ISSUE 11

April 2012

Full Throttle!Yas Waterworld Aqua Park Uncovered!Our Latest Major Conference Win! Saddle Up On Sir Bani Yas!

F1™ Tickets & Packages Released!

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5 More To See At Al Ain Zoo

8 Seawings Takes Off To Abu Dhabi

11 Elite Tastes: Saudi Kitchen VIP

15 Cover Feature: Gearing Up For F1™

18 Al Ain Culture Sites Upgraded

20 Splash Out: Yas Waterworld Aqua Park

22 Saddle Up On Sir Bani Yas

24 Meetings With More

29 Bravo! Another Major Conference Win

30 It’s Now Essential To Stopover

32 Five-star Mangroves Adventure 30Editorial Team

Barbara Saunders Editor Euan Megson & May Mohr Deputy EditorsSaeed Jumoh Photo Editor

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Please contact us with any feedback, news updates or article ideas via email partners@adta.ae

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Distribution8,000 copies of Seyaha are distributed throughout the UAE and internationally through ADTA’s international offices. Seyaha is also available in

Etihad business class lounges in London, Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi.

Seyaha is also carried by Air France and Ukraine International Airlines and is distributed to every UAE embassy worldwide.

Seyaha is now available to download, as either a PDF or E-brochure, at: http://www.abudhabitourism.ae/en/portal/publications.aspx

Copyright Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

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Dear industry partners,

You will notice a new name behind this edition of Seyaha. Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has now been formed through the integration of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority and Abu Dhabi Authority For Culture and Heritage. This is a very positive move as we look to continue to preserve Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and heritage and leverage it for the ongoing development of a destination hallmarked by its commitment to the history and traditions of our homeland.

This is just one of several new developments you can all take encouragement from. Others include our commitment to deliver enhanced digital marketing of the destination. You will notice a fresh look and greater functionality of our visitabudhabi.ae website, as well as our own dedicated Facebook, YouTube and Flickr accounts, which will encourage more travellers to our shores.

We are also working hard with stakeholders to produce an increasing range of tailored and specialised products as we strive to extend the average length of stay in the emirate. We are very much focused on establishing Abu Dhabi’s top-of-mind positioning as a destination of distinction for culture, golf, beach, nature and adventure and MICE and are busy developing consumer centric promotional plans targeting these specific segments.

Over the coming months, we will be looking to enhance our distribution channels through trade incentive initiatives. We will be seeking out ‘preferred partners’ willing to further engage with us in exciting and highly productive B2C initiatives.

In this edition of Seyaha you will read of more air links, products and services which our stakeholders are bringing to market in the not too distant future. The destination is maturing and offering more to see and do right across the emirate – I sincerely hope these enhancements can find their way into your own promotional programmes.

Mubarak Hamad Al MuhairiDirector General, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority

Dear colleagues,

Seyaha is packed with news of great developments from impending hotel and resort openings, upgrades to long-time favourites, exciting major events to leverage and additional products coming into the market. It all reflects heightened dynamism throughout the destination – from Al Gharbia, across the UAE capital city and throughout the Eastern region and Al Ain.

There’s much more to do and see in Abu Dhabi and huge opportunities for innovative packaging. We will be pro-actively pushing this message out through numerous promotional, media and trade channels over the coming months – we hope many of you will join us in this co-ordinated approach.

A destination coming together as one is increasingly becoming the hallmark of Abu Dhabi and perhaps the greatest demonstration of how effective this collaborative approach can be is when the UAE capital was selected to host the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012, which it pulled off with considerable success in February. That has given us a huge boost in business events credentials and a case study on which to base further major convention bids - news of another success in this field is profiled in this edition. You’ll also find in this edition some unusual venues for meetings business in the emirate and given the direct and indirect economic benefits this segment delivers, you will no doubt understand our eagerness to bring more of it to Abu Dhabi’s shores. Watch this space for more news on business tourism advantages in Abu Dhabi.

Until next time.

Barbara SaundersEditor

Message

There are huge opportunities for innovative packaging…

We are working hard with stakeholders to extend the average length of stay in the emirate…

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No visit to Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland is completewithout a visit to Al Ain Zoo, the family-friendly destination at the centre of the expansive Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort conservancy sanctuary that features more than 4,000 animals, lush botanic gardens and exotic plant collections.New visitor attractions are regularly coming online and the zoo’s latest multi-species exhibit is a fascinating enclosure straight out of east Africa.

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Intriguingly, the enclosure’s design has triggered a series of running comedies as the monkeys and crocodile jostle for prime sunbathing positions. The monkeys, who use an arrangement of sounds in the wild to warn each other of encroaching predators, seem particularly fond of their shared home and the troupe is often seen joyfully teasing the crocodile.

Armed with one of the most advanced brains in the reptile family, the docile Nile croc – who can produce at least six different vocal signals of its own – casually resists the monkeys’ baiting and shows his dominance by basking in the sun at the edge of the enclosure’s pool.

Elsewhere, four Eland antelopes – the largest antelope in Africa - have added to the diverse array of African wildlife in the African Mixed Exhibit. One of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, this open landscape is shared by Nubian giraffe, Southern-white rhinoceros, Grant’s zebra, Fringe-eared oryx, Mhorr gazelle, Dama gazelle, Thompson gazelle, as well as Marabou stork and Ostrich which all roam or nest freely together.

Al Ain Zoo is open 365 days a year. From October to the end of May, the zoo’s gates are open from 9am to 8pm, while reduced opening hours of 4pm to 10pm come into force during June – September. Entry is US $4 for adults and US $1.5 for children aged 3 - 12 years. Toddlers enter free.Awpr.ae

EATURING noisy and mischievous Vervet monkeys, a powerful Nile crocodile and hundreds of tiny terrapins, the all-action exhibit evidences the zoo’s strategy to create enclosures that mirror wild habitats and enrich experiences for animals and visitors alike.

“Keeping animals in a mixed species enclosure provides them with behavioural enrichment and also enhances visitor experiences,” said Dr. Arshad Toosy, the zoo’s Acting Chief of Life Sciences & Conservation.

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The African Mixed Exhibit includes Eland antelope, gazelle, zebra and Southern white rhinoceros (above).

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Louvre Abu Dhabi What to expect?

Set to be the Arab world’s first ‘universal’ museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will showcase ancient and contemporary art from different civilisations and cultures, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance.

The design? Conceptualised by Pritzker Prize

winner, Jean Nouvel, the museum will feature a 180-metre diametre dome with intricate perforations that will resemble rays of sunlight passing through date palm fronds and diffusing light below.

Zayed National MuseumWhat to expect?

Conceived as a place for discussion, learning, and inspiration, this museum will tell the life story of the late founding father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, while exploring the country’s history and culture. There will be seven permanent gallery displays, as well as a temporary exhibition programme and library, all housing a wealth of information and artefacts stretching back as far as 2000 BC.

The design? Conceptualised by Pritzker Prize

winner, Lord Norman Foster, the distinctive towers are reminiscent of the wing tips of a falcon – the national bird of the UAE and a powerful symbol of the nation’s cultural heritage.

New Opening Dates For Saadiyat Cultural District MuseumsTourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), the entity behind the Saadiyat Island

development – one of Abu Dhabi’s flagship projects - has revealed new opening dates for the planned Saadiyat Cultural District museums.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will open in 2015, followed by the Zayed National Museum a year later and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in 2017.

Detailed architectural designs of the three museums have been finalised, as well as all foundation and piling work. Presently, teams with regional expertise to operate each institution are undergoing comprehensive training, and the acquisition of the vast and diverse art and artefact collections for each museum is well underway. Saadiyat.ae

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi What to expect?

Decidedly global in perspective, this will be a trans-national platform for contemporary art that will present the most important artistic achievements of our time. The museum aims to establish credentials as the emirate’s pre-eminent platform for local, regional and global contemporary art and culture.

The design? Designed by Pritzker Prize winner,

Frank Gehry, the design echoes Gulf architectural traits and incorporates dramatic conical forms as a modern twist on the region’s traditional wind-towers.

Seawings, the Middle East’s only seaplane tour operator, has started charter services to Abu Dhabi with the launch of two introductory packages aimed at leveraging increased interest in the emirate as a tourism destination.

