ABU DHABI
ABU DHABI In the fast lane
In the south of the Arabian peninsula, neighbour to Dubai and Oman, Abu Dhabi is a tourism destination whose star is on the rise, says Colin Ellson
T
he capital of the United Arab Emir- ates, Abu Dhabi differs from Dubai in not setting out to appeal to the
widest possible market, and from Oman for its relatively small size. Just seven hours’ fl ying time from
London, the emirate’s largest source market is the UK, with the number of British visitors earlier this year seeing an increase of six per cent year on year in terms of bed nights. Relying for its popularity on an air of
exclusivity, Abu Dhabi numbers some of the Gulf’s fi nest hotels. And once settled in to lap up the luxury, visitors can choose from an ever-expanding list of attractions.
These run the gamut of entertainment, including watersports festivals in Al Gharbia, concerts in historic forts, opera and pop music extravaganzas and summer carnivals. And then there are the annual one-offs, specifi cally the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Gourmet Abu Dhabi, offering a taste of the emirate’s culinary delicacies. Far from the bustle of the city, a more
secluded feel is on offer in Al Ain City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known as the Garden of the Gulf for its fl ora and fauna. Here, families can enjoy Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort, Al Jahili Fort, the country’s largest camel market and the Al Ain National Museum, close to Al Ain Oasis.
With plentiful palm plantations, many still- working farms, this is a tranquil haven, with cool walkways to protect visitors from the heat.
“Clients are often so focused on Dubai they don’t think about Abu Dhabi, but the emirate has much to offer – from fantastic beaches and five-star hotels to luxury
shopping and carnivals” NIKKI HAIN, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA PRODUCT MANAGER, PREMIER HOLIDAYS
Clockwise from top left: St Regis, Al Jahili Fort, gourmet treats and
Grand Prix style, plus the Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque
www.sellinglonghaul.com
May 2013 17
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