Two centuries ago, a hunting party of the Bani Yas Bedouin tribe saw a gazelle drinking at a spring on the island. The discovery gave rise to the name Abu Dhabi – “father of the gazelle”. As the island offered security, fresh water, grazing and fishing, the Bani Yas leader moved his people there from Liwa in 1761. Descendants of that leader, who formed an alliance with the other important Bedouin tribes in the region to create a stable Emirate, the jewel of the region, have ruled Abu Dhabi ever since. Less than 50 years ago, the emirate of Abu Dhabi was little more than an empty desert inhabited by nomadic Bedouin tribes. In the coastal areas, pearling, fishing and dhow trading (a dhow is a traditional Arabic vessel) were the main sources of income, whereas further inland, it was the nomadic breeding of camels, goats and sheep, as well as cultivation and date trading, which supported the local population. In 1939 the Sheikh gave permission to a British company to search for oil but it was not until 1958 that huge reserves were found offshore, by an Anglo-French consortium, promoting the island into one of the greatest economic powers of the region.
The differing landscapes of Abu Dhabi are remarkable. The Rub Al Khali (or Empty Quarter), is a vast arid desert famous for its spectacular sand dunes and a world apart from the Manhattan-like skyline of Abu Dhabi city. Then there is Al Ain, the garden city on the emirate’s border with Oman, the Liwa oasis set amidst towering red dunes and much more for the visitor to explore and discover.
Abu Dhabi is split into three areas; Abu Dhabi City (and the offshore islands), the Eastern Region (which includes the oasis of Al Ain) and the Western Region (which incorporates Liwa).
Abu Dhabi’s location on an island makes it compact and accessible. It is easy to find your way around the city and fascinating to explore by foot, hire car or taxi. A busy metropolis of spectacular high-rise office towers, shops, restaurants and superb hotels, the city is interspersed with residential districts and its layout reflects it origins as a fishing village. Abu Dhabi not only looks out to the blue waters of the Gulf, but many of the places of interest to visitors are located within a few blocks of the sea, as are many of the international quality hotels.
Inland from the Corniche and Breakwater, Abu Dhabi has many other areas of interest for the visitor. Airport Road is lined with shops, cafes and restaurants and forms the spine of the city. On the west side of the island is Al Bateen, with several large parks and the Bateen shipyard, which is well worth a visit to see the ancient skill of dhow making. Al Markaziyah is a centrally located business and shopping area while Al Safarat at the southern end of the island houses the General Exhibition centre - purpose built for major exhibitions. The port district of Al Meena, on the northern tip of the island, features several traditional markets (souks), as well as modern shopping malls.
While Abu Dhabi is a predominantly modern city, the past is still very much in evidence. Walking through the streets you will feel the unmistakable ambience of the city's heritage and history; its modern buildings and spectacular mosques are framed by traditional architecture and evidence of the simple lifestyle that existed not long ago. Even the sounds and smells evoke a taste of the past. In the port area east of the Corniche are the Al Meena, Iranian and Afghan souks, as well as markets specialising in fish, meat and vegetables.
The nearby Dhow Harbour, a working port from where these traditional vessels ply the trade routes of the Gulf and beyond, provides another fascinating taste of Abu Dhabi's living traditions against a backdrop of modern skyscrapers.
Abu Dhabi combines old world charm and cosmopolitan sophistication in a spotlessly clean and safe environment. The distinct blend of east and west offers immense diversity and variety. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with experiences that appeal to travellers seeking adventure, culture or just simple relaxation.
Evening safaris are especially popular. After witnessing the dramatic desert sunset, visitors may experience camel riding, dressing up in traditional clothing and (ladies) having their hands adorned with henna, before enjoying a sumptuous Arabian barbecue and belly dancing performance.
Abu Dhabi’s island location lends itself to cruising by dhow or cabin cruiser, while day excursions can be arranged through hotels and local tour operators in well equipped dhows offering modern amenities.
Abu Dhabi now rivals neighbouring Dubai as the pre-eminent golfing city of the Gulf, with the development of a range of quality, international standard courses. Golfing enthusiasts have several golf courses to choose from in Abu Dhabi and the courses are either grass, sand or a mixture of the two.
When it comes to food, the demanding traveller will not be disappointed. The broad range of Arabian cuisine is an eloquent reflection of various cooking methods and the variety of spices combine North African, Iranian, Egyptian and Lebanese influences. Most famous are the shawarma (lamb and chicken sliced from a spit in pita bread) and falafel (ball of deep fried beans) sold on stands along the sidewalks.
Alcoholic drinks are served in all major hotels and their licensed restaurants. However, in some exceptions places outside of the hotel resorts will also serve alcohol (e.g. some private clubs and associations such as the Abu Dhabi Golf Club).
Abu Dhabi has an impressive array of top-end accommodation, though cheaper options are available such as apartments, hostels and camping. The majority of places to stay are hotels ranging in standard from three to five stars. Accommodation in Abu Dhabi is mainly situated around the northern end of the island near the Corniche. There are several luxury beach-front properties as well as a range of superior properties in the heart of the city, where shopping is elevated to an art form. Abu Dhabi is undoubtedly a shoppers’ paradise with a wide range of products on offer at often unbeatable prices. Whether you head to the designer boutiques, malls or haggle in the local souks, shopping in the emirate should not be missed!
FYI: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, offers the Cyprus public the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of Abu Dhabi through its direct flights from Larnaca, three times a week, in very competitive prices. For more information you can visit www.etihadairways.com/cy, or contact your travel agent.
