Destination in Arab Spring

Abu Dhabi is emerging as a favourite destination for Indians

September 14, 2014 08:25 pm | Updated 08:25 pm IST - New Delhi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The Arab spring has swept across West Asia and North Africa, leaving behind change of governments, disturbed economy and society. Mercifully some places continue to be peaceful and can still be accessed by outsiders looking for a window to the Arab world.

Abu Dhabi is one such place where tourism inflow has grown despite political unrest and security threat in the neighbouring countries. Between January-June 2014, 1,07,995 Indians visited Abu Dhabi, clocking a growth of 35 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Now looking to capitalise on its success, Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to Indian tourists, even claiming it has Jain restaurants, facilities for easy visa, affordable hotels and shopping. To promote tourism, the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority mounted a travel trade road show across five Indian cities— Bengaluru, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai and New Delhi. The city is claimed to be free of crime, It is also said to have great historicity.

For all tourists, there is an array of hotel options ranging from the opulent Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, the only hotel in the world to span an F1 race track or the five-star Hyatt Capital Gate housed in the world’s furthest leaning tower. To more modest budget options The place also has exciting resorts and hotels in the Al Gharbia Western Region, along the UAE capital’s stunning Corniche, luxurious havens on Saadiyat Island.

One of the most iconic landmarks is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which was recently voted second in TripAdvisors Travellers Choice awards for outstanding landmarks. An architectural masterpiece, the mosque is built in memory of the Father of the United Arab Emirates and late UAE president Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. One of the largest mosques in the world, it has a capacity of 40,000 worshippers and features 82 domes, 24 carat gold glided chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knotted carpet.

Another destination becoming increasingly popular with Indian travellers is the Yas Island. Here you will find the fabulous Yas Marina Circuit -the world class motor sports race track which hosts the annual Formula1, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Other attractions on the island are the Yacht Club, Yas Links Golf Course, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and seven beautiful hotels.

Saadiyat Island, just seven minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai, is a relaxed waterfront home, a cultural magnet for art lovers, a beach front destination and a focal point for sporting experiences.

Emirates Park Zoo houses animals like Ostriches, Ibex, Camels, Raccoons, Ferrets, Zebras and exotic fish and birds. The zoo lets children get up close to their favourite animals. The whole five acre park is covered by a fog system for outdoor cooling to keep the temperatures down.

For shopaholics, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer, including big air-conditioned malls which are a welcome escape from the summer heat. Apart from the malls there are the Souks (traditional markets) which are evolving into bustling tourist attractions selling spices, perfumes, electronic goods,souvenirs, clothing and household items.

Abu Dhabi has a subtropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected most of the year. The cooler months are November to April are the most pleasant time to visit.

Etihad Airways provides convenient and quick travel options across tier-1 and tier-2 cities all over India. Etihad now operates 112 flights per week from 10 Indian destinations to Abu Dhabi.

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