Module One Portfolio 1: Extraordinary Abu Dhabi: Tourist Guide Training & Licensing Manual

Extraordinary Abu Dhabi:
Tourist Guide Training & Licensing Manual

Module One | Portfolio 1
Foreword
Tourism is a relatively new, yet crucial economic sector for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. While travellers have
been historically attracted to visit by our trading heritage and commercial past, it is only in the past 10 years
that a concerted effort to grow the tourism economy has been undertaken. Since then, tourism has been
identified as one of the main pillars of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification programme.
The Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) is mandated to develop, regulate and promote the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi with the aim of supporting its evolution into a world-class, sustainable destination. A priority is to
secure growth in the tourism economy’s contribution to non-oil Gross Domestic Product, at the same time as
fostering and delivering a socially cohesive and economically sustainable community.
It is incumbent on the Department of Culture & Tourism to ensure that the benefits of tourism growth
also contribute to societal development while promoting, preserving and respecting Abu Dhabi’s culture
and heritage. This includes broadening access to training for all tourism sector employees, and ensuring
opportunities for the industry’s employees which reflects Emiratisation.
We look continuously to develop a growing number of Emiratis and UAE residents who can enter the
industry on a number of levels, and success rests on our ability to enhance and improve the skill set of
the sector.
The Tourist Guide Training Programme is the Department of Culture & Tourism’s flagship training scheme, and
is intended to elevate our guests’ overall visitor experience through engagement with passionate Abu Dhabi
advocates, all qualified to international standards. Graduates will become ambassadors for the destination
able to reflect the true values of Arabian hospitality and deliver a truly memorable and extraordinary visitor
experience, validated by authenticity.
A destination’s authenticity is defined by how meaningfully a visitor is engaged, can trust the information
being conveyed and is made to feel welcome. Visitor satisfaction levels reflect the quality and credibility
of a destination and are increasingly relied on by visitors when choosing where to visit. By regulating and
ensuring that the industry is both inclusive and accessible to all, we can ensure that the sector’s future
development is sustainable.
Developed in partnership with City & Guilds - a global leader in skills and learning development - the
components of the course form an integrated programme of study, balancing theory with practical training.
This programme is perfect for those looking to gain the knowledge required to act as a guide and be the
true face of tourism for Abu Dhabi’s visitors.
Above all, it develops the breadth and depth of knowledge an Abu Dhabi tourist guide will need, and the
ability of our guides to tell authentic stories that enchant visitors. A knowledgeable and engaging guide
enhances the visitor experience and makes a trip to this extraordinary destination much more memorable.
May I wish you the best with your training.
Saif Saeed Ghobash
Director General, Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT)

Introduction - Getting the most out of module one
Introduction
During your Abu Dhabi Tourist Guide Training and Licensing programme you will be presented with study
materials provided to you in a number of ways. (Refer to your pre-programme information.)
This first module: module one, portfolio 1, is a minimum of a four-week, self-study portfolio containing a vast
amount of information that you will need to learn, and importantly, remember, and use throughout the rest of
your course.
The knowledge presented to you in module one has a number of features:
• First-level information
This gives you important knowledge about the various topics, sites, attractions or activities, which you
need to learn. DID YOU KNOW? statements highlight interesting facts or aspects of intangible culture
and heritage which are central to what Abu Dhabi stands for. These statements will help you create
a bank of storytelling features for topics, sites, attractions and activities. Engaging storytelling that
captures visitors’ imaginations is a vital skill for a successful tourist guide, tour operator, concierge, taxi
driver or cabin crew member
• Desk research activities - optional and mandatory
Designed for you to gather and accumulate your own facts and information on topics, sites, attractions
and activities so that it is you that owns and retains the information, rather than you having to read
additional pages and pages of words. You take charge of your learning to make it proactive and
positive. These are the stepping stones to true lifelong learning. Some activities are marked as
‘optional’, which indicates that if you feel you have understood the information given to you, then it
is not necessary to complete the activity. We recommend you undertake all mandatory activities as
these will embed your knowledge and prepare you for the theory test. ‘Your trainer will also review your
completion of these activities when you have passed the theory test and started the training element of
the programme. All activities are designed to help you remember the knowledge presented to you
• Knowledge Banks
A further set of information on each of the topics, sites, attractions and activities to ensure you have all
of the main points at your fingertips
• Knowledge Cards
Available for Section 10: Major Abu Dhabi Sites and Attractions, Activities and Experiences.
These will be given to you separately as postcards within a ring binder that you can have on hand to
read and add to with your own information while carrying out the practical elements of your programme.
The cards are a further resource to help you remember the most important knowledge you need to
know at the start of your career
We hope you enjoy this unique, exciting way to self-study as you work through module one. Read on to
learn some strategies for getting the most out of your studies in Section 1.
Guide to Portfolio 1
Section 1 How to Study and Organise your Learning
Section 2 General Knowledge of the UAE and Emirate of Abu Dhabi
Section 3 The Formation and History of the UAE
Section 4 Abu Dhabi Rulers and Government
Section 5 Religious Orientations within the UAE
Section 6 Emirate Culture and Traditions
Section 7 Emirati Hospitality
Section 8 Traditional Industries
Section 9 Regions and Islands of Abu Dhabi
Section 10 Major Abu Dhabi Sites and Attractions, Activities and Experiences
Abu Dhabi City and Islands:
• Iconic Landmarks
• Culture and Heritage Sites
• Family Attractions
• Sustainable Tourist Attractions
• Sports and Leisure Activities
• Sea and Water
• Shopping
Al Ain:
• Culture and Heritage Sites

• UNESCO Heritage Sites
• Family Attractions
• Sports and Leisure Activities
• Outdoor Adventure – Land/Desert
• Shopping
Al Dhafra:
• Iconic Landmarks
• Sustainable Tourist Attractions
• Outdoor Adventure – Land/Desert
• Sea and Water
Section 11 Arts, Music, Poetry and Dance
Section 12 Architectural Styles in Abu Dhabi
Section 13 Cuisine and Knowledge of Local Restaurants
Section 14 Local Information and Emirati Laws for Visitors
Section 15 Answers to Mandatory Activities

Section 1
How to Study and Organise

your Learning
GRASP | ABSORB | APPRECIATE
1
Section 1: How to Study and Organise your Learning
Studying using all of the senses
Adult trainees need multi-sensory learning approaches to engage them and help them to learn. The activities
within module one include a number of sensory approaches that allow everyone to engage with the content.
The desk research activities within module one require you to:
• See
• Feel
• Hear
… the topics, sites, attractions and activities in your training, making use of:
• Videos
• 360° views
• Google Street View
• Virtual tours
• Internet searches
Activities that require you to categorise information are helping you to group the information together so that
you learn and remember the information.
In this section you will look at how you can engage your senses while working through module one,
beginning with organising your ideas or notes in a visual way.
Visually organising information

With a large amount of information to read and remember, it can be helpful to organise information visually in
the form of a chart, map or diagram. There are various ways of doing this and it will depend on what works
for you. You might like to try a variety of simple methods until you feel you have found the method you feel
most comfortable with.
Mapping techniques can help you to organise and structure your knowledge so that you can understand
and remember information more effectively.
You might like to use a mapping technique such as a MindMap© or ‘concept mapping’ both of which identify
a central idea or question, topic or in the case of Section 10, a site or attraction. Branches are then used
to show how the information can be grouped into themes or topics and with concept mapping, how these
themes or ideas can be connected. Making connections between ideas is a key to successful studying.
Concept maps will help you to generate new ideas and link concepts through connecting branches.
Ultimately they may help you to increase and improve your knowledge of the topics and where appropriate,
start to evaluate all the information.
Do some desk research to find out more about how to create these maps and how they might benefit your
learning. Try building a concept map or a MindMap for a site or attraction in Section 10 to get you started.
Concept mapping
www.lucidchart.com/pages/concept-map/how-to-make-a-concept-map
www.inspiration.com/visual-learning/concept-mapping
MindMapping
http://www.tonybuzan.com/about/mind-mapping/
SECTION 1 Page 3
You can very easily create a basic visual map on your computer with a central topic or theme using
branches coming from the centre such as:
Some learners might find it useful to use charts with images and top level text as a visual aid,
such as the following
SECTION 1 Page 4
This can be achieved by using the Smartdraw function in MS Word on a Personal Computer or can be done
by hand.
There are many different ways of organising your studies more visually. You can try them out to see which
one helps you the most while working through some of the activities in this module.
Making effective notes

As well as recording information visually, there is little doubt that you will be reading a great deal of
information, and to help you turn that information into knowledge, you will be making lots of notes.
It is easy to get lost with note-making and for your notes to become quickly disorganised. Luckily there are
several excellent methods of organising your notes at the same time as making them!
Note the important facts

Making efficient notes and organising them effectively means, first and foremost, only writing down the really
import details. Writing out entire paragraphs of text is not the best use of time. While you may remember
some of the information, when you come to read your notes again, you could well be in the same situation
as you were at the beginning.
Organising your approach using a note-making method

A single piece of information often has a principle idea or point and then some further details that support
that main point. You could use a basic Split Page method where you divide your paper up by drawing
a vertical line down the page and on the left-hand side (or the right-hand side in Arabic) you then note
the main point and use the right-hand side (or the left-hand side in Arabic) to make a bulleted list of the
supporting points, such as:
Example of the Split Page method of making notes
SECTION 1 Page 5
This can be done either by using a table on your computer in MSWord or you can draw in the line for
handwritten notes.
You can also try the Cornell method which is another highly effective way of organising notes. A little like
the Split Page method, the paper is divided up by drawing a vertical line down the centre of the page. You
use the right-hand column (normally twice the width of the left-hand column) to make notes on the sections
or topics you have read; then you summarise your notes, create keywords and also formulate questions
about the section in the left-hand column.
The Cornell method is quick and easy and really helps you to start organising notes using an
effective process.
For more guidance on how to use the Cornell method, refer to the following links and videos:
The Cornell method:

http://lsc.cornell.edu/study-skills/cornell-note-taking-system/
www.study-skills.ca/taking-notes-the-cornell-method
Video of the Cornell method (Watch from 4:00 to the end):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPSmXRIlyS8
You will have opportunities to practise either one of these methods while working through the activities in
this module.
An alternative way of taking notes is called the Rough Outline method. This method requires you to write
down the main points of a topic, in a bulleted list for example, and then below this, write a simple summary
of your notes in a different colour or use a highlighting pen.
All of these methods take a little practice but they will absolutely help you to make sense of your notes and
also help you remember them.
Keep notes together