With tailored Abu Dhabi tours next on its radar, the company’s opening charter salvo sees Seawings offer the following exclusive options in its nine-seat, Cessna 208 amphibian planes:

Sir Bani Yas ExperienceDeparting from Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in

Dubai, this 70-minute, one-way flight ferries guests down the UAE coastline, past Yas Island and on to the picturesque island of Sir Bani Yas – home to the five-star Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.

(2 to 11 years)*Children under two travel free

Dubai to Sir Bani Yas: every Thursday at 9:00 am and Saturday at 11:00 am

Sir Bani Yas to Dubai: every Thursday at 10:45 amand Saturday at 12:45 pm

Classique Yas ExperienceHop onboard this 40-minute, one-way excursion

from Dubai’s Creek Golf and Yacht Club to Yas Island – Abu Dhabi’s entertainment district. Road transport back to Dubai is included in the one-way cost.

(2 to 11 years)*Children under two travel free

For more information, call +971 4 8070708 or email: reservations@seawings.ae Seawings.ae

Fairmont Pedal PowerCyclists and fitness enthusiasts staying at the

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr can now take-in some of Abu Dhabi’s key attractions – all from the comfort of their own saddles.

The five-star ‘Between the Bridges’ property has teamed up with Mercedes to provide guests with the option of renting bikes during their stay.

With members of Fairmont President’s Club (FPC), the chain’s guest recognition programme, allowed to use the bikes on a complimentary basis, non-FPC members can rent them for AED50 (US$13.70) per hour.

All guests receive a safety helmet and a cycling map which outlines suggested routes in the hotel’s surrounding area. Routes come in three, five and 10km options. If that’s not enough, Fairmont cyclists can take the bikes over to the nearby Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesdays for its free-to-enter ‘Train Yas’.

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr encourages guests to use the bikes during daylight hours (6am-6pm) and children must be accompanied by a parent. Bookings are made through the hotel’s Guest Services desk.

To join Fairmont President’s Club free of charge, visit: fairmont.com/fpc Fairmont.com

Al Futtaim Travel Opens In Abu DhabiDubai-based Al Futtaim Travel has opened its first

shop in Abu Dhabi - the chain’s initial step in rolling out branches across the Middle East and Asia over the next 18 months.

The company offers tailored inbound tour packages to Abu Dhabi and is planning to launch additional destination products and packages over the summer.

Two dedicated Abu Dhabi products - B2B and B2C online booking engines - will also be introduced later this year.

For more information, email: khaled.sayed@alfuttaim.ae.alfuttaim-travel.com

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It’s Play Time!The five-star Grand Millennium Al Wahda has

opened ‘Wonderland’, a secure indoor kids’ club, where children from the ages of three to nine can play in a safe, supervised environment while their parents dine, indulge in luxury spa treatments, or shop at the adjacent Al Wahda mall.

Kids can get creative with drawing pads and watercolours, play with educational toys, watch popular cartoons, or simply pull up a cushion and let their imaginations run wild during story time.

The club is equipped with a CCTV camera system, a separate sleeping room and has two professional attendants offering friendly hands-on supervision at all times.

Children also get free access to the health club’s kids pool and swim under the supervision of a trained lifeguard.

Wonderland is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. Parents can drop their children off for a maximum of three hours for a charge of AED 50, with 20% of the proceeds being donated to Hamad Centre for children with special needs. millenniumhotels.com

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No worries and no strife for kids or parents at Grand Millennium Al Wahda.

Jump on a Mercedes bike at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

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New Executive Team At Yas ViceroyHaving taken over the management of what was formerly the Yas Hotel last November, Viceroy Hotels has installed its new executive team at the Yas Viceroy – the iconic Abu Dhabi property that is the world’s only hotel to straddle a Formula One™ track.

The latest Abu Dhabi newcomer, Andreas Kohn, has taken the role of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for the Middle East and Europe, and will oversee duties involving managing the top line revenues of rooms, catering, F&B and Spa.

From his Yas Viceroy base, the German national will also oversee the sales agent network in important source markets, manage the implementation of regional corporate initiatives and assist with pre-opening strategic planning for new Viceroy properties in the Maldives and Bodrum, Turkey.

Kohn, who has amassed a wealth of experience working in markets as diverse as the Czech Republic, Bahrain, Singapore, the UAE and Indonesia, is the sixth new executive team arrival at Yas Viceroy in recent months. Heiner Werdeling joined as General Manager, Michel Jost has signed up as Executive Chef, Steven Dowd has taken the reins as Finance Director, Oliver Bruns has picked up the Hotel Manager baton and Julide Nuss is Executive Assistant Manager in charge of Food & Beverage. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi

A Top Choice!The four-star Aloft Abu Dhabi has been named among the Middle East’s top three ‘Trendiest Hotels’ by TripAdvisor®, the world’s largest travel site, in its 2012 Travelers’ Choice® Top 25 awards.

Adjoining the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the stylishly-designed property has 408 spacious loft-inspired rooms and suites and features comfortable signature beds, oversized spa showers and plug & play connectivity stations linking all guests’ electronic devices to a 42inch LCD TV in each room.

Other Abu Dhabi properties to figure in the Top 25 are Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (eight), Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (13) and Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island (14).Aloftabudhabi.com

Meinschiff2 To Sail Into Abu DhabiTui Cruises will be making its debut in Abu Dhabi this November as its 1,886 capacity Meinschiff2 liner sails into the UAE capital as part of 20, seven day/six night Dubai & Orient itineraries which will take in Dubai, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.tuicruises.com

A ‘Chilled’ Hot-Spot For Summer Nestled in the lush palm tree gardens of the five-star Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, ‘B-Lounge by Beachcomber’ is the perfect spot for international visitors – especially those wanting to take in Abu Dhabi city’s breathtaking night skyline under the stars.

Featuring a fully-stocked bar and an extremely ‘hot’ flame-pit for BBQ fires, guests can chose from Western-style table arrangements or an Arabian-themed majlis amphitheatre set-up. There’s live music and a DJ.sheraton.com/abudhabi

Above: Germany’s Andreas Kohn has joined Yas Viceroy.

Top right: Aloft Abu

‘trendy’ location.

Saud Abd Al Kareem wants to give Saudi Kitchen VIP guests a “complete and authentic’ culinary experience.experience.

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he idea to start Saudi Kitchen came to Saud during his first few years in Abu Dhabi, when he and his wife were hosting friends at home.

“While setting up my new business, I was always inviting friends and business partners over for dinner,” recalls Saud. “I soon noticed that my guests didn’t enjoy food I ordered from outside, but they absolutely loved my wife’s delicious, home-made food. Unfortunately, there was no option to order such dishes from a local restaurant and we got to a point where she was cooking five whole

lambs a night. It was too much.”To fill the void, Saud thought up Saudi Kitchen – a large-scale kitchen concept which

supplied quality, home-cooked, regional food. Starting as a take-away venture in 2005, things quickly took off. The concept progressed to in-restaurant dining outlets in Abu Dhabi city (2008) and Al Ain (2009) soon after.

Popular, authentic and unspeakably delicious, the chain performed well locally. “Saudi, Emirati, Qatari, it’s all the same - it is Gulf cuisine” explains Saud of Saudi Kitchen’s early success.

With the original properties attracting significant footfall from local and regional clientele, the chain’s owner quickly realised his brainchild had something to offer Abu Dhabi’s expatriate community and international visitors. Cue Saudi Cuisine VIP, which opened last year.

“Some people ask me: ‘Why VIP?’ The answer is simple: because here the guests get genuine VIP treatment. They taste an elite selection of Gulf food in a traditional cultural setting – it is a complete and authentic experience,” adds Saud.

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Nestled in the busy urban setting of Abu Dhabi city’s Khalidiya district, Saudi Cuisine VIP features mud-built walls, a wooden ceiling and hand-made decorations, while the restaurant floor itself is divided into small enclaves where guests can choose to eat on traditional cushions or camel saddles style, or at tables in private rooms – an option best suited for families.

With Arabic music playing subtly in the background, everything in the restaurant is imported from Saudi Arabia - from lovely decorated cushions and shiny pots, to vintage lamps and artwork. Attention to detail is the order of the day - staff dress in traditional Arabian attire and menus are hand-written in beautiful Arabic and English calligraphy.

