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Features information that is relevant to travellers who are thinking about and actively planning a visit Dubai or any part of the Arab World.
Oil contributes just 20 per cent of economic production. Trading, manufacturing and services — including tourism — now dominate the economy.
Jebel Ali, in Al Ain, is a large commercial port town located 35 km south of Dubai. Al Maktoum International Airport has been constructed just outside the port area. Sandy Jebel Ali Beach is near the busy harbor. “Jebel” means mountain or hill in Arabic. Ali perhaps refers to the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
The area is home to a golf resort and dive centers. The waters of the gulf are rich in marine life and submerged wrecks. Nearby, Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club in Abu Dhabi has tournaments and events open to the public.
From here you can walk up to the absolute top of the Jebel Hafeet, the second highest summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are museums, forts and tombs present in the surrounding area. Legoland and Bollywood Parks are close by.
Among the infrastructure projects built to support the port and town is the world’s largest desalination plant, the Jebel Ali Desalination Plant, provides an ample supply of fresh water. The power plant complex, consisting of nine individual plants, extends over a length of more than three kilometers along the coast of the Persian Gulf between the port of Jebel Ali and the Jumeirah district. The facility, provides most of Dubai’s energy and water needs. With an installed capacity of 8.6 gigawatts, it is the world’s largest gas-fired power plant. Also the world’s largest seawater desalination plant, it can desalinate 2.135 million m³ of seawater per day, which corresponds to 470 million imperial gallons per day.
Jebel Ali has become the port most frequently visited by ships of the United States Navy outside the United States. Due to the depth of the harbour and size of the port facilities, a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and several ships of the accompanying battle group can be accommodated in the pier. Due to the frequency of these port visits, semi-permanent shore-leave facilities (referred to by US Navy service personnel as “The Sandbox”) have been erected adjacent to the carrier berth.
The Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) was created in 1985 and houses an industrial area surrounding the port. International companies that relocate there enjoy the special privileges of the free zone. The privileges include exemption from corporate tax for 50 years, no personal income tax, no import or re-export duties, no restriction on currency, and easy labour recruitment. The free zone has evolved into a trade catalyst and a smart business community that offers unprecedented growth opportunities and market access. JAFZA is a dynamic base for over 8,700 businesses from some100 countries. JAFZA offers pre-built warehouses for high-quality storage and light manufacturing activities with leasing rates starting as low as AED 400 per sq m.
Jebel Ali Industrial Area (aka Jebel Ali Industrial) is one of Dubai’s oldest industrial districts. It is located west of the Port of Jebel Ali, south of Jebel Ali Village, east of Dubai Investments Park, and north of the Jebel Ali Free Zone Extension. Jebel Ali Industrial Area is home to several factories, manufacturing companies, warehouses and apartment buildings. It is well-connected to the central city via the emirate’s major roads, providing a hassle-free commute to neighbouring areas.
Offices in the neighbourhood spread over 580 sq. ft. to 984 sq. ft. are available for rent in flexible payment options. The facilities in the area include shared parking space, 24-hour security and free maintenance. The area also features warehouses suitable for cold storage, building material storage and other storing goods. These warehouses are equipped with modern fire fighting systems, smoke detectors and loading and unloading equipment. Other commercial properties in the area include shops, labour camps and commercial plots. There are bus and metro service connecting to the city.
A range of residential properties in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1 is available for rent and sale. As for accommodation spaces, prospective tenants can choose from studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with an area ranging between 435 sq. ft. to 1,253 sq. ft. These apartments have a living area, fitted kitchen and a bedroom with an attached bathroom and built-in wardrobe.
As a truly international city, Dubai is home to many religions, beliefs and houses of worship. And for the 50,000 Sikh residents of Dubai, the Guru Nanak Darbar temple has been their spiritual and cultural temple since 2012.
This beautiful piece of architecture, built at a cost of $20,000, incorporates both modern and traditional elements. It symbolises the unity of peace, solace and hope. The construction was funded by people from different religions and nationalities as the year of the construction, 2008, had seen a severe economic crisis.[
The beige-coloured Guru Nanak Darbar is a multi-story facility surrounded by a 54m Parikarma (a pathway for circling the temple while engaged in prayer).
