The race is up - Abu Dhabi is developing itself into another Arabian miracle in the United Arab Emirates, and in the world, after Dubai. How the competition is going to play out is anyone’s guess, but one thing for sure, more business travellers are going to find themselves in the UAE capital. The hydrocarbon-rich emirate has been systematically diversifying its economy, and with tremendous success.
A number of free zones have been developed in Abu Dhabi since 2007, for fields such as manufacturing, media and light industry. Last year, Morgan Stanley Capital International upgraded Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange from a frontier market to an emerging market. Al Maryah Island, a new mixed-use financial, retail, residential, leisure and commercial development, is set to become a financial free zone with its own regulatory system, legal structure and inventory of incentives. After clocking in a 4.5 per cent growth on GDP, the emirate is estimated to remain equally prosperous this year.
So when you are in town and need a good place to entertain, what are the options? Here are five that range from striking to surreal.
Etihad Towers
Consisting of five tall sparkling towers, this site is one of the most visible landmarks in the city of Abu Dhabi. Construction began for Etihad Towers 2006 based on the blueprint created by Australian architects DBI Design and the complex opened in 2011, and comprises offices, apartments and a Jumairah hotel that occupies a tower on its own, complete with a private beach.
Ray’s Bar
At Level 62 of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is Ray’s Bar, where DJ-spun tunes are played and some of the best cocktails in town are served. There is also a fantastic view over Abu Dhabi from Ray’s Bar.
Enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot (Dhs 95/US$26) or, if you are in the mood to indulge, a Dom Pérignon (Dhs 250/US$68). Pair it with some Asian tapas such as tempura wasabi prawns (Dhs 65/US$18) and vegetarian spring rolls (Dhs 50/US$14) or a char-grilled Wagyu beef laksa sandwich (Dhs 70/US$19).
Emirates Palace
Located across the street from Etihad Towers, this hotel, managed by Kempinski, is indeed a palace. It offers its own wildlife watching sites, two landscaped swimming pools including one that offers a river ride, camel riding at the beach, and, if you're in the mood to invest, the gold ATM – yes, ones from which you can actually purchase gold bars. Just get your credit card ready.
But if you are just in here for a bite, there are plenty of venues to choose from, including many al fresco options such as BBQ Al Qasr and Mezzaluna Italian restaurant. This time of the year, though, might be a little too hot to sit outside so the best of both worlds can be found at outlets with both indoor and outdoor tables, such as all-day-dining Le Vendôme Brasserie, lounge-style seafood restaurant Sayad and Lebanese eatery Diwan.
Or, if you’d like to just stay inside and splurge, there is always the Caviar Bar.
www.kempinski.com/en/abudhabi/emirates-palace
Yas Island
A destination on its own, this man-made island located to the west of Abu Dhabi is most famous for being home to Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place, and amusement park Ferrari World is located. Invite your client over to Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, a 499-room hotel that is also an architectural gem featuring a curvilinear LED canopy. Some of the venues here look right out to the Formula 1 circuit, and they are, of course, sought after during the race season. On other days, patrons also love rooftop lounge Skylite, where they can enjoy the view of Yas Island through the “grid shell“, plus great cocktails and music from resident DJ Anya.
The weekend in this part of the world starts on Friday, so come here for Culture Club from 4pm to 8pm where you can enjoy brunch and/or the fantastic beverage promotion of four selected beverages for Dhs 100 (US$27). Tracks spanning the 1960s to 1990s set the ambience.
www.yasisland.ae; www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi
Rosewood Abu Dhabi
Opened in May last year on Al Maryah Island, the UAE capital’s new commercial centre, this 189-room ultra-modern luxury hotel is housed in a 470-foot-tall curvilinear building that adds vibrancy to the bay. The cutting-edge interiors are designed to reflect the meeting of land and sea, desert and sky.
There are plenty of great venues here for get-together, but when the weather is cooler come October, the one option to consider is Glo, the hotel’s funky and glamorous open-air bar characterized by its “Globrellas” that illuminate the Arabian night while guests sip cocktails by the circular bar, lounge chairs and cabanas.
A classic cocktail costs Dhs 50 (US$14) and a champagne cocktail Dhs 90 (US$24.50), and you feel peckish, the fare is Italian. Glo also offers Friday brunches.
www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/abu-dhabi
WTC Souk
For something a little more modest in pricing but no less stylish, check out the souk. Built on the site of the original souk, which was burned down in 2002 by an unfortunate fire, this three-level structure is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional market in Abu Dhabi. The walls and ceiling consist of slats, so they work like shutters to let ample natural light in while keeping the interior cool and breezy. From here, you can also walk through the Al Khalifa Street Bridge, itself lined with restaurants and cafes, to the Mall at WTC (World Trade Center). There are 250 outlets here, and you can pick up traditional artefacts, abayas, henna, spices and jewellery.
Located at the central atrium is Chapters Cafe, an airy eatery that serves up an international menu, with each dish marked by the national flag of the country of origin. For starters there are vegetarian spring rolls (Dhs 32/US$8.70), grilled halloumi cheese (Dhs 32/US$8.70) and tempura prawns (Dhs 42/US$11.40). Main choices include Philadelphia steak sandwich (Dhs 52/US$14.20), smoked salmon sandwich (Dhs 50/US$13.60) and hammour al cartoccio (garoupa baked with tomato and herbs; Dhs 95/US$26). There is also a range of pasta dishes. If you are here for a morning meeting, try the Arabian special breakfast with Arabic bread, fava beans, lebaneh (yogurt cheese), feta, tomatoes, cucumber and olives (Dhs 44/US$12). A Turkish coffee is Dhs 14 (US$3.80) while a Moroccan tea costs Dhs 18 (US$4.90).