“When tourists come to visit a country they want to experience local culture; part of the culture is the food. Saudi Cuisine VIP offers visitors to Abu Dhabi a route to experience not only what Gulf people eat, but the way we eat it too,” says Saud.

Eating the traditional way means no cutlery, although spoons and forks are available. On the menu front, the restaurant offers a variety of rice types and meat which can be combined in multiple ways depending on taste.

For newcomers to regional food, the ‘Rice Sampler’ is a selection of four small portions of rice, allowing guests to discover what type of rice flavour suits their taste. Meat dishes - cooked the traditional way by the restaurant’s Saudi-trained, Yemeni chef - fall straight off the bone and very generous portions are designed to be sampled, not finished.

If Saudi Cuisine VIP has taken Saudi Kitchen to the next level, Saud has already envisaged the next evolution in his brand. “The only thing missing – and I hope someday I can see my dream come true – is to take this concept outdoors; to take it outside and build a venue from scratch, the traditional way,” he says.

“Imagine a standalone building on a beach, or in a park or a garden, that doesn’t just look genuine from the outside, but also on the inside. Who knows, maybe one day.”

Saudi Cuisine VIP is open from 12pm-1am. Call 02 665 5355 to book tables or arrange tours.

Clockwise from top: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort; 55th and 5th is the resort’s signature venue; al fresco brunch at Olea.

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers far more than just Olea. Seyaha takes a tour around the resort’s other F&B offerings…

55&5th, The Grill is the resort’s signature venue. Inspired by the address of the original St. Regis New York, the restaurant features a private dining room, an exclusive cellar, complete with jazz music, cigars and bespoke service. The venue also features a chef’s table.

Worldly guests with a penchant for a more intimate setting can visit the floating pavilions of Sontaya, the resort’s exquisite Southeast Asian restaurant that looks out to the beach and across the turquoise Arabian Gulf. Featuring an enchanting ambience, signature cocktails complement the restaurant’s flavoursome fare. There’s also a large, bright and cheerful family area.

The Manhattan Lounge is typically St Regis. Chic, comfortable and exceedingly

What do you get when you take a leading Abu Dhabi beach

resort and combine exquisitely-prepared fresh produce,

a family-friendly weekend lunchtime ambience and scenic

Arabian Gulf views...

With a prime location overlooking the sweeping Saadiyat Beach, Olea, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at the five-star The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, has officially entered Abu Dhabi’s increasingly competitive Friday brunch segment.

With indoor and al fresco seating offering spectacular views of the pearly white Saadiyat Beach, its overarching weekend brunch is as fresh as the ocean breeze. Decidedly simple natural flavours dominate a fusion menu that is Mediterranean meets international.

Everything from the food – the spread covers tapenades to grilled delicacies - to the table set-ups is tightly presented, while a multitude of cooking stations

and smiling staff - in keeping with long-practised St. Regis service traditions - await.

A distinctly family-friendly atmosphere means the Olea brunch is a winner for kids, and a dedicated finger food menu is complemented by clowns and balloon artists patrolling the venue entertaining younger guests.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort offers attractive brunch and overnight stay packages that include early check-in, late check-out, bubbly brunch for two and breakfast for two the next day. Prices start from AED1,500 (US$411) and are subject to applicable taxes and fees.Stregissaadiyatisland.com

classy, the lobby level cocktail lounge boasts a large terrace overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Look out for the large mural over the bar that stories the origins of Abu Dhabi’s early settlers.

Opening later this year, Turquoiz embodies the blue ocean that captivates guests on arrival. A beach restaurant with a large sunset terrace, this vibrant venue will be set apart from the hotel in a rustic series of buildings strung out along the environmentally-protected sand. It will serve a selection of seafood, light meals and snacks, cooked with simplicity and passion.

The Drawing Room, nestled in the spacious lobby, celebrates the time-honoured culture of afternoon tea, especially the signature St. Regis Tea Ritual. Complementing this experience is the resort’s pastry shop, Sucre, which sells handmade chocolates, pastries and bespoke cakes.

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ADNEC Offers Up A Slice Of ArabiaAbu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) is giving visitors the chance to celebrate local culture in a thoroughly modern dining context with Olivia’s – its award-winning Italian restaurant - launching a signature ‘Camel Pizza’!

Intriguingly, Olivia’s locally-inspired creation is only the first installment in an ADNEC-wide initiative to fuse UAE-sourced produce into its international restaurants and culinary concepts. Plans are already afoot for camel meat – similar in taste and texture to venison – to star in variations on traditional lasagna, spaghetti, manakish (mini Arabic pizza) and many others.

We’ve tried the ‘Camel Pizza’ for ourselves and can’t wait for more of Chef Raydan Bou Mahdi’s magical

creations!For the full story on how ADNEC Hospitality is

injecting local culinary influences into ADNEC and hotel properties in the emirate, make sure you read the next edition of Seyaha.

Seyaha tip:

adnec.ae/visitor/venue/catering

Rhodes 44 On St. Regis Abu Dhabi Menu Rhodes 44, by Michelin-starred celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, will be the flagship restaurant at the new The St. Regis Abu Dhabi - due to open this coming August as part of the iconic Nation Towers development on the Corniche.

Offering Rhodes’ signature contemporary cuisine merged with Arabian influences, Rhodes 44 will be the English chef’s first Abu Dhabi venture.

“To be co-creating a signature dining outlet with the St. Regis brand in a hotel of such exceptional calibre, in a city of Abu Dhabi’s growing international importance, is an exciting adventure for me and my team. Rhodes 44 fully intends to deliver on its promise: making dining an unforgettable event,” revealed Rhodes.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Rhodes 44’s contemporary menu will feature a wide selection of dishes suited for sharing amongst family and friends. Guests can choose to dine either in the elegant indoors, or outdoors on the lush landscaped terrace.

“We are positive that the opening of Rhodes 44 will be hugely popular amongst our international guests and local residents, providing a new culinary experience and setting a new standard for epicureans in the UAE capital,” says Oliver Key, General Manager, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi.

Away from F&B, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will feature 283 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 40 suites, the celebrated signature St. Regis Butler Service, eight restaurants and bars, a destination spa, more than 4,800 square metres of meeting and event space, and over 3,000 square metres of dedicated beach and health club facilities, including two outdoor swimming pools. Starwoodshotels.com/stregis

Asian Flavours Grand Millennium Al Wahda has opened ‘Toshi’ - a signature South East Asian restaurant offering authentic and innovative cuisine from Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and China.

Toshi serves up a wide selection of Asian delicacies and speciality dishes like ‘Lobster Al Wahda’ or ‘Lamb Penang’ with a wide selection of Asian beverages, which can be paired with the dishes.

Toshi is open for dinner daily from 6.00 - 11.30 pm.millenniumhotels.com

Above: Chef Raydan with his camel pizza creation.

Top right: Celebrity chef Gary Rhodes (left) is opening a restaurant in Abu Dhabi.

With seven months until the Formula One™ Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix hits the emirate, an international promotions

strategy to entice more international motorsport fans, conventional

leisure travellers and luxury lifestyle seekers to snap up grand-stand

tickets for the UAE’s flagship sporting event is already rolling out.

Abu Dhabi is…

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F1™

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ICKETS to one of the most anticipated and exciting sporting events on the international calendar, the 2012 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs November 2 - 4, are officially on global sale!

To maximise international footfall, Yas Marina Circuit, the race organiser, has teamed up with headline sponsor, Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers.

“The all-inclusive options enable visitors to experience the best of Abu Dhabi during the most exciting week of the year,” said Richard Cregan, Chief Executive Officer, Yas Marina Circuit. “We work very hard to raise the bar every year, and believe we are offering the most innovative race and entertainment packages out there. Families and visitors of all ages will not be disappointed.”

