:: Gulf Thoracic 2010 ::

About Abu Dhabi

Access

Abu Dhabi’s strategic geographical location ensures easy access from the world’s major trade centres. It lies halfway between Tokyo and New York, with Europe, Africa and western Asia a short hop away. Business travellers can reach Abu Dhabi from London, Shanghai, Cape Town or Moscow within eight hours and the city is well served by international carriers. Eitihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based national airline, is expanding rapidly and has set an impeccably high standard of service and reliability. It will fly to 70 destinations by 2010. On the ground, Abu Dhabi benefits from a highly efficient road system. Journey time from the international airport to the main business district averages just 20 minutes. Traffic flow is well managed and the road network has been carefully planned, so transporting large numbers of conference delegates is easy.

Abu Dhabi Facts

• Capital city of the United Arab Emirates and largest of the country’s seven constituent emirates
• Government and political centre
• Oil reserves estimated to last 150 years
• 9.2% of world’s oil reserves and 4% of natural gas
• 200 natural islands
• 700km of coastline
• Multi-billion dollar tourism investment
• 85% of total area of UAE
• World’s highest per capita GDP at $46,147
• Guaranteed year-round sunshine

Abu Dhabi- the City, the Emirate, the Capital

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is the largest of the seven Emirates making up the UAE Federation. It possesses 94 per cent of the country's oil reserves, covers around 87 per cent of the UAE's total land area and is home to 38 per cent of the population. It is both the seat of the Federal Government and a bustling business centre.

Located on the north east coast of the Arabian Peninsula, Abu Dhabi offers a strikingly contrasting landscape, from sandy beaches to green oases, and from skyscrapers to rolling desert dunes. Its coastline is studded with nearly 200 islands offering fascinating scenery of untamed beaches.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi consists of three administrative regions: the capital city; the Western Region, which includes the oases of Liwa and extends deeper into the famous Al Rubu Al Khali (Empty Quarter); and the eastern oasis of Al Ain, better known as the "Green City".

Human settlement in the Abu Dhabi region dates back to several thousand years. The place was discovered by a group of hunters who found a big herd of gazelles around a rare fresh water spring. They called it "Abu Dhabi", which translates into "the place full of gazelles".

For centuries, the population in coastal areas sustained their living through pearl diving, fishing, and dhow trading, while those in the desert interior led a typical nomadic life.

Until the discovery of oil, the emirate was little more than a coastal trading community, but home to one of the biggest pearling fleets in the Gulf.

The discovery of oil in the early 1960s has quickly transformed Abu Dhabi from a pearling centre into a global business powerhouse. Four decades later, oil still remains the main driver of Abu Dhabi’s economy. The Emirate is the world’s fourth largest oil producer, contributing 10% of the world’s oil and 5% of its gas production. Recently, however, the Emirate has unleashed a massive initiative aimed at diversifying its sources of income. That initiative has already begun to pay dividends, and the Emirate is fast evolving into a magnet of foreign investment and a business hub.

Today’s Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan city that boasts one of the highest per capita incomes, and one of the lowest crime rates in the world.

Population

The population of the UAE has grown dramatically over the last two decades and currently stands at more than four million. Abu Dhabi is the most populous of the seven Emirates of the Federation, with around 1.6 million (or 38% of the total population) living within its borders. The figure includes the many expatriates who live and work in this cosmopolitan country.

Currency

The monetary unit is the ‘dirham’ (AED) which is divided into 100 fils. 1 US$ = AED 3.67

Climate

The climate is sub-tropical, semi arid with warm temperatures, infrequent rain fall and blue skies most of the year. Between November and April the average day-time temperature reaches 28 degrees centigrade whereas in the summer months between June and August temperatures reach a high of 40 degrees centigrade with excess humidity.

Religion

Islam is the official religion of the United Arab Emirates and there are a large number of mosques throughout the UAE. However, other religions are respected with many churches representing various religious denominations.

Language

The official language of the United Arab Emirates is Arabic, but English is widely spoken and understood, with both languages being commonly used in business and commerce.

Photography

Normal tourist photography is acceptable, but it is considered offensive to photograph Muslim women. It is also courteous to ask permission before photographing men. In general, photographs of government buildings or military installations should not be taken.

