FAMILIE BYLEMANS GOES ABU DHABI · refer to as ‘Mubarak Bin London') and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert. Where: near Public Garden, close to

FAMILIE BYLEMANS GOES ABU DHABIDAY 1 March 05, 2016

Abu Dhabi International Airport

With more than 52 airlines flying to and from some 85 cities in

over 49 countries,Abu Dhabi International Airport holds the

2013 World Airport Awards' ‘Best Airport in the Middle East'

accolade, for the second year running.

The newly refurbished Terminal 1, with design and

architecture reflecting traditional Emirati hospitality elements

set in a high-end, ultramodern ambience, delivers a 5-star

travel experience.

The home of Etihad Airways - the national airline of the

United Arab Emirates - Terminal 3 welcomes travellers to

plush Etihad lounges and an award-winning concierge style

check-in. Impressive retail is managed by DFS, the world's

largest luxury retailer, and is complemented by up- market

restaurants and cafés.

The planned Midfield Terminal Complex (MTC), the

centrepiece of Abu Dhabi Airport's Company (ADAC)'s

multibillion-dollar investment programme, will provide a full

terminal building, passenger and cargo facilities, duty-free

shops and restaurants for between 27-40 million people a

year.

Are you flying into Abu Dhabi? Click here for full flight

information

Abu Dhabi International Airport is also well connected to the

rest of the emirate by numerous bus services. For more

information on bus services, fares and schedules, or to

download bus routes, click here.


Al Ain Palace Museum

The former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin

Sultan Al Nahyan, the Palace was once a political and social

hub. Built in 1910, the building became a museum in 1998.

Now creatively restored, the museum houses a large collection

of material about the ruling family. Visitors can tour the private

rooms and gardens once occupied by the ‘Father of the

Nation'.

Entrance is free.

Opening times: Daily 8.30 am to 7.30pm, except Monday

(closed); Friday - 3pm to 7.30pm.

Where: Al Ain St, near the commercial area on the road to

Sinaiyya

Telephone: +971 3 751 7755


Al Jahili Fort

The picturesque Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE's most historic

buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect

precious palm groves. The former headquarters of the Oman

Trucial Scouts, the force that protected the mountain passes

and kept inter-tribal peace, it also served as a residence for

the local governor. It is set in beautifully landscaped gardens,

and visitors are encouraged to explore it.

An Al Ain landmark, the fort has been carefully restored and

now houses a permanent exhibition of the work of British

adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger (whom the locals affectionately

refer to as ‘Mubarak Bin London') and his 1940s crossings of

the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert.

Where: near Public Garden, close to Al Ain city centre

Timings:

Saturday-Thursday : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Monday : Closed

Tel: +971 3 711 8311


Al Ain National Museum

On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum showcases the city's

unique heritage and history. It is housed in the same

compound as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (also known as the

Eastern Fort).

Divided into three main sections - archaeology, ethnography

and gifts - its presentations illustrate various aspects of UAE

life and include an interesting collections of Bedouin jewellery,

musical instruments, weapons, and a reconstruction of a

traditional majlis.

The archaeology displays are extensive, and include many

artefacts from the nearby Hili Gardens so it is helpful to visit

the museum before the gardens.

Some of the displays, such as the one from Garn Bint Saud (12

kilometres north of Hili), date back to the first millennium BC.

The gifts section houses an unusual collection of gifts that

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan received during his lifetime.

It includes golden swords, silver daggers and a golden palm

tree. Displays are labelled in English and Arabic.

Entrance fees: AED 3 (USD 0.8) for adults; AED 1 (USD 0.2) for

children under 10

Opening Times: Daily 8am to 7:30pm, except Monday (closed);

Friday - 3pm to 7:30pm.

Where: near Al Ain Oasis

Telephone: +971 3 711 8331 / +971 3711 8332


Drive Jebel Hafeet

Rising 1,240 metres, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate's highest peak,

and UAE's second. This towering rocky height, which stands

guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy

limestone that has been weathered over millions of years.

Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area,

which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city's ancient

history.

Over 500 ancient burial tombs dating back 5,000 years have

been found in the Jebel Hafeet foothills.