The temple has a built up area of 120,000 square feet, spread over a 25,400 square feet plot of land. The land was a gift from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The temple is covered with traditional grill work and built next to a pond – inspired by India’s famed Golden Temple. Located at Jebel Ali Village, Guru Nanak Darbar is open to the public. Visitors can admire the temple’s unique architecture while being respectful towards worshipers and mindful about the dress code.
The Gurunanak Darbar community kitchen, or langar, which fed almost 1,500 people on a usual day and up to 50,000 on special days, has been stopped since the lock down in April 2020. The ground floor (21,000 square feet) includes the reception desk, the iemple’s office, a dining hall, a kitchen, a pantry, and store rooms. There are also convenience rooms, a headscarf stand, shoe storage areas, Jora Ghar facilities in several parts of the building. The staircase inside the temple can carry a huge traffic of people in both directions, and there are also elevators.
The Prayer Hall on the first floor has Italian marble on the walls and floor, chandeliers from Murano, Italy, and a purple carpet. It also features 24-carat gold canopies for the Guru Granth Sahib, and in the centre, there is a raised platform with carved gold-plated pillars and above it is a gold-plated lotus-shaped dome. The dome is lined with a piece of cloth that has gold lace at its edge.
The Guru Nanak Darbar holds three-hour classes for children on Saturdays to teach them Punjabi, Kirtan, and Gurdara protocol. Services offered at the temple include Akhand Path sahib, Sehaj Path, Sukhmani Sahib Path, Kirtan, Langar, child-naming Ceremonies, child amrit ceremonies, engagements, Anand Karaj (wedding ceremonies), matrimonial services, house-warming prayers, birthday or anniversary prayers, and condolence or memorial prayers. The temple houses several facilities including a meditation room, a library, kirtan classes, and Gurbani Santhiya classes.[
Every year, the temple attracts more than a million visitors.
Nation Galleria Mall
Nation Galleria Mall sits at the foot of the stunning twin Nation Towers, which also house the luxurious The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel. Nation Galleria is known for world’s most high-end brands spread over three floors.The mall offers some of the best fashion, fitness, jewellery and treats in an elegant and easy to navigate layout.
There is direct access from Nation Residences, Nation Offices and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, which also boasts a string of entertainment avenues, family-friendly events, elegant cafés and restaurants, serving delectable cuisines from around the world.
Nation Galleria Mall showcases breathtaking views from its terraces, and is one of the most sought-after dining and social venues on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Designed to inspire a relaxing shopping, dining and lifestyle experience, Nation Galleria’s interiors and ambience will take your breath away.
Well-known brand names at the mall include Wafi Gourmet, Café Bateel, Godiva, Leopold’s of London, Organic Foods and Café, Lamborghini, Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor and Villeroy & Boch.
VILLEROY AND BOCH
This stylish, lifestyle brand is one of the best Nation Tower Abu Dhabi shops, for beautiful crystal or ceramic collections for your kitchen, dining room, bathroom or garden.
ORGANIC FOODS & CAFE
While Nation Towers Galleria does not have a supermarket, shoppers can pick up organic food items, including fresh produce, dairy items and more at the Organic Foods & Cafe.
THE LIBRARY FRAGRANCE BOUTIQUE
This unique perfume boutique is inspired by a book library, but instead offers a ‘scent library’, where visitors can explore and discover their favourite scents.
AL FARDAN JEWELLERY
Another one of the shops at Nation Galleria in Abu Dhabi to visit is Al Fardan Jewellery, which offers a diverse collection of intricately designed, handmade jewellery and watches for all occasions.
MAUZAN
Mauzan is also one of the popular stores at Nation Tower Mall, which offers dresses and perfumes for women.
CAFES AND RESTAURANTS AT NATION TOWERS
Nation Towers Mall in Abu Dhabi is also home to an interesting collection of cafes and restaurants. Diners can choose between eclectic options such as the popular bistro, Leopold’s of London, the elegant dessert spot, Godiva, and the Middle Eastern-inspired gourmet spot, Cafe Bateel. You can also shop at the fantastic roastery in Nation Towers Mall, Al Rifai.
Some restaurants may be temporarily closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in Abu Dhabi.
