Morning dawns on Abu Dhabi with a call to prayer echoing from every direction. The sound lures you to the window to see the sun — a bright orange orb — rising in the indigo sky, gradually illuminating the modern skyline.
In this ancient land of dates and oil, prayers and tradition, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan — ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the United Arab Emirates — has created an oasis in the desert, conjuring a burgeoning metropolis from a place that, just 40 years ago, was little more than a string of tented pearling villages along the Arabian Gulf.
Two colossal developments became instant icons of the new Abu Dhabi. The Emirates Palace Hotel, built to accommodate the U.A.E.’s 22 heads of state during gatherings of the Cooperative Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, boasts 114 mosaiccovered domes that create a majestic presence along a mile of sandy beach. Eighty-two domes cap the glistening new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the sixth-largest mosque in the world, capable of accommodating 40,960 worshippers.
Hire a car or private guide for the day to explore the cosmopolitan city of Abu Dhabi, an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge. Cruise the palm-fringed Corniche, Abu Dhabi’s waterfront promenade, where you’ll witness scenes of traditional and modern culture side by side. Joggers pass by men in pristine white dishdashas chatting on cell phones. Women in burkas stand alongside others in smart designer suits while tourists stroll the waterfront in sundresses or shorts.
Follow the Corniche around to the Dhow Harbour, where sun-weathered craftsmen build traditional wooden boats. Continue on to Bithnah Harbour and look back to admire the Abu Dhabi skyline. Take a photo, because the scene will change significantly in the next few years as ongoing development on the surrounding 200-island archipelago re-shapes the landscape.
Situated less than a half mile off the coast, Saadiyat — which means “island of happiness” — promises to be a cultural and educational hub highlighted by architectural masterpieces. The Jean Nouvel-designed Louvre will house works on loan from Paris’ most famous art galleries. The Guggenheim, designed by Frank Ghery, will display contemporary art and exhibitions. The Sheik Zayed National Museum will trace the U.A.E. president’s legacy, and Abu Dhabi’s history and traditions. A performance center, a maritime museum, dozens of hotels and three marinas for ocean-going yachts will round out the development.
Nearby, Yas Island is also on track with development that will include elegant beach resorts, golf courses and a championship racetrack set to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix event next year. The track is part of a Ferrari theme park with a race driving school and courses for go-karts, dune buggies and car rallies.
At the end of the day, mingle with expats and trendy locals in one of the chic new hotel bars.Talk will inevitably turn to Abu Dhabi’s lightning-quick evolution into one of the world’s great modern cities. Over cocktails or sheesha pipes, the kinetic image of a mirage wafting over rippling sand in the blaring Arabian sun seems suddenly very real. The new Abu Dhabi is no mirage. Certainly, the best is yet to come.
LODGING
EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL
Located in a lush garden setting overlooking the beach and the gulf, the 7-star Emirates Palace Hotel wows guests with superb service and architectural style. The hotel boasts some of the Emirates’ best restaurants and the indulgent Anantara Spa with a Moroccan hammam, water fountains and Majlis relaxation area. $$$$
EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL
West End Corniche
tel 971 2 690 9000
http://www.emiratespalace.com
SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI
The newest addition to Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotel scene is a component of the recently opened Shangri-la Qaryat Al Beri, located near the Corniche and convention center. Five-star accommodations include use of four swimming pools, five private beaches, a private health club and a variety of sporting activities. The hotel’s signature CHI spa is popular with local fashionistas. $$$-$$$$
SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI
Between the Bridges
tel 971 2 509 8888
http://www.shangri-la.com
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI
Conveniently located on a beachfront yet just 10 minutes from downtown, the beautifully refurbished landmark InterContinental Abu Dhabi is back in the limelight among discriminating business travelers. Club InterContinental guests have access to the lounge with panoramic views of the skyline, complimentary breakfast and snacks, and complimentary highspeed Internet.$$$
INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI
Al Bateen Street
tel 971 2 666 6888
http://www.intercontinental.com
DINING
EMBASSY and SAYED at EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL
Few places in the U.A.E. serve alcoholic beverages. The Emirates Palace is home to two restaurants that do, making them hot spots among the international cognoscenti who delight in their extensive wine lists. The Embassy is popular among gourmands who come to enjoy delectable dishes created by Michelin-star chef Gary Hollihead. Sayed showcases Chef Bryan Chan’s innovative Pacific Rim specialties.$$$
EMBASSY and SAYED at EMIRATES PALACE HOTEL
Emirates Palace, West End Corniche
tel 971 2 690 9000
http://www.emiratespalace.com
THE FISHMARKET
The Fishmarket at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi brings new meaning to the term “market fresh.” Select from the abundant Thaimarket- style seafood display and the chef will prepare it to your liking.$$
THE FISHMARKET
Al Bateen Street
tel 971 2 666 6888
http://www.intercontinental.com
INFO TO GO
Etihad Airways (http://www.etihadairways.com), the national airline of the U.A.E., operates daily nonstop service between New York (JFK) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).Etihad offers complimentary chauffeur service to all Diamond- (first) and Pearl- (business) class customers traveling to and from New York. The airport is located 20 miles east of the city. The municipal bus service operates 24 hours a day. The green-and-white buses depart from outside the arrivals hall. Al Ghazal Transport offers fixed-rate taxi service to the city center. A new airport, set to open in 2010, will serve 20 million people annually.
