Abu Dhabi

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.

Activities

• 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.

Shopping

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.

Food

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.

Currency

The local currency is the dirham.

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