If you happen to be in Abu Dhabi for a day, I am
sure you will extend your trip at least by two more! This history-rich capital city of the UAE has
the cultural richness which is most intriguing. It is amazing to absorb how
well deep-rooted traditions can co-exist with contemporary sensibilities
A GOOD START
Holiday at Abu Dhabi had always been a musing of
mine for as long as I can recall. I always desired to discover the Grand mosque,
Sip Arabic coffee, Ravine on Machboos and Harees, and grip the marvels and
characters of Abu Dhabi. So I set out with mother dear this Ramadan to undo the
magical Islamic nation of Abu Dhabi on Business Class (travelling offseason has
its advantages too) if you please and with Etihad Airways. The 3 1/2 hour
flight from Delhi was very comfortable. Once off the plane, we sway rapidly
through visa on arrival. Within a few minutes we reach the Ritz Carlton on
Canal road, set against the Backdrop of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The Ritz Carlton is a spectacular luxury five star resort, with design reminiscent
of the Italian Renaissance. It has one enormously large pool which looks onto an
expanse of reserved beach, as well as eight restaurants. No, it didn’t feel
like one of those massive resorts which is tourist infested. It was calm, welcoming
and hugely relaxing. We have a deluxe room with a large balcony overlooking the
pool. It has a widespread spa which tumbles out onto the poolside with deals
of gratis leg and foot massages!
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
I cannot recall if I have ever visited a mosque
before, but I am confident this is my first time being in one of this calibre,
easily the largest and most magnificent mosque in the country. I wear a salwar
kameez with dupatta and my guide gives me an appreciative nod; it’s imperative
to be clothed from head to toe while visiting the mosque.
Intensifying theatrically
from primeval manicured gardens, the architecture here leaves me stunned. Greek
marble walls adorned with glittering gemstones, creating subtle bloomy designs
on the marble pillars; the beautiful pools, the prayer hall with the largest
carpet in the world seven chandeliers, each made up of millions of Swarovski
crystals have me mesmerized. Visiting times are Saturday-Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 10 p.m. The mosque is open for tourists from 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Fridays.
A DAY OUT AT FERRARI WORLD
Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s only Ferrari-branded
theme park, and of course being a thrill seeker I simply had to go. On offer
are a multitude of adrenaline-charged Ferrari-themed rides and lures that got
my blood pumping, It’s ingenious that the theme park is indoors, bearing in
mind how hot it can get in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is the largest indoor theme
park in the world and houses the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa.
I am bit nervous seeing the loops, so I skip it. I guess if I did ride the
Formula Rossa though, I probably would have loved it. Fast-tracking from
0–240km/h in 4.9 seconds, as close to a real F1 experience as most of us will
get. I love the Interactive 4D family adventures, it’s like being the hero
yourself!
For lunch we stop at ‘Mama Rossa’. As the name implies, the
restaurant gets back to basics with simple Italian dishes that highlight their
quality ingredients. Classic luscious carbonaras, pizzas with perfect crusts …
Mama Mia!
FANCY A FALCON HOSPITAL?
A truthfully gratifying experience awaits me at the end;
the honour of having a captivating falcon perched on my arm. And by the way,
these falcons have personal passports too!
FAST FACTS
Best way to Reach: Fly Etihad Airways
Visa: If you hold a valid US Visa, you can get
visa on arrival
Best Place to stay: Ritz Carlton on Canal Road, for its
location
My story first published in Statesman