It is a good idea to store all your notes in one place. Module one has been designed with this in mind. Use
a. lever-arch file that allows you to insert handwritten notes into the appropriate sections. If you are keeping
notes on a computer, you could either print them out and insert them into the appropriate section or create
section files on your computer, and make sure you ‘file’ all your notes for that section or sub-section in the
right place. This will save you time later on when you come to revise for your assessments.
SECTION 1 Page 6
The 5Rs of note-making
Along with using the note-making method of your choice, you can use the 5Rs to help you to
remember them.
Take a look at how this is done.
1. Record: Write all the important information down in a form of your choice clearly so you can
read them easily later on
2. Reduce: After you have recorded the important points, summarise these ideas and facts in your
own words
3. Recite: This seems strange but it is really effective. When you have written down your important
points and/or summaries, you should cover them up and recite them aloud in your own words.
This links back to using a multi-sensory approach to learning at the beginning of this section, as
you are seeing (reading), and hearing your voice as you recite.
4. Reflect: When you read over your notes, think about and write down your thoughts and
opinions on a topic in the margins or in the designated ‘cue’ column if you are using the Cornell
system. Make a note of any questions that come up and then attempt to answer them. This will
make your reading become more of an active learning process.
5. Review: If you have taken a break from studying or are moving onto a new section or sub-
section, always try to spend a few minutes to read over your older notes. You do not have to
read every word: simply skim your eyes over the material so that the information is repeated
again. By doing this you are creating building blocks of information, adding the new on top of the
‘old’. This will help you to remember what came before and then you can add new knowledge.
Successful studying
Throughout this self-study period you will spend a lot of time at your desk or on a laptop working hard.
Studying takes time and dedication. It is important for you to know how you study best and what times of
the day are better for you than others. You should also plan when you are going to study and for how long.
Read on for some tips and strategies to help the studying process work for you.
First, here some simple rules to help you study successfully:
• Vary your activities: Your brain is very efficient. It would rather memorise ‘2 + 2 = 4’ than remember
everything there is to know about maths. It naturally takes shortcuts that can prevent true understanding
of the knowledge. In order to study successfully, you will need to read it, hear it, write it and say it
• For example, you could read your tour guide script, write it out and record yourself practising your
script, and then play it back so you can hear yourself
• Use short sessions: Is it possible to practise or study for too long? Surprisingly, the answer is ‘yes.’
How much you remember from a study session is directly linked to how long you study for. It turns out,
studying for hours and hours on end may not actually be a good idea
• A lot of research suggests 20–30 minutes per session is best. Practise using a lot of short
(20–30-minute) sessions, broken up by brief (5–10-minute) breaks
• Always have goals: What do you aim to get out of each study session? If you do not know what your
goal is each time you sit down to study, you are not making the most of your study time. Creating good
goals is not just about motivating yourself; it is an essential part of deliberate studying
SECTION 1 Page 7
Read more about creating goals here:
www.mindtools.com/page6.html?route=article/page6.htm
Video that explains the five golden rules of goal setting:
https://youtu.be/aVstw9HYl-o
• Practise frequently, but not too frequently, and rest even more frequently: Sleep is the process
of rebuilding yourself to become mentally stronger. This is where the real improvement comes in.
Learning actually occurs during sleep. The study session is just giving the body the material it needs
to learn
Optional Activity: The perfect study schedule

When you have completed the next section on managing your time effectively and learned which times of
the day you study best, draw up a study schedule for the following four weeks. Write in when you are going
to study, for how long and how long you are going to break for, and try to stick to this for the duration of the
month. Photocopy or copy out the following chart for the next four weeks and fill it in daily.
SECTION 1 Page 8
Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
07:00-08:00
08:00-09:00
09:00-10:00
11:00-12:00
12:00-13:00
13:00-14:00
14:00-15:00
15:00-16:00
16:00-17:00
17:00-18:00
18:00-19:00
19:00-20:00
20:00-21:00
21:00-22:00
22:00-23:00
SECTION 1 Page 9
Managing your time effectively
Optional Activity: How do you manage your time?
The key to good self-management in your studies starts with good time management. How well do you
currently manage your time? Take this quiz to find out.
Answer all of these questions, and give yourself one point for each ‘yes’ answer and zero for a ‘no.’ Then
add up your points. The higher the points you have, the better you are at time management.
Answer the following questions by circling yes (Y) or no (N)

1. Do you work out how many hours you need a day for what you need to achieve? Y/N
2. Do you meet deadlines you set for yourself? Y/N
3. Do you begin working on long projects as early as possible? Y/N
4. When you have lots to do, are you good at saying no when other people ask you to do
something? Y/N
5. Do you prevent your social life from interfering with your work time? Y/N
6. Do you set specific goals for each day? Y/N
7. Do you spend time before each task mapping out your objectives? Y/N
8. Are you fresh and alert when you try and study? Y/N
9. Are you usually able to meet deadlines despite minor unexpected events occurring (e.g. the
car running out of fuel, the printer running out of ink)? Y/N
10. Do you think and feel that you are in control of your workload? Y/N
Final score ________________
This time management quiz says you are excellent if you score 10 out of 10. The fewer the points, the more
work that is needed. If you answered ‘no’ to something in this time management quiz, you need to start
working on that point.
What did you score? How do you think you could improve your time management skills to help you study
better and get the most out of your course?
SECTION 1 Page 10
Your time to study
Is it best to study during the morning, the afternoon, at night, or somewhere in between? No one knows for
sure because everyone is different. It depends on your habits, your energy levels, your day-to-day schedule
– all kinds of factors.
Optional Activity: Identifying personal study-time preferences – keeping an

activity log
You might think you learn best in the morning or last thing at night, but how do you know for sure?
You can identify the best times during the day for you to work by keeping an activity log. Activity logs can be
used for you to record how you spend your time in the period of one whole study day or over a period of a
few days. They ask you to identify how you felt while completing those tasks – tired, refreshed, alert, etc. –
and also how valuable you feel the particular task was for your learning.
Keeping a log will also help you understand whether or not you are studying at the optimum time of day. If
you feel energised in the mornings, you should learn the majority of new material then. During the afternoon,
you could prioritise reviewing previous notes or do some desk research to complete the Module 1 activities
as these require you to use different senses, which will help wake you up.
When you go back and analyse your activity log, you should be able see clearly what times of the day work
for your energy and productivity levels and start to organise your study time so that it works for you.
Here is some information about and a template for an activity that you can copy or print out and fill in for one
or two days when you first start studying.
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_03.htm
Module one activities signpost you to resources online. To save you time and to help you search and sift
through the thousands of websites out there, read on to discover how you can carry out online research
from your desk successfully.
Successful desk research

What is desk research?
Throughout module one you will be asked to carry out some desk research to help you gain further
knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of a topic, tourist site, attraction or activity. What does desk
research actually mean?
If you check on the internet (i.e. you do some desk research!), you will come up with definitions such as,
“Gathering and analysing information, already available in print or published on the internet”
In days gone by, you needed to visit a library and look at books and journals to find the published
information you needed. Then the internet was invented. Now you can find whatever you need if you know
where to look … and if you have the time, to look through the thousands of websites and sources that might
possibly contain relevant data.
Where do you start?

There are many ways in which you can use the internet and social media tools for desk research. To get you
started, here are a few points to think about:
SECTION 1 Page 11
Explore the internet
The internet is a rich source of relevant data. Depending on what you need to discover, websites to visit
might include companies, government websites, market and financial analysts, newspapers, magazines and
much more. Your first point of reference should always be the Visit Abu Dhabi website:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/int-en/default.aspx
You must bear in mind that just because the internet tells you something, it may not be true. You should use
the most reliable sources available to ensure your research is factually correct. Take a look at the following
links for some checklists and questions you can ask yourself before heading straight into a search.
Evaluating internet content:

www.library.georgetown.edu/tutorials/research-guides/evaluating-internet-content
A useful pdf to print out:

https://www.edb.utexas.edu/petrosino/Legacy_Cycle/mf_jm/Challenge%201/website%20reliable.pdf
Internet research tips:

https://www.thoughtco.com/internet-research-tips-1857333
You will often be recommended a web URL to search from. You can use this recommendation or do your
own research. You should be creative with the keyword phrases you use for searching. If you are looking
for information on tour companies that offer eco-friendly mangrove tours in Abu Dhabi, you might start with
the words ‘Eco Tour Companies Mangrove Abu Dhabi’. You can also search on phrases such as, ‘Suppliers
of Eco Tours in Abu Dhabi’ or you can turn the phrases around, ‘Mangrove Eco Tours Abu Dhabi’.
Explore Facebook and Twitter

More and more big brands are using Facebook to discover what their customers think and want from them.
It is easy for you to review and analyse the companies’ activity as well, and to use social media as a rich
source of user intelligence for Abu Dhabi sites and attractions. It is all there for you to see - free of charge!
Look at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s social media sites:
www.facebook.com/ferrariworldabudhabi
https://twitter.com/FerrariWorldAD
www.instagram.com/ferrariworldabudhabi
www.youtube.com/channel/UCeSnf9stx_F67SxhbKAk9cQ
SECTION 1 Page 12
Section 2
General Knowledge of the

UAE and Emirate of Abu Dhabi
2
Section 2: General Knowledge of the UAE and Emirate
of Abu Dhabi
This section begins to introduce you to some general knowledge about the United Arab Emirates as a whole
and Abu Dhabi in particular. Some of the themes in this section will be expanded upon as you work through
the remaining sections of module one enabling you to gather facts and stories to help you to become a
knowledgeable and informative Abu Dhabi tourist guide. Through your work on this section you will be
gaining the following Abu Dhabi knowledge:
• The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE

• The history and origin of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi
• Arabic words and phrases
You will also be able to evidence elements of the following learning outcomes:
LO3 Give an overview of the history of the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the late
Sheikh Zayed and his legacy
LO6 Name and locate and give basic information about the main culture and heritage sites and
attractions in Abu Dhabi
LO8 Name and give basic information on the main regular festivals and events
SECTION 2 Page 3
Section 2 Contents
Section Page
2.1 The United Arab Emirates 5

a) Overview
b) Quick UAE facts
c) Key events in the history of the UAE
d) UAE flag
e) Money in the UAE
f) Taxes, duties and tipping
g) UAE strategies towards non-oil economy growth
h) UAE vision 2021
i) Arabic phrases

2.2 The Emirate of Abu Dhabi 13

a) Overview
b) Climate and local time
c) Language
d) Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030
e) Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT)
f) Cultural heritage
g) Intangible heritage
h) Events and festivals in Abu Dhabi

2.3 Education 21
a) Overview
b) UAE education facts
c) Vision 2021 National Education Agenda
d) Notable universities in Abu Dhabi

