Abu Dhabi: a place to discover

The City Essence:

Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and is also one of the seven emirates that conform the country. It is the largest emirate, to the point that occupies 80% of its territory and has the largest oil reserves in the country.
Basically, the emirate of Abu Dhabi is the summary of over 200 islands that extend its territory in the Persian Gulf.
What is most amazing of the city of Abu Dhabi is its development: in just 50 years has grown from a group of nomadic tribes settled in the desert, to be one of the most dynamic societies with the highest standard of living in this century .
And Abu Dhabi owes a lot to who can be considered as "father of the nation", the HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed from Al Nahyan family, ruling house in the emirate from 1973. It was under his vision that Abu Dhabi was designed and built. His vision, combining the idea of ​​development, but always retaining Islamic cultural tradition, is still present through planned projects that will be completed before 2020.
Currently, the big push and publicity given to Dubai, city that is the second largest in the country emirate, Abu Dhabi is relatively opaque. However, I recommend visiting, even knowing that one visit today, probably be overcome in a short time for more and better attractions. The lifestyle, existing buildings, spectacular upcoming projects, made Abu Dhabi one of the most exotic destinations in the coming years perhaps.
Visit the official Abu Dhabi, very interesting to see: http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/

What to see n° 1:

The Grand Mosque Sheikh Zayed Bin: in the same way the construction of the iconic Burj Al Arab served to place Dubai on the international map of tourism, the Grand Mosque is today symbol of Abu Dhabi. 
Built in 2007 and opened to the public since 2010, is one of the latest man-made wonders. Completely white because of the pure Carrara marble used to build it, day sun refractes and accompanies the moon at night with its subtle blue lighting. The dimensions are monstrous: has 80 Duomos or domes, 1000 columns, 4 minarets and decoration world more richly ornamented. 
Inside, you will be wonder by hanging lamps Swarovski crystals and 24-carat gold and the world's largest hand-woven carpet. 
All columns have been decorate with ​​flowers inlaid with semiprecious stones, pearl and gold leaf. The main area outdoor for praying, has the floor also decorated with flowers designed with marbles in different shades.

Pools and fountains adorn the outside of the mosque gardens, ideal to sit a while and enjoy the view and peace you feel when passing through the mosque.
Traveler Tips:
-Clothing to visit the mosque:  if you are male, you must wear long pants and shirt at least. If you are female, it is forbidden to take any photo with the mosque without bringing the corresponding habit. Before the start of the visit to the mosque, women should wear a black robe and cover your head with a black scarf. To enter, all shoes must be removed. Mosque employees provide plastic bags to carry the shoes, just in case, I always recommend carrying a cloth bag folding tickets to hang shoes and take pictures easily.
-The Mosque can be photographed without problems inside and outside.
They say that the best time to visit is from 16.30 pm when the sun goes down and I must say that it is true, by the contrast which makes the sun over the domes of the mosque.
-The mosque is open daily for tours, except for Friday morning, when Muslim officiating the main service of the week. Depending on the season, the last turn for tours is around 19.30.
-If you are male, take advantage of that condition and make a visit to the male underground oratory.

What to see n° 2: The Corniche

One of the most interesting aspects of Abu Dhabi is that life here is overturned on the sea. The Corniche is an avenue of 8 kms long, a literaly walk on the sea, and to gain the most modern views of the city with new buildings preferably made in steel and blue glasses, a long beach for families and the public in general, ideal for walking and other attractions to enjoy.
So, on the Corniche way, you can visit the Marina Mall, one of the most traditional shopping city. There is a Carrefour underground, Starbucks cafe on the ground floor, good clothes, handbags and shoes, not necessarily top brand, and perhaps more affordable. Jewelry stores downstairs at the entrance are expensive, but they are worth at least to stand in front of their windows and enjoy beautiful Arabic designs of necklaces and bracelets.
Another point of interest on the Corniche and close to the Marina Mall, is the Heritage Village, a recreation of the life of Abu Dhabi at the beginning, with the typical constructions, fishing and cultural tradition.
There is a very interesting museum to visit and a nice view of one of the bays of Abu Dhabi, where you can appreciate the modern architecture of the city. It also has a restaurant / bar very nice on the bay.
Traveler Tips:
-In the underground of Marina Mall, opposite the entrance of Carrefour there is a currency exchange bureau, with very convenient price, better than you can find in hotels.
-In the Heritage Village is a craft and souvenir market where you can haggle and take a memory of the city.