Clothing

Lightweight summer clothing is suitable for most of the year, but sweaters or jackets may be needed during the winter months, especially in the evenings. Compared with certain parts of the Middle East, the UAE has a relaxed dress code. However, care should be taken not to give offence by wearing clothing which may be considered inappropriate or revealing. At the pool or on the beach, trunks, swimsuits and bikinis are quite acceptable. Away from the beach or pool area, however, a shirt and shorts is the expected minimum.

Landscape

The island city of Abu Dhabi is a dynamic and progressive destination. With a varied landscape stretching southwards to the famous Liwa oasis, home to some of the largest sand dunes in the region and eastwards to the green ‘garden city’ of Al Ain, the natural environment is the emirate’s greatest resource. Architecturally, Abu Dhabi is a fascinating place where the domes and minarets of traditional mosques sitcomfortably in the shade of gleaming futuristic skyscrapers. The city is also filled with tree-lined boulevards, manicured roundabouts, dazzling fountains and extensive parks.

The tradition of Arabic hospitality permeates throughout the emirate from a warm welcome in the city’s top hotels to genuine local flavour in the countless cultural sites and retail outlets. A destination for the experience-hungry traveller, the emirate has something for everyone, from the dynamism of a 21st century city to pristine beachfront, the tranquility of the desert, rugged mountain scenery and verdant oases.

Heritage and Tradition

The city’s progressive vision is tempered with a deep-seated respect for traditions and culture and tucked away between modern towers are heritage locales that tell tales of Abu Dhabi’s past. Priority has been given not only to future development but to rediscovering the past through archaeology, the restoration of buildings, museums, establishing indigenous wildlife parks and much more.

Traditional musicians, calligraphers, artists and craftsmen are encouraged to develop their skills and thereby prevent their ancient crafts from dying out. The artifacts and tools of pearl divers, fishermen and dhow builders are carefully preserved and displayed. Especially honoured is the Bedouin way of life. Even though nomadic societies leave little in the way of permanent structures, the people of Abu Dhabi aspire to the noble traditions and values of their desert ancestors.

Abu Dhabi Attractions

Down Town Abu Dhabi - A busy metropolis of spectacular high-rise towers, shopping malls, restaurants and world-class hotels interspersed with residential districts. While the capital looks out towards the blue waters of the Gulf, within the city is a busy commercial centre, bustling with activity both traditional and modern. On the west side is Al Bateen with many large parks and a shipyard, which still practises the ancient skill of dhow building. The port area of Al Meena features several traditional souqs (markets) specialising in fish, meat and vegetables.

The Abu Dhabi Corniche - One of Abu Dhabi’s main attractions is the city’s cornice, which stretches for eight kilometres along the island’s mangrove-fringed and white sandy shores. Many of the city’s top class hotels and restaurants are located along the downtown section of this scenic stretch. At the western end of the corniche is an area of reclaimed land, the Breakwater. The location of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic hotels, the Emirates palace, this area also features a shopping mall, water sports club, a Heritage Village and many Arabic cafes and restaurants.

The Cultural Foundation - A modern complex, designed in a traditional architectural style the cultural Foundation is the city’s cultural hub. Home to the National Library it also has a cinema, an auditorium, exhibition halls and is the venue for concerts, plays and lectures.

Qasr Al-Hosn - Located on Khalid bin Walid St, the White Fort or Old Fort is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The original structure was built in 1793 and was used as the official residence of city’s rulers.

Al Ghazal Golf Club - Offering an 18-hole, par 71 sand course, Al Ghazal Golf club is the venue for the Abu Dhabi World Sand Golf championships. Sponsored by Abu Dhabi Duty Free, the annual tournament attracts a number of top European professionals.

Emirates Palace - One of the most spectacular hotels in the UAE the Emirates palace offers the ultimate in luxury hospitality. Located on 1.3 kilometres of white sandy beach, surrounded by magnificently landscaped gardens and an architectural wonder, the hotel reflects the different shades of the Arabian Desert sands. Crowned by a 60-metre high dome with a further 113 domes, the Emirates palace is an architectural wonder and a stunning landmark of the capital. Accommodation comprises of 302 deluxe guest rooms and 96 suites.

Sir Bani Yas Island - Located 250 kilometres to the west of Abu Dhabi, the island has been transformed into a nature reserve. Home to many indigenous and African species, Sir Bani Yas Island operates an active conservation and breeding programme.

