasis is a fascinating proposition of verdant the marbled opulence of Eastern varieties are sold here including plump palm groves and traditional architecture. Mangrove Resort & Spa.