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Over the next few years, numerous world-class development projects throughout Abu Dhabi – from new luxury hotels, resorts, leisure attractions and shopping malls, to low, mid and high-income residential communities - will dramatically evolve the destination.
Here’s a look at what you can expect from Abu Dhabi in the future:
Just 500 metres offshore Abu Dhabi city, the 27km² Saadiyat Island is undergoing remarkable transformation that will see it become a world-class leisure, residential, business and cultural hub.
Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District will house the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets, including the Lord Norman Foster-designed Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Frank Gehry-conceived Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. A performing arts centre and a maritime museum will add to the portfolio of leading cultural institutions, all of which have been designed by Pritzker prize-winners.
Zoned into seven distinct districts featuring diverse offerings, Saadiyat, a natural island, will be a multifaceted destination. Already the island features the magnificent, shore-line Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and a modern exhibition centre and is readying for the opening of a luxurious beach club and two, fabulous ocean-view resorts.
With schools and the New York University-Abu Dhabi campus adding an educational emphasis, Saadiyat will be a relaxed waterfront home for residents; a cultural magnet for art lovers; the home of dazzling architectural icons; a pristine beachfront tourism destination and a focal point for compelling sporting experiences.
Saadiyat Island is just seven minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi via a modern, 10-lane superhighway, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 50 minutes from Dubai.
What’s open on Saadiyat Island now:
Manarat Al Saadiyat
This purpose built visitor centre - Manarat Al Saadiyat (which translates from Arabic as 'a place that provides enlightenment'), brings the island's vision to life. It currently has two galleries open to the public. The state-of- the-art Saadiyat Island exhibition, 'The Saadiyat Story,' is on permanent display and gives visitors an interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island and the Zayed National Museum model. Additionally, the 'Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery' is a permanent space for a series of exhibitions and educational programmes organised by Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC). Manarat also boasts the fully-licenced Al Fanr restaurant for snacks, lunch and dinner.
Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat
With its own unique style, Monte Carlo Beach Club celebrates the elegance of its renowned sister club on the Riviera. Leisure services include, outdoor swimming pool, workout room with fitness and wellness programmes, spa facilities, sauna and steam rooms, kids' pool and playing areas, and private cabanas and loungers set on the stunning, white beach. There’s also The Library Lounge, a shop, three lounges and restaurants.
Splendours of Mesopotamia
This exhibition introduces the history of the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia, a crucial region in the development of human civilisation. Through trade and contact over long distances, Mesopotamia became a great junction at the very centre of civilization, where art and literature flourished and it is considered the birthplace of the first truly ‘international cities’.
Splendours of Mesopotamia is shown at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 29 March - 27 June 2011
Fanr Restaurant
A recent addition to the emirate’s dining options is Fanr – which translates as Lighthouse - at the Manarat Al Saadiyat. This is where those with a taste for art will find a menu with an art of taste, featuring a wide variety of regional and international cuisine. Seating up to 250 guests, guests can choose to sit inside and view the outdoors through floor-to-ceiling windows or dine alfresco in the courtyard. Open daily from 10am – 10pm, and until midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The magnificent 18-hole ‘ocean’ masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed by golfing legend Gary Player, reinforces the emirate’s fast-rising status as a world-class golfing destination of distinction. The course is also home to the annual Saadiyat Beach Pro-am Classic. More information is in the golfing section.
Yet To Come on Saadiyat Island
Cultural District Museums
Louvre Abu Dhabi – due to open by 2013 end
Abu Dhabi and France have signed an intergovernmental agreement to create the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a universal museum. Embodied in a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winner Architect Jean Nouvel, the United Arab Emirates will have a cultural establishment of international renown in Abu Dhabi, giving Abu Dhabi a place among the world’s greatest cultural cities.
Zayed National Museum – due to open 2014
The museum will honour the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and will provide a new source of inspiration to the world. It will be a fitting testament to the life and times of this towering national figure, to his inspired vision and his legacy.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – due to open 2014
The landmark structure which will house the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry. His intentionally ‘messy’ composition includes 13,000 square metres of gallery space in the monumental piles of gallery boxes, and ten iconic, cone-like structures providing a further 18,000 square metres of exhibition space.
Yas Island
Just off Abu Dhabi city, this emerging entertainment destination is within a 30 minute drive of the UAE capital and 50 minutes from Dubai. Here you'll find the fabulous Yas Marina Circuit - the world class motor sports race track which hosts the annual Formula 1ª Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stunning Yas Marina with its superb Yacht Club, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and seven new hotels, including the breathtaking signature Yas Hotel – the only one in the world straddling an F1™ race track.
What You’ll find on Yas Island now:
The state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit is home to the annual F1ª Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Forming the centrepiece of Yas Marina Circuit is The Yas Hotel, a five star, iconic hotel breathtakingly built half on land and half over the Yas Marina.
It is 365 days of action at Yas Marina Circuit, as year round the track plays host to some of the world's top motor racing series. A full calendar of motorsports and entertainment events include the future champions of Formula 1ª in the GP2 Asia Series and, Australia's legendary motor racing series, the V8 Supercars. Top fuel dragsters made their Middle East debut at the International Drag Racing Festival and the world's top sports car series, the FIA GT Championship. Opportunities at Yas Marina Circuit extend well beyond the Grand Prix, with the Circuit being a state of the art mixed use venue that can be adapted to meet any event, exhibition or conference.
