Abu Dhabi Cadabra

VIVA Ems | 7th June 2016

Al Maryah Island Skyline copy

To celebrate ten years of flying from Manchester to Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority invited me on the adventure of a lifetime to visit the magical island itself.

 

Flying in the incredible business class lounge with Etihad Airways, the seven hour journey flew by and I soon found myself landing in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi, immersed in an intense urban heat and the excitement to start exploring.

 

Etihad Airways is the national carrier of the UAE and flies directly to Abu Dhabi three times daily from Heathrow, twice daily from Manchester and five times a week from Edinburgh. British Airways flies its new 787-9 Dreamliner daily from Heathrow.

 

Executive Suite, FSADWe stayed at the luxury, five-star Four Seasons, a hotel which had only officially opened on 8th May 2016. Housed in a thirty-four storey glass tower right on the water, the hotel welcomes guests with bright, open spaces including expansive views of both the city skyline and the sparkling waves of the Arabian Gulf. In each room, a customisable bed makes a bold statement, emphasising the Four Season’s commitment to giving guests a good night’s rest. (comically nicknamed in house as Fat and Sexy beds)

 

For a hotel that had only just opened, the service and staff were impeccable, with a management team who couldn’t do enough to help. The hotel also offered an extensive swimming pool and high-tech gym facilities. As well as an amazing roof-top social scene with cocktail bar and skyline views, the perfect location for DJs and performers to entertain in the peak month of September.

 

Our adventures commenced with a trip on The Yellow Boats. Speeding along the Arabian Gulf, it was such a unique way to see the jaw-dropping, new developments and stunning coaSheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (2)stline. From there we went to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary United Arab Emirates society. The majestic building was truly breathtaking, chandeliers of forty million Swarovski crystals hung in the entrance and worshippers kneel to pray on the world’s largest hand-made carpet. It felt almost dream-like. As tourists we were required to adhere to the strict dress code, covering up our bodies in the traditional abaya, however once inside everyone is considered equal.

 

From the serenity of the Mosque, the next day brought new wonders. Our first stop was the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. In the UAE falconry is widely practiced for sport and the power and beauty of the falcon is greatly treasured. Watching anxious owners from across the region delivering their hooded ‘patients’ in person, I was quick to realise that this was a much-needed and much-loved facility.

 

Abu Dhabi isn’t a city that does things by halves. This fact was further reinforced as I found myself shaking, queuing for Flying Aces, the highest rollercoaster loop on the planet, contained within the world’s largest indoor theme park Ferrari World – where, for a price, visitors can rent and drive Ferraris. However for those without an inner adrenaline junkie, the Yas Marina Circuit is probably more up their street. At night visitors have the chance to walk or cycle around Abu Dhabi’s iconic Grand Prix circuit.

 

The renowned deserts of Abu Dhabi were something I was really excited about and you don’t have to travel far from the city before the desert takes hold. With Arabian Adventures we drove 4x4s through the monumental dunes, rode camels in the harsh summer heat and lay beneath the stars in a Bedouin-style camp – it was the stuff of dreams.

 

in the desert

 

Whilst on the island, the food was a definite highlight. Hotspots around the city include Al Fanar Restaurant and Café – which is located in the Venetian Village at The Ritz-Carlton, 18 Degrees at Hyatt Capital Gate, (which is also known as the ‘Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi.’ This incredible building inclines a world-record eighteen degrees, hence the name of the restaurant) Hickory’s situated at the heart of Yas Links, the only true links golf course in Arabia. We also had the opportunity to take part in an Arabic cooking masterclass at Yas Viceroy, the most exemplary hotel in Abu Dhabi, whose unbelievable architecture straddles the F1 racetrack.

 

It was clear from my trip that Abu Dhabi was not only a beautiful island but a thriving city constantly evolving, with a vision for the future brimming with advancement and transformation.

 

Abu Dhabi – the Arabian city of the next generation.

 

 

Etihad Airways

A return fare from Manchester – Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways starts from £337 Economy Class and £1,886 Business Class.
This fare price is inclusive of all taxes and subject to availability.
Etihad Airways, which has just celebrated its tenth anniversary of flying from Manchester, currently flies twice daily from Manchester to Abu Dhabi where passengers can connect with onward flights to over 100 destinations worldwide.

For reservations and further details visit Etihad.com or call 0345 608 1225.

Four Seasons Hotel:


Rooms start from AED 990 + taxes, for room bookings and further details visit fourseasons.com/abudhabi.