Seen from above, the UAE’s biggest cities, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, cut a superlative image. They are connected with what seem like never-ending, tree-lined highways that run through the desert, the surprising greenery owing its presence to a certain sheik who poured billions of dirhams into making the desert verdant.
I flew with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, on the six-hour flight from Bangkok. Time flew, no pun intended, what with all the wow-factor amenities offered in the airline’s renowned Pearl Zone: incredibly comfortable seating, fabulous cuisine, WiFi, you name it.
In theory, Abu Dhabi has all an ideal city should have: a combination of modern buildings graced with examples of old architecture, giving truth to the idea that a people can enjoy all the trappings of modernity without sacrificing or forgetting their heritage. Situated at the tip of an island on the south-west coast of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven Emirates, and includes nearly 200 islands; it is also the cultural and political capital of the UAE. From the outset, I knew it was going to be a case of ‘so much to do, so little time’: off-roading in the desert at sunset; moon-lit dining in exotic restaurants; even dancing with belly-dancers, if one was bold enough.
Then it was on to Dubai, which, with an area of 3,885 sq.-m is the second largest of the Emirates. For many developers and heady capitalists, it is a dream destination – a place full of mega-projects worth several billions of dollars, where brand-name stores outnumber Starbucks outlets. Yet you can still find authentic venues in which to discover local life. The Gold Market is a feast for the eyes, overflowing with gold in various sophisticated Arabic designs. Just across the river is the Spice Market – which, as well as spices, fancy sheeshas can be found at reasonable prices (from 15 dirhams – about USD 4 – depending on the grade of tobacco). And there’s no law that says sheeshas can’t go on planes: bring one back home with you to guarantee fresh memories of Dubai each time you have a puff.
Etihad Airways (etihadairways.com) operates twice-daily flight from Bangkok to Abu Dhabi.
By Jeerawan Duangnam
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Courtesy of lifestyleandtravel.com