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Yas Marina and Yacht Club
After attracting Super Yachts from as far away as Australia for the first F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and playing host to the annual Abu Dhabi Yacht Show, Yas Marina and Yacht Club are the jewels in the crown of Abu Dhabi’s ambitions of becoming a strong rival to traditional yachting grounds such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean.
The 143-berth marina, overlooking the F1™ circuit and neighbouring Yas Links Golf Course, has been designed specifically as a Super and MegaYacht venue. It also has a 400 metre long visitor and event pontoon and can accommodate up to 25 yachts (dependent on size).
Cipriani is set in the stunning Yas Marina & Yacht Club, and overlooking the stunning Yas Marina F1™ Circuit, featuring signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice and classic Italian favourites.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
It’s fast and furious fun for all ages at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. Telling the Ferrari story with passion and excitement through more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions, interactive shopping and authentic Italian dining experiences this park is for fans and families.
Beneath its huge, iconic red roof attractions include Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmph; Galleria Ferrari, the world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello with an interactive display of cars from 1947 through to the present; Speed of Magic, a fantastic 4-D adventure through deep green jungles, icy caves and ravines and to the mouth of a fiery volcano, Those wanting to start their Ferrari World Abu Dhabi experience in top gear will get their adrenaline fix at G-Force blasting through the red roof, before dropping from a hair-raising height of 62m.
On the west shores of Yas Island, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course is designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world's leading golf course designers, in line with the traditional form of links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland. The Yas Links was voted among the 'Top 10 New International Golf Courses' by the influential US publication Golf Magazine. The Yas Links features a 7,450 yard par 72 course, utilising five teeing grounds per hole, with all 18 benefiting from ocean views. It has a clubhouse and world class, floodlit practice ranges. More information is in the golfing section.
Opened recently on Yas Island is one of Middle East’s largest IKEA stores. The store of 33,000 sqm has a market-hall of 6000sqm, showroom furniture areas of 6150sqm, and a 450-seat restaurant serving popular Swedish delicacies as well as its healthy and affordable breakfast and lunches. Another key feature of the IKEA Yas store is Smaland, the lively fun-filled area for dedicated for children.
SHOP IN THE NEW WORLD WITH AN EYE ON THE OLD
Central Market
Designed by world-renowned architects Foster & Partners this fully integrated mix of shopping, business, residential and leisure facilities offers the very latest in retail therapy with an eye on tradition. It has parking for over 5,000 cars.
Combining classic Arabian architectural traditions with a modern chic design, the Central Market, when fully complete, will be a genuine city landmark crowned with three shining towers serving accommodation, business and leisure needs. It is set to become as synonymous with Abu Dhabi as the Champs Elysées is with Paris or 5th Avenue is with New York.
Including in the Central Market:
Trust Tower – Standing 59-storeys, or 278 meters high, Trust Tower will contain over 72,000m² of premium commercial and office space.
Emporium – Central Market's prestigious shopping address and Abu Dhabi's prime fashion destination will feature an elegant multi-level podium featuring high-end 150 shops.
The Domain – Conceived as a prestigious residential tower surrounded by the activity, business and entertainment purists that Central Market attracts. This will be the tallest building on Abu Dhabi’s skyline and the most prestigious address in the capital, with luxurious apartments ranging from 1 - 4 bedrooms overlooking the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and extensive fitness and parking facilities.
5-Star Hotel - Luxury suites and serviced apartments are at the core of the hotel's facilities, while fine dining outlets will be of the highest standards. In the retail complex below, guests will be able to shop at haute couture boutiques and designer outlets complemented by further dining venues and the rooftop garden cafés.
4-Star Hotel - With 195 rooms, this hotel will be busy with both tourist and business travellers visiting Abu Dhabi. Guests will appreciate the spectacular views of the city and sea beyond, with direct access to the below Emporium. The hotel is adjacent to both the Souk for retail-minded tourists and Trust Tower for their business counterparts.
Now open at Central Market:
The Souk – With over 250 shops has three levels and is a central destination for both tourists and local residents – and its development pays tribute to Abu Dhabi’s original souk which was destroyed by fire several years ago. Shops sell traditional and regional goods, historical artefacts, watches & jewellery, Arabian perfumes, local dress, accessories and much more.
Abu Dhabi International Airport
To meet growing demand, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is developing a major new passenger terminal, between its existing two parallel runways. Known as the Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), this huge structure is expected to be ready in 2015. MTC’s construction is a key element of the broader Midfield Complex, which will include cargo and catering facilities, utilities and related infrastructure. In its first year of operation, MTC’s planned capacity is expected to reach 20 million passengers, gradually increasing to 40 million passengers per annum.
The airport’s Terminal 1 has been refurbished and upgraded to bring it in line with its customer-friendly, modern Terminal 3.
adac.ae
Hotel Targets
- 29,100 rooms by 2012
- 35,000 rooms by 2015
- 80,000 rooms by 2030
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