Abu Dhabi
Middle East Ceremony - 27th November 2008
Destination
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city where luxury and style are infused with traditional values of hospitality and respect. Year-round sunshine, pristine beaches, lush oasis, spectacular sand dunes and a pulsating cosmopolitan lifestyle await every guest in Abu Dhabi. An idyllic setting for the emirate, known around the world for its massive oil reserves and majestic mosques with towering minarets. These, combined with the distinct Arabic hospitality, mystique and world-class infrastructure, make Abu Dhabi an excellent destination for both the experienced and novice traveller. Explore the emirate's old souqs, sip a fragrant Arabic coffee, ride the dunes on an exhilarating desert safari, or dive into a dazzling marine life, there is something for everyone in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi city bursts with dazzling business-cum-leisure facilities ranging from a state-of-the-art convention centre, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres and very soon, some of the world's most famous museums, particularly Guggenheim and Louvre. The palace-like shopping malls and indigenous souqs in Abu Dhabi make for a great shopping expedition, offering the best handicrafts from local Bedouins to the best of Paris or Milan's high street fashion brands, sans the ubiquitous sales tax. Gastronomic treats further abound from cool and sophisticated cafes, clubs and restaurants. For the fitness conscious, jogging and cycling are a welcome treat especially during the cooler months in the city's charming cornice or beachfront, merely minutes away from the bustling city centre.
Cultural sites abound in Abu Dhabi, whose name implies "Father of the Gazelle" most likely due to the large number of gazelles and oryx that once flocked the emirate's arid deserts. These heritage sites provide holiday makers with a glimpse of this emirate's storied past, reaching as far back as 5000 BC, and an understanding of its people's culture, values and aspirations. Being the capital, Abu Dhabi also houses embassies and hosts ambassadors from all over the world.
Emirates Palace
www.emiratespalace.com
Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority
www.visitabudhabi.ae
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