Abu Dhabi is beginning to rival Dubai as a Middle East shopping destination, discovers David Dunn
and you can combine a visit to the Heritage Village for a taste of UAE life of old ahead of more retail indulgence at Marina Mall (www. marinamall.ae). Time it right and grab stunning views of the city from a revolving restaurant high above the mall.
While those venues have plenty of dining choices, Beach Rotana offers many options once you’ve deposited your bags.
Among them, Brauhaus is the capital’s only German restaurant offering authentic cuisine and brews, while Trader Vic’s is a French Polynesian restaurant/bar.
Offering prime terrace views, Prego’s is a contemporary and atmospheric open-kitchen Italian concession and Indigo gives a fusion approach to north Indian cuisine.
Finz presents stylish seafood with North African Moorish influences in an over-water lounge setting and American-Japanese concept Benihana tempts with teppanyaki.
Rodeo Grill proved the dining highlight of our weekend, however. This modern steakhouse rightly carries a reputation, from a knowledgeable team to the signature Josper wood-fired oven with its a subtle, desirable taste.
While the steaks – luscious Blackmore wagyu tenderloin all but melted under the knife – were the stars, the visit was driven home by Parmesan and truffle fries, crab and rock shrimp dumplings and an indulgent seafood bisque.
If you are struggling to make a choice between outlets, then Essence is The Beach Rotana’s spacious, internationally inspired, all-day dining option.
With Beach Rotana as your base you’ve good geography for visiting new high-end mall The Galleria (www.thegalleria.ae) on adjacent Al Maryah Island, where platinum credit cards love Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Fendi and more.
If you fancy mixing retail therapy with thrills, then Yas Mall (www. yasmall.ae) is ideal.
Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport and Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit, the mall is the nation’s largest after colossal Dubai Mall and ideal for sampling Yas Waterworld water park or Ferrari World, the planet’s largest indoor theme park complete with recordbreaking roller-coaster.