You can drive or, if you have the stamina, cycle to the top via a

winding highway, which edmunds.com (the automotive

information online source) describes as “among the world's

greatest driving roads.” Once you reach the top, you'll be

rewarded with magnificent views over Al Ain, where you can

take a break at the Mercure Jebel Hafeet hotel near the Jebel's

peak.


Wadi Adventure

The region's first man-made white water rafting, kayaking and

surf

facility built in the foothills of the majestic Jebel Hafeet.

The park's 3.3 metre man-made surf wave is the world's

largest and its 1.7 kilometre kayaking channel network is the

world's longest.

Surfing Magazine has voted Wadi Adventure's surf pool on to

its ‘50 Favourite Surfing Sites' list. The magazine ranks the

pool - the only man-made attraction on the list - as the 41st

best surfing beach in the world, even though it has artificially

created waves.

Bringing

together water and adrenaline-filled adventure, Wadi

Adventure makes a great day

out for water sports enthusiasts and families. Lessons are

provided by

certified trainers for all levels of competency; guests can bring

their

own equipment, rent or buy gear from the resort's shop.

Where: Follow the E22 from Abu Dhabi city towards

Al Ain. As you enter Al Ain, turn right at the 2nd roundabout.

Continue

to the 6th roundabout where Ain Al Fayda appears on your

right. At this

roundabout, turn left onto the driveway of Wadi Adventure.

Telephone: +971 3 781 8422

Website: www.wadiadventure.ae


Al Ain Oasis

In the heart of Al Ain, near Al Ain National Museum, this

impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which

are still working farms. The cool, shady walkways transport

you from the heat and noise of the city to a tranquil haven; all

you'll hear is birdsong and the rustle of the palm fronds.

Employing a 3,000-year-old falaj irrigation system, Al Ain

Oasis features a series of mesmerising water channels that

give life to the palm plantations in this inner-city paradise.

Spread over 1,200 hectares (nearly 3,000 acres) and

containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100

different varieties, choose one of eight separate entrances to

explore how countless generations have tapped into

underground wells to keep the beautiful city green.

The date palm oasis is one of a growing number of ecosystems

that have been formally recognised by the United Nation's

Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for their importance

as repositories of genetic resources, biodiversity and cultural

heritage.

The oasis has been designated as a Globally Important

Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) and the FAO has praised

the UAE's active conservation efforts.

Entry is free.

Telephone: +971 3 712 8429 / +971 3 712 8523


Al Ain Palace Museum

The former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin

Sultan Al Nahyan, the Palace was once a political and social

hub. Built in 1910, the building became a museum in 1998.

Now creatively restored, the museum houses a large collection

of material about the ruling family. Visitors can tour the private

rooms and gardens once occupied by the ‘Father of the

Nation'.

Entrance is free.

Opening times: Daily 8.30 am to 7.30pm, except Monday

(closed); Friday - 3pm to 7.30pm.

Where: Al Ain St, near the commercial area on the road to

Sinaiyya

Telephone: +971 3 751 7755


Al Jahili Fort

The picturesque Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE's most historic

buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect

precious palm groves. The former headquarters of the Oman

Trucial Scouts, the force that protected the mountain passes

and kept inter-tribal peace, it also served as a residence for

the local governor. It is set in beautifully landscaped gardens,

and visitors are encouraged to explore it.

An Al Ain landmark, the fort has been carefully restored and

now houses a permanent exhibition of the work of British

adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger (whom the locals affectionately

refer to as ‘Mubarak Bin London') and his 1940s crossings of

the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert.

Where: near Public Garden, close to Al Ain city centre

Timings:

Saturday-Thursday : 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Monday : Closed

Tel: +971 3 711 8311


UAE Pavilion

Moved piece by piece from Shanghai, where it welcomed

almost two million visitors to the UAE's national exhibition

during the World Expo 2010, this striking dune-shaped

structure, designed by London's acclaimed Foster + Partners,

stands close to Manarat al Saadiyat exhibition centre, adding

to the Saadiyat island's cultural attractions.

A landmark exhibition and events venue, the pavilion is

hosting some of the country's most important cultural

functions. A coming together of prominent global collectors,

connoisseurs and artists, the pavilion annually hosts the Abu

Dhabi Art contemporary art fair.

