Abu Dhabi Regional Overview

      Abu Dhabi is a T-shaped island extending into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast. This is one of the most prosperous and rapidly developing tourist destinations in the world. Abu Dhabi, as the largest of the seven emirates that form the United Arab Emirates, is both splendid and mysterious. Those who have travelled around the beauty of Abu Dhabi's attractions have relished in its charms, and the others are still trying to untangle the mysteries associated with this emirate's splendor. There are two major cities within the emirate; and Al Ain, which lies under the shadow of Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s tallest peak at 1,340 metres.   

      The island city of Abu Dhabi is a luxurious, modern metropolis which has so much to offer travelers with its tree lined streets, palace like shopping malls and indigenous souks, futuristic skyscrapers, and an international luxury array of hotels and restaurants. It pops with stunning business and leisure facilities ranging from state of the art exhibition and convention centers, deluxe hotels, designer golf courses, spas, theatres and world’s most famous museums to offer everything needed for an amazing travel experience in Abu Dhabi. Visitors get an eye retreat by manicured lawns, pretty flowers and abundance of palm trees spread everywhere. Bu Tinah Island which is home to the highest density of dugongs in the world, is a better place to see natural mangroves and unique coral reefs. Abu Dhabi’s most visited attraction the Corniche Abu Dhabi is adorned with beachfront landscapes, fountains, public parks and resting areas.

      Abu Dhabi’s heritage & dynamic blend of modernity, eastern and western influences, and natural and man-made attractions make it an enthralling tourist place to visit. Yas Island does the honors for Formula 1 Grand Prix race at the Yas Marina Circuit and the Ferrari theme park, while the cultural zone of Saadiyat Island hosts the Guggenheim and Louvre Museums.

      The ‘Oasis City’ of Al Ain, an extremely popular tourist destination in Abu Dhabi lies under the shadow of Jebel Hafeet. This city of oasis is home to the largest museum in the UAE, the Al Ain Zoo, one of the best wildlife reserves in the region and the hanging garden, Al-Ain Paradise with the largest number of  hanging flower baskets in Guiness World Records. The splendid Hili Archaeological Gardens and the kid's favorite Hili Fun City are also located in Al Ain. Al Ain alone has 42 forts more than any other Arabian city in Gulf.

      Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, dry climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. Rainfall is infrequent, falling mainly in winter (from November to March) at an average of 12cms per year in most of the emirate. Rain is more prevalent in Al Ain, due to its closeness to the Hajar mountains. Temperatures vary from a low of around 13°C in winter nights, to a high of around 42°C in summer days. Though the cooler months, from November to April, are the most pleasant time to visit, when temperatures are around 24°C during the day and 13°C at night, Abu Dhabi is considered as an year round destination with seasonal activities and attractions to suit every taste and interest of travelers.

      Throughout the year, travelers can enjoy a range of cultural activities and fantastic shopping. Summer season is ideal for relaxing on Abu Dhabi’s white sandy beaches and milder weather in the winter months provides the ideal climate for desert adventures, dune bashing and desert safaris. The lush green oases of Liwa and Al Ain are cooler year round and became popular destinations providing a backdrop to some of the largest sand dunes in the world with its massive expanses of untouched deserts. Abu Dhabi time is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – GMT).

 
      The people of Abu Dhabi enthusiastically promote cultural and sporting events that are icons of their past, such as camel racing, falconry and traditional dhow sailing. As a symbol of pride in the culture and national identity, most locals wear traditional national dress. For men this is khandura, a full length shirt dress that is worn with a white or red checked head dress (gutra) which is held in place with a black cord (agal). Women wear a black abaya, a long, loose black robe and a sheyla (a headscarf).
 
      Travelers in Abu Dhabi will always be surprised by the warm welcome they receive everywhere they visit. Hospitality is the core aspect of UAE traditions and values which is deep rooted in the people’s culture and history. They welcome guests to the ‘Majlis’ (the reception room) in the Emirati house with the incense of Oud, dates, Fuwala (nuts, sweets and fruits) and serve Arabic coffee to guests with the addition of special ingredients including saffron, cardamom and rose water, all symbols of hospitality and  generosity. This hospitality is today reflected in all walks of Abu Dhabi life. The world’s furthest leaning man made tower, the world’s tallest flagpole, inspiring Emirates Palace, architectural splendor of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, amazing Abu Dhabi Corniche, totalized with distinctive Arabian hospitality, mystique and world class infrastructure make Abu Dhabi a for Middle East travelers.