1 abu dhabi CTP suplement 2016.indd 1 10/6/2016 3:47:59 PM The United Arab Emirates is on the Arabian Peninsula Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, with over 80% of its land mass. It is also home to the country’s capital city, Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi Destination Guide 2016 is published by Baxter Travel Media as a supplement to Canadian Travel Press – October 10, 2016 FOUNDER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PRESIDENT EXECUTIVE V.P. OPERATIONS W.H. Baxter, 1919-2004 Edith Baxter, [email protected] David McClung, [email protected] Wendy McClung, [email protected] Bob Mowat, Executive Editor [email protected] SALES & MARKETING: Florida - North: Gillian Harper [email protected] Michael Baginski, Editor/Publisher [email protected] Earl Lince, Director of International Marketing [email protected] Hawaii: Laurie Doerschlen [email protected] Greg D. 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From a cosmopoli- Four Seasons, Fairmont, Hyatt and Marriott.” tan urban centre to sand desert and lush oasis (not to men- Abu Dhabi received more than 36,000 visitors from Canada tion pristine beaches), Abu Dhabi has big diversity in 2015 – a 7% increase from 2014 – and has welcomed nearly in a relatively small area. 18,000 in the first half of 2016. They visited “an incredibly diverse I destination” – from the vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi The largest of the seven emirates that comprise the United where visitors can take a guided tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is home to world-class business and Mosque – recently voted by Tripadvisor as the world’s second leisure facilities ranging from a state-of-the-art convention cen- most popular landmark attraction – as well as experience the tre to luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres and, sport of falconry at Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, stroll along the soon, some of the most iconic museums including the Guggen- waterfront Corniche, or check out the modern architecture. heim and Louvre. Visitors more interested in thrills can head to Yas Island – “While Abu Dhabi may have previously been seen as a brief one of more than 200 islands that comprise the emirate – for a stopover, it is now a must-visit destination for savvy travellers driving experience at Yas Marina Circuit or ride on the world’s looking for new and unique experiences,” says Paul McDonagh, fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Country Manager, North America, TCA Abu Dhabi. “Abu Dhabi For a better understanding of Emirati culture and history, has worked hard to develop an infrastructure that supports McDonagh recommends visiting the heritage heartland of Al Ain and nurtures a sustainable tourism industry, which includes the – known as the Oasis City – which is the birthplace of the UAE’s creation of outstanding accommodation, restaurants, activities, ruling Al Nahyan family and features a wealth of museums, re- attractions, and much more. stored forts, UNESCO inscribed ancient settlements, and more. “Over the next few years,” he continues, “Saadiyat Island... There is also the desert – Al Gharbia region, where the desert is poised to host the globe’s largest concentration of premiere meets the sea. This includes part of the world’s largest sand cultural institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National desert where visitors can try dune bashing and sand-boarding, Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. In addition, we recently or enjoy an evening under the stars at the luxurious Qasr Al celebrated the opening of an increased capacity and new per- Sarab Desert Resort, which aptly means Mirage Palace, as it manent cruise terminal at Zayed Port, as well as the opening of rises like a mirage from the magnificent dunes that climb up to 3 abu dhabi CTP suplement 2016.indd 3 10/6/2016 3:48:15 PM + AIRLINE ALL EYES ARE ON ETIHAD Story by MICHAEL BAGINSKI IKE THE DESTINATION IT SERVES – ABU DHABI – total luxury before boarding their flight. An à la carte restaurant, Etihad Airways is ever-changing, introducing new routes, showcase bar, fitness room, cigar lounge, Six Senses Spa, Style Lservices, amenities and partnerships, all designed to ensure & Shave barbers, nail bar, TV room, secluded relaxation room, that the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of- prayer room and children’s play room ensure that all guests re- fers the best experience possible for its passengers, not only in ceive a highly personalized experience and intuitive service. the skies, but on the ground as well. Still on the ground, business class customers can take advan- tage of Etihad’s complimentary chauffeur service when travelling Earlier this year, Etihad officially opened its new flagship within a 50 km radius of Toronto and also to 40 other destina- First Class Lounge & Spa at Abu Dhabi International Airport’s tions in the UAE, India, Australia, US, and Singapore, for example. Terminal 3. The lounge features 16 unique zones designed to First Class and Business Class passengers are also eligible to ensure that guests can relax, re-energize and be entertained in receive complimentary limousine service to anywhere in the ABU DHABI continued from pg. 3 300 metres high. But McDonagh is quick to add, “That being said, Abu Dhabi is Yet just an hour’s drive away, they can be on a nature-based not just for the rich and famous, and travellers on a budget can island – Sir Bani Yas Island – once a private nature reserve of the enjoy some of the most luxurious experiences in the world by ruling family, and now a conservation area and activity centre. taking advantage of extremely competitive pricing offered dur- The island is home to the Arabian Wildlife Park with 10,000 free- ing the low and shoulder seasons. The great thing about Abu roaming animals, and there are three luxury resorts and activities Dhabi is that regardless of the time of year you visit, you will including hiking through salt domes, mountain biking, kayaking get to experience the unrivalled traditional Arabian hospitality, through mangroves, horse riding, and pearl diving. which can be seen in everything from the traditional serving of Abu Dhabi also has a number of great annual events such as Arabic coffee, to the dedication to the highest level of cus- the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi tomer service.” Food Festival, Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, Abu Dhabi Of course, safety is paramount in any destination and Art, and more. McDonagh vows: “Abu Dhabi is a safe, secure and peaceful “Abu Dhabi truly is a destination of distinction,” says leisure and business destination in the heart of the Arabian Gulf. McDonagh. We pride ourselves on being a virtually crime-free environment And luxury... A vibrant, high-end destination featuring world- with well-organized emergency services. This can be seen in our class hotels, exquisite culinary indulgences, prestigious sporting ranking in The Economist ‘The Safe Cities Index 2015.’ Abu Dhabi events, designer boutiques, acclaimed museums, picturesque is listed as the safest destination in the Middle East and Africa islands, and much more. region, and is the 25th safest city in the world.” 4 ABU DHABI DESTINATION GUIDE abu dhabi CTP suplement 2016.indd 4 10/6/2016 3:48:17 PM evening for our trade partners to promote Abu Dhabi as a leisure destination.” And promotional events, like partnership in the Taste of Toronto Festival in June or New York’s Fashion Week this fall, and even the airline’s sponsorship of Manchester City soccer team in the British Premiership, are all designed to increase awareness of Abu Dhabi and opportunities to travel there via its national carrier. Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2015 carried 17.4 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways Flying Nannies flies to or has announced plans to serve 117 destinations around the globe with its fleet of 123 Airbus and Boeing aircraft (204 more are on order). Etihad Airways also holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and United Arab Emirates (UAE).