7/27/2019 $R833EHD

1/67

ABU DHABIGuide Book

4/6/2014

ima ZDEMR

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

2/67

ABU DHABII

2

INDEX

History5

First Oil Discoveries.7

Culture&Heritage.9

Heritage Heartland10

Ai Ain Palace Museum19

Al Jahili Fort22

Manarat al Saadiyat&UAE Pavilion26

Qasr al Hosn Exhibition..31

Heritage Village36

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library41

Zayed Centre.44

Al Maqtaa Fort46

Saluki Centre48

Al Qattara Arts Centre..51

Hili Archaelogical Garden53

Heritage Theme Park.54

Archaelogical Site on Sir Bani Yas Island..55

Muraijib Fort56

Miraj Islamic Centre57

Womans Handicrafts Centre..61

Al Reef Handicrafts Training Centre.64

References..67

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

3/67

ABU DHABII

3

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

4/67

ABU DHABII

4

Abu Dhabi is the capital and the second most populous city in

the United Arab Emirates and also capital of the largest of the

UAE's seven member emirates. Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped

island jutting into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.

The city proper had a population of 921,000 in 2013.

Abu Dhabi houses federal government offices, is the seat of

the United Arab Emirates Government, home to the Abu Dhabi

Emiri Family and the President of the UAE, who is from this family.

Abu Dhabi has grown to be a cosmopolitan metropolis. Its rapiddevelopment and urbanisation, coupled with the relatively high

average income of its population, has transformed Abu Dhabi to a

larger and advanced metropolis. Today the city is the country's

center of political and industrial activities, and a

major cultural and commercial centre, due to its position as the

capital. Abu Dhabi alone generated 56.7% of the GDP of the United

Arab Emirates in 2008.

Abu Dhabi is home to important financial institutions such as

the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, the Central Bank of the United

Arab Emirates and the corporate headquarters of many companies

and numerous multinational corporations. One of the world's largest

producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has actively attempted to diversify its

economy in recent years through investments in financial

services and tourism.

Abu Dhabi is the second most expensive city for expatriate

employees in the region, and 67th most expensive city in the world.

Fortunemagazine and CNN stated in 2007 that Abu Dhabi is therichest city in the world.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

5/67

ABU DHABII

5

HISTORY

Early Civilizations

Abu Dhabi is full of archeological evidence that points to

civilizations, such as theUmm an-Nar Culture, having been

located there from the third millennium BC. Settlements

were also found further outside the modern city of Abu

Dhabi but closer to the modern city ofAl Ain.There is

evidence of civilizations around the mountain of Hafeet

(Jebel Hafeet). This location is very strategic because it is

the UAEs second tallest mountain, so it would have great

visibility. It also contains a lot of moisture in its springs and

lakes, which means that there would have been more

moisture thousands of years ago.

Trucial CoastIn the 19th century, as a result of treaties (known as

"truces" which gave the coast its name) entered into

between Great Britain and the sheikhs of the Arab States of

the Persian Gulf, Britain became the predominant influence

in the area. The main purpose of British interest was to

protect the trade route to India from pirates, hence theearlier name for the area, the "Pirate Coast". After piracy

was suppressed other considerations came into play, such

as a strategic need of the British to exclude other powers

from the region. Following their withdrawal from India in

1947, the British maintained their influence in Abu Dhabi as

interest in the oil potential of the Persian Gulf grew.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umm_an-Nar_Culturehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Ainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Umm_an-Nar_Culture

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

6/67

ABU DHABII

6

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

7/67

ABU DHABII

7

First oil discoveries

In the 1930s, as the pearl trade declined, interest grew in

the oil possibilities of the region. On 5 January 1936,Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd (PDTC), an

associate company of the Iraq Petroleum Company, entered

into a concession agreement with the ruler, Sheikh

Shakhbut bin Sultan al Nahyan, to explore for oil. This was

followed by a seventy-five-year concession signed in

January 1939. However, owing to the desert terrain, inlandexploration was fraught with difficulties. In 1953, D'Arcy

Exploration Company, the exploration arm of BP, obtained

an offshore concession which was then transferred to a

company created to operate the concession: Abu Dhabi

Marine Areas (ADMA) was a joint venture between BP and

Compagnie Franaise des Ptroles (later Total). In 1958,

using a marine drilling platform, the ADMA Enterprise, oil

was struck in the Umm Shaif field at a depth of about 8,755

feet (2,669 m). This was followed in 1959 by PDTCs

onshore discovery well at Murban No.3.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