The must see n ° 3: Emirates Palace Hotel

It's a wonder built in the mid-2000s but is only accessible by reservation. 
The Emirates Palace Hotel, which can easily be mistaken for the Government Palace, is the most opulent in traditional Arabic style that you can be seen in Abu Dhabi, and the most expensive too.
The dome over the lobby of the hotel, on which internal balconies from each floor turn, is a wonder to see and admire
The visit is an excuse for an internal tour with lunch.
The buffet restaurant open to the public called Diwan Lauberge generally presents a meal fit for the prevailing atmosphere. Courses with different types of vegetables, cheeses, pates and seafood, among the main dishes are chicken, lamb, pasta and grilled fish and desserts at the time, should be seen to be savored. Chocolate Foundeau is included to top off the experience.
The hotel also has next to the buffet restaurat rooms, an interesting exhibition on the life of Sheikh Zayed Bin and projects plans to make Abu Dhabi before 2018; a branch of the Louvre, Guggenheim and other Islamic cultural center to be constructed on Saadiyat island.
Traveler Tips:
-In the Emirates Palace is allowed to take pictures, but with discretion. Do not take photos of the guests, but you can take one of yourself or your group.
-The possibility to visit the hotel and enjoy lunch round the u$s 150. -
Link Hotel:
http://www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace/welcome/

 

 

 

The must see n°4:  Yas Hotel and Marina Circuit

Since a couple of years, Abu Dhabi official schedule contained a Formula 1 racing. To position itself as a destination for F1, the city built on Yas Island, the Yas Viceroy Hotel, which borders the racetrack itself, including a marina. 
It is said that the race can be seen from the hotel room or from the yacht.
With an ultra modern, curvaceous design, you should visit this building, meet the arquitecture and walk through the gardens to blend into the circuit. 
You can view the sprints and feeling in the stomach, the roar of F1 engines.
I can recommend the experience of lunch at the restaurant Origins Yas Hotel. Variety, quality and the best desserts including best cakes throughout Abu Dhabi.
Link of the Hotel:
http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi/

 

 

The must see n° 5: Ferrari World

The legends of the Italian team and the different models of Formula 1, as well as sports celebrities are presented in this great Ferrari theme park.
As we came up from the highway, his design striks the visitor because of the lines of the complex. Seen from the air, it resembles a modern Formula 1 car. Once inside, access resembles the front of the body of an sports car.
With the entrance ticket you have access to the various rides and attractions. There simulators, mini circuits, interactive theaters and Italian restaurants and of course the famous italian style is present everywhere.
Good guide information on the intensity of the games and the audience that are targeting: children, adults, etc..
The gift shop has everything with the famous logo of the team, from mugs to apparel, handbags, jewelry, sunglasses, luxury items. Prices are usually higher, but you pay for the exclusivity of having a Ferrari in Abu Dhabi.

http://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to stay:
I had the great opportunity to stay in a Fairmont Hotel. Modern, spacious and a magnificent view of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are its main features. My opinion about this hotel along with words from other travelers, as always, on Trip Advisor.
http://www.tripadvisor.es/Hotel_Review-g294013-d1557740-Reviews-Fairmont_Bab_Al_Bahr-Abu_Dhabi_Emirate_of_Abu_Dhabi.html
Hotel's official website:

http://www.fairmont.com/babalbahr

Datos del viaje a Abu Dhabi

Trip date: April 2012

Local travel agency: Marcos Tours - Urquiza 1363-(2146) San Genaro – Provincia de Santa Fe – Argentina – tel: 54-3401-449400

National operator: Mahal Tour Operator. Tel: 54-341-4247350

Operator at Emirates: Alpha Tours

http://www.alphatoursdubai.com/alphatours.html