A GUIDE T0 Abu Dhabi Introducing Abu Dhabi he bold, sophisticated city of T Abu Dhabi is a modern marvel, capital of the United Arab Emirates and perfect for families of every age. Thrilling theme parks and a hugely tempting duty-free shopping zone sit alongside Abu Dhabi’s fabulous culture rooted in Islamic traditions. Experience various Arabian traditions such as Ayala dancing, Henna painting and falconry, a traditional Emirati sport practiced for over 2,000 years. With its many cultural wonders and the enticing hospitality of this exciting emirate, it will be a trip you’ll never forget. Abu Dhabi Statistics Population 1.4 million Official Language Arabic Currency United Arab Emirates Time zone UTC +3 (إ.د Dirham (UAE Flight time 8 Hours 5 Mins AVERAGE HIGH MONTHLY TEMPERATURES IN ABU DHABI IN °C: JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 18 20 23 27 31 33 35 36 33 29 25 21 2 Interesting Facts The city is the capital of the United Arab It isn’t clear how Abu Dhabi got its name, but Emirates (UAE) and is the largest of the seven when translated directly from Arabic, it means Emirates. ’Father of the Gazelle’. The Yas Marina Circuit cost an estimated Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest AED 3.6 billion to construct and is the most mosque in Abu Dhabi and is open to all faiths. It technologically advanced circuit in the world. was established by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unite the cultural diversities of Islam. Abu Dhabi contains more than 2,000 well- The Capital Gate Building slopes at an maintained parks and gardens and over 18-degree angle, which is 14 degrees more 400km(249 miles) of coastline, of which 10km than The Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is the (6 miles) are public. furthest leaning building in the world. Capiral Gate Building Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Yas Marina Circuit 3 Taste of Want to try some traditional Emirati cuisine? Look no further than a tasty Abu Dhabi Chicken Machboos… Ingredients Tasty… Chicken Ma 2 large onions, diced chbos 3 tbsp ghee or unsalted butter 1 tbsp Baharat 1 tsp turmeric 2 tbsp oil A combination of chicken thighs, legs and breasts (about 1.5kg) 1 hot green chili pepper (e.g., jalapeno), seeded and diced 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced 5 large cloves of garlic, thinly sliced 2 large roma tomatoes, diced (or 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, juices drained) 2-3 dried limes (loomi), several holes punched throughout each one 5 green cardamom pods ⅛ tsp ground cloves 1 stick cinnamon (about 2 inches long) 2½ tsp salt 2½ cups chicken stock 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for at least 15 minutes, then rinsed and drained) 3 tsp fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Serves 4 4 Tasty… Chicken Machbos Instructions 1. Heat the oil in a large pan oven over a 6. Add the coriander, parsley and drained medium-high heat and fry the chicken rice and stir to combine. Return it to a pieces on both sides until the skin is boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and brown and crispy. Transfer the chicken simmer for another 15-20 minutes until to a plate and leave the remaining oil in the rice is cooked and has absorbed the the pan. liquid. 2. Add the ghee (or butter), reduce the 7. Transfer the chicken and rice to a serving heat to medium and fry the onions until dish (either leave the chicken pieces starting to brown - about 10-12 minutes. tossed in with the rice or place the 3. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili chicken on top of the rice) and sprinkle pepper and sauté for another 2 minutes. with 1-2 tablespoons of rosewater (optional). 4. Add the Baharat and turmeric and cook for another minute. 8. Serve with a green salad and yogurt raita – enjoy! 5. Return the chicken pieces to the pan along with the tomatoes, dried limes, cardamom pods, cinnamon, ground cloves and salt. Add the chicken stock and stir to combine. Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for one hour. Try it yourself 5 Abu Dhabi Must-dos nternational influences combined with a 1. DUNES OF AL KHAZNAH Istrong commitment to local heritage has created an intriguing blend of old and new Experience the breath-taking dunes between the in Abu Dhabi, making it one of the Middle UAE capital and the oasis city of Al Ain, or explore East’s most desirable holiday destinations. the desert expanse outside the Liwa oasis in Al Add to that fantastic year-round weather, Dhafra. With long sand valleys and high dunes, and it becomes clear why Abu Dhabi is a you’ll love carving it up in your 4x4. Most desert holiday hotspot. If you’re thinking of making safaris include several exciting activities such the Emirati capital your next destination, as dune bashing and sand boarding, in addition here’s a selection of our favourite cultural to visiting a camel farm, camel riding and a experiences that you’ll be able to enjoy. traditional Emirati meal under the stars. An overnight stay will also let you enjoy smoky sunsets and luminous sunrises. 2. SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE Abu Dhabi’s stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which came third in TripAdvisor’s 2018 list of the world’s top 25 landmarks, beating the likes of Machu Picchu in Peru and the Taj Mahal in India, is a magnificent place of worship that can accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers. It boasts 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold chandeliers and the world’s largest handmade carpet, which weighs 35 tonnes, measures 5,627 square metres, and took 1,200 women two years to make. 6 3. ABU DHABI PEARL JOURNEY Opt for a culture-laden experience on the Abu Dhabi Pearl journey, where you will experience sailing on a traditional Jalboot, a demonstration of pearl diving and oyster opening and traditional snacks onboard, all in addition to warm Arabian hospitality. 4. THE HERITAGE VILLAGE The area on which Abu Dhabi now stands has been inhabited for thousands of years, providing a treasure trove of archaeological sites just waiting to be explored. The Heritage Village offers a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village which provides an interesting insight into the emirate’s past as it accurately depicts the desert way of life. There are also workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork and pottery which you have the chance to try. 7 Try Something Different There’s so much to do and see in Abu Dhabi – the list never ends! Here are some suggestions of other things to do in the city… QASR AL HOSN LOUVRE ABU DHABI One of the oldest and most celebrated heritage The Saadiyat Cultural District is set to become sites in the UAE, Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s a global cultural hub, housing the world’s original urban block, will give visitors access largest single concentration of premier to the historic Qasr Al Hosn Fort, the Cultural cultural assets. The project will take place Foundation, the National Consultative Council over the coming years, with a plethora of Building and the House of Artisans. Showcasing amazing museums joining the Louvre Abu a rich collection of oral testimonies, historical Dhabi. Here, you’ll find the 23 galleries and photographs and other artefacts that highlight striking architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi, the historical significance of the region, Qasr with exhibitions featuring both ancient and Al Hosn reinforces the Emirati commitment to contemporary works including a holy Qur’an its cultural legacy. from the Mamluk period and one of Bellini’s iconic ‘Virgin and Child’ paintings. YAS ISLAND AL BADEYAH DESERT CAMP An emerging entertainment destination close The Al Badeyah desert camp, nestled in the to the airport and a taxi ride from Downtown desert dunes of Al Khaznah, gives visitors Abu Dhabi, Yas Island is home to the state-of- a unique insight into UAE traditions and the-art Yas Marina Circuit – host of the annual customs, allowing them to enjoy an authentic F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Get to Arabian experience under the stars. The grips with Yas Marina Circuit through a series camp boasts five permanent tents with beds, of track day packages, including driver and an original majlis tent for evening activities, passenger experiences, private driving tuition permanent bathroom facilities and a children’s programmes and racing license courses. playground, trampoline and petting zoo. 8 Spending Money How much spending money should you take to Abu Dhabi? To give you an idea, here are some of the everyday costs you could encounter whilst you’re there: (م ه رد) As of May 2020 R5,11 = 1 Dirham مه رد370 مه رد75 مه رد95 1 bottle of good quality Lunch (including a drink) 3 course meal with wine red wine in the business district for two مه رد90 مه رد2.30 1 litre of petrol 2 tickets to the movies 9 Our Recommendations Our Travel Counsellors know the world better than anyone else. Check out their recommendations for a quintessential Abu Dhabi experience. A must is the Sundowner Tour, starting with I would recommend a visit to Saadiyat Island; an exciting safari in the sand dunes followed we had sundowner drinks at the cool Buddha- by a meal and drinks in a traditional camp. Bar Beach whilst watching the sunset and Here, you’ll get to watch a belly dancing taking full advantage of happy hour drinks performance, ride camels, try on traditional from 5pm-7pm.