Marvels of UAE – my travelogue

By: Mohammad Ashraf Fazili (Former Chief Engineer) 

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:

This mosque is one of the most breathtaking Places I have ever seen. Its expanse, the gleaming white marble, and the intricate gold details make one to feel like out of a dream. It was completed in 2007 and inaugurated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan, the mosque is the largest in the UAE which can acomodate 40,000 worshipers.

The mosque’s design blends a traditional Islamic styles with modern ones with a shimmering white marble facade 82 astounding domes of various sizes, and four towering minarets. The main courtyard is one of the most impressive sites, featuring marble floors covered with mosaic designs. and surround the astounding domes, minarets, and wide corridors lined by white columns topped with golden details inspired by the palm trees. Around the courtyard there are ten rectangular pools, which reflect the columns and building. One gets mesmerized by the mosque’s exterior but one’s jaw drops with the interiors. On access to AL Noor Foyer with floral design that covers its walls and glass windows leading to the Main Prayer Room. It measures 420 m (1380 ft) X 290 m (950 ft) Outer Dome height 85 m (279 ft) with dia 32.2 m (106 ft)Minaret height 104 m (341 ft) The area covered is over 12 hectares (30 acres) excluding exterior landscaping and underground/overground vehicle parking.

The project was launched by the late president of the UAE Shelkh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in 2004, who died and was buried in the courtyard of the mosque. Besides its offices located in the west minarets managing day to day operations, it serves as a center for learning and discovery through its educational and cultural activities and visitor programs. In the north east minaret there is located a library, serving with classic books, publications about Islamic subjects, sciences, civilization. calligraphy, arts, and coins besides rare publications.The collection covers broad range of languages including Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, and Korean.

The grandest prayer room is home to the world’s largest hand knotted carpet crafted by 1,200 artisans over a period of two years covering an area of 5,400 sq meters weighing about 35 tons. Similarly the central chandelier and the other smaller ones are made specially for this mosque at a heavy cost. I have prayed in this mosque on several Fridays and has been a great experience.

Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque also known as Al Ain Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the city of Al Ain and one of the largest mosques in UAE. It was thrown open to public in 2021 and named after the ruler of Abu Dhabi and President of UAE from 2004 till his death in 2022. Its cost of construction was AED 600 million and has a capacity of 20,000 worshipers. Its dome height is 31.3 m=103 ft and the huge dome the largest of its kind in the country covering the main prayer hall, adorned with verses from the Quran and having a dia 86 m(282 ft). The minaret height is 60m(200ft). It has four minarets on four corners. The site area: built up 15,684 sq.m, total area 256,680 sq. m. I was fortunate to pray in this unique mosque where presence of Allah could be felt.

AL Markaziyah:

Al Markaziyah is generally seen as city centre or main business district. a haven for shoppers and international stores share the streets with a number of restaurants and entertainment venues, including cinemas, a bowling alley and Snow city. The area is a real fusion of residential and commercial , with hotels and apartments, embassies, Al Noor Hospital, Etisalat Headquarters and the Marks & Spencer building. The WTC Mall houses two high rise towers one of 90 storey and the other of 60 storey containing offices, apartments, business centers etc. Most of the streets are lined with 20 storey or more buildings.

 The area is also home to the Vegetable & Fish market and was the site of the central market known as Old Souk and has undergone major redevelopment.

AL Meena

Al Meena Port area is an excellent destination for visitors and residents alike. Located on the north-eastern tip of the island, the area is dominated by the high rise apartments although many of the older buildings have been pulled down to make way for the sleek modern blocks. On leaving the high rise behind, the area on the right is best known for the Carpet Souk and The Club which is popular with many expats and has excellent health club and sports facilities, including the private beach, gym, pool, squash and tennis courts, sailing club, bar and restaurant.

To the left, past the Customs building, is port Zayed. The working port is home to the fish and vegetable Souk, the Iranian Souk. The dhow harbour is well worth a visit at sunset. The harbour is the starting point for a number of dinner cruises. The most popular include those run by the Al Dhafra seafood restaurant. The cruises sailfrom the harbour along the corniche every evening.

Corniche

The Corniche seen as the heart of the city, runs across the top of the island from west to east. The area has  undergone a massive multi-million dirham redevelopment, and provides plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy the open air. The waterfront section is fully paved making it ideal for rollerblading, jogging and walking, while the special cycle path draws both enthusiastic amateurs and serious cyclists. The whole area has been beautifully landscaped with small gardens, fountains, and covered seating areas lining the pavements. The occasional fishermen can be seen casting their line over the railing. The grassed area near the Hilton Hotel, is perfect for picnics; it is particularly popular during the winter weekends when families gather and spend the day playing on the grass or swimming in the water. The New Corniche runs along the eastern side of the island and is also known as the Eastern Ring Road. It is a popular place for barbecues, picnics, and a spot of fishing. The area near the Dolphin Fountains is the perfect spot for a friendly family game of soccer or cricket.