2.4 Healthcare 23
a) Overview
b) Vision 2021 National Healthcare Agenda
c) Common health problems in the UAE
d) Medical tourism
e) Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
f) John Hopkins Medicine International
g) Medical advice for tourists
Knowledge Bank 29
SECTION 2 Page 4
2.1 The United Arab Emirates
a) Overview
The United Arab Emirates sits on the Arabian Peninsula and is bordered by Saudi Arabia (south and west)
and the Sultanate of Oman (southeast).
In the UAE, one monarch, usually a Sheikh, rules as part of hereditary absolute monarchs.
The UAE is governed by a Federal Supreme Council and is made up of seven Emirates of:
• Abu Dhabi
• Dubai
• Ajman
• Fujairah
• Sharjah
• Ras al-Khaimah
• Umm al-Qaiwain
The following map gives more information on each of the Emirates.
Abu Dhabi
The largest of the Emirates, Abu Dhabi is the country’s capital and the seat of federal government. Some of
the world’s largest producers of oil, the most luxurious hotels and some of the greatest sporting facilities in
the world can be found in Abu Dhabi.
Dubai
The second largest of the Emirates, Dubai is considered to be the country’s commercial capital. Many large
companies have set up their regional headquarters in Dubai over the years.
SECTION 2 Page 5
Ajman
Ajman is the smallest of the seven Emirates. It has a defined coastal destination and healthy ecosystem,
with a new seaside community called Al Zorah in the planning stages. Ajman is not as well known as Abu
Dhabi or Dubai so offers a value-for-money option for visitors. Ajman hosts one of the few remaining dhow-
building yards in the region.
Fujairah
Separated from the rest of the Emirates by the Hajar Mountains, there are a small number of historic sites to
see in Fujairah. It is best known, however, for its beautiful beaches, and locals tend to escape for weekend
breaks to the beaches of Fujairah.
Sharjah
Sharjah is known as the country’s Islamic cultural capital where there are several museums and
heritage sites.
Ras al Khaimah
You will see on the map on page 5, that Ras al Khaimah (also known as ‘RAK’) is the most northern Emirate
in the UAE. Those with a love of the outdoors will like Ras al Khaimah, which offers scenery, from sandy
beaches, hot springs to rugged mountains.
Umm al-Qaiwain
For those interested in nature and culture, Umm al-Qaiwain has a beautiful coastline, mountains,
archaeological sites and agricultural land.
b) Quick UAE facts

• The combined population of all seven Emirates is 9.27 million (2016)
• The UAE has a mainland surface area of 77,700 square kilometres 1
• The official language is Arabic
• Islam is the main religion
• The average life expectancy for the population generally in the UAE is 75.9 years for males and 79.5
years females 2
• The currency of the United Arab Emirates is the UAE Dirham (abbreviated as AED)
1
Source: http://www.fao.org/nr/water/aquastat/countries_regions/ARE/
2
Source: https://scad.ae/en/pages/statistics.aspx?topicid=25 SECTION 2 Page 6
c) Key events in the history of the UAE
Timeline of events:
1820
Britain and local rulers sign a treaty to combat
piracy along the Gulf coast. From this, and later
agreements, the area becomes known as the
Trucial Coast 3 1950s
Oil is discovered
1952
The seven Emirates form a Trucial Council
1962
Abu Dhabi starts exporting oil
1968
Bahrain and Qatar join the Trucial States.
1971
The UAE is formed after independence
from Britain
1972
Ras al-Khaimah joins the Federation.
The FNC (Federal National Council) is created.
The FNC is a consultative body which has 40
members appointed by the seven rulers 1981
UAE is a founder member of the Gulf
Cooperation Council whose first summit is held
in Abu Dhabi
1986
Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is re-elected
for a fourth term as UAE President 4
2006
A small number of carefully selected voters
choose half of the members of the FNC during
the first-ever national elections
2007
UAE unveils a national development strategy
aimed at making it a world leader
See Section 3: History and formation of the UAE for a more detailed history of the region and Section 4:
Abu Dhabi Rulers and Government.
3
Source: http://emiratesnationalday.weebly.com/information-about-uae.html
4
Source: http://www.timetoast.com/timelines/united-arab-emirates-ddd2cd1b- SECTION 2 Page 7
a3be-4208-8e3b-4f97175b31b7
d) UAE flag
The flag of the United Arab Emirates contains the pan-Arab colours of red, green, white and black, which
represent Arabian unity. It was introduced on December 2, 1971 when the UAE was established. The
designer of the flag is Abdullah Mohammad Al Maainah.5
The design features three horizontal colours of green, white and black with a red vertical border along
the left-hand side. It is felt that each colour in the flag has a meaning: red represents bravery; green is the
country’s prosperity; white symbolises peace and black represents the defeat of enemies.
Six of the seven Emirates have their own flag, apart from Fujairah, which also uses the UAE flag as its
state flag.
Abu Dhabi’s flag is mainly plain red. It has a small white section in the top left corner. This white section is
known as a canton. This flag is no longer used officially in government buildings or celebrations.
5
Source: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/teen-who-designed-uae-s-national-
flag-was-in-a-flutter-1.585290
SECTION 2 Page 8
e) Money in the UAE
The currency used in all seven UAE Emirates is the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), more commonly known as
the Dirham. Sometimes, the Dirham is abbreviated to DH or Dhs. One Dirham, which is minted in coins,
consists of 100 fils. 6
• It is thought that the word ‘dirham’ comes from the Greek word ‘Drachmae’
• The UAE Dirham replaced the Bahraini Dinar in Abu Dhabi and the Qatari Riyal in Dubai. It was then put
into circulation on the 19th May 1973
• The UAE Dirham has no official symbol like the euro €, the US Dollar ($) or the UK Pound (£)
• Dirham bank notes are available in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. The value
of the note is indicated on one side of the note only in both Arabic and English
• The Dirham is issued by the Central Bank of the UAE
• The AED 50 note has Al Jahili fort on the rear, a landmark of the Emirate
As well as carrying cash, visitors can use a variety of credit and debit cards throughout the Emirate to pay
for goods and services. Visitors are advised to use their cards instead of carrying a large amount of cash
on their person. Visitors can exchange travellers’ cheques and foreign currency in the airport, hotels, banks
and currency exchange bureaux. Visitors are advised to shop around for the best rates. The Visit Abu Dhabi
currency converter is a useful guide on the current rate of exchange:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/travel/essential.info/currency.converter.aspx.
Not many places in the UAE will accept a personal cheque from a foreign bank so it is advisable for visitors
to use an alternative form of payment.
Stores in large shopping malls will take cash and cards, but when visitors are shopping at smaller souks
and markets, the money they use should be in lower denomination notes and coins so that shop staff can
provide change easily.
ATMs/cash machines are widely available throughout Abu Dhabi. Most major cards are accepted. Visitors
should check their own bank’s charges on withdrawing money as well as the individual bank’s rates in
Abu Dhabi.
Banks
If visitors need to visit a bank during their stay, they will find a network of local and international banks in
and around Abu Dhabi. The UAE Central Bank closely controls these banks and visitors can make transfers
easily as the Dirham is freely convertible with no exchange restrictions.
Visitors will find most banks open from 08.00am - 1.00pm from Saturday to Thursday although smaller
mall-based branches are open in the evenings too.
A very useful list of international banks available in the UAE generally, and Abu Dhabi specifically, can be
found on the UAE Central Bank’s web page:
www.centralbank.ae/en/pdf/bsed/List-of-Foreign-Banks-Branches-En_30102014.pdf
6
Source: http://www.xe.com/currency/aed-emirati-dirham
SECTION 2 Page 9
f) Taxes, duties, and tipping
In Abu Dhabi, most restaurants, hotels, apartments and resorts, etc may charge the following taxes to
visitors. Other Emirates apply differing rates.
• 10% service charge

• Municipality fees
• 6% tourism fee
Since May 2016, hotels in Abu Dhabi charge an additional municipality fee of AED 15 per room per night. 7
Visitors to Abu Dhabi are allowed to carry personal luggage and gifts valued up to AED 3,000, or its
corresponding value in foreign currency, without having to pay any customs duties. Visitors who carry more
than AED 40,000 in cash, travellers’ cheques or the equivalent in foreign currency must declare to the
customs officers at the airport, the amount together with what it is intended to be used for.
In line with the objectives of the GCC Economic Agreement of 2001, which seeks to reach advanced
stages of economic integration, and develop similar economic and financial legislation and legal foundations
amongst Member States, and with a desire to promote the GCC economy and proceed with the measures
that have been taken to establish economic unity amongst Member States; with respect to the common
imposition by the GCC States of VAT at a rate of 5%.
The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced Valued Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE in 2018 which reaffirmed
that any person conducting business in any economic or commercial sector in the UAE must register for
VAT if their taxable supplies exceeded AED 375,000 annually in value. Taxable Supplies are identified as
all supplies of goods and services made by a person that are not explicitly exempt in the law, in addition to
imported goods and services.
For further information visit https://taxhelp.me/vat-registration-services-dubai-uae/
Please refer to Section 13: Cuisine and knowledge of local restaurants for information on tipping in the UAE.
g) UAE strategies towards non-oil economy growth

Since oil was discovered in the UAE, the focus has been on drilling for, producing and exporting oil which
has helped the economy. Recently, there has been a move to consider how the UAE could maintain its
economy without relying on oil quite as much. Vision 2021 is a strategy for economic growth, without
reliance on the production or export of oil, for all seven Emirates.
h) UAE Vision 2021

Launched in 2010, Vision 2021 is a plan to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world.
The federal government has set out six national priorities which represent the key focus sectors of
government action in the coming years. They are:
1. A cohesive society and preserved identity

2. Safe public and fair judiciary
3. A competitive knowledge economy
4. A first-rate education system
5. World-class healthcare
6. Sustainable environment and infrastructure
7
Source: https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/visiting-and-
exploring-the-uae/where-to-stay-in-the-uae/taxes-in-tourist-facilities
SECTION 2 Page 10
i) Arabic phrases
Here are some popular Arabic words and phrases which you will have the opportunity to practise during
your tourist guide practical training.
English The English Pronunciation Arabic
Hello (formal) Assalamu Alaykom ‫ﺍاﻟﺴﻼﻡم ﻋﻠﻴﯿﻜﻢ‬

Hi (informal) Marhaba ‫ ﻣﺮﺣﺒﺎ‬
Welcome Ahlan wa sahlan ‫ ﺃأﻫﮬﮪھﻼ ﻭوﺳﻬﮭﻼ‬
How are you? Kayfa halok? ‫ ﻛﻴﯿﻒ ﺣﺎﻟﻚ؟‬
How is your family? Kayfa halu a-elatak? ‫ﻛﻴﯿﻒ ﺣﺎﻝل ﻋﺎﺋﻠﺘﻚ؟‬
I’m fine, thank you Ana bekhayr shoukran ‫ ﺷﻜﺮﺍا‬،٬‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﺑﺨﻴﯿﺮ‬
Do you speak English? Hal tatakallam al-engleezeyyah? ‫ ﻫﮬﮪھﻞ ﺗﺘﻜﻠﻢ ﺍاﻻﻧﺠﻠﻴﯿﺰﻳﯾﺔ؟‬
I understand Ana afham ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﺃأﻓﻬﮭﻢ‬
I don’t understand Ana la afham ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﻻ ﺃأﻓﻬﮭﻢ‬
Do you understand? Hal tafham? ‫ ﻫﮬﮪھﻞ ﺗﻔﻬﮭﻢ؟‬
I know Ana a’aref ‫ﺃأﻧﺎ ﺃأﻋﺮﻑف‬
I don’t know Ana la a’aref ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﻻ ﺃأﻋﺮﻑف‬
Do you know? Hal ta’aref? ‫ ﻫﮬﮪھﻞ ﺗﻌﺮﻑف؟‬
I want Ana oreed ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﺃأﺭرﻳﯾﺪ‬
I don’t want Ana la oreed ‫ﺃأﻧﺎ ﻻ ﺃأﺭرﻳﯾﺪ‬
Do you want? Hal toreed? ‫ﻫﮬﮪھﻞ ﺗﺮﻳﯾﺪ؟‬
My name is … Esmee … .....‫ ﺍاﺳﻤﻲ‬
What is your name? Ma howa esmok? ‫ ﻣﺎ ﻫﮬﮪھﻮ ﺍاﺳﻤﻚ؟‬
Where are you from? Min ayna ant? ‫ ﻣﻦ ﺃأﻳﯾﻦ ﺃأﻧﺖ؟‬
Where is….? Ayna yakoon …? ‫؟‬....‫ ﺃأﻳﯾﻦ ﻳﯾﻜﻮﻥن‬
Good morning Sabah al-khayr ‫ ﺻﺒﺎﺡح ﺍاﻟﺨﻴﯿﺮ‬
Good evening Masa al-khayr ‫ ﻣﺴﺎء ﺍاﻟﺨﻴﯿﺮ‬
Goodnight Tosbeh ala khayr ‫ ﺗﺼﺒﺢ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺧﻴﯿﺮ‬
See you Elaa al-leqa-a ‫ ﺇإﻟﻰ ﺍاﻟﻠﻘﺎء‬
Good-bye Ma assalama ‫ ﻣﻊ ﺍاﻟﺴﻼﻣﺔ‬
Excuse me Law samahat ‫ ﻟﻮ ﺳﻤﺤﺖ‬
I beg your pardon Afwan ‫ ﻋﻔﻮﺍا‬
Nice to meet you Sorerto beleqa-ek ‫ ﺳﺮﺭرﺕت ﺑﻠﻘﺎﺋﻚ‬
Happy birthday Eid meelad sa’eed ‫ ﻋﻴﯿﺪ ﻣﻴﯿﻼﺩد ﺳﻌﻴﯿﺪ‬
Congratulations Mabrook ‫ ﻣﺒﺮﻭوﻙك‬
With pleasure Bikol sorror ‫ ﺑﻜﻞ ﺳﺮﻭوﺭر‬
Thank you Shokran ‫ ﺷﻜﺮﺍا‬
Forgive me Samehnee ‫ ﺳﺎﻣﺤﻨﻲ‬
Thanks for coming Shoukran liquodoomik ‫ ﺷﻜﺮﺍا ﻟﻘﺪﻭوﻣﻚ‬
Thank you for your concern Ashkouroka ala ihtimamika ‫ ﺷﻜﺮﺍا ﻻﻫﮬﮪھﺘﻤﺎﻣﻚ‬
Be patient Essbur ‫ ﺍاﺻﺒﺮ‬
Have a good trip Rehlah sa’eeda ‫ ﺭرﺣﻠﺔ ﺳﻌﻴﯿﺪﺓة‬
Thanks for your present Shoukran ala hydiyyatika ‫ ﺷﻜﺮﺍا ﻋﻠﻰ ﻫﮬﮪھﺪﻳﯾﺘﻚ‬
You are a kind person Innaka shakhson lateef ‫ ﺇإﻧﻚ ﺷﺨﺺ ﻟﻄﻴﯿﻒ‬
When can we meet? Mata naltaqee? ‫ ﻣﺘﻰ ﻧﻠﺘﻘﻲ؟‬
Sorry I am late Aatathir laqad ta-akhart ‫ ﺃأﻋﺘﺬﺭر ﻟﻘﺪ ﺗﺄﺧﺮﺕت‬
See you later Araka laheqan ‫ ﺃأﺭرﺍاﻙك ﻻﺣﻘﺎ‬
See you soon Araka qareeban ‫ ﺃأﺭرﺍاﻙك ﻗﺮﻳﯾﺒﺎ‬

SECTION 2 Page 11

English The English Pronunciation Arabic
See you tomorrow Araka ghadan ‫ ﺃأﺭرﺍاﻙك ﻏﺪﺍا‬

Day Yauom ‫ ﻳﯾﻮﻡم‬
Today Alyauom ‫ﺍاﻟﻴﯿﻮﻡم‬
Tomorrow Ghadan/bookra ‫ﺑﻜﺮﺓة‬/‫ ﻏﺪﺍا‬
Yesterday Ams ‫ ﺃأﻣﺲ‬
Week Esboo’a ‫ ﺃأﺳﺒﻮﻉع‬
Month Shahar ‫ ﺷﻬﮭﺮ‬
Year Sanna ‫ ﺳﻨﺔ‬
What did you say? Matha qolt? ‫ ﻣﺎﺫذﺍا ﻗﻠﺖ؟‬
Is this the way? Hal at-tareeq men hona? ‫ ﻫﮬﮪھﻞ ﺍاﻟﻄﺮﻳﯾﻖ ﻣﻦ ﻫﮬﮪھﻨﺎ؟‬
I don’t see it Ana la arah ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﻻ ﺃأﺭرﺍاﻩه‬
I need help Ana oreedo mosa’adah ‫ ﺃأﻧﺎ ﺃأﺭرﻳﯾﺪ ﻣﺴﺎﻋﺪﺓة‬
Tourist sa’eh / Mosafer ‫ ﻣﺴﺎﻓﺮ‬/‫ ﺳﺎﺋﺢ‬
Country Balad ‫ ﺑﻠﺪ‬
Town Baldah ‫ ﺑﻠﺪﺓة‬
City Madeenah ‫ ﻣﺪﻳﯾﻨﺔ‬
Tired Ta’eb ‫ ﺗﻌﺐ‬
Sad Hazeen ‫ ﺣﺰﻳﯾﻦ‬
Happy Sa’eed ‫ ﺳﻌﻴﯿﺪ‬
Sick Mareed ‫ ﻣﺮﻳﯾﺾ‬
Pregnant Hamel ‫ ﺣﺎﻣﻞ‬
Danger Khatar ‫ ﺧﻄﺮ‬
Bus stop Mawqaf hafelah ‫ ﻣﻮﻗﻒ ﺣﺎﻓﻠﺔ‬
Station Mahatta ‫ ﻣﺤﻄﺔ‬
Shop Mahal/Mattjar ‫ ﻣﺘﺠﺮ‬/‫ﻣﺤﻞ‬
Map Khareeta ‫ ﺧﺮﻳﯾﻄﺔ‬
Location Mawqe-a ‫ ﻣﻮﻗﻊ‬
Ambulance Essa’af/ Taware-a ‫ﻁطﻮﺍاﺭرﺉئ‬/‫ ﺇإﺳﻌﺎﻑف‬
Police Shorta ‫ ﺷﺮﻁطﺔ‬
Police Station Markaz Al Shorta ‫ ﻣﺮﻛﺰ ﺷﺮﻁطﺔ‬
Civil defence Mataafi ‫ ﻣﻄﺎﻓﻲ‬
Phone number Raqqam ‫ ﺭرﻗﻢ‬
Car Sayyara ‫ ﺳﻴﯿﺎﺭرﺓة‬
Hire a car Esste’ajar Sayyara ‫ﺍاﺳﺘﺌﺠﺎﺭر ﺳﻴﯿﺎﺭرﺓة‬
Ticket Tathkara ‫ ﺗﺬﻛﺮﺓة‬

SECTION 2 Page 12
2.2 The Emirate of Abu Dhabi
a) Overview
Abu Dhabi, meaning ‘father of the gazelle’ is the capital and largest of the seven Emirates. It occupies more
than 80% of the country’s total land mass and features a coastline that stretches over 700 kilometres and
includes over 200 islands.
There are three distinct regions within the Emirate:
• The city of Abu Dhabi is located on a low-lying island and is surrounded by the Arabian Gulf
• The Oasis City of Al Ain - near to the Omani border
• Al Dhafra - located at the west part of the Emirate, where greenery and water resources are plenty, lies
the Liwa Oasis. It takes approximately two and a half hours to drive from Abu Dhabi to Al Dhafra’s Liwa
but it is worthwhile as Liwa provides visitors with a beautiful view of some of the largest sand dunes in
the world
Topography and major geographical landmarks in Abu Dhabi:
• Mountains: The isolated mountain of Jebel Hafeet lies to the south of the city of Al Ain and is shared
with Oman. The mountain has the highest peak in the Emirate
• Oasis: The natural oases at Al Ain and Liwa are the largest in the Emirate. They continue to expand
with irrigation
• Lakes: There is an artificial lake located at Al Mubazzarah or Green Mubazzarah (part of eco-tourism
projects in the Emirate’s Eastern Region)
• Rivers: Abu Dhabi has no permanent river, but has one permanent spring, at Ain bu Sukhanah (at Ayn
Al Fayda), in Al Ain
• 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
• Islands: There are more than 200 islands of which the largest is Abu al-Abyadh
• Desert: Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) is the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass, with a huge
expanse of stunning desert and enormous dunes 8
b) Climate and local time

Abu Dhabi has a sub-tropical, dry climate. Blue skies and high temperatures are normal most of the year.
Rainfall mainly comes in the winter months (November to March) and is more common in the City of Al Ain.
The lowest temperature is about 13°C on a winter’s night. The warmest temperature can be as high as 47°C
on a summer’s day. A pleasant time to visit is from November to April, when temperatures are an average of
24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (56°F) at night.
Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT).
8
Source: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/explore/desert/the.empty.quarter.aspx
SECTION 2 Page 13
c) Language
Arabic is the official language of Abu Dhabi, although English is widely spoken. The further out of the city
centre visitors go, the more written and spoken Arabic they will find. Abu Dhabi locals speak Emirati, a
dialect which varies slightly from city to city.
d) Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030

Governments within the seven Emirates have responded to Vision 2021 and launched several local
strategies and plans in various fields to develop their Emirate on a local level and the nation as a whole.
Vision 2030 is an economic growth plan for Abu Dhabi. Its aim is to ensure:
“Abu Dhabi as a sustainable, diversified, high value-added economy that encourages enterprises and
entrepreneurship and is well integrated in the global economy leading to better opportunities for all” 9
The government of Abu Dhabi has identified seven areas of ongoing economic policy focus: 10
1. Build an open, efficient, effective and globally integrated business environment

2. Adopt a disciplined fiscal policy that is responsive to economic cycles
3. Establish a resilient monetary and financial market environment with manageable levels of inflation
4. Drive significant improvement in the efficiency of the labour market
5. Develop a sufficient and resilient infrastructure capable of supporting the anticipated economic growth
6. Develop a highly-skilled and productive workforce
7. Enable financial markets to become the key financiers of economic sectors and projects
e) Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT)

The Department of Culture & Tourism regulates and promotes tourism and cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi.
For this reason, their website and materials should be the first stop for your own official up-to-date
information as well as your visitors’. The Department of Culture & Tourism website address is:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/int-en/default.aspx
The Department of Culture & Tourism’s Visit Abu Dhabi website contains all the information a visitor to Abu
Dhabi will need or want to know about the Emirate, with a great ‘essential information’ section to get them
started. The website gives useful information on all sites, attractions, activities and experiences in Abu Dhabi
as well where to shop, eat, get some pampering and play sports.
If you need to provide visitors with details of events or festivals or they would like to find out for themselves,
you can check the events calendar area of the website:
https://abudhabievents.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
A useful tool for visitors to download if they have smartphones and devices that support either iOS
or Android platforms is the Visit Abu Dhabi app. The app provides visitors with information on sites,
attractions, activities, experiences, leisure and dining as well as events around Abu Dhabi.
Download the Visit Abu Dhabi app here:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/travel/essential.info/useful.apps.aspx
9
Source: The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, Government of Abu Dhabi
10
Source: https://www.zawya.com/story/Manufacturing_boosts_UAE_GDP- SECTION 2 Page 14
ZAWYA20140323115442/
f) Cultural heritage
Historic monuments, ancient buildings, oases and natural heritage are important parts of Abu Dhabi’s
historic environment and tangible heritage. It is part of the Department of Culture & Tourism’s aim to uncover
traces of the Emirate’s ancient civilisations, as well as to document, preserve and ensure the maintenance
of historic buildings. The Department of Culture & Tourism is also responsible for the management and
development of culturally-significant locations.
Classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, Al Ain world heritage locations include its six oases and the
archaeological sites of:
• Hili
• Hafeet
• Bida Bint Saud
This classification is a testament to the cultural significance these locations hold in showcasing local values
and cultural heritage.
Find out more about the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Section 10: UNESCO World Heritage sites.
g) Intangible heritage
The Department of Culture & Tourism’s responsibility is to collect, safeguard and document the intangible
cultural heritage and history of the citizens of Abu Dhabi.
But what exactly is intangible heritage?
According to UNESCO,
“Cultural heritage does not end at monuments and collections of objects. It also includes traditions or
living expressions inherited from our ancestors and passed on to our descendants, such as oral traditions,
performing arts, social practices, rituals, festive events, knowledge and practices concerning nature and the
universe or the knowledge and skills to produce traditional crafts.”
UNESCO 11
Hili Archaelogical Park
11
Source: https://ich.unesco.org/en/what-is-intangible-heritage-00003
SECTION 2 Page 15
Optional Activity: Aspects of intangible cultural heritage in Abu Dhabi
Log-in to the website of UNESCO for Intangible Cultural Heritage to list down the 8 elements that were
inscribed on the table below including the year: https://ich.unesco.org/en/state/united-arab-emirates-AE
Abu Dhabi cultural heritage video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuuUWqJTwas
Year UAE’s Intangible Heritage
h) Events and festivals in Abu Dhabi

As well as all the sites, attractions, activities, and experiences on offer in Abu Dhabi, there are a surprising
number of events and festivals visitors can attend. Hosted by the Department of Culture & Tourism and
partner organisations, these events are part of a commitment to promoting cultural, sporting and historical
heritage throughout the Emirate.
Mandatory Activity: What’s on in Abu Dhabi? Events and festivals

As a tourist guide, you will need to have a good working knowledge of what events and festivals are on in
Abu Dhabi and when. Visitors like to get involved in local festivals and events and most are fantastic tourist
attractions in their own right.
Research the following websites to find out what’s on, where and when, and add some essential details
that visitors may ask you about. Fill in the Cultural Events Chart that follows and keep it updated with dates
of future events. The first one, Qasr Al Hosn Festival, has been completed for guidance although the actual
dates for the next festival will need adding in. Find the answers to this activity in the answer section at the
end of Portfolio 1.
The Department of Culture & Tourism’s Events page:
http://dctabudhabi.ae/en/events.aspx
Abu Dhabi Events Calendar:
https://abudhabievents.ae/en/Pages/default.aspx
SECTION 2 Page 16
What’s on in Abu Dhabi? Events and festivals
Event(s) Where When Details for visitors
Qasr Al Hosn Qasr Al Hosn, Usually held in • Focuses on the culture and heritage of
Festival Abu Dhabi February and March Abu Dhabi and its people
10 days each year • Inspired by two central themes:
- Abu Dhabi’s traditional heritage
- The contemporary significance of
the Emirate
Abu Dhabi
Classics
Abu Dhabi
Art
Abu Dhabi
Summer
Season
Abu Dhabi
International
Book Fair
SECTION 2 Page 17
Traditional
Handicrafts
Festival
Abu Dhabi
Food Festival
Abu Dhabi
Festival
Al Ain
Book Fair
Mother of
the Nation
Festival
SECTION 2 Page 18
Formula
1 Etihad
Airways Abu
Dhabi Grand
Prix
Sheikh Zayed
Heritage
Festival
Abu Dhabi
International
Hunting and
Equestrian
Exhibition
Al Dhafra
Watersports
Festival
Liwa Date
Festival
SECTION 2 Page 19
Al Dhafra
Festival
Al Qattara
Festival
Abu Dhabi
HSBC Golf
Championship
SECTION 2 Page 20
2.3 Education
a) Overview
When the UAE was established in 1971, the traditional education system gradually changed into formal
education. The UAE federation was declared and the Ministry of Education and Youth was formed. Since
then, considerable investment has been made to meet the educational needs of the expanding population.
Today, the UAE generally and Abu Dhabi specifically offers a free, comprehensive education to every male
and female student. Several thousand students take higher education courses overseas sponsored by the
UAE Government. There is also a growing private education sector.
Education became compulsory over all seven Emirates as recently as July 2012, when the UAE Cabinet
approved a new law in which education became a fundamental right of every citizen of the UAE. Now the
UAE Government has to provide free education to every citizen from six years of age to school-leaving age
or until the age of 18.
An increasing range of private institutions, including branches of internationally-acclaimed universities, add

to the public-sector offer, making the UAE a very attractive place to study for thousands of students from
neighbouring countries.
All public schools are government-funded and free for all citizens of the UAE, however, 40% of pupils attend
private schools. All UAE citizens of school age are obliged to attend primary and secondary education and
this law applies to both Arab nationals as well as expatriates. Arabic is the language used within public
schools and English is used as a second language.
Further your knowledge

Department of Education and Knowledge website:
https://www.adek.abudhabi.ae/en/education/pages/default.aspx
b) UAE education facts

• Around 2002, there were fewer than one million pupils and students and, in 2017, there are over 2.75
million pupils and students UAE-wide
• 95% of girls and 80% of boys who complete their secondary education enrol in a higher education
institution in the UAE or travel abroad to study under government-sponsored schemes 12
• Emirati women account for approximately half of students in private higher education
c) Vision 2021 National Education Agenda

The UAE-wide Vision 2021 National Agenda emphasises the development of a first-rate education system.
This involves large improvements in the current system and a review of teaching methods. The vision sets
out to equip every school, university and its students with smart systems and devices which will form the
platform for all teaching methods, projects and research. Targets have been set to place schoolchildren
among the best in the world in reading, mathematics and sciences by 2021 while having a strong command
of the Arabic language.

Vision 2021 on education:
https://www.vision2021.ae/en/national-priority-areas/first-rate-education-system
12
Source: http://www.uaeinteract.com/society/education.asp
SECTION 2 Page 21
d) Notable universities in Abu Dhabi
• United Arab Emirates University, based in Al Ain
• Zayed University, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
• The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), with campuses across the UAE offering a more technically-
oriented education
• Masdar Institute, based in Abu Dhabi
• Abu Dhabi University
• Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
In addition, there are new campuses of international institutions such as Paris-Sorbonne University
Abu Dhabi and New York University Abu Dhabi.
Paris-Sorbonne University, Abu Dhabi

Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (PSUAD) is a French- and English-speaking university. Its campus is
on Reem Island off the east coast of the capital. An agreement between Paris-Sorbonne and the Abu Dhabi
government was signed in 2006 to bring best international standards in higher education to the Emirate. The
establishment of the university in 2006, together with the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum in 2007, highlights the
importance Abu Dhabi places on creating an international centre of culture and education.
PSUAD follows the same methods of teaching used in Paris, with lecturers from Paris who teach exclusively
in French. Students of the university receive French degrees.

PSUAD website:
www.paris-sorbonne.fr/PSUAD
New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)

NYUAD opened in August 2014 on a specially-designed campus on Saadiyat Island. The design of the
campus reflects the relationship between living and learning, between the staff and the students and
between research activities and actual teaching. The main academic areas within the university are arts
and humanities, engineering, science, social science and multi-disciplinary. In addition, NYUAD has a large
physical education department with excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, well-equipped fitness
centres, a 200-metre indoor running track, a multi-use performance gym for basketball, hockey, netball etc,
squash courts, climbing wall and sports performance lab. In addition, the outdoor facilities include tennis
courts, a 400-metre track and sports fields for a range of activities.

http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about.html
SECTION 2 Page 22
2.4 Healthcare
“[The] UAE has seen remarkable progress in health care. This progress is clearly reflected in the
positive changes in health statistics which indicate that the UAE has taken its place among the
developed nations of the world.”
World Health Organisation 13
a) Overview
The development of modern healthcare in the UAE began with the opening of the Oasis Hospital in Al Ain
in 1965 by founder doctors, Pat and Marian Kennedy, who were invited by HH Sheikh Zayed to the region.
Together they laid the foundation of the world-class health care system now in place UAE-wide.
The Emirati Ministry of Health and Prevention controls healthcare services across the seven Emirates within
the UAE. The UAE government provides a free health service for Emiratis who live and work in Abu Dhabi
and, together with a rapidly-developing private health sector, a high standard of health care is delivered.
Visitors and expats, including those from other Emirates, should have medical insurance as they may incur
fees when being treated in both public and private healthcare facilities while staying in Abu Dhabi.

