10 THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT ABU DHABI
1 In just over 50 years, Abu Dhabi
has been transformed from little
more than empty desert inhabited by
nomadic tribes into a thriving 21st
century society, which remains strongly
attached to its culture and roots.
2 Abu Dhabi is at the heart of one of
the world’s most advancing regions
and is easily accessible from key
European, Asian, African, American
and Australian business centres.
3 Abu Dhabi city is the capital of
the United Arab Emirates. The wider
Abu Dhabi emirate occupies over 80% of
the country’s landmass.
4 Abu Dhabi has nearly 200
islands dotted along its coast.
5 Abu Dhabi is becoming a global cultural
centre with the creation of the Cultural
District on Saadiyat Island home to Louvre
Abu Dhabi and soon to Zayed National
Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
6 Prior to the 1930s, pearling was
Abu Dhabi’s most important industry
and primary source of income.
7 Abu Dhabi offers fantastic leisure
activities. Choose from fascinating
city tours, desert safaris and sporting
endeavours or visit the Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque – the UAE’s most
imposing religious and national landmark.
Take a trip to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi,
or immerse yourself in the exhilarating
Arabian-themed Yas Waterworld.
8 Visitors can experience authentic
Arabian culture and heritage, and explore
the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the
Oasis City of Al Ain.
9 Abu Dhabi enjoys a subtropical climate
with sunshine almost every day.
10 Abu Dhabi hosts an impressive line-up
of world-class events including the annual
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship,
Abu Dhabi Classics, the culinary delights
of the Abu Dhabi Food Festival,
Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, F1
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,
Abu Dhabi Art, and the Mubadala World
Tennis Championship.
CULTURAL ENLIGHTENMENT
ABU DHABI PEARL
JOURNEY
This 90-minute cruise
aboard a traditional
wooden dhow through
the city’s natural
mangroves is the perfect
mix of history, culture
and relaxation. Not only
will you be taught about
the history of diving for
pearls in Abu Dhabi, you’ll
also get the chance to
shuck your own oysters,
continuing until you find
a genuine pearl inside,
which you’ll get to keep
as a souvenir.
abudhabipearljourney.com
SAADIYAT ISLAND
CULTURAL DISTRICT
With three landmark
museums, Saadiyat
Island Cultural District
is arguably the most
ambitious cultural
project ever conceived.
The recently opened
Louvre Abu Dhabi will
be followed by Zayed
National Museum, which
will explore the emirate’s
history and culture.
Completing the trio is
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi,
which when finished
will be the largest
Guggenheim museum in
the world.
saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae