Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide Course

Transcription

Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide
Course
Name:
Date:
TGTLC - Course Notes – March 2016
INDUSTRY and TOURIST GUIDE TRAINING UNIT
STANDARDS, LICENSING AND REGULATIONS DEPARTMENT
Disclaimer - The Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide Training and Licensing Course workbook serves only to support the
training of tourist guides for the emirate of Abu Dhabi and aims to provide accurate information where possible.
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) does not endorse, promote any of the items or services
reflected in the workbook. TCA Abu Dhabi also disclaims liability to the information provided. The workbook has
been collated from several references and where possible TCA Abu Dhabi endeavors to indicated and acknowledge
the source of the information provided.
The information below is taken from the www.visitabudhabi.ae web site as well as sites from our Industry
Partners and the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority corporate web site. You are recommended to
refer to the website for updates on latest information as well as to reference other sources of information
to prepare for your Tourist Guide Training and Licensing Course.
Resource & References
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority acknowledges the below sources and references and is
not liable for any inaccuracies in the content.
Abu Dhabi Co-Operative Society Official Webpage www.adcoops.com
Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge Official Webpage – www.abudhabidesertchallenge.com
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital Official webpage - www.falconhospital.com
Abu Dhabi Mall Official Webpage – www.abudhabi-mall.com
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority – www.adta.ae
Al Ain Aerobatic Show Official Webpage – www.alainaerobaticshow.com
Arabian Saluki Centre Official webpage - www.arabiansaluki.ae
Bu Tinah Island Official Webpage - www.butinah.ae
Desert Islands Abu Dhabi - www.desertislands.com
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com
Manarat Al Saadiyat Official Webpage – www.saadiyat.ae
Marina Mall Official Webpage – www.marinamall.ae
Office of the Brand of Abu Dhabi – OBAD www.brand,abudhabi.ae
Red Bull Air Race Official Webpage - www.redbullairrace.com
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Official Webpage – www.szgmc.ae
Summer in Abu Dhabi Festival – www.summerinabudhabi.ae
Tourism Development and Investment Company – TDIC www.tdic.ae
Visit Abu Dhabi Official Webpage – www.visitabudhabi.ae
Yas Island official webpage – www.yasisland.ae
Yas Links Abu Dhabi – www.yaslinks.com
TGTLC - Course Notes – January 2016
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Tourist Guide Training & Licensing Course Presentation Test Topics
Candidates must be prepared to present on any of the following topics for a minimum of 3
minutes.
S/No.
CULTURE & HERITAGE
TOURISM INFORMATION
1.
Emirati Cuisine
Manarat Al Saadiyat & UAE Pavillion
2.
Islam & Ramadan
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club & Hawksbill Turtles
3.
Hunting with the Saluki & Saluki Centre
Saadiyat Island Cultural District Museums
4.
Hunting with Falcons & Falcon Hospital
Yas Marina Circuit & Formula 1
5.
About Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan
Yas Links Golf Club & Abu Dhabi Golf Club
6.
Pearl Diving
Ferrari World, & Yas Marina Yacht Club
7.
Traditional Dancing
Al Ain UNESCO Archeological Sites
8.
Henna
Masdar City
9.
National Dress - Men/Women
Corniche & Volvo Ocean Race
10.
Weaving : Sadu, Telli
Al Maqtaa Fort and Sheikh Zayed Bridge
11.
Arabic Coffee & Date Palm
Zayed Sports City & Yas Waterworld
12.
Traditional Housing: Areesh, Barjeel,
Stone
ADNEC & Hyatt Capital Gate
13.
Falaj System
Crown Prince Dewan & Tolerance Sculpture
14.
Ghaf Tree
The Federal National Council
15.
Jewelry & Money
Al Hosn Fort & Union Square
16.
Abu Dhabi Oil & Gas History
Al Gharbia Festivals e.g. Al Dhafra, Camel, Date, Moreeb
17.
Camels & Arabian Horse
Al Ain Palace Museum & Al Ain National Museum & Al
Jahili Fort
18.
The Majlis, Incense, Oud & Emirati
Greeting & Hospitality
Heritage Village , National Theatre & Flag
19.
National Day historical significance
Sir Baniyas Island Arabian Wildlife Park
20.
Abu Dhabi Rulers
Etihad Towers & Emirates Palace & Yas Viceroy Hotel
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC
PAGE
TOPIC
PAGE
Presentation Test Topics
3
Al Ain Attractions
47
About UAE
5
Al Ain UNESCO Sites
49
History of UAE
8
Al Gharbia Attractions
50
UAE National Day
12
Al Hosn Fort and Union Square
52
Abu Dhabi Rulers
12
Crown Price Dewan & Tolerance
53
Government & Administration
16
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
54
Tribes in UAE
19
Other Attractions
57
Religion
20
Souqs & Shopping
61
Traditional Emirati Dress
22
Golfing in Abu Dhabi
61
Traditional Emirati Food
23
Sustainable Tourism Masdar City
62
Arts, Music, Dance, Poetry
25
Masdar City
62
Emirati Hospitality
27
Sir Bani Yas Island
63
Henna
29
Hawkbill Turtles
64
Jewelry
30
Mangroves
65
Architecture & Buildings
30
Appendices – Page 64 onwards
Falaj
31
Abu Dhabi City Tour Script
A
Ghaf Tree
31
Schematic City Tour Route
17
Palm Date Cultivation
32
Al Ain Route Script
A1
Pearling
33
Heritage Village Tour Script
I
Saluki
34
Falconry
35
Camels
37
Saadiyat Island Attractions
41
Yas Island Attractions
43
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About United Arab Emirates
UAE lies on the south-eastern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and
west and the Sultanate of Oman to the southeast, while Qatar lies to the northwest. The famous Liwa
Oasis in the south is home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world. It is also
the frontier that leads to the legendary Rub Al-Khali (Empty Quarter), a vast expanse of desert that
extends through Saudi Arabia and Oman. The country’s total land area is about 83,600 square
kilometers, where over 80% is occupied by the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The emirates of Abu Dhabi and
Dubai comprise over two-thirds (67%) of the country’s total population.
Endowed with rich natural resources, UAE’s economy is dominated by oil exports although a growing
diversification in the country’s economy has been evident in recent years. UAE has approximately 8%,
or 98.7 billion barrels, of the world’s proven oil reserves and hosts the fifth largest natural gas reserves in
the world. The UAE was formally established in December 1971, following an agreement between rulers
of the seven emirates or sheikhdoms to form a union. These emirates are Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah,
Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah (which joined the union in early 1972), and Fujairah.
Abu Dhabi is the seat of federal government and the country’s capital, and haven for some of the world’s
biggest oil-producing companies and most luxurious hotels and sporting facilities. Neighbouring Dubai,
which is significantly smaller in size than Abu Dhabi, is considered the country’s commercial capital,
hosting numerous blue chip companies that have set up their regional headquarters there over the years.
Sharjah is acknowledged as the country’s Islamic cultural capital with its numerous museums and
heritage sites. Ajman, which lies next to Sharjah, is the smallest emirate in terms of geographical territory,
while Umm Al Quwain is situated between Sharjah to the southeast and Ras Al Khaimah to the northeast,
along the coast of the Arabian Gulf. Unlike the other emirates, Fujairah is nestled by rough mountains
(Hajar) and a 90 kilometre coastline (Gulf of Oman). Ras Al Khaimah, on the other hand, is endowed with
scenic coasts, mountains, archaeological sites and agricultural lands.
Geography
Abu Dhabi, whose name implies “Father of the Gazelle” geographical coordinates are 24° 28' 0" North,
54° 22' 0" East. It is the largest of seven emirates comprising the UAE, occupying more than 80% of the
country’s total land mass and featuring a coastline that stretches over 700 kilometres. More than 200
islands fall under the Abu Dhabi territory including Das Island, located 170 kilometres northwest of Abu
Dhabi city, and Mumbraz and Bani Yas, which are located approximately 180 kilometres west of the
capital. Desert dominates Abu Dhabi’s terrain, covering as much as 70 percent of its land area.
The city of Abu Dhabi, is located on a low-lying island. Sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf, which
surround the city, complete the scenic vista. The Garden City of Al Ain – lying near the Oman border - is
home to one of the famous peaks of the majestic Hajar Mountain and the highest point in the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi (Jebel Hafeet), which rises about 1,240 meters.
The imposing Hajar Mountain from the east and the vast tracts of arid desert enclose Abu Dhabi emirate’s
second city - Al Ain. Ironically, Al Ain boasts a highly fertile soil relative to other emirates in UAE, which
has encouraged the growth of vast vegetation in the area. The Hajar Mountain, on the other hand,
produced copper that was traded by the first tribes that occupied this desert community over four
thousand years ago.
Another well-known feature of the emirate is the Liwa Oasis, located at the centre of the Al Dhafra region,
where greenery and water resources are in abundance. The two and a half-hour drive from the capital city
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to Liwa provides visitors with a magnificent view of some of the largest and most spectacular sand dunes
in the world.
Topography and Major Geographical Landmarks
Mountains: The isolated mountain of Jebel Hafeet lies to the south of the city of Al-Ain, and is shared with
Oman. The mountain, which is an extension to the Hajar mountain range, has the highest peak in the
emirate, which measures 1,240 metres
Oasis: The natural oasis at Al-Ain and Liwa, which were the habitat for the earliest agricultural
settlements in Abu Dhabi, are the largest in the emirate, and they continue to expand with irrigation.
Lakes (Artificial Reservoirs): Artificial lake at Al Mubazzarah or Green Mubazzarah (which is part of ecotourism projects in the emirate’s Eastern Region)
Rivers: Abu Dhabi has no permanent river, though it has one permanent spring, at Ain bu Sukhanah (at
Ayn Al Fayda), in Al-Ain. Short-lived seasonal flow of rain water feeds the many wadis surrounding the
mountain area.
Caves: There are several caves in Jebel Hafeet which are of archaeological importance. There is also a
cave network in the Hajar Mountains, beyond Buraimi, near Al Ain. The largest and most impressive of
these cave systems is the Magharet Qasir Hafee, which has 450 metres of shafts, passages and
chambers reaching to a depth of 96 metres.
Islands: There are amore than 200 islands of which the largest one is the island of Abu al-Abyadh
Climate and Local Time
Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, arid climate. Sunny blue skies and high temperatures can be expected
most of the year. Rainfall is sporadic, falling mainly in winter (November to March) and averaging 12cms
per year in most of the emirate. Rain is more common in the ‘Oasis City' of Al Ain, the emirate’s second
largest city, due to its proximity to the Hajar mountains.
Temperatures range from a low of around 13°C on a winter’s night, to a high of around 47°C on a
summer’s day. The cooler months, November to April, are the most pleasant time to visit, when
temperatures are around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night.
The UAE is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT) and there
is no daylight saving. Hence, when it is 12.00 midday in Abu Dhabi, it is 3am in New York, 8am in
London, 10am in Johannesburg, 1.30pm in New Delhi, and 6pm in Sydney (not allowing for any summer
time saving in those countries).
Flora and Fauna
For an emirate with such an arid climate and little rainfall, Abu Dhabi has surprisingly diverse indigenous
flora and fauna. The emirate is home to about 3,500 native plants, the date palm is the most widely
cultivated of the indigenous flora, providing wonderful seas of green, especially in the oases.
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Heading towards the mountains, flat-topped acacia trees and wild grasses make the terrain feel more like
savannah than desert. Indigenous fauna includes the highly endangered Arabian leopard and the ibex,
but sightings of both are extremely rare. Realistically, the only large animals you will see are camels and
goats (often roaming close to the roads). Other desert life includes the sand cat, sand fox and desert
hare, as well as gerbils, hedgehogs and geckos. Recent studies have shown that the number of bird
species is increasing, due in part to the emirate’s increasing lushness. This is most apparent in the parks
in spring and autumn, as the emirate lies on the route for birds migrating between Central Asia and East
Africa.
Marine life is also abundant with coastal waters being home to tropical fish, coral, dolphins, the dugong
(sea cow) and turtles. Eight species of whales and seven dolphin species have been recorded in UAE
waters. Four or five of the world’s seven turtle species are indigenous, including the hawksbill and
leatherback. All are endangered, but can be seen offshore.
Language
Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken and most road and shop signs and
restaurant menus are in both languages. The further out of town you go, the more Arabic you will find,
both written and spoken.
There are three types of spoken Arabic in contemporary Abu Dhabi. The oldest form of the language is
known as Classical Arabic (think Shakesperean English), which is not commonly spoken by Arabs today,
at least not in their everyday conversations. The revelation of Quran in Classical Arabic explains for the
most part why the language has been preserved down the centuries; it is also the language of royal and
princely courts, and the educated elite throughout Islamic history.
Literary Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), on the other hand, is used in formal or business
settings such as in the broadcast media or in governmental proceedings. University or formal courses in
Arabic language are oriented towards this type of spoken Arabic.
The third type is Colloquial Arabic, which combines some of the features of both Classical and Modern
Arabic, but assumes regional nuances and is used by Arabs in everyday conversations. Colloquial
variations explain the different pronunciations or spelling for the same alphabet in Arabic. For example
the alphabet “qaaf” is pronounced “g” in Bedouin dialects, and then becomes ‘k’ in places like rural
Palestine. However in most Gulf countries the same alphabet could be pronounced or spelt as “j” or “g”.
Abu Dhabi locals speak Gulf Arabic, which is the native spoken language of Arab nationals in countries
such as Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Southern Iraq, UAE and to a lesser extent, Oman
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History of Abu Dhabi - UAE
Fast Facts
Late Stone Age – 6000BC – 3500BC – earliest evidence of human settlement, nomadic hunter-gathers,
settled communities on the coast. Maritime trade had commenced and technology included flint tools.
Key Sites: Jebal Buhays (mass cemetery); Merawah (largest collection of flint tools); Dalma (fishing
settlement with earliest houses yet found in the UAE and imported Ubaid pottery); Umm Al Quwain
(butchery site for Dugongs)
Bronze Age 3200 to 2500BC – Discovered bee-hive shaped small collective tombs, coincide with the
copper industry, mined from Hajar mountains and then exported to Mesopotamia.
Key sites: Jebel Hafit (collective tombs); Hili Archeological Gardens in Al Ain (early settlement)
Umm Al Nar – 2500 – 2000 BC – Named after port-town and complex collection of graves on the island
of Umm Al Nar near Abu Dhabi. It represents the peak of the bronze Age culture with extensive trading
links with Mesopotamia & the Harappan culture of the Indus Valley. Characterised by massive circular
stone collective tombs with up to 200+ burials.
Key Sites:Umm Al Nar (settlement graves), Hili Archeological Gardens, Al Ain (restored circular tomb, Tell
Abraq, Sharjah/UAQ (fortified tower, 40 metres in diameter)
Wadi Suq Period 2000 – 1300BC - evolved out of Umm Al Nar period, produced some of the finest gold
and silver jewellery found in the emirates.
Key Sites: Qattara Al Ain (collective tomb) Tell Abraq, Kalba (continuation of early settlement)
Iron Age 1300 to 300 BC – characterized by the first presence of the use of ‘falaj’ underground water
systems which permitted agriculture in an environment that was become more arid. First appearance of
writing in the Emirates.
Key Sites: 2 village in Al Ain (with falaj); Muwailah, Sharjah (fortified settlement in desert, with first
evidence of iron and use of writing)
Hellenistic Period 300BC to 300 AD – trade established with Mediterranean, including Greece and
Rome. First evidence of use of a minting of coinage by local rulers, increasing evidence of links with
southern Arabia.
Key Sites: Mileiha, near Dhaid (settlement, fort, coin mould), Ad Door, Umm Al Quwain (settlement
temple, fort, extensive burials)
Late pre Islamic – 300 to 650 AD – Influenced by the Sassanian dynasty of Iran and when Christianity
first appeared in the eastern Arabian peninsula, including the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah and Dibba emerged
as major ports Far East.
Key Sites – Sir Bani Yas, AD pre-Islamic Christian monastery, Ras Al Khaimah military strong hold.
Early to Mid Islamic 650 to 1300 AD – integration of UAE into the broader Islamic world. Muslim armies
sailing from Ras Al Khaimah defeated the Sassanians in Iran, apparent concentration of settlement in the
northern emirates, including Dubai and RAK, extensive involvement in Indian Ocean Trade.
Key Sites: Jumeirah, Dubai (town from early Abbasid period), Kush, RAK (continued), Hulayla RAK
(trading settlement)
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Late Islamic – 1300 to 19C – Final fading away of the 4500 copper industry in 16th and 7th centuries as
old trade routes were disrupted by coming of the first European colonial powers. This period produced
the great Ahmed Al Majid (navigator), presence of substantial amounts of oriental porcelain testifies to
extensive maritime links.
Key Sites: Julfar RAK (successor to Hulaya and Kush a major fortified settlement north of the present-day
town); Bithna, Fujairah and Fujuirah town (large forts); Bidiya, Fujairah (oldest mosque in the Emirates,
Sharjah & Dalma, AD (important surviving examples of domestic architecture)
Recent History
The Portuguese arrived in the Gulf in the sixteenth century, stirring fierce rivalry between them and the
Ottoman. The arrival of the Portuguese likewise coincided with the strengthening of the Qawasim, a
group of sheikhs and their sheikhdoms that built an economic powerhouse and used military force to
resist foreign control of trade. Such resistance eventually provoked a British offensive which quelled the
Qawasim around the second half of the 1700s.
An important cluster of villages at Liwa, comprising the Bani Yas tribe, was thriving even before the onset
of this turbulent era. The “boom” that was being experienced by the pearling industry particularly in the
area which is today known as Abu Dhabi city attracted the Bani Yas tribe, led by the Sheikh of Al Bu
Falah (Al Nahyan family), to migrate to Abu Dhabi from Liwa. Part of this tribe, called Al Bu Fasalah, later
decided to settle by the creek in today’s Dubai and establish the Maktoum rule.
The defeat of the Qawasim led the British to sign individual treaties with each of the emirates in the early
1800s, which eventually included a maritime truce, hence, the initial name Trucial States.
The various coastal towns in the Trucial States enjoyed flourishing economy throughout the nineteenth
century and in the first decade of the 20th century primarily due to a lucrative pearling industry in the
region. The boom in the pearling industry, however, was cut short when World War 1 broke, and was
further severely impaired by the economic depression that followed in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
The invention of cultured pearl by the Japanese, however, proved to be the final straw that led to the
collapse of the industry, leaving the coastal towns of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah reeling in
such loss.
An astute man, who was to become the first president of the UAE, was born to Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh
Sultan at the onset of this economic shakedown, around 1918. Named after his grandfather and the
youngest of four sons, Sheikh Zayed at an early age displayed a keen interest in acquiring knowledge
and in understanding the desert and the sea, and how people relate to their environment. Sheikh Zayed
was only 28 when he became the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, administering the needs of six villages
as well as the neighbouring region. The young leader utilized this time to gain a deep understanding of
the government and the existing tribes, whilst laying out plans that led Al Ain to become a model
community in terms of agriculture, water supply and education, amongst other important areas of
development.
On the background, rudimentary oil exploration has been taking place in Abu Dhabi dating back in the
1930s. At the time a consortium of Western oil companies operating in Iraq (under the name Iraq
Petroleum Company) sought to explore the lower gulf for oil and found a potential oilfield in Abu Dhabi.
Concession agreements between the company and Abu Dhabi’s ruler were signed over a period of
several years which culminated to the establishment of the first oil company in Abu Dhabi, called
Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast), in 1951.
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Quick Reference Historical Milestones
Earliest human occupation in the UAE is recorded as far back as 5500 BC or 7500 years ago, although
new evidence suggests that the first human inhabitants could have arrived here much earlier during the
Early Stone Age.
Al Qawasim and Bani Yas were the 2 main tribes.
Advent of Islam
The year 630 AD marked the arrival of envoys from the Prophet Muhammad heralding the conversion of
people to Islam.
Portuguese Control
Portuguese expansion into the Indian Ocean in the early 16th century following Vasco da Gama's route of
exploration saw them battle the Ottomans up the coast of the Arabian Gulf. The Portuguese controlled the
area for 150 years.
British and Ottoman Rule
Portions of the nation came under the direct influence of the Ottoman Empire during the 16th century.
British expeditions to protect the Indian trade from raiders at Ras al-Khaimah led to campaigns against
them.
The Peace Treaties
The sheikhdoms permanently allied themselves with the United Kingdom by the Perpetual Maritime Truce
of 1853, until in 1892 they entered into "Exclusivity Agreements" with the British which put them under
British protection (Trucial States Treaty)
Abu Dhabi Oil & Gas History
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, inland exploration was fraught with difficulties....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The following article is the first of a series of articles on the history of oil and gas in the UAE. It is adopted
from an unpublished work by Dr. Ali Zeglam, Career Development Officer in TAKREER.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The early days
Surface oil accumulations have been known in the Middle East for centuries. The first active exploration
programs began by American and British oil companies in the 1920's and 30's. Large scale production of
oil and gas in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia, the UAE (Abu Dhabi), Kuwait and other countries began
after the Second World War. In the 1950's and 60's, the production quotas and indeed the control of the
oil prices in the Middle East was set by seven large multinational oil companies. These seven companiesExxon, Shell, Texaco, Chevron, Mobil, British Petroleum and Gulf - were known as the "Seven Sisters"
and they kept the price of oil at about $2.50/barrel. Early in the 1960's the organization of Petroleum
Exporting Countries (OPEC) was formed to regulate the production of crude oil and to bring about more
realistic prices. In the mid to late 70's the price of oil rose to over $30/barrel. The price of oil today
typically ‘hovers close to $100 or more’ per barrel depending on OPEC quotas and world events. The
following table gives important date in the history of the oil and gas industry.
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1) Oil Exploration in The UAE:
The first oil concession in Abu Dhabi was granted in 1939 to Trucial Coast Oil Development Company,
which was awarded exploration rights to the whole of the emirate’s land area and part of its offshore for a
75-year period. The company discovered its first commercial oilfield at Bab in 1960, and that was followed
by finds at Bu Hasa in 1962, Asab in 1965 and Sahil in 1972. In 1962 it changed its name to Abu Dhabi
Petroleum Company (ADPC).
Meanwhile, in 1953 an exploration and development agreement covering all the remaining offshore areas
of Abu Dhabi had been signed with D’Arcy Oil Company (exploration arm of British Petroleum), but two
years later its concession was reassigned to a newly-created venture called Abu Dhabi Marine Areas
(ADMA). ADMA, which was owned by a group of foreign companies including Total and British Petroleum
(BP), made its first commercial oil discovery at Umm Shaif in 1958, as a result of which a production and
processing center and an export terminal were established on nearby Das Island. The first export
shipment of Umm Shaif crude left Das Island in 1962, and three years later ADMA discovered the Zakum
oilfield, which was immediately developed and entered production in 1967.
In 1971 the emirate established a national oil company, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), to
take over the state’s interests in all oil and gas fields. The law authorized ADNOC to operate at all levels
of the oil industry, both at home and abroad, and one of its first steps was to take 25% holdings in the two
concessionary companies, ADPC and ADMA, on 1 January 1973, less than a year after a Japanese
consortium called Japan Oil Development Company (JODCO) had acquired a 45% interest in ADMA.
ADNOC raised its stake in each company to 60% in January 1974, and after that steadily broadened the
scope of its activities, establishing a number of other subsidiaries.
In particular, it negotiated agreements with its two affiliates, designating them as offshore and onshore
operators respectively. The first was signed with ADMA in April 1977, as a result of which ADMA became
Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (Adma-Opco), whose other shareholders were the same as
ADMA’s - BP (14.66%), Total (13.33%) and JODCO (12%). The agreement with ADPC was signed in
September 1978 and created Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Operations (Adco), whose other
shareholders were BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Total (9.5% each), Exxon and Mobil (which have since merged
to form ExxonMobil but then had 4.75% each) and Partex (2%).
ADNOC also set up Zakum Development Company (Zadco), a joint venture in which it had an 88%
interest in association with JODCO (12%), to develop part of the Zakum field relinquished by Adma-Opco.
It is known as Upper Zakum, while the part retained by Adma-Opco is called Lower Zakum. ExxonMobil
acquired a 28% interest in Zadco in March 2006, reducing ADNOC’s holding to 60%.
ADNOC’s three upstream affiliates - Adco (onshore), Adma-Opco and Zadco (both offshore) - are
responsible for all exploration, development and production operations on their concessions and account
for almost all the emirate’s output of oil and gas. In addition, there are two independent production
ventures controlled by Japanese interests, Adoc and Moco, as well as two operating companies set up
specifically to operate the al-Bunduq and Abu al-Bukhoosh fields. The Supreme Petroleum Council (SPC)
was set up in June 1988 and is responsible for the emirate’s oil and gas policy and activities, and as such
has direct management control over ADNOC.
2) Current Oil & Gas Production In The UAE:
The federation of seven Gulf Emirates possesses the world’s sixth largest oil reserves, although most of
the emirates produce no oil or gas, or very little. The country is nevertheless dominated by the
hydrocarbon industry thanks to Abu Dhabi, which is not only the largest emirate in terms of size and
population but also, and above all, in terms of its share of the country’s oil and gas reserves, and hence
its hydrocarbon production and exports. Source http://www.adnoc.ae/AdnocNews
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UAE National Day Historic Significance
By 1966 it became clear the British government could no longer afford to protect what is now the United
Arab Emirates. The Royal Navy was not able to defend the trucial sheikhdoms while the British Armed
Forces were seriously overstretched and under-equipped. On 24 January 1968, British Prime Minister
Harold Wilson announced its decision, reaffirmed in March 1971 by Prime Minister Edward Heath to end
the treaty relationships with the seven trucial sheikhdoms which had been, together with Bahrain and
Qatar, under British protection. Thereafter, the nine Gulf sheikhdoms attempted to form a union of Arab
emirates, but by mid-1971 they were still unable to agree on terms of union.
Bahrain became independent in August, and Qatar in September 1971. When the British-Trucial
Sheikhdoms treaty expired on December 1, 1971, they became fully independent. The rulers of Abu
Dhabi and Dubai decided to form a union between their two emirates independently, prepare a
constitution, then caledl the rulers of the other five emirates to a meeting and offered them the opportunity
to join. It was also agreed between the two that the constitution be written by December 2, 1971. On that
date, at the Dubai Guesthouse Palace, four other emirates agreed to enter into a union called the United
Arab Emirates. Ras al-Khaimah joined later, in early 1972.
On the 2nd of December 1971, a federation of six emirates (Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah,
Umm al-Quwain) formed the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. Sheikh Zayed was elected president and
Sheikh Rashid was elected vice-president. In early 1972 Ras Al Khaimah decided to join the federation,
which officially took place on the 11th February 1972. In February 1972, the Federal National Council
(FNC) was created; it was a 40 member consultative body appointed by the seven rulers. The UAE joined
the Arab League in 1971. It was a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council in May 1981 and its
first summit was held in Abu Dhabi.
In a spirit of consensus and collaboration, the Rulers of the seven emirates agreed to form a Supreme
Council, the top policy-making body in the new state. They also agreed that they would elect a President
and a Vice-President from amongst their numbers, to serve for a five-year term of office. The Ruler of Abu
Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was elected as the first President, a post which he held until
his death on 2 November 2004. Sheikh Zayed was succeeded as Ruler of Abu Dhabi by the Crown
Prince, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was elected as the new President on 3 November
2004.
Abu Dhabi Rulers
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan


Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the first president of the United Arab Emirates. Under his
forty years of rule the country was transformed from a stunted conglomeration of seven emirates
into a strong modern nation with one of the highest GDPs per capita in the Arab world and a
state-of-the-art infrastructure and social system. His death on November 2, 2004, marked the end
of an era for the United Arab Emirates.
As the president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed gained the trust and respect of the international
community and managed to establish the Emirates as a global player among the modern
industrial countries. As ruler of the Emirati people, he maintained the traditional role of a fatherfigure to his people, approachable to every citizen to discuss not only the intricacies of state
policies but any personal concerns that were brought to him.
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Ruling Al Ain

Sheikh Zayed was born in Al Hosn palace, Abu Dhabi in 1918, to Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed, who
himself ruled the emirate from 1922-1926. The youngest of four boys, he was named after his
famous grandfather, known as Zayed the Great, who also ruled the emirate from 1855-1909.

In 1946, Sheikh Zayed was assigned to govern Al Ain and to represent his brother Sheikh
Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan in the Eastern Region. During his twenty years as governor,
Sheikh Zayed gained a reputation as a natural leader who ruled by example. His principles of
leadership were to maintain close ties with the people and to personally oversee the
implementation of reforms. As such, he kept an open majlis where he based his decisions on the
consensus of the different tribes and travelled the region frequently to consult the people, even
those in remote areas, about their needs. It was during his rule of Al Ain and the Eastern Region
that Sheikh Zayed became not only well known but a well loved and respected leader, eager to
hear from all of his subjects.
Ruling Abu Dhabi and the Making of the UAE


The discovery of oil in the late 1950s and early 1960s reversed the whole economic formula in
the Gulf region, as it marked the real start of its development. In 1962, as the Emirate began
exporting oil, it was immediately obvious that a new vision of governance was required to address
the new challenges and to optimise the use of oil revenues. The Al Nahyan family unanimously
chose Sheikh Zayed as the new ruler of the emirate on August 6, 1966. He implemented major
reforms such as modern education, healthcare, public housing, and general urban development.
However, the improvement of living standards and the distribution of oil revenues were not the
only challenges facing the country. In 1968, it became clear that the Trucial States had to
transform into a stable modern nation state within three years. Sheikh Zayed realised the
importance of a strong union to make the future state durable on an international level. A
constitution, legal system and model of rulership had to be agreed upon and established, all of
which were hitherto unknown to the country. Sheikh Zayed became the leading force in the
creation of a federation between the Gulf countries, together with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al
Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai with whom he signed an agreement in 1968. The efforts of both
charismatic leaders finally resulted in the foundation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
Leading the Union


On December 2, 1971, Sheikh Zayed was elected the first President of the new state by Their
Highnesses the Rulers of the Emirates, who are simultaneously members of the Federal
Supreme Council (FSC). Every five years, the FSC renewed its confidence in Sheikh Zayed and
re-elected him.
By keeping a close eye on the growing nation, Sheikh Zayed was able to distribute Abu Dhabi’s
oil wealth to the sectors that were most in need of development and to ensure a stable social
status quo for UAE citizens. He was not only concerned about the economic stability of his
country, he also felt that it was his personal responsibility to teach the new generation about their
heritage and culture and the importance of keeping the memory and the values of the past alive
in order to better cope with the rapid changes that were to come. On a political level, his foresight
and moderation not only ensured the unity of the UAE as one nation, but made the nation known
within the Arab world for its stability and the generosity the rulers extended to their own people
and to other nations. The UAE quickly gained an international reputation as a politically and
economically stable country.
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Expanding the Federation: The GCC

Sheikh Zayed, convinced of the benefits of a federation between not only the seven emirates of
the UAE but between all Gulf States, was a leading force in the foundation of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC). His vision was to bring together the Gulf countries which shared not
only a similar economy but a history based on common tribal social structures. On these common
grounds, Sheikh Zayed aimed and succeeded in establishing a formal regional and political entity.
The charter of the Council was signed on May 24, 1981 in Abu Dhabi by the heads of its member
states, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and, of course, the UAE.
Reforming Education


One of Sheikh Zayed’s first wide-scale initiatives for the UAE was to provide education for all its
citizens. As a result, schools and learning centres were built all over the country and teachers
were recruited from other Arab countries to educate the young generations.
Within a few years, the UAE was able to meet all the necessary education requirements for a
modern nation-state. Sheikh Zayed’s efforts in this area culminated in the creation of many
accredited institutes such as the UAE University, the Higher Colleges of Technology and Zayed
University. The UAE is also home to many private universities and colleges, including Abu Dhabi
University (ADU), Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST), the American University
of Sharjah (AUS), and the American University in Dubai (AUD). As a result, the UAE quickly
became an accredited centre of learning, attracting students from friendly neighbouring countries.
The UAE was also one of the first countries in the Middle East to introduce computer skills into
the schools' curricula.
Developing Industrial Sectors and Infrastructure


From the start, Sheikh Zayed’s vision to develop the industrial sector of the UAE was driven by
his recognition of oil being a limited resource. His focus was on developing the manufacturing
sector, which enjoyed a boom in the 1970s when the total production value of the UAE rose from
AED 940 million to AED 2,980 billion. To plan industrial development policies and diversification,
Sheikh Zayed formed the General Industrial Corporation (GIC), which was later transformed into
the General Holding Company (GHC), a public joint-stock company.
The development of the country’s infrastructure was another pressing issue for Sheikh Zayed.
From the very start of his rule, road construction, telephone lines and the establishment of a
national media were recognised as vital to connect the seven emirates with each other. The new
roads, international airports and sea ports quickly enabled the UAE to play a role in the modern
industrial world and thus swiftly take its place among the world's most highly-developed industrial
countries.
Protecting the Environment


Known for his love of nature and keenness to preserve the environment, Sheikh Zayed focused,
in his first actions as ruler of Abu Dhabi, on the promotion of agriculture and the spreading of
greenery to curb desertification.
In his role as President of the UAE, he expanded his concern for environmental conservation to
the whole country and created the political infrastructure for environmental research, protection
and development. Not only did Sheikh Zayed support the growing of crops, but he also ordered
the plantation of more than 140 million trees throughout the emirate. Furthermore, he founded a
programme to protect local animals, such as the Dorcas Gazelle and the Arabian Oryx. In
acknowledgement of his strong support of environmental protection, Sheikh Zayed was the first
head of state to be honoured, in 1995, with the Golden Panda award by the World Wildlife Fund
(WWF). In 2005, one year after he had passed away, the United Nations Environment
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Programme (UNEP) honoured Sheikh Zayed posthumously as an outstanding and innovative
leader with the 'Champion of the Earth' award.
Peacekeeping and Charity Work

Sheikh Zayed held a firm belief in Arab solidarity. Moreover, he called for co-operation between
all nations based on the principles of friendship, mutual respect and non-interference in the
internal affairs of other countries. In particular, Sheikh Zayed felt it was his duty to use his
personal and political weight in both the Arab and international arenas to achieve a just and
durable peace in the Middle East. His belief in solidarity was rooted in his Islamic faith. Sheikh
Zayed supported Muslims all over the world by providing copies of the Holy Quran, establishing
Islamic centres and research institutes, and giving financial support to Hajj pilgrims. (Source:
http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal)
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected President of the UAE by the Supreme
Council on November 3, 2004. Following the principles of leadership laid down by his father, the late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Khalifa maintains close links with the Emirati people and
strongly promotes solidarity between the Arab states. His focus on the development of the country’s
citizens is reflected in the UAE’s continuous programmes to create economic diversification and
sustainability, as well as numerous aid initiatives. His Highness has extensive experience in running the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi's affairs as he headed its local cabinet and it’s Department of Defence.
1948-2004: Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
HH Sheikh Khalifa was born in Al Muwaiji Fort, Al Ain, in 1948, and spent most of his childhood in the
oases of Al Ain and Al Buraimi. Sheikh Zayed, who governed the Al Ain region at that time, was
constantly on journeys to the remote tribes of the Eastern Region, maintaining a very close personal
relationship with the people and their needs. Accompanying his father in his difficult task to improve the
lives of the tribes of the area and establish state authority, HH Sheikh Khalifa learned essential values of
responsibility, trust,and justice in the public majalis of his father and grandfather. He received his school
education in Al Ain, at the city's first school, built by his father.
Looking back on his education, HH Sheikh Khalifa especially acknowledged how the closeness to his
charismatic father trained and influenced him in a way no school education could do: “My father is my
teacher. I learn something from him every day, follow his path and absorb from him his values, and the
need for patience and prudence in all things.” (1990)
At only eighteen years old, HH Sheikh Khalifa was appointed Representative of the Eastern Region in
1966 when Sheikh Zayed became Ruler of Abu Dhabi and consequently moved to Abu Dhabi City. In Al
Ain, HH Sheikh Khalifa continued the development projects, particularly those involving the restoration of
the underground irrigation systems and digging new wells. Establishing himself as the main executive
leader of his late father's government, HH Sheikh Khalifa was appointed as Abu Dhabi Crown Prince in
1969 and later the first Prime Minister of the Abu Dhabi Government. He was also tasked with taking care
of the defence and finance sectors to establish their infrastructures and services for the Emirate.
Page 15
His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy
Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. He
was born in 1961 and has played an active part in the development of Abu Dhabi Emirate through more
than three decades of rapid economical and social change. Long before his appointment as Crown
Prince, he has been known as the driving force behind initiatives to ensure and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s
security, sustainability, and economic diversification.
Military Career
During his military education Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed completed the staff college course at the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst/UK, from where he graduated in 1979. He was trained in basic armour, basic
flying, helicopter conversion, tactical flying, and paratroops. His experience encompasses commanding
an armoured unit, a Gazelle helicopter squadron, the Air School and the Air College. He has been
Commander of the UAE Air Forces and Air Defence, and Deputy Chief-of-Staff of the UAE Armed Forces,
before being appointed Chief-of-Staff of the UAE Armed Forces in 1993 and one year later Lieutenant
General. When his father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, passed away in 2004 and his older
brother, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, was elected president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed
became Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in Jan 2005 and was promoted to the
rank of General.
Government Offices and Decorations
In addition to his military responsibilities, General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was the principal advisor
on security issues to his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and became Deputy Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi in 2003. Since 2004 he has been first Deputy Chairman and later Chairman of the
Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
General Sheikh Mohamed is an active member of the Supreme Petroleum Council, which has policy
jurisdiction over oil and energy issues. He has received numerous citations and decorations from the UAE
and other countries, among which are Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, the
United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, China, South Korea,
Malaysia and the United Nations. Source: http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae
Government Administration
A symbiotic relationship between formal and traditional government exists in UAE. The Supreme Council
is the country’s top policy making body comprising hereditary rulers from each of the seven emirates. It is
responsible for developing and approving federal policies and laws that relate to education, foreign affairs
and defense, amongst others. The Council holds a quarterly meeting to tackle federal government issues,
in which the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have a power of veto over decisions. The Council also meets
every five years to reaffirm the existing president or elect a new one.
Other branches of the federal government include the Federal Council of Ministers (executive), the
Federal Judiciary and the 40-member Federal National Council (legislative). The introduction of indirect
elections in December 2006 to select half of the members of the FNC, including the participation of nine
women in the parliament, is seen as a commendable move designed to increase public participation in
the country’s legislative processes. The age-old institution of open majlis (council) nevertheless ensures
that UAE nationals maintain free access to their ruler or sheikh, where they could raise important issues
that affect them personally or collectively such as requesting for a piece of land, university scholarship for
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their children or the potential effects of foreign immigration policies. Furthermore, each of the seven
emirates have their own local government, which coordinates closely with the federal institutions and
which follows a general pattern of structure, as outlined in the constitution.
The Supreme Council elected His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as president in
November 2004, following the death of his father and first president of UAE Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan, who ruled the state from 1971 until the time of his death. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum is currently the vice president and prime minister of UAE, posts he assumed following
the death of his brother and ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid al Maktoum, in early 2006. Sheikh
Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed are presently rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, respectively.
In Abu Dhabi the Judiciary Department reports directly to the office of the ruler, so is the office of His
Highness Crown Prince General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who chairs the emirate’s
central governing body, the Executive Council. Abu Dhabi’s executive council oversees government
agencies that administer various services ranging from culture and heritage, commerce, economic
development, education, health, food, pensions, information, utilities and finance, amongst others.
Diwans or representatives of the ruler are also adjoined to the ruler’s and crown prince’s offices to
facilitate community relations.
The Federal National Council (FNC)
The Federal National Council, a consultative body, is the fourth federal authority in terms of order in the
hierarchy of the five federal authorities stated in the constitution, namely: the Supreme Council of the
Federation, Federation President and Vice-President, Federation Cabinet, the Federal National Council,
and the Federal Judiciary Constitution.
The Federal National Council (FNC) is comprised of 40 members, distributed in the following manner:



8 seats for each of the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai
6 seats for each of the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah
4 seats for each of the emirates of Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah
Half of the members are elected by the electoral bodies, while the other half is appointed by the council.
This mechanism has been adopted and implemented in 2006, since the beginning of the first phase of the
program of political empowerment of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The
term of membership in the FNC is four gregorian years, commencing as of the date of its first meeting.
This term is known as the Legislative Term. The FNC shall be summoned into sessions and its session
shall be terminated by decree issued by the President of the UAE. The Council holds an annual regular
session for a period of not less than 7 months from the third week of October every year. And its
meetings are held in Abu Dhabi, the "Federal Capital of the UAE”. A special session can be convened
when it is necessary and the council shall not look into issues other than what the session was originally
called for. The old-age practice of shura (consultation) is a form of representative democracy. The aim of
this process is to ensure the participatory role of the public in public policy making and administration. On
the federal level, the Federal National Council (FNC) mirrors the high respect for the consultation
principle.
http://www.abudhabi.ae/egovPoolPortal_WAR/appmanager/ADeGP/Citizen?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=p_citizen_departments&lang=
en&did=138130
Page 17
Monetary System
Maria Theresa Thalers - MTT
 Empress Maria Theresa ruled Austria, Bohemia and Hungary between 1740 and 1780
 Silver Bullion Maria Theresa Thalers were first minted in 1741
 The MTT came to be used as currency in large parts of Africa until after World War II. It was common
from North Africa to Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and down the coast of Tanzania to Mozambique. Its
popularity in the Red Sea region was such that merchants would not accept any other type of
currency. The MTT could also be found throughout the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia, Yemen
and Muscat and Oman, and in India.
Indian Rupee
Called the Gulf Rupee as the Central Bank of India issued this special edition of its currency to be used in
the Gulf States (1959-1966)
Dirham
The dirham was put into circulation on the 19th May 1973 replacing the Bahraini Dinar in Abu Dhabi and
the Qatari Riyal in Dubai.
The Central Bank
The main responsibility of the Central Bank is formulation and implementation of banking, credit and
monetary policies, to ensure the stable growth of the national economy. The Central Bank manages a
fixed exchange rate of the dirham against the U.S. dollar to ensure the free convertibility of the national
currency into foreign currencies. It is also important to highlight the Islamic Banking set by the Shari’a.
UAE Flag
Officially used on the 2nd Dec 1971
Designed by an Emirati named Abdulla Muhammad Al Maeenah when he was 19 years old (Ambassador
of UAE in Chili) and Chosen from 1030 designs
For Abdulla, his own interpretation is that black stands for the oil that helped transform his country. Green
is for fertility and its green gardens. White and red were already present in separate emirate flags, so he
added on what was already there to signify the expansion into a unified entity.
Also there are other meanings for those colors that come from the Islamic history:
Black represents the early years of Islam, which saw many wars as it spread across the Middle East
during the time of the Prophet Mohammed and the first two caliphates: the Umayyads based in
Page 18
Damascus followed by the Abbasids based in Baghdad. The latter's rule continued from 750AD to
1258AD, and reached as far west as modern-day Algeria to as Far East as India.
Green represents the Fatimids Caliphate, which ruled out of Egypt from 909AD to 1171AD over an area
that spanned all of North Africa, the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, as well as Malta and
Sicily.
Red was the color of the Ottoman flag, and is often said to be symbolic of sacrifice and blood.
White has several meanings, from peace to purity to charity. It is the color for peace across the world,
and a white flag was raised after the Prophet Mohammed's first victory on the battlefield, in the Battle of
Badr, when he overpowered his opponents in Mecca
Some other interpretations mention that the white and red color represents the while pearls placed on the
red cloth that traders used to keep the pearls during the pearling economy.
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/heritage/teen-who-designed-uaes-national-flag-was-in-a-flutter Nov 1 2011
Tribes in UAE
Most UAE nationals are descended from two tribal groupings, the Qawasim and the Bani Yas, which
emerged as leading powers in the eighteenth century. The Qawasim, mainly land and sea traders,
dominated what are today the emirates of Ras al Khaymah and Sharjah. The Bani Yas, who were
agricultural and pastoral, lived in what are today the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Bani Yas is one of the most prestigious and highly regarded tribes of Southern Arabia. Its origin can
be traced back to Yas Bin Amer, whose tribe came from the tribe of Nizar Bin Maid bin Adnan. Partly
because of its numerical superiority, but mainly because of its military prowess and proven loyalty to
allies, many other tribes sought to join the Bani Yas for protection and security.
The most numerous and significant tribe of the UAE, the Bani Yas is made up of approximately 20
subsections. Originally centred in the Liwa oasis, the Al Bu Falah subsection resettled in 1793 in Abu
Dhabi; from this subsection come the Al Nahyan family, who are the present-day rulers of Abu Dhabi.
Traditionally the members of the Al Bu Falah tribe "spent the winter with their camels in the desert, and
many of them went pearling during the summer. The Al Bu Falah were the first to acquire property in the
Buraimi oasis, and the members of the ruling family have systematically continued this policy until now.
In 1833, a large, influential group of the Bani Yas moved to Dubai under the leadership of Maktoum bin
Buti Al Maktoum. The Al Maktoum family, a part of the highly regarded Al Bu Falasah section of the Bani
Yas, continues to rule Dubai to this day.
Other sections of the Bani Yas tribe include the Rumaithat, which depended largely on fishing and
pearling, as did the Al Bu Mahair. The Qubaisat section was one of the largest tribes settled in the
communities of the Liwa oasis. Members of the Mazrui, the main Bedouin section of the Bani Yas, also
lived in the settlements of the Liwa. Their livelihood depended on camels, pearling boats, and in the first
half of the twentieth century, when the value of camels declined, date plantations. Making up much of the
permanent or semi-settled population of the villages of the Liwa oasis was the Hawamil section. Many of
its members owned goats or sheep, which kept them close to home. They also owned boats and had a
share in the pearling industry.
The Maharibah section, like the Hawamil, comprised both nomadic and settled members and many of its
families were involved in the pearling industry. They owned a small fleet of 40 pearling boats. The Al
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Mishaghin, a sub-section of the Al Bu Muhair section, was prevalent in Dubai. It was a small group of
predominately Bedouin families. The Sudan, on the other hand, was a large section spread out along the
entire coast. Dependent on the sea for their livelihood, the members of the Sudan took an active role in
pearling, fishing and trading.
"This tribal confederation was the basis for the creation of a nation-state within a large
and geographically very varied territory. The coherence of the confederation was due to
certain characteristics of the Bani Yas. First of all, the subsections and allied groups did not live separate
existences; they shared, mingled and intermarried in the villages of the Liwa, They had arrangements by
which the nomads of one section cared for the camels of another section, and those who had no pearling
boats of their own went on the boats of others. Secondly, most families of the Bani Yas had some
members living permanently in Abu Dhabi town, so that all the sections mixed there easily at all times.
As befits a tribe from which so many noble families have come, the members of the Bani Yas tribe are
well known for their patronage of, and involvement in, the literary arts. They are also renowned for their
generosity, hospitality and chivalry, as were their Bedouin forefathers.
Bani Yas consists of several branches. Some examples are as follows
 Al Bu Falah (Al Nahyan)
 Al Bu Falasah (Al Maktoum)
 Al Hameli
 Al Romaithi
 Al Mazroui
 Al Sibusi
 Al Marar
 Al Muhairi
 Al Mehairbi
 Al Qubaisi
 Etc
Source: http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae
UAE Religion
Islam is the official religion of the UAE, and is widely practiced. The basis of Islam is the belief that there
is only one God and that Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) is his messenger. The Islamic Holy
day is Friday. Muslim is required to pray (facing Mecca) five times a day. The times vary according to the
position of the sun, when the modern-day call-to-prayer is transmitted through loudspeakers on mosque
minarets.
The UAE Constitution provides for freedom of religion in accordance with established customs. Abu
Dhabi is tolerant of other religions with people being free to practice their religious beliefs, so long as they
do not interfere with Islam.
Five Pillars of Islam
There are five basic acts in Islam, considered obligatory for all Muslims, known as the “Five Pillars of
Islam” or “Five Pillars of Religion” (arkān al-Islām).
The Five Pillars of Islam are represented in the Holy Qur'an “as a framework for worship and a sign of
commitment to the faith. They are (1) the shahada (creed), (2) daily prayers (salat), (3) almsgiving (zakat),
(4) fasting during Ramadan (sawm) and (5) the pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime.
Page 20
Shahada - The shahadah is a set statement normally recited in Arabic. It means: "(I profess that) there is
no other god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God." Also, it is said that when dying one
should recite this declaration of faith. In Athaan (call to prayer) it is recited. When a person wishes to
convert religions they should recite this affirmation and believe in it.
Salat - Salat is the Islamic prayer. Salat consists of five daily prayers: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and
Isha'a. Fajr is performed at dawn, Dhuhr is a noon prayer, Asr is performed in the afternoon, Maghrib is
the sunset prayer, and Isha'a is the evening prayer. All of these prayers are recited while facing the
Ka'bah in Mecca. Muslims must wash themselves before prayer. The wash before the prayer is called
Wadho’a or ablution. The prayer is accompanied by a series of set positions including; bowing with hands
on knees, standing, prostrating and sitting in a special position (not on the heels, nor on the buttocks, with
the toes pointing towards Makkah), usually with one foot tucked under the body.
Zakāt - Zakāt or alms-giving is the practice of charitable giving by Muslims based on accumulated wealth,
and is obligatory for all who are able to do so. It is considered to be a personal responsibility for Muslims
to ease economic hardship for others and eliminate inequality. Zakat consists of spending 2.5% of one's
wealth for the benefit of the poor or needy. A Muslim may also donate more as an act of voluntary charity
(sadaqah), rather than to achieve additional divine reward.
Sawm - During the Month of Ramadan “the Muslims Holy Month”, Muslims must abstain from food, drink,
and sexual relations from dawn to dusk during this month, and are to be especially mindful of other sins.
Fasting is necessary for every Muslim over the age of 11 or when reaching the age of puberty.
Fasting is meant to allow Muslims to seek nearness to God, to express their gratitude to and dependence
on him, atone for their past sins, and to remind them of the needy. During Ramadan, Muslims are also
expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam by refraining from violence, anger, envy,
greed, lust, profane language, gossip and to try to get along with fellow Muslims better. In addition, all
obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided.
Hajj - The Hajj is a pilgrimage that occurs during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah to the holy city of
Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim is obliged to make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their
lifetime if he or she can afford it. When the pilgrim is around 10 km (6.2 mi) from Mecca, he must dress in
Ihram clothing, which consists of two white sheets. Both men and women are required to make the
pilgrimage to Mecca. The main rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching
the Black Stone, traveling seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning
the Devil in Mina.
The pilgrim, or the haji, is honoured in the Islamic community. Islamic teachers say that the Hajj should be
an expression of devotion to God, not a means to gain social standing. The believer should be self-aware
and examine their intentions in performing the pilgrimage. This should lead to constant striving for selfimprovement. A pilgrimage made at any time other than the Hajj season is called an Umrah, and while
not mandatory is strongly recommended.
Islamic Holy Day
The Islamic Holy Day is Friday. Muslims hold Friday prayer “The jumu'ah prayer”, which is a
congregational prayer (salah) which will probably be preformed in a Mosque. Friday Prayer takes place
just after noon. Khutbah (a sermon) will be delivered by the khaṭīb who in most cases also serves as the
Imam of the Prayer. Attendance is strictly incumbent upon all adult males who are legal residents of the
locality. Salaat-ul-Juma'a is not obligatory on Female Muslims.
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Ramadan
Ramadan is the holy month in which Muslims practice fasting and abstaining from all food, drink, smoking
and unclean thoughts (or activities) between dawn and dusk. At sunset, the fast is broken with the Iftar
feast, the timings of which are published in all daily newspapers. All over the city, festive Ramadan tents
are filled to the brim each evening with people of all nationalities and religions enjoying traditional Arab
mezze and sweets. The dates of Ramadan change each year following the Islamic lunar calendar. NonMuslims are respectfully required to refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in public places during
daylight hours. Failure to do so could upset people or lead to an official complaint. During Ramadan, the
sale of alcohol is restricted to after dusk, while shops and parks usually open and close later. In addition,
no live music or dancing is allowed (so nightclubs tend to close for the entire month) and cinemas limit
daytime screenings. Ramadan ends with a three-day celebration and holiday called Eid Al Fitr, which is
characterised by gifts being given amongst families, friends, neighbours and charities.
Traditional Emirati Dress
National Dress - Local men and women in Abu Dhabi are easily distinguishable from expats because of
their traditional dress. Modesty as well as adaptability to the weather are key elements that have defined
these traditional costumes.
UAE National Dress – Males
 Kandura or dishdash - is the long white cloak that male UAE Nationals wear. Men may change
their Kandura a number of times in the day to go to different events (work, prayers, dinner etc)
and so the men's clothes remain looking spick and span. A typical kandura would cost between
150 and 250 Dirhams to get tailored.
 Tarbusha - is some like to a tie, and it is not always worn.
 Guthra - is the headscarf worn by the males. The most popular colors are the plain white, or the
red and white checks. These checks are traditional to the Bedouin, since the material used was
tougher than the other and useful for protection against the elements in the desert.
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Egal - is the black rope that fixes the headscarf in place. In days gone by, these would be used by
Bedouin to tie their camel's feet down during the night while they were travelling. More of the
younger nationals these days do not wear their egal and tie their guthra in a different way on their
head. This is called hamdaniya.
Ghafiyah - It is usually under the guthra, you won’t necessarily see it. It is usually white in color
with designs woven in.
Bisht - Sheikhs, VIPs and for prestige in special celebrations, men wear Bisht, which looks like a
cloak.
Faneela - is like a vest worn under the Kandura.
Woozar - is a piece of white cloth which is tied around the waist under the Kandura.
Na-aal - These are the sandals that are worn.
UAE National Dress – Females
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Abaya is the long flowing black gown worn by the UAE National Females. The prices range
between 100 and 2500 Dirhams for each Abaya. Ladies will wear western dress, local dress or
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even Indian type clothes, under their abayas. The main reason for wearing the Abaya is the
concern for modesty, with the most devoted covering their faces, as well as all viewable skin.
Shela is the piece of material used to loosely cover their head. This is sometimes black,
especially those used to cover the face. And since the material is very light it is possible for the
lady to see through the material.
Burqa is actually represents two items: one, the covering of the head except for a slit for the eyes;
the other item is the metallic colored object used to cover part of the face, and these days is only
used by the older generation - this is specific to the UAE.
Gishwa is the thin black veil that covers the face of the female. It is just dark enough for you not
to be able to make out who is underneath, and just light enough for the female to see through.
Jelabia Mukhawara this item is the traditional outfit worn by the females, similar to a flowing gown
in some great colors. Worn in special occasions. Jalabia is usually decorated with Telli.
Traditional Emirati Food
Culinary requirements ranged from sustenance for a small group of travelers to provisions for an entire
tribal encampment. Although vegetables such as cucumbers, pumpkin and onions were cultivated,
together with lemons, pomegranates and melons, it was the wheat and dates grown in the oases that
formed the staples of the Bedouin diet. Dates keep well and can be eaten fresh or dried. They are easily
transported and have excellent nutritional value.
Over a hundred different varieties are known. For thousands of years wheat was used to make of
porridge or ground into flour for bread which was baked over coals or even in the intensely hot sands.
Milk from camels, goats and sheep provided a healthy supplement to the diet. It could also be churned
into butter or used to make yoghurt and cheese. Honey, various salad leaves and occasionally fish eggs,
truffles or mushrooms were also eaten. However, the most important element of the diet was, and still
remains, meat. A wedding feast or major religious celebration, such as month of Ramadan or the Eid Al
Adha, is always an occasion for enjoying vast amounts of food. Typically, a whole sheep is roasted and
placed atop a large tray of rice, decorated with eggs, nuts and raisins. This may be served to a table
seating as few as ten people and it is not uncommon for a feast to cater for several thousands.
Nowadays camel meat is often served but it was a rare commodity to the Bedouin, who prized his camel
above all else, since it was his beast of burden and mount as well as supplier of milk, hair, hide and dung
for fuel. Meat usually came from the slaughter of surplus goats and bull calves. Game was widely eaten
and also satisfied a passion for hunting. Trained falcons brought down quails, pigeons and houbara and
fast Saluki hunting dogs, famed for their stamina, were used to outrun rabbits and foxes. Fish is very
popular and a wide range is available, even inland.
The long trading history with countries in the region and Asia brought a fusion of local and imported
ingredients, which have become an important part of Emirati dishes. Fragrant and flavorsome spices such
as saffron, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon, as well as nuts, dried limes and fruits enhanced the flavor of
Emirati dishes. At religious, ceremonial or social events the men dine separately from the women. Meals
are eaten whilst sitting on the floor and food is eaten with right hand.
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Harees is a mixture of ground wheat and slow-cooked meat boiled until it becomes almost like a
sticky paste.
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Majboos is made with rice, onions and meat and is cooked with a variety of spices and vegetables.
The rice and meat are layered on top of each other and cooked to perfection over a low fire.
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Saloona is a tasty dish of meat boiled with onions, spices, tomato paste and a variety of vegetables.
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In UAE, bread is normally eaten for breakfast.
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Regag is a flat bread made from soft, unleavened, dough that is flattened and cooked on an iron
plate. Usually, it is tapped with ghee, butter and sugar, cheese or meat gravy to make another dish,
Thareed.
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Jabab is dough cooked like a pancake and eaten with ghee and sugar, honey, cheese or other
toppings.
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Khabeesah is made from roasted flour, water, sugar, rose water and saffron.
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Batheetha is made of wheat flour and freshly ripened date with sauce.
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Lukaimat is light dough balls that are deep-fried and served with date syrup.
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Arts, Music, Dance & Poetry
Music and dance are an enduring tradition in the Arab culture. In ancient times local music and dance
forms have been used to entertain labouring folks whether they were diving for pearl oysters or hauling
water at the well.
It is believed that a professional song leader, called nahaán, was assigned or kept on pearling dhows to
keep the group of divers entertained. This person would commence singing, and the rest of the pearling
team would join in the singing while they work. Traditional musical instruments such as the doumbek
(dumbek), made of ceramic and goatskin, act as a percussion that accompany most traditional music and
dance. Another popular musical instrument for the traditional Arab music is the oud, a stringed
instrument. In Abu Dhabi, dance and music – as seen in other cultures of the world - were used to
express joy and contentment during happy occasions such as weddings, victory celebrations and
successful pearling expeditions.
Ayyala: -The Ayyala is mainly performed by a group of men. They stand side-by-side with their arms
linked together, and some hold on to wooden sticks. The groups, which can sometimes be over 100
strong, sing traditional songs and dance to the beat of a hand drum. This dance is usually done during
weddings and for National Day celebrations. In the past, men used to walk around the village with their
drums, chanting the songs to declare a wedding. The Ayyala is a unique dance because of the energy
and excitement it instils in the people who watch it.
Harbiya is another popular dance in UAE. Like, Ayyalah, the Harbiya is also performed by two lines of
men confronting each other, but the recitation is based on the repetition of unaccompanied melodic
phrases. It is used mainly for military/ war purposes e.g. for motivation or victory celebrations.
Other popular traditional dances in UAE include the Liwa. It is generally performed to a rapid tempo and
loud drumbeat. This is also based on the theme of a war song whose purpose is to raise the morale of the
fighting men. Haban (also known as the Khamiri, or the Khayali) is another major folk dance in UAE.
Another dance performed by some tribes in UAE is the Mated, based on Sufi traditions to celebrate the
birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. It's different from other traditional dances because of its relation to a
religious occasion.
Razfah: - The Razfah requires a thin, wooden stick, resembling a cane, which is rotated while dancing to
a certain type of music, or to accompany the Ayyala.
Yollah: - The Yollah, on the other hand, is performed using a ceremonial weapon, such as a rifle. Similar
to the Razfah, the weapon can be twirled in the hand and spun above the head, or even thrown into the
air. Al Yolla is the most popular battle scene dance in UAE culture. With rhythmic stepping to the beats of
traditional musical instruments like the doumbek. The Yolla dance gets performed at weddings and
special occasions. The men form 2 or 4 rows, alternating their forward & backward steps to symbolize
victory and defeat.
Na’ashat: - Women take part in traditional dance by gracefully swinging their hair from side to side.