Take a look at some of the best restaurants in Nation Galleria Abu Dhabi:
LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON
One of the most popular restaurants at this mall is Leopold’s of London, which is known for its massive tea library! Tuck into delicious breakfast items, salads, pasta, pizza and more.
CAFE BATEEL
This gourmet cafe is known for its organic ingredients and natural flavours which you can enjoy in an elegant setting. Sample delicious sandwiches, soups, salads and main courses that are inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines at Cafe Bateel in Nation Towers.
TEUSCHER CHOCOLATES
Satisfy your sweet cravings with Teuscher’s wide variety of fine chocolates, cheesecakes, croissants and desserts, which you can also pair with their range of salads and breakfast dishes.
CATCH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
The Catch Restaurant and Lounge is located at the beach club across from the mall, but is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts! From sushi platters to grilled sea bass and king crab, Catch Nation Riviera Beach Club will wow diners with its great food and relaxing ambience.
ENTERTAINMENT AT NATION TOWERS
There’s plenty of entertainment and things to do at Nation Towers Mall, aside from shopping. This mall in Abu Dhabi boasts a cinema and discovery centre for kids, and also hosts regular events, activities and experiences for visitors!
VOX CINEMAS
Catch the latest blockbusters at Vox Cinemas in Nation Towers Mall Abu Dhabi! For those who want to go all out, this Nation Towers Mall cinema offers four THEATRE screens. Movie-goers can also enjoy upscale experiences including access to a private lift to the cinema, waiter service, a gourmet menu and comfortable leather, reclining seats!
LITTLE WORLD
Kids will have a whale of a time at Little World Discovery Centre, which combines fun and learning! Little World in Nation Towers is an experimental learning centre, where kids can develop their physical, mental and emotional skills in the different ‘Discovery Zones’, which encourages role-playing, building, designing, creating and more!
Motiongate is theme park like Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland. It is based on four world-famous motion picture studios: Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, And Smurfs. Motiongate Dubai is operated by Dubai Parks and Resorts. There are 40 world-class attractions spread around 5 unique zones. These shows are suitable for children over 3 years of age as well as adults. The theme park occupies 1.9 million square feet in an area where it will be able to expand up to 4 million square feet.
There are 3D simulators and 4D theater, roller coasters, and a launch/drop tower, as well as rides for children. There are also actions from gravity-defying rides like The Hunger Games’ Capitol Bullet Train, to immersive attractions such as and Kung Fu Panda.
Studio Central
The park’s main entrance is shaped like a movie reel. Studio Central area provides shopping and dining facilities, themed like a 1950 New York street. This hub is with an impressive fountain and leads to other four zones in the theme park complex.
Themes here are based on Sony Pictures’ films and franchises such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, Zombieland, The Green Hornet, and Screen Gems’ Underworld. In the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs there is River Expedition Swallow Falls hich is a world where food and animals combine to create fascinating new species with their own ecosystem! Set sail on a fun and adventurous river expedition before heading deep into the heart of the lush jungle. Riders will get up close and personal with this phenomenal foodimal world. Zombieland Blast-off is a drop off in a 58 meter lift.
The DreamWorks area consists of four sub-area all based on DreamWorks Animation franchises such as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, and Trolls.
Shrek is a themed area with a flat ride for children. A “flat ride” refers to attractions at amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, and theme parks that typically spin around and usually include a circular platform.
Madagascar is themed after a Circus.
Kung Fu Panda is a Chinese themed area featuring a 3D simulator and a flat ride.
How to Train Your Dragon is a Viking area with a highly themed coaster adventure featuring fully-immersive rides and attractions that include the Swinging Viking, a thrilling ship-based adventure; Camp Viking, an interactive, adventure play area with crawl netting, dragon training tools and duelling Viking ships; and action-packed roller-coaster Dragon Gliders.
The Smurfs’ Village is themed after a Belgian comic franchise centered on a fictional colony of small, blue, humanoid creatures who live in mushroom-shaped houses in the forest. The village of the internationally beloved Smurfs offers 5 attractions including interactive play zones, exciting family rides and a charming theatre show for all generations to enjoy.
The attractions include delectable food offerings, trendy merchandise, and high-energy live entertainment. THE WORLD OF THE HUNGER GAMES brings to life the fast-paced action. STEP UP DUBAI is a live dance favorite show based on the latest installments of the Step Up franchise. This Zone brings to life the fast-paced, action-fueled world of The Hunger Games.
