An international destination of distinction, Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates which make up the United Arab Emirates and home to the country’s capital – Abu Dhabi city – is characterised by expansive geographic and cultural diversity. Blessed by over 200 natural islands, over 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, huge desert expanses, tranquil oases, modern cityscapes and rocky heights, the emirate provides a range of memorable visitor experiences including watersports, superb golf courses, desert adventures, island retreats, cultural exchange, falconry and luxurious resorts.
Abu Dhabi now hosts an expanding array of world-class sporting and cultural events from a PGA golf tournament, to the 10-day Gourmet Abu Dhabi culinary festival. Throughout the emirate, the generous hospitality inherent in traditional desert culture is in evidence.
Emirate Abu Dhabi
About Abu Dhabi emirate
About Al Ain
This is the capital of the emirate’s Eastern Region and is known as ‘The Garden City of the Gulf’ reflecting its lush oasis setting. Al Ain is the traditional home of Abu Dhabi’s Ruling Al Nahyan family and is rich in heritage sites. Forts are dotted throughout the area. The National Museum gives an insight into the area’s Bedouin traditions while the superbly renovated Al Jahili Fort features a permanent exhibition to the expeditions of British explorer Wilfred Thesiger who crossed the vast expanse of the nearby Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the 1940s. Visitors can also take in the Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum and get an understanding of the Al Nahyan traditional way of life and lineage.
Al Ain is also home to one of the world’s last remaining camel markets – well worth a visit for memorable photos and a chance to see real bargaining at play.
The city, which every January hosts the annual Al Ain Aerobatic Show, now ranked amongst the world’s top three, boasts a range of accommodation from five-star hotels to resort cabins and the choice of restaurants, from traditional Lebanese in the city centre, to lively branded restaurants and outdoor cafés is enough to satisfy any appetite.
About Al Gharbia
This is Abu Dhabi’s vast Western Region which characterised by magnificent coastline, islands and harbour towns. This is “where the desert meets the sea” and is a region renowned for its authentic heritage. International tourism arrived in Al Gharbia with the opening of the Desert Islands Resort & Spa on Sir Bani Yas Island, a former Royal nature retreat which is now an adventure activity destination and home to the Arabian Wildlife Park, where 4x4 guided tours allow visitors to see a myriad of free roaming animals including one of the world’s largest herds of Arabian Oryx (gazelles). Sir Bani Yas Island is the core of the planned multi-experiential Desert Islands destination which will include eight islands and an onshore gate.
