Abu Dhabi's Facelift
by MM212
A striking observation in Abu Dhabi, especially when visiting from Dubai, is how uniform the buildings are in this well-planned compact city. Apparently, land in Abu Dhabi was donated many years ago by the ruler to the citizens who were forbidden from reselling it. In the 1960s through the 80s, they were encouraged to build on the land they owned. In the past decade, however, Abu Dhabi decided to give itself a facelift and the government provided low interest (or no interest?) loans to landowners to destroy the less attractive old structures and to replace them with nicer taller modern towers, capped at a specific height. One by one, the old were destroyed and the result has been this pretty and uniform city (despite some of the modern structures still lacking in aesthetics). One disadvantage was a rapid rise in rents as new modern buildings immediately charged higher their apartments. Attached are photos of the some of the few remaining older buildings, one of which is in the process of being demolished. Soon, none of these will remain.
Al Ain
by xiquinho
The border town of Al Ain is much visited and is, to all intents and purposes, Abu Dhabi Emirate’s second city. It is a more pleasant place to visit than Abu Dhabi itself, and not for nothing is it known as the Emirate’s “garden city”, being surprisingly lush and thick with green growth, even in its heart. It also boasts more history than the capital; archaeological evidence has dated a settlement here to 3,000BC.
The excellent Al Ain Museum, located next to the old fort, displays the many artefacts discovered in the region. At sites on the periphery of the city such as Al Qattara and Al Hili you can see the archaeological work in progress. Al Hili is particularly noted for its Bronze Age tombs. Meanwhile, Al Ain city centre offers modern shopping and traditional souks and the UAE’s premier theme park.
For the more active minded there’s the opportunity to go dune bashing through the desert in 4WDs, or take a camel safari. Al Ain is three hours by bus from Abu Dhabi.
Marks & Spencer has an impressive outlet
by amna24 about Fotouh Al Khair Centre
A two level shopping center, three residential towers and a hotel in the same building.
There are many shops ex. for childrens Adams, for ladies Marks & Spencer, My fair lady, Ocasions, Mansons, etc. Marks & Spencer has an impressive outlet in Fotouh Al Khair Centre also there are many shops like Pixi, Bendon ..etc .
There is also a wonderfull shoes shop called via spega I like to buy from there they have a very special uniqe designs.
Bus Service in Abu Dhabi
by zuyao
Bus service is available in Abu Dhabi to other nearby towns. Bus routes are confusing but the price is cheap. Buses are air-conditioned and are fairly comfortable. But note they are not high on hygiene level and the crowd can sometimes be quite unsettling. Always reconfirm with the driver before boarding the bus to make sure you are not on the wrong one. Most drivers speak some English so it won't be too difficult. Signs are almost all in Arabic. Anyway, it's a cheap way to travel. The main bus station in Abu Dhabi is situated on East Road in the Al Wahda area. You can also catch the Emirates Express from here to Dubai. Some bus routes:
500 - Ruwais (At 10am & 1pm to Dalma Jetty & Jebel Dhanna too)
700 - Al Ain
900 - Sila
The taxi station is located next to the main bus station. From here you can take taxis to Dubai and other parts of the Abu Dhabi emirate.
Some Cafe shop
by amna24 about cafe
The Marina Cafe: Just before Havanna cafe. It's a beautiful seaside cafe with a wonderful view of the sea. I like the view of the sitting area. Very nice!
Starbucks: Located in the the Marina mall and Abu Dhabi Mall ,. I know they have several others in different locations .
Le Cavalier Cafe: The Medinat Zayed Shoping Center on the ground floor . This is hidden a little bit, but that makes it a nice quiet area to sit . It's a good place for a quiet meeting or a bit of privacy,
Antonella: Cafe & Rest Coffee shop. It is located in Khalidia Area next to Burger King and same road too as the Golden Fork restaurant. This looks a lovely cafe, I like the the name and the design of the place outside. I think this is probably a place one would choose for evening coffee or quiet evening out.
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Grand Mosque
Lovely dunes of LIWA
lounging around
Me in beautiful courtyard - Grand Mosque - AD
