Arabic Charms - Abu Dhabi & Etihad
Etihad’s new A380 was a great experience, the inflight entertainment was extensive with many current films and music as well as some classic TV and favourite movies. There is also a whole listing for children too including electronic games, films and cartoons. Interestingly, the seat back entertainment comprised 2 screens so we were able to watch a film but also display the view from the undercarriage camera and see where we were flying over too! Great for take off & landing
As you would expect there was a complimentary drinks service and choice of main meal, the children’s menu was well received and they were also provided with an inflight pack with colouring set and activity book. The adults were provided with a blanket and pillow, although no inflight amenity kit.
On arrival at Abu Dhabi, there is a system for entry and forms have to be completed on arrival, 1 per person. This was a busy and time consuming but maybe in time, forms will be distributed on board the aircraft as they are for other destinations.
Once in Abu Dhabi however, it was easy to get around the city, which is spread over several islands and linked by bridges. The traffic flowed well and it is not as busy as it’s neighbouring Emirate, Dubai. As a destination, it is often compared to how Dubai was about 10 years ago. This is because the development especially for tourism has not been so rapid. The hotels are no less luxurious and the opulent Emirates Palace Hotel is a great example, it has a vending machine for gold bars in the lobby!
Hotels are spread around the city and there is no right or wrong place to stay, it depends what you are seeking. The 5* hotels along the creek are in a good, central location for travelling around but have man made beaches whereas Saadiyat Island which is more remote has one of the best beaches you can find, you would be forgiven for thinking you are somewhere in the Indian Ocean. There are also a cluster of hotels on Yas Island, by the marina, F1 circuit and theme park Ferrari World with the world’s fastest roller coaster. Business visitors are likely to stay in the downtown city area where much of the commerce is located.
Abu Dhabi has some must see sights including the amazing Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which houses the largest carpet in the world and can hold 40,000 worshippers. It is stunning piece of architecture and the decorative marblework is breathtaking, even the children were captivated with the scale. It is free to enter and also offers free guided tours, Respectful dress is required but you can hire a galabeya on arrival.
There is a modern souk development at Qaryat Al Beri with shops, restaurants and cafes, in a landscaped area of the Shangri La hotel and also a traditional soak with deliveries from Persia for those seeking something more traditional.
In an effort to promote better health in UAE, the government have introduced several initiatives for residents (and often open to visitors). One of the best examples of this is the Yas Marina F1 Circuit which is open every Tuesday evening, free of charge for people to walk, run, cycle or roller skate around! It is flood lit and the music is amplified, it is a great chance to visit the circuit and actually get around it. Bikes are for hire for a small fee. This was one of our favourite activities!
However, we also loved our trip to the desert! It is easy to visit for an afternoon, evening or overnight and take part in desert & bedouin activities such as camel riding, dune bashing and sand boarding, then feast on dates and traditional Arabic food , often whilst being entertained by a musician or belly dancer.
Abu Dhabi is a destination we would return to, it works really well for a long weekend/short break because of the flight length or a stopover, as Etihad has an extensive network worldwide. The people are welcoming, it is family friendly and the weather gives you a boost between October and May.