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| A comprehensive
guide
to current and future events and exhibitions in
the UAE |
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Valuable concise reference source on the UAE,
covering political system, economy, business, history and
heritage,
education, women, healthcare, tourism and environment. |
|
|
Natural history of the UAE,
covering all animals and plants recorded in the
Emirates. |
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Report by National US Arab Chamber of Commerce on the
UAE. Vol XV, No 3, June 2007. Includes analysis of UAE economy. |
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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
WHAT TO SEE
General information
Abu Dhabi
Al Ain
Dubai
Sharjah
Ajman
Ra's al-Khaimah
Fujairah
Umm al-Qaiwain
Visit
our Virtual Museum
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Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, which occupies over 86 per cent of the country’s total landmass, is the largest of the seven emirates comprising the UAE.
Abu Dhabi City, political capital of the emirate and of the UAE, is situated on an island about five miles wide and nine miles long. This is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Al Maqta and Mussafah.
Sheikh Khalifa, President of the UAE, has his home in Abu Dhabi. Federal government offices, parliament building and foreign embassies are also located in this vibrant modern city. Since Abu Dhabi emirate possesses more than 90 per cent of the UAE's oil reserves and produces over 85 per cent of its oil, the main oil companies are located here, contributing to its status as a major business, manufacturing and trading centre. But, despite its national and regional importance, Abu Dhabi City manages to retain an air of ease and tranquility, with very few traffic problems
Architecturally, Abu Dhabi is a fascinating place where the domes and minarets of traditional mosques sit comfortably in the shade of gleaming futuristic skyscrapers. Tree-lined boulevards, manicured roundabouts and extensive parks soften the modern cityscape. All the major shopping malls and souqs are within easy reach and yet a short distance from the city centre the recently revamped Abu Dhabi Corniche stretches along the island’s mangrove-fringed and white sandy shores. Many of the city’s top-class hotels and restaurants, including the prestigious Emirates Palace Hotel, are located along the downtown section of this scenic stretch, overlooking an array of sandy islets that are rapidly undergoing development.
One of these, Saadiyat Island, is spearheading the transformation of Abu Dhabi into a world-class tourism destination with a cultural emphasis. Here, along with high quality hotels, residential buildings and other facilities will be located a Cultural District containing museums, art galleries and performing arts centres, including the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi contemporary art museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.
This is but one of the massive new developments that are destined to revolutionise the tourist industry in the emirate.
Qasr al-Hosn
Located on Khalid bin Walid St, Abu Dhabi, the White Fort or Old Fort is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The original structure was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of Abu Dhabi’s rulers. Major renovations took place in 1983.
The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Old Airport Rd (02 6215300 cultural@emirates.org.ae)
Situated beside Qasr al-Hosn, the foundation is housed in a delightful modern building of Islamic design with arching white colonnades, cool courtyards and restful gardens. The Cultural Foundation has an important library, theatre, cinema, lecture rooms, meeting rooms, an exhibition centre and coffee shop. The centre hosts numerous cultural events, including concerts with international and local artists, classic film festivals, art exhibitions and workshops throughout the year.
Heritage Village
Situated on a 1600 sq. metre site overlooking the Corniche, near the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi, this heritage village is run by Emirates Heritage Club. Here you can journey to the past and experience traditional life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape, economically and socially. In addition to bedouin tents, there are reconstructions of palm ('arish) and other houses, old fishing villages and traditional souqs. Given its location along the seafront, maritime traditions are a special feature. There is also a shop for local crafts, a good photographic exhibition and a unique collection of the Holy Quran.
Petroleum Exhibition, Corniche Rd East (02 6269715) Presently closed for renovations. Reopening date to be advised.
Old photographs, aerial shots, film (in English, French and German) and interactive displays depict Abu Dhabi's rapid development from oasis life to modern and cosmopolitan city.
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Women's Handicraft Centre
This is a very enjoyable place to visit. especially if you are interested in locally made crafts. The centre is run by Abu Dhabi Women's Association as a forum for local women to display their wares from perfumed oils to local costume and pottery. Some of the items are for sale. A kitchen area serves typical Gulf cuisine.
Manhal Palace
Sheikh Zayed's residence until 1974. Next to the post office on Airport Rd.
Dhow harbour
Near Port Zayed on the north-eastern tip of the island is an active dhow harbour, starting point of regular dhow sailing races. Along the quay a small market with interesting odds and ends does thriving business. Follow the signs for Al Dhafra restaurant.
Bateen Shipyard
The dhow shipyard close to the Intercontinental Hotel on the west side of Abu Dhabi island is well worth visiting. Huge planks of teak are piled high ready to be shaped into the graceful wooden sailing dhows that have changed very little over the centuries (see section on boatbuilding). Most of the boats built or mended here are sleek racing rather than trading dhows - some with carbon fibre masts! Nevertheless it is still a wonderfully traditional place with piles of sawdust scattering in the warm breeze and hungry cats hunting for food. Feel free to take photographs, but do ask first if aiming your camera at the craftsman. The yard is open at all times but 5 p.m. is often a good time to visit. Boatbuilders do not work on Fridays.
Mosques
You are not permitted to enter the numerous mosques in Abu Dhabi. These range from a tiny but perfectly formed mosque that nestles amid the towering skyscrapers of downtown Abu Dhabi to the largest, the Grand Mosque, a spectacular structure on the outskirts of the city.
Around Abu Dhabi
Other places to see in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are the lovely oasis city of Al Ain with its numerous archaeological sites and the spectacular dunes at Liwa in the south of the country. Abu Dhabi's numerous offshore island are also worth a visit.
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