Abu Dhabi CAPITAL GAINS
A member of the United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi is becoming known for its unique unhurried mixture of beach, desert, offshore islands, cultural attractions and top-rated hotels, says Adam Coulter
I
f there is one thing that Abu Dhabi is not it is Dubai! Although just 45 minutes or so
from its fellow emirate by road (depending on traffic, which seems to get more clogged up with each passing month), the capital of the United Arab Emirates might as well be a completely different country. It’s restrained while Dubai is showy, cultural where Dubai is populist, and tasteful where Dubai can at times be tacky. However, on the flip side, Abu Dhabi does not have the nightlife or the restaurant scene, nor quite the broad range of hotels. So while it struggles to appeal to
footballers and their wives it does attract well-heeled families and 50+ couples with disposable income. Things are gradually changing in Abu Dhabi, not at breakneck speed like Dubai, but at a rather more measured and controlled pace. For example, a number of very high-end
hotels have opened in the past 12 months such as the Shangri-La, St Regis, Banyan Tree and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, an ultra- luxury hotel in the middle of the desert. Next year a Rotana
52 April 2011 •
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Resort, Four Seasons, W, Mandarin Oriental and a Rosewood are also due to open. A key difference is that Abu Dhabi's
hotels are not ‘the biggest’ or ‘the tallest’, as in Dubai except for one: The Emirates Palace, which does vie with the most extravagant in the region. The luxury resort is half-a-kilometre
long, with a dome bigger than St Paul’s Cathedral, and decorated throughout in gold leaf. Abu Dhabi has space – lots of space!
The emirate is made up of more than 200 (natural) islands, some of which are being developed – such as the Desert Islands Resort & Spa – and others which are conservation centres. This natural aspect is a key USP of Abu
Dhabi that is being promoted heavily by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). For example, the nearby desert village of Al Ain – the founder’s birthplace – is a big draw for its wildlife park and also balloon rides over the desert (from September–May). The headline-grabbing attractions are:
Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park, which has more than 20 rides and attractions and the Formula
One grand prix race in November. And next year both the Guggenheim Museum and the Louvre will be opening museums. “Abu Dhabi is now better value for
money than ever. It offers a high-quality product and experience at a value for money price,” said Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director for ADTA.
What’s New Etihad Airways will double the frequency of its service between Manchester and Abu Dhabi from August. The move will take the number of flights from the northern airport from seven to 14 each week, more than the planned 10 a week previously announced. Specialising in Abu Dhabi holidays, Abu Dhabi Travel Centre launched at last year’s World Travel Market. The company offers a year-round programme of flights, city breaks and tailor-made holidays. Per AQUUM is opening a new
property called Nurai in 2012, located on the island of the same name off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The retreat will be very exclusive, chic and contemporary. Rotana Hotels & Resorts will open a
property on Saadiyat Island in 2012, which is situated just offshore the mainland and
accessible by two road bridges. The island will be home to the two new museums, the Louvre and the Guggenheim. F1 Powerboat racing comes to Abu
Dhabi for the first time this year, in December. F1 Grand Prix will again take place at Yas Island this November; and the Volvo Ocean race will take place at the end of the year.
Tourism Talk HE MUBARAK AL MUHAIRI director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
“We are on course to attract 1.9 million hotel guests during this year – a 15% rise on last year. The January figures show a five per cent rise on visitor numbers compared with the same period last year – helped by a 14% leap in UK arrivals over the same period. “Our goal is to shift our current business tourism-dominated hotel guest profile to a more balanced business/ leisure tourism split. “ADTA is working with the National
L to R: A 4x4 desert 'safari'; Al-Jahili Fort in Al Hin, Abu Dhabi's second city, houses the National Museum; Mosque tours are available
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