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Mike Yardley: Stepping out in Abu Dhabi

Author
Mike Yardley ,
Publish Date
Mon, 12 Dec 2016, 3:46PM
Make a date with the opulent Emirates Palace where the spectacles include gold-flaked cappuccinos, gold-dusted camel burger buns, and even an ATM machine dispensing gold bars (Supplied)
Make a date with the opulent Emirates Palace where the spectacles include gold-flaked cappuccinos, gold-dusted camel burger buns, and even an ATM machine dispensing gold bars (Supplied)

Mike Yardley: Stepping out in Abu Dhabi

Author
Mike Yardley ,
Publish Date
Mon, 12 Dec 2016, 3:46PM

Lauded as one of the go-to destinations in the world right now, Abu Dhabi rightfully deserves its red-hot reputation as a trending world city. Capital of the United Arab Emirates and home base for the multi- award winning Etihad Airways, gleaming Abu Dhabi is powered by the same dynamic spirit that the world associates with its ebullient brother of Dubai, but the big bling-factor isn’t quite as brash. Don’t get me wrong, vast pockets of the city are in a state of grand-scale transformation, but Abu Dhabi’s approach to grand urban development looks far more thoughtful and sustainable, with a deeper sense of purpose and eco-friendly emphasis underpinning its major projects.

Flanking the waterfront, the triumphant Corniche is an eight kilometre long crescent of manicured beachfront, comprising children’s play areas, beach parks, unexpectedly lush gardens, fabulous statues and promenades. It’s a great place to stroll early in the morning to size up the city’s spiky forest of skyscrapers, before the Arabian desert heat sparks up. The Corniche has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status, which is the gold-standard for clean, safe water to swim in. In fact, Abu Dhabi is a spanking clean city to give Singapore a run for its money. Essential sights begin with the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This Arab masterpiece is a mosque of world records.

It’s the world’s largest mosque outside of Saudi Arabia.  It features 82 domes (including the world’s largest), over 1000 marble columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers, including the world’s biggest chandelier. Plus it’s home to the world's largest hand knotted carpet, painstakingly created by 1200 Iranian weavers. The mosque's first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried on site. At night, the mosque’s super-flash lighting system reflects the phases of the moon. This colossal landmark, which was deliberately designed to be barrier-breaking for non-Muslim visitors, is spiritual bling at its most staggering. 

A great contrast to the cutting edges of the high rises, is the Heritage oasis village which provides an excellent glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s roots. You’ll get a flavour of traditional desert life, including a Bedouin campfire, goat hair tents, and a falaj irrigation system, in the open-air museum.  The workshops are fantastic, where craftsmen demonstrate time-honoured skills, like Arabic metal work, parquetry, pottery and weaving and spinning. If you’re a stickler for authentic souvenirs, this will be a happy hunting ground.

 One of the city’s great surprise packages is its fast-growing reputation as the arts and culture powerhouse of the Middle East. Saadiyat Island is already home to two stunning exhibition centres, including the striking sand dune-inspired UAE Pavilion. Abu Dhabi is spending billions to develop a collection of starchitect-designed museums as centerpieces for a new cultural district. The first is set to open in 2017 and it’s far from what you’d expect in the Middle East: the Louvre. The Guggenheim’s Middle Eastern outpost opening is also on the horizon, bolstering the city’s stripes as a world-leading arts hub.

Accentuating Saadiyat’s appeal as a tourism mecca, the island already boasts a sensational beach on the Gulf, with luxury resorts and a welter of water-sports facilities. The development of this expansive public beach has been carefully integrated into the wider coastal neighbourhood, which is home to a delightful turtle nestle sanctuary. Travelling with kids? Yas Island is boasts the mega-sized, mercury-busting Yas Waterworld. But the star attraction is Ferrari World, a souped theme park and home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240km in just 6 seconds from the jump. Savour Abu Dhabi’s desert landscape by foot, four-wheel drive and camel. Dune-bashing over waves of sand is as addictive as it is bone-rattling.

Boasting the lion’s share of the UAE’s oil reserves, Abu Dhabi is the wealthiest of the seven emirates and the dips deep into gold. Make a date with the opulent Emirates Palace where the spectacles include gold-flaked cappuccinos, gold-dusted camel burger buns, and even an ATM machine dispensing gold bars. As you do.

When experiencing a destination and culture so far removed from the familiarity of home, it’s all the more important to book a hotel where you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed, the moment you walk in the door. In the heart of Abu Dhabi, have a little splash and treat yourself to the affordable luxury of the Royal Rose Hotel, a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This palatial Baroque-inspired  5 star property has hints of a French Renaissance chateau to its exterior, while the interior sweeps you up with walls overlaid in intricate gold-leaf designs, illuminated by ornate chandeliers.

Each of the 355 guestrooms and suites are elegantly appointed with a baroque décor and outfitted with high-end bedding, complimentary WiFi, iPod docking stations, interactive TVs, air-con and blissed-out bathrooms. Suites include a living room and a balcony with a city view, while the family rooms are ideal if you’re travelling with munchkins. Plus you’ve got the airport shuttle, generously-sized outdoor pool, spa and wellness centre all at your disposal.

When it comes to dining, the Royal Rose is home to Printania Restaurant, Barocco Restaurant, and the Brasserie Café, spanning a wide palate from Arabic to international cuisine. I loved the refreshing mocktails and specialty gateaux at the Brasserie, while the Barocco is all about fine dining with spectacular Mediterranean dishes to the fore. Guests consistently rate the Royal Rose as the best value hotel in Abu Dhabi. Get more bang for your buck. For further details, head to www.preferredhotels.com

Enjoy a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of Abu Dhabi which effortlessly threads together all the  famous landmarks, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Heritage Village, while explaining Abu Dhabi’s rapid development and cultural history. Hop-off as many times as you like to explore the sights such as Ferrari World, Heritage Village and the Corniche, plus enjoy free entry to some attractions and complimentary water. You’ll need it! www.bigbustours.com

Recently I joined Worldcare Travel Insurance, signing up to its Go Comprehensive policy. Not only is Worldcare’s cover incredibly comprehensive and affordable, but it’s the most attractive insurance product I’ve come across on our market. Worldcare recently scored a Canstar Outstanding Value Travel Insurance Award. Offering a range of policies to suit your needs, just review and choose your appropriate level of cover on the website, without being stung by any nasty surprises. www.worldcare.co.nz

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s Travel Correspondent on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.

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