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Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
It has some of the world's most awe-inspiring architecture, futuristic skyscrapers and magnificent mosques, whilst many of the cultures of an older
society still remain. Before Abu Dhabi struck (black) gold with its rich oil reserves, it was at the centre of the pearl industry - you can see the
traditional dhows used for both pearl diving and fishing along the harbour.
Qasr Al Watan
(Palace of the Nation)
Qasr Al Watan is the Palace of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum (and his six wives).
A Palace of opulent Royal Arabian architecture it contains the
country’s largest central dome. The massive chandeliers have over
300,000 crystal pieces. We explored the Room of Gifts, the House of
Knowledge, the library (with a vast array of authentic publications on
the region’s culture, history, archaeology, and constitution) and the
extravagant Presidential Banquet area.
We took a walk in the lush landscape surrounding the palace which
gives the best views of the palace and its elegant arches.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
With its onion-shaped domes and glowing white marble, the
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of neo-Islamic
architecture and one of the largest mosques in the world. The
Mosque has 800 domes with the outer areas graced by
around 1,000 columns, all covered with more than 20,000
marble panels that are inlaid with semi-precious stones,
including lapis lazuli, red agate, amethyst, abalone shell and
mother of pearl.
The handwoven carpet in the main prayer room measures a
record-breaking 60,500 sq ft and it took 1200 female weavers
in Iran 2 years to complete. Looking up to the ceiling you can
see 7 giant Swarovski chandaliers in rich colours.
You are required to dress respectably to visit the mosque –
this means long, loose fitting, ankle length trousers or skirts
for both men and women and a headscarf for the ladies. For
women – Abaya’s are available for hire free of charge and you
will be directed to wear one if your outfit is not deemed
appropriate. You will need an ID card or driver’s license which
will be held as a security deposit. I covered up in trousers and
a walking fleece with the neck turned up and my sleeves over
my hands and socks and shoes which was considered
acceptable.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Over on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is the largest
art museum on the Arabian peninsula. Designed by Pritzker
Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the building is as much
of a draw as the 600 artworks on display.
The glistening outer shell appears to ‘float’ on water, but in
reality the latticed metal roof weighs 7,500 tonnes (about the
same as the Eifel Tower). The 7850 stars that form the
latticework let in a ‘rain of light’ to the 23 galleries that are
filled with over 600 work of art, half of which are on loan from
the Louvre in Paris.
The Abu Dhabi Louvre aims to bring Western and Eastern art
closer together. It is an essential stop for art and architecture
enthusiasts.
Yas Marina Island
Yas island is about 30 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi. It is home
to the state of the art Yas Marina Circuit. At the centrepiece is
the iconic Yas Island Hotel, the only hotel to straddle a race
circuit. On the island is a 227 berth marina , 7 licensed
restaurants, Ferrari World theme park and Yas Waterworld.
Abu Dhabi hosts the final F1 of the season, the only day to
night race of the season finishing with a spectacular firework
display. We took a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour and had a view from
the key spots of the circuit, visited the pit garages and race
control to see the high-tech facilities. We had a priviliged visit
into the on site lodge of the Royal Shiekh Khalifa.
We enjoyed a wonderful lunch at the Aquarium Restaurant.
There are courtesy shuttle buses on the island.