This is a luxury five star hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It has been operated by Mandarin Oriental as of Jan. 1, 2020. After the present renovation the hotel will be rebranded as a Mandarin Oriental property.
Two popular landmarks nearby are Heritage Village (1.3 mi) and The Corniche (1.4 mi). There are 14 food and beverage outlets to choose from in this hotel. A variety of national as well as international cuisines are served in these restaurants.
The hotel is based on The hotel’s Mediterranean architecture. This 376-room beachfront property offers some of the best views of the Arabian Gulf. Louvre Abu Dhabi and the nearby golf club is only a 10-minute drive from here , and the city centre is 12 miles away. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Corniche are 20 to 30 minutes away. There are seven food and beverage venues in the hotel.
The Iridium Spa is by the side of five swimming pools. The Athletic Club is one of the best in the city and it has a 25-metre lap pool, squash courts, and dedicated studios for yoga and spinning. There is a children’s club suitable for children between the ages of 1–12. Children at the age of 4 years and below must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is situated on a 9 km stretch of private beach on Saadiyat Island. Each spacious air-conditioned room is equipped with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows and are decorated in soft colors. An open-plan bathroom with an oversized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
The Atarmia Spa provides various beauty treatments in private treatment rooms for men and women. It includes a gym.
There are 3 in-house restaurants which offer a wide selection of international cuisine. The Beach House Restaurant features panoramic views of Saadiyat Beach and the landscaped hotel gardens.
The hotel is 35 minutes’ drive away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Nearby attractions include the Louvre and Saadiyat Golf Club.
This resort hotel is located in Abu Dhabi’s breathtaking Saadiyat Island with a spectacular 9 km stretch of white beach. Built on modern Arabic architecture, this five-star property has
striking and uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views. The resort has elegantly-designed 327 rooms and suites and 13 beach villas which displays casual elegance and contemporary style to reflect the resort’s premier beach-side setting. Club Rotana executive rooms have added privileges and personalized service.
There are eight modern dining areas that promise authentic flavours and new culinary experiences.Si Ristorante Italiano & Bar, Hamilton’s Gastropub, a lively nightspot, and Turtle Bay Bar & Grill are only some of the dining options to suit guests’ taste and mood.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas offers three fully-equipped banquet and event rooms, an elegant ballroom and The Lawn, a spectacular outdoor event venue for memorable events like weddings..
Bodylines Fitness, a modern gym, Zen spa offering Turkish Hammam and 10 treatment rooms, an outdoor pool, two tennis courts, mini golf and a beach club are some of the facilities offered by the resort. Aladdin’s Cave, the kids club offers a lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone, water slide and much more that will keep the younger guests active and engaged.
This upscale beachfront resort is 4 km from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, 2 km from Manarat Al Saadiyat, and 32 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The polished rooms provide safes, minibars and tea and coffee making equipment, in addition to flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi. The elegant 1- to 3-bedroom suites have living rooms and dining areas. The 1- and 2-bedroom villas are set on the beach and have plunge pools. Room service is available 24/7.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi offers direct access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club, inclusive of a health and fitness center, kids club and a wonderful renovated swimming pool in addition to its sandy beach. It is adjacent to Nation Galleria Mall, district of Al Bateen, Qasr Al Watan and Emirates Palace.
The Terrace on the Corniche is a vibrant dining destination located on the ground level of the hotel. Guests can dine in the main dining room, or at the garden terrace and bar with private access from the Abu Dhabi Corniche. For those desiring privacy, a separate dining room can comfortably seat 40.
Middle Eastern and international dishes to suit every palate are offered with freshly brewed specialty coffees and handcrafted breads and pastries. In the evening, modern-Arabic music is played.
Villa Toscana is inspired by an Italian summer residence. Its elegant cuisine consists of handcrafted specialties from Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna.
Azura Panoramic Lounge wraps around the pool terrace and presents a view of the Corniche. It offers a menu of shisha and Arabic mezze. Live music is also provided.
The St. Regis Bar comprises three integrated spaces—the library, the main bar, and the Cigar Lounge—The St. Regis Bar presents a lively, atmospheric space for socializing or celebrating in the tradition of New York’s Gilded Age.
