DESTINATIONS ABU DHABI MIDDLE EAST


ASK THE EXPERTS


Tricia Birmingham, senior product manager, Gold Medal “The Middle East is proving to be a real cultural destination. Don’t miss a visit to the new Louvre Abu Dhabi. As you approach the main entrance, you’ll see this stunning piece of architecture, with 8,000 metal stars that create a moving ‘rain of light’ as the sunlight shines through.”


restaurant Trader Vic’s, at the Al Ain Rotana resort. Expect tiki head-shaped salt and pepper shakers, garishly flamboyant drinks and wooden canoes dangling from the ceiling. The restaurant’s famous for its huge Hawaiian spice-drizzled steaks, which you can wash down with a delicious (but potent) rum cocktail. rotana.com


15.00: Back in Abu Dhabi, see how the locals live with a visit to the Heritage Village, where you’ll find a replica souk, mosque and traditional Arabic camp. You’ll also be able to try your hand at glass blowing, pottery and weaving. If your efforts fall flat, simply head to the gift shop to pick up souvenirs such as locally made soap and dried herbs. torath.ae


If your efforts at pottery, glass blowing and weaving at the Heritage Village fall flat, pick up a souvenir at the gift shop


17.00: Early evening is the ideal time to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, when it’s cooler and quieter. You’ll find Formula One simulators, racing car- themed soft-play areas and live game shows. But the piece de resistance is undoubtedly Formula Rossa, the high- speed rollercoaster that accelerates from 0 to 150 mph in 4.9 seconds.


19.00: Head for dinner at the nearby Abu Dhabi Edition, which opened in November. The 198-room hotel is enormous, with a three-storey nightlife venue, a ballroom, boardroom, fitness centre and spa. There are three restaurants created by top chef Tom Aikens including Market at Edition, which offers cuisine inspired by traditional street food with a focus on all things natural – think raw juices and biodynamic wines. It’s worth noting that the Edition is just one of several new kids on the block, which also number a W Hotel (in what was previously the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi); the all- inclusive Rixos Saadiyat Island, which opened in October; and Abu Dhabi’s first Andaz hotel, the Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi (previously the Hyatt Capital Gate), set to open this year.


Peter Ryan, Discovery store manager, Thomas Cook, Chelmsford “Abu Dhabi is starting to rival Dubai for its great hotels, luxury shopping malls and diverse attractions. Yas Island is great for family entertainment but I recommend the city centre for anyone who loves shopping. The Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi hotel is connected to the Abu Dhabi Mall, so it’s ideal if you are looking for designer goods.”


60travelweekly.co.uk14 February 2019


13.00: Al Ain Rotana


17.00: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi


19.00: Abu Dhabi Edition


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