Abu Dhabi: futuristic enchantment
Gigantic architectural projects, vertiginous hotel constructions, exceptional museums to be built in the near future (Louvre, Guggenheim, Musée de la Marine…), enormous skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi, city of the future, which was, only 50 years ago, just a small fishermen’s village set in the dunes, nothing fancy. There where the sandy cabins and dromedaries used to be you will now find the Corniche, a lovely promenade of several kilometres, with restaurants, steel and glass towers and mosques. Zoom on this exciting city, to be the "cultural city by excellence" in 2015!
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a wise man!
This small emirate covers more than 80 % of the territory of the United Arab Emirats (UAE), seven in total and is elected capital. Its "guide" Cheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, not alive anymore, founder and first president of the "UAE", created in 1971, was a wise man, who managed to reign with a modern spirit and a 21st century vision. Since 2004 ihis reign is continued by his son Cheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Intelligent sustainable development
This emirate, with one of the highest gross national products in the world, has managed to keep its head cool after the discovery of petroleum in 1958, and decided to invest in intelligent sustainable development, road and areal infrastructures, education, scientific research, permitting its people access to modernity and tolerance. Then, in 2006, the president decided to also invest in cultural, leisure and educational projects on “Saadiyat island”( island of happiness in Arab). One of the most prestigious projects in the world, intended to see the day between the end of 2011 and 2020.
A prestigious project on Saadiyat Island
This island of 27 km², just 500 metres from Abu Dhabi, connected by gigantic bridges, inhabits thus a cultural district with hotels and leisure activities. The Louvre, with its huge embossed white dome allows the light to flow in, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel (2013) , Guggenheim, a group of domes, put together in a rather "chaotic" way, created by the American Frank Gerhy (2015), the Arts Centre, in the form of a closed tulip, imagined by the Brit Zaha Hadid (2017), The Marine Museum, partly sunken, designed by the Japanese Tadao Ando, and the design museum, three steel buildings, representing a falcons head, the country’s symbol, by the famous architect Norman Foster.
Without mentioning the hotel chains (Mandarin Oriental, Park Hyatt, San Regis, Shangri La..), a golf designed by Gary Player, a school, private villas, a natural reserve, all under construction and some of them almost finished… Only question: Can culture be bought?
Flagship hotels: the modernity of the Fairmont
Treat yourself with a weekend trip to this future cultural city, the destination is interesting and for the shopping fans, Dubai is at less than an hour drive. The hotel offer is amazing; you will be spoilt for choice. Luxe Magazine has tested the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr hotel for you, opened in 2010. Forget the traditional; make room for design and modernity.
Transparency of glass and impressing volumes
Located between the bridges of Al Maqta and Mussafa, facing the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, this building which resembles, when lighted at night, a smart card, houses 369 guestrooms and suites. In the rooms and suites, with bay windows from floor to ceiling, you will have unrivaled views of Abu Dhabi and its famous mosque of Sheikh Zayed. The decoration of the rooms is in a contemporary style with sleek lines and refined details; Japanese bed head, couch with velvet cushions in taupe and chocolate tones and marble floors.
Gastronomy in all variations
The decoration of the lobby and other parts of the hotel reminds us of hotels in Miami. The hotel features several restaurants. Symphony, decoration with metal and wood, stone and glass, has an open kitchen, chic and relaxed atmosphere, opening up on to the beach. Elements, features a sleek design decoration. And then you find the wall with a flame-effect decoration, creating a warm atmosphere, in the Marco Pierre White Steack House & Grill, created by the Michelin star-rewarded chef Marco Pierre White. Then there is Frankie’s, an Italian restaurant, convivial gastronomy and typical Italian, and last but not least a Lebanese restaurant, with an outdoor bar, designed in an original style with alcoves and benches to smoke the traditional chicha.
Interesting sites and curiosities to discover
Abu Dhabi has many cultural sites. Not to be missed of course, is the famous Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, an immense building. Displaying one of the largest Persian tapestries (6000 m²) in the world and its chandelier decorated with Swarovski crystals, measuring 10 m in diametre and 15 m in height. Its impressive dome has a height of 85 m. An enchanting place with marble flooring, gold and crystal surrounding you and open for public visits!
The Falcon Hospital
If you have time for only one more visit, opt for the Falcon Hospital, created in 1999. Unique in the world, this is a hospital for birds of prey, with over 6000 falcons treated each year, coming from the whole region around the Persian Gulfe. This is an important tradition in Abu Dhabi, where everybody owns a falcon, with a price varying between 1000 à 50.000 €! In Abu Dhabi falconry is not considered a sport, but a tradition and falcons are part of the family.
My opinion :
A destination to be discovered and that will in the near furture overshadow its neighbour Dubai.
One weekend is enough to dicover Abu Dhabi, but you can also extend by one night and make a hop to Dubai, just 50 minutes away by car. The hotels can organise this trip for you.
Suggestion: when staying at the Fairmont ask for the gold floor, offering a personalised service, a seperate breakfast room and butler services upon demand. Tea and drinks are free of charge in the lounge.
I would suggest that you visit the Falcon Hospital, a unique experience.
The best way to go to Abu Dhabi is to take Etihad Airways, a company with high quality and safety standards. In the Pearl Business Class, you’re offered an exceptional service, and the toilettes even have a window! And for once the term spacious is appropriate! An extra plus: private transfers between the airport and home.
The Yas hotel is right in the middle of the Formula 1 circuit, a good address to have lunch. At only 5 minutes you have Ferrari World, an attraction parc created by Ferrari, unique in the world. Only damper: the entrance fee is expensive: 40 €!
The HeritageVillage, about the history and culture of the emirate is not very intersting, but do visit the Art Gallery of Manarat Al Saadayat, displaying in a precise and modern way the furture museums of Abu Dhabi and Saadayat Island. Very instructive!
With children, go to the Zoo, one of the largest in the Gulfe and take the « yellow boats » for a trip around the isles.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
P.0 Box 114304
Between the bridges
Abu Dhabi
T°: + 971 2654 3333
www.fairmont.com/fr/babalbahr
Falcon Hospital
P.O Box 45553
Abou dhabi
T°: +971 50 6660739
www.falconhospital.Com
Etihad Airways, the national airway company of the Arab Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi, has been one of fastest growing airway companies in history. Today, in its 8th operational year, the company flies to more than 60 destinations in the Middle East, Europe, U.S.A., Oceania, Africa and Asia. Since March 27th 2010, Etihad Airways has put into service a new plane departing from Paris, the Airbus A330-300.
The Pearl Business Class
Many improvements have been made to the business class seats of Etihad on board the new A330-300. With more storage space, USB and iPod connections to recharge your devices, a spacious table for the meals and a 38 cm. touch screen, as well as a sliding wall for more privacy, with a bed measuring 1.82 m. in the horizontal position. Etihad has hired a chef cook to put together the menus for the three classes, with a focus on fresh products. The menus change with the seasons, every three months. In Business Class, the passengers have the choice between four main courses, and wine is served by the glass.
Passengers travelling in Pearl Business Class benefit of private transfers in the Paris Ile de France region, in the radius of 60 kilometres from/to Charles de Gaulle 2 A, in a Peugeot 607 or a similar car type, whereas First Class passengers will benefit of this service in a 100 km. radius.
Rates for a return flight Paris-Abu Dhabi:
- from 667 euros Tax included in the Coral economy class
- from 2 659 euros Tax included in the Pearl Business Class
Information et reservation Etihad Airways:
Telephone: +33 (0) 1 47 42 20 00
Internet Site: www.etihadairways.com
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