Its capital, also named Abu Dhabi, is a modern city with buildings galore and busy shopping to be done. Exploring the city, visitors will be struck by the amount of greenery around the city. Throughout the broad boulevards and tall skyscrapers are trees, shrubs, gardens, plants, and any other form of flora you can find. This is surprising considering the small amount of rain that falls in the country each year, but the city’s gardens are definitely worth exploring. More...

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‘Etihad’ is a name that represents everything that its airline upholds. Meaning ‘united’ in Arabic, Etihad Airways is a carrier that reinforces everything that its name represents. The airline is seen as a symbol of the bonding among the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates. More...

‘Etihad’ is a name that represents everything that its airline upholds. Meaning ‘united’ in Arabic, Etihad Airways is a carrier that reinforces everything that its name represents. The airline is seen as a symbol of the bonding among the seven emirates that constitute the United Arab Emirates.

In July 2003, Etihad Airways began its days with royal beginnings. It was established as the National Airline of the United Arab Emirates by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi after the states’ withdrawal from its joint operation of Gulf Air with Bahrain and Oman. It was formally designated as the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates with its first service to the oasis city of Al Ain in November 2003.

Since then, the airline has grown at a phenomenal pace and has added almost one new route per month. A significant milestone was reached in June 2006 with 30 destinations in 30 months. There are plans to reach 70 international destinations by 2010.

Winner of several industry awards including the World Travel Awards ‘World’s Leading New Airline of the Year Award’ for three consecutive years, Etihad has shown the world that they are not just a uniting force for the United Arab Emirates, but also are a connection force between the East and West. AS they say: “At the crossroads between Europe and Asia, our home reflects our commitment to bringing the world closer together.”

So anyone who flies on any one of its 24 aircraft will not just be considered as a distinguished guest to be provided with the best and most comfortable service from the ground to the air and back, but will also be a part of the move to unite the world as a unified people.

Abu Dhabi, the largest of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates, is the capital of the country and is also possibly the wealthiest, most powerful and therefore most glamorous of the seven.

Its capital, also named Abu Dhabi, is a modern city with buildings galore and busy shopping to be done. Exploring the city, visitors will be struck by the amount of greenery around the city. Throughout the broad boulevards and tall skyscrapers are trees, shrubs, gardens, plants, and any other form of flora you can find. This is surprising considering the small amount of rain that falls in the country each year, but the city’s gardens are definitely worth exploring.

One such place is the Corniche, which is considered to be the city’s showpiece with its beachfront location. It is a popular place for visitors and residents alike, and a place that would particularly be of interest to visitors is the Breakwater, an area of reclaimed land off the main Abu Dhabi Island. It is a place that not only possesses beautiful views, but is also a place where a number of Arabic cafes and restaurants and the Heritage Village that give a cultural edge to the pride of the ever-growing Abu Dhabi tourism sector.

Another popular site for visitors is the Al-Hosn Palace, not because of its glamour, but because it is one of the few buildings in the city that is more than 30 years old. The Al-Hosn Palace, or more commonly known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, was built in the late 18th century and has recently been modernised. It is now used by the Cultural Foundation to store its documents and as a research centre. It is an interesting site to see, even if it is just to compare between what Abu Dhabi was and what it is today.

To have a look at what the locals do, visitors should head to the Dhow Wharf and fish market. Here visitors can find locals bartering and comparing the day’s catch. Not only that, it offers an excellent view back towards the city.

Another common activity that visitors to the city are recommended is camel trekking in the desert. There are several companies which take visitors out to the desert to enjoy a days ride through the dunes with their own camel and own guide. It is an excellent way to experience an Arabian adventure.

After an exciting and exhausting trek through the dunes, visitors could settle back into their hotel in the city, or they could enjoy the all the nightlife that this vibrant city has to offer. There is generally a dress code – meaning designer smart casual – but once you are in, you are guaranteed an excellent night of dancing and fun. At the end of the night, all visitors have to do is hail one of the many cabs that cruise the streets to get back to their place of rest.

Since the first discovery of oil in the region in 1958, Abu Dhabi has grown to become the quintessential petro-dollar city, converting all their reed and mud-brick constructions into metal and glass sky-scraper towers. Abu Dhabi is set up to offer the discerning traveller a very memorable experience in the United Arab Emirates.