Saadiyat Island - The flagship Saadiyat Island project will transform the 27- kilometre natural island into an international tourism destination. Located 500 metres offshore, and half the size of the tropical island Bermuda, Saadiyat will comprise of six distinct districts, offering a multitude of experiences. Connected by a palm-lined arterial causeway, the island will feature two golf-courses, 29 hotels, three marinas, resorts and residential facilities to accommodate 150,000 residents. The island will also be home to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (GAD), a world-class museum devoted to modern and contemporary art.

Al Ain - The second city in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, often referred to as ‘the garden city’ is the most fertile region in the country. Situated inland 148-kilometres from the capital, Al Ain is steeped in history and fascinating insights into the city’s heritage can be found at the Al Ain Museum and the Natural History Museum at the University. The Hili Archaeological Garden has remnants of a Bronze Age settlement dating back to 2000 BC. The site is also the source of some of the richest archaeological finds in the area, some of which are to be more than 5,000 years old. Al Ain is also home to the UAE’s highest mountain, Jebel Hafeet which rises majestically 4,000 feet above sea-level.

The annual Al Ain Music Festival, normally held in the first quarter of the year, features three days of classical music concerts with participation from international symphonies and is closely followed by the 10-day Al Ain Flower Festival. Floral and horticultural entries which showcase Al Ain’s natural beauty and the international ‘Nations in Bloom’ competition culminate in a grand street parade. Al Ain has twice been awarded second place in the competition which honours cities for landscape management practices. Horse racing is a common feature during the festival, while camel racing is held on Friday mornings during the winter months. Every year, Al Ain hosts the International Aerobatic Show in January at the Al Ain International Airport, where a number of formation teams and solo daredevils display their skills in synchronised flying to music.

Liwa - Three hours by car from Abu Dhabi is the Liwa Oasis, one of the largest oases on the Arabian peninsular and the UAE’s entry point to Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter). The areas desert terrain has remained unchanged for centuries. Liwa is also the base camp for the UAE Desert challenge, part of the international off-road rally world championships. While keen to preserve the heritage of the capital, Abu Dhabi is also going through substantial change in order to diversify its economy. In 2004 the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) was established to promote and develop the emirate’s tourism facilities and attractions. Since its launch, the organization has set an ambitious target of increasing the number of annual visitors from less than one million to more than three million by 2010. A swathe of new resort projects, some listed below, are currently in progress with the primary objective to promote Abu Dhabi as an international destination.

Al Raha Beach Development - Long ago, this area of Abu Dhabi was an active pearl-diving site, however today it’s set to become a new shoreline city. An ALDAR properties development, Al Raha Beach will comprise of eight precincts offering residential, commercial as well as leisure opportunities. Facilities will include hotels, marinas, parks restaurants and numerous entertainment options all linked by a network of man-made canals, bridges and water taxis.

Yas Island - Yas Island, one of the largest natural islands in Abu Dhabi, is set to become a prestigious world-class leisure destination offering beaches, entertainment, shopping, hotels, residences, sports facilities and motor racing. The island is also planning to host the world’s first ‘Ferrari World’. Shopping will be one of the key attractions, with retail areas occupying a staggering 300,000 square metres. Ferrari World will be a major highlight, through ALDAR’s (the developers) rights to a Ferrari-themed park, museum and theatre. These attractions are linked to a motor race track on which visitors will be able to experience the thrill of the exclusive Ferrari Driving School (pilota Ferrari), kart track and dune buggies. Plans are underway to adapt parts of the island into conservation areas. Yas Island is spread over an area of 2,500 hectares, is roughly one third the size of the island of Abu Dhabi and features a 32 kilometre beach front. A new ten-lane highway will connect Yas Island to the new Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway and the city of Abu Dhabi at Mina port.

The Quay - A mixed-use development featuring leisure, residential and commercial facilities, the Quay will have a signature shoreline tower with marina views, housing both a 620-room five-star hotel and serviced apartments. The development will also contain a gated residential community of 400 apartments and 592,000 square feet of quayside office space housed in two, 20-storey towers. The Quay’s marina will be central to a public promenade which will house a range of fashionable, harbour-view cafés and restaurants.

Al Gurm Resort - The Al Gurm Resort will comprise of a161-room international luxury hotel, as well as 59 exclusive villas. The luxury private villas will be in a variety of styles, some will have a private beach and but all will have a private pool and boat jetty. Nine of the villas will be situated on private islands. The five-star hotel will provide a mix of chalets on individual islands along with an array of all-suite accommodation centred on a lagoon.