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Abu Dhabi |
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Abu Dhabi [1] is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates and the largest city of the emirate of Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most modern cities in the world and the center of government in the UAE.
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
Abu Dhabi has several large green spaces, many of which include play areas and equipment for children. The city is studded with lovely fountains, swathes of neon light, and the occasional sculpture.
Abu Dhabi sits on the Persian Gulf, and on most days it is possible to observe boats of all sorts going about their business. This part of the Gulf is also home to a set of man-made islands called the Lulu Islands, part of a tourism venture that is currently still in development.
The Yas Island project is scheduled to commence construction in two phases during 2007. Yas Island occupies a total land area of 2,500 hectares, of which 1,700 hectares will be claimed for development. The Island will feature attractions such as a world-class motor sports racetrack, signature hotels, the Ferrari theme park, water park, and the Abu Dhabi destination retail development of 300,000 sq m retail area, links and parkland golf courses, lagoon hotels, marinas, polo clubs, apartments, villas and numerous food & beverage outlets that will create a unique international tourist destination.
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DO
Abu Dhabi offers little in the way of historical or cultural sights, but there are several unique stops that no visitor should miss.
- Cultural Events The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre has become a landmark in the Emirates and holds cultural events and workshops throughout the year. It has a well-stocked library, children's programs, art exhibitions, benefit fundraisers, and other culture-related activities that are the hallmark of any city. It's well worth a look.
- High Tea The Emirates Palace is a luxury hotel on the water. Not as contemporary as other Emirates hotels such as the Burj in Dubai, the Emirates Palace is an elegant and intricate building swathed in gold and marble. Tea here is a nice treat in the afternoon.
- Swimming Nearly all hotels and private clubs in Abu Dhabi offer swimming facilities, usually in the form of private beaches. You can pay for a day's use, or for a year's. Another option is the British Club, an organization geared towards expatriates that's notably cheaper.
- Lessons Some hotels also offer dance lessons, aerobics classes, and other physical entertainment.
- The official sport of the Emirates is shopping, and Abu Dhabi offers millions of opportunities in this area (see below).
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EAT
Abu Dhabi is host to a wide range of palates and ethnicities when it comes to cuisine. Lebanese/Arabic food is usually cheapest; hotel restaurants usually the most expensive. The city is home to all manner of fast food like McDonald's and Hardees, but there is little call for most people to eat at those places. Some of the best and cheapest food in the city can be found at its many Indian restaurants. Portions are almost always generous, prices low, and quality excellent. Some foreign residents complained of a lack of good Chinese food, but several Chinese restaurants have been openned in recent years and serve authentic and contemparary Chinese food.
The fun thing about Abu Dhabi is that everywhere, literally from tiny falafel shacks to the cushy hotel restaurants to Burger King- delivers to anywhere in the city. Delivery is quick and reliable, and usually doesn't cost extra.
Vegetarians will find the city's selection of meals very satisfying. Vegetable and bean-heavy native dishes, the array of splendid pure vegetarian Indian cuisine, and the ready availability of fresh salads make eating in Abu Dhabi a stress-free experience. Strict vegans may have a little difficulty communicating their precise demands, but most places offer vegan dishes and are always willing to accommodate a paying customer.
Visitors should always check the Islamic calendar to determine whether they will be visiting during the month of Ramadan. Since Muslims fast during daylight hours, restaurants are -- by law -- closed during the day. It is also against the law to eat or drink anything, even water, in public and tourists (and non-Muslim residents) have been arrested and given fines. Large hotels generally have one restaurant open during the day to serve meals to non-Muslims. During the evening, however, it's quite a different story, as the festive atmosphere of Iftar begins and residents gather for lavish, Thanksgiving-like meals. As long as you don't mind tiding yourself over in private, the evening meals are magnificent.
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