Just a few decades ago, Abu Dhabi, the island capital of the United Arab Emirates, was a small fishing village with houses made of mud-brick and palm fronds. Today, as a result of revenue from oil, Abu Dhabi is one of the world's richest cities, with wide tree-lined boulevards, lush green parks, gushing fountains and imposing skyscrapers. Somewhat of a dichotomy, Abu Dhabi is a combination of ultra-modern sophistication and Arab mystique. Its ambivalence is reflected in the choices available to visitors - from shopping in upscale boutiques and bargaining in the souq (bazaar), to traveling in air-conditioned limousines and riding camels in the desert, to dining in five-star luxury and sampling Bedouin hospitality. Whatever your choice, you will not be disappointed and, in addition, find an extremely friendly and hospitable people.
Abu Dhabi's history originated in the 18th century, when, according to legend, a group of tribesmen pursuing a gazelle came upon a freshwater well which they named Abu Dhabi, or "Father of the Gazelle." In the 19th century, the first fort was built over this well by a sheikh of the Al-Nahyan dynasty. The fort's name is Al Husn Palace, also known as Old or White Fort, and it is one of the few buildings in Abu Dhabi that is more than 25 years old. Its whitewashed walls are eye-catching amid the backdrop of today's skycrapers. Presently, it is home to the Cultural Foundation and serves as a documents center. Abu Dhabi had little significance until the discovery of vast oil reserves in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In the years following, the city's economy and infrastructure developed rapidly and changed Abu Dhabi beyond recognition. Among the most impressive modern buildings is the recently completed Fort Grande. It is the tallest building in the Middle East and home to the ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company). In the main business area is also the Arab Monetary Fund. With its gold-glassed headquarters it is one of the grand sights on the waterfront.
Despite the breathtaking rate of development, the people of the Emirate remain conservative and attach great values to keeping with traditions. Business often starts with a tiny cup of cardamon-flavored coffee poured from the traditional metal pot or dallah. The Bedouin custom of offering food and shelter to strangers in the desert is preserved today by the coffee ceremony.
The people of Abu Dhabi and throughout the UAE, led by their ruler and president, H.H. Sheikh Zayed, are deeply committed to Islam. There are more than 400 mosques in Abu Dhabi. The muezzin's call to prayer forms a rhythmic pattern to life in the city.
Apart from its modernity, the most striking feature of Abu Dhabi is its lushness. The municipality has spent a fortune and hired an army of laborers to turn this desert city into a green oasis. |
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| The ship is scheduled to dock at Port Zayed. The city center is 3 miles from the port. Metered taxis are stationed outside the port's main gate. |
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| Abu Dhabi's central souq area stretches from Hamdan Street almost to the corniche. The new souq provides air-conditioned comfort sheltering a vast network of shop-lined walkways under one roof. Best buys include gold jewelry, watches, perfumes and electronics. Typical local products include embroidered linens, Bedouin silver jewelry and the traditional coffee pot. Most shops are open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The local currency is the dirham. |
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| You can find everything from traditional Arabic kebab and kofta meals to international cuisine in a number of fairly expensive hotel restaurants. Chinese, Indian and Lebanese food are also represented. |
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The Corniche
This park-lined coastal boulevard skirts the city with a backdrop of modern buildings facing the sea.
Heritage Village
Situated in the middle of Abu Dhabi, the village is an exhibition of the nomadic Bedouin life-style and local traditions. Other features include displays on agriculture, fishing and trading.
Lulu Island
Work began in 1998 on this man-made island resort off the corniche. It is designed to be a recreational paradise with hotels, restaurants, gardens, bird and animal sanctuaries.
The Cultural Centre
Occupying a sprawling complex in the center of the city, it incorporates a library, theater auditiorium, lecture rooms and an exhibition center. It is built in traditional Arabian-Islamic architecture and surrounded by courtyards and gardens.
Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.
Please Note:
Photography There are no restrictions on photography in general, bearing in mind local customs and courtesies. For instance, it is considered offensive to photograph Muslin women and courtesy demands to ask permission before taking pictures of men. Photographs should not be taken of government buildings or military installations.
Clothing
Men should always wear a shirt or top in public; women are advised not to wear revealing clothing, such as very short skirts or sleeveless tops. Although the dress code in the UAE is more relaxed than elsewhere in the Middle East, care should be taken not to offend. |
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