Special Feature
Abu Dhabi, the desert city
► With endless beaches, a desert of incomparable beauty, a little-known historic heritage and unlimited sporting activities available, Abu Dhabi has many treasures to attract visitors. With the only Louvre Museum outside of France arriving in 2012, and the establishment of a Guggenheim foundation on Saadiyat Island (in 2011), Abu Dhabi is an indisputable cultural centre. Which is only to be expected as this is the richest and most highly populated of the 7 United Arab Emirates: the city occupies 80% of the territory, produces 70% of the wealth and groups together 40% of the population.
How do you get to Abu Dhabi?
All the information you need to travel to Abu Dhabi with AIR FRANCE KLM is available at the end of this feature.
Must-see
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the heart of the city, breaks many records: the height of the minarets (107 metres), the size of the carpet in the prayer hall (7,119 m²), the 7 chandeliers which light it up are adorned with Swarowski crystals, not forgetting the number of columns in its perimeter (1,092). The main marble dome, which is set amongst the 82 domes of the building, is one of the largest in the world with a diameter of 33 metres and standing 70 metres high! The doors are open to all nationalities outside prayer time. However, women are kindly asked to wear a black headscarf tied tightly under the chin, regardless of their attire.
Explore
The streets of Masdar, the first city in the world built for ‘carbon-neutral, zero-waste’ living. It’s a place of “larger than life” experiences, where lanes are lined with thick walls, protecting them against the hot desert winds. Masdar offers a life-size example of a town that is capable of leaving no trace on the environment. Incredible!
Visit
The Al Ain Museum, a national pride and joy, records the archaeological digs carried out in the Emirate and displays scenes of traditional life. A guided tour invites you to understand the origins of the city and its importance in maritime trade with the West. Don’t forget to visit the souvenir shops, a kingdom of kitsch and gold.
Open every day apart from Monday: from 8.30am to 7.30pm Saturday to Thursday and 2pm-7.30pm Friday.
Walk around the city
Take a one to two hour walk to feel the East-West convergence. The Fort Al Hosn (18th century) is imposing with its battlements, as well as a visit to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation (www.cultural.org.ae) and to the Heritage Village (www.torath.ae), for a look at local heritage (a film there recounts the story of the creation of the Emirates, from pearl fishermen to the discovery of oil.)
Stroll
In the evenings, the Corniche Promenade allows you to admire how mosques intertwine with ultra-modern glass buildings. At the far end of the promenade, the port is very attractive with wooden boat building activity. It is a stone’s throw from the souks (markets) for fresh fish, vegetables and dates. Negotiation is the key to being respected and buying at a fair price.
► How to get to Abu Dhabi:
4 direct KLM flights per week, on Airbus 330: from Amsterdam-Schiphol: Departure at 10.10am - Arrival at 7.35pm on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
To Amsterdam-Schiphol: Departure at 01.15am - Arrival at 5.45pm on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
GOOD ADDRESSES
To discover
Stay at the Kempinski Emirates Palace, whose
style is the benchmark for hotels in Abu Dhabi.
Colossal, impressive, there is no lack of
superlatives to describe this hotel, which was
commissioned by the royal family to accommodate
their guests. The vast entrance hall stretches
under a dome of fantastical dimensions. In the
suites on the 6th and 7th floors, silk covers the
walls, crystal is in abundance, and gold and silver
decorate the furniture.
Wander around Marina Mall or Abu Dhabi mall,
two shopping centres brimming with international
window displays. Shopping is the national
pastime of Emiratis and it is an art in Abu Dhabi,
where they spend many hours comparing before
buying in shopping arcades. These vary from
modern, luxurious boutiques to traditional shops.
Notice also the contrast between the long black
headscarves and designer jeans worn by modern
young women.
Have a drink at Al Birek located in the Méridien
Hotel. It’s the place to meet for those who like
to be seen. Come here to enjoy a drink or eat to
the sound of remixed oriental music. Ideal for
discovering the city’s secrets.
Closes at 1.30 am- Tel: (971 2) 644 6666
Dance on the beach with a drink in your hand
at Plastik, the only place of its kind in the
Emirates. Superb decor, carefully chosen lighting
and an astounding cocktail list. The liveliest night
is Thursday, the day before the local weekend.
Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotel & Resort, Ghantoot,
Abu Dhabi Tel: (971 2) 562 9100
Buy works of art from Iraqi or local artists at
the Al Qibab Gallery. A surprising visit
discovering oriental art fused with a European
perspective. There are also very fine temporary
exhibitions from prestigious guest artists. Open
every day from 10am to 1pm and 5pm to 8pm.
Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi Tel: (971 2) 665 2350
Wind down at Chi, the best spa in the region,
located in the Shangri La hotel. The treatment
list has been drawn up according to local
traditions and the best-known oriental products.
The relaxation room, whose surprisingly modern
decor is in itself worth a visit, offers an
extraordinary view of the white minarets of the
Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
Shangri La Qaryat Al Beri- Tel: (971 2) 509 8888
Buy yourself an Oud, the oriental musical
instrument with the purest tone. There are
hundreds of them at all prices for all types of
players. This handsome object is often very
well finished and acts as a base for oriental
music, insistent and repetitive.
For sale in the little shops located behind
the One to One hotel, Al Salam Street -
Al Nahyan – Tel: (971 2) 495 2000