The destination-driven packages are offered in three categories – Luxury & Lifestyle, Entertainment Seekers and Motorsport Fans – with a view to targeting as many niche sectors as possible. With every package including return Etihad Airways flights to Abu Dhabi in either Coral Economy or Pearl Business class, three nights’ accommodation (Friday 2 to Monday 5 November)

inclusive of breakfast and airport transfers, Grand Prix tickets, a pair of regular or premium Ferrari World Abu Dhabi tickets and an Etihad Race kit, a range of upgrades and add-ons are also available so guests can tailor their race weekend experience both at the circuit and away from it.

Leveraging the core attraction of Grand Prix weekend action, the travel packages are designed to encompass the best of Abu Dhabi’s increasingly diverse tourism portfolio. Ranging from value to luxury, the packages will include a number of city-based tours, wide-ranging leisure activities – from golf to desert safaris - and varied, three-to-five star accommodation options at both city and beachfront resorts.

All race weekend tickets are available internationally through: Hala Abu Dhabi (Etihad Airways’ destination management company), Grand Prix Tickets (Austria), F1.Com (Austria), TRAVEL F1.com (London, UK), Platinium Group (Monaco), BookF1.com (London, UK), Motor Passion LTD (Berkshire, UK), Thomas Cook Sport (UK), Profile F1 Tickets (UK), The Ticket Enterprise bv (Netherlands), Ticket+Travel (Amsterdam), Leisure Far East Ltd (Hong Kong), Thomas Cook India (INDIA).

Full details of all packages can be found at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae or www.etihadracing.com.

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‘Early Bird’ Offer for Regional Race-goers!GCC citizens and residents again have the opportunity to take advantage of a 20 per cent early bird ticket discount – available in all Grandstand seating except the Main Grandstand – and be among 50,000 spectators at the 2012 Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Importantly, new ticketing and entertainment options allow spectators greater freedom to customise their Grand Prix experience by taking advantage of a significantly expanded programme of on-and-off track activities and a raft of city-wide entertainment.

For information on the ‘Early Bird’ discount offer and all ticket prices, log on to: www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

Say G’day to the V8 Supercars!In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages in the Marina Grandstand that grant exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand Boxes provide the same exclusive V8 access.etihadracing.com

The Sound of MusicWith Yasalam, Abu Dhabi’s away-from-the-track FanZone, again offering free-to-attend entertainment on the Corniche, the official after-race concerts at Yas Arena will see the world’s most famous musical acts strut their stuff only yards from the circuit’s outer-wall.

As always, F1 ticket holders can attend for free and be among the 30,000-strong crowds watching world-class international acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park rock the emirate.

Keep abreast of impending news on the F1 related headline concerts by checking the below website. thinkflash.ae

Having originally opened in 1971, the year of the UAE’s birth as an independent nation, Al Ain National Museum, the country’s oldest, has long been the city’s cultural centre.

Now poised for a three-year revamp, the new-look Al Ain National Museum will retain its focus on culture and heritage and delicately outline the emirate’s pre-oil era history.

Alongside the reimagined museum, which sits in the centre of downtown Al Ain, Hili Archaeological Park, one of the city’s UNESCO certified sites, will also be the subject of government-backed enhancements.

As part of a project to protect and preserve the ancient Islamic site and its Bronze and Iron age archaeology, a new centre of learning and discovery is in the pipeline. Visitors will be able to engage with Hili’s well-documented history, learn about the early

days of the UAE and its people, and retrace the work of archaeologists and the late Sheikh Zayed, who jointly uncovered the area’s rich history.

The Al Ain National Museum will provide the intellectual foundation of a new Cultural Quarter, while Hili Archaeological Park will enclose some of the most important Bronze and Iron Age tombs, settlements and falaj systems found in the UAE.

Ultimately, the improvements will allow both sites to develop international-standard identities that will see them serve as educational gateways for international visitors to discover and experience Al Ain’s many treasures and historic stories.

The new museum’s design is still in the concept phase, and the final design will incorporate the original building which is now part of the nation’s history.adach.ae/en/portal/heritage/alain.nationalmuseum.aspx

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Clockwise from top: Hili Archaeological Park is now UNESCO registered; the revamped Al Ain National Museum will retain its focus on culture and heritage.

An idyllic paddle through the Yas Links mangroves.

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For the ultimate sports enthusiasts, Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the region’s first true links golf course, has added kayaking to its ever-growing list of leisure activities.

The award-winning 18-hole facility, which has been voted both the Middle East’s leading course and ranked in the world’s Top 100 courses by Golf World magazine, has partnered with a local tour operator to provide kayaking excursions through its adjacent mangroves.

Starting from the Yas Links jetty, the kayak route meanders around the course’s shoreline. With an abundance of bird and marine life occupying surrounding waterways and islands, paddlers can expect to see everything from cormorants to dolphins. The whole tour, including a compulsory pre-kayak briefing, takes two hours and no special fitness levels are required - the only thing needed is a sense of adventure!

Kayak sessions start from AED 200 (US$55) and the club is happy to arrange special group discounts, as well special Green Fee rates for those wishing to tackle the Kyle Phillips-designed course after getting back to dry land. Yaslinks.com

Tour Operator TipWhy not develop a full day package of sports

/ adventure activities at Yas Links? Your clients could hit the water for a two-hour kayak session in the cooler morning sun, enjoy a selection of buffet, bbq and a la carte offerings at the club’s highly-rated Hickory’s restaurant for lunch, before hitting the course in the afternoon. You never know, they might even remember a few short cuts from their morning paddle!

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Wet and wild: 43 rides, slides and attractions will make up Yas Waterworld Aqua Park.

Dubbed the “world’s most exciting water park construction site” by renowned online portal www.thethemeparkguy.com, Yas Waterworld Aqua Park will formally open in Q4 of this year.

The park, which will include 43 rides, slides and attractions, occupies a whopping 15 hectares of Yas Island – Abu Dhabi’s entertainment capital.

Fittingly, Yas Waterworld Aqua Park’s immersive theme celebrates the emirate’s culturally rich pearl diving heritage and visitors will follow the adventures of main character, ‘Dana’ – a young Emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl which brought prosperity to the people of her village.

In addition to the many water-based slides, rides and attractions, the park - which will be marketed as a full day experience - will also offer restaurants, shops, interactive games, including a pool for pearl diving demonstrations.

“Our brief was to design the best waterpark in the world and create an action-packed experience that suits all age groups and delivers exciting adventures,” says

Mike Oswald, Park Manager. “We’ve developed themed rides and interactive attractions, some of which have never been seen before in a waterpark.”

Around oasis and traditional Arabian fort inspired buildings, the park will offer more than 30 water slides, most of which stem from Jebel Dana – the park’s towering, 45-metre high centerpiece and home to its Great Mother Pearl.

“It was important for us to include a pearl diving attraction to bring local traditions to life,” adds Mike. “From the park’s overarching theme, to the cast of characters within the legend, we have worked hard to showcase the heritage of the Emirati people.”

Among the other rides will be a suspended family-friendly rollercoaster which will wind above the park’s walkways. In addition to the rollercoaster being equipped with water bombs, a selection of water guns, geysers and various aquatic effects will be installed on the ground for guests wanting to soak those on the ride.

Developed by Aldar Properties and operated by Farah Leisure Parks Management, Yas Waterworld Aqua Park will be one of the world’s largest waterparks and an integral part of Yas Island’s entertainment offering, which already includes Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s largest indoor theme park, and Yas Links Golf Course.yasisland.ae/en/news-list/yas-waterworld-aqua-park

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The Story of the Mother Pearl...A long time ago in the village of Qaryat Al Jewana, divers discovered the Mother Pearl amongst oysters on the sea bed. The Mother Pearl brought prosperity and bountiful pearl harvests to the village.

One day, a fierce shamal blew in from the sea. For three days and nights, the worst storm in living memory battered the village. On the fourth morning, just as the winds subsided, the villagers came out from their homes to find the Mother Pearl had vanished.

From then on, pearls became more rare and, over the years, the village fell on hard times. To make matters worse, a gang of greedy bandits moved into the village and stole many of the precious pearls that had been stockpiled by the divers.

Seeing how hard life was in the village, a young girl named Dana asked her mother to tell her the story of the lost Mother Pearl again, so that she could set out to find it and bring prosperity back to the people of Qaryat Al Jewana.