Wearing a colorful traditional Arabic dress, young ladies dance the Na’ashat together in unison, standing
beside each other and moving along to the music. The dance displays the beauty of the long, black hair
that women in the region are known for.
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Poetry
The wealth of Arab literary compositions – and their distinct themes – is highly regarded. Dominant
themes in poetry range from satire, chivalry, self-praise, patriotism, religion, family and love, and could
range from descriptive to narrative. Princes, sheikhs, sailors and teachers make the crop of poets in the
Arab world. Poetry in fact seems to subordinate other forms of art such as calligraphy, architecture and
music in this region.
The earliest known poet in the UAE is Ibn Majid, who was born between 1432 and 1437 in Ras Al
Khaimah. Coming from a family of successful sailors, Ibn Majid has a total of 40 surviving compositions,
39 of which are verses. Another poet gained the respect of his peers in the 17th century, Ibn Daher, who
also hailed from Ras Al Khaimah. Ibn Daher utilized nabati poetry (also known as the people’s poetry or
Bedouin poetry), using the everyday vernacular dialect, as opposed to poetry in classical Arabic.
The greatest luminaries in the UAE literary realm during the 20th century, particularly for Classical Arabic
poetry, were Mubarak Al Oqaili (1880-1954), Salem bin Ali al Owais (1887-1959) and Ahmed bin
Sulayem (1905 -1976). Three other poets from Sharjah, known as the Hirah group, also thrived during the
20th century including Khalfan Musabah (1923-1946), Sheikh Saqr Al Qasimi (1925-1993), an ex-ruler of
Sharjah, and Sultan bin Ali al Owais (1925-2000). The late president His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan al Nahyan as well as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai,
are also known to have penned nabati poetry.
Taghrooda
The United Nations' Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has inscribed Al
Taghrooda (a poetry form) as living human heritage in the Representative List of Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Humanity. Al-Taghrooda, refers to traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab
Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Al-Taghrooda traditional Bedouin chanted poetry is composed and
recited by men travelling on camelback through desert areas of the United Arab Emirates and the
Sultanate of Oman. Bedouins believe that chanting entertains the riders and stimulates animals to walk in
time. Short poems of seven lines or less are improvised and repeated between two groups of riders often
as antiphonal singing. Generally the lead singer chants the first verse and the second group responds.
Poems are also chanted around campfires, at weddings, and at tribal and national festivities, particularly
camel races, and some Bedouin women compose and chant while engaged in collective work. The most
important aspect is the social bonding during the oral exchange of verses. Themes include sending
messages to loved ones, relatives, friends or tribal chiefs. Performances also provide a chance for
audiences to learn about their past history and have a glimpse of their traditional way of life. The ability to
compose and chant poems is transmitted through the family and by community elders
Emirati Arts – Sadu ,Telli and Khoos
Traditional handicrafts and arts in the emirate of Abu Dhabi are largely dominated by women, who have
passed on their skills in embroidery and weaving from one generation to the next.
Gold, silver and brightly coloured strings are woven on a wooden block to produce the teli, elaborate and
colourful embroidery that adorns the collars and sleeves of women’s robes. Telli: is a form of embroidery
using twisted colored threads, commonly used to adorn the bodice and sleeves of the Emirati traditional
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dress. Telli is found exclusively in the UAE and Oman. Telli was produced by ladies using a tool called
Kajooja. Women wear the embroidered robes on special occasions and feasts, while young girls wear the
telli-embroidered robes at a special ceremony that marks their memorization of the Holy Quran.
The sadoo, meanwhile, is another popular traditional handicraft. Women weave cotton and wool threads
into elaborately designed patterns which are used to make the colourful tents used by Bedouins in the
desert. Sadoo/Sadu: is a form of weaving practised by women in rural communities of the UAE. This
craft derives its raw materials from the local environment. The wool is shorn from sheep, camels and
goats by Bedouin men and then cleaned and prepared by women. Once washed, spun and dyed using
indigenous plant extracts such as henna, saffron, cactus and indigo. The yarn is spun on a drop spindle,
then dyed and woven on a floor loom. The traditional colors used in Sadu weaving are black, white,
brown, beige and red, along with a distinctive pattern of geometric designs. Bedouin women used a hand
wheel rather than a treadle to spin. This meant that they could spin just as easily while travelling on the
back of a camel as they could in the greater comfort of the family tentWeavers often gather in small
groups, and as they start spinning and weaving, they narrate family events and sometimes sing songs or
recite poems. These gatherings are considered the traditional means of passing on the tradition to new
generations, as girls learn the weaving skill by watching, and then start with simple tasks such as sorting
the wool before learning more complex skills. Sadu can be woven into colourful, practical products such
as clothing, camel trappings or tents. Floor cushions, decorations, carpets and rugs are also woven using
the same technique. Sadu is listed under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity that needs urgent safeguarding.
The women of Abu Dhabi are also adept at weaving baskets from palm fronds, or khous. These are
commonly used to store household staples.
Pottery: The earliest pottery finds in the UAE date from the third millennium BC. They were containers for
preserving and transporting food or presenting sacrifices to the ancient gods. Traditional pottery forms still
in use today include the hib for storing and cooling drinking water, the burmah for keeping milk fresh and
the chirr for storing dates and dried fish. Incense burners made of clay remain highly popular.
Emirati Hospitality
Majlis
The Majlis is one of the cornerstones of Emirati civilisation. For decades, friends, neighbours and families
would gather in a Majlis during sunset. Meaning 'place of sitting' in Arabic, the term is used to describe a
formal legislative assembly and also a place for social gathering. In a tradition that spans centuries, most
homes in the Gulf have a Majlis, where the head of the family hosts guests. It's a place for guests to chat
about the daily issues of life, religious topics and reminisce about the past over Arabic tea and coffee.
In the UAE, the Majlis was originally a tent set aside for social gatherings. This then became a room with
a floor covered with palm fronds. The mats were eventually replaced by handmade carpets made from
camel, sheep or goat wool that Bedouin ladies made. At a later stage, traditional Arab 'Tekay' (Arabic
cushions) were introduced with a long rectangular day mattress that covers the corners of Majlis that
Emiratis called 'Doshak', as guests could sit comfortably for hours. Although Majlis is an essential feature
of every household, the doshak is sometimes placed in the middle of the Majlis for the sole use of VIPs
and the head of the family.
Majlis or Diwania is limited to men only as women are strictly prohibited to enter, due to religious and
social rules. In the Majlis you may find a special stove called "Kawar" which is used to make coffee.
Typical snacks on offer in a Majlis include dates, 'Balaleet' and 'Luqmat Al Qathi' or 'luqaimat'
(traditional Emirati sweets) and fresh fruits. Another common feature of the Majlis is an incense burner
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including incense such as Oud, Saffron and Santalum (known as Sandalwood). The burner is carried
around the room so that guests can enjoy the aroma.
It is likely that the harsh and unpredictable conditions of desert life contributed to the development of the
rules of hospitality for which the Bedouin are legendary. If a stranger who was not an enemy arrived at a
camp he had to be provided with food and lodging for three and one third days. After this the guest was
obliged to leave, but remained under the guardianship of his host for a further three days: the time it took
for the host’s food to pass through his body! The largesse of the feast was an indicator to the host’s
wealth and social status. The desire to impress would frequently occasion the slaughter of a beast that
might otherwise have fed a number of people for several days. These banquets were all-male affairs;
women, girls and small children ate separately. Guests were served first and in some tribes the host
abstained from eating in order to supervise the event. Some of these customs are still observed today. At
religious, ceremonial or social events the men dine separately from the women.
The Coffee Ceremony
In the past, the coffee was frequently prepared by the host and served to those who had gathered to
exchange news or tell stories. The beans were roasted in a pan (mehmas) then cooled in a wooden tray
known as a mabradah. They were then ground in a mihbash made of wood, iron or brass and brewed in a
clay pot (malkama). The coffee was then poured into the classic beaked Arabian pot (dallah) and served
in small ceramic cups (finjan), exactly as it is today. Tradition dictates that the cup is only filled a quarter
full and frequently refilled. When no more coffee is required, the finjan is rocked to and fro as the pourer
approaches. You will be handed a coffee cup which should be held in your right hand, and when the
coffee is poured from an elegant coffeepot, you should accept at least one cupful. It may be considered
discourteous to refuse, although it may be fine if you opt for another beverage like tea. Your coffee cup
will refilled at frequent intervals. Three cups are considered to be sufficient.
Greetings
In emirati culture, nose-touching is a tradition that has been passed down from one generation to
another. It is a unique way of greeting, showing friendship and deep respect, but at the same time it
works like a traditional code among the Bedouins. Women in the UAE that are from traditional families
also practice this, especially among grandmothers, their grandchildren and daughters. However this is
done in privacy of family members. Other times women would kiss each other on the cheek. Close family
and friends could kiss each other 2-3 times.
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Henna
http://www.readme.ae/articles/tradition/henna
Henna is a tall, shrub-like plant that grows in hot, dry climates, such as in the Middle East, Egypt, India
and North Africa. When the leaves have been dried, powdered and a mordant added (usually herbs, oils,
black tea, or a combination of ingredients) it releases a rich, reddish-brown dye. It is a nutritious
moisturizer for hair and skin. Unlike tattooing with ink and needles, henna eventually wears off the skin,
after around a month, and carries no risk of infection or bodily harm. Every henna crop is different, and
henna reacts differently with everyone's skin to produce colors ranging from a light orange-red to a
deeper dark-cherry red. Every skin is unique and some stains will last for a few days, others up to a
month. Factors influencing the color are skin type, freshness of henna and aftercare.
Throughout the 16th century, the use of henna spread among Pakistan and North India, and emphasis
began to fall upon using it as a way to mark a celebration, especially weddings. In many cultures, Middle
Eastern included, the routine of decorating the bride with henna tattoos before her wedding is a wholeday affair, which gives all the women of the family a chance to bond and get to know each other before
the wedding ceremony. Rather than being considered a spiritual ritual, this custom of henna tattooing
among a large group of women is a celebratory event, equivalent to the pre-wedding makeover and
manicure of Western brides. It is also believed by many that decorating the bride in such a way will bring
her luck for the ceremony and for her life after marriage, as well as a tradition that states she must not do
any household chores until the henna has completely faded - allowing her time to bond with her husband.
In keeping with the celebratory tradition of applying henna, many women - young and old - these days will
adorn their hands and feet as a sign of joy and preparation for an event; around the time of religious
festivals and special occasions. In the old days, henna was used for medical purposes and was used to
protect the feet from heat of the desert sand. Also, they used to apply it on the feet of Saluki dogs. Henna
sometimes is also used to dye the hair and some of the clothes and was one of the essentials during the
pearl diving trips where it was applied on the hands to protect it from getting any cuts from the ropes and
sharp items.
Muslim Marriages in United Arab Emirates
The wedding date marks the beginning of festivities at both bride and groom's homes. A number of
elaborate ceremonies are organized. The bride stays indoors for forty days prior to her marriage. Fine
pieces of jewelry, silk materials, perfumes and other necessary items are presented to her by the groom,
for trousseau of the bride. Henna ceremony is held where all the female relatives of the bride come and
have a great get together and put on the henna on the hands of the bride. The pre-conditions for the
marriage is set and the amount of money to be paid to the bride are all decided. Arranged endogamous
marriage within the kinship (tribal) units was the preferred pattern in the pre-oil period, but this pattern has
changed somewhat. Individuals now have a greater choice, yet many nationals still prefer arranged
marriages. Emiratis are strongly discouraged from marrying non-nationals. As prescribed by Islam, a man
is allowed up to four wives, but most men have only one wife.
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Jewelry
There are practically no archaeological sites in the UAE which have not yielded some remains of human
adornment. Sites from the late Stone Age (6th to 4th Millennium BC) are often replete with beads of
shell, bone and stone which have once been strung in necklaces and bracelets. Marine shells and
mother-of-pearl were artfully carved; imported stones like agate and carnelian from the Indus Valley
(particularly from Gujarat) were highly sought after.
Silver was the most used precious metal. Some bronze artifacts were also found across UAE. Jewelry in
UAE was mostly imported and considered as a sign of wealth. In Islam, men do not wear jewelry.
Below is a list of types of jewelry found across the UAE:
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Gold, Silver and Electrum Pendants
Carnelian Bracelets
Bedu Jewelry e.g. silver rings, bracelets, bangles and necklaces, etc…
Bronze Bracelets
Jewelry sometimes contained pieces of money e.g. coins including the Maria Theresa Thalers. This
ensured wealth of the tribe are held by women who used to be protected most of the time during any
fights amongst tribes. This also helps them sustain their families in case of loss of husbands during tribal
wars and other external invaders.
Emirati Architecture & Buildings
Scarce supply of timber and the harsh climate defined the rudimentary design and materials used to build
the early dwellings in the emirate. Barasti is made of palm fronds and refers to houses made of sundried mud bricks with roofs made of palm tree leaves. Elements of both ventilation and privacy, however,
became commonplace in the subsequent architectural forms in Abu Dhabi.
The wind tower or Barjeel was a dominant feature amongst houses - as it was in most Middle Eastern
and Persian states – due to the very hot and humid summer months. The Barjeel or wind tower is an
ancient architectural element of UAE houses. It is a traditional, non-electrical air-conditioner used in old
times during the hot summer months. The Barjeel is a tower rising around five meters above the roof, it
is open on all four sides to catch and direct the breeze into the room below through vertical shafts; the air
is then cooled as it travels down, providing good air circulation and conditioning.
th
Furthermore almost every house in the early- to mid-20 century Abu Dhabi “has a courtyard, separate
cooking section and meeting rooms.” Indeed most Arab houses – even today - are built with a courtyard
where children can play as well as with elaborate men’s guest rooms, which are designed so that male
visitors are unable to see or meet the female members of a family. “Exquisite wooden lattice work and
embellished wooden entrances” likewise formed a distinct element of architecture in Abu Dhabi in the
past.
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Falaj System
As aridity gradually became a permanent feature of the Emirati environment, accessing groundwater
increasingly became a challenge. Around Al Ain, falaj (plural aflaj) were dug to tap and distribute water
using tunnels excavated underground to tap into subterranean aquifers. This unique and innovative
method has been used in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi since the Iron Age. It precedes, by several
centuries, similar water distribution systems known as qanat in Persia (Iran). The use of aflaj during the
Iron Age allowed the development of productive oases and the large-scale cultivation of date palms as a
valuable commodity. The Iron Age itself lasted from 1250 - 300 BC.
Some of the Iron Age aflaj in Al Ain seem to have been abandoned by around 300 BC as aridity
intensified across the region and, presumably, groundwater became more scarce or harder to extract.
Some of the settlements, at Al Jabeeb, north of Al Ain, for example, were abandoned and covered by the
advancing dunes. The use of falaj systems did not revive until the subsequent Islamic period.
Along with the domestication of the camel, which took place around the beginning of the Iron Age, the
falaj system made an enduring cultural imprint across the Emirate. As the climate become more arid and
agriculture could no longer depend upon seasonal rainfall, the aflaj made it possible for the oasis. Falaj
has five basic components:
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Mother well(s)
Tunnels
‘Cut-and-cover' section
Shari'a
Surface channels leading to the irrigated fields
A suitable aquifer is essential for a falaj and a test well is usually sunk to determine if there is sufficient
groundwater. Once the mother well has been excavated and ample water discovered, additional wells are
excavated nearby which are connected by tunnels to the area of the main well to increase the overall
water supply.
The tunnels are pierced with vertical shaft holes known as thuqba (plural thuqab) and are excavated at
regular distances between the mother well and the irrigated fields. The thuqab allow ventilation, the
removal of debris and provide access to the tunnel whenever maintenance is necessary.
The ‘cut-and-cover' section starts where the top of the underground tunnel comes close to the surface
while the shari'a is where water flows to the surface to be distributed.
At least 5 Iron Age aflaj have been found in the Al Ain area. At Hili 15, a falaj dating from around 1000 BC
has been excavated, revealing surface channels, a shari'a with sluice gates still in situ, a cut-and-cover
section and 2 shafts. A nearby, fortified site was also found that might have been the administrative
centre for controlling the falaj system, which was a communal infrastructure.
Ghaf Tree
The ghaf tree (Prosopis cineraria) is an indigenous tree species that dots the landscapes of the flat sandy
plains of Al Ain's deserts. A true desert survivor, this tree's very long roots reach water from subterranean sources beyond the grasp of other plants and is salt tolerant to 4,500 ppm. The ghaf tree has
held an important value to the inhabitants of the UAE. Historically its leaves were used instead of rice
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before this grain became available; and its elongated pods provide fodder for animals which in turn supply
milk, butter, cheese and meat. The ghaf trees also provides shade, wood for cooking, timber for shelters
and food in the form of edible leaves and fruit. The ghaf woodlands also support large populations of
insects that either feed on the trees or use them as shelter or habitat. The insects provide food for
reptiles, birds and small mammals, on which, in turn, wild cats and desert foxes prey. And, because of the
concentration of domestic and wild animals, the ground under the trees is well fertilized and produces rich
undergrowth for grazing after occasional heavy rains. Even, during long dry periods, when much of the
ground vegetation is dormant, these trees maintain lush canopies of leaves and are often heavy with
flower and fruit. In addition this tree is a vital combatant of desertification in its ability to reduce sand
encroachment on valuable oases. It is in this context, as well as its dual value from both a cultural and
ecological point of view that the late president HH Shiekh Zayed personally gave this tree a "national
protection" and his own personal patronage. The survival of the Prosopis cineraria in the harsh
environmental conditions of the desert - fierce temperatures, searing winds and high rates of water loss depends mainly on tapping permanent underground water reservoirs: the taproots of mature trees can
penetrate as deep as 30 meters (100 feet). Another survival factor is the tree's ability to propagate itself
by producing new shoots from parent root systems, rather than depending on risky, biologically expensive
regeneration from seed. It has also been observed that the Prosopis can absorb moisture from dew and
mist carried in from the Arabian Sea.
Facts about the Ghaf tree:
 Environmentalist - The Ghaf tree does not compete with other vegetation for water in the desert due
to its deep root system, allowing other species to prosper.
 Provider - Flowers, fruits, leaves, bark, branches and roots – every part of the Ghaf tree provides food
and habitat for a variety of native flora and fauna.
 Carer – Providing fruits and leaves for food, nectar from its flowers and juice from its bark, the Ghaf
tree ensures the desert’s fauna and flora species survive.
 Healer – Containing legendary medicinal qualities, it has been known to prevent miscarriages, cure
leprosy, dysentery, bronchitis, asthma, rheumatism and muscle tremors.
 Nurturer – The Ghaf tree plays a vital link in the desert chain, being the sole source of food for wild
and domestic animals in times of drought.
 Enricher – A solution to desertification, the Ghaf tree stabilizes dunes whilst improving the soil. Its
root system propagates itself, forming small woodlands in the desert.
 Beautifier – The Ghaf tree provides beauty to the desert, a splash of green amidst the barren,
desolate landscape.
 Adapter – The Ghaf tree’s root system seek out and tap into water storages up to 30 metres below
the surface, ensuring it survives the long, dry season.
Date Cultivation
Born to the Arabian Peninsula the Date Palm is a nutritious fruit able to withstand the harsh climatic
conditions of the desert. In 2009 the UAE was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for growing
the largest number of date palm trees among the countries of the world with 42 million trees. Dates play
an important role in the healthy lives of Emiratis, symbolising both culture and history for the local
community and reminiscent of the Bedouin tribes survival on a staple diet of camel’s milk, meat and the
nutritious super-fruit. The date palm is now a significant source of income. The UAE’s date industry is
recognised as one of the biggest in the region.
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Palm Tree facts:
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Bedouin Tribes consumed the fruit and built homes with the leaves
Dates and milk is the suggested combinations to break the evening fast during Ramadan
One of the top 10 date cultivators in the world (Egypt is the largest)
High in nutritional value
Date seed oil can be used in the making of soap and cosmetics
Date seeds can be ground and used as an additive to coffee
Date seeds can be chemically processed to create oxalic acid or burned to make charcoal
A syrup made from ripe dates is used in the making of pipes (to prevent leaking) and leather bags
Date Festival -The Liwa Date festival’s vision has been set to make palm trees and dates a symbol of
originality of past and a source of goodness for present and a guarantee for the future. The festival
features competition for the best date grower, a cooking showdown, photography sessions, handicraft
contest, and other exciting activities which aim to highlight the symbolic and historic role that the date
palms play in Emirati culture.The main attraction of the Festival, the Ratab Beauty Competition would
include seven varieties namely Khanizi, Khallas, Dabbas, Abu Maan, Fardh, Nukhba and A’adj. The total
prize money for 2013’s festival is approximately AED5 million and will be awarded to more than 200
participants. The varieties for Best Mango and Best Lemons Competitions, held for the third time will also
be part of the Liwa Date Festival. It will be complemented by the Best Heritage Show.
Pearling
The lulu (locally called qamashah), or pearl oyster provided a source of local wealth in the emirates, long
before the discovery of oil. Pearl oysters occur naturally on relatively shallow banks (fasht) in the Gulf. By
the turn of the twentieth century about 1200 boats were based in ports on the Trucial Coast, manned by
some 22,000 men. The pearling industry had transformed the traditional economy of the tribal population.
Many families moved to live permanently in one of the coastal settlements, increasing the size and
importance of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah.
During its modest beginnings, pearling constituted just another means of exploiting all the resources
available to the tribal people. They cared for their camels and tended the date palms - often in locations
which were many days' travelling apart - and then, as pearling flourished, an increasing number of the
able-bodied men participated in the dive (ghaus) during four months in the summer. Many of the Liwabased sub-tribes of the Bani Yas formed co-operatives, which jointly owned a boat and whose members
shared the proceeds from the sale of pearls according to an established arrangement, giving the biggest
share to the captain, a larger share to the divers than the haulers, and leaving some money aside to
finance the preparations for the following year. It was due to pearling that, over several generations, some
tribes became more specialized in one economic activity or another and became tied to particular
locations. Thus, the Rumaithat and the Qubaisat favoured the maritime activities and became attached
to the coastal settlements and the islands, eventually giving up many of the date gardens they had in
Liwa. Other tribal groups such as the Mazari' remained dedicated to the desert. The Manasir went
pearling but did not own any boats.
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Hunting with the Saluki & the Saluki Centre
Hunting with Saluki dogs - It is another traditional sport practiced for thousands of years in the region.
Arabian Salukis are one of the oldest breeds of domesticated dogs in the world and are well-known for
their excellent speed, intelligence, stamina and loyalty to their handlers. They were used along with
falcons which spot the prey and hover over them so the Salukis can chase and catch the pray. Today,
this old activity is blooming again with the establishment of the Arabian Saluki Center. The center
conducts many activities to maintain this valuable old tradition, including the organization of the annual
Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest.
Salukis Throughout History
The Saluki is considered to be one of the oldest pure breeds of dogs in the world, perhaps even the
oldest, and may have been in existence for over 10,000 years. Salukis can be traced back to 5,000 BC 7,000 BC, when man spread out across the fertile lands known as Mesopotamia. Brought upon by
necessity and in order to chase and catch game in the harsh desert climate, early man began the
domestication of the local wolf. With selective breeding they produced the first domesticated dog: the
Saluki. From the fertile crescent of Mesopotamia, traders carried the Saluki throughout the Middle East
where they became the treasured hounds of the nomadic tribes - the Bedouins who in turn carefully bred
Salukis for thousands of years with speed endurance in mind, and presented them as gifts to kings and
nobles in other lands.
Where are the Salukis today?
Today, Salukis are not a well known breed, but there are dedicated saluki lovers in many parts of the
world keeping the breed alive and well, and as true to its original form and purpose as possible.
The Arabian Bedouins still hunt with the Salukis in packs of between two and six hounds, and they train
their Salukis to hunt with falcons as part of a team, where the keen-eyed birds spot and hover over their
prey in the air like a beacon, whilst the Saluki speeds off in the direction of the target and the hunters
follow on their horses or camels.
Characteristics of Salukis
Salukis are essentially hunting dogs thus they are swift, agile and very graceful in motion and are typically
24 - 29 inches tall at the shoulder and generally weigh between 40 and 65 pounds. Salukis have deep
chests, with larger hearts and lungs than other breeds, to supply air and blood at an increased rate during
the chase. Their sleek bodies have a very low ratio of body fat. Even though their heads are slender and
elegant, they posses strong jaws to maintain a powerful grip on prey.
Their seemingly fragile long legs are tough, coiled springs used for maximum acceleration and their feet
have thick springy pads which enable them to travel long distances over the sand. The Bedouins used to
apply henna or nut oil to harden the Saluki’s feet to avoid injuries whilst hunting in the harsh desert. Their
slender yet forceful paws can dig a tunnel ten feet long with openings at both ends.
Not variable in shape, Salukis appear in different colors, ranging from pure black to red, sandy and white.
The color is another proof of lineage and breed purity. Their fur is silky to the touch and is normally short
throughout the body. They have a single layer coat - no downy undercoat - for surviving the heat of the
desert. This lack of oily undercoat means they never develop a typical dog smell.
The Arabian Saluki Center
In 2001, the Saluki Center was established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan with the aim of
upholding Arabian customs and traditions, maintaining the purity of the breed, preventing inbreeding and
guiding saluki breeders in other parts of the world.
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Quick Facts:
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Price AED 6,000 – AED 20,000 (Salukis belonging to Royal Family and involved in races or
international shows largely not for sale due to their high values)
Types:
Huss
Ahdab
Short Hair
Long Hair
Origin: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria
Origin: Bahrain
 Pregnant twice per year. Litter of 6/7 or even 9 puppies. Pure breed only bears 1-2 puppies maximum
 Puppies start training at 4 months of age
 Speed can go up to 80 km/h
 Saluki Centre has kennels, training areas, kitchen, reception, administration offices….
 Saluki’s diet includes special Machboos, Biryani
Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Dhal, Fava Beans, Lentils, Dried Lemon, Cinnamon, Meswag (wood to chew
on), honey, herbs, etc….
The Saluki Center offers a number of services including:
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Saluki health services
Training
Travel
Boarding kennels
Registration
Breeding
Hunting with the Falcon and Falcon Hospital
Falconry- Falconry is a major passion even for the contemporary Emirati. It is among the many traditional
pastimes still practiced in the UAE. Historically falconry was practiced to supplement the hunter’s diet.
Today falconry is considered a national pastime. In most ancient cultures falconry skills were a status
indicator, where certain species of birds such as hawks and falcons are associated with one’s position or
wealth.
The most popular hunting birds remain the saker falcon and the peregrine falcon, which were
traditionally trapped along the coast during their autumn migration, trained, used for hunting, and then
released in the spring.
Once the falconers managed to trap one of the highly prized birds, they had only two to three weeks to
train it before the migrating houbara started to arrive. This was done by developing strong bond of trust
between a wild captured bird and its handler, a unique skill that commands the respect of bird handlers
worldwide. Idealy, training of the falcon was completed by the day when the first houbara arrived and the
Bedouins would hunt the houbara with his falcon throughout the winter months.
Today, many birds are caught abroad and are imported. In fact, most falconry now takes place outside
the Emirates, and the UAE is the leader in research into conservation of falcons. A captive breeding
programme is reducing the number of birds taken from the wild, while the Environmental Research and
Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) is satellite tracking released birds to monitor the migration and
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bird’s survival rates when freed after the hunting season has ended. The breeding of Houbara has also
been pioneered in the UAE and wild Houbara have been tracked by satellite from Abu Dhabi to China and
back again.
Opened on 3rd of October, 1999, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) is the first public falcon hospital
in the United Arab Emirates. Since then, it has become the largest falcon hospital world-wide with a wellestablished loyal patient-base not only in the UAE, but also in the adjacent countries like Saudi Arabia,
Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain.
Yearly more than 6,000 falcons are received for examinations and treatment. From being established as
a purely veterinary facility, the ADFH has expanded in the fields of education and awareness, training and
research. ADFH started its own falcon breeding center in 2011 to breed falcons for its customers. Now,
the hospital is a fully-fledged specialized avian hospital for all kinds of birds and poultry. Moreover, the
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital manages the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter for adoptions of stray and abandoned
cats and dogs.
Quick Falcon Facts
 Falcons molt in summer time and they lose 3 feathers from each wing and 2 from the tail wing.
 Winter Season is hunting season.
 Captive birds are for breeding purposes and are considered as pets. Also used for hunting. They
have passport (owner page, falcon page stating sex, species, origin, ring number micro-chip number)
visas to travel, health certificate. No photo on passport as birds molt and change feather and colour
with age and season
 Wild birds are not allowed to be touched
 Falcons have rings, micro-chips
 Habitat: Cool Mountains
 Types:
o Jeer(a)
o Peregrine
o Sakr
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Price of falcons can go above AED 500 000
Origins:
o 60% from Austria, Germany
o 40% from Australia, UK, rest of the world
Females are larger in size than males falcons
Preferred hunted bird: Houbara – Migrating bird
The Falcon Hospital has its own Houbara breeding farm to feed the birds
Dead/Broken Feathers are not thrown. Collected and kept to be used in future operations and
replacements in case of accidents
Yearly Checks involve but is not limited to the following:
o Crop Nails (to avoid infection of nails curving into palm of feet)
o Crop Beck (3 times per year as birds in the wilds do it on rocks in mountainous areas)
Life Span in wild: 15-20 years
Life Span in captivity: ~14 years
A falcon is fully grown at 3 months
Eye lids:
-Side Eye lids close to moist the eye in flight
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- Top eye lids have same function as any other animal/bird
Age can be identified by Beck, Feathers and Claws
Reproduce once a year and lay 2/3/max 5 eggs
The Camel
The camel provided transportation, food, clothing, household items and recreation. Also, it was a primary
source of wealth. Camel milk and the products derived from it were the only source of protein for the
entire family for months. Young male camels were slaughtered to provide meat for feasts. Camel
breeding is an important activity in Bedouin life. Camels can adapt to high temperatures and can survive
without water for long period of times (2 months in winter times, one month during 30-35 degrees
Celsius). Camel herding was at its peak in winter times when large areas of the land was covered in
green. They play a main role in transportation and trade and can provide milk, wool, skin for water
containers, belts, sandals and dung for fuel. One of the traditional sports is the camel racing. Informal
camel races were held during festivities and camel hide was used to make bags and bisht was woven
from camel hair.
Camel Racing - Camel racing is a spectacular sport and a trip to the races can be one of the most
memorable highlights of a visit to Abu Dhabi. Cheer on the camels as they gallop around a specially
made track, and marvel at how these seemingly ungainly creatures can reach such high speeds. Races
normally take place on weekend mornings, with additional races on public holidays. For a taste of this
sport, head to the Al Wathba Camel Race Track (about 45km east of Abu Dhabi on the Al Ain Road), or
to the Al Maqam Track near Al Ain. Try to get to the racetracks as early as possible to soak up the
atmosphere. Entrance to the races is free. More information from The Camel Racing Federation at Al
Wathba +971 2 583 9200
Camels Attributes
Domesticated thousands of years ago by frankincense traders, who trained the gangly cud-chewer to
make the long and arduous journey from southern Arabia to the northern regions of the Middle East, the
camel went on to become the desert dwellers primary source of transport, shade, milk, meat, wool and
hides. In technologically-advanced Gulf countries, even the Bedouin are not as dependent on the camel
as they once were. These days, camels are valued more as thoroughbred racing animals and sentimental
images of the past than as the mainstay of transportation. But in many parts of Africa and Asia today,
camels still pull ploughs, turn waterwheels and transport people and goods to market along desert routes
impassable by wheeled vehicles.
Ata Allah, God’s gift
The Bedouin name for Camelus dromedarios, the 'one-hump' dromedary, also known as the Arabian
Camel.
Body temperature
Camels also have a flexible 'thermostat', and will not start sweating until their body temperature reaches
42c and they do not pant. Humans start to sweat when the outside temperature rises above the normal
body temperature of 37c, but the camel has a unique body thermostat. lt can raise its body temperature
tolerance level as much as 6c before perspiring, thereby conserving body fluids and avoiding
unnecessary water loss. Besides saving energy, this physiological adaptation allows the camel to "store"
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coolness in preparation for the next day. No other mammal can do this! Because the camel's body
temperature is often lower than air temperature, a group of resting camels will even avoid excessive heat
by pressing against each other.
Colour
Camels come in every shade of brown, from cream to almost black.
Eyes
A camel's eyes are large, with a soft, doe-like expression. They are protected by a double row of long
curly eyelashes that also help keep out sand and dust, while thick bushy eyebrows shield the eyes from
the desert sun
Feet
Camels have broad, flat, leathery pads with two toes on each foot. When the camel places its foot on the
ground the pads spread, preventing the foot from sinking into the sand. When walking, the camel moves
both feet on one side of its body, then both feet on the other. This gait suggests the rolling motion of a
boat, explaining the camel's 'ship of the desert' nickname.
Food
A camel can go 5-7 days with little or no food and water, and can lose a quarter of its body weight without
impairing its normal functions.
Hair
All camels molt (lose their hair) in spring and have grown a new coat (body hair) by autumn. Camel hair is
sought after world-wide for high-quality coats, garments and artists' brushes, as well as being used to
make traditional Bedouin rugs and tents. A camel can shed as much as 2.25 kilos/5lbs of hair during each
molt.
Hard skin
Thick callus-like bare spots of dry skin appear on a camel's chest and knee joints when the
animal reaches five months of age. These leathery patches help support the animal's body weight when
kneeling, resting and rising.
Height
A fully-grown adult camel stands 1.85m/6 feet at the shoulder and 2.15m/7 feet at the hump.
History
Scientists believe that ancestors of the modern camel lived in North America at least 40 million years ago,
wandering across the Alaskan 'land bridge' to Asia and eventually Africa. In Asia, two groups separated to
become the two chief types of camel known today: the Dromedary and the two-humped, shorter-legged
Bactrian camel.
Hump
Contrary to popular belief, a camel does not store water in its hump. It is in fact a mound of fatty tissue
from which the animal draws energy when food is hard to find. When a camel uses its hump fat for
sustenance, the mound becomes flabby and shrinks. If a camel draws too much fat, the small remaining
lump will flop from its upright position and hang down the camel's side. Food and a few days' rest will
return the hump to its normal firm condition.
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Legs
A camel's long, thin legs have powerful muscles which allow the animal to carry heavy loads over long
distances. A camel can carry as much as 450kg/990lbs, but a usual and more comfortable cargo weight
is 150kgs/330lbs. It is usual for a camel to work as a beast of burden for only six to eight months of the
year; the remainder of the time it needs to rest and recuperate.
Life span
After a gestation period of 12-13 months, a camel cow usually bears a single calf, and occasionally twins.
The calves walk within hours of birth, but remain close to their mothers until they reach maturity at five
years of age. The weaning period is normally 1-2 years. The normal life span of a camel is 40 years,
although a working camel retires from active duty at 25. Camels will reach sexual maturity at 3-4 years for
females and 5-6 years for males and the overall birthing season extends from January to May, although
each region has a shorter, more defined spread. During the breeding season males become very
aggressive towards each other, defending their groups of females from all rivals. Conflicts are often
serious, consisting of snapping at each other while attempting to neck-wrestle the other to the ground.
Suffocation of the loser may occur if a male succeeds in felling his opponent with the rival's head
between the winners leg and body.
Meat
The best camel meat comes from young male camels. It is regarded as a delicacy in the Arabian diet, and
is gaining popularity in arid lands where it is difficult to herd sheep, cattle and goats. Although it makes for
tough chewing, the taste is not unlike beef.
Milk
Camel's milk is much more nutritious than that from a cow. It is lower in fat and lactose, and higher
in potassium, iron and Vitamin C. It is normally drunk fresh, and the warm frothy liquid, heavy and sweet,
is usually an acquired taste for the Western palate.
Mouth
The camel has a large mouth, with 34 sharp teeth. They enable the animal to eat rough thorny bushes
without damaging the lining of its mouth, and can be used as biting weapons against predators if need be.
A camel gulps down its food without chewing it first, later regurgitating the undigested food and chewing it
in cud form.
Nose
A camel's nasal passages are protected by large muscular nostrils that can be opened and closed at will.
When a camel twitches its nose, it is cooling the incoming air and condensing moisture from its outgoing
breath.
Speed
Normal 'amble speed' for a walking camel is 5kph/3mph; a working camel will typically cover 40km/25
miles a day. Racing camels can reach 20kph/12mph at the gallop.
Tail
A camel's rope-like tail is over 50cm/19" long.
Water
Camels need very little water if their regular diet contains good, moisture-rich pasture. The ability of the
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camel to survive in desert conditions without water for long periods of time is rivalled by none. The many
physiological adaptations the dromedary have even earned it the title "ship of the desert". Dromedaries
can glean much of their needed water from desert vegetation, and can survive after losing over 40
percent of their body weight in water.
When water is available, whether fresh or brackish (salty), camels drink well - up to 57 litres at a time.
Although camels can withstand severe dehydration, a large animal can drink as much as 100 litres/21
gallons in ten minutes. Such an amount would kill another mammal, but the camel's unique metabolism
enables the animal to store the water in its bloodstream.
Weight
A fully-grown camel can weigh up to 700kg/ 1542lbs.
Arabian Horses
The Arabian horse has played a noble part in the history of Arabia. Excavations at a Mleiha, in Sharjah,
show that over 2000 years ago, prized stallions, decorated with gold trappings, were buried close to their
owners, evidence of their place in local society. Today, the UAE is one of the world’s top breeding centres
for the breed, and is playing a major role in preservation.
The Arabian or Arab horse (Arabic‫ الحصان العربي‬‎is a breed of horse that originated on the Arabian
Peninsula. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily
recognizable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest breeds, with archaeological evidence
of horses that resemble modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years. Throughout history, Arabian horses
spread around the world by both war and trade, used to improve other breeds by adding speed,
refinement, endurance, and strong bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern
breed of riding horse. The Arabian developed in a desert climate and was prized by the nomadic Bedouin
people, often being brought inside the family tent for shelter and protection from theft. Selective breeding
for traits including an ability to form a cooperative relationship with humans created a horse breed that is
good-natured, quick to learn, and willing to please. The Arabian also developed the high spirit and
alertness needed in a horse used for raiding and war. This combination of willingness and sensitivity
requires modern Arabian horse owners to handle their horses with competence and respect.
The Arabian is a versatile breed. Arabians dominate the discipline of endurance riding, and compete
today in many other fields of equestrian activity. They are one of the top ten most popular horse breeds in
the world. They are now found worldwide, including the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom,
Australia, continental Europe, South America (especially Brazil), and its land of origin, the Middle East.
Arabian horses have refined, wedge-shaped heads, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and
small muzzles. Most display a distinctive concave, or "dished" profile. Many Arabians also have a slight
forehead bulge between their eyes, called the jibbah by the Bedouin, that adds additional sinus capacity,
believed to have helped the Arabian horse in its native dry desert climate.
Arabians usually have dense, strong bone, and good hoof walls. They are especially noted for their
endurance and the superiority of the breed in Endurance riding competition demonstrates that well-bred
Arabians are strong, sound horses with superior stamina. At international endurance events, Arabians
and half-Arabians are the dominant performers in distance competition.
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Cultural sensitivity and appropriate behavior in UAE
Appropriate behavior is expected from Abu Dhabi visitors and residents.
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Alcohol consumption is allowed only by non-Muslims in licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs, private
venues and at home (for residents who have acquired an alcohol license).
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Drugs are strictly forbidden, even a residual amount.
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Sexual relationships outside of marriage are illegal, irrespective of any relationship you may have
with your partner. Cohabiting, including in hotels is also illegal.
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The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy towards drinking and driving.
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Bouncing a cheque is illegal in the UAE.
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Dancing is allowed only in the privacy of your home or at licensed clubs.
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Nudity is forbidden and decent beachwear must be worn while at beaches
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Sexual harassment or randomly addressing women in public or taking their photos without
permission is strictly forbidden.
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Public displays of affection is not allowed.
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Official business or casual business attire is expected when visiting government offices and office
towers.
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In public areas, decent clothing is expected and shall not indecently expose bodily parts nor be
transparent. Offensive drawings, writing and signs are not allowed on clothing.
Saadiyat Island and other islands
Abu Dhabi Islands
Abu Dhabi emirate is an archipelago where more than 200 islands are strewn along its coast. With the
longest coast line in the UAE; Abu Dhabi has a large number of offshore islands. Several of the larger
islands close to the city of Abu Dhabi are being developed as leisure, business, and residential areas.
The most known islands in the Emirate are: Lulu Island, Al Maryah (Sowwah) Island, Saadiyat Island,