8/67

ABU DHABII

8

In 1962, the company discovered the Bu Hasa field and

ADMA followed in 1965 with the discovery of the Zakum

offshore field. Today, in addition to the oil fields mentioned,

the main producing fields onshore are Asab, Sahil and

Shah, and offshore are al-Bunduq, and Abu al-Bukhoosh.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

9/67

ABU DHABII

9

CULTURE & HERITAGEAbu Dhabi's culture is firmly rooted in Arabia's Islamic

traditions, creating a shining example of Islam's true

commitment to tolerance and hospitality. The combination of

international influences and a strong commitment to local

heritage has created an intriguing mix of new and old.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

10/67

ABU DHABII

10

Heritage Heartland

Once a vital green oasis on the caravan route from UAE to

Oman, Al Ain (meaning The Spring in Arabic) is the

emirates heritage heartland, one of the worlds oldest

continually inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World

Heritage Site.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

11/67

ABU DHABII

11

Classified by UNESCO as a cultural sites, Al Ain world

heritage locations include its six oases and the

archaeological sites of Bida bint Saud, Hafeet and Hili, all

testimonies of sedentary human occupation of a desertregion since the Neolithic period, with vestiges of many

prehistoric cultures.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

12/67

ABU DHABII

12

The remarkable vestiges cited byUNESCOinclude

circular stone tombs (dating circa 2500 B.C.), wells and a

wide range of adobe constructions: residential buildings,

towers, palaces and administrative buildings. Hili moreoverfeatures one of the oldest examples of the

sophisticated falajirrigation system which dates back to the

Iron Age. Al Ain vestiges provide important testimony to the

transition of cultures in the region from hunting and

gathering to sedentarisation.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

13/67

ABU DHABII

13

Al Ain National Museum

On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum showcases thecity's unique heritage and history. It is housed in the same

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

Eastern Fort).

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

14/67

ABU DHABII

14

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 areconstruction of a traditional majlis.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

15/67

ABU DHABII

15

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.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

16/67

ABU DHABII

16

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 Nahyanreceived during his lifetime. It includes golden swords, silver

daggers and a golden palm tree. Displays are labelled in

English and Arabic.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

17/67

ABU DHABII

17

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

18/67

ABU DHABII

18

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

19/67

ABU DHABII

19

Al Ain Palace Museum

The former home of the late UAE founder, Sheikh ZayedBin 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.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

20/67

ABU DHABII

20

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

21/67

ABU DHABII

21

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

22/67

ABU DHABII

22

Al Jahili Fort

The picturesque Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAEs 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 exploreit.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

23/67

ABU DHABII

23

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 his1940s crossings of the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

desert.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

24/67

ABU DHABII

24

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

25/67

ABU DHABII

25

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

26/67

ABU DHABII

26

Manarat al Saadiyat & UAE Pavilion

Manarat Al Saadiyat

This purpose built visitor centre -Manarat Al

Saadiyat(which translates from Arabic as 'a place that

provides enlightenment'), brings the Saadiyat vision to life,

offering an interactive narrative on the history and cultural

vision behind the island, as well as a venue for a series ofart exhibitions and educational programmes.

http://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.htmlhttp://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.htmlhttp://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.htmlhttp://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.htmlhttp://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.htmlhttp://www.saadiyat.ae/en/cultural/manarat-al-saadiyat1.html

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

27/67

ABU DHABII

27

Visitors will find a rich educational experience for all,

especially for families looking for a fun, weekend activity.

