Senin, 03 November 2008

Abu Dhabi


Introduction

Basking on an island flanked by bath temperature Gulf waters and white sandy beaches the city of Abu Dhabi's resort credentials speak for themselves. Towering skyscrapers and expansive shopping malls stand alongside ornate mosques and bustling souks, as old Arabic traditions and the modern world collide, making Abu Dhabi even more appealing. Those who delve beyond the Emirate's vibrant capital are rewarded by a lengthy coastline, over 200 offshore islands, voluminous desert sand dunes and the vaulting Hajar Mountains; not forgetting the myriad attractions of the city of Al Ain. Most visitors, however, are more than content to get active in and around Abu Dhabi city, teeing off at a golf course, taking a traditional dhow cruise, or simply trying the smorgasbord of watersports offered by beach clubs, resorts and hotels.

Who goes there?

Business people from other Arab countries comprise the majority of visitors to Abu Dhabi, however an increasing number of savvy holidaymakers from Europe are turning to Abu Dhabi.

Where in the world?

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates that comprise the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It occupies a north central position in the UAE. The city of Abu Dhabi is 32km (20 miles) east of the airport.

The city of Abu Dhabi occupies a T-shaped island that protrudes into the Persian Gulf, as such it is surrounded by water. Beaches dot the city's coastline, which in turn are flanked by beach resort hotels and Abu Dhabi's commercial centre.

Beach

Whether you want to soak up the sun's rays, take a dip in the Persian Gulf or indulge in myriad watersports, including sailing, windsurfing and jet skiing, the best place to do this on one of the private stretches of beach that belong to Abu Dhabi's resort hotels. Public beaches are thin on the ground and typically don't have any facilities, although the busy Khalidiya Beach is a reasonable option.

Beyond the beach

Appreciate Abu Dhabi's dramatic setting as you amble along the striking Corniche. Admire the 19th century Qasr Al-Hosn Palace (Old Fort) and the triple-domed roof and minarets of the Grand Mosque, as well as the shimmering glass and steel skyscrapers that dominate the city's skyline. Take respite from the beating mid-summer sun in leafy landscaped parks, or air-conditioned shopping malls.

Family fun

Abu Dhabi's upmarket hotels were constructed with families firmly in mind. They typically have at least two swimming pools, as well as a host of water and land based recreational facilities. If you can drag the kids away from the pool, beach or tennis courts, hotels also boast child-friendly restaurants and babysitting services.

Retail therapy

Whether you want to haggle over the price of gold in a traditional souk (note that local custom dictates that you must buy anything that you have verbally agreed a price for), hunt down that perfect souvenir in a colourful bazaar, or pick up the latest designer fashions Abu Dhabi won't disappoint. For a stress free one-stop shopping trip make a beeline for one of the city's air-conditioned shopping centres, the biggest are Marina Mall (Corniche Road) (website: www.marinamall.ae) and Abu Dhabi Mall (Tourist Club Area) (website: www.abudhabi-mall.com).

A night on the town

For locals and visitors alike, Abu Dhabi's nightlife revolves around its hotels. Here you can enjoy live music, smoke fruit flavoured tobacco through a shisha pipe or watch belly dancers. Stylish hotel bars are also a good place to relax over a cocktail, beer or glass of wine. Livelier nightlife can be found in hotel nightclubs.

Eating out

Standards in hotel restaurants are universally high so you don't have to travel far to enjoy a good meal in Abu Dhabi. The variety in the hotel dining scene, with everything on offer from sandwiches and snacks to fine-dining French style, may mean that you don't feel compelled to eat elsewhere, however venturing into the city's restaurants is worthwhile even if it is just to sample local specialities like lamb, chicken or shawarma (similar to a doner kebab). As a general rule alcohol is only served in hotel restaurants.

Getting around

Abu Dhabi has a comprehensive local bus service, including the airport to the city centre route, which operates around the clock. Taxis, which can be caught at ranks or hailed on the street, provide an efficient way of getting around the city of Abu Dhabi itself. Cars can be hired from rental offices at the airport, in downtown Abu Dhabi and in hotels.

Exploring further afield

In an Emirate renowned for the height of its sand dunes, a dune-bashing trip in the Liwa Oasis should not be missed. Enjoy the thrill of careering through the dunes from the comfort of an air-conditioned 4-wheel drive, safe in the company of an experienced driver.

Splashing out

Make a lasting impression at Sevillo's in the Millennium Hotel (Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, also know as Third Street) (website: www.millenniumhotels.com). Locals and visitors flock to the terrace of this fine-dining Italian restaurant to lap up the stunning views of Abu Dhabi's skyline.

Flying in

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)

1 komentar:

Unknown mengatakan...

There is great info in this blog i like it so much.If you go to UAE then you must visit the desert safari and enjoy the night programs.
Oernight desert safari Abu Dhabi

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