Al Reem Island, Yas Island, Das Island, Dalma Island and Al Futaissi Island.
Futaisi Island, a 10-minute boat ride south of Abu Dhabi, has a long history and is packed with interesting
flora and fauna as well as outdoor adventure facilities for UAE Nationals. Both Saadiyat Island and Yas
Island are under development. Saadiyat Island will soon become the cultural capital of Abu Dhabi while
Yas Island is home to Yas Marina Circuit and an 18-hole, championship-ready, all-grass Links Golf
Course. Al Maryah Island will be the new Central Business District for Abu Dhabi. Al Reem Island houses
residential apartments, offices and shopping malls as well as the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Island Cultural District Museums
The 27-square kilometer Saadiyat Island is undergoing remarkable transformation to become a worldclass leisure, residential, business and cultural hub, housing the world’s largest single concentration of
premier cultural assets. These will include the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi,
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Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum – all designed by Pritzker prizewinners. All these prestigious cultural assets have been designed by architectural luminaries such as
Lord Norman Foster, Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel, Zaha Hadid and Tado Andao respectively.
Saadiyat, a natural island, is zoned into seven different districts, each featuring diverse offerings.
Saadiyat boasts a range of hotels and resorts such as the St Regis, Park Hyatt, as well as a number of
restaurants and shopping malls. It will also include schools and the New York University-Abu Dhabi
campus.
Manarat Al Saadiyat - This purpose-built visitor centre – Manarat Al Saadiyat (which translates from
Arabic as (a place that provides enlightenment) brings the island’s vision to life. This exciting artistic
venue will host a dedicated space for touring international cultural and art exhibitions, and has been
designed in line with international specifications to house a variety of art pieces. The state-of-the-art
Saadiyat Island exhibition, The Saadiyat Story, is on permanent display and provides visitors with an
interactive narrative on the history and cultural vision behind the island. Additionally, the Arts Abu Dhabi
Gallery is a permanent space for a series of exhibitions and educational programmes.
The main galleries of Manarat Al Saadiyat are:
 The Saadiyat Experience
 Arts Abu Dhabi Gallery
 Contemporary Gallery
 Louvre Abu Dhabi Gallery
 Central Events Gallery
Fanr restaurant is also located at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Fanr´s menu features a wide variety of regional in
international cuisine, with seating for 250 diners.
UAE Pavilion - The UAE Pavilion, designed by Foster + Partners, was on display for six months at Expo
2010 Shanghai, showcasing exhibitions that highlight the history of the UAE; its stunning design attracted
almost two million visitors. Now located in its permanent home beside Manarat Al Saadiyat, the pavilion
will be a new landmark exhibition and events venue, hosting some of the country’s most important cultural
functions. The pavilion’s strikingly original design comprises two dune-shaped peaks; its highest peak
reaches 20 metres tall. During its display at the exposition, the building won prestigious awards from
Illinois Society of Structural Engineers and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations. It
has also achieved a 2 Pearl Rating under the Estidama sustainable design programme, and is one of the
first buildings in Abu Dhabi to be awarded this.
Zayed National Museum - Zayed National Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize winners Foster &
Partners, will honor the late leader of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and will provide a
new source of inspiration to the world. The museum will provide a fitting testament to the life and times of
this towering national figure, to his inspired vision and to the legacy he left behind.
Louvre Abu Dhabi - Jean Nouvel’s design concept for the Louvre Abu Dhabi owes as much to the
tradition of great Arabian architecture as it does to the Saadiyat site’s distinctive features. A key design
element of the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be its great dome, 180 metres (almost 600 feet) in diameter, floating
above a cluster of buildings and waterways. Perforated by interlaced patterns (mashrabiya), the dome will
let a diffused light filter magically into the spaces below.
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Guggenheim Abu Dhabi - Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum is conceived as a dynamic institution
devoted to the acquisition and display of modern and contemporary art. Frank Gehry’s design of The
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi echoes Gulf architecture, incorporating dramatic conical forms that play with a
modern twist on the region’s ancient wind-towers (bajeel).
Performing Arts Centre - The Performing Arts Centre will be a dramatic hub of theatre, music and dance
from around the world. Designed by celebrated Iraqi/British architect Zaha Hadid, the Centre will house a
music hall, concert hall, opera house, drama theatre, an experimental performance space, as well as an
Academy of Performing Arts.
Maritime Museum - Housed on the shoreline of Saadiyat Island’s Marina district will be the iconic
Maritime Museum, Designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Tadao Ando, this dramatic building will
provide a meeting point of land and sea, as well as the traditions of yesterday and tomorrow. The
Maritime Museum will celebrate Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage and explore the local population’s long
relationship with the sea e.g. pearling and fishing.
Sadiyaat Beach Golf Club - The magnificent 18-hole, ocean masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club,
designed by golfing legend Gary Player, reinforces the emirate’s fast-rising status as a world-class golfing
destination of distinction.
Saadiyat Beach Club - Saadiyat Beach Club, Saadiyat is the first beach club on the island of Saadiyat,
Abu Dhabi, and is designed to celebrate fine living, culture, wellbeing and health. Built on a 39,500 sqm
site along the shores of the Arabian Gulf, this private beach club will complement the exclusive
experience offered on Saadiyat Beach. It includes 4 food & beverage outlets namely, Safina, Dela Costa,
Cabana and Library Lounge. It cater the needs of guests by providing an extensive range of services and facilities
such as Pool, Beach, Spa and treatment room and work out room .
Yas Island Attractions
Yas Island is a development by ALDAR Properties a master developer in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It
occupies a total land area of 2,500 hectares. The island houses the worldclass motor sports race track
which hosts the annual Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stunning Yas Marina,
Yas Waterworld, Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf Course and seven hotels, including the breathtaking,
signature Yas Viceroy Hotel. Yas Island offers a wide range of events, promotions, activities and
amazing weekends with live concertsat du Forum and du Arena.
Yas Marina Circuit
The state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit is home to the annual F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Forming the centrepiece of Yas Marina Circuit is The Yas Viceroy Hotel, a five-star, signature hotel – the
only one in the world to straddle an F1™ circuit and breathtakingly built half on land and half over the Yas
Marina. It is 365 days of action at Yas Marina Circuit, as year round the track plays host to some of the
world’s top motor racing series. A full calendar of motorsports and entertainment events include the
Formula 1™ in the GP2 Asia Series and Australia’s legendary motor racing series the V8 Supercars. Top
fuel dragsters made their Middle East debut at the International Drag Racing Festival and the world’s top
sports car series, the FIA GT Championship.
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Yas Marina Circuit was unveiled on 30 October 2009 with the final race of the Formula One™ World
Championship – the inaugural Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – to a crowd of around
50,000.
Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent facility where races can be run on one of three configurations. The full
Formula 1™ track is 5.55km (3.4 miles) long and comprises 21 turns, 12 left and nine right, with an
estimated lap time of 1 minute 40 seconds. It runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
The second and third configurations of the track are shorter at 3.15km (1.9 miles) and 2.36km (1.46
miles) respectively. The two additional tracks can run independently of each other and make it possible
for the circuit to hold two events simultaneously.
Quick facts:
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Yas Blue is the colour of the blue they use. Similar to the coastal waters of Abu Dhabi Islands.
3 months to build the track by Cebarco a Bahraini based engineering company
All seats are covered by tents ( representing of Emirati Culture)
Massive screens have 7 to 22 Air Con behind them to ensure good operation during the hot summer
months
Largest permanent lights to avoid shades powered by 4 generators
32 digital flags
64 flags in total
32 flag poles
44 high tech cameras
Can reach 300 KM/H maximum speed recorded was 320 KM/H.
Drag Strip is the longest around the world - 1.2 KM long.
Shams Tower is exclusively for Royal Family and guests.
16 Team Villas
- They ship all drivers’ personal belongings to duplicate their home environment
- Offered free of charge in Abu Dhabi
- Villas #10 and 11 are for Royal Family
- 1 Villa for Bernie Ecclestone, CEO F1
Medical Centre:
- 90 Doctors and nurses on site during F1 event
- 2 helicopters on site. 3 minutes away from closest hospital
Incidentally, from 2009-2012, all F1 winners happened to stayed at Yas Viceroy Hotel
Ferrari World
The world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest indoor theme park. More than 20 rides and attractions lie
beneath its huge, iconic red roof, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching
speeds of 240 kmph;
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s iconic sleek red roof, inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the
Ferrari GT body, spans 200,000 sqm, carrying the largest Ferrari logo ever created. The enclosed indoor
area accessible to the public is 86,000 sqm – large enough to fit seven football fields “head to toe”.
The Park’s foundation stone was laid on 3 November 2007. The development was completed in a little
less than three years, opening to the public for the first time on 27 October 2010. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
is owned by Abu Dhabi government. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is managed and operated by Farah Leisure
Parks Management L.L.C, a subsidiary of Aldar Properties PJSC.
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Main Thrilling Activities:
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Formula Rossa
Karting Academy
Scuderia Challenge
Fiorano GT Challenge
Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 kmlh.
Karting Academy – Inspired by the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, you can test your driving skills in their incredible inpark-go-attraction.
Scuderia Challenge – Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia
Ferrari during training.
Viaggio in Italia – A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and their main monuments, mountains and
coasts pursuing a Ferrari.
Galleria Ferrari – The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive
range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
Junior GT – A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430
GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.
The Racing Legends – A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all
the way to today’s F1 victories.
Driving with Champions – an interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who
is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory
Junior Training Camp – An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car
wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own
miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is an exciting waterpark themed around the original story about Dana, a
young Emirati girl on a quest for the legendary pearl that had once brought prosperity to her village. The
waterpark features 43 rides, slides and attractions. Visitors can join the adventure on rides never seen
before in waterparks, including the first hydromagnetic 6-person water slide in the world and the largest
sheet wave surf ride ever. Other attractions include the Aqualoop, the only looping waterslide in the
Middle East. Also featured for tech lovers is the PearlMaster Quest, the world’s only SplashQuest
interactive game. Finally, a unique pearl-diving attraction is available for guests wishing to find out
everything about the UAE’s culture and heritage.
Yas Marina Yacht Club
Yas Marina is located at the heart of the iconic Yas Island and the Yas Marina Circuit. The 175 berth
marina caters for boats from 8m to superyachts up to 150m. It is developed and managed by world’s
renowned Camper and Nicholson’s Marinas.
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Yas Marina offers berths from 8m-150m with annual rates starting from just 16,445 AED. Yas Marina
offers 24/7 assistance, Wi-Fi, pump out facilities, shore power, buggy and many more services.
Companies located within Yas Marina include MTM Marine where you can stock up on all of your water
sports and boating requirements, Stars ‘N’ Bars with their delicious food and great evening programs and
of course the Camper & Nicholsons Yas Marina Office, where the friendly staff are on hand 24/7.
Cipriani Yas Island located in the Yas Yacht Club building, is set to become a complete luxury hospitality
destination for the United Arab Emirates. In 1931 a long-sought dream became reality. Giuseppe Cipriani
opened the doors to Harry's Bar. In a discreet stone building perched along a canal just off Piazza San
Marco in Venice, he created a timeless and impeccably appointed establishment. At Harry's Bar in
Venice, all clients are treated like royalty. In fact, in 2001, the Italian Ministry for Cultural Affairs declared
Harry's Bar in Venice a national landmark. Four generations of Ciprianis have grown a single restaurant,
into a world renowned hospitality brand.
Cipriani Abu Dhabi
A stylish, elegant restaurant designed by Florentine architect Michele Bonan with a beautiful outdoor
terrace overlooking the beautiful marina. The menu features signature dishes from Harry’s Bar in Venice
and classic Italian favorites.
Stars N Bars
American style sports bar and restaurant serving more than just food and beverages, Stars N Bars
features a fantastic outdoor terrace and lounge with something for all members of the family.
Diablito Food and Music
Diablito brings the Mediterranean flare to Yas Island. Highly qualified chefs create weekly Mediterranean
themed "specials", tapas and pinxos. Music is intrinsic to the Diablito offering.
Rozanah
Combining gastronomic excellence with impeccable Lebanese hospitality to create a unique Middle
Eastern dining experience. Guaranteed to tempt the taste buds of every nationality.
Café D’Alsace
Inspired by the character of Alsace region. A focus on quality, food and service in a stylish European
bistro ambiance.
Aquarium
Aquarium is an elegant but relaxed restaurant offering the freshest catches of the day and fantastic indoor
and outdoor seating options with amazing marina views. It is famed for its energetic Sushi Sundays and
mesmerizing marine Aquariums.
Iris
An elegant and stylish setting with a stunning outdoor terrace to enjoy drinks at sunset and fresh
seasonal dishes for dinner whilst patrons enjoy mellow lounge music and live performances.
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Al Ain Attractions
Al Ain City
Meaning ‘the spring’ in Arabic, Al Ain is fed by natural springs originating in the surrounding rocky heights.
Also known as the ‘Garden or Oasis City’, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland, is renowned for its
archaeological excavations – which have uncovered tombs over 4,000 years old. It is one of the world’s
oldest continually inhabited settlements.
Al Ain is the traditional home of Abu Dhabi’s Ruling Al Nahyan family. It has emerged as a vital centre for
agriculture, education and tourism and is rich with traditional souks selling fruits and vegetables,
handicrafts and even camels!
In the heart of the city, Al Ain Oasis abounds with palm plantations, many of which are still working
farms. The cool, shady walkways transport you from the heat and noise of the city to a tranquil haven,
and many of the oasis farms have working examples of falaj, the traditional irrigation system.
The towering Jebel Hafeet, one of the country’s tallest peaks rising 1,240 metres, affords impressive
views over Al Ain. In Jebel Hafeet’s foothills lies Green Mubazzarah – a park of undulating rocky terrain
built around natural hot springs and waterfalls that have been landscaped to give the impression of
rolling grassy hillsides.
Al Ain’s slow, relaxing atmosphere belies the amount of engaging activities it offers from visits to the Al
Ain Zoo, which is home to over 4,000 animals including the indigenous Arabian Oryx and sand gazelle.
Al Ain Oasis
The oasis covers an area of approximately 1,200 hectares (nearly 3,000 acres) and contains over
147,000 date palms, up to 100 different varieties amongst them. The date palms are occasionally
interspersed with other fruit trees including mangoes, bananas, figs and jujubes (locally known as sidr).
The date orchards form a patchwork of individually owned plots, divided by a maze of pathways varying
from one to seven metres in width. The boundary walls were originally made of mud brick, although most
of them have been renovated using more modern materials.
Palm trees depend on a plentiful water supply - up to 70 liters a day during the summer - brought from a
source far to the southeast of the city by a system of ancient man-made underground tunnels called falaj.
When they reach the oasis, the falaj divide into a network of channels and the distribution of water to
individual orchards is democratically controlled. A walk along the marked route through the lanes of the
oasis leads the visitor to a number of points of interest, including several large storage jars for dates,
grain and water, the remains of an old fortification and the Al Nasseri Mosque.
Al Ain Zoo
- This is home to over 4,000 animals; at least 30% of its 180 species are considered endangered. The
zoo covers 900 hectares near the base of Jebel Hafeet. Visitors can see the large animal collection in
enclosures that resemble their natural habitats as closely as possible. Giraffes, zebras and rhinoceroses
co-exist in the mixed African exhibit, while wildlife typical of the local region, such as the indigenous
Arabian Oryx and sand gazelle also share a habitat. There are plenty of green public spaces ideal for
picnics and also playgrounds, a cafeteria and a train tour of the wildlife area.
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Hili Fun City
This flagship family entertainment destination has been a firm favorite since opening in 1985 when it
became the Gulf’s first theme park. Recently renovated, the expansive park now boasts 28 attractions for
all ages, with roller coasters and rides such as Twister Mountain, Hili Swinger, Circus Train and
Lighthouse a family show amphitheatre for 1,400 people, and beautiful landscaped gardens with picnic
and play areas.
Hili Archaeological Gardens
A site which bears traces of settlements dating back to the Bronze Age, and other relics of extremely
ancient tombs. Pottery and stonework of historical significance found at the site can now been seen in the
Al Ain National Museum. The site is now a public park. Other important sites include: Umm Al Nar island
which historically dates back to 2500 – 2000 B.C., Jebel Hafit tombs, dating back to 3200 – 2700 B.C.,
and Bida Bint Saud region, north of Al Ain.
Al Ain National Museum
On the edge of Al Ain Oasis, this museum was opened in 1971, and is the showcase for the city’s unique
heritage and history. It is housed in the same compound as the Sultan Bin Zayed Fort (also known as
the Eastern Fort), which was built in 1910 and is very well preserved. Divided into three main sections –
archaeology, ethnography and gifts – its presentations illustrate various aspects of life in the UAE and
include an interesting selection of photographs, as well as Bedouin jewelry, musical instruments,
weapons, and a reconstruction of a traditional majlis. 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. 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 Nahyan received during his lifetime. It includes golden swords, silver daggers and a golden
palm tree, among others.
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Qasr al Muwaiji is an impressive structure that has watched over the oasis for around 100 years. It was
built in the early years of the 20th century.
In 1946 His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Father of the Nation, moved to Qasr al Muwaiji
and the fort became his diwan and his family home. His eldest son, HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, was born at Qasr al Muwaiji two years later, and spent much of his youth there, learning from his
father.
The restoration:
This exhibition is the fruition of the work of a huge range of individuals: archaeologists, conservators,
architects, historians and curators.
The exhibition:
The exhibition, housed in an elegant glass-walled space within the courtyard of Qasr al Muwaiji, tells the
story of the fort and its inhabitants.
Visitors can also experience the historic buildings and impressive courtyard of Qasr Al Muwaiji
Al Jahili Fort
One of the largest forts in the country, Al Jahili was a symbol of power and control. Under Sheikh Zayed
the First work on the fort began in 1891 and was completed in 1898. The Sheikhs choice of location was
most likely affected by the availability of water and resources but also the fertile lands. It was customary
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for the leaders of Abu Dhabi to escape the summer heat and humidity to the more tolerable dryer, cooler
weather in Al Ain. The fort was also a refuge in times of attack on the inhabitants of the oasis.
In 2007- 2008, Al Jahili Fort underwent a refurbishment project implemented by the Abu Dhabi Tourism
and Culture Authority. The fort now houses a Visitor Information Centre, a permanent exhibition devoted
to the explorer and traveller Wilfred Thesiger (Mubarak Bin London) , who crossed the empty quarter
twice in the 1940's and a temporary exhibition space.
Sheikh Zayed Palace Museum
The Palace of HH the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was built in 1937. It was converted into a
museum and opened to the public in 2001. However, visitors will not find large collections of photographs
or exhibits in the museum, because Sheikh Zayed decreed that the royal palace and private residential
areas should be an honest reflection of his country’s culture prior to its dramatic development during the
post-oil years. The original structure comprised a private residence for the ruler and his family within a
complex of courtyards. The palace was Sheikh Zayed’s residence in Al Ain between 1937 and 1966.
The external courtyard each house a different majlis or meeting room where the Sheikh could receive
local and foreign dignitaries. The areas set aside for local visitors were furnished traditionally with floor
cushions, whilst hospitality was extended to foreigners in an area more in keeping with Western styles of
furniture. Separate women’s quarters were provided for the guests of the Sheikh’s wife. A nearby room
for the coffee-maker ensured prompt attention to the needs of guests, who were offered plentiful drinks,
dates and a meal, in keeping with Arab custom. An inner courtyard contained the main kitchen and storeroom, adjacent to which was the palace’s vital water source: the well.
A replica of the grand court tent in the grounds of the palace represents an iconic link with Bedouin life.
Sheikh Zayed was proud to meet guests and VIPs there to demonstrate Arabian hospitality and
generosity. Another symbol of Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to his people is the Land Rover in which he
drove into the desert to visit the tribes so that he could understand and respect the conditions under
which they lived. A similar Land Rover is currently displayed in the museum.
The museum houses many fine portraits of the royal family and a family tree depicting the Sheikh’s
lineage. There is a schoolroom, with a collection of small desks and a blackboard, where the royal
children received their education from private tutors. The spiritual needs of the family were met in the
Quran room.
Al Ain UNESCO Archeological Sites
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Al Ain - The Cultural Sites of Al Ain (Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas) constitute a serial
property that testifies to sedentary human occupation of a desert region since the Neolithic period with