Websites: www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae;

www.abudhabiartfair.ae


Qasr al Hosn

Abu Dhabi's symbolic birthplace, Qasr al Hosn is the emirate's

first permanent structure, which was home to the emirate's

ruling Al Nahyan family. A permanent, free-to-enter exhibition

at the Qasr al Hosn Centre tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its

people through the city's oldest building. Fascinating oral

testimonies and historic photographs bring this important

monument to life. Contemporary Emirati voices reflect on Abu

Dhabi's history and transformation and Qasr al Hosn's key role

as a vibrant symbol of Emirati heritage, culture and tradition.

Qasr al Hosn began life in the 1760s as a coral and sea stone

watchtower, with a commanding position overlooking the sea,

later transformed into an impenetrable fort. Due to the shells'

reflective effect, the fort's walls would sparkle in the sun

offering a welcome coastal navigational tool for the region's

merchants. Mangrove was chosen to make the flooring and

roof structure due to its natural strength and durability.

During the exploration and discovery of oil between 1939 and

the 1950s, Qasr al Hosn went through a period of expansion

and an iconic palace enclosed the initial fort. The Father of the

Nation, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ordered a

large scale renovation of Qasr al Hosn, transforming it from

ruler's residence into a museum and repository of collections

relating to Abu Dhabi and the Gulf.

Now, Qasr al Hosn is going through a new phase. Earlier this

decade, it was discovered that the white render on the fort's

walls was causing corrosive moisture to be trapped on the

original coral stone bricks. A project is underway to reveal the

original brickwork and allow the structure to breathe.


Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

This architectural work of art is one the world's largest

mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000

worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24

carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand

knotted carpet. The main prayer hall is dominated by one of

the world's largest chandeliers -10 metres in diameter, 15

metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. The mosque's

first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed,

who is buried at the site.

Reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty.

The striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are

transformed at night by a unique lightning system which

reflects the phases of the moon.

Ramadan opening hours: During the Holy Month the mosque

is open daily, except Friday, from 9am to 2pm, with last entry

at 1.30pm.

Visitors' Tip: Why not finish sight-seeing or shopping for the

day and take the 5pm ‘Sunset Tour'? Get to the mosque around

4:30pm - a wonderful time to take photos - to wind down and

chill out for 20 minutes in the lovely, afternoon breeze before

the tour.

Opening hours: Unlike other mosques in Abu Dhabi, the

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open daily to visitors, except on

Friday morning, which is for worshippers only. The opening

hours are 9am to 10pm (last entry at 9.30 pm) - Saturday to

Thursday and 4.30pm to 10pm on Fridays. Complimentary one

hour guided tours run (Sun-Thurs) at 10am, 11am and 5pm.

Friday times are 5pm and 7pm and Saturday 10am, 11am,

2pm, 5pm and 7pm.

To check the current times, visit szgmc.gov.ae


Capital Gate

Drive down Khaleej Al Arabi Street and you will see a modern

day challenger to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Capital Gate, developed by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions

Company, has been certified as the ‘World's Furthest Leaning

Man Made Tower,' by the Guinness World Records.

It leans 18 degrees westwards - more than four times that of

Pisa's famous Leaning Tower. The 160 metre (524.9 ft), 35

storey tower is a postcard image of Abu Dhabi and makes a

great holiday snap.

Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, a premium 5-star business

hotel, is in the iconic building.

Website: www.capitalgate.ae


Al Bahar Towers

The 29-storey twin skyscrapers, serving as the Abu Dhabi

Investment Council's headquarters and Al Hilal Bank head

offices, have an external facade composed of 2,000

honeycomb-like elements, which are cooled with the world's

largest computerised façade. These open and close in

response to the sun's movement, helping reduce interior heat

gain by around 50 per cent. An array of roof solar panels is

also used to heat water.

The eco-friendly towers are one of the Gulf's first buildings to

receive the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

(LEED) Silver rating. They also came second at the Emporis

Skyscraper Award - the world's premier honorary event for

high-rise architecture - for projects completed in 2012.


Heritage Village

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a

traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into

the emirate's past.

Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a

campfire with coffee pots, a goats' hair tent, and a falaj

irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open

museum.

There are workshops where craftsmen demonstrate

traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery, while women

sit weaving and spinning. The craftsmen are happy to share

their skills, and may occasionally give you the chance to try

them out.

The little spice shop is a treat - you can get a range of dried

herbs, handmade soap and plenty of chatter.