With the bandits in hot pursuit, Dana voyaged across the desert to find the missing pearl. After meeting several friendly animals along the way, Dana’s journey brought her back to an oasis just outside the village where she discovered the missing Mother Pearl!

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Horse play: Sir Bani Yas Stables offer enchanting ways to tour the nature-based getaway.

Horses for CoursesBeginner Loop Ride & LeadWith encouragement and guidance from the resort’s highly-trained equestrian team, this is the perfect opportunity to experience riding for the first time in a 20-minute entry-level product. Price: AED 250 (US$68.50) a person.

Royal Bay RideOnly for advanced riders, this two-hour excursion lets guests take a horse out along Sir Bani Yas Island’s sandy beaches for a splash along the shimmering shallows of the Arabian Gulf, or a canter through the sand and bush areas. Price: AED 350 (US$96) a person.

Private LessonsA variety of lessons are available for those looking to take up horse riding as a sport or hobby. Children aged 5 - 16 can take advantage of the 20-minute Beginner Loop Ride & Lead course, while special group sessions are available in Novice, Intermediate and Advanced classes. All cost AED200 (US$55) for a 45-minute tutorial.

One-on-one tutorials can also be arranged for guests requiring more dedicated sessions, whether dressage or jumping focused. Price: AED 300 (US$82.20) for a one-hour session.

Purpose-built and designed with a strong focus on protecting the environment, the Sir Bani Yas Stables comprise two stable barns, six sand paddocks, two large grass paddocks, a specialist lunging ring, a covered riding arena and dedicated training and riding rings.

The only centre of its type in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, the impressive Sir Bani Stables offer a variety of horseback riding activities and lessons, each tailored to meet the individual abilities of guests – be they first-time or experienced riders.

With stalls for 30 horses, Sir Bani Stables features sustainable lighting and irrigation and is already home to a range of highly-talented horses of different breeds from Arabia and around the world. Crucially, the horses have been gathered from a variety of backgrounds, such as dressage, racing, even polo.

“These facilities will play an important role in enhancing the nature-based offerings of Sir Bani Yas Island to international guests and the local community,” said Laura Jane MacLucas, the centre’s Equestrian Co-ordinator.

Once briefed and saddled up, guests can experience the island’s Arabian Wildlife Park, where an array of indigenous species - including Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Egret cattle and peacocks – will all come into view from the back of their very own, four-legged tour guide.desertislands.com

New, state-of-the-art horse riding facilities at Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara are the luxurious, nature-based getaway’s latest leisure attraction. Seyaha saddles up for a…

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It’s the moment music fans across the Middle East have been waiting for: a chance to witness the concert of the decade as Madonna, the world’s top-selling female recording artist, makes her Abu Dhabi debut appearances on Sunday, June 3rd and Monday, June 4th.

Performing exclusively at Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, as part of her Global Tour, this not-to-be missed concert will make dreams come true for everyone from die-hard Madonna fans to general music lovers.

Concert-goers of all generations can expect an unforgettable pop extravaganza as one of the world’s best live shows - renowned for exceptional production, choreography, performance and artistic flair - comes to Abu Dhabi.

Hala Abu Dhabi, the destination management company of Etihad Airways, has teamed up with FLASH Entertainment, the concert organiser, to create a variety of packages that include concert tickets, ground arrangements and hotel accommodation with selected 3 - 5* hotel partners. For guests travelling from the GCC and Levant, packages – which are already on sale - including Etihad Airways flights are also available.thinkflash.ae

Hotel Partners5-star: Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Khalidiya Palace

Rayhaan by Rotana, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, Saadiyat Island, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi

4-star: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Radisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Island and Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Rotana

3-star: Centro Yas Island Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Art – the modern and contemporary art platform that features dynamic public programmes - will run this year from November 7 - 10 at the Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre and UAE Pavilion in Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island.

Much more than a conventional art fair, Abu Dhabi Art will bring together more than 50 of the world’s leading art galleries to showcase a variety of works in a range of prices - from museum-quality pieces to those in a dedicated section for emerging artists that, in previous years, has proven extremely popular with collectors.

Sideline events include art talks and education workshops and eye-catching displays by more than 500 international artists.

For more information, please email: ecantwell@tdic.ae abudhabiartfair.ae

Gourmet Abu Dhabi – the annual culinary festival which features a masterful collection of the world’s leading masterchefs – will return from 5 - 20 February 2013. This is one of the best corporate entertainment events in the UAE capital. Keep an eye out on www.gourmetabudhabi.ae

When it comes to holding meetings and staging events in Abu Dhabi, organisers are

more spoilt for choice than ever. With world-class hotel facilities and ultra-modern

exhibition centres among the usual suspects, there is also an intriguing list of

bespoke facilities that provide options for every occasion. Seyaha investigated some

unconventional venues and found a host of alternative sites for incentives, meetings

and more. It’s basically a question of...

1) The Domes This highly flexible, igloo-shaped venue is one of the most innovative events and meetings facility concepts in Abu Dhabi.

In the easily accessed Khalifa Park, only a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and a 5-minute drive from Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, The Domes offer a versatile space for hosting receptions, gala dinners, product launches and private functions.

The venue consists of two inflatable marquee-style domes that can accommodate up to 1,200 seated guests. The larger dome has a circumference of 37 metres and 1,075 square metres of floor space. Crucially, additional domes can be inter-connected and hired for larger events.

The Domes’ proximity to five-star hotel properties such as the Park Rotana and Rocco Forte Abu Dhabi (both are only a 10 - 15 minute walk away) add further appeal for guests and delegates eager not to venture too far from their base. thedomesme.com

2) Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - The Residence Cook up a business deal at the UAE’s first residential-style, multi-functional event facility. Five individually-styled event rooms - The Kitchen, The Dining Room, The Majilis, The Drawing Room and The Living Room - surround an exquisite inner courtyard where coffee breaks and meals can be served. The Residence can accommodate from five-to-200 guests.

Arguably the venue’s most original section, The Kitchen is spread over 100 square metres and features a fully-equipped kitchenette that that can be used as an exclusive chef’s table for interactive cooking demonstrations. With a veranda that is capable of accommodating up to 50 guests and is ideal for a cocktail reception, The Kitchen can be connected to the adjacent Dining Room for larger gatherings.

The Residence can be booked as one venue or separately for smaller meetings.abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

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The Domes Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi - The Residence

UAE Pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat

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3) Yas Marina Circuit Put the adrenaline into your meetings at Yas Marina Circuit - home of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, the circuit also offers guests the chance to experience a wide array of track-based activities making it the ideal place to combine work with play. Here’s a closer look:

Team building activities: Corporate driving packages can be booked where delegates can go- kart, do ‘Hot Laps’ in one of the circuit’s race-ready speedsters, or complete a pit stop tyre change exercise.

Meeting facilities: The race track offers a stunning backdrop to corporate meetings which can be held in the facility’s expansive Media Centre. Elsewhere, the Yas Suites or Yas Racing School venues can cater for up to 380 people.

Conferences and exhibition: In addition to the Media Centre, the Yas Paddock, Yas Racing School and Yas Drag Racing Centre are all bespoke venues that can be tailored to accommodate large events, conferences, exhibitions or even small private parties. yasmarinacircuit.com

4) Wadi Adventure Make a splash out of your event, meeting or conference at the region’s first man-made white-water rafting, kayaking and surf facility.

Hunting Culture? Take Aim For ADIHEX!A great cultural experience for visitors this year’s Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), the region’s only hunting, equestrian and outdoor sports expo, will run from September 5 - 8. As well as highlighting traditional values and cultural past-times, ADIHEX offers visitors the chance to buy the latest camping, hunting and equestrian equipment from more than 500 international brands.

The exhibition, which is organised by the Emirates Falconers Club, also features a wide variety of competitions and hunting activities - most of which are based on various aspects of the UAE’s cultural heritage. ADIHEX is great for inclusion in any tour operator itineraries to introduce visitors to falconry, salukis and all aspects of camel raising and racing.

