Business Traveller (Middle East)
Work. Play. Rest. Repeat.
A vibrant address for savvy guests
For sports and adventure lovers
Golf fanatics can tee off at any of Abu Dhabi’s fantastic pay-and-play golf courses, all of which have certified PGA professionals on the books. Three championship-standard courses are within a 20-minute drive of Abu Dhabi city, including the award-winning Abu Dhabi Golf Club, home of the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, a European PGA Tour event; Yas Links on Yas Island, Arabia’s only true links golf course; and the Gary Player-designed Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, the first ocean course in the region.
No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without having some fun in the desert. Arabian Nights Village
( arabiannightsvillage.com) offers the full complement of desert activities, including dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, sand surfing, camel trekking, and cycling through the dunes.
In an emirate comprising around 200 islands, perhaps it’s no surprise that water sports are everywhere. Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara ( anantara.com) offers kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding through the city’s natural mangroves, activities that are also available at Yas Beach. Snorkelers and divers can spot rays and barracuda among various wrecks and reefs, while surfing, wakeboarding and white-water rafting are among the watersports on offer at Wadi Adventure in Al Ain.
A range of kayak tours are available from adventure specialist Noukhada ( noukhada.ae), including mangrove tours, full-moon night tours, half-day island tours and an overnight desert island camping adventure. Kayaking around the Louvre Abu Dhabi is another inspirational option.
The emirate’s highest peak, and
UAE’s second, Jebel Hafit stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.
For foodies
Visiting a city and not trying the local food is unforgivable, so if you are interested in getting a real taste of local Emirati culture and a flavour of Abu Dhabi, there are loads of restaurants to check out. One such budget-friendly place is Meylas at Al Raha, ranked as one of the best places to eat Emirati cuisine. Some must-try dishes include khabees, fareed and machboos. Another great place for a traditional Emirati meal is Mezlai at Emirates Palace hotel ( mandarinoriental.com/abudhabi). With beautiful décor and ambience that showcases the best of Arabia, Mezlai is famous for its lamb machboos and fresh khubz ( pita bread). Another option is Yadoo’s House, which means ‘grandmother’s house’, a charming but contemporary restaurant inspired by family traditions and Arabian hospitality and serving a feast of Arabian flavours including salona (traditional stew using chicken, lamb or seafood) and kofta (meatballs). Save a space for kunafa, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with thin noodle-like pastry or fine semolina dough soaked in sugar-based syrup and layered with cheese and nuts. Located behind Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, close to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, it’s the ideal spot for a meal if you’re attending an event or exhibition. Top tip: Al Bateen Marina is fast becoming Abu Dhabi’s go-to café district and its new Meditteranean restaurant, Medi Terra, is considered a breakfast hotspot. Sit out on the covered terrace overlooking the luxury yachts, enjoying the cool breeze, while you tuck into signature dishes such as the truffle eggs Benedict or avocado toast on sourdough with a piquillo pepper marmalade.
Whether it’s a business opportunity or the flamboyant lifestyle that brings one to the city of dreams, Dubai’s pulsating vibe is certainly inevitable for all. For lovers of global destinations of distinction, who also enjoy convenience, comfort and savvy living, Ascott offers the perfect home-away-from-home in the midst of this bustling metropolis.
Steps away from the Dubai Internet City Metro Station, Citadines Metro Central Dubai is a stylish property by leading international lodger owneroperator, The Ascott Limited. Offering studios and one-bedroom serviced spaces, accommodation is spaciously optimised with separate living and dining areas and a fully functional kitchenette: a seamless choice for solo or two guests.
Featuring a swimming pool, gym and business centre, Citadines Metro Central Dubai also offers comprehensive living solutions for expats and tourists. Both in-house guests and local residents can enjoy fresh and delicious bites at ‘Brambles Café’, located on the ground floor of the property.
Citadines Metro Central Dubai has implemented several applaud worthy programmes following the onset of COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of its guests, as part of the brand’s Ascott Cares initiatives. These include the accredited Dubai Assured Stamp, contactless services, lodging initiatives, and the brand’s newly announced partnership with International SOS for health, counselling and travel security teleservices. Citadines Metro Central Dubai has also received the Green Key label for the fifth consecutive year in 2021, testament to its efforts to develop an environment friendly, sustainable and responsible business. The property was also recently recognised as the ‘2021 Travellers’ Choice’ by leading travel company Tripadvisor. Early birds looking to book a city escape anytime this year can enjoy up to 25 per cent off on bookings made 21 days earlier with the 'Advance Purchase' promo when they sign-up to the brand’s loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards. Download the ‘Discover ASR’ app to become a member and manage your bookings. For more information on the 'Advance Purchase' promo, visit the-ascott.com/offers