late riser
When it comes to high-class facilities and experiences, Abu Dhabi has plenty in the tourism pipeline and is no longer playing catch-up to its UAE neighbours, says Adam Coulter
Absolutely jaw-dropping” is how I’d describe Louvre Abu Dhabi. Ten years in the making, the Jean Nouvel-designed building finally opened last November and is the first ‘branch’ of the Louvre outside of France.
Nouvel’s ‘rain of light’ design was inspired by the interlaced palm leaves traditionally used for roofing purposes.
Its permanent collection comprises more than 600 pieces of art, displayed across 23 state-of-the-art galleries. Then there’s the 300 masterpieces on loan from key French institutions, including works by da Vinci, Monet, Van Gogh and Matisse.
But what’s it even doing here, in this incongruous setting, on Saadiyat Island surrounded by turquoise-blue waters and glimmering under a fierce sun? However it got here, it works: the sea adds colour and warmth to the white walls and grey geometric lace dome, both inside and out.
I step inside, on a journey through 23 galleries which chronologically unites different civilisations and distant cultures, acknowledging similarities and establishing connections between them. The exhibition seems to transpose the greatest values of this nation – tolerance and spirit of unification.
The Children’s Museum is a great attraction for families, inviting adults to play with little ones, using the language of art.
“I am so proud of my country!”, I heard an Emirati lady exclaiming, while contemplating one of the pieces. I felt obliged to reply
“and so you should be proud”.
(by Madelena Carvalho, Abu Dhabi resident)
Capital progress
Abu Dhabi is the capital and the largest of the seven states that make up the
United Arab Emirates. The UAE lies on the Arabian Gulf, bordered by Oman and Saudi Arabia, and lies a little less than seven hours’ flight time from the UK.
Enjoying year-round good weather, miles of undeveloped coastline, a rugged interior and a large choice of top-end hotels, Abu Dhabi has become increasingly popular with UK visitors – numbers hit almost 250,000 last year, up 12% on the year before.
There are direct flights Etihad and British Airways, adding up to a total of eight flights daily from Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
Once playing second fiddle to its brasher and more tourism-dedicated neighbour Dubai, Abu Dhabi has grown in stature, confidence and ambition and now offers a wealth of high-end hotels and luxury experiences for your clients to choose from – whether that’s dining on a luxury dhow in the Arabian Gulf, enjoying a pampering day at the Anantara
Spa, taking a seaplane over the city, eating dinner at the seven-star Emirates Palace or heading to the desert for a high-end safari.
As Rebecca Turner, Senior Product Manager, Pure Luxury by Gold Medal, explains: “Abu Dhabi really does have a great deal to see and do including theme parks, beautiful beaches, shopping and world-class hotels.”
Abu Dhabi also boasts the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which is open to non-Muslims and is worth a wander round to gawp at its sheer size.
Then there’s the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, a riotous annual event which attracts thousands of spectators and this
year takes place on November 25.
Abu Dhabi makes up more than 80% of the land mass of the UAE, so look beyond the city itself if your clients are after some more cultural diversions.
The most popular day trip is to Al Ain, the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an oasis around 90 minutes’ drive from the capital, with various museums, a restored fort, a souk and Wadi Adventure
– a white-water rafting, kayaking and surf facility in the foothills of the mountains.
But if you really want to go off grid, try Al Dhafra, the emirate’s western region, which makes up two-thirds of Abu Dhabi and has some of the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving and some of its most dramatic scenery, including the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara.
It’s also home to Liwa, a historic oasis town at the entry to the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass.
Perfect ten
City break: Head to Al Ain, a cultural oasis 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi City.
Gentle stroll: Walk along the eightkilometre-long Corniche for city views. Go private: Enjoy a personal tour of the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to get the low down on the opulent details. Splash out: Book in a sumptuous meal at the imposing Emirates Palace Hotel. Top nosh: Take a long brunch at Nahaam, Jumeirah Etihad Towers.
Tee off: There are three championship courses in Abu Dhabi: Yas Links, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Get on track: Visit Abu Dhabi’s Formula One Circuit on Yas Island.
Hold on: Ride the Formula Rossa at Ferrari World – it’s the world’s fastest roller-coaster.
Dive for it: Head to the water to find a real pearl – you’re allowed to keep it! Laid back: Spend a day relaxing at the exclusive Monte Carlo Beach Club.
What’s new
Hotels: There are a number of luxury hotels set to open this year on Saadiyat Island.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort (rotana.com) will feature 327 upscale rooms and suites,
13 beach villas and a private beach.
Jumeirah Saadiyat Island (jumeirah.com) will have 293 rooms, including eight villas and 70 suites, VIP couples’ suites with private entrances, a spa with 14 treatment rooms and a Hammam.
Rixos Saadiyat Island Hotel (rixos.com) will feature 373 rooms and four restaurants.
The Abu Dhabi EDITION (editionhotels.com/abudhabi/) will open in the Marina area with 198 rooms and 57 serviced residences. Features will include two signature restaurants, a gourmet market, two pools, lobby bar, pool bar, a three-story nightclub and a spa.
Luxury Shopping: Two ‘megamalls’ will open this year. Al Maryah Central (gulfrelated. com) on Al Maryah Island will have the first international Macy’s department store, Abu
“Try a luxury experience like a Palace Cappuccino sprinkled with 24-carat gold at the Emirates Palace, a spin in a car at Yas Marina Circuit or a kayak through the mangroves” ZARINA HAFEZ, SALES SUPPORT ETIHAD HOLIDAYS