To find out more information about health insurance and the Patients’ Charter, visit Health Authority Abu
Dhabi’s website as follows:
Health insurance:
https://www.haad.ae/haad/tabid/136/Default.aspx
Patients’ charter:
b) Vision 2021 National Healthcare Agenda

The National Agenda’s aim is to achieve a world-class healthcare system. All hospitals go through a quality
process to ensure government-set standards are met.
The National Agenda also wishes to focus on preventative medicine to reduce cancer cases and lifestyle-
related diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The reduction of smoking throughout the
Emirates is a strong focal point of the Agenda. Some of the priorities and goals for the vision include:
• Cardiovascular disease prevention and management

• Reduce smoking
• Disease prevention and control
• Occupational and environmental health
• Mother, infant and school children’s health
• Cancer control and prevention
• Reduction of road traffic-related injuries and deaths
• Quality of life improvements for people with chronic conditions
Current health care in Abu Dhabi is provided by 51 hospitals, 629 healthcare centres and 362 clinics.14
The Cleveland Clinic is the latest international star in the healthcare field to extend its offer in the Gulf.
13
Source: http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/documents/s17313e/s17313e.pdf
14
Source: https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/abu-dhabi-emirate/abu- SECTION 2 Page 23
dhabi-emirate-facts-and-figures
c) Common health problems in the UAE
The five most common health problems in the UAE are:
• Obesity: The obesity rate in the UAE is double the world average
• Diabetes: One in four Emiratis have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease: a high number of those resident in the UAE are at risk of
cardiovascular disease
• Cancer: Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UAE with the four most common being breast,
colorectal, lung and cervical cancer
• Mental health: Mental health is a top priority
d) Medical tourism
People who travel to a country other than their own to obtain medical treatment are known as medical
tourists. Residents of the United Kingdom who incur high private dental costs are now travelling to Abu
Dhabi to get dental implants much cheaper, while having a holiday at the same time! The UAE is the world’s
fastest growing hub for medical tourism.
e) Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

US-based Cleveland Clinic opened in Abu Dhabi in 2015. The clinic supports the government’s goal to bring
the highest standard of patient care to the citizens of Abu Dhabi. The clinic has 364 beds with the ability
to increase this to 490. Guests of Abu Dhabi’s Rosewood Hotel have direct access to the hospital, while
guests at Beach Rotana hotel will clearly see the Cleveland Clinic across the water.
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has five areas of expertise:
• Heart and Vascular

• Neurological
• Digestive Disease
• Eye and Respiratory
• Critical Care

The official website for The Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi:
www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae
f) Johns Hopkins Medicine International

Located in the United States, Johns Hopkins Medicine International (JHI) provides personalised medical
care and works with organisations globally to improve health care. The Johns Hopkins organisation has a
number of international collaborations including in Europe, Asia, the Central Americas, the Middle East and
Europe. Through a partnership arrangement with the UAE, JHI manage Tawam Hospital, the largest hospital
in the UAE with 469 beds, situated in Al Ain, and in 2003 opened Al Rahba Hospital, situated 30km from
Abu Dhabi City.

The official websites for Johns Hopkins Medicine International (Abu Dhabi):
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/international/international_affiliations/middle_east/al_rahba_hospital.html
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/international/international_affiliations/middle_east/tawam_hospital.html
SECTION 2 Page 24
g) Health advice for tourists
• The standard of medical care in the UAE is high, but can be expensive.
Recommended clinics:
- Mediclinic Hospital +971 2 626 5265
- Aster Medical Centre +971 2 626 6672
• Visitors should see their healthcare provider at least 4–6 weeks before to ensure inoculations and
vaccinations are up-to-date. While there are no compulsory vaccinations required for the UAE, travel
agencies in the US and UK sometimes recommend vaccinations against tuberculosis, hepatitis
A, hepatitis B, polio, measles and diphtheria. Emergency vaccinations are available from the Gulf
Diagnostic Centre Hospital www.gdc-hospital.com. Fees may apply
• Visitors on medication are strongly advised to carry their prescription with them at all times
• The following drugs are banned:

- Codeine – often found in cold and flu remedies
- Lithium
- Diazepam – found in Valium
- Methadone
- Alprazolam – found in Xanax
Visitors are advised to check websites for other banned substances. The World Travel Guide website is a
useful reference:
https://www.worldtravelguide.net/guides/middle-east/united-arab-emirates/health/
• There is zero tolerance for importing illegal drugs in the UAE and penalties are severe
• MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) is a viral illness which was first reported in Saudi Arabia
in 2012. Symptoms of MERS may include high temperature, coughing and a shortness of breath. All
travellers should follow a good hygiene routine to help prevent the spread of germs and protect against
colds, flu, and other illnesses.
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
- Avoid close contact with sick people
• Food and drink - tap water is safe to drink but is likely to taste different
- Bottled water is cheap. Both visitors and many locals choose to drink this instead
- Food standards in restaurants is very high in Abu Dhabi
• Other risks – If visitors are scuba diving, they should be aware that if they get a coral cut, they should
treat the affected area immediately with disinfectant as coral contains a high level of bacteria
SECTION 2 Page 25
In an emergency
Visitors needing emergency medical assistance during their trip should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.
They should be advised to contact their insurance/medical assistance company promptly if they are referred
to a medical facility for treatment.
Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (+971 2 610 2000) and Mediclinic Hospital (+971 2 626 5265)
both have Accident and Emergency units.
Visitors injured in road traffic accidents will automatically be taken to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
A list of 24-hour pharmacies and medical facilities is kept up to date on the Abu Dhabi Government’s
website www.abudhabi.ae

Abu Dhabi Health Authority:
UAE US Embassy on healthcare:
http://www.uae-embassy.org/about-uae/health-care
SECTION 2 Page 26
Mandatory Activity: Healthcare advice for tourists
Visitors may ask a range of questions about healthcare. You may need to be armed with facts about medical
assistance, banned drugs and dangerous diseases etc. Using the Knowledge Bank and the following web
pages, carry out some desk research and create a working list of the types of health advice available for
visitors to which you can point them if necessary.
MERS/Coronavirus:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/mers/
UAE Embassy:
www.uae-embassy.org/sites/default/files/Guidelines%20for%20carrying%20medecines%20to%20UAE.pdf
Medical assistance Banned drugs Vaccinations
Medical facilities Banned substances In an emergency
DID YOU KNOW? The Abu Dhabi governmental healthcare is free for Emiratis but expatriates and
tourists must have private medical insurance to pay for healthcare. Visitors to Abu Dhabi will need
medical insurance provided by a registered company. 15
15
Source: https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/health-and-fitness
and http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/expat-health/8015363/Expat-
SECTION 2 Page 27
guide-to-the-UAE-health-care.html
SECTION 2 Page 28
Knowledge Bank: General knowledge of the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE
2.1 The United Arab Emirates

• The UAE is governed by a Federal Supreme Council made up of seven Emirates.
The seven Emirates are:
- Abu Dhabi
- Dubai
- Ajman
- Fujairah
- Sharjah
- Ras al-Khaimah
- Umm al-Qaiwain
• The combined population of all seven Emirates is 9.27 million (2016)
• The UAE has a mainland surface area of 77,700 square kilometres
• The language spoken by Emiratis is Arabic
• Islam is the main religion
• The flag of the United Arab Emirates contains the pan-Arab colours of red, green, white, and black
• The currency used in all seven UAE Emirates is the Arab Emirate Dirham (AED), more commonly known
as the Dirham
• Since May 2016, hotels in Abu Dhabi have charged an additional fee of 20% of the entire hotel bill as
well as an extra municipality fee of AED 15 per room per night
• Launched in 2010, Vision 2021 wants to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world
• Vision 2021 is a strategy for all seven Emirates for economic growth which does not rely on the
production or export of oil
• 15 Arabic phrases with English pronunciation that you will need to know are:
• “The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) introduced Valued Added Tax (VAT) in the UAE in 2018 which 5% on
goods and services across the UAE”
English The English Pronunciation
1 Hello (formal) Assalamu Alaykom

2 Hi (informal) Marhaba
3 Welcome Ahlan wa sahlan
4 How are you? Kayfa halok?
5 I’m fine, thank you Ana bekhayr shoukran
6 My name is … Esmee …
7 What is your name? Ma howa esmok?
8 Where is….? Ayna yakoon …?
9 Good morning Sabah al-khayr
10 Good evening Masa al-khayr
11 Good night Tosbeh ala khayr
12 Good-bye Ma assalama
13 Excuse me Law samahat
14 Thank you Shokran
15 Have a good trip Rehlah sa’eeda
SECTION 2 Page 29
2.2 The Emirate of Abu Dhabi
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Abu Dhabi
- Falconry, a living human heritage

- Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity
- Majlis, a cultural and social space
- Al-Razfa, a traditional performing art featuring dance and poetry
- Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art featuring dance and poetry
- Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate
of Oman
- Al Sadu, traditional weaving skills in the United Arab Emirates
• Abu Dhabi means ‘father of the gazelle’

• Abu Dhabi is the capital and largest of the seven Emirates
• Abu Dhabi occupies more than 80% of the country’s total land mass
• Abu Dhabi’s coastline stretches over 700 kilometres and includes over 200 islands
• The three distinct regions within the Emirate are: the city of Abu Dhabi, the Garden City of Al Ain
and Al Dhafra
• The lowest temperature is about 13°C on a winter’s night
• The warmest temperature can be as much as 47°C on a summer’s day
• Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of UTC
• Arabic is the official language of Abu Dhabi, although English is widely spoken
• Vision 2030 is an economic growth plan for Abu Dhabi
• The Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) regulates and promotes tourism and cultural heritage
in Abu Dhabi
• Classified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, Al Ain world heritage locations include its six oases and
the archaeological sites of:
- Hili
- Hafeet
- Bida bin Saud
2.3 Education
• Public schools are government-funded and free for all citizens of the UAE
• 40% of pupils attend private schools
• Around 2002, there were fewer than one million pupils and students and, in 2017, there are over 2.75
million pupils and students UAE-wide
• Notable higher education institutions in Abu Dhabi:
- United Arab Emirates University, based in Al Ain
- Zayed University, Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
- The Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), with campuses across the UAE offering a more technically-
oriented education
- Masdar Institute, a graduate-level institution based in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi University
- Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi
SECTION 2 Page 30
2.4 Healthcare
• Healthcare is regulated
• Abu Dhabi’s public and private healthcare is free for Emiratis who live and work in Abu Dhabi but ex-
patriates and tourists need to have private medical insurance
• Across all seven Emirates, pre-natal and post-natal care is on par with the world’s most developed
countries
- The new-born (neonate) mortality rate has been reduced to 5.54 per 1000 and infant mortality to 7
per 1000
- Maternal mortality rates have dropped to 0.01 for every 100,000 deaths
• Most infectious diseases like malaria, measles and poliomyelitis that were once prevalent in the UAE
have been eradicated
• New vaccination campaigns are taking place to protect against chicken pox, pertussis (whooping
cough) and the rotavirus
• Access to clean water in urban and rural areas is assured for 100% of the population
• Close to 100% of the population use modern sanitation facilities
• Life expectancy in the UAE is 76.8 years (figures for men and women combined)
• MERS is a viral illness. Symptoms of MERS are respiratory and include high temperature, coughing and
a shortness of breath
• Banned drugs include:
- Codeine
- Lithium
- Diazepam
- Methadone
- Alprazolam
SECTION 2 Page 31
SECTION 2 Page 32
Section 3
The Formation and