A duck park near the WTC Mall has huge well maintained artificial lake lined with paved tracks around duly fenced. It houses ducks, swans, Canadian flying ducks, sea gulls, pigeons. The lake is occasionally drained off to clean its bed and fresh water pumped through a high fountain. An foot bridge connecting the two banks of the lake presents a panoramic view. Almost all parks have kiosks for refreshments, well maintained wash rooms and prayer rooms.

Madinat Zayed

In the middle of the city, Madinat Zayed is identified  by the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Souk. quieter than some of the other major malls, it comes to life in the evenings. Alongside big stores, like Homes R Us, there are some excellent perfumes, clothing stores, budget buys, fabric stores, haberdashers and tailors. The Gold Souk is wall to wall jewellery stores and for many Middle Eastern visitors, is the perfect place to pick up the gold jewellery needed for dowries. Just next door is the Central Post Office. Government departments in this area include a Ministry of Finance & Industry and Municipality & Town Planning beside a large private care New Medical Centre Hospital around.

Tourist Club Area

The Tourist Club Area is an extremely busy bustling part of the city. Named after the Al Diar Tourist Club (a members club with a beach, bowling alley, gym, park, pool, sporting facilities and food outlets, packed with high-rise apartment blocks, hotels, restaurants, malls and shops. Some of the capital’s major hotels of are found here, including Al Diar Dana Hotel, the Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers, Emirates Plaza Hotel, International Rotana Inn, and Le Meridien Abu Dhabi. Other major attractions include Abu Dhabi Mall and the Abu Dhabi Marina Yacht Club.

Al Khalidiya:

It is the one of the most sought after residential areas in the capital. Close to the Corniche, the blend of the low rise apartment blocks and spacious villas are a home to a number of coffee shops, often located inside the residential buildings. Spinneys and Abela supermarkets  are well known for their speciality items. The area has two large public parks. The Khalidya Public garden has been revamped and houses a small branch of Abu Dhabi Co-operative and the Khalidya Children’s garden for ladies only. They are both popular for the evening and weekend picnics, particularly during the cooler months. The proximity of Marina and Emirates Palace and the Hilton adds to the area’s popularity.

Al Ras Al Akhdar:

This area is dominated by the beautiful and massive Emirates Palace Hotel. The public beach, popular for picnics and swimming is right next door. There is also a Ladies Beach which is part of the larger Abu Dhabi Ladies Club complex and the beaches are linked by a covered pedestrian bridge.

Masdar City

This city is a great place to visit. This city is Abu Dhabi’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 green print for how cities can accommodate rapid urbanization 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 clear energy created onsite from rooftop solar and one of the largest photovoltaic installations in the Middle East.

The role of innovation is as: Solar farms and wind towers power homes and research centers alike. 22 hectares of solar panels generate 17,500 MWh annually. Driverless electric shuttles replace traditional vehicles on street level. Buildings are equipped with smart HVAC systems, low-flow fixtures, and real-time performance monitors.

Masdar City (Source City) an urban community in Abu Dhabi, built by Masdar, a subsidiary of the state-owned Mubadala Company, with the main seed capital from the government. Initiated in 2006, it covers an area of 6 sq km of land area with a population of 15,000 (2024) with a density of 2,500/sq.km. It was launched as a $22billion state-funded project to build ‘the world’s most sustainable city by 2016, the start has since been delayed from 2020 to 2025 due to the great recession and financial crisis. By 2016 less than 300,000 sq. meters had been developed and final completion was estimated for 2030. By 2023 only 15,000 people lived and worked in Masdar City (of whom 5,000 were residents) and the community covered less than a sixth of the area it was intended to cover. The city is meant to be an example of sustainable urban development innovation, and community living. As designed it would be home to about 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses. More than 60,000 workers were projected to commute to the city daily but by 2023 only 15,000 people lived and worked in Masdar City, In the first phase of the project six buildings were designed to be elevated by seven meters to create thermal insulation and separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic. The Eco-residences in Masdar City will have terracotta walls decorated with arabesque patterns, and they will be rated LEED. Masdar City will contain a tech park made from recycled standard 40-foot shipping containers. Passive design features will include wind towers to improve ventilation and short, narrow streets to create pedestrian spaces.