Opening Times: Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm, and

Friday from 3.30pm to 9pm

Where: near Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi city

Telephone: +971 2 681 4455

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.torath.ae


Abu Dhabi Corniche

The Corniche Road spreads across an impressive eight

kilometres of manicured waterfront that includes children's

play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and

restaurants, and the Corniche Beach - a lifeguarded beach

park.

Corniche Beach

This lengthy stretch of beach extends along Corniche Road

from near the Hilton Hotel to beyond Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street,

where you'll find its main entrance. During the week you can

usually find a beach umbrella, but during the weekend they

may all go quickly. You can't swim out very far; floating fences

keep you within 40 metres of the beach, and there are plenty

of lifeguards around.

Abu Dhabi's pristine Corniche beachfront has been awarded

coveted Blue Flag status - the internationally renowned

eco-label for beaches and marinas that guarantees clean and

safe bathing water.

Some 30,000 to 50,000 visitors flock to the Corniche every

month, enjoying three separate sections for families, singles

and the general public. There are more than 1,100 free

parking spaces with a five minute walk of the beach, which

charges AED 10 (US D2.7) entry to the family and singles

sections. Entry to the public beach is free.

Corniche Pedal Power

A fun and healthy way to tour the Corniche is to hire a bicycle.

FunRideSports hires out a selection of cycles - from mountain

bikes, to city bikes which can fit two or three passengers on

the back, and even specially designed bikes for ladies wearing

abayas. FunRideSports has four rental stations along the

Corniche boardwalk with its main station outside The Hiltonia

Beach Club. Hire starts at AED 30 (USD 8) per hour for adults

and AED 20 (USD 5) for children. Voucher booklets for 12

hours of cycling are also available for AED 250 (USD 68).

For more information or to book in advance call +971 2 445

5838 or email [email protected]


Masdar City

Initiated in 2008, Masdar is the emirate's pioneering vision of a

city of the future. With the goal of becoming the world's most

sustainable eco-city, Masdar is leading the way by developing

a “greenprint” for how cities can accommodate rapid

urbanisation and dramatically reduce energy, water and waste.

The city combines ancient Arabic architectural techniques with

modern technology and is built around a huge central Arabic

wind tunnel that channels a cooling breeze through the streets

and alleys making it comfortable to stroll around even during

high summer temperatures.

Masdar also harnesses the power of the sun, using clean

energy created onsite from rooftop solar and one of the

largest photovoltaic installations in the Middle East.

Cars are banned within the city. It is a really unique experience

travelling into the centre of the development in the Personal

Rapid Transport (PRT) pods - small unmanned electric cars.

More than a thousand people live and work at Masdar City,

which sprawls around the Masdar Institute of Science and

Technology - a research university dedicated to cutting-edge

solutions in the fields of energy and sustainability.

Open to the public

Masdar City is also open to the public to come and explore.

There is no admission charge, simply leave your vehicle in the

car park and board one of the unmanned electric pods, which

will take you directly into the heart of the city.

Whether you just want to wander the streets and marvel at the

unique architecture, relax at one of the numerous restaurants

and coffee shops, or browse the luxury convenience store, and

organic food shops and cafes, there is plenty to do for the

whole family.


Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, the Abu Dhabi Falcon

Hospital is the world's largest and most advanced falcon

hospital. Its highlight is a falcon display museum as well as a

facility with free-flying falcons.

Guided tours of this award-winning specialist hospital are

available. You can visit the luxurious wards where the birds are

kept, explore the museum, which gives an insight into the

noble desert sport of falconry, or try your hand at the pursuit

in the lush gardens.

Tour Timings: Sunday to Thursday,10am & 2pm (Except

weekends and public holidays).

Location: near Abu Dhabi International Airport

Telephone: +971 2 575 5155


Behind the scenes at Yas Marina Circuit

Take a tour behind the scenes of one of the world's most

technologically advanced motorsports circuits. The Yas Venue

Tour is a must-do for those who want to see firsthand how

much effort goes into running this large, multifaceted facility.

Adults: AED 120 / USD 33, children AED 60 / USD 17; Timings:

Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 12pm and 2pm - 4pm

Website: www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Telephone: +971 2 659 9800 or 800 YAS (927) (9am - 6pm)


Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

The world's first Ferrari-branded and largest indoor theme

park is home to a winning mix of Ferrari inspired rides and

attractions, the biggest Ferrari Store and a range of authentic

Italian dining options, so there's plenty of choice for the whole

family!

