The United Arab
Emirates (UAE) is a federation of seven independent emirates, each
with its own ruler. The federal government is a constitutional
republic, headed by a president and council of ministers. Islamic
ideals and beliefs provide the conservative foundation of the
country's customs, laws and practices. The UAE is a modern,
developed country, and tourist facilities are widely available.
Abu Dhabi
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The capital of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi. It is the
headquarters for the president of the state, the cabinet, and most
of the ministries, the Federal institutions, foreign embassies,
Broadcast TV, Mina (Port) Zayed, Abu Dhabi Airport and most of the
oil companies, establishments and commercial markets
ABU DHABI
Abu
Dhabi, the thriving, exciting metropolitan capital of the United
Arab Emirates beckons visitors into its melting pot of international
cultures, styles and traditions. Here, contemporary styles
successfully combine with traditional Arab values in a curious
harmony that is reflected in the variety of sights and experiences
this interesting city has to offer.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and lies
mainly on an island just off the coast around 100 km south of Dubai.
Although not as cosmopolitan or developed as a tourist destination,
as its neighbour to the North, Abu Dhabi is still a fascinating
place to visit. Known as the"Garden
City of the Gulf"Abu
Dhabi has many mosques, parkland and palm trees.
The Skyscrapers of the city centre gleam above the streets, and
reflect a very modern, clean city which is easy to get around, and
pleasant. There are a couple of old souks to explore, in particular
the Old Souk in the North West of the city where you can barter over
pretty much anything that you fancy buying. With so many glitzy
malls around the city, it may be wise to pay the old market a visit
before they build over it. But there is more to Abu Dhabi.
Inland lies the ancient oasis city of Al Ain, while in the
south-west you can explore the high dunes of the Arjan area,
harbouring some of the most dramatic desert scenery in all Arabia.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The
area of present-day Abu Dhabi was settled as far back as the 3rd
millennium B.C. and its early history fits the nomadic, herding and
fishing pattern typical of the broader region.
Modern Abu Dhabi traces its origins to the rise of an important
tribal confederation the Bani Yas in the late 18th Century, who also
assumed control of Dubai. In the 19th Century, the Dubai and Abu
Dhabi branches parted ways. Sheikh Shakhbut granted Petroleum
concessions, and oil was first found in 1958.
After the Emirates gained independence in 1971, oil wealth continued
to flow to the area and traditional mud-brick huts were rapidly
replaced with banks, boutiques and gleaming towers.
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL IDEAS
Abu Dhabi Stopover
Day 1.Arrive
Abu Dhabi.You will be
met at the airport and transferred to the hotel of your choice. The
remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2.Abu
Dhabi sightseeing.This
morning, enjoy a tour of the fascinating sights that make up Abu Dhabi
including a visit to the fishing harbour and the dhow yard, the Heritage
Village, the ancient Al Husn Fort and the Abu Dhabi Cultural F. Then
drive along the spectacular Corniche for a superb view of the city's
skyline.
Day 3.At
leisure.Before
transferring to the airport for your departure. If you have the time,
why not stay longer. Below you will find other fascinating sightseeing
opportunities.
DEPARTURES:
Daily (city tour operates only on Saturday and Wednesday).
SIGHTSEEING EXTENSION IDEAS
If you are fortunate to be able to stay longer in Abu Dhabi, below are
extension ideas which we strongly recommend you pre-book.
'Oasis
Adventure' Al Ain City Tour
The
road from Abu Dhabi takes you through rolling desert before reaching Al
Ain, dramatically situated against the mountain backdrop of 1300 metre
Jebel Hafit. For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain has been an
important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia.
Our first visit is to the museum with interesting displays depicting
local traditions, culture and the Bedouin lifestyle, as well as exhibits
from the 2,500-year-old Mesopotamian burial site nearby.
The tour continues to the camel market and then on to Mahda Oasis to see
the 2,000-year-old irrigation system feeding the date gardens. We stop
for lunch*, before continuing to Al Ain Palace Museum, Sheikh Zayed's
old residential complex and then return to Abu Dhabi.
(*Not included in tour price.)
Silks,
Spices and Gold - Dubai/Sharjah City Tour
Early
in the morning we leave Abu Dhabi and travel north-east, passing Jebel
Ali, the world's largest man-made harbour. In Sharjah you have plenty of
time to explore the hundreds of shops in the Blue Souk selling carpets,
gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, clothes and many other temptations.
The city also displays several structures, where traditional
architectural themes are superbly interpreted in modern materials.
Continuing our drive to Dubai, we pause at a popular Dubai shopping
mall, where you have the opportunity to shop and eat. After lunch* we
visit the Dubai Museum, housed in the city's ancient fort.
