Simply Abu Dhabi II

Shopping and Souks There are two kinds of shopping stores in Abu Dhabi – the souk or the traditional markets and the modern shopping malls and stores. The indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for an authentic shopping experience. An array of goods are on offer at Abu Dhabi’s souks such as traditional silver, brass coffee pots, carpets exported from different countries, incense; and ‘oudh’, the local perfume essence. You can buy anything at a souk from spices to jewellery and they are a great place to barter and pick up a bargain. If you’re shopping for jewellery, it’s well worth a visit to the Central Market or Grand Souk, on Sheikh Hamdan Street. Located in the Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi Mall is a shopper’s paradise. With three stories to explore, it’s not just shops at the Marina Mall that attract people – check out the impressive musical fountains! These are just a couple of the incredible malls waiting to attract you with their beautiful window supplies, so you won’t be short or places to treat yourself to a new outfit or to purchase lovely gifts for loved ones back home. Beaches and beautiful coast Just minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre you can escape to the beachfront where popular pastimes include jogging, cycling and rollerblading. Considered one of the most picture perfect sights in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is a park-lined coastal boulevard that skirts the city. With a splendid background of buildings facing the sea it offers shops, restaurants and a fun fair for visitors’ convenience and amusement. Hotels and hospitality Business travellers and holiday makers alike are suitably catered for in Abu Dhabi, so whether you’re looking to be pampered in the lap of luxury or simply need a convenient place to stay on business, Abu Dhabi has it covered. Abu Dhabi prides itself on providing guests with an unrivalled accommodation experience wherever they choose to stay, from deluxe seven-star hotels and breathtaking beach and desert resorts to more affordable international hotel chains. Catering to some of the most elite clientele in the world, Abu Dhabi has a number of luxury hotels. A truly palatial landmark, the Emirates Palace hotel offers the ultimate in luxury to the modern discerning traveller with an incredible choice of top class eateries and world class facilities. To relieve the stresses and strains of everyday life, soothe tired muscles and emerge refreshed and rejuvenated take the time to visit one of the many incredible Spas in Abu Dhabi. Visitors are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury body massages and therapies. With its elaborate and exclusive Moroccan-style Hammam, the Anantara Spa at the Emirates Palace provides the perfect haven for some much needed ‘me time’. With a tempting menu of facials, massages and body therapies for men and women you can lose yourself in a few hours of pure indulgence and emerge feeling totally re-energised. Designed exclusively for women, the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club provides a unique environment with world class cultural, sporting and social facilities for women only. Ladies can enjoy total pampering, relax or get fit in a club surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens towards the end of the Abu Dhabi Corniche close to the Emirates Palace. The Club attracts ladies of various nationalities, both members and non-members, from across the UAE society and regularly caters for visiting dignitaries, state delegations and popular female celebrities. ARNIE & JORDANA WELCOME YOU to simply abu dhabi 17 SIMPLY ABU DHABI Museums and Monuments Abu Dhabi is a country with a rich and fascinating history and as such is blessed with many incredible landmarks and monuments. Built in the late 1700s the Qasr al-Hosn was initially used as a watchtower to guard the only fresh water supply in Abu Dhabi. With spectacular views across the city the 200 year Hatta Watchtower is another popular landmark amongst visitors to the region. With a capacity for an incredible 40,000 worshippers, it is well worth a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – named after Sheikh Zayed who is buried at the site. Open daily to Muslims and non-Muslims (except Friday morning when it is open to worshippers only) complimentary tours led by Emirati guides are the ideal way to explore this architectural work of art with its 80 domes, 24-carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world’s largest hand woven carpet. Discover more about the site and the Islamic culture. Al Maqtaa Fort is another place worth visiting during your stay in Abu Dhabi. The 200 year old fort was built to fend off bandits. Situated on the edge of the island, it provides a great contrast to the modern bridge next to it. Discover more about the history of the fort in the ADTA visitor centre. Visitors are warned to be careful if wishing to take photographs as it is a sensitive military zone. Plans for the new Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi are also promoting huge interest in the country. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, the largest Guggeinheim in the world – 450,00 square feet- will house its own major modern and contemporary art collection with specific focus on Middle Eastern contemporary art.