The bar displays a relief carving depicting heroic Arabic sporting scenes of camel racing, horse racing, and falconry. In the book-lined library is also there in the bar.
The cocktail menu includes the signature St. Regis Bloody Mary which was introduced to the original St. Regis in New York by Fernand Petiot in 1934. He perfected this cocktail by adding salt, pepper, lemon, Tabasco and Worcestershire sauce. Formal dress is required at the bar.
Etihad Towers is a complex of hotel buildings with five towers located opposite the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The towers feature offices, apartments and a hotel.
The hotel building is a part of the iconic Etihad Towers high-rise complex, this upscale, contemporary hotel is a minute’s walk from the Corniche waterfront promenade and 20 km from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Accommodations range from trendy rooms with free-standing tubs and panoramic city or gulf views, to opulent suites with living rooms and butler service. All rooms come with flat-screens, Nespresso machines and free Wi-Fi. Suites and club rooms have direct access to a lounge offering complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks. Room service is offered.
Amenities include 12 restaurants and bars, 3 outdoor pools, a gym and private beach, as well as a refined spa with a hammam (a type of steam bath). Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers has a full-service spa with 13 treatment rooms, and a large fitness centre with modern equipment. Located on level 74, the Observation Deck is the highest vantage point of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the hotel. Marina Mall is a 5-minute drive away.
The hotel features 198 spacious rooms, upscale suites and 57 residences filled with luxury amenities, including a spa with 7 treatment rooms, two pools, two state-of-the-art fitness centres, a three-story nightclub, a rooftop tapas bar, and three signature restaurants. Market at Edition is the health-focused all-day dining establishment. Alba Terrace is a Mediterranean-style eatery. The Oak Room rounds out the menu and is most notable for its meat case and crafted cocktails. The hotel also offers sophisticated venues for weddings, exhibitions and seminars. Event space includes a ballroom.
The design is superlative. The lobby is more like a comfortable lounge room than a hotel entrance and the soft peach tones and warm lighting make a real impact. The curved atrium is elevated by a kinetic art installation that moves majestically five times a day. Dark wood-paneled walls, marble floors and luxe furnishings give the space that stay-a-while feel. This sleek modern approach is continued into the rooms. In the rooms there is a coffee machine and Bang & Olufsen speaker system. Sand dune photographs on the walls give the space a local touch and the timber floors, beige color palette and sand-colored daybed combine well to provide a more minimalist boutique feel.
Attractions nearby include adjacent marina and inspiring views of the Gulf, Corniche Beach, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, Sheikh Zayed Heritage Centre is across the road and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Al Bateen Executive Airport 15 km away while Abu Dhabi International Airport can be reached in 35 minutes by car.
Shangri-La Hotel, Qarat Al Beri has luxurious rooms decorated in a modern Arabic style with warm, rich colours and elegant furnishings. There are 213 rooms and suites, 6 private villas and 160 serviced apartments. There are also 7 restaurants and bars including the renowned Shang Palace. Each room has a balcony or terrace with an admirable view of the garden or Arabian Gulf. The hotel has a private beach and an infinity pool.
In the Shang Palace Chinese cuisine is served, and in Bord Eau, French delicacies can be savoured. Before and after dinner, Al Hanah Bar provides drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. Buffet breakfasts are available for a fee.
CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the legendary Shangri-La style spas. Massages and treatments are based on authentic natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures. In addition to sa there are a gym, yoga studio, and sauna.
Other amenities include a business center, limo and car service, and express check-in etc. Event facilities at this hotel consist of conference and meeting rooms, and space for weddings and exhibitions. Free valet parking is available onsite.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. Attractions nearby include Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a 15-minute drive away, Al Maqtaa Fort, 2 km from the property and Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
The hotel is connected by a winding waterway featuring Arabic traditional boats, known as abras. You lie back, utterly relaxed, while the abra slowly meanders throughout the verdant garden scenery.
The boat drops you at the hotel’s souk, a traditional Arabian market. There you browse through the enticing variety of shops selling traditional artifacts, paintings, jewellery and clothes.
