Abu Dhabi |
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Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and it is also the largest of the seven emirates, occupying 86% of the country’s total land area. Abu Dhabi City is situated on an island connected to the mainland by two bridges. The ruler of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is also the President of the UAE. Being the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi City is also the political centre of the country with numerous federal government offices and buildings. Foreign embassies are also located in Abu Dhabi. This emirate possesses more than 90% of the UAE’s oil reserves, and it is a significant business and trading centre. Abu Dhabi City is considered to be one of the richest cities in the world. Other places of interest within the emirate of Abu Dhabi are Liwa (an oasis on the edge of the Rub Al Khali Desert) and Al Ain (a green oasis city on the border with Oman).
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Heritage Village Location: Corniche Rd, Phone: 02 6814455 This heritage village represents life in the UAE before the 1950s.
Manhal Palace Location: Airport Rd The residence of H.H. Sheikh Zayed until 1974.
Qasr Al Hisn Location: Sheikh Zayed 1st St This is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, dating back to 1793. It was the official residence of the Abu Dhabi ruling family until 1966, and served as an administrative centre until the 1990s.
Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation Location: Old Airport Rd, Phone: 02 6215300, Web: www.adach.ae This foundation preserves and promotes the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. Women's Handicraft Centre Location: Karama St, Al Mushrif, Phone: 02 4476645 In this centre, items that represent traditional crafts and industries are on display, and some of them can be purchased.
PARKS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Bateen Shipyard Location: west side of the Abu Dhabi At this fascinating place you can observe the process of building a dhow.
Dhow Harbour Location: near Port Zayed It is an active dhow harbour, and also the starting point for regular dhow sailing races.
Emirates Palace Hotel Phone: 02 6909000, Web: www.emiratespalace.com This hotel is one of the most spectacular buildings in the UAE. Splendour, luxury and affluence are probably the best words to describe this hotel, as no money was spared to make it one of the most glamorous hotels in the region.
Khalifa Park Location: near the Grand Mosque A wonderful family park with numerous attractions, such as an aquarium, museum, small train and a children’s playground.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque Location: Airport Rd This impressive mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque, is a one of a kind construction in the UAE, and is a landmark for Abu Dhabi. The mosque is open to visitors from Sat–Thurs from 8.30am-11.30am.
Sir Bani Yas Island Nature Reserve Location: 240km west of Abu Dhabi, Phone: 02 8012222, Web: www.desertislands.anantara.com It is a nature reserve and a breeding centre. To visit the island you need to book a trip via the governmental Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna or stay at the Desert Island Resort and Spa.
LIWA OASIS (belongs to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi) Liwa is an oasis that is situated about 150km south of Abu Dhabi, on the edge of the Rub Al Khali Desert. The Liwa area consists of around 50 villages surrounded by some of the most spectacular dunes in the country. Liwa can be reached from Abu Dhabi by an excellent highway that takes you into the heart of the desert in about 2.5 hours. Most visitors stay at the Liwa Oasis Hotel (Phone: 02 8822000), a nice 4-star hotel situated on the edge of the desert, some brave souls take up the challenge and camp in the desert.
AL AIN (belongs to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi) Al Ain belongs to the Abu Dhabi Emirate and is the fourth largest city in the UAE. It is situated around 150km south of Abu Dhabi, and it borders with the Omani city of Buraimi. Because of its location and substantial groundwater resources, the area has been occupied for centuries and contains a substantial number of archaeological sites, making it a centre of historical heritage for the UAE. Al Ain as an oasis is a green city, often called the Garden City of the UAE, but it is surrounded by the sand of the desert and shaded by a mountain called Jebel Hafeet, rising up to 1,300m. It is also the birthplace of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father and the first president of the UAE.
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
Al Ain Museum Location: Sultan bin Zayed St, Phone: 03 7641595, Web: www.aam.gov.ae This museum exhibits the rich archaeological finds of the area and gives an inside into the cultural heritage of the city. The Eastern Fort, built in 1919, was previously home to the ruling family and is located within the museum complex.
Al Ain Forts Al Ain has always been an important oasis, a gate to the vast sands of the desert. It was a point of defence and highly protected. No surprise then that Al Ain has numerous forts and watchtowers that were extremely significant in defeating the intruders. Most of the forts have been carefully restored and some of them are open to the public. The most recognized and also one of the largest forts is Jahili Fort, situated in the middle of the city. Among other forts that are of interests are Mazyad Fort (an excellent example of a defensive fort), Mujairib Fort (a complex consisting of a main building and two towers), Murabba Fort, Hili Fort, Muwaiji Fort and Rumeilah Fort.
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum Location: southeast part of Al Ain, Phone: 03 7658311 It was the residential home of H.H. Sheikh Zayed, constructed in 1937 and converted into a museum in 2001. The museum’s display is simple and represents the difficult times before oil exploitation.
PARKS AND OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Al Ain Camel Market Location: Mezyad Rd This is the largest and most famous camel market in the UAE.
Al Ain Oasis Location: centre of Al Ain, near the Al Ain Museum It is a tranquil and cool place situated in the middle of the city.
Al Ain Zoo Location: at the foot of Jabel Hafeet, Phone: 03 7828188 Hili Gardens and Archaeological Park (around 10km from the city); Hili is a modern suburb of Al Ain, and is famous for its beautiful gardens and archaeological findings from the Bronze and Iron ages.
Hili Fun City Location: Hili Gardens, Phone: 03 7845542 It is one of the largest family theme parks in the Gulf region. There are more than 40 rides, slides and numerous other attractions.
Qatarrah Oasis Location: near Mujairib Fort This oasis is not only a wonderful green retreat with palm trees, but is also houses a functioning falaj irrigation system and a large fort. It is also an archaeological site were a 2nd millennium BC tomb was found.
Jebel Hafit It is a lone mountain near Al Ain City. The area around the mountain is famous for its rich flora and fauna. The summit can be accessed via an excellent winding road offering spectacular views of the area. |
Abu Dhabi Government – www.abudhabi.ae Abu Dhabi Tourism – www.exploreabudhabi.ae Time Out Abu Dhabi – www.timeoutabudhabi.com Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage – www.adach.ae
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