The Abu Dhabi magic

Introduction

Just seven hours flying time from London, and served by regular daily flights, Abu Dhabi is a destination that is within easy reach of the UK – and yet is in many ways miles apart in terms of traditions, culture and history.

In this module we will give you some of the most important and unique selling points that make Abu Dhabi a must see destination.

Don’t just take our word for it

“I had never been to the Middle East but I thought I had an idea of what to expect. Abu Dhabi surpassed all of my expectations and I found the place and the people so enchanting. Everyone we met was so friendly, gracious and incredibly proud of their country and culture.”
Lynn Conetta, Beckenham

“It is truly a land of such diversities, modern city against ancient landscape, strict culture and beliefs against cutting edge technology. It is such a fascinating destination”
Simon Gaden, Croydon

“Al Ain is an absolutely outstanding corner of the world with breath-taking views of the valley and surrounding desert.”
Tony Booth, Brighton

“They have harmoniously discovered how to keep traditions alive alongside modern day life.”
Jo Parkinson, Newcastle Upon Tyne

“A great place to relax, unwind and enjoy being pampered”
Angie Meddins, Hertfordshire

“The desert excursion was phenomenal and a real highlight”
Billy Dawes, London

“There is so much to do and see, that we have booked to go back a second time. The food is sensational. The people are fantastic. Take some time to learn about the history – it is fascinating!”
Adele Fitzpatrick, Maidstone

The Magic of Abu Dhabi

A warm welcome

One of the most amazing things about Abu Dhabi – and something that will stay with your client long after their return to the UK – is the warmth of the people. Abu Dhabi offers embraces visitors with a genuine welcoming warmth that will make your clients feel truly at home.

This welcoming culture is almost unmatched around the world, and is one of the hidden gems of Abu Dhabi and yet another reason to visit this fascinating country.

So many holidaymakers are looking for more than ‘fly and flop’ and are enthusiastic about exploring the culture and history of the countries they visit.

The history and culture of Abu Dhabi offer a fascinating insight into the UAE and the Middle East region – and will enlighten and interest even the most frequent of travellers.

If the visitor is not purely there to explore and understand the history and culture of Abu Dhabi, then it will certainly provide a fascinating backdrop to the holiday, and add a rich edge to any visit.

Abu Dhabi is served by direct daily flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow, giving your client the opportunity to decide on the length of the holiday as they are not restricted to 7 or 14 night breaks.

The choice of Heathrow or Gatwick will give your clients that additional choice on departure point.

On top of this, it is just a 7 hour flight, and just 3 hours time difference in the summer (4 in the winter). This means that the holiday can start as soon as the flight lands thanks to little or no jet lag, and just a short comfortable flight. This also means it is ideal for any client – business, leisure and families.

Additionally it is just a short 40 minute transfer from the airport. On the return journey, time should be taken to visit the well stocked duty free shops in the airport for last minute bargains before flying home.

Getting into Abu Dhabi couldn’t be easier. British citizen passport holders can obtain a free entry visa upon arrival, removing much of the headache of arranging a visa prior to travel.

No vaccinations means that clients avoid the hassle of visiting the GP or specialist vaccination centre in the weeks before the holiday.

This means that not only can visitors travel without hassle, but it also makes Abu Dhabi ideal for those who are looking for a last minute break.

Please note that entry restrictions and health requirements can change, so clients should be advised to check these prior to travel.

Year round sunshine, great temperatures, and little chance of rain threatening to spoil the clients well deserved breaks.

Remember with some of the hottest temperatures in the summer – this is often a great time to visit for those clients who are particularly price conscious.

Great temperatures in the winter make this an ideal winter sun destination too – a great option for the growing number of holidaymakers who seek a break from the UK cold and wet winter months!

This fascinating and modern city will provide visitors with the ultimate break. It offers the most modern amenities of any city – giving clients in search of a great pampering experience a wide choice of facilities.

The compact nature of this island city also means that travelling around the city is reasonably priced with everything in easy reach.

However, Abu Dhabi city isn’t just about the modern. It is also the history and culture that makes this city so fascinating. So in one day visitors can enjoy the modern facilities of the Corniche and marina, see history in action at the souks, and set sail at sunset on a traditional dhow.

Remember also that as an island city, great beaches, promenades and beach front facilities can be experienced all around the city – a great addition to the facilities the hotels offer.The islands

One of the unique aspects of Abu Dhabi is the 200 islands off the coast. These stunning islands are well worth a visit, and are earmarked for some of the most impressive tourist developments in the world.

Well placed investment by the ruling family over the past 40 years, has given Abu Dhabi the most modern and well planned infrastructure, making the telecommunications, roads, airports, health system and parks extremely visitor friendly and of a world class standard.

All of this means that visits to Abu Dhabi are hassle free – making total relaxation almost compulsory!

Abu Dhabi offers some of the finest hotels anywhere in the world – from the opulence of the Emirates Palace, through to the beach front hotels of Abu Dhabi city and the hotels welcoming visitors to Al Ain. They all offer world class facilities that will truly welcome and spoil any visitor.

If they are looking for more than the luxurious modern facilities, beaches, culture and history that the city offers – then why not send them off to the desert?

Remember that Abu Dhabi makes up 87% of the total area of the UAE – which is itself about the size of Austria. This means that Abu Dhabi offers so much more than just a city.

This gives you the flexibility to create a holiday that best meets your client’s needs.

The stunning area of unspoiled desert lands, interrupted only by traditional Bedouin camps, provides one of the most exhilarating and fascinating excursions that any destination can offer, and will be a source of great interest to all types of clients.

Thrill seekers will love the chance to go ‘dune bashing’ by 4X4, culture vultures will love the insight into Bedouin life and cuisine, and everyone will love watching the sunset over the desert lands of Abu Dhabi.

Additionally, as one of the worlds’ biggest producers of oil, why not take in a visit to Western Province, where on-land oil rigs provide a spectacular backdrop to the desert areas.

Abu Dhabi’s second city gives your client even more choice.

Al Ain places more of an emphasis on the traditional – there are no high rise modern buildings here, and the city is rich in culture. In addition it boasts what must be the best decorated roundabouts in the world!

The historic buildings and monuments give visitors the opportunity to understand more about Abu Dhabi’s past; the natural beauty of the oasis plantations offer a great respite from the heat; the natural springs are a real draw to visitors and locals alike; and there is little that can beat the stunning views from the peak of Jebel Hafeet mountain.

Hopefully throughout this training course you will have discovered that the mix of modern and traditional, city and desert and beaches and oases makes Abu Dhabi a must see destination.

The shopping, sporting, adventure and cultural facilities in Abu Dhabi means that visitors can do as little or as much as they want.

Relax on the pristine beaches and luxurious hotels to completely unwind, or opt for an action packed holiday taking in the best activities that the region can offer. Or ideally, why not go for a combination of the two?

The diversity of the opportunities that Abu Dhabi offers means that the destination will appeal to a broad range of visitors.

Families will be attracted by the ease by which visitors can travel to Abu Dhabi, the year round sunshine, great hotel facilities and beaches, a range of activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family and the opportunity to expose children to a different culture.

Those looking for complete relaxation in a luxury destination will be spoiled for choice by the range of excellent hotels and facilities on offer, with the added attraction of year round sunshine.

If shopping is a must do activity on a holiday for clients, then Abu Dhabi offers everything from luxury modern malls with leading retail brands, to the traditional souk for that unusual and authentic gift or souvenir. The duty free shopping is of course an essential added attraction too!

Culture vultures can immerse themselves in the fascinating traditions of the region, exploring the great monuments and buildings that can be enjoyed across Abu Dhabi, and enjoy the smells and cuisine of Arabia.

Those in search of activity and adventure can enjoy the fantastic range of sporting facilities on offer, and they can take a once in a lifetime thrilling journey into the desert. The range of activity options on offer is vast – everything from cycling up Jebel Hafeet mountain to enjoying the gyms and health clubs of the hotels.

One growing area for tourism is the cuisine that can be enjoyed in a destination. Abu Dhabi certainly doesn’t disappoint here either – offering pretty much every type of international cuisine.

Arabian cuisine is a blend of many types of cooking – including North African, Iranian, Egyptian and Lebanese. The range of food available is mouth-watering, and will provide a great attraction to those in search of great food.

Experience the magic

What is fantastic about Abu Dhabi is that the destination has only recently found its place on the world tourist map. This gives Abu Dhabi a freshness and edge that really does make it a must see destination.

The variety of opportunities that can be enjoyed in Abu Dhabi, and the warmth of welcome clients will receive are world class and enduring.

Enjoying an ease of access that makes it the envy of many places, this year round destination is ready to welcome you, and your clients to experience the magic of Abu Dhabi.

[testbutton]