A palatial resort in Mediterranean design, the resort connects with the centuries-old traditional Arab culture with its oriental court gardens and extensive water features. It boasts luxurious 378 rooms or villas, an onsite spa, fitness centre, tennis and volleyball courts, pristine private beach, and water park or wave pool. There are 7 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 680 persons. The conveniently located hotel offers easy access to the city’s most of the must-see destinations, including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Yas Waterworld and the Louvre Abu Dhabi (4.8 km), Manarat Al Saadiyat (27 min walk), UAE Pavilion (30 min walk), Saadiyat Beach Golf Club (32 min walk) and Abu Dhabi Corniche (8.8 km).
Services offered at Anjana Spa include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages, and Thai massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with a sauna, a spa tub, a steam room, and Turkish bath/hammam. The spa is open daily.
For kids, there are Kids & Teens Club, separate kids pool and babysitting facilities. There is also Warner Bros theme park on Yas Island, a 20-minute drive away. Aqua Park is available for children only.
Club House is an exclusive venue reserved only for guests residing in the hotel serving a variety of International cuisine as well as refreshments. The Orient restaurant offers Oriental Turkish cuisine and Oriental A La Carte cuisine. It serves dinner only. Reservations are required.
L’olivo (à la carte) is a fine-dining restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine serving dinner only. Reservations are required.
Mermaid (à la carte) is a beach fine-dining restaurant specializing in seafood and serves dinner only. A children’s menu is available. Reservations are required.
Turquoise restaurant offering poolside buffet specializes in international cuisine and serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. A children’s menu is available.
Aja (à la carte) specializes in Japanese cuisine and serves dinner only. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar. Reservations are required.
The rooms have garden or sea views and are equipped with King bed (twin beds available in garden view rooms), stocked minibar replenished daily, Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, bathtub and standalone shower, air conditioning, flat screen TV, international direct dialling telephone, electronic safe, hair dryer, bathrobes, slippers, iron, ironing board, blackout drapes and curtains. Rooms and parking are wheelchair accessible.
W is set at Yas Marina and the F1 Yas Marina Circuit. The 499 room hotel features a unique design, set half on land and half on water.This modern hotel is 4 km from Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and 8 km from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The rooms come with Air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, safes, iPod docking station and floor-to-ceiling windows.
A rooftop terrace features 2 pools and a bar. Other amenities include a casual lobby lounge, a nightclub and a polished restaurant, as well as Italian, Indian and Japanese eateries. There are also spa treatments, a gym and a sauna, plus meeting and event space for up to 2,000 people.
The hotel offers a total of 3,520 square meters of event space, including the Great Room, seven studios, and four strategy and outdoor terraces for meetings and social gatherings.
Guests can also enjoy Yas Beach club, offering an incredible beach facility, a pool, a bar and dining area. Complimentary access is included and the Yas shuttle will whisk you from the hotel to the Beach Club. The hotel is only a 10 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 15 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi city centre. An 18-hole golf course and Yas Mall are within walking distance from the hotel.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization in the Heritage Area of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, opened in 2008, covers Islamic culture, from the first century AH (7 AD) to the fourteenth century AH (20 AD)from the Islamic world. The artifacts are displayed according to their time periods in six distinct galleries.
The museum is located on the Corniche Street in the Al Majarrah area, on the opposite side of the street from Sharjah Creek. Its characteristic golden dome makes it visible from far. It was originally constructed as an indoor market.
The museum comprises more than 5000 artifacts in seven galleries and display areas as follows:
This gallery showcases the principles of Islam and the Holy Qur’an. Here, the five pillars of Islam, the foundations of the Islamic faith, are presented and the rituals of Hajj and Umrah are defined. It also depicts anthropomorphic parts of the Ka’aba and original parts of the honorable clothing of the Kaaba, the “Kiswah”, rare historical Quran manuscripts as well as model figures and pictures of mosques and their architecture from different parts of the Islamic world and Europe.
The most influential Islamic scientific achievements and contributions by great Muslim scholars are displayed here. Sophisticated three-dimensional models , audiovisuals and extensive information panels chart some of the most outstanding discoveries, inventions and theories developed by Muslim scholars in all fields, including astronomy, medicine, geography, architecture, mathematics, chemistry, military technology, marine navigation and engineering. The artifacts include complex early clocks, navigational aids and weapons.
