Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates making up the United Arab Emirates and constitutes nearly 87% of the nation´s total land area including nearly 200 islands. This makes Abu Dhabi the largest as well as the most populated of all the emirates. Described as the ‘Garden City’ of the Gulf’, Abu Dhabi and the island on which it stands, is graced with parks, green boulevards and verdant gardens. Historically, Abu Dhabi was only inhabited about 250 years ago and for most part of that time, it remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered around 50 years ago. This transformation from a small fishing village to one of the most modern cities in the world is because of the large amounts of revenues from oil, making Abu Dhabi one of the world´s richest cities. This new found prosperity is clearly reflected in its modern infrastructure, shopping complexes, and recently developed tourist attractions. State-of-the-art communication services and transport, the presence of most international luxury hotel chains, rich shopping malls, cultural centres and events have made the emirate a favourite destination for visitor and home to many nationalities. Activities range from shopping in the upmarket shops to haggling in the souk, travelling in an air-conditioned limousine to riding a camel in the desert, dining in five-star luxury to sampling Bedouin hospitality under the night sky.

Our Thoughts

Abu Dhabi is one of the safest tourist destinations in the world with some of the best tourist facilities available. A vibrant, captivating city with an impressive skyline, parks, gardens, luxury hotels, wide boulevards and white sandy beaches, Abu Dhabi also features dramatic desert landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for an array of sporting activities including golf and four wheel drive adventures. Ramadan is strictly observed for one month commencing either September 23rd or 24th 2006 (exact date to be announced). During this period Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, with no food, drink or cigarettes being allowed to pass their lips and some hotel restaurants are closed.

Transfers

Journey times from Abu Dhabi airport to Abu Dhabi hotels are subject to prevailing traffic conditions. Approximate transfer times are shown in the individual hotel description text.

Time Difference: GMT +4
Currency: UAE Dirham
Flying Time: Approx 8 hours to Bahrain.
Visa: Please note that no visa for entry into Abu Dhabi is required for Irish passport holders provided their stay does not exceed 30 days.