By Lauren Kmec
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
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From its year-round sunny weather and beautiful beaches to its luxury shopping and cosmopolitan flair, Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is truly an up-and-coming global travel destination. Though currently best known for its oil reserves, Abu Dhabi has recently become a highly touted luxury vacation locale. Additionally, Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions are rapidly growing and expanding to keep pace with the rapid development of this city as an international hotspot.

EscapeWizard.com encourages you to explore this Middle Eastern city on the rise. Summers in Abu Dhabi are incredibly hot, so we recommend visiting between November and April, when the climate is much more pleasant. Flights will arrive and depart from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), which has quickly expanded to become a major hub in the Middle East. Follow this link to make your flight arrangements (www.escapewizard.com/flight.php). In addition, Abu Dhabi is becoming very well known for its five-star luxury hotels, but EscapeWizard.com can help you find accommodations to suit any budget (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).

In terms of a can’t-miss destination in Abu Dhabi, EscapeWizard.com highly recommends Saadiyat Island, an area just ~500 meters off the coast of the mainland that is currently being developed into Abu Dhabi’s majestic new cultural district. Saadiyat Island boasts a multipurpose performing arts center and several world-class museums: a branch of the Guggenheim, focusing on modern art, the Zayed National Museum, built to honor the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and a branch of the Louvre, devoted to the fine arts. Saadiyat Island also features the Manarat Al Saadiyat—a stunning visitors’ center and cultural exhibit space—as well as a beach, marina, oceanfront golf course, and wetland reserve.

EscapeWizard.com also suggests visiting the Abu Dhabi Corniche, a 6-kilometer strip of land along the shoreline of the Persian Gulf that is linked to the Breakwater, which protects the mainland from turbulent seas. The paved walkway of the Corniche follows the coast and runs near a multitude of public parks and gardens to be enjoyed at your leisure. Walk or bike along the Corniche, and bring a picnic or stop for a treat at one of the many open-air cafes. When you reach the Breakwater, take some time to explore the Heritage Village, a replica of a traditional Bedouin village, where you can observe demonstrations in metal-working, pottery, or weaving. Then stop to browse the wares at the local market (aka the “souk”), or continue on Breakwater Point to take in spectacular views of the city.

In recent years, Abu Dhabi has become a true epicenter of the international shopping world, and EscapeWizard.com encourages you to do some shopping here, whether you are more inclined to spend a day wandering through a luxury mall or haggling at a local souk. If the former is more your speed, pay a visit to the Abu Dhabi Mall, an enormous complex with more than 200 shops, a cineplex, and a restaurant on every level. However, for a true taste of local flavor, EscapeWizard.com urges you to check out one of the numerous local marketplaces, where you can shop for everything from spices and perfume to gold jewelry and artful Persian carpets. Be sure to stop at one of the food vendors for a snack of fresh dates and traditional Arab sweets.

Finally, EscapeWizard.com recommends a visit to one of Abu Dhabi’s most prominent landmarks, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the world’s largest mosques with a capacity of 40,000. Completed in 2007, this building is an architectural marvel, with 80 domes and ~1000 columns on the exterior; the interior features 24-carat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand-woven carpet. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque openly welcomes non-Muslim visitors, so EscapeWizard.com suggests taking a tour led by one of the mosque’s expert guides.

Don’t wait to discover the romantic mystique of the Middle East with a vacation to Abu Dhabi. Let EscapeWizard.com assist in planning your trip, and prepare to fall in love with this bewitching desert paradise.
Hotels in Abu Dhabi
By Sandy O'Neal
Hilton Abu Dhabi
PO Box 877, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
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The Hilton Abu Dhabi is located just 10 minutes from lively city center where the shopping and entertainment districts are situated. If you arrive by air the hotel is just 30 minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Check in is at 2:00 p.m. and check out is at noon. 

Your room choices include Guest Room, Guest Room Plus, Suite or Executive Room. Guest rooms include a magnificent garden view, marble bathroom, cable TV and high speed internet access. Guest room plus will give you a marvelous view of the Arabian Gulf. If you want to indulge in a Suite or Executive Room, you will enjoy the added benefit of a working and dining area, living room and Executive Lounge; and you will enjoy a complimentary Hilton breakfast and refreshments.    

You leisure time may be enjoyed by spending a lazy day at the beach, or enjoying a dip in of the three swimming pools.  If you are traveling with children, you will want to check out the kids’ club. The hotel also has two tennis courts and a fitness center so you can continue the workout that you are used to. After a grueling workout, you may want to pamper yourself with a visit to the spa. 

There are 15 restaurants and bars right on-site. You can enjoy your dining and cocktails in casual or casual smart attire and enjoy cuisines from all around the world. 

Conferences, meetings and group events can be easily accommodated in 13 meeting rooms. The rooms can be arranged in any number of ways that will make your event perfect. For the bride and groom to be the hotel is a spectacular setting for your nuptials. The Hilton wedding website will assist you so that your special day is unforgettable

Whether your travels to Abu Dhabi are for business or pleasure, the Hilton Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice that EscapeWizard.com is delighted to recommend. Book your next stay through EscapeWizard.com by clicking this link (www.escapewizard.com/hotels.php?flag=htl).