Running in halls 5 - 11 and the ICC at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the exhibition is open daily from 11am to 10pm. Admission is AED10 (US$2.75) for adults and juniors, while under-5’s enter for free. Students who register in advance can also enter for free. adihex.net

Set in the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, the emirate’s highest peak, Wadi Adventure is Al Ain’s newest leisure attraction and features multi-faceted facilities perfect for corporate team building activities and events. The venue also features a large multifunction hall to accommodate large events and, with an adjoining hotel also in the pipeline, the Wadi Adventure proposition is going to go from strength-to-strength.wadiadventure.ae

5) UAE Pavilion and Manarat Al SaadiyatPractice the art of doing business while holding your meetings and events at two of the region’s most exclusive cultural venues.

Following six months at the Expo 2010 Shanghai in China, the UAE pavilion has been remodelled as an exhibition and events venue on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Designed by UK’s architecture firm Foster + Partners, the dune-shaped building has 3,800 square metres of floor space and is the venue of choice for Abu Dhabi Art along with Manarat Al Saadiyat, an adjacent 15,400 square metre venue which can also be hired and split to accommodate events of various sizes. uaepavilion.org

Yas Marina Circuit Wadi Adventure

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an eco-conscious tour operator specialising in kayak and sailing boat rental services and guided tours, are partnering with local hotels, clubs and other entities to introduce and manage schemes in their properties (see Yas Links kayaking story on page 19).

Operating from a private stretch of beach in Al Bahia, just a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Noukhada Adventure Company has grown from a kayak-only rental enterprise into a multi-faceted eco tour operator offering low-impact kayaking, sailing, blo-karting and trail biking adventures around the stunning coastal waters and inland areas of Abu Dhabi.

Mark Freeman, its co-founder and owner, believes

Abu Dhabi is now replete with marine-based tourismproducts - fromtranquil catamaran day-trips and kayaking routes through protected mangroves, to ultra-chic yacht charters.

With 400 kilometres of natural coastline and more than 200 natural islands to explore, Abu Dhabi’s abundant coastal areas offer visitors almost limitless

opportunities to hit the high seas and experience a myriad of water-based tourism activities.

Increasingly, local and expatriate entrepreneurs are finding new and innovative methods to entice people onboard. Some ventures, such as the hugely popular Yellow Boats – which offers high-speed tours along the Corniche and around Lulu Island – have established themselves as credible ‘attractions’ in their own right.

Others, such as Noukhada Adventure Company,

W

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Abu Dhabi is only just beginning to realise its marine tourism potential: “In terms of natural areas to explore and genuine year-round weather, Abu Dhabi has the best sailing conditions of anywhere I have seen – and I have sailed all over the world,” says Mark. “We have year-round weather and guaranteed winds at certain times of the day across much of the emirate - 90 per cent of which are onshore – so it’s really easy for people to get on the water and sail.”

While the majority of Noukhada’s business stems from the UAE’s resident expat community, Mark is not alone in seeking ways to entice foreign visitors on to the water.

With a family background in fishing and pearl diving, Bader Al Ali, CEO of Bu Tinah Cruising Boats, chose to venture away from desert camp-style tour services to marine tourism in 2008 when he bought a used yacht. From initially chartering out the single vessel, Bader has gone on to broker deals with several local and international yacht charter companies.

Bu Tinah Cruising Boats, which is launching various

dhow cruise packages in Q2, will also take delivery of a 75-foot catamaran in May. Capable of accommodating 100 - 120 passengers, the catamaran is just the latest vessel in Bader’s aqua-tourism master plan.

“We are trying to support local families by introducing dhow cruises, on locally-built dhows, into the market. We need Emiratis to play important roles in everything from captaining the boats and giving local insights, to ensuring a local flavour in our onboard activities and catering. We want to give our guests an authentic experience of Abu Dhabi’s rich maritime heritage,” says Bader.

Another Emirati, Tameem Al Hammadi, utilised financial assistance – much like Bader - from the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to set up the Western Marine Sport Club (WMSC), of which he is CEO. The WMSC is developing its own niche in the aqua-tourism sector by providing holistic watersport services for hotels in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region of Al Gharbia. Again, Tameen is eager for Emiratis to play a steering role.

“Local knowledge, as I see it, drives the entire visitor experience. The Western Region has the longest

The Village is an “investment of love” for Khalfan.

stretches of coastline in the UAE and if people want to know where the best wrecks, reefs and fishing spots are, they need to consult the locals because it was probably one of us that discovered them.”

Not all the progression, however, can be credited to locals. One Abu Dhabi-based operator dovetailing vast amounts of international and regional experience with first-in-market marine hospitality products is Captain Berend Lens van Rijn, the CEO and founder of Belevari Marine.

As well as providing charter and rental services for all manner of nautical vessels, from jet-skis to luxury yachts, Captain Berend operates weekend tours from Emirates Palace Marina on a futuristic, best-in-class, 74-foot catamaran. The Dutchman is intent on establishing Belevari Marine as Abu Dhabi’s undisputed leader in marine hospitality.

The company’s newest product will help: scenic Friday cruises to an uninhabited sand bank - dubbed ‘Belevari Island’ by Berend – are the ideal way for guests to truly

‘get out to the water’.“We let people disconnect from the city,” explains

Captain Berend. “It’s a four-hour package run by a European crew that lets guests raise the sails and see a side of Abu Dhabi they never will experience from land. We take guests on a one-hour sail to Belevari Island, which has the softest, cleanest sand in Abu Dhabi. They can swim, snorkel or play Frisbee on the island. The catamaran can comfortably hold 47 people, has VIP seating, two toilets, a BBQ area and plenty of spots for sunbathing. There is nothing else like it in the emirate.”

For more information on any of the above operators, please see the below links and contact details:Noukhada Adventure Company – mark@noukhada.ae / noukhada.aeWestern Marina Sports Club – ceo@wmsc.ae / westernuae.comBu Tinah Cruising Boats – bader@butainacruising.com / butainicruising.comBelevari Marine – berend@belevari.com / belevari.com

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The centre, which has been designed to tie in with the architecture of the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara to which it is adjacent, will be on the shoreline of the Arabian Gulf.

The conference centre will feature: ‘Dhabi’ Ballroom: an impressive venue, which accommodates 320 guests in banquet style seating; 460 guests in auditorium style seating; 552 guests capacity for cocktail events as well as three meeting rooms that can be divided into six break-out rooms, all around a private courtyard. These are: Al Maha (Al Maha 1, Al Maha 2); Al Anood (Al Anood 1, Al Alnood 2); Al Ghizlan (Al Ghizlan 1, Al Ghizlan 2). It will also have a business centre, state-of-the art audio-visual equipment; extensive outdoor terraces with shaded and non-shaded external decking; an entrance and reception

lobby and circulation corridors for pre-assembly gatherings and prayer rooms.

The centre’s architecture pays tribute to Emirati design. The building will leverage stunning Arabian Gulf views to the north-west while arches, decorative columns, and tensile tents adorn the porte-cochère and terraces, to match details of the existing resort.

The rustic exterior theme continues inside, with timber doors and lightly aged timber joinery. The venue will feature intricately hand tufted carpets, a rich palette of blue and gold, as well as ornate timber details on the furniture, give the space a refined look and feel. Artwork adorning the walls will depict the story of the island’s ancient monastery.desertislands.com

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Abu Dhabi has fought off rival bids from Vancouver, Canada and Florence, Italy, to secure hosting rights for the 16th World Conference on Tobacco or Health (WCTOH) – a tri-annual event that will gather in the emirate come March 2015.

The five-day WCTOH will make its Middle East debut at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre bringing 3,000 specialist delegates to Abu Dhabi and generating an expected direct economic benefit of AED14million (US$3,836,000).

Abu Dhabi won the right to follow Washington DC (2006), Mumbai (2009) and this year’s event in Singapore, by partnering with the Emirates Cardiac Society and the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi.

A core component of Abu Dhabi’s winning bid was the decision to dedicate funds for developing African and Asian nations to attend the 2015 event. Vitally, the WCTOH committee is eager to make the conference content accessible to developing countries where tobacco consumption far outweighs public sector health notifications on the dangers of smoking.

