The Capital City. Review on Abu Dhabi

Known for its Oil wealth, Abu Dhabi is a very modern city and a second home to the huge expatriate population living here. The emirate of Abu Dhabi is the largest of all emirates in U.A.E and Abu Dhabi City is the capital of U.A.E. Abu Dhabi is characterized by its new look and skyscrapers.Under the patronage of the kind ruler His Highness Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has been transformed from a tiny village in the desert to one of the most amazing cities in the world.

Abu Dhabi is well linked to the other parts of the world through its international airport. Almost all the major airlines operate flights to and from Abu Dhabi International airport. Abu Dhabi airport is famous for its architecture. The airport is situated 32 Km from the City which is roughly a 15-20 minutes drive from the City centre. The duty free facility is among the best & is very famous among the passengers & there are lucky draws held very often. Abu Dhabi is well connected by road to all other Emirates. The shopping Hub of Dubai is just over 90 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi. The Garden City of U.A.E, Al Ain is also in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is situated 160 Kms away from Abu Dhabi City.

Abu Dhabi is famous for its greenery and landscape. There are serene beaches with clear blue water which attracts a lot of tourists. Al Raha beach is situated very close to the airport and there is a Ladies beach adjacent to it for ladies who need privacy. The break water area which stretches in to the sea is close to the city and is built over an artificial island and has beautiful beaches surrounding it. The beaches are also famous for Scuba diving and fishing. The World tallest flagpole is also situated in the break water area. Its really beautiful to see Abu Dhabi from this point. In this area, you may also find the Marina Club, Speed boats & other cruises, and a Heritage museum.. Abu Dhabi is also famous for its Corniche with its beautiful gardens along the sea- side stretching over a few kilometers with Hilton on one end and Sheraton over the other end. However, a major portion of the Corniche is closed by now due to the undergoing construction for Lulu Island, which is a multi-million project going on for transforming the island(adjacent to cornice) in to a township mainly meant for tourists that includes a Disney-land like project.

There are several gardens and public parks in Abu Dhabi and among them there are two parks in Mushrif and Khalidiya meant only for Children and Women.For those interested in literature, art and culture, there is Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Those who want to know more about the tradition and local customs can definitely pay a visit to the cultural foundation.

Abu Dhabi also has some world class shopping malls. Abu Dhabi Mall in the Tourist Club Area area is situated close to the Beach Rotana Hotel and offers designer quality products and a multiplex cinema hall. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre has a traditional dome like architecture and is situated in the city in theMadinat Zayed area. It also has a Gold Souq near by. Marina Mall is in the break water area and its sight itself is a treat to the eye. It also has a cinema multiplex. The prices in these malls can be on the higher side with the exception of Co-operative society in the first two malls and Carrefour in Marina Mall.Also there’s a department store called K.M trading in Madinat Zayed Shopping complex which offers a good variety of products. There’s also a shopping mall called Al-Falah Plazawhere you get a lot of Indian Products at reasonable rates.But those who are in for the real bargains, the various shops along Hamdan Street and Electra Street would offer a lot in anything from Electronic items to Clothing. Abu Dhabi is also known for gold and you get really good quality beautiful jewellery for good prices.Most of the gold shops are situated along Hamdan street. Abu Dhabi offers good night life and the city becomes active in the night.

For the food lovers, you’ll find a variety of restaurants here which offers different kinds of cuisines. Indian restaurants are plenty and so are restaurants offering Arabic, Pakistani , Chinese dishes and also restaurants serving international cuisine. Do try the Shawarma from a Lebanese or Turkish restaurant. Arabic Coffee , also known as Kahwa is served in tiny glasses. There are good food courts in Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall. Also you’ll find fast food outlets in all the streets. Food is very economical in most of the restaurants and obviously is quite high in Star hotels. Being a muslim country,During the month of Ramadan, all the restaurants remains close till Sun Set and opens only at the time of breaking fast for muslims. Its forbidden to eat in Public places during fasting times(dawn to dusk) in the holy month of Ramadan.

Abu Dhabi has many 5 star hotels like Sheraton, Hilton, Inter Continental and Le-Meridien to name a few. Al Diar group of hotels have many hotels all around Abu Dhabi and the tarrifs are lower than most of the Star Hotels. Al bayunah Hiltonis the tallest tower in Abu Dhabi. Also there are good quality Clinics and Hospitals in Abu Dhabi.The city is very clean and the rules are very strict.Offenders are fined and even jailed depending on the offence. There is no strict dress code and you are free to wear according to your will but its always better to cover up properly while visiting public places.

There is a huge expatriate population living in Abu Dhabi and the Salary structure is also high. You’ll find Indians any where you go. Transportation within the city is easy with taxis being very cheap unlike in Dubai. Almost all the drivers understand and speak Hindi. From the municipality bus stand, you’ll get buses to Al Ain, Baniyas, Shahama etc. Also there are private operators operating services to Dubai, Sharjah and other Emirates.

The climate in Abu Dhabi is very hot from May till October. Its Cold during the months of December and January and is pleasant during November and from February to April. Most people intending to Visit Abu Dhabi must get a visa in Advance even though there is visa on arrival facilities for some nationalities. For those visiting Dubai during the Shopping festival held annually, visiting Abu Dhabi will be an added bonus.