Beneath its gigantic, iconic red roof it houses numerous

high-adrenaline rides including the world's fastest

rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, with a top speed of 250kmph in

4.9 seconds, family-friendly attractions, state-of-the-art

simulators, electric-powered go-karts, live shows and an

inspiring treasure of racing memorabilia! Open 365 days a

year, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi the fun never stops as it offers

a unique experience for visitors of every age in a refreshing,

indoor, climate-controlled environment.

Opening Hours: Sun-Sat, from 11am to 8pm

Website: www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ferrariworldabudhabi

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ferrariworldad

Instagram: www.instagram.com/ferrariworldabudhabi

YouTube: www.youtube.com/ferrariworldabudhabi


Yas Mall

With 235,000 square metres of floor space and 10,000 car

parking spaces, Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's biggest shopping

centre and the UAE's second largest. The mall provides a

vibrant getaway shopping experience for tourists,

international guests and local residents.

Mall highlights include the largest Debenhams outside the UK,

the region's first Lego Concept store and Rogo's Rollercoaster

Restaurant, the emirate's first Brooks Brothers, 4Dx technology

and biggest VOX Max screen and more than 60 restaurants

and cafes.

The mall is at the heart of the action-packed Yas Island, 20

minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and just 10 minutes from

Abu Dhabi International Airport.


Saadiyat Beach

The first public beach on Saadiyat Island - home to Saadiyat

Beach Golf Club, Manarat Al Saadiyat exhibition centre,

Monte-Carlo Beach Club and two five-star beachfront resorts

operated by St. Regis and Park Hyatt - offers multiple facilities

and activities for trendy beachgoers and sun-lounging

guests.

Set on the island's serene natural shores, the 400-metre

beach is a great spot for a day out, and to enjoy Abu Dhabi's

clean, warm turquoise waters. There are lounge chairs,

showers, bathrooms, lockers, changing rooms, towels,

umbrellas, ample parking and lifeguards are on duty

throughout the day. There's a snack lounge and shop selling

beachwear and sports equipment, while areas on the beach

can also be booked for special events.

As Saadiyat's nine kilometre stretch of beach is

environmentally protected, the public beach - much like the

beachfront of the island's resorts - is fringed by a Dune

Protection Zone, which effectively limits development to a

minimum of 60 metres from the shoreline, preventing damage

to the sensitive natural dune vegetation and the nesting

grounds of the endangered hawksbill turtle.

The beach is open daily from 8am to sunset, and entry is AED

25 (USD 6.8) for adults and AED 15 (USD 4) for children over

six years old. Children aged 5 and below enter free. An

entrance fee of AED 50 (USD 13.5) on weekdays and AED 75

(USD 20) on weekends and public holidays secures you an

umbrella and a sun-lounger.


Yas Beach

Set on a majestic stretch of white sand, and easily connected to

all of the island's diverse leisure activities, this laid-back beach

is a blissful new development on the emirate's entertainment

district.

Sun seekers holidaying at any of Yas Island's seven hotels and

hotel apartments can now enjoy complimentary access to Yas

Beach. To enter for free (and bag a complimentary sun

lounger), Yas Plaza hotel guests have to collect a voucher from

their hotel reception and present it upon arrival at Yas Beach.

There are also a number of additional activities including

beach volleyball, outdoor gym and non-motorised

motorsports such as sailing, kayaking, mangrove tours and

stand up paddle boarding courtesy of Noukhada.

Admission for non-Yas Island hotel guests, which includes

beach towel and sun lounger, is AED 50 (USD 13.60) for adults

and AED 25 (USD 6.80) for children aged 8-16 during the

week, and AED 100 (USD 27.25) for adults and AED 50 (USD

13.60) for children during weekend. Children under 8 enter

free. Saturday is Ladies Day.

The beach is open weekdays from 10am - 7pm and at the

weekend from 10am - 10pm.

Telephone: +971 56 242 0435

Facebook: www.facebook.com/yasbeach

Website: Yasbeach.ae

Documents

FAMILIE BYLEMANS GOES ABU DHABI · refer to as ‘Mubarak Bin London') and his 1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter) desert. Where: near Public Garden, close to