Transport in Masdar City will include public mass transit and a personal rapid transit system that will transport people in autonomous electric pods along an underground track. As of 2025 PRT system remains a prototype with high costs making expansion impractical. In 2011 a test fleet of 10 Mitsubishi electric cars was deployed

Masdar City is the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) It was selected after a campaign by the UAE, and construction was completed in 2015. The regional headquarters for Siemens is also in Masdar City. THE LEED Platinum building makes use of sustainable and energy efficient materials and building techniques. It was designed to use 45% less energy and 50% less water than typical office buildings. It won an award for best office building at the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards in 2012. Other institutions in Masdar City include Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, G42, the UAE Space Agency, and Khalifa University.

ADENAC Centre

This is located on Al Khaleej Street. It is a premier venue situated in the heart of the city, about 16 minutes from Zayed International Airport. The venue includes 12  interconnected halls, a 6000 capacity ICC, and is part of the Capital Centre development. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre is the largest exhibition venue in the middle east. it features an unparalleled 153678 sqm of indoor and outdoor events space two conference halls as well as 21 meeting rooms. Marina hall is the largest hall of its kind in the region, a 10,000 sqm space that enables the organizers to create showcases both on and off the water. The hall is connected to ADNEC via a footbridge and easily accessible from Khaleej AL Arabi Street. ADNEC also features a wide range of restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels, business facilities and service providers. During the past decade I have participated here in several international conferences/exhibitions like World Water Summit, World Energy Summit, Waste to Energy Summit etc. Many international companies had set up their stalls demonstrating their machinery equipment and technologies besides holding seminars and presentation of their latest know how useful for different countries. In World Water Summit a French scientist presented his innovation of converting sea water to clean water by solar heat. A Visionscape Group- An Environmental Utility group presented VISIONSCAPE SANITATION SOLUTIONS offering solutions like Municipal Solid and bulky waste collection solutions, Street sweeping and cleaning services, Waster transfer and disposal, Recyclable materials collection and disposal, Special waste destruction services, Medical waste collection and disposal, Confidential waste shredding and document destruction, Waste water treatment solutions, Landfill management-Construction and remediation, Design, build and maintenance of waste management facilities, – Material recovery facilities, Transfer loading stations and vehicle maintenance depots. Besides they had put up samples of their products on sale. The group can be contacted on [email protected]. The other company Steinmuller Babcock Environment deals with ENERGY FROM WASTE with their email contact<: [email protected]. Another company GREENGOOD OKLIN deals with Food Waste Composter making composting easy-contact address: [email protected], ORCA Enviro Systems- an environmentally alternative to food waste disposal, SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT (SET) [email protected], A demonstration of converting plastic waste into tiles useful for pavement of foot paths was also witnessed. One day is not enough to witness all the stalls of the exhibition.

Breakwater:

This is a reclaimed land area and connected by a causeway to the cor niche. The beachfront walkways are an extension of the cor niche development. A popular entertainment and retail destination, it is home to Marina Mall, the Abu Dhabi international Marine Sports Club and the Heritage Village. There are a number of Arabic restaurants and cafes along the waterfront. The views of Abu Dhabi cityscape are spectacular and provide some great photo opportunities.

Airport Road:

It is like the backbone of the island, running along its length. It starts at the Al Maqtah Bridge and ends at the Corniche and most of the main areas are accessible from it, it passes  many of the city’s landmarks, including Sheikh Zayed Sports City, the Diplomatic Area, the Churches Area, the National Theatre, a number of international schools, the iconic Itisaklat building, and Cannon square, before it ends at the Corniche. The Eastern Ring Road and the Coast Road which run down the east and west flanks of the island begin at the major intersection after the bridge. The Grand Mosque is on the left just after intersection.

Al Bateen

This is on the western side of the island. It is home to the inter Continental hotel with its restaurants and nightclub, The area’s large parks are popular at the weekends. The Gulf Diagnostic Centre is also located here. The Bateen jetty is a popular launching spot for boats, and the area around the jetty has a number of marine supply stores.

Al Karamah

It is a popular pretty residential area, where villas are in high demand. Most of the villas are independent but there are few housing compounds, some of which are reserved for employees of particular companies.

Al Mushrif

It is located in the centre of the island, predominantly a residential area with some high-rise apartments, lots of villas and a few embassies. The proximity of a number of international schools, many of the capital’s churches, the Abu Dhabi Golf and Equestrian Club, the Abu Dhabi Health & Fitness Centre, and the Mushrif Children’s Garden (for ladies only) makes this area popular for families. The Ministry of Information & Culture, the Immigration Department and the Women’s Association Handicraft Centre are also based here. The Al Mushrif Helipad, right next door to the Al Mushrif Palace is seldom used and is a popular area to take the kids to play.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Surrounded all around by the sea waters of the Saadiyat Island, this is the first universal museum in the Arab World translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. This art lover’s dream displays works of historical significance from ancient times to the contemporary era.