History of the UAE
3
Section 3: The Formation and History of the UAE
Through your work on this section you will be gaining the following Abu Dhabi knowledge:
• Introduction to UAE history:

a. Ancient trade routes in the Arabian Peninsula
b. Early settlement patterns
c. The pearl industry
d. The Trucial States
e. Discovery of oil
• Key milestones for the UAE
• Tribes in the UAE
You will also be able to:
LO3 Give an overview of the history of the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the late Sheikh
Zayed and his legacy
‘’He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and his future, for it is from
the past that we learn.’’ 1
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
1
Source: http://www.uaeinteract.com/docs/Sheikh_Zayed_in_quotes/18411.htm SECTION 03 Page 3
History of Abu Dhabi and UAE
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is a federal monarchy on the south-east tip of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders
Oman in the east and Saudi Arabia in the south, it shares maritime borders with Qatar in the west and
Iran in the north. It consists of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras
Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. These cover 83,600 square kilometres (32,400 square miles) and include 200
islands. The UAE was founded initially with six members on the 2nd December 1971 (Ras Al Khaimah joined
on the 10th February 1972) and is the only federation of separate states in the Arab world.
Archaeological finds suggest a long history of human settlement in the region. In fact, there is evidence
that people have lived there for over 100,000 years. Human settlement probably began in the Paleolithic
period with early Bedouin nomads travelling through the region. As time went by, trade and social interaction
created a greater need for settled communities, but it also brought the dangers of invasion, piracy and war.
The region experienced many centuries of change in terms of industry and influence but recent years have
seen oil and gas bring prosperity. Through an enlightened ruler, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
of Abu Dhabi, a proud nation and a strong economy has been created.
What started as a primitive settlement of several hundred palm huts in the desert has now become the
proud and successful Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Today, the UAE is a modern, oil-exporting country with a
highly diversified economy, a global hub for tourism, retail and finance, and home to the largest man-made
seaport, a mega-tall skyscraper and snow slopes in shopping malls.
DID YOU KNOW? The British had significant involvement in the region until the late 1960s. They held
maritime treaties with the Trucial Rulers from 1820 and these treaties, including the Treaty of Perpetual
Maritime Peace of 1853, created a relatively peaceful period.
DID YOU KNOW? The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) envoy, Al-Ala’a Bin Al-Hadhrami, was sent to
the province of Bahrain (which covered the coastal line from Kuwait to North Oman from 629 AD) to
invite them to Islam. See the Religion in the UAE section for more information.
Early settlement
For thousands of years, the Bedouin tribes lived on varied terrain, self-sufficient and with lives built around
family values. They moved between the sea for fishing and the desert where they could graze their animals.
The oasis was vital to survival as a water source but it was also where they harvested crops, primarily dates.
Dates were a vitamin-rich staple in the nomadic diet, portable for long journeys across desert, mountains
and sea.
The camel was central to nomadic existence and traditional family and community life in harsh environments
such as the desert. Camels provided a dependable source of food and milk as well as transport, the bride’s
dowry to marriage, a sacrifice and a payment of Zakat [charitable gifts]. Their tough skin and wool was used
for household items and they were even highly esteemed in poetry.
Around 3000 BC, the climate in the region began to get dryer, forcing many nomadic tribes to settle and
begin farming and trading with each other. This shift in lifestyle is evident in the settlements from the late
Bronze and Iron Ages. Irrigation systems, such as the falaj, were developed so that crops could be grown
more efficiently and trading routes became more and more important.
DID YOU KNOW? There are over 160 words for camel in the Arabic language. Camels are
now essentially used for racing, which enjoys the patronage of the current Rulers.
SECTION 3 Page 4
The timeline for early settlement of the region
Paleolithic Age Bronze Age Iron Age

6000 BC - 3500 BC 3200 BC - 1300 BC 1300 BC - 300 BC
Nomadic Settlements Settled communities
Fishing Agriculture Irrigation
Grazing Copper mining Established trade routes
Trading Farming
Irrigation system
Ancient trade routes in the Arabian Peninsula

As the nomadic communities settled, and trading between different settlements grew, trade routes began to
emerge across the Arabian Peninsula. By the early 7th century, these were stretching as far as Europe, India
and Asia. These routes were hugely influential in the development of the region and many are still famous
today such as the Spice and Silk Routes. The main route across Arabia became known as the Incense
Route or the Incense Road of Antiquity. It was part of an extensive network of land and sea trading routes
linking the countries in the Mediterranean with Eastern and Southern sources of incense, spices and other
luxury goods such as silk. These precious products were brought from the south of the Arabian Peninsula,
up the Red Sea coast and across the Sinai Desert to Egypt. There they were loaded onto ships and sailed
to destinations across the Mediterranean Sea.
The Incense Routes were mostly controlled by the Arabs who brought frankincense and myrrh by camel
caravan from southern Arabia and for trade with India, Africa and East Asia. This included a variety of exotic
spices, precious stones, ebony, silk and fine textiles such as carpets. There was also trade in the rare
woods, feathers, animal skins and gold from Africa. This period made the region immensely prosperous,
with taxes levied on the caravans and also on the merchants setting up trading posts all along the routes.
Julfar, in Ras Al Khaimah, became a wealthy port and pearling centre, hosting the great wooden dhows that
sailed across the Indian Ocean. After Baghdad emerged as the main centre for Islamic civilisation, eastern
Arabia greatly benefited from the increased demand for foreign goods from the city.
Of course, it was not just trade that flowed through these routes; they also acted as cultural channels and
forms of communication between the civilisations of east and west, north and south. For example, long-
distance trade with the Greeks, Romans and Persians introduced artistic and cultural changes which can be
seen in art, design and cuisine throughout the UAE today.
SECTION 3 Page 5
Pearl industry
The pearl oyster or lulu (qamasha) was the main source of economic wealth in the region before the
discovery of oil. Pearl oysters occur naturally in the calm water and shallow banks (fasht) of the Gulf. Exactly
when the people of the region first began to harvest this valuable resource is not known: individual pearls
have been found in excavations on archaeological sites that date back at least 7,000 years. There are
mentions of the beauty of the Gulf pearls in ancient Greek literature from the 3rd century (‘The Sophists
at Dinner’ – sometimes known as the oldest cookbook). We do know that pearls were traded extensively
in Roman times and the Arab geographer, Al Idrisi, mentions that in 1154 Julfar, in Ras Al Khaimah, was
already a major pearling centre. Certainly, historical accounts indicate that Julfar’s fame had spread far and
wide by the 15th century.
In 1517, the Portuguese writer Duarte Barbosa recorded that ‘’Here [Julfar] is a very great fishery as
well, of seed pearls; and the Moors of Hormuz come hither to buy them and carry them to India and many
other lands’’.
The expansion of pearl fishing really changed the settlement habits of the nomadic communities from the
interior and their agricultural-based lifestyle to that of the coastal fringes. Many families settled in places like
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. However, the risks of the pearling industry were very great
and the life of a pearl diver was dangerous and often short.
The decline of the pearl industry began before World War II and was due to many factors, including the
production of cheaper cultured pearls in Japan in 1921. This was followed by the economic depression of
the 1920s and ‘30s which ruined the wealth of many potential customers, and then a ban was imposed on
pearl imports by the Indian Government in 1947. This was very hard on families who had specialised in pearl
diving and did not have other family businesses.
The Trucial States

In 1498, Portuguese explorer, Vasco de Gama, circumnavigated the Cape of Good Hope to establish a
sea route to India. He was the first European to reach India by sea, opening up this lucrative trade route
and bypassing the camel caravans which had provided the Arab merchants with much of their wealth for
centuries. By 1515, the Portuguese occupied Julfar near Ras Al Khaimah and built a customs house where
they taxed the region’s flourishing trade with India and the Far East.
Over the next 100 years, there was fierce rivalry between the European countries, particularly the Dutch and
the French, to control the trade with India and with the Gulf. By the middle of the 17th century, however, it
was the British who came to dominate. The rich cargoes provided tempting targets for pirates who regularly
harassed European ships, despite the presence of European and Omani warships to protect them. As a
result, the whole area acquired the name of the ‘Pirate Coast’. The conflict led to a series of interventions by
the British to stop the piracy and, in 1820, the British imposed a General Treaty of Peace on the nine Arab
Sheikhdoms and established a garrison in the region.
Raids continued intermittently until 1835, when the Sheikhs agreed not to engage in hostilities at sea by
signing the Maritime Truce. In 1853, they signed the Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity with Britain under which
the Sheikhs agreed to a perpetual maritime truce. The British enforced it and disputes between the Sheikhs
were referred to the British for settlement. As a result of this series of treaties, the area became known as
the Trucial Coast and the Emirates as the Trucial States.
Primarily in reaction to the colonial ambitions of other European countries, Britain and the Trucial
Sheikhdoms established closer bonds with the 1892 treaty similar to treaties entered into by Britain
with other Arabian Gulf principalities. The Sheikhs agreed not to enter into relationships with any foreign
government other than Britain without its consent. In return, the British promised to protect the Trucial Coast
from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land attack. The area was known as the Trucial Coast until
the British Government decided to withdraw from the region in the late 1960s and the subsequent creation
of the UAE in 1971.
SECTION 3 Page 6
The main concern of the British was to protect trade by sea and they did not wish to become involved
in inter-tribal politics. Throughout this period, the strongest group within the Bedouin tribes was the Bani
Yas. The Bani Yas were originally based in Liwa, an oasis deep in the Empty Quarter desert, but moved
their base to Abu Dhabi in 1793. They maintained an uneasy peace with the other tribes of the interior but
diminishing resources caused unrest and inter-tribal troubles over land continued to use up the resources of
the British.
DID YOU KNOW? Separate families within the Bani Yas moved to Abu Dhabi and to Dubai;
the tribal group in Abu Dhabi is called Al Bu Falah and the tribal group in Dubai is known as
Al Bu Falasah.
Discovery of oil
At the beginning of the 20th century, Abu Dhabi was a subsistence economy made up of small fishing
villages, pearling, camel herding and farming in the oases. The decline of the pearl industry in the 1930s
created significant hardship for the local population with the loss of their largest export. The economy was
struggling and many people were suffering. However, the discovery of oil in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and then
Saudi Arabia was to change all of this.
World War II delayed developments in the region, but the Sheikhs of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah were
already in discussions about oil exploration in the Trucial States and, in 1939, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan
Al Nahyan granted the first oil concessions.
The first oil find was under an old pearling bed in the Gulf, Umm Shaif, in 1958 and then they struck oil in
the desert at Murban in 1960. The first cargo of crude oil was exported from Jabel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi in
1962. As oil revenues increased, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan began a comprehensive programme
to build new schools, housing, hospitals and roads. When Dubai’s oil exports commenced in 1969, Sheikh
Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, also used oil revenues to improve his people’s quality
of life.
There were two oil companies:
• Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast – PDTC) later renamed Abu Dhabi Petroleum Company (ADPC)
whose partners included BP. They were responsible for onshore exploration
• Abu Dhabi Marine Areas Ltd. (ADMA), a joint venture between BP and Campagnie Francaise des
Petroles (later Total) of France. They were responsible for offshore exploration.
On 6th August 1966, Sheikh Shakhbout was succeeded by his younger brother, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan
Al Nahayn. In 1971, Sheikh Zayed became president of the newly-created UAE and the Abu Dhabi National
Oil Company was founded (ADNOC). In December 1974, the company gained a 60% interest in ADPC and
ADMA. In Dubai, the Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) was formed to manage oil production in Dubai.
Today, oil production in the UAE is in the region of 2.3 million barrels per day and it possesses the sixth
largest proven oil reserves in the world. It is the world’s seventh biggest oil producer and the fourth largest
net oil exporter, representing 15% of OPEC’s total oil output.
The key aspects of history that you should be aware of are:
• The early settlements – specifically how the patterns of living changed from nomadic herdsmen and
fishermen to more settled communities
• Ancient trade routes –that carried the valuable markets of spice, silk and incense around the world and
how this changed the fortunes of the traders of Arabia.
• The pearl industry – the rise and fall of pearl fishing in the region and the key challenges it faced
• The Trucial States – the treaties with the British that protected and supported the Sheikhdoms of the
region.
• Discovery of oil – the effect of oil exploration, the companies involved and then the huge impact
production had on the future of the UAE
SECTION 3 Page 7
Mandatory Activity: Historical milestones
Using the references provided in the notes above, see if you can match up the right date for the key
milestones in the history of the region of the UAE.
Milestone Provide a brief description in your own Match to the

words of the importance of this event right date
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al