Here they will learn more through virtual books. LCD

screens display the pages of electronic books - using a first-ever technology in the region, which respond with a gesture

recognition sensor system by simply waving a hand over the

image of the book.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

28/67

ABU DHABII

28

UAE Pavilion

Moved piece by piece from Shanghai, where it welcomed

almost two million visitors to the UAEs national exhibition

during the World Expo 2010, this striking dune-shaped

structure, designed by Londons acclaimed Foster +

Partners, stands close to Manarat al Saadiyat, adding to the

islands cultural attractions.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

29/67

ABU DHABII

29

A landmark exhibition and events venue, the pavilion is

hosting some of the countrys most important cultural

functions. A coming together of prominent global collectors,

connoisseurs and artists, the pavilion annually hosts theAbu Dhabi Art contemporary art fair.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

30/67

ABU DHABII

30

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

31/67

ABU DHABII

31

Qasr al Hosn Exhibition

This permanent exhibition at the Qasr al Hosn Centre tells

the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the citys

oldest building.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

32/67

ABU DHABII

32

Fascinating oral testimonies and historic photographs bring

this important monument to life. Contemporary Emirati

voices reflect on Abu Dhabis history and transformation and

Qasr al Hosns key role as a vibrant symbol of Emiratiheritage, culture and tradition.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

33/67

ABU DHABII

33

The exhibition is free-to-enter and open daily from 9am to

8pm. Theres also a public programme of talks and

workshops.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

34/67

ABU DHABII

34

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

35/67

ABU DHABII

35

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

36/67

ABU DHABII

36

Heritage Village

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of atraditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into

the emirates past.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

37/67

ABU DHABII

37

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.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

38/67

ABU DHABII

38

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 thechance to try them out.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

39/67

ABU DHABII

39

The little spice shop is a treatyou can get a range of

dried herbs, handmade soap and plenty of chatter.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

40/67

ABU DHABII

40

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

41/67

ABU DHABII

41

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Library

A veritable treasure trove for literature-inclined

bookworms, the specialised, state-of-the-art library

at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centrepromotes

intercultural discourse and interaction by showcasing the

powerful continuity and traditions inherent in books

spanning multiple Arabic and Islamic eras.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

42/67

ABU DHABII

42

On the third floor of the Northern Minaret of Sheikh Zayed

Grand Mosque, with unobstructed views in all directions, the

librarys location is unprecedented in the history and design

of world mosques.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

43/67

ABU DHABII

43

Highlights include rare Arabic calligraphy collections and

copies of the Holy Quran printed in Europe between the

years 1537-1857. There are also more than 50,000 rare

editions of manuscripts and imprints.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

44/67

ABU DHABII

44

Zayed Centre

For a fascinating sneak peek into the life of the late Sheikh

Zayed, affectionately known as the 'Father of the Nation',

visit the Zayed Centre in Abu Dhabi's Al Bateen district.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

45/67

ABU DHABII

45

This museum, housed in an Emirati heritage village replete

with camels, is an incredible homage to the man who

shaped the nation. A photo gallery of Sheikh Zayed and

many visiting regional and international royalty anddignitaries lines the walls of the museum, which is also full

of personal memorabilia such as his favourite hunting rifles.

Taking centre stage are the late President's cherished

vehicles - which he often drove through the city without a

bodyguard - and gifts he received from all over the world

such as stuffed lions and cheetahs.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

46/67

ABU DHABII

46

Al Maqtaa Fort

Your first glimpse of this 200 year old fort will be as you

approach Al Maqtaa Bridge towards Abu Dhabi Island.

Standing on the edge of the island, the fort was built to fend

off bandits and provides a wonderful contrast to the modern

bridge next to it.

Be careful when taking photographs here, as it is a

sensitive military zone.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

47/67

ABU DHABII

47

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

48/67

ABU DHABII

48

Saluki Centre

This centre honours the desert traditions of hunting,

training and breeding Salukis - a distinctive breed of dog

found in desert regions. The centre invites visitors to learn

more about the unique traits and care of this type of dog.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

49/67

ABU DHABII

49

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

50/67

ABU DHABII

50

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

51/67

ABU DHABII

51

Al Qattara Arts Centre

The redeveloped Al Qattara Fort in Al Ain is now home to a

brilliant arts centre and gallery. With aesthetically traditional

exterior facades, the restored Al Qattara Arts Centre

carefully maintains a blend of traditional architecture with

state-of-the-art facilities. It offers hundreds of modernexhibits within its walls and includes classrooms for tutorial

sessionspart of its mandate is to provide a venue where

arts and culture can be studied, practised and developed by

the entire UAE community.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

52/67

ABU DHABII

52

The Centre has a dry studio for a variety of activities such

as music classes and art crafting, a wet studio for drawing

and painting, a fully-equipped pottery studio, a digital room

suitable for photography and computer classes, a spaciouscalligraphy studio as well as an exhibition hall, cafe and

library.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

53/67

ABU DHABII

53

Hili Archaeological Garden

Combining both a public garden and the archaeological

site, this is a popular place for tourists and residents alike.

