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Official Visitors’ Guide Dear Visitor, Whether you are making your first trip t

Official Visitors’ Guide Dear Visitor, Whether you are making your first trip to Abu Dhabi, or are on a return visit, I hope you find in this guide a host of experiences to engage and entertain you. Abu Dhabi’s tourism offering, which is intertwined with our rich culture and heritage and an increasingly flourishing local and regional arts scene, is constantly being refined and expanded and all with the underlying theme of delivering experiences which enrich the lives of our residents and valued visitors alike. We in Abu Dhabi have been blessed with a geographic diversity that allows us to introduce you to a destination of true distinction. Whether exploring our many natural islands, visiting the Arabian Wildlife Park in Sir Bani Yas Island in our Al Gharbia (Western) region, relaxing under the stars of a desert safari, shopping in modern, air- conditioned malls or bargaining for handicrafts in our traditional souks, you will discover a destination where hospitality and respect abound. You can experience the architectural prowess of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a stroll through Al Ain’s cooling oases, or marvel at the history of an emirate dotted with ancients forts and historic sites – several of which have been listed as official UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Abu Dhabi is a genuine leisure haven and you can take to the lush fairways of three championship-standard golf courses in Abu Dhabi, or enjoy the five-star facilities of the emirate’s numerous pristine beachfront and dazzling desert resorts. This is a destination that will intrigue, captivate and entice you to return again and again. Throughout the emirate, we are working to preserve and maintain our cherished desert and seafaring traditions and unique environment, while at the same time looking to engage and nurture a greater understanding of other cultures well beyond our shores. So you will discover a host of cultural activities, from museums charting our forefathers’ rich history, to modern art exhibitions, and world-class sporting and gourmet events. You can kayak through abundant mangrove forests, experience the popular desert sport of falconry, and visit a centre dedicated to the Saluki - the Arabian hunting dog. Whatever the purpose of your visit, I believe we have much to enhance it and I am confident that wherever you go in the emirate you will experience the traditional hospitality that ensures that throughout Abu Dhabi, travellers are truly welcome. Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority TRADITIONAL SAILING DHOW OVERVIEW 1 Discover a Destination Apart 4 Ruling Family 5 Facts & Figures 8 Climate 9 Culture & Lifestyle 12 Getting Around 13 Useful Phrases 19 Money 20 Essential Info 21 Exploring Abu Dhabi 25 ABU DHABI 29 Abu Dhabi City Attractions 31 Abu Dhabi Experiences 35 Heritage 42 The Islands 46 Family 51 Sports & Recreation 55 Shopping 68 A Day Out in Abu Dhabi 79 AL AIN 83 Al Ain Attractions 85 Parks & Gardens 89 Heritage 89 Sports & Recreation 92 Al Ain Shopping Malls 93 A Day Out in Al Ain 96 AL GHARBIA 99 Al Gharbia Attractions 101 Heritage 105 Sports & Recreation 105 A Day Out in Al Gharbia 107 ABU DHABI EVENTS 109 FOREIGN EMBASSIES IN UAE 117 INDEX 119 THE CORNICHE THE WHAT, WHERE & WHY OUR WAYFARER GUIDE A true destination of distinction, Abu Dhabi is developing at a signiﬁcant rate while keeping a watchful eye on its intriguing past. The emirate abounds with compelling heritage sites, engaging attractions and idyllic touches of luxury. OVERVIEW JEBEL HAFEET 4 A relatively short time ago, Abu Dhabi Emirate was little more than an empty, albeit beautiful, desert inhabited by nomadic tribes, with a sprinkling of villages around the more fertile oasis areas. The economy was based around pearl diving, ﬁshing and date palm cultivation. Meaning ´Father of the Gazelle´ in Arabic, Abu Dhabi was founded when a young antelope led a wandering tribe to fresh water, on an island with no more than 300 palm (´barasti´) huts, a few coral buildings and the Ruler´s fort. This simple island settlement has since been transformed into the modern, cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi and the highrise capital of the United Arab Emirates. The discovery of oil in 1958 brought radical change to the emirate and its population. Oil and gas revenue was wisely invested and led to a complete turnaround in Abu Dhabi´s fortunes. Thanks to this new found wealth and the strong leadership of the late UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the emirate prospered and developed, with an infrastructure built virtually from scratch. DISCOVER A DESTINATION APART 5 Growth While recognising the success of the oil sector, Abu Dhabi is working hard to reduce its reliance on hydrocarbons and to broaden the emirate´s economy. Investment in infrastructure, tourism, transport, health and education is ongoing and in line with the government´s 2030 urban plan. Tourism is playing an integral role in this economic transition, with the emirate targeting 2.5 million hotel guests per year by the end of 2012. Major new attractions are being progressed along with luxury resorts, desert retreats and business centre hotels. Tourism With over 200 natural islands, more than 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, tranquil oases, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, modern cityscapes, rocky, mountain-like heights, and awe-inspiring deserts, Abu Dhabi offers a diversity of visitor experiences. It is also preserving and leveraging its rich cultural heritage so that visitors can share in a centuries-old history and its traditions, many of which continue today. Visitors can tour former palaces, forts, one of the world´s largest mosques, renovated oases, desert camps and experience falconry, camel trekking and Arabia´s famed hospitality. Abu Dhabi´s attractions are equally diverse. The emirate´s tourism industry is managed, regulated and promoted by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) which operates a world-class hotel and hotel apartment classiﬁcation system that ensures visitors´ accommodation expectations are met. It also certiﬁes and trains tourist guides to deliver memorable and informative guest experiences. Abu Dhabi also hosts many major international events, with a signiﬁcant number being initiated and organised by ADTA. These range from an international aerobatics show, a PGA golf tournament, a desert rally, a gourmet food festival and a summer-long family carnival. Enquiries about ADTA´s services and events can be made by calling toll free 800-555 in the United Arab Emirates. RULING FAMILY The Al Nahyan family has ruled Abu Dhabi since 1793 and has transformed the desert sheikhdom into a modern society, which maintains respect for its rootsandpreservesitsnaturalandcultural heritage. The Ruler of Abu Dhabi is His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the current UAE President. Sheikh Khalifa is ably supported by his brother, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. H.H. SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN ABU DHABI CITY 8 FACTS & FIGURES With respect for its own culture and that of others underpinning Abu Dhabi´s character, the emirate is emerging as a global cultural hub. Population Abu Dhabi is the largest and most populated of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, with over 80% of its landmass. The emirate´s population, now over 1.6 million, is expected to reach 3 million by 2030. Across the UAE, emirati citizens make up nearly 20% of the total population; the other 80% are expatriates from Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America. Local Time The UAE is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time -formerly known as GMT) and there is no daylight saving. Hence, when it is 12.00 midday in Abu Dhabi, it is 3am in New York, 8am in London, 10am in Johannesburg, 1.30pm in New Delhi, and 6pm in Sydney (not allowing for any summer time saving in those countries). Social & Business Hours Generally speaking, government departments, embassies and consulates work from 8am to 4pm. Embassies and consulates may designate speciﬁc times of day for processing certain requests (such as passport applications) so always call before you visit. The Islamic holy day is Friday and most organisations operate a Friday / Saturday weekend. Shops and visitor attractions are open on both days, though usually towards the end of the day or in the early evening on Fridays. Ramadan Hours During the holy month of Ramadan-shops often change their hours by closing during the day, re-opening an hour or two after sunset, and staying open later at night. Food outlets and restaurants generally remain closed or offer takeaway services only during the day and then open up for Iftar after sunset. 9 CLIMATE This is a destination with almost year round sunshine, little rainfall and near perfect winter temperatures. Climate Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12 cm per year in most of uploads/Societe et culture/ uae-guide.pdf