Here you see fabulous life-size displays of the city's past as an
important pearl diving and trading centre. After crossing the Creek on
an abra, we walk through the heady scents of the spice market to Dubai's
famous Gold Souk, which offers exquisitely worked jewellery at some of
the world's lowest prices. Again, there is ample time for shopping
before the return journey to Abu Dhabi.
(*Not included in tour price.)
'Moonlight Serenade' Evening Dhow Cruise
A
fascinating two-hour evening cruise aboard a traditional Arab dhow.
These sturdy wooden vessels still sail the Gulf waters and at one time
took Arab seafarers to China, the Spice Islands and East Africa in quest
of trade.
Your voyage departs from Zayed Free Port, sails leisurely past the
impressive man-made Lulu Island and past Abu Dhabi's brilliantly
illuminated minarets, domes and towers that line the Corniche. A
delicious barbecue including seafood is served on board, followed by
ghawa, the fragrant Arabic coffee.
You return to port in time to continue the evening at one of the city's
many night-spots. (*Seating will be allocated upon boarding.)
SAFARI EXTENSION IDEAS
If you are fortunate to be able to stay longer in Abu Dhabi, below are
extension ideas which we strongly recommend you pre-book.
'Sundowner'
Dune Dinner
Experience
the stark beauty of the desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle which will
collect you from your hotel mid-afternoon and take you into the dunes.
En route we visit the camps where racing camels are bred and trained and
which also gives a glimpse of the hardy lifestyle of the Bedouin. We
pause to watch the sun set over the rolling dunes, before proceeding to
our Bedu encampment. Here you may take a camel ride before relaxing in
traditional tents furnished with comfortable cushions and colourful
rugs.
Dinner is a feast of traditional barbecue meats with fresh salad and
Arabic sweets. After dinner you may puff on a shisha while sipping ghawa.
At the end of an enchanting evening under the stars we return through
the sands to your hotel.
'A
Day in the Dunes' Full Day Safari
Early
morning sees the start of this fascinating exploration of some of the
Emirates' most unspoiled and interesting locations, centred around the
dramatic high dunes of the Arjan area.
One of the UAE's cultural traditions is celebrated at our first
destination - Al Wathba Camel Race Track. The exciting training sessions
provide an ideal photo opportunity, while the traditional camel rugs and
accessories on sale at the local shops make for unusual and memorable
souvenirs.
Passing Al Wathba Palace, the camel farms and Bedouin encampments that
dot the area, we settle under shade for a relaxed picnic lunch while
enjoying the peace and tranquility of the stunning desert landscape.
From here, the safari continues on through the palm-studded red dunes
before our return to Abu Dhabi.
'Starlight Express' Overnight Safari
Discover
the true essence of Arabia on this exciting overnight safari. Your
four-wheel drive vehicle leaves the bustle of Abu Dhabi in the
afternoon, heading to the camel farms offering opportunities for
photographs. We then continue far into the desert where, at sunset we
set up camp amongst the vast dunes.
Under a sky of a million stars enjoy a barbecue feats before retiring to
your tent.
Rise with the sun to the aroma of breakfast before starting on the next
stage of the adventures, when we take you up the highest dune to try a
sport unique to the desert - sand-skiing - using lightweight sand board.
You then return to Abu Dhabi late morning.
DRESS CODE
Abu Dhabi is an Islamic country and clothing should be modest. During
the winter months light sweaters are recommended. Beachwear is
acceptable at beach clubs, hotels and public beaches. During the
daytime, the dress code is fairly casual although more exclusive
restaurants may expect guests to dress more formally during the evening.
Al Diar
Gulf Hotel Abu Dhabi
Island The hotel is situated 17 km/11 miles from
the city centre and the shopping on the South Eastern shores of Abu
Dhabi Island with its own excellent private sandy beach. The 264
rooms have private bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, refrigerator,
minibar, and 24 hour room service. There is a free shuttle bus service
11 times a day between the hotel and the city centre. Other facilities
include large gardens, swimming pool with sunken bar and waterfall, mini
golf, water slide, 2 saunas, massage room, fitness centre and squash and
tennis courts. For dining, there is the Palm Beach and Oyster Bar on the
waterfront and Morgana Supper Club plus the Sheherezada Coffee Shop and
the Western-style Ranch Restaurant.