The archaeological site has remnants of a Bronze Age

settlement (2,500-2,000 BC), which was excavated and

restored in 1995. It is the source of some of the richest finds

in the area, many of which are believed to be over 4,000

years old.

There are other archaeological structures around the park,

but it is chiefly a garden with plants, fountains, and a small

children's play area. Hili is near Fossil Valley, an area rich in

a variety of fossils dating back many thousands of years to

when it was covered by sea.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

54/67

ABU DHABII

54

Heritage Theme Park

At the expansive Al Ain Sportplex, the Al Ain Heritage and

Culture Village is a destination in its own right. Bringing the

richness of Emirati culture and diversity together in one

place, the heritage-style theme park invites you to journey

into the past and experience traditional UAE life. The village

includes an old caf, a popular market, and two theatres

where you can enjoy art shows and listen to poetry and

concerts.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

55/67

ABU DHABII

55

Archaeological Site on Sir Bani Yas

Island

Open to the public, this is the UAE's only discovered

Christian monastery.

Believed to have been built around 600 AD, it was initiallydiscovered on the island during excavations in 1992. Almost

two decades since its discovery, and more than a thousand

years since it was built, the public can visit the site and

experience another piece of the rich tapestry that makes up

the UAE's fascinating history.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

56/67

ABU DHABII

56

More culture & heritage

Muraijib Fort

Built in 1816, Muraijib Fort is the oldest in Al Ain.

Comprising three, free-standing buildings, its restored

remains are within beautifully landscapedgardens,which

are reserved for women and children.

http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/What.to.do/Sports.and.recreation/Parks.and.gardens.aspxhttp://visitabudhabi.ae/en/What.to.do/Sports.and.recreation/Parks.and.gardens.aspxhttp://visitabudhabi.ae/en/What.to.do/Sports.and.recreation/Parks.and.gardens.aspxhttp://visitabudhabi.ae/en/What.to.do/Sports.and.recreation/Parks.and.gardens.aspx

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

57/67

ABU DHABII

57

Miraj Islamic Centre

This centre features museum-like displays of unique

Islamic art pieces sourced from around the Muslim world

from places like Egypt, Syria, Iran, India Iraq, Kashmir and

Russia. Displays include meticulously hand woven pictorial

and bejewelled carpets, silk textiles, jewellery, marble

pieces, Arabic calligraphy engraved vases, miniature

paintings and experienced staff are on hand to brief visitors

on the history and origin of the pieces and the techniques

used in making them.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

58/67

ABU DHABII

58

Miraj offers visitors a complementary pick-up and drop-off

service from their hotels as well as welcome refreshments,

Arabic Qahwah (cardamom coffee) and dates to groups of

over 50 guests. The centre features a rooftop caf withpanoramic views of Emirates Palace and the Arabian Gulf.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

59/67

ABU DHABII

59

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

60/67

ABU DHABII

60

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

61/67

ABU DHABII

61

Womens Handicraft Centre

This creative initiative is run by the Abu Dhabi Women's

Association as a showcase for local arts and crafts. The

small museum within is the chance to examine and learn

about local artists' handiwork. There is also a shop on site.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

62/67

ABU DHABII

62

The round buildings near the museum are workshops

where female artists display distinctive Arabian oils,

handmade souvenirs, incense, local dress, silver thread

work, and weaving. You should remove your shoes beforeentering each hut, and ask for photography permission.

You can get a simple henna design painted on your hand,

which will last about two weeks.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

63/67

ABU DHABII

63

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

64/67

ABU DHABII

64

Al Reef Handicrafts Training Centre

This educational centre at Al Ain Sportplexgives you the

chance to learn how to make traditional handicrafts. The

centre encourages residents and tourists to know more

about the UAE heritage during training sessions held by

specialised staff. The sessions are classified according to

age group and gender and kids can attend if they are above

five years old.

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

65/67

ABU DHABII

65

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

66/67

ABU DHABII

66

7/27/2019 $R833EHD

67/67

ABU DHABII

References

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dhabivisitabudhabi.ae/www.abudhabiairport.ae/tcaabudhabi.ae/