Nahyan becomes ruler
The arrival of Islam to

the region
1958
The first oil is discovered 1853

in the Gulf
1835
The Treaty of Peace 1971

in Perpetuity
7th century
The Maritime Truce 1966
Independence
SECTION 3 Page 8
Key milestones for the United Arab Emirates
In 1966, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became Ruler of Abu Dhabi, a post he held for a period of
38 years. He became the principal driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates; Sheikh
Zayed recognised that the wealth generated by oil had the potential to transform the fortunes of Abu Dhabi
and the Emirates. He came to power with a vision for the development and modernisation of the country.
A key priority was developing the country’s infrastructure, which included building new roads, constructing
a bridge to link Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland and establishing schools, housing, medical services, a
seaport and an airport. These major investments created employment and opportunity.
It improved the lives of ordinary people; modern roads were laid over the desert and fresh water and
electricity connected to every house; a modern education system was established and literacy classes
were introduced. It was possible for Bedouins in the desert to receive medical services from a clinic for the
first time.
Independence
On 6th August 1966, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became Ruler of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed had a
clear vision for the future of the region and believed that working in cooperation for the good of the people
should be the ultimate goal. Even before he began negotiations on creating a union, he ensured that a large
part of the Emirate’s oil revenue went into the Trucial States Development Fund. In 1968, Britain announced
it would withdraw from the Gulf by 1971. This created a huge opportunity for unification of the Emirates
and the creation of a partnership which would be much more formal than the Trucial States had been. This
prompted Sheikh Zayed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, to
begin planning a federation. On February 18 1968, the two rulers met at Al Sameeh on the border between
Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This historic meeting marked an agreement to merge the two Emirates, to conduct
foreign affairs, defence, security and social services jointly, and to adopt a common immigration policy. Other
administrative matters were left to the jurisdiction of the local government of each Emirate. The agreement
became known as the Union Accord and was the first step towards uniting the Trucial Coast as a whole.
In February 1968, the nine states gathered at a constitutional conference in Dubai to agree an 11-point
plan. This included Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah
plus Bahrain and Qatar. Over the next three years, the states worked on creating a constitutional and
legal framework for the Union. In the summer of 1971, external events led to the independence of Bahrain
and Qatar. On 18th July 1971, the six Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain
and Fujairah agreed to the formation of a new federation – the United Arab Emirates. This was formally
announced on 2nd December 1971; Ras Al Khaimah joined the following year on the 10th February 1972.
The rulers of the other Emirates unanimously elected Sheikh Zayed as the first President for a period of five
years and Sheikh Rashid as vice-president. The Supreme Council elected Sheikh Zayed several more times
until he passed away. He is remembered as the builder of the nation and as ‘a loving father to the nation’s
citizens’ (‘Baba Zayed’).

To find out more about the UAE’s first elections, visit the following link:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/6182581.stm
SECTION 3 Page 9
Review the facts below to see the key events from 1820 leading to the formation of the UAE and the
influence of Sheikh Zayed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi:
1820 - 1940 1820 - Britain and local rulers sign the General Treaty of Peace to combat
The Trucial Coast piracy along the Gulf Coast
1835 - The Maritime Truce is signed with Britain
1853 - Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity is signed with Britain - the area
becomes known as the Trucial Coast
1892 - Deal with the Trucial States gives Britain control over foreign affairs
and each Emirate control over internal affairs
1939 - First oil concessions granted in Abu Dhabi by Sheikh Shakhbut bin
Sultan al Nahyan
1940 - 1971 1948 - Sheikh Saqr Bin-Muhhammad al-Qasimi becomes Ruler of

Oil Discoveries Ras Al Khaimah
1950s - Oil discovered
1952 - The seven Emirates form a Trucial Council
1962 - Oil production starts in Abu Dhabi
1966 - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan becomes Ruler of Abu Dhabi
1968 - Britain begins to withdraw and Bahrain and Qatar join the
Trucial States
1971 - 1974 1971 - New state of UAE comes into existence with six Emirates
Formation of UAE 1971 - UAE joins the Arab League
1972 - Ras Al Khaimah joins the federation
1972 - Sheikh Sultan Bin-Muhammad al-Qasimi becomes Ruler of Sharjah
1972 - Federal National Council is created; a 40-member consultative body
[FNC] appointed by the seven Rulers
1974 - 1987 1974 - Sheikh Hamad Bin Muhammad Bin-Hamad al-Sharqi becomes
The Supreme Ruler of Fujayrah
Council of Rulers 1981 - Sheikh Rashid Bin Ahmad al-Mualla becomes Ruler of Umm
al-Qaywayn
1981 - UAE is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council - its first
summit is held in Abu Dhabi
1981 - Sheikh Humayd Bin Rashid al-Nuaymi becomes Ruler of Ajman
1986 - Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan is re-elected as UAE President -
his fourth term
1987 - After a coup attempt, Sheikh Sultan Bin-Muhammad al-Qasimi
abdicates in favour of his brother but is re-instated by the Supreme
Council of Rulers
SECTION 3 Page 10
1987 - 2006 1990 - Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Al Maktum passes away and is succeeded
A Time of Growth by his son, Sheikh Maktoum Bin-Rashid Al Maktoum as Ruler of
Dubai and UAE vice-president
1991 - UAE joins forces with the allies aganist Iraq after the invasion
of Kuwait
2004 - UAE President Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan passes away
and is succeeded by his son, Sheikh Khalifa
2005 - Sheikh Khalifa announces plans for the UAE’s first elections. Half of
the members of the FNC will be elected by a limited number
of citizens
2006 - Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and
vice-president and Ruler of Dubai passes away and is succeeded
by his brother Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum
2006 - First elections held
Tribes in the UAE

Lineage is very important in Arab culture and most Emirati nationals can tell you to which tribe they belong.
The name of the tribe or branch of the tribe, may be part of their name for example HH Sheikh Zayed as
Zayed bin (‘’son of’’) Sultan (his father) Al Nahyan (family of Nahyan). On marriage, women keep their father’s
name so for example Sheikh Zayed’s wife was HH Fatima Bint (‘’daughter of’’) Mubarak (her father) Al Ketbi
(her family name).
first name bin/bint father’s name family name
The family name could be the name of an ancestor from countless generations ago who is considered the
patron of the many groups of families making up the tribe.
The main two tribal groupings are Qawasim and Bani Yas. These two emerged as the leading powers in the
region around the 18th century. The Qawasim were land and sea traders and dominated the region of the
Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The Bani Yas were agricultural and pastoral tribes based in what
are now Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Members of the tribe were traditionally bound by bonds of mutual assistance and a concept of honour to
immediate blood relatives. The strength of these bonds and a mutual dependence provided the basis for the
strength of the tribe.
The Bani Yas can be traced back to Yas Bin Amer, whose tribe came from the tribe of Nizar Bin Maid bin
Adnan. Adnan is thought to be one of the two ancestors (along with Qahtan) of all the tribes of southern
Arabia. The Bani Yas were based in Liwa oasis but grew very powerful throughout the region through
numerical superiority and military prowess. Because of this, many tribes sought to join up with the Bani
Yas for protection and security and it became a confederation of about 20 different sub-sections. In 1793,
a sub-section of this tribe called Al Bu Falah resettled in Abu Dhabi and it is from this sub-section that the
present day rulers of Abu Dhabi, the Al Nahyan family, come.
A traditional Bedouin tribe, the members of the Al Bu Falah spent the winter with their camels in the desert
and went pearl fishing in the summer. In 1833, a large influential group of the Bani Yas moved to Dubai
under the leadership of Maktoum bin Buti Al Maktoum and this family continues to rule Dubai to this day.
SECTION 3 Page 11
Other sections of the Bani Yas tribe included:
Al Rumaithat - this group traditionally depended upon the fishing and pearling industries
Al Bu Mahair - like the Rumaithat, this group were fishermen and pearl divers
Al Qubaisat - one of the largest groups who settled in the Liwa oasis
Al Mazrouei - the main Bedouin section of the Bani Yas, they lived in settlements in the Liwa oasis and
depended on camels, pearling boats and date plantations
Al Hawamil - another large section of the settled population in the Liwa oasis who owned goats and sheep
as well as fishing boats and pearling boats
Al Maharbah - these were both nomadic and settled communities and were involved in the pearling
industry with a small fleet of 40 boats
Al Mishaghin - this was a small group of Bedouin families who settled in Dubai and were a sub-section of
the Al Bu Mahair
Al Sudan - this group was spread out along the entire coast and was dependent on the sea for its
livelihood. They played an active part in the fishing and pearling trade but were also traders.
This traditional tribal grouping became the basis of a nation-state which covered a large and geographically
diverse territory. The coherence of the group was due to the fact that the sections and sub-sections and
allied groups did not live separate existences but shared community life and intermarried in the villages of
the Liwa oasis. They were mutually dependent, bound together by their code of honour. The nomads of one
tribe cared for the camels of another tribe and those with no boats of their own went on the boats of others.
Most families also had relatives living in Abu Dhabi so an urban social mix was also growing.
SECTION 3 Page 12
Knowledge Bank: The Formation and History
of the UAE
Overview of the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE
1. Early settlement
• Bedouin tribes lived in varied terrain and were self-sufficient with lives built around family values. They
moved between the sea for fishing and the desert where they could graze their animals
• The oasis was vital to survival for the Bedouin as a water source but it was also where they harvested
crops such as dates
• Dates were a vitamin-rich staple in the nomadic diet, portable for long journeys across desert,
mountains and sea
• The camel was central to nomad existence; they provided food and milk as well as transport. Their
tough skin and wool was used for household items
2. Ancient trade routes in the Arabian Peninsula

• As nomadic communities settled, trade routes began to emerge right across the Arabian Peninsula
• By the early 7th century, trade routes stretched as far as Europe, India and Asia
• Trade routes were hugely influential in the development of the region and many