DIVERSIONS
Abu Dhabi has not just a bright future but also an interesting past. For a sense of its beginnings and peoples’ early Bedouin lifestyle, visit Qasr Al Husn Palace, also known as the White Fort. Built in 1761, the Emirate’s oldest architectural relic and former official residence of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family now houses a museum and theater. Nearby, the Cultural Foundation (tel 971 2 621 5300, http://www.cultural.org.ae) archives 4,000-year-old manuscripts and hosts exhibits of traditional Emerati arts and crafts.
City souks brim with spices, carpets and jewels. The old markets, once dusty warrens packed with raucous vendors, are now sanitized versions of the hagglers’ coves. Everything grungy is gone, replaced by neat booths and shops. Bargaining is a tradition. Start at 50 percent of the asking price to close at a happy medium.
The site of the city’s old central souk is now a construction site as a new $700-million Central Market, set to open next year, takes shape. The gold souk now thrives in the air-conditioned Madinat Zayed Market. Most evocative of the past is the outdoor market, a must-shop just to see and sample the variety of succulent dates, the juiciest you will ever taste.
If malls are more your speed, check out the 345-store Marina Mall (Qasr Al Amwaj Street, Corniche, tel 971 2 681 8300). The 200-shop Abu Dhabi Mall (tel 971 2 645 4858,
all.com” target=“_blank”>http://www.abudhabi-mall.com) features a family entertainment area, a cineplex and a kids’ “edutainment” center.
Abu Dhabi’s island location, crystalline waters and abundance of marine life invite myriad activities. Check with your hotel concierge for information about licensed fishing and diving tour guides. Al Dhafra (tel 971 2 673 2266, http://www.aldhafra.net) offers cruises in traditional dhows (wooden boats).Visit historic Al Hosn Fort (Al- Hosn Street, tel 971 2 621 5300, http://www.cultural.org.ae), Abu Dhabi’s oldest structure.
Test your swing at the dazzling Abu Dhabi Golf Club (Sask Al Naked, tel 971 2 558 8990, http://www.adgolfclub.com). The par-72 course, 15 minutes from the city center, features a clubhouse built in the shape of a falcon with outstretched wings.
Read This Next
Park Hyatt Washington
2008
Dec 10, 2012All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 18, 2025Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead Completes Renovation
Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead unveils the completion of its multiphased renovation. With help from leading design firm DLR Group and architectural experts at designONE studio, the renovation features thoughtfully curated upgrades such as improved accommodations and new dining, socializing and relaxation spaces.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
April 2025
Apr 18, 2025Wellness Comes Naturally in Greenville, South Carolina
Strolling through downtown Greenville, South Carolina, it’s easy to see why the city ranks high among the best places to live in the United States: Shops, restaurants and coffee bars line the streets; there are also performance venues, hotels and outdoor plazas. But what really sets this upstate city of just more than 78,000 residents apart are the easily accessible parks and walking trails encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the city by foot or cycle (both handcycles and adaptive bikes are available to rent). Even better, as Greenville continues to grow, city planners and major employers work together to expand these opportunities. When Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Trail, for instance, opened in 2009, the paved, multiuse pathway ran about 9 miles from the heart of Greenville to the town of Traveler’s Rest.
Daily
Apr 18, 2025California’s Pebble Beach Company to Renovate The Links at Spanish Bay
California’s Pebble Beach Company unveiled the timeline for its highly anticipated renovation of The Links at Spanish Bay. The golf course will close March 18, 2026, and reopen in spring 2027, a few months before the U.S. Open will be played at Pebble Beach Golf Links for the seventh time.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
Daily
Apr 18, 2025Azamara Cruises Announces Shore Excursions for Maiden Voyage to Greenland
Azamara Cruises has unveiled its new shore programming for its Greenland sailings, which start this July. The cruise line is known for its Destination Immersion experiences and Extended Destination Days; all the immersive shore excursions for Greenland sailings have been created in collaboration with local communities to showcase Greenland’s natural beauty. Due to Azamara’s commitment to locally driven experiences, guests will engage with the destination’s unique culture while supporting the local people.
Exclusive St. Barts Hotel Offers for 2025
Daily
Apr 17, 2025eFlyer Reviews
Apr 16, 2025Grand Hotel Des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz Review
Switzerland’s most storied ski town (the one, in fact, credited with pioneering the very concept of Alpine tourism), St. Moritz legendarily attracts the rich, the famous, celebutantes and the wannabes. Yet, there’s something compellingly earthy about the place, a town on a lake rich with natural environs, where winter sports and summer activities draw athletes and mountain lovers aplenty. As at the mountain restaurants (where some arrive by chairlift rather than muscle movement, and all types of diners and imbibers convene), Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz straddles the old and new, the lavish and the understated. The hotel, one of St. Moritz’s oldest, opened as a spa haven in 1864, set atop a healing mineral spring.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage
Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.
eFlyer News
Apr 16, 2025Aranui Announces Expansion with Second Ship
Aranui Cruises, the original cruise company in French Polynesia, just announced a second luxury ship set to sail the South Pacific in 2027. The new ship, Aranoa, expands the cruise line and will journey across the Austral Islands.
ShareThis