DOWN AT THE OASIS
Abu Dhabi
With its beaches, shopping, five-star service, arts scene, golf and offshore wildlife preserves Abu Dhabi is appealing to experienced and sophisticated travellers alike, says Lisa James
neighbour Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United Arab Emirates – has been quietly getting on with establishing itself as a viable regional alternative. It’s tempting to draw a comparison
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with Dubai, but the two destinations are 'distinctly different', according to Fiona Greenhalgh, head of product and commercial for Carrier. “Most clients book Abu Dhabi as an alternative to Dubai," she says. "Abu Dhabi has good shopping and
great beaches, but is also building a reputation for arts and heritage. “But the main appeal is that it is low
key and has superb stretches of beach. The souks and magnificent mosques and minarets also offer a cultural aspect to any holiday taken there,” she adds. Premier Holidays' product manager Nikki Hain adds: “The destination has a
hile Dubai gets plenty of attention as a glitzy high- rolling destination, its
range of four- and five-star properties that cater for all budgets. “The short flight time of just six hours, and the excellent flight service with Etihad from Heathrow and Manchester means the destination can be sold as a long weekend or stopover.” Abu Dhabi’s attraction lies in the
diversity of experiences it offers – it has deserts, cooling oases, pristine coastline and 200 natural islands, but it also has one of the world’s most modern cities and is a vibrant hub for showpiece events and entertainment. Coldplay performed last New Year’s
Eve and Madonna will play her catalogue of hits there in June. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which
takes place in November, and the Ferrari World theme park on Yas Island which opened in November 2010, have both raised awareness of the destination among racing fans. The International Association of Golf
Tour Operators has named Abu Dhabi Golf Destination of the Year 2012, giving the region an additional boost as a top sporting destination. Further
planned
developments on Saadiyat Island include the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Gallery and the Zayed National Museum, while a waterpark will open next to Ferrari World later this year. Many operators have special offers during the months of June, July and August, which are the hottest months in Abu Dhabi. For example, Funway Holidays is offering half-board accommodation for £680pp per week in June (the standard offer is B&B) at the InterContinental, with Oman Air. This includes an upgrade to a private airport meet and greet and car transfer.
What’s New Etihad has launched Etihad SuperSeller, its travel agent incentive programme, which allows staff to earn Etihad Guest Miles on every Diamond First and Pearl Business class ticket sold. The airline has also increased baggage
allowances by 10kg for Pearl Business class and Diamond First class customers, meaning passengers can now pack away 40kg and 50kg respectively. Carrier has added the Park Hyatt,
which opened in November 2011, to its 2012 programme, which it says is a good choice for families as it has a Camp Hyatt children’s club.
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT 020 8090 3890
www.dosomethingdifferent.com Experience and attraction ticket operator DoSomethingDifferent. com has added Ferrari World Abu Dhabi to its range. Tickets cost £40 for adults and £29 for children.
24 May 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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