The artifacts displayed here include pottery, metalwork, woodcarving, manuscripts and textiles that date back to 1st to 7th centuries AH (7th ــ 13th centuries AD). This early period marked the expansion of Islamic civilization and culture from the Arabian peninsula to the Atlantic in the West and the borders of China in the East. During the early part of this period art taken from the ancient Hellenistic and Persian worlds were adopted and modified to suite the aesthetic, cultural and religious tastes of the new Islamic order. In the latter part a new style emerged, characterized by an emphasis on Arab-Islamic scripts as well as geometric and floral decoration.
This gallery features important Islamic artworks dating back to 7th – 13th centuries AH (12th – 19th centuries AD). The artifacts include objects of post-Mongol invasion of the eastern Islamic world in the 13th century, as well as a selective collection depicting the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal civilizations, the three main competing empires that dominated the Islamic world at the time. It was also a period of increasing global trade, economic growth and fruitful, creative interaction between artistic, cultural and indeed religious communities.
These galleries exhibit mainly Islamic arts, crafts and weapons used between 13th – 14th centuries AH (19th – 20th centuries AD). This period is characterized by the increasing influx of European ideas and products. Traditional markets, artisans and craftsmen now had serious competition from cheap, mass-produced goods brought in from the West. Traditional weapons continued to be popular among local populations and tourists alike. Now, they were used less in battle, but in ceremonial parades, as part of a man’s formal costume, as honorable gifts to dignitaries or indeed as collectible artifacts in their own right.
The museum’s outstanding early Islamic coin collections are displayed in the atrium outside the Al Majarrah Gallery. Visitors can learn about the history and emergence of these coins through these outstanding displays.
Seven free-standing displays and several computer touch screens provide additional numismatic information about the collection. There are more than 250 coins on display and the text material on the sides of the displays provide information about various coins.
In this gallery, the museum hosts temporary world-class exhibitions twice a year in collaboration with other museums and institutions across the world like the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia and the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin.
Dhayah Fort was built in the 18th-century in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a protection against British invasion and was the site of a battle during the Persian Gulf campaign of 1819, when British troops captured the fort after a brief siege. After the fall of Dhayah, a treaty known as General Maritime Treaty of 1820, was signed between the rulers of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Great Britain in January 1820, with the nearby island state of Bahrain acceding to the treaty in the following February. This treaty endured until the independence of the United Arab Emirates on 2 December 1971.
The Dhayah fort offers a stunning 360-degree view of its scenic surroundings as it is on top of a hill. It is accessed only by a zigzag staircase of more than 100 steps. Climbing the staircase is a bit of a challenge but the scenic view from the fort is well worth the effort. You also get the views of the beautiful sea, majestic Hajar Mountains, a splendid oasis and the city around it.
In the summer it can get very hot so make sure to cover up against direct sunlight and apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes.
There is a watchtower located just outside Al Jazirah Al Hamra. This tower was constructed about 100 years ago to protect the water wells in the village of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
The ‘Sur” fortification was constructed using mud bricks at the foot of the hill. This ‘Sur’ was used as a retreat for local people. The fort, the watchtower and the “sur’ formed the fortification of Al Jazirah Al Hamra.
If you are a first time visitor it would be better to go with a guide for navigation, as the fort is located away from the main road of Al Rams. The area is hot, so carry plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you are visiting in summer you will be exposed to lot of direct sunlight. Apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a cap to protect your face and eyes. The visiting hours are 09:00 am to 05:00 (Sunday to Thursday).
While you are in Ras Al Khaimah, you may also want to visit Wadi Bih in Ras Al Khaimah. Some other prominent historic places in the emirate include the haunted Al Qasimi Palace and the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah.
The National Museum is located in one of the oldest forts in the country. The fort also served as the residence of a ruling family before it was converted into the National Museum in the 1980s. In fact, amongst the countless artifacts and historical exhibits are original treatises signed by former ruling families. The excavated artifacts show that the Ras Al Khaimah has been home to several trading civilisations since 5000 BC and has a rich history and continuous settlements for 7,000 years. From traditional weapons to fishing instruments, and ancient pottery, the museum is a great spot for anyone looking to glimpse into the emirate’s past.
