Abu Dhabi- A destination apart

I was recently told by a colleague from the British Travel authority that Dubai, and Abu Dhabi have become the most popular destination for people from the United Kingdom to visit and they were running charter flights there since it was such an economical “new” destination. Most important is go when the weather is cooler, November to April, otherwise it can be 120 degrees and hotter.

A relatively short time ago, Abu Dhabi Emirate was a little more than an empty desert inhabited by nomadic tribes, The economy was built around date farming, pearl diving, and fishing. My husband went there on business some 20 years ago, and it was dirt roads, and few hotels, Today, it is very sophisticated, skycrapers, luxury hotels galore, and they expect visitors to total three million next year.

The Al Nahyam family has ruled Abu Dhabi since 1793 and has transformed the emirate into a modern society. They have a new airline, Etihad which is going to have flights from the West Coast and will give Emirates Airline – from Dubai – some strong competition. Both airlines offer fantastic service, business class and first is the best, and even economy is very comfortable with an amazing entertainment system. The new A380 gives them both a new fleet of aircraft.

Going thru the Middle East if your final destination is India, or Africa is the best route rather than going thru Europe. It is an ideal place to break a long journey up, and stay for a few days

It is a joke that everyone from the Middle East goes to London to shop the weeks before Ramadan. This is the name of the month of fasting in the Islamic calendar. The exact timing is determined by sighting of the moon and varies with the lunar calendar so starts approximately ten days earlier each year. In 2014 it was 28th June to 27 July. Many hotels have whole floors booked each year by the same family. I always go to London a few times a year and when I was there I was standing in a long queue to pay in Marks and Sparks which is my favorite department store on Oxford Street and all the ladies ahead of me where in long black robes, with armfuls of bright undies. One lady paid for about 20 ladies, and the clerk said to me when it was my turn, pity you aren’t part of the Harem, you’d have had your bill paid for.

Not everyone speaks English so it’s a good idea to have written down, the name of the hotel and telephone number where you are staying, or the name of the place you want to be taken to. I would not rent a car. A taxi is the way to get around. It is very important for women to dress without attracting attention. No shorts or tank tops. Have your arms and head covered when going into a place of worship.

Shopping is excellent, with gold prices being a good deal. The souk and malls are full of fascinating items. I have a wonderful collection of Arab coffee pots in brass, which I have collected over the years.
Take an hour’s complimentary guided tour of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which has the world’s biggest hand knotted carpet large enough to have 41,000 worshippers kneel on it, gold plated chandeliers, 80 domes, 1000 columns and very impressive.

A visit to the Camel market, is something different. It’s interesting to see the different culture and lifestyle in the emirates. Going on a dinner cruise on a Dhow boat is worth doing.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.