“Abu Dhabi’s multi-faceted bid brought together so many attributes, from the emirate’s prime geographical location to its philanthropic promise to expand the conference’s international reach,” said Gillian Taylor, Business Tourism Manager, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

The conference will bring together officials from sectors as diverse as medicine, government and international health organisations to explore a range of public policy issues surrounding the use of tobacco and tobacco control. Its core content will focus on:

related information

obstacles and challenges, in particular regarding the implementation of the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

worldwide

countries with different cultures and varying levels of economic development

tobacco control fields

common to several countries or regions to strengthen the international tobacco control network

control to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.

For more information, please visit: www.wctoh2015.org.

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bu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline, has thrown its hat into the global stopover market by introducing Essential Stopovers – part of the Essential Abu Dhabi programme.

With the eye-catching offer of one night’s free accommodation to passengers who stop off in Abu Dhabi for a minimum of two nights before December 1, 2012, Essential Stopovers allows the carrier’s guests to choose from 25 partner hotel options, ranging from three-to-five star.

Further nights in five and four star accommodation can be purchased at rates as low as US$59 per person, based on twin occupancy, and US$43 for three star accommodation.

Etihad Airways’ passengers can also take advantage of the stopover programme’s extensive two-for-one tie-ins with a host of the emirate’s leading leisure attractions, such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, Monte Carlo Beach Club and all three of Abu Dhabi’s championship-standard golf courses - Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Golf Club. Two-for-one safaris or city tours can also be claimed from operators Desert Safari and Abu Dhabi City Tour.

Available to all the carrier’s guests or those travelling on Etihad Airways marketed flights, passengers must have an onward booking beyond Abu Dhabi to redeem the offer. etihad.com/stopovers

Partner HotelsFive starMillenium Hotel Abu DhabiPark RotanaKhalidiya Palace Rayhaan by RotanaInterContinental Abu DhabiBeach Rotana Hotel and TowersWestin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & SpaRocco Forte Hotel Abu DhabiGrand Millennium Al WahdaJumeirah at Etihad TowersHyatt Capital GateYas Viceroy Abu DhabiEastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by AnantaraFairmont Bab Al BahrThe St. Regis Saadiyat Island ResortPark Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & VillasShangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Four starYas Island RotanaCristal Abu Dhabi HotelCrowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas IslandCristal SalamMafraq HotelRadisson Blu Hotel Abu Dhabi, Yas IslandTraders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

Three starCentro Al ManhalCentro Yas Island

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Complimentary 96-Hour UAE VisasFor Etihad GuestsEtihad Airways, in conjunction with the four-star Radisson Blu Yas Island, is offering free 96-hour tourist visas to guests transiting through the UAE.

The offer is valid for travellers previously eligible for Etihad Airways’ paid-for visa service (available at a cost of AED 300/ US$82.20), including passport holders from Bangladesh, Belarus, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Eligible guests must have confirmed overnight accommodation at the Radisson Blu Yas Island, available at promotional rates from USD 70 per person per night.

To book accommodation and apply for a complimentary visa, guests can visit etihad.com/freeuaevisa. A passport copy and passport-sized photograph are required for processing visa applications.

Editor’s note: Terms and conditions apply and approval of applications is at the sole discretion of the UAE Immigration authorities. Hotel rates are US$ 70 per person, per night, including breakfast, 24-hour check-in and 96-hour visa. Booking must be made 72 hours in advance and is subject to availability.

Etihad.com / etihad.com/freeuaevisaradissonblu.com/abu-dhabi

Air Seychelles Checks InAir Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of the Seychelles, has begun new direct services from Mahé to Abu Dhabi, complementing air links currently being operated by Etihad Airways on the route.

Between Air Seychelles and Etihad Airways, which owns a 40 per cent stake in the former, there are now six return flights a week linking Abu Dhabi and the Indian Ocean archipelago - two by Air Seychelles and four by Etihad Airways – with a total of 1,944 seats.

There are also plans to introduce a seventh service from June. Etihad.com / Airseychelles.net

Sky High CollateralsIn an initiative to promote Abu Dhabi in emerging markets, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority has been working closely with Afghanistan’s Safi Airways and Kazakhstan’s Air Astana to provide destination brochures and information packs to the airlines’ partners and outbound tour operators,

Safi Airways To boost Afghan tour operators’ capacity to inform their clients about Abu Dhabi’s major landmarks and distinctive tourism offerings, visitor guides and destination brochures will soon be distributed to 50 tour operators in Kabul, the country’s capital.

Safi Airways operates four-weekly flights - on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays - from Kabul to Abu Dhabi. The airline plans to increase to daily services within the next few months.safiairways.aero

Air AstanaAbu Dhabi tourism collaterals will also be distributed to leading travel agencies in Astana and Almaty - Kazakhstan’s two major cities.

Air Astana currently operates daily flights to Abu Dhabi from Almaty and thrice-weekly services from Astana.Airastana.com

All Aboard The Eastern Express!Eastern Express LLC, a Fujairah-based carrier that was formerly Al Hajjar Air, will start operating twice-daily flights to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) this summer.

Eastern Express, which aims to mirror the ‘air feeder’ concept popular in Europe and the US by creating the first domestic air link between the UAE’s Northern Emirates and the country’s capital city, will also allow its passengers to connect to hundreds of regional and international destinations through AUH. Charter services will also be available.

For more information, email: info@flyEasternExpress.com

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa sits within Abu Dhabi’s protected mangrove forest.

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NANTARA’s third Abu Dhabi property is a completely different proposition to the other destination-themed entries in its local portfolio, Desert Islands Resort & Spa and Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort.

While the Western region retreats appeal to more leisure-minded guests, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, a city property owned and developed by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), has cast its nets on more diverse catch.

“As our first city hotel in Abu Dhabi, we offer an outstanding experience for the growing number of destination and corporate travellers visiting Abu Dhabi,” outlines David, when dissecting the Mangroves property’s target guest demographic.

That’s not to say the hotel’s guests - which David predicts will be a “45% business, 30% leisure, 20% MICE and 5% other” breakdown – will not enjoy a traditional experience.

OOpening late QQ2 and occupyingg a 1.2 kkiillooommeettrree sttrreetch of Abu Dhabi’s pprrootteected

Eastern Mangroves District, the emiratee’s newesstt AAnantara-operated pproperty -

the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabbii - pprromises

a completely alternative level of five-star luxury. To leeaarrnn mmoorree, Seyaha caught up

wwith David Garner, Anantara’s Regional Director of Saleess && MMaarkkeeting.

We discovered everything from the UAE’s largest VIP ssuuite, TThhe Royal MMaannggrroovvees

Residence, to the country’s biggest locally-inspiirreedd HHaammmam spa faaccility.

In short, it all sounds…

“Keeping to the brand’s core values of incorporating indigenous culture into each property, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa is a true Abu Dhabi hotel with Emirati traditions and influences reflected throughout. In addition to the corporate market, this will be an ideal destination for leisure travellers, meetings and residents of the UAE to enjoy the hotel and city.”

Ultimately, David sees the potential to combine resources and cross-promote the company’s three Abu Dhabi properties as Anantara’s wildcard in the emirate’s increasingly competitive hotel market.

“The opening of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa will really give Anantara a unique and competitive advantage,” explains David. “We are the only hotel brand to offer such unique and diverse products; we believe we can showcase the best Abu Dhabi has to offer, whether it’s desert, island or city.”

With such an appealing cross-section of properties

33

on offer, David maintains the Eastern Mangroves resort will attract as many local and regional guests as it will international.

“We expect to receive a high proportion of business from within the UAE and GCC with our key international source markets being Germany, the UK, Russia, China, Switzerland and France,” he says - before revealing a series of globe-trotting marketing opportunities are in the pipeline to heighten awareness amongst international trade representatives.

“We have committed to over 15 international sales, road show and exhibitions this year, primarily in conjunction with Abu Dhabi Culture & Tourism Authority, as we look to ensure that we have an extensive distribution network internationally.”

Inevitably, a significant chunk of the property’s inbound-focused attention will be spent educating the trade on Anantara’s triple-pronged Abu Dhabi proposition.

“We are working with international tour operators, travel agents and local ground agents on a number of tailored packages to promote Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas in the UAE,” continues David. “As a destination experience, we are now able to offer three diverse experiences to our guests - city, desert or island based hotels & resorts, or even a combination of all three for travellers who wish to sample the array of options available here in the UAE.”