vestiges of many prehistoric cultures. Remarkable vestiges in the property include circular stone tombs
(ca 2500 B.C.), wells and a wide range of adobe constructions: residential buildings, towers, palaces and
administrative buildings. Hili moreover features one of the oldest examples of the sophisticated afalaj
irrigation system which dates back to the Iron Age. The property provides important testimony to the
transition of cultures in the region from hunting and gathering to sedentarization.
Once a vital green oasis on the caravan route from UAE to Oman, Al Ain (meaning ‘The Spring’ in Arabic)
is the emirate’s heritage heartland, one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements, and a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Classified by UNESCO as a ‘cultural site’, 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 desert region since the Neolithic period, with vestiges of many prehistoric cultures. Al Ain is the first site
in the United Arab Emirates to make it to UNESCO’s World Heritage List
Basic details
 Jebel Hafit - has 500 ancient burial tombs dating back 5,000 years
 Al Hili - bronze and iron age sites
 Bida Bin Saud - tombs in the area
 Al Ain’s Oases - traditional Al Falaj system
UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
UNESCO has inscribed the Emirati performing art of Ayyala dance, Taghruda poetry, Falconry and Al
Sadu, as living human heritage into the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity.
On 3rd December, 2015, the international intergovernmental committee tasked with safeguarding cultural
heritage has accepted the nomination of Arabic coffee, Al Razfa and Al Majlis to the UNESCO
Intangible Heritage of Humanity Representative List.
According to UNESCO, intangible heritage is the living heritage of humanity. It includes all the
expressions, customs and traditions that are inherited from forebears and handed down to descendents.
Intangible heritage is found in oral traditions, like storytelling, in performing arts, in folklore and traditional
crafts and trades, and in social customs and expressions and other living traditions.
Falconry
In addition to the above, the UAE is piloting the international file on falconry and is collaborating with a
number of Arab and foreign nations, including Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Mongolia, Morocco,
Qatar, the Republic of South Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Austria, Hungary and Syria. The
file, through collaborative documentation, inscribes falconry as a world heritage in the Representative List
of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Al Gharbia Attractions
Al Gharbia & the Empty Quarter
The Western Region of Abu Dhabi, known as Al Gharbia covers 60,000 square kilometres, 71% of the
total land mass of the UAE, of natural beautiful scenery. Its main cities include Madinat Zayed, Mirfa,
Liwa, Ghayathi, Sila, Ruwais and Dalma Island. This area lies close to the borders of Saudi Arabia and
Qatar.
Outside the city of Abu Dhabi, it covers endless miles of desert stretching into the Empty Quarter, up to
the borders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The Empty Quarter - known as The Rub al Khali - is the
biggest sand desert in the world with the largest sand dunes, some up to 300 meters high. It has been the
object of many explorers’ conquest in the past such as Wilfred Thesiger, also known as Mubarak Bin
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London. The famous Liwa oasis in the south is the frontier that leads to this legendary desert land. It is
home to some of the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world.
Tel Moreeb sand dune in the Liwa desert is, at 300 metres, one of the world’s tallest sand dunes. With a
50 degree incline to the top, it is the pinnacle for desert driving enthusiasts.
Sir Baniyas Island & Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara
Sir Bani Yas Island is a desert Island multi-experiential destination. It houses the Arabian Wildlife Park,
which is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals. Guests at the boutique Desert Islands Resort &
Spa by Anantara can take 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drive of the park accompanied by expert island staff.
Qasar Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Located in the legendary Liwa Desert, one of the largest uninterrupted sand deserts in the world, Qasr al
Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara embraces the epic adventures of this evocative landscape by providing
a luxury oasis for discerning travelers. Recline by the plunge pool outside your own private villa, or stretch
out on a sumptuous day-bed surrounded by rich Middle Eastern fabrics and local artifacts. Every room,
villa and suite features desert views, blending our rich interiors with the landscape.
Al Gharbia Festivals
Al Dhafrah Camel Festival
In one of the Gulf's most lucrative beauty pageants, contestants are judged according to strict criteria: the
curvature of the ears, the size of nose relative to face and fullness of hump. This is the International
Camel Beauty Contest in Abu Dhabi. More than 28,000 of the animals compete in the eight-day event
for the coveted title of the most attractive camel in the world. With prizes ranging from brand-new Range
Rovers and Toyota pick-ups to more than AED 46 million (USD 12.5 million) in cash, the competition has
drawn contestants from as far away as Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The pageant is part of an $80
billion campaign to revive Bedouin culture. Camels, revered as a measure of wealth, have long been
seen as central to the heritage of the Gulf.
The Al Dhafra Camel Festival has dedicated special shows for 'Asayel' (pedigree) and 'Majahim' (darkskinned) camels. They also have a traditional souq and during the festival there will be a camel auction
and various contests for traditional handicrafts, poetry, date packaging and photography.
Locals call this place “Millionaire's Road” for its promise of rewarding the best-looking camels with
instant wealth. Many owners spent several weeks travelling with their herd by foot for the chance to
compete. For the wealthy the pageant provides a chance to buy rare purebreds that will add to their
prestige. Some animals have been known to fetch millions of dollars.
Date Festival
The Liwa Date Festival is a celebration of the age-old tradition of date production. An amazing fact is
that around 120 different types of dates are planted in the UAE. This annual event is a 17-day long
festival that is a very traditional gathering which is aimed at facilitating the business of dates.
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One of the major highlights of the festival is the daily auction of date baskets that attract many high bids;
the most recent being the six kilos of Khalas dates for Dhs 40,000.
Lectures on the agriculture of palm trees along with special educational sessions for children, poetry
evenings, and Islamic cultural celebrations are held alongside the festival. In addition camel races, horse
races and falconry highlighting the richness of Al Gharbia culture dovetail the festival’s main activities.
Water Festival
With wide, long beaches and good wind speeds, Al Gharbia makes an ideal venue for watersports. The
Watersports Festival held in April and May every year takes advantage of Al Gharbia’s stunning 350 km
stretch of natural coast line. The Al Gharbia Watersports Festival is a 10-day extravaganza filled with
wonder, water and world-class athletes featuring kiteboards and surf ski kayaks, to chilled-out camping
and concerts on shore, and many other activities and surprises.
Besides the sporting competitions that include wakeboarding, beach volleyball and beach football, the
festival will also offer a night camp activities with music concerts and festive food stations as well as a
traditional 'souk' to satisfy eager shoppers.
Tel Moreeb Festival
Considered by many to be the world's tallest sand dune, Tel Moreeb is over 300 metres high and the 50
degree incline to the top makes it a prime destination for motor sports enthusiasts.
Every January, the region's most powerful four wheel drives, quad bikes and dirt bikes compete in the
Moreeb Hill Climb event, which is part of the Liwa International Festival. Tel Moreeb is all about stamina,
endurance, resilience and adrenalin driven exhilaration. The festival offers the ultimate experience and
skills to drive up this dramatic sand dune.
Other Attractions
Al Hosn Fort and Union Square
For nearly two centuries, Qasr al Hosn has acted as the single most powerful symbol of the region’s
authority. The fort was originally designed to guard a water source and evolved into a magnificent
structure that protected and served the entire community for centuries. Qasr al Hosn ignited the region’s
development whilst at the same time, safeguarding its long term future. The fort was home to the royal
family for generations and played host to dignitaries from across the globe. Its outer surface was a sight
to behold, made from an intelligent arrangement of coral stones and finally covered with a render made
from lime, local sand and crushed sea shells. Due to the shell’s reflective effect, the fort’s walls would
sparkle in the sun offering a welcome costal navigational tool for the region’s many merchants.
History
 In the 18th Century, Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Isa, leader of the Bani Yas tribes discovered fresh water on
Abu Dhabi Island and built a watchtower to protect the spring from intruders. The conical tower
constructed in 1761, and the fort that was eventually built to encompass it, would come to be known
as Qasr al Hosn, and is now an iconic landmark.
 The historical significance of this ancient structure is beyond measure. The setting of the city’s oldest
building, constructed in alignment with Mecca, is truly incredible. It is the first building in the country
and housed the royal family for generations.
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The Arabian Gulf was an ancient hub of commerce and Qasr al Hosn conveyed an image of power,
instilling confidence in hearts of local residents. The sight of the fort, flying the red and white of the
Abu Dhabi flag– white to symbolise pearls and the red to signify the colour of cloth used by traders as
a way of emphasising the whiteness and quality of the pearl – would have been imposing in itself, but
the tower was also an architectural statement.
Qasr al Hosn has expanded, evolved and diversified in line with the changing environment in which it
stood and has been responsive to the needs of its people. As the traditional and ancestral home of
the Al Nahyan family it would be impossible to overstate the importance of Qasr al Hosn to the
country’s remarkable success story.
Quick Facts
Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Issa (1761-1793) built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only
freshwater well on Abu Dhabi Island
Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Dhiyab (1793-1816) expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his
ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Shakhbout (1818-1833) expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi from a
small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Shakhbout (1833-1845) repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoun (1845-1855) turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa (1855-1909) expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate’s increasing
prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan (1928-1966) renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative
arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan (1966-2004) moved the royal residence to Al Manhal Palace and kept his
diwan in Qasr Al Hosn.
In 1969 Qasr Al Hosn was home to the National Centre for Documentation and Research where all
government related documents, treaties, and agreements, legal archives were kept.
Union Square
Also called Culture Square, it is located in Al Markaziyah district in Abu Dhabi city. The monuments on
display in the square show different aspects of Emirati Culture.
National Symbols
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Coffee pot – Dallah - hospitality
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Incense Burner – Mabkhara – hospitality
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Rosewater Sprinkler - hospitality
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Canon – protection and religion
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Fort – Strength and power
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Mechabba - food Cover from palm fronds – heritage
Crown Prince Dewan & Tolerance Sculpture
The sculpture T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E, consists of 9 large bronze letters/characters, forming the word
“tolerance”. Previously it has been displayed at La Monnaie de Paris and in the Luxembourg Gardens.
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The series N° 3/8 of this sculpture is currently displayed outside the Dewan of His Highness General
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of
the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. It is the first permanent public
sculpture in Abu Dhabi. Many children showing flags of all nationalities unveiled T.O.L.E.R.A.N.C.E to the
public on November 19, 2008.
Sculptor and painter, Guy Ferrer, alerted by the new clash of religions, source of a spreading chaos,
proposes to us his vision of reconciliation and his message of hope through his sculpture in bronze
comprising of priests, wise men, pilgrims…
Internationally, Guy Ferrer’s works have been shown in the United States (New York, Denver, Los
Angeles, Pasadena, Miami, Washington), in Japan (Tokyo, Fukishima, Mie, Kamanashi). In Venezuela, at
M.A.C. C. S. I (Museo de Arte Contemporàneo Sofia Imber) where he exhibited an important exposition in
1995. He has shown his work and worked in Switzerland, Kenya, Germany, Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon,
Singapore.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
As a testament to the vision of its founder, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center sits majestically at the
entrance to Abu Dhabi City Island, distinctly visible from three main bridges connecting the island to the
main land, Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed Bridge. The strategic geographical location of the Mosque
is a symbolic expression of the emotional connection the Mosque has in the hearts of all UAE citizens
particularly because it also includes the burial place of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may
God rest his soul).
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is distinguished by its creative diversity, representing many Islamic
architectural designs in a single masterpiece. Renowned for its white hue, the Mosque features
extensive, pure white Sivec marble cladding on all its external walls and minarets, inscriptions of verses
from the Holy Quran and handcrafted Islamic ornamentation. Natural materials were used throughout the
Grand Mosque, including marble, wood, aluminium and wool, to name but a few.
This Grand Mosque was the dream of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab
Emirates. Sheikh Zayed began planning this Mosque in the late 1980s. He helped lay the foundation
stone on November fifth, 1996, when construction began.
More than 3,000 workers and 38 international contracting companies participated. The artisans and
materials used represent countries around the world, from the United Kingdom to Italy; from Germany to
China and, of course, the United Arab Emirates).
The Mosque has four minarets, 82 domes, and more than a thousand external columns. Its external
surfaces are covered in approximately 165,000 square meters of Macedonian white marble. The Sahan,
the central courtyard, is almost 17,400 (replace) square meters, and the Main Prayer Hall is 5,700 square
meters. A smaller prayer hall for men and another for women can each hold about 1,200 (replace)
people. In all, the Mosque has room for more than 40,000 people, approximately 10,000 inside and
30,000 outside.
Domes
There are 82 domes inspired by Moghul and Moroccan Islamic architectural styles and the largest,
measuring 32.8 metres in diameter and 85 metres from top to bottom, is located in the centre of the main
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prayer hall. The tops of the white marble-clad domes are ‘crowned’ with smaller, onion-shaped domes
and crescent-shaped finials decorated with Italian gold glass mosaic. The elongated windows allow
natural light to enter the prayer halls, bathing the worshippers with warm light.
The Sahan
The Sahan (courtyard) of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque accommodates approximately 30,000
worshippers when full. The courtyard’s design includes beautiful floral elements around its edges and, at
16,888 square meters, this is possibly the largest example of marble mosaic artwork to be found
anywhere! Many thousands of small marble pieces make up the design. The organic floral designs were
inspired by the illustrations of British artist Kevin Dean. The courtyard features flowers such as the iris,
the lily, the tulip and lavender, as well as flora found in Arabia, such as the ivy ground flower. The north
and south foyers feature designs inspired by the flora found in the northern and southern hemispheres
respectively.
Minarets
There are four minarets located in the corners of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque courtyard which are clad
with pure white SIVEC marble and rise to a height of approximately 107 meters. Their design is inspired
by a combination of various styles from the Islamic world. There are three distinct design influences, the
square base of the minaret (seen in the Maghreb, Andalusia and Mamluk period), the middle section from
the Mamluk period and the third top cylindrical section from the Ottoman era. The minarets are ‘crowned’
with onion-shaped ‘domes’ and crescent-shaped finials decorated with Italian gold glass mosaic.
Columns
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has a total of 1,192 columns, of which 1,096 are in the external
arcades, and their design has been inspired by the palm, a tree valued throughout Arabia. From the
golden capitals in the shape of the top and fronds of a palm tree, the palm ‘trunks’ are hexagonal and clad
with symmetrically designed marble panels inlaid with semi-precious stones. These stones include lapis
lazuli, red agate, amethyst and jasper, as well as mother-of-pearl. There are a further 96 columns in the
main prayer hall, each clad with marble and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Reflective pools
Reflective pools of water beautifully capture the reflection of the Mosque’s columns that surround the
arcades, creating a sight that while beautiful by day becomes even more glorious at night. The reflective
pools cover a total area of 7,874 square meters.
Ablution - Washing
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has two main underground ablution areas  one for men and one for
women  situated on the North East and South East corners of the sahan (courtyard). The decoration
includes Turkish ceramic hand-painted tiles, green Ming marble basins and green glass mosaic wall
features. There are additional circular outdoor ablution facilities located in the gardens that form an
integral part of the Mosque’s landscape design.
Chandeliers
There are seven crystal chandeliers, all made by Faustig, situated inside the halls and foyers. The
largest (located in the main prayer hall and considered one of the world’s largest in a mosque), is 10
metres in diameter, 15.5 metres in height and weighs approximately 12 tonnes, with 15,500 LEDs and an
interior staircase. Two smaller versions of the same design are also located also in the main prayer hall
and are 7 metres in diameter, 12.5 metres high, and weigh 8 tonnes each.
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Four blue-coloured chandeliers of similar design and size are located in the foyer entrances and the VIP
Majlis. The largest of them is 4.3 metres in diameter, 6.5 metres high and 2 tonnes in weight.
All chandeliers are made from gilded stainless steel and gilded brass, using approximately 40kg of 24carat galvanized gold in total, while the crystal panels are studded with Swarovski crystals and took
between three and four months to install.
The Carpet
The main prayer hall houses one of the largest hand-knotted carpets found in a mosque anywhere in the
world. The intricate Islamic medallion design was made by third-generation carpet maker and artist Dr Ali
Khaliqi, and was hand-knotted by not less than 1,200 artisans. The overall project took about two years
to complete: the design took eight months, the hand-knotting (it comprises 2,268,000,000 knots) 12
months and the remaining time was needed to transport, trim, shave and join the pieces together. The
final piece covers 5,700 square meters and consists of about 70% wool and the remainder cotton. The
‘invisible’ prayer lines (ridges shaved into the carpet) are part of the carpet design but they can also assist
visually-impaired worshippers by providing tangible guidelines.
The design of the carpets found in the two minor prayer halls is distinguished by the distinct reflection
between the artistic design of the gypsum ceiling and the carpet.
Qibla Wall
The Qibla Wall (indicating the direction of prayer which is the Kaaba in the Holy City of Mecca) features
the 99 names (qualities) of Allah in traditional Kufic (Fatimid) calligraphy, designed by the prominent UAE
calligrapher Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi. Each ‘quality’ or ‘name’ has been carved from pure white
Italian marble in the shape of a stylised flower trimmed with white gold-leaf glass mosaic.
Iznik panels
There are numerous Iznik panels featuring both traditional floral designs and ‘thuloth’ style calligraphy
panels by renowned Turkish calligrapher, Hasan Celebi.
Marble
The pure white colour of the Mosque has become one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the Mosque was fond of white, a symbol of purity and piety.
There is approximately 165,000 squares meters of white SIVEC marble cladding on the external surfaces
including the domes and minarets.
Many different types of marble have been used throughout the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and
include:o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Sivec from Greece & Macedonia, used on the external cladding (a total of 165,119 square metres
of cladding has been used on the Mosque, including the four minarets)
SIVEC Supplier FHL Country of Origin Macedonia
LASA Supplier Lasa Quarry Country of Origin Italy
MAKARANA Supplier Country of Origin India
AQUABIANCA Country of Origin Italy
BIANCO P Supplier Carrara Country of Origin Italy
MING GREEN Supplier UMGG Country of Origin China
EAST WHITE Supplier UMGG Country of Origin China
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Mihrab
The Mihrab is symmetrically located in the middle of the Qibla Wall and its design is inspired by one of the
references to ‘Heaven’ or ‘Paradise’ in the Holy Quran that describes the existence of many abundant
rivers, including a river of honey. The yellow gold-leaf glass mosaic of the Mihrab seems to flow
downwards from the ‘beehive’ feature at the top of the niche, as if it were a river of golden honey.
The Minbar (Pulpit)
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s Minbar features floral and shell designs made of carved wood inlaid
with mother-of-pearl and glass mosaics.
Lunar Lighting
The unique lightning system was designed to reflect the phases of the moon. Each night, the Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque appears a little different from the night before as the lighting cycle commences with
dimmer areas as the moon waxes in the early days of the month and the crescent is small. As the moon
progresses through its cycle and becomes full, so the lightning effect become more brilliant. As the
moon wanes, so too will the effect of lighting reflect the subtle changes by once again dimming over a
number of days until the next new moon. To achieve this creative effect, twenty-two light towers each
hold between 10 and 13 projectors which are used according to the degree of light required to reflect the
lunar phase.
The Library
The Library, located in the north minaret, serves the community by providing classic books and
publications addressing a range of Islamic subjects including the sciences, civilization, calligraphy, the
arts and coins. It also holds some rare publications dating back more than 200 years. Reflecting the
diversity of the Islamic world and the United Arab Emirates, the collection comprises material in a broad
range of languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and even Korean and
Japanese!
Heritage Village, National Theater and National Flag
Located next to the Marina Mall is The Heritage Village, one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to see the
culture and heritage of the Emiratis. It has a good example of the Bedouin life in tents and palm frond
houses, also a museum showcasing some artifacts from the past. Replicas of Hili Tombs, which is
classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO are also found there. The heritage Village showcases 3
different stages of Abu Dhabi’s history
The First Stage