The museum is a part of a US$27 billion tourist and cultural development for Saadiyat Island, planned to house a cluster of world-class cultural assets.

It is a new cultural beacon bringing different cultures together to throw fresh light on the shared stories of the humanity.

The origin of this Louvre dates back to March 2007. The UAE and France formed an unprecedented partnership for cultural exchange and the highlight of this would be the establishment of Louvre on Saadyat island. The partnership would combine the UAE’s bold vision of cultural progression and openness, with France’s expertise in the world of art and museums. It would explore the shared themes that reveal and connect humanity. The Louvre represents the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage. Agence France Museums-17 of France’s most renowned culture institutions coordinates the loan of artworks to this UAE museum and provides management expertise. A few years back I visited the wonderfully built dome shaped museum where some rare art works, sculptors of great men like Aristotle, scientists, historians, inventors, mummy of Pharaoh etc,. were spread over a vast area of space.

There are 9200 sq. meters of displays including the permanent galleries which showcase the museums collections as well as loans from notable French museums d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. Meanwhile the temporary galleries feature a roster of special exhibitions throughout the year.

The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Pritzker prize winning architect Jean Nouvel. The vast silvery dome that appears to float above the museum despite its apparent weightlessness weighs around 7,500 tons. Inspired by the cupola, a distinctive feature in Arabic architecture, Nouvel’s dome is a complex geometric structure composed of 7,850 stars. These stars appear in various sizes and angles in eight different layers. As the sun passes through, the geometric pattern adorns the museum with beautiful shadows projecting a spotted pattern on the ground known as the rain of light.

It houses a vast collection of significant artworks and artifacts which spotlight human creativity through the ages. Spread across 6,400 sq meters, the museum offers a comprehensive exploration of diverse cultures and civilizations. From ancient relics to contemporary masterpieces, visitors can discover a rich display of human creativity.

Sports City Stadium

It is a multipurpose stadium located in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi with a capacity of 44,260 people opened in January 1980 and renovated in 2009. It is the largest stadium in UAE and complies with international standards and is used for a wide range of events. It hosted 1996 AFC Asian Cup, 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship and the 18th Arabian Gulf Cup. The semifinals and finals of 2009 and 2010 FIFA World Cups were also held at this stadium. The stadium again hosted the Club World Cup in 2017 and 2018. It also held the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Qasr Al Hosn Palace

It is Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone structure, the symbolic birth place of the city, and a historic landmark representing the development of the UAE capital from a fishing village to a metropolis. It is a commanding figure surrounded by the emirates skyline- a beautiful contrast between old and new. It was built in the 1790’s and was once home to the ruling family. The building also housed the National Consultative Council, founded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE. Transformed into a museum in 2018 after a decade’s worth of intensive conservation and very delicate restorative work, walking into the Al Hosn fort is like stepping into a time capsule. Qasr Al Hosn is located on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saaed Al Maktoum Street, about 30 minutes from zayed International Airport. One can soak up the fascinating history of the UAE’s capital or spend the day admiring the artefact and archival materials from 6,000 years ago. Today the Al Hosn palace has become the nation’s living memorial of a time long gone and a visual reflection of Abu Dhabi’s history. An annual celebration of UAE culture is held at the start of the year. Featuring live music and dances, workshops, interactive activation, art exhibitions and other traditional performances, the festival showcases the best of Abu Dhabi’s past and present against the stunning backdrop of Al Hosn. A few years i visited the palace and was surprised to find the old construction of the building ensuring cool air circulation through high chimneys rising from the room to higher than the roof level. Besides life size LED photographs of the royal family with their style of living facing the rugged desert life is worth noting.

Global Village

It is a major cultural , shopping, and entertainment destination primarily located in Dubai though tours from Abu Dhabi frequently visit it; it’s a seasonal, festival-like event with pavilions from over 75 countries, offering international food, unique crafts, live shows, and carnival rides, celebrating global diversity in one place. There has been a lot of development regarding infrastructure, pavements and parking spaces as compared to the earlier status observed by me a few years earlier.

Expo 2020

It was hosted in Dubai from October 2021 tp march 2022, featuring the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ with Abu Dhabi serving as a key base for visitors to experience the UAE, offering attractions like Etihad Towers and mangrove kayaking, while Etihad Airways provided complementary Expo tickets, linking the two cities as part of the overall UAE experience. Visiting the Expo 2020 was a novel experience. Spread over a vast area one could cover the pavilions of only a few countries in a day. Visiting Russian pavilion was a great fun to observe the functions of the human brain depicted three dimensional with commentary. Similarly the Iranian pavilion depicted the great Islamic scholars, philosophers, scientists with their sculptures, handwritten manuscripts and rare carpet designs etc.

Miracle Garden

The beautiful Miracle Gardens in Dubai with a private transfer from Abu Dhabi Marvel of 45 million flowers laid out in beautiful designs such as pyramids, buildings, arches and more. Aeroplane, vintage cars covered in flower designs spread across the 72,000 sq meter gardens and spend the day surrounded by beautiful flowers of all varieties and sizes. One feels as if in a paradise made miraculously possible by the management located in what was once a desert area.

Manasir:

This place is very popular with Abu Dhabi’s expat residents. The leafy streets are home to a number of embassies and various palaces, and being relatively traffic free, they are a great place to go cycling and jogging.

Al Safarat:

This is located on the south side of the island dominated by the General Exhibition Centre having a number of international exhibitions and conferences every year. Just behind the Exhibition Centre is the Heritage/Bedouin village where one can have a glimpse of how life used to be. The grandstand that looks onto Coast Road will surprise many first time visitors. Other major landmarks  in the area include Sheikh Zayed Sports Centre, The Sharia Courts, and the headquarters of Abu Dhabi InternationaI Hotels besides a Diplomatic Area home to a number of embassies including those of USA, Bahrain, Pakistan and India. The magnifiscent Emirates Palace Hotel , which opened in 2005 is located nearby.

Al Maqtaa

This covers the southern end of the island and named after the Al Maqtaa Fort this area is dominated by the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque, known locally  as the Grand Mosque, and Al Diar Gulf Hotel. The Al Maqtaa Bridge gives easy access to the roads to Al Ain, Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Al Matar

Being off the Eastern Ring Road, it is dominated by the Khalifa Park. One of the city’s larger parks and a major landmark, the local and internationally inspired gardens are set in a landscape of canals, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. With play equipment for children, picnic facilities and an outdoor auditorium, it is popular place to get some fresh air in the cooler months. A number of mixed commercial and residential buildings have been built around the park and several government departments relocated here.

Umm Al Nar

The area is situated on the outskirts of the city, on the road to Dubai and Al Ain and is known for the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and large independent villas.

The Islands

There are over 200 islands, many just a boat ride away. They vary in size and the majority are flat, sandy and uninhabited. Island hopping is a popular pastime with the boating fraternity; it offers the opportunity to explore, barbecue or simply relax in absolute peace. One of the islands like the large man-made Lulu island opposite Carniche is protected from the sea by a breakwater has undergone transformation as thousands of palm trees have been planted and entire sand dunes relocated. A variety of buildings, cafes, and restaurants have also been constructed. Saadiyat Island initially marked as a free zone area has recently become part of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Portfolio to develop into a residential leisure and tourism destination. Massive development has taken place at Al Reem island, Shams Abu Dhabi as a mix of commercial, recreational and residential property. Futasi Island five kilometers from Abu Dhabi City has been redeveloped. Already a tourist attraction the private island has been turned into an ecotourism destination. Al Sammaliah Island is run by the Emirates Heritage Club and is home to many sporting and cultural activities- from horse riding and sailing to an Olympic standard rifle range. Sir Bani Yas Island 240 km west of Abu Dhabi was developed into a nature reserve by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It is a part of a breeding and conservation programme for indigenous and African animals, including Arabian Orya, gazelles, blackbuck and eland. Bahraini and Cut Islands are also popular, a 40 and 25 minute boat ride away from the Corniche respectively. Flat and sandy Horseshoe Island is home to a number of desert foxes. Off its shore is Surf Reef – a great spot for windsurfing. One may be lucky enough to spot the local population of humpbacked dolphins or the endangered dugongs; further out into the sea there is possibility of spotting some of the migrating whale species including the Blue Whale, the Sperm Whale and Russo’s Dolphin. Several of theseislands have been earmarked for development to limit the access.

Al Ain City

The capital of the emirate’s eastern region, it is also known as ‘The Garden City’ It is the second most important city in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and as the birthplace of the late Sheikh Zayed it has a special status. Al Ain is 148 km east of Abu Dhabi and forms part of Buraimi Oasis. In the days before the oil boom the town was a five day camel trek from Abu Dhabi. Today, it takes about an hour and a half on the well-constructed highway. Already naturally fertile the late Sheikh Zayed started a programme to green the city. The seven natural oases are now set amid tree lined streets and beautiful urban parks. There is evidence of the area having been inhabitted for at least last 4,000 years. Al Ain’s unique archeological heritage and historic identity has tremondius tourism potential and ADTA is making a concerted effort to promote the area.

Al Ain Oasis

This massive oasis is littered with palm plantations,many of which are working farms. The shady palm trees provide a welcome respite from the heat and noise of the town.

Camel Market

Here the camel market is well known  and is the last of its kind in the UAE. Here the ships of the desert can be viewed close and traders seen discussing the price and merits of their animals.

Livestock Souk

Here is the place to pick up a goat or a sheep at bargain price. The market attracts traders from all over the Emirates.

Jebel Hafeet

It rises abruptly from the surrounding countryside and dominates the area, and the views from the top are stunning. One can see the surrounding desert plains, oases, wadis and the Hajar Mountain range in the distance. At 1,180 meters, the mountain provides a dramatic backdrop to the city, which itself is 300 meters above the sea level.

Maqtaa Fort

The heavily renovated fort is one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Abu Dhabi. The 200 year old fort, standing on the edge of the island , was built to fend off bandits and provides a wonderful contrast to the modern Maqtaa Bridge.

Heritage Village

This pretty village on the Breakwater is situated on a 1,600 sq. metre site overlooking the Corniche. It is run by the Emirates Heritage Club and offers an interesting glimpse into the country’s past. Besides displaying the traditional aspects of Bedouin way of life in an open museum. An air-conditioned museum houses a collection of artifacts including coffee pots, diving tools, Holy Qurans, jewellery, weapons, and folklore garments. There is sample some typical Arabic cuisine at the beach-side restaurant near the kids play area.

Museum City

Cultural Foundation- It is a remarkable place, encapsulating the city’s desire to enrich knowledge, preserve heritage and enhance cultural activities. Spread over 14 hectares, it is located in the ground of old fort. The building has grown over the years to encompass the range of activities hosted at the Foundation. A myraid of passages, arches, courtyards and flowering garden pathways provide a relaxing atmosphere. It is a home for National Archives, the National Library and the Institution of Culture and Art. The publishing side produces books relating to the UAE, the Middle East and the Islamic world. It also hosts the annual book exhibition in March each year. Book publishers from all over the world compete for space in an event that reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the advancement of arts and literature. For most of the year except the summer months, the foundation throws open its lecture and exhibition halls to local and international speakers and artists. Embassies also use the facilities to hold cultural events and film festivals.

Petroleum Exhibition

The revamped Petroleum Exhibition covers Abu Dhabi’s phenomenal development from a desert oasis to a thriving cosmopolitan city. Spread across three rooms, there are scale models, photographs and maps charting the earliest oil exploration in the desert and the Gulf, to the first oil export from Das Island in 1962. Interactive displays like giant drill bits, and documentary films in English, French and German give a fascinating insight into one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers.

Besides the other sites of landmark are: Women’s Handicraft Centre, Al Ain Museum, Al Ain University Natural History Museum, Hill Archaeological Garden, Jahili Fort & Park (the birth place of the late president, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.), Parks & Beaches, Beach Clubs, Al Dana Ladies Beach, Al Raha Beach, Al Ain Ladies Park, Al Mushrief Children’s Garden, Al Nahyan Gardeb, Capital Gardens, Khaldiya Chikdren’s Garden, Khalidiya Garden, Sheikh Khalifa Park, Mosque Gardens, The New Corniche, Old Airport Garden, Public Garden, Silmi Garden.

Shopping Malls

The Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi are visited by tourists mostly for tax free shopping, kids playing, food courts, cafes etc.

Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria Al Marya,Reem Mall,  Deerfields Mall, WTC Mall Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda Mall, Marina Mall (housing over 400 stores), Nation Towers Mall, Yas Mall, Ikea Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Safeer Mall, Mazayid Mall, Dalma Mall etc.

Tours & Sightseeing

An organized tour can be a great way to discover the UAE, especially if you are only here for a short time or do not have ready access to a vehicle. Besides the city and safari  tours some companies offer more specialized activities. From the adrenaline buzz of desert driving, dune bugging, mountain biking or hiking, to a peaceful canoe or bird watching expedition, those tours combine fun and adventure.

City Tours-in Abu Dhabi and Out of Abu Dhabi to Dubai, Ajman & Sharjah, Al Ain, Ras Al Khaimah, Shopping Tour, Helicopter & Plane Tours, Safari Tours- Dune Dinners, East Coast, Full Day Safari, Hatta Pools Safari, Mountain Safari Overnight Safari etc. are arranged by various companies for the visitors.

The Amusement Centers (a range of computer and video games) include the Foton World, Fun Island, Fun World, Kids Play, Toy Town. The Amusement Parks cover Hill Fun City & Ice Rink, Wonderland & Theme & water Park, Camel Racing, Corniche Cruises (Blue Dolphin Company LLC), Shuja Yacht, Sunshine Tours, Falcony, Feathers of Arabia, Horse Racing. There is Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Nature Reserves Sir Bani Yas Island, Powerboat Racing, Water Parks, Dreamland Aqua Park, Splash Land, Wild Wadi Water Park, Al Ain Zoo & Aquarium.

Out of Abu Dhabi, one can visit Liwa Oasis. In Northern Emirates that make up the rest of the country as one travels north up the west coast these are Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah and on the east coast Fujairah. They all play an important role in the UAE although none is as large or as powerful as Abu Dhabi or Dubai.

Dubai

This is the second largest emirate and most important  of the northern emirates. With limited natural resources it has founded its wealth on trade. Originally a small fishing settlement based around a creek, Dubai was taken over by a branch of Bani Yas tribe from the Liwa Oasis in around 1830. The Makhtoum family led the takeover and the descendants of this family still rule the emirate. The booming modern city has grown around the creek, which makes it an excellent starting point for any exploration. The city has grown at an incredible rate with much of the construction taking place around the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway. Renowned as the shopping capital of the Middle East it is the ultimate place for shopaholic, with a healthy credit limit.

Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest structure located in Dubai with a total height of 829.9 m (2,722 ft.) or just over half a mile built between 2004 and 2009, cost US$1.5 billion, 163 floors, floor area 309,473 sq.m (3,331,100 sq ft.) The building is named after the former president of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al Nahyan. the UAE government provided dubai with financial support as the developer. The details are available on its website burjkhalifa.ae.

Situated at the heart of it all in Downtown Dubai, is the most visited retail and lifestyle destination in the world welcoming over 100 million visitors every year. Unlike any other mall, it has more than 1,200 retail outlets, including two anchor department stores, Galleries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, along with over 200 international dining experiences and a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions for families to enjoy.

Fasion Avenue

One can explore more than 150 luxury shopping and dining experiences at Fashion Avenue. With inspired architecture, captivating art and stylish interiors, Fashion Avenue is the home of luxury in the Middle East.

Souk Al Bahar

A vibrant arabesque marketplace situated alongside Dubai Mall, the sailors market, blends the classic with the contemporary to offer residents and tourists alike an enthralling experiences. featuring over 100 shops and 22 restaurants, cafes and lounges, the Souk provides the perfect vantage point to take in amazing views of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

It is home to thousands of aquatic animals, over 140 marine species and a 270 degree walk-through tunnel. Located within Dubai Mall it features a 10-litre tank containing  more than 400 Sharks and Rays, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers and a wide array of curated, immersive experiences to choose from, a spectacular aquatic adventure awaits for friends, families and everyone in between. Besides there is available opportunity for endless family fun, entertainment & hospitality. For kids aged 2 to 16 years there is Kid Zania, the ultimate children’s edutainment destination, where learning and entertainment combine. Athletes and enthusiasts can head to Zabeel Sports District, the multi-spots complex located on the rooftop of Dubai Mall Zabeel, offering a range of sports and great views.

Sharjah

Before Dubai’s rise to prominence as a trading and tourism hot spot, it’s neighbour Sharjah was one of the wealthiest towns in the region, with settlers earning their livelihood  from fishing, pearling and trade. The city grew inland from the original creekside town but the creek remains a prominent landmark today. Sharjah is worth a visit for its various museums and great shopping. In 1998 UNESCO named Sharjah the cultural capital of the Arab world due to its commitment to art, culture and preserving traditional heritage. The museums of the Heritage area cover everything from traditional domestic life to the  emirate’s maritime history and the intricacies of Arabic calligraphy. The city of Sharjah is built around Khalid Lagoon (known as the creek) The Sharjah  corniche surrounding it is a popular spot, especially for the evening stroll, to see the lights of the city from the water, hire a small dhow from one of the various points around the lagoon. The other notable area of Sharjah is Qanat Al Qasba- flanking the 80 million dirham Majaz Cabal, linking Khalid Lagoon with the Al Khan Lagoon and the Mamzar Park area. Designed as a Little Italy, it is part of government’s plan to develop the emirates tourism industry on a cultural and educational basis. Besides the areas worth mentioning are: Al Dhand (second most important town in the emirates of Sharjah.), Sharjah Blue Souk, Sharjah Natural History Museum, Souk Al Arsah.

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)

is the most northern of the seven emirates, but thanks to the nrw Emirates Road extension one can make the trip from Dubai in less than an hour. With the majestic Hajar Mountains rising just behind the city, and the Arabian Gulf stretching out from the shore, RAK has possibly the best scenery of any city in the UAE. A creek divides the city into the old town and the newer Al Nakheel district. There is a National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah housed in an impressive fort.

Umm Al Quwain

This is the second smallest of the emirates, and has the smallest population. Nested on the coast between Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, it is a quiet place where not much has changed over the years; there are still six forts and a few watch towers around the town- giving visitors an idea of how life in the UAE was a few secades ago. The main industries are still fishing and date cultivation.

Ajman

It is the smallest of the seven emirates, situated about 160 km to the north-east of Abu Dhabi. Known as a coastal emirate, it also has two inland enclaves, one at Masfut on the edge of the Hajar Mountains and one at Manama between Sharjah and Fujairah. Ajman is renowned for having one of the largest dhow building centers in the region.

The other areas to visit are East Coast for Weekend Breaks, Museums-Out of City, Badiyah- the site of the oldest mosque in the UAE located half way down the east coast, north of Khor Fakkan. The mosque is made from gypsum, stone and mud bricks and finished off with white washed plaster. Its design of four domes suppoorted by a central pillar is considered unique. The building is believed to date back to the middle of the 15th century. Officially called the Masjid Al Othman, it was restored in 2003 in the form of renovation and the ancient mosque looks quite smart and new.

Bithna

Set in the mountains about 12 km from Fujairah, the village of Bithna is notable mainly for its fort and archaelogical site. The fort once controlled the main pass through the mountains from east to west and is still impressive.

Dibba

Located at the northern most point of the east coast, on the border with Mussandam  (part of Oman), Dibba is made up of three fishing villages. Unusually , each part comes under a different jurisdiction: Dibb Al Hisn is part of Sharjah, Dibba Al Muhallab is part of Fujairah and Dibba Bayah is part of Oman. The three Dibbas share an attractive bay, fishing communities, and excellent diving locations.

Fujairah

It was actually a part of Sharjah until 1952, making it the youngest of the seven emirates. its independence makes it the only emirate located entirely on the east coast, and with the golden beaches bordered by the Gulf of Oman on one side and the Hajar Mountains on the other. It is defenitely worth the visit.

Kaliba, Khor Kaliba, Khor Fakkan, Al Hisn Kalba town/beaches/villages/mangrove forest are also worth the visit.

In conclusion it may be stated that there are lot of lessons for us to learn from the UAE in its development, management, maintenance etc. They have means to arrange for the most competitive consultation with close supervision of works strictly following the prescribed standard codes of practice with minimum inconvenience to the general public. It is observed that pavements of foot paths are renovated/replaced every ten years. Before constructing the buildings infrastructure like water supply, electric supply, drainage, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal etc. are provided where after the construction is allowed which is monitored by the Municipality very minutely in respect of architectural design, structural design. I saw a 20 storey building was halted by the Municipality at the plinth level as the amount reinforcement was provided lesser than the designed one. The whole structure was dismantled and raised a fresh as per the design parameters. Similarly if a violation of even one foot heights made the whole building is razed to ground.

Vacuum cleaning machines work during night hours to remove dust from the roads. The working sites are enclosed with pleasing enclosures. There is no sign of a street dog anywhere except cats roaming in parks here and there. There is no sign of a beggar as the begging is banned in the country. The traffic police can be rarely seen on the roads except at the site of an accident. There are no traffic jams in view of 3-4 lane wide roads controlled by fool proof signaling systems and radars recording violations of speed, lane crossing or signal crossing. For pedestrians crossing sites are earmarked with signal systems. The senior citizens above sixty years are provided with bus cards for free travel in the buses. No solid waste is found littered on the roads as it is disposed off during the night hours.

The benefits from oil income and real estates are shared with the permanent citizens including long term permit holders (like Golden Visa holders)  with zero personal income tax, access to thriving economy fueled partly by oil, and direct routes to residency via property investment Golden Visa for AED 2M+), offering stability, family sponsorship, and a pathway to full integration with opportunities to work, business, and lifestyle, supported by robust infrastructure and financial services.

INDUSTRIES:

The UAE has a diverse economy with key industries including oil and gas, tourism, construction, technology, and renewable energy, reflecting its strategic shift towards economic diversification.