Its local sibling properties aside, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa’s integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential concept has plenty to offer guests on its own. While the majority of visitors will, no doubt, find themselves in one of the 222-room property’s ‘Deluxe Balcony’ suites, the most opulent accommodation option comes courtesy of the UAE’s largest VIP suite: The Royal Mangroves Residence.

Offering a lavish yet residential feel, the total size of the luxurious suite can be adapted from three-to-seven en-suite bedrooms depending on guest requirements, while its stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the mangroves enjoys unrivalled views of a 10-metre swimming pool and rooftop BBQ entertainment area. Royal Mangroves Residence guests will also have access to a limousine service, private chef, butler and a massage and beauty therapist.

Elsewhere, the region’s largest Hammam and an exclusive spa will feature separate lobbies and check-in areas for men and women, ensuring paramount levels of privacy. With multiple treatment rooms and relaxation lounge, no expense has been spared to ensure the hotel punches its weight in the lucrative spa sector.

If it’s action not relaxation guests are chasing, Anantara has that covered too. Nestled in a tranquil, environmentally-protected district that was of great

personal importance to the late UAE President, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, David reiterated his plan to ensure the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa leverages its natural assets.

“We want all of our guests to leave with an amazing story,” he says. “So we will be offering a number of city based tours along with specialist activities specific to our location, which will include kayaking adventures through the Mangroves.”anantara.com

And on the F&B side…In addition to Mangroves Lounge,

its striking lobby lounge, the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa will feature

two signature restaurants: Ingredients and Pachaylen (meaning ‘mangrove’ in Thai).

Ingredients, an all-day dining restaurant, will offer an array of international cuisine courtesy of live cooking stations. Lengthy, spacious terraces offer al fresco dining with the mangroves as a delicious backdrop.

With fresh and seasonal produce underlining its culinary ethos, Pachaylen – a 52-cover Thai restaurant - features an open kitchen and chef’s table.

Elsewhere, the Impressions rooftop lounge has its sights set on establishing a reputation as Abu Dhabi’s sleekest new nightlife destination. A multi-colour LED lighting system, with different colours to suit the desired ambience, will help create moods for every occasion.

David Garner, Anantara’s Regional Director of Sales & Marketing

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HHHootteells

D’ ‘ACCOR’ ABU DHABIAccor Group, the giant French hotel

group, has big plans for Abu Dhabi, with four properties poised to open by the end of this year.

The new properties will take the hospitality group’s total Abu Dhabi room count to 1,600, covering its Novotel, Sofitel, Mercure, Ibis and Adagio brands.

Following the recent launch of the five-star Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, next up are the four-star Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate and three-star Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate – both the ‘Between the Bridges’ hotels are scheduled for Q4 openings.

Elsewhere, the impressive Novotel and Adagio Al Bustan – a five-building complex in the heart of the city - is expected to open by year-end. The mammoth property will feature a four-

Planned Adagio Al Bustan, Abu Dhabi.

40 YEARS YOUNG!The three-star Hilton Al Ain is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, which coincides nicely with the UAE’s 40th year as an independent nation.

Having opened in 1971, this landmark hotel is currently undergoing a complete refurbishment, the first phase of which has seen improvements to its Hiltonia Recreation gym, guest rooms, F&B facilities and lobby.hiltonworldwide.com

Following a two-and-a-half year refurbishment, expansion and rebranding project, Abu Dhabi’s four-star Mafraq Hotel is enjoying a new lease of life.

Boasting 250 spacious guest rooms with balconies and garden or pool views, the hotel has free high-speed internet connections and interactive TVs for guests to read daily newspapers, check the weather and view bills on-screen.

Meeting facilities have also revamped with a refreshed business centre, three meeting rooms and a ballroom for up to 270 guests.

“We expanded the property by taking the room number from 120 to 250 rooms, added more F&B outlets and took hospitality technology to a new level,” says General Manager Ghassan Fares, who oversaw the refurbishment. “One of our greatest challenges was to remain open throughout the whole process. This was successfully achieved with minimum complaints from guests.”

With a ladies’ beauty salon, gift shop and in-house car rental services, the hotel also offers free transport to the nearby Delma and Bawadat Al Sharq malls. On-site leisure activities have also been upgraded with tennis, squash, badminton, volleyball, ping pong and pool now available. Elsewhere children have a new play area and catering options have also been significantly enhanced.

“We now have five F&B outlets, including our key signature restaurant, Burlington Grill; Olive Branch is our all-day dining restaurant; two bars, Hunter’s and Rimal; and the Oasis Courtyard,” continues Fares.

Once a quiet residential area, Al Mafraq is now a bustling area of Abu Dhabi city and full of educational, residential and commercial developments. Less than 15 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Yas and Saadiyat Islands, Mafraq Hotel also hopes to leverage its strategic location on the UAE–Saudi Arabian highway by attracting inbound Saudi visitors.

“Many of Abu Dhabi developments are now taking place in Al Mafraq area, it is the city’s future hub,” adds Fares.mafraq-hotel.com

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The refurbished Mafraq Hotel.

Watch Out For More From RotanaAbu Dhabi-headquartered Rotana Group is planning to open more properties in the UAE capital this year. The Centro Capital Centre will open in this second quarter within the Capital Centre development. It will have 414 rooms and suites, the latest in-room technology, two meeting rooms and a well-equipped sizeable gym.

Due to open in Q3 is the Capital Centre Rotana. Once again in the Capital Centre development, this hotel will have 300 spacious rooms and suites, a wide variety of restaurants and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.rotana.com

star Novotel property, as well as Adagio-branded deluxe hotel apartments - the first Adagio property outside of Europe.

With six F&B outlets and 361 deluxe rooms and suites, the Novotel in the Al Bustan development will feature extensive meetings facilities, including dedicated six meeting rooms, a lavish boardroom and a 1,035 square metre ballroom. Leisure facilities will include: a fitness and wellness centre, sauna, steam bath, jacuzzi and an outdoor swimming pool.

Featuring 279 well-appointed luxury apartments, the Adagio deluxe hotel apartments will be connected to the Novotel hotel - offering short- and long-term guests access to the neighbouring hotel’s extensive facilities and services.accor-hotels.com

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Where You Can Find YourAbu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority Partners

Here’s where you’ll find the contact details of our local and international offices. Please remember that Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority’s normal business hours in the UAE are from 8am to 4pm, Sunday to Thursday.

abudhabitourism.aevisitabudhabi.aeabudhabievents.ae

Our Toll free number in the UAE

800 555International toll free number is

+971 666 4442

Abu DhabiPO Box 94000Abu Dhabi UAEtel: +971 2 444 0444fax: +971 2 444 0400email: info@adta.ae

Al AinAli Bin Abi Taleb StreetPO Box 59333, Al Ain, UAEtel: +971 3 764 2000fax: +971 3 764 456email: info@adta.ae

AustraliaLevel 13, 338 Pitt StreetSydney NSW 2000, Australiatel: +61 2 82685533fax: +61 2 9268 0243email: australia@adta.ae

ChinaGuohua Investment BuildingLevel 1, Room 01 No. 3 Dongzhimen South StBeijing, 100007People’s Republic of Chinatel: +86 21 6355 8033fax: +86 21 6375 6255email: china@adta.ae

France11 Bis, Rue Blanche 75009 Paris, Francetel: + 33 1 5325 0352fax: +33 1 5325 1112email: france@adta.ae

GermanyGoethestrasse 27 60313 Frankfurt, Germanytel: +49 69 299 253 920 fax: +49 69 299 253 920 email: germany@adta.ae

ItalyVia Pietrasanta 1420141 Milan, Italytel: +39 02 573 78315 fax: +39 02 57378572email: italy@adta.ae

RussiaProspekt Mira, 39 / 2Olympic Plaza - 2129110, Moscow, Russiatel: +7 495 937 5950fax: +7 495 937 5951email: mshandarov@adta.ae

UK & IrelandNo 1. KnightsbridgeLondon SW1X 7LY, UKtel: +44 207 201 6400fax: +44 207 210 6426email: UK@adta.ae

USA1120 Avenue of the AmericasSuite 4047New York, NY 10036Tel: +1 212 338 0101email: usa@adta.ae