Sightseeing Tour of Abu Dhabi on December 18, 2024
The participants will be offered a unique complementary excursion tour to capital town of Abu Dhabi for not only seeing the prominent places connected with it but experiencing them as well.
Tour Overview
Pick up from Zayed University Convention Centre, Dubai -Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque-Abu Dhabi Corniche-Emirates Palace-Drive through Presidential Palace-Heritage Village-Islamic Art Museum-Dates Market-Drive to Saadiyat & Yas Island-Ferrari World Photo Stop-drop off at Al Ghubaiba Bus Station/ Al Ghubaiba Metro station (Green Line)/ Zayed University Convention Centre, Dubai.
Description
Abu Dhabi, 139 km from Dubai is the capital and the second most crowded city in the UAE sometimes known as Manhattan of the Middle East. With its awesome glass skyscrapers that reflect the bustle of daily life, magnificent buildings, its lively souqs, excellent international restaurants and its long stretches of white beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of The Gulf, Abu Dhabi is a city of outstanding contrasts. From Dubai, the journey to Abu Dhabi takes approximately two hours. Despite of today's modern developments, participants will find lot of fascinating sights to visit. Relatively short time ago Abu Dhabi was little more than an empty albeit beautiful desert. But today it is the fastest growing city in the Middle East and has nearly 8% of the world's proven oil reserves. Abu Dhabi has over 200 islands, 400 kilometers of pristine coastline, ever-growing Modern skyline and Abu Dhabi offers a diversity of visitor experiences. The throbbing heart of the city lies 250 meters off-shore on an island linked to the mainland by the Al Maqtaa Bridge and Mussafah Bridge. Home to the respected Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation and the Al Hosn Palace museum, along with numerous venues for the arts, the wealthy city is the cultural as well as the commercial hub of the emirate of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture. It is one of the world's largest mosques. Built in 30 acres, it has a grand capacity of 40,000 worshippers. Reflective pools surrounding the mosque amplify its beauty. The striking white and gold colors shining in the sun are transformed at night by a unique lightning system which reflects the phases of the moon. With around 1,200 carpet knotters contributing, it took approximately 2 years to create, using wool from New Zealand and Iran. The Mosque contains seven chandeliers, each are made up of millions of Swarovski crystals. The largest of these is the second largest in the world, measuring 33ft in diameter and 49ft high.
The Corniche (or Corniche Road)
The Corniche forms a sweeping curve on the western side of the main Abu Dhabi. The road spreads across an impressive eight kilometers of manicured waterfront that includes children's play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafes and restaurants, and the Corniche Beach - a lifeguarded beach park. The pristine Corniche beachfront has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status - the internationally renowned eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and safe bathing water.
The Emirates Palace
Dominating the skyline along the Corniche, the massive Emirates Palace oozes opulence and luxury. Built as a hotel, one of the finest in the world, it is worth seeing -for the Triumphant Arch under which royals pass if staying in the palace and its gardens full of fountains. The palace is famous for its gold-plated lobby, roof frescos and crystal chandeliers. It is the second most expensive hotel ever built, second only to Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Visitors to Abu Dhabi won't get inside the ruling family's presidential compound without a diplomat's visa, but the 7-star Emirates Palace hotel on West Corniche Road is the next best thing. Located on 1.3 km of private beach, 85 hectares of lawns and gardens surround the hotel, as well 114 domes that are 80 meters high. It contains 394 residences. The costs to build the hotel was about 3 billion USD. "The hotel is so big, you have a lot of places to be anonymous and alone. We could have just filled the place with gold, but we'd rather spend it on the retail end and the service end to really give visitors the experience of living in a palace." remarks General Manager.
Drive through Abu Dhabi Presidential palace
Abu Dhabi Presidential palace is located on Ras Al Akhdar peninsula adjacent to the Emirates Palace hotel, encompassing over 150 hectares including the palace complex and the required ancillary buildings. The Palace is utilized to house the offices of His Highness (H.H.) The President, H.H. The Vice President, H.H. The Crown Prince, and the Ministers. The design allows for traditional and modern design to exist in harmony and to ultimately be a source of pride for all people of the United Arab Emirates. The palace not only reflects its proponent functions but also represents Abu Dhabi's leadership within the UAE and the world.
Heritage Village
Heritage Village which is being run by the Emirates Heritage Club is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village and provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate's past. Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats' hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. There are workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery, while women sit weaving and spinning. At the Heritage village you are not just a passive observer who sees and views things. Here you can actively participate in some of the activities that are a part of this ancient tradition. The heritage village has an interactive outlook on culture and if you are bored of museums it will be the perfect way to enjoy and learn at the same time.
Marina Mall is the leading shopping destination in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2001. Geographically located in one of the city's most prominent districts, it comprises 122,000 sqm of retail space featuring a unique selection of fashion, leisure and entertainment brands arranged over five levels. In addition, Marina Mall also houses more than 400 retail and services outlets, including designer and high-street fashion brands, beauty department stores, home furnishings and electronics stores. As one of Abu Dhabi's distinctive landmarks, Marina Mall also offers a range of exciting programming and events that draws in the larger community. With never seen before mammoth, 40-metre slides, two brand-spanking new slacklines and a zip line for adrenaline junkies to fly over Bounce, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy an 18m freefall experience. The visitors may cherish lunch & other delicacies of Dubai in the Mall. Lunch/refreshment is not included in the complementary tour.
Islamic Art Museum
Islamic Art Museum showcases Islamic art and culture from across the Islamic world. It features the heritage and lifestyle of the people of the Muslim world, with hand-woven carpets, jewelry, paintings, calligraphy, and antique gold, among many other pieces of work. The group will then again assemble to head for Dates market.
Great Dates Market
Great Dates Market is a market that is dedicated to dried fruits and the different varieties of dates from across the Middle East. In this part of the town, one is going to be able to find colorful fabrics, carpets, potteries and various crafts that are not available anywhere else. In this marketplace, one can find well-made and cheap native products including custom jewelries, figurines for sale.
Ferrari World Photo Stop
This enormous venue is called "world" for a reason - it houses a variety of Ferrari-themed exhibits, and even several fun rides. The park tells the Ferrari story with passion and excitement through more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions, interactive shopping and authentic Italian dining experiences. Since entry to Ferrari World costs ticket and is time consuming, participants will experience its captivating architecture and gigantic complex from outside only.
Dress-Code:
Dubai (UAE) has overall conservative dress traditions, men and women should ensure knees and shoulders are covered when in public. Sweaters and jackets may be needed during the month of December, especially in the evenings.