Beach
Rotana HotelAbu Dhabi
The Hotel is on the waterfront and situated in the heart
of the business and shopping districts and linked to the Abu Dhabi Trade
Centre, the capital's best known shopping mall. All 413 rooms have
air-conditioning, minibar, hair dryer, iron and board, in-room safe,
bathrobes, complimentary newspaper, complimentary bottled water and
refrigerator. Other facilities include a swimming pool, squash
court, spa, gym, Jacuzzi with whirlpool and business centre. For dining,
there is a wide variety of restaurants from which to choose.
Emirates
PalaceAbu Dhabi
The hotel which is a landmark is surrounded by acres of
beautiful gardens on Abu Dhabi's finest beach situated at the Western
end of a magnificent Corniche. The business and shopping districts are
15 minutes away by taxi. The 390 rooms have 50 inch plasma
screens, touch control panels, balconies, hair dryer, minibar and
in-room safe. There is a health club, beauty salon, a high tech
business centre, 2 stunning swimming pools, 2 luxurious spas and 20
different places to eat.
Hilton
Abu DhabiAbu
Dhabi Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, Hilton Abu
Dhabi is on the famous Corniche Road, half a mile from Breakwater, and
approximately 30 miles from Abu Dhabi International Airport. This
location is also two miles from Marina Mall, three miles from the
Heritage Bedouin Village and Al Husn Fort, and five miles from the
Capital Gardens. All rooms feature satellite TV, pay movies and
video games, bathroom telephones, hair dryers, safes, Internet
connections, mini-bars, and air-conditioning. The hotel also
offers 12 restaurants and bars, a private beach club (opposite the
hotel) which offers water sports and three outdoor pools with
waterslides. Also available is room service, concierge assistance, a
barber shop, on-site shopping, ATM banking, currency exchange, laundry
services, complimentary valet parking, two meeting rooms, an executive
lounge, a business center, and wireless Internet access in all public
areas.
IntercontinentalAbu Dhabi The
Intercontinental is surrounded by gardens together with a marina and a
fine stretch of sandy beach. A short taxi ride from the business and
shopping districts. All 330 rooms have a hair dryer, in-room safe,
interactive TV, voice mail, bathrobes and minibar. Other
facilities include a gym, 24 hour laundry, business centre, swimming
pool, spa, tennis and squash courts. There are numerous restaurants
offering cuisine from France, Italy, and Mexico as well as local dishes.
International
RotanaAbu Dhabi Located in
the heart of the capital, only 30 minutes away from the international
airport and within easy access to shopping malls and the commercial
district. 115 guestrooms located on 14 floors, all of which have
modern decor with colourful fabrics and light oak furniture.
Amenities include balconies, air conditioning, cable television with
premium channels, direct-dial phones, mini-bars and coffee/tea makers.
Hotel also offers five bars, an evening night club and 24 hour room
service.
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Abu
Dhabi, the thriving, exciting metropolitan capital of the United
Arab Emirates beckons visitors into its melting pot of international
cultures, styles and traditions. Here, contemporary styles
successfully combine with traditional Arab values in a curious
harmony that is reflected in the variety of sights and experiences
this interesting city has to offer.
The
area of present-day Abu Dhabi was settled as far back as the 3rd
millennium B.C. and its early history fits the nomadic, herding and
fishing pattern typical of the broader region.
Day 1.
The
road from Abu Dhabi takes you through rolling desert before reaching Al
Ain, dramatically situated against the mountain backdrop of 1300 metre
Jebel Hafit. For thousands of years the oasis of Al Ain has been an
important caravan stop on the ancient trade routes across Arabia.
Early
in the morning we leave Abu Dhabi and travel north-east, passing Jebel
Ali, the world's largest man-made harbour. In Sharjah you have plenty of
time to explore the hundreds of shops in the Blue Souk selling carpets,
gold, silver, antiques, perfumes, clothes and many other temptations.
A
fascinating two-hour evening cruise aboard a traditional Arab dhow.
These sturdy wooden vessels still sail the Gulf waters and at one time
took Arab seafarers to China, the Spice Islands and East Africa in quest
of trade.
Experience
the stark beauty of the desert in a four-wheel drive vehicle which will
collect you from your hotel mid-afternoon and take you into the dunes.
Early
morning sees the start of this fascinating exploration of some of the
Emirates' most unspoiled and interesting locations, centred around the
dramatic high dunes of the Arjan area.
Discover
the true essence of Arabia on this exciting overnight safari. Your
four-wheel drive vehicle leaves the bustle of Abu Dhabi in the
afternoon, heading to the camel farms offering opportunities for
photographs. We then continue far into the desert where, at sunset we
set up camp amongst the vast dunes.
Al Diar
Gulf Hotel 
Beach
Rotana Hotel
Emirates
Palace
Hilton
Abu Dhabi
Intercontinental