Going back 2500 BC to the bronze and iron age, you will see the replica of the burial tombs found
in Al Ain Archeological Park, which is a site designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Heritage Village also features a replica of one of the oldest examples of the sophisticated falaj
irrigation system which dates back to the Iron Age.
The Second Stage

The Museum at the Heritage Village showcases the life and times of the Bedouins and tribes that
lived in the region. Here you will see exhibits on Emirati clothing e.g. abaya, guthra, as well as
telli and sadoo waving. Household items, henna, jewelry and coins and peal diving items are also
showcased in the exhibits. Outside the museum, the areesh house, stone house and tents in the
desert areas testifies to the life of the Emirati people many years ago.
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The Third Stage

Abu Dhabi corniche skyline, boasts the new Abu Dhabi and its vision for the future. Bold and
bussing, with many new architectural wonders that have only risen recently e.g. Nations Towers,
ADIA, The Landmark, Etihad Towers, Central Market etc. These are testaments to the
extraordinary growth and success experienced by Abu Dhabi since the birth of the nation.
Abu Dhabi Theatre

The dome building next to the Heritage Centre is the Abu Dhabi Theatre. It can seat over 2000
people and has events throughout the year, from art exhibitions to musical performances.
Flag Pole

The flag pole next to the Abu Dhabi Theatre was once the highest flag pole in the world. It stands
at 123 meters and was raised as a celebration of the UAE’s unity. The flag is almost the size of a
50m Olympic swimming pool.
Zayed Centre for Research and Studies
For a fascinating 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. 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 and dignitaries 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.
Corniche and the ‘Blue Flag’
The Abu Dhabi Corniche Project is a long-term program led by government authorities that aims to
enhance the 8 km stretch of manicured waterfront landscape by providing clusters of services and
activities, in line with the vision of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. The Corniche Development programme will lead
to the introduction of following facilities:
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A variety of sports and leisure activities including beach volleyball, football, and sea sports etc
New array of affordable, quality retail and food & beverage outlets offering choices of local and
international flavours.
A new beach boardwalk stretching the entire length of the public beach.
Beach rental services including beach beds, umbrellas, cabanas, etc.
The Municipality of Abu Dhabi City has proudly announced in June 2011 that Abu Dhabi is the first city in
the Arab Gulf region to be awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, an award that recognizes beaches around
the world for reaching the highest environmental and safety standards. The Abu Dhabi Corniche has met
a specific set of criteria covering water quality, safety and services and environmental management that
will now join the best beaches in the world with a ‘Blue Flag’.
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The Volvo Ocean Race
This sailing race is the world's pre-eminent round-the-world yacht race and one of the most coveted
prizes in the sport. The Race is owned by Volvo Cars and Volvo Group and managed by a dedicated
team working from state-of-the-art headquarters in Alicante, Spain.
The event, which was previously known as the ‘Whitbread Round The World Race’ in 1973, moved from
its home in England to the Valencia region in 2010. It is preparing for its 12th edition of the race in 201415 and the 13th race in 2017-18.
The iconic Volvo Ocean Race is a nine month sailing race testing participants to their limits is one of the
latest sporting event which Abu Dhabi has stamped its name. In the previous 2011 – 2012 race Abu
Dhabi was one of the port stops in January.
Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority created a purpose-built Volvo Ocean Race ‘Destination Village’
on the Corniche breakwater to celebrate the arrival of the sailing boats during the stop-over at the Abu
Dhabi Corniche. The free-to-the-public Destination Village - the size of eight football pitches, was the
focal point for a number of on and off water activities, entertainment, concerts, rides, sailing schools,
games and competitions, as well as venue for the Volvo Ocean Race action.
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company
Exhibition Halls
Space, flexibility, contemporary style - all of these are on offer at ADNEC’s 12 halls which offer event
organisers inter-connected and flat-roofed floor space of 73,000sqm with endless possibilities for all types
of exhibitions and events.
Conference Halls
With a maximum capacity of up to 1,000 guests, the conference halls can be sub-divided into two, three
and four smaller meeting rooms by fully retractable walls.
Meeting Rooms
ADNEC has 19 ‘Capital Suite’ meeting rooms that can host between 20 to 200 delegates. Located on the
mezzanine floor of ADNEC.
Al Maa’red Hall
Al Maa’red Hall luxury hall combines state of the art facilities with the very best of contemporary Arabian
design has been created as an architectural masterpiece to become the first-choice venue for weddings,
social events and special events. The purposely-built hall can accommodate events from 300 to 750
people.
ADNEC Waterfront
ADNEC is one of a select group of venues around the world capable of staging major indoor, outdoor and
marine events simultaneously. The marine component of ADNEC’s event space is provided by the
ADNEC Waterfront Quayside. ADNEC Waterfront is linked to the exhibition centre by a striking 162m
pedestrian footbridge which spans the Khaleej Al Arabi Coast Road. The total event space of the
Waterfront Quayside is 19,500sqm which is supplemented by a 1750sqm concrete pontoon and 250m
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quay wall. A channel depth of 6m enables a variety of marine vessels to berth at ADNEC, including
military ships and super-yachts.
Hyatt Capital Gate
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi is a premium business hotel located in the iconic Capital Gate building,
which leans a record-breaking 18 degrees. The hotel is also a part of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition
Centre (ADNEC), the largest conference and exhibition venue in the Middle East. Hyatt Capital Gate Abu
Dhabi offers 189 five-star hotel rooms and luxury hotel suites occupying the18th to 33rd floors of the
Capital Gate building. It has a contemporary and luxurious design with panoramic views from floor-toceiling windows.
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
Ground Floor – Entrance and welcome
Mezzanine Floor – Conference Centre
18 to 33 Floor – Hotel
164.5 m Height
th
18 Floor – Front Desk and main restaurants
Exclusive Helipad added to original design and structure
Abu Dhabi Parks
Emirates Zoo / Kids Park – The park lets children get up close to their favourite animals and combines
learning with touch. Al Bahya, 35km from Abu Dhabi city
Khalifa Park - This is one of the city’s larger parks and a major landmark. Inspiration for the gardens has
been drawn from Arabic and Islamic architecture and from the world’s great gardens. The landscape
boasts canals, fountains, lakes and waterfalls. A miniature railway offers regular train tours. With play
equipment for children, picnic facilities and an outdoor auditorium, it’s a popular spot in the cooler
evenings and during weekends.
Mushrif Central Park -Originally named just Mushrif Park and built in 1982 as a park for ladies and
children, the newly renamed Mushrif Central Park has recently reopened after extensive renovation.
Mushrif Central Park aims to enrich and educate through a vibrant range of features. The overall design
of the new park honors the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May he rest in peace)
and his vision of preserving the United Arab Emirates’ cultural and natural history.
-Discover more about the park’s attractions.
-Botanic garden &Shade House.
-Animal Barn.
-Children’s Garden.
-Wisdom Garden.
-Amphitheatre Venue.
-Great Lawn.
-Evening Garden.
-Friends of the park Pavilion.
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Souqs and Traditional Shopping
Traditional markets have evolved into bustling visitor attractions selling a fascinating collection of goods.
Souk is Arabic for ‘marketplace.’ Historically, dhows from the Far East and India would offload their cargo
and the goods would be haggled over in the nearby souks.
Carpet Souk - Buying a carpet can be a fascinating experience – most carpets found in Abu Dhabi
originate from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Central Asia, and come in an exquisite
array of designs and colours. As a very rough guide, the higher the number of knots per square inch, the
higher the price and the better the quality. Silk is more expensive than wool, and rugs from Iran are
generally more valuable than the equivalent from Turkey or Kashmir. Check also whether the carpet was
made by machine or hand; hand-made carpets are never quite perfect and the pile is uneven, yet they
are more valuable than their machine-made counterparts.
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre - Gold is priced according to the international daily
gold rate, and is available in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carats. Shopping for gold is a fascinating activity, due to the
wide range of styles available, from clean and classic western designs to opulent, ornate Arabian
wedding jewellery. In addition to the price, a small charge is added for craftsmanship, which varies
according to the intricacy of design. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre has over 400 shops
selling gold and other jewelry.
Fish Souk - Every morning, fishermen load their catch on to the quayside and prepare for a day of
haggling – it is a fascinating insight into the way traditional business is done. The fish souk is in Mina
Zayed Port.
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk - Across the road from the Fish Souk, this fruit and vegetable market is
bursting with colour as each seller arranges his produce outside the shops.
The Souk at Central Market - The Souk at Central Market offers more than 250 shops. This traditional
Arabian souk will be a 'must visit' destination for residents and visitors with the emphasis on displaying
and selling traditional and regional products ranging from jewelry, carpets, antiques to traditional tailoring,
fashion and diverse restaurants.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri - This contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian souk is home to local
and international retail brands, coffee shops and a diverse range of restaurants. Abras (water taxis) take
you around the souk via meandering manmade canals, and the stunning waterside complex offers
alfresco dining.
Golfing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Golf Club - Abu Dhabi Golf Club is home to the annual PGA European Tour-backed Abu
Dhabi Golf Championship and is managed by Troon Golf, one of the sport’s foremost luxury brands. The
iconic clubhouse is built in the shape of a falcon overlooking sweeping fairways. Just 30 minutes from the
centre of Abu Dhabi, the club’s excellent facilities include two par 72 world-class 18-hole courses, a
driving range, putting and pitching greens and a golf academy. With some of the biggest names in golf
appearing every January, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is the European PGA Tour curtain-raiser
which is held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.
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Abu Dhabi City Golf Club - The Abu Dhabi City Golf Club began life as the Abu Dhabi Golf &
Equestrian Club in 1976. For 22 years it was an 18-hole sand course but, in 1998, it was transformed into
Abu Dhabi's first all grass course. Its nine holes were designed by the respected British golf course
designer Ian Scott Taylor. This 9-hole golf course offers a challenging game, with water coming into play
at more than half of the holes, and only two Par 3s. Set within the circumference of both grass and sand
horseracing tracks, this is an intriguing course of nine holes that offers nightly flood lighting and different
tee positions, creating an 18-hole, par 70, 6,395-yard little gem.
Al Ghazal Golf Club - This purpose-built 18-hole Par 71, 6,724 yards championship-standard ‘sand’ golf
course has a 30 bay driving range, teaching academy, function facilities and licensed clubhouse, and is
just two minutes from the capital’s international airport. Famous for its friendly and hospitable ambience,
Al Ghazal is home to the World Sand Golf Championship.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - The magnificent 18-hole masterpiece Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, designed
by Gary Player, is the Arabian Gulf’s first and only ‘ocean’ course with several beach-front holes on the
iconic Saadiyat Island. The amphitheatre-style Par 72 Saadiyat Beach Golf Club features spectacular
views of the glittering, crystal blue Arabian Gulf, with over a third of the course having views of the
Saadiyat coastline where dolphins are regularly spotted.
From the creation of an aquatic habitat, to the introduction of salt-water lagoons and restoration of the
beach and sand dunes, the course has been designed with strict environmental guidelines and sensitivity
to the surrounding natural environment. Operated by Troon Golf, the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club - which
has the Player-designed course at its heart - incorporates a distinguished practice range, as well as a
Golf Academy, which boasts a full-service restaurant, locker rooms, a fully stocked golf shop and diverse
meeting facilities.
Yas Links Abu Dhabi - This is the region’s first true Links golf course on the west shores of Yas Island.
Designed by Kyle Phillips, one of the world’s leading course architects, the Yas Links Abu Dhabi Golf
Course is in line with the traditional form of links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of
Scotland and Ireland. The Yas Links features a 7,450-yard par 72 course, designed in line with the
traditional form of Links golf commonly associated with the coastal towns of Scotland and Ireland.
Sustainable Tourism
Masdar City
Masdar City (Arabic:
, Madīnat Maṣdar, literally Source City is a project in Abu Dhabi, in the
United Arab Emirates. Its core is a planned city, which is being built by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy
Company, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, with the majority of seed capital provided by
the government of Abu Dhabi. Designed by the British architectural firm Foster and Partners, the city will
rely entirely on solar energy and other renewable energy sources, with a sustainable, zero-carbon, zerowaste ecology and will be a car free city. The city is being constructed 17 kilometres south-east of the city
of Abu Dhabi, beside Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Masdar City hosts the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). The city
is designed to be a hub for cleantech companies. Its first tenant is the Masdar Institute of Science and
Technology, which has been operating in the city since it moved into its campus in September 2010. The
city as a whole was originally intended to be completed by 2016 but that date has now been pushed back
to 2025.
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The project is headed by Masdar, a subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company. Initiated in 2006, the
project was projected to cost US$22 billion. Construction began on Masdar City in 2008 and the first six
buildings of the city were completed and occupied in October 2010. However, due to the impact of the
financial crisis, Phase 1 of the city, the initial 1,000,000 square metres will be completed in 2015. Final
completion is scheduled to occur between 2020 and 2025. The city is planned to cover 6 square
kilometres and will be home to 45,000 to 50,000 people and 1,500 businesses, primarily commercial and
manufacturing facilities specialising in environmentally friendly products.
The initial design considered that automobiles would be banned within the city as travel will be
accomplished via public mass transit and personal rapid transit (PRT) systems, with existing road and
railways connecting to other locations outside the city. The absence of motor vehicles coupled with
Masdar's perimeter wall, designed to keep out the hot desert winds, allows for narrow and shaded streets
that help funnel cooler breezes across the city. Nevertheless, a test fleet of 10 Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric
cars was deployed in 2011 as part of a one-year pilot to test a point-to-point transportation solution for the
city as a complement to the PRT.
Masdar City will be the latest of a small number of highly planned, specialized, research and technologyintensive municipalities that incorporate a living environment, similar to KAUST, Saudi Arabia or Tsukuba
Science City, Japan. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology has been behind the engineering
plans of Masdar City and is at the center of research and development activities. The institute, developed
in cooperation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, uses 70% less electricity and potable
water than normal buildings of similar size and is fitted with a metering system that constantly observes
power consumption.
Bu Tinah
Bu Tinah Island is part of the largest protected area in Abu Dhabi, thanks to its globally unique coral
reefs, natural mangroves and it being home to the highest density of dugongs in the world.
The islands wildlife includes: Dugong, Coral Reefs, Hawksbill Turtle, Osprey, Socotra Cormorant,
Greater, Flamingo, Gray Mangrove, Bottlenose Dolphin, Shore Crab and Blackspotted Rubberlip.
Sir Baniyas Island, Arabian Wildlife Park
Desert Islands, or Jozor Al Sahra’a as it is known in Arabic, consist of Sir Bani Yas Island, Dalma Island
and six Discovery Islands. These islands have seen the birth and coming of age of Abu Dhabi and were
cherished by the former president and late founding father of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Bin
Sultan Al Nahyan. You can experience one of Arabia’s most cherished natural treasures in a range of
different ways. Embark on a Nature & Wildlife Drive in purpose-built four-wheel drive vehicles, guided
walks, mountain biking and exclusive outdoor dining experiences and see some of Arabia’s unique
indigenous animals. Kayak through spectacular mangrove-filled waters on Sir Bani Yas Island or snorkel
through the protected waters of the Discovery Islands abundant with marine life.
The creation of the Arabian Wildlife Park is the result of years of conservation and re-vegetation work that
continues to this day. Taking up approximately half of Sir Bani Yas Island, the 4,200 hectare park is
surrounded by a 32km fence, a 6km no-fishing zone, and is home to several thousand free-roaming
animals that are indigenous to the Arabian Peninsula. These animals include the endangered Arabian
Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Arabian (Mountain) Gazelle, as well as predators and scavengers such as the
cheetah and hyena.
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The island’s most significant breeding programme is for the Arabian Oryx, which was declared extinct in
the wild in the early 1960s. With more than 500 Arabian Oryx born on Sir Bani Yas Island and many
released back into the wild, the island is globally recognised for playing an integral part in rehabilitating
and breeding the species including the endangered Houbara Bustard. The new breeding programmes on
Sir Bani Yas Island now include cheetahs and hyenas – both of which once roamed free across the
Arabian Peninsula. As in the wild, these will now help control animal populations in the Arabian Wildlife
Park.
Hawksbill Turtles
Hawksbill turtles are found throughout the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They
avoid deep waters, preferring coastlines where sponges are abundant and sandy nesting sites are within
reach.
Not particularly large compared with other sea turtles, hawksbills grow up to about 45 inches (114
centimeters) in shell length and 150 pounds (68 kilograms) in weight. While young, their carapace, or
upper shell, is heart-shaped, and as they mature it elongates. Their strikingly colored carapace is serrated
and has overlapping scutes, or thick bony plates. Their tapered heads end in a sharp point resembling a
bird’s beak, hence their name. A further distinctive feature is a pair of claws adorning each flipper. Male
hawksbills have longer claws, thicker tails, and somewhat brighter coloring than females.
They are normally found near reefs rich in the sponges they like to feed on. Hawksbills are omnivorous
and will also eat mollusks, marine algae, crustaceans, sea urchins, fish, and jellyfish. Their hard shells
protect them from many predators, but they still fall prey to large fish, sharks, crocodiles, octopuses, and
humans.
Like other sea turtles, hawksbills make incredible migrations in order to move from feeding sites to
nesting grounds, normally on tropical beaches. Mating occurs every two to three years and normally
takes place in shallow waters close to the shore. The nesting procedure begins when the turtles leave the
sea to choose an area to lay their eggs. A pit is dug in the sand, filled with eggs, and then covered. At this
stage the turtles retreat to the sea, leaving the eggs, which will hatch in about 60 days, producing about
70 baby turtles. The most dangerous time of their lives comes when hatchlings make the journey from
their nests to the sea. Crabs and flocks of gulls voraciously prey on the young turtles during this short
scamper.
Like many sea turtles, hawksbills are a critically endangered species due mostly to human impact.
Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status, and they
are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells. These graceful sea turtles are also threatened by
accidental capture in fishing nets. Hawksbill turtle were the main source of tortoiseshell, once used for
goods ranging to combs, mirrors and guitar picks. Trade in tortoiseshell was banned by the Convention
on International Trade in Endangered Species.
Hawksbill turtles visit Saadiyat Island during their nesting season. The Tourism Development &
Investment Authority - TDIC (part of TCA Abu Dhabi) is charged with not only building hotels and
museums in Saadiyat Island but also to protect the island’s wildlife. Saadiyat Island is an important
breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles. To protect the nesting site, the building code stipulates that all
construction has to be 60 meters back from the seaward edge of the beach dunes and the TDIC’s team of
environmentalist will also stake out the areas where nesting has taken place. The nesting season takes
place between May to end of July and it is estimated that around 4-10 female Hawksbill turtles is
expected to nest on Saadiyat island. As a precaution, during this time of the year, the beach is off-limits to
hotel guest and all furniture are removed from the beach at night, All lights are also dimmed and guests
Page 64
are told to shut their room curtains. Reason being; baby hawksbills find their way back to the sea by
following the reflection of the moon on the sea. Other light will disorientate them and they will be lost!
Mangroves
The mangrove forests that cover thousands of hectares of land along the UAE shoreline form an integral
part of the coastal ecosystem in the UAE. They provide a rich natural habitat and safe breeding grounds
for several fish species, sea snakes, turtles and commercially important shrimp, snapper, grunt fish and
sea bream. In fact, mangroves are natural habitats for 75% of all tropical juvenile commercial fish species
in the world. Sea birds also find safe nesting and egg laying areas in the vast mangrove forests of the
country. Mangrove forests grow in intertidal areas and substantially contribute to the preservation of the
environment. They prevent the coastline erosion caused by waves and ocean currents, and play an
important role in reducing carbon emissions, thereby contributing to lessening the impacts of climate
change. In the past, mangrove wood was a major source of food and fuel, and was also used for building
houses and ships because of its hardness and high resistance to rot and termites.
Mangroves grow in a modest temperature of not more than 35°C and low salinity water, making their
survival a big challenge for the country, where temperatures rise well above 35°C during the summer
months. However, the massive forestation programmes initiated by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan substantially contributed to its increase over the past decades. Today, mangrove forests cover a
wide area of the UAE, with Abu Dhabi accounting for more than 75% of the total mangrove forest area in
the UAE. Located along the eastern ring road, the Eastern Mangrove Lagoon is the closest mangrove
forest to the Abu Dhabi City. This unique ecological hotspot is being rebranded as the Eastern Mangrove
Lagoon National Park as part of the first of five national parks identified in Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. In
addition, there are vast areas of mangrove forests in Dalma, Sir Bani Yas, Bu Tinah, Saadiyat, Abu
Abyadh, Al Aryam and the Al Dhabeia islands of Abu Dhabi.
End
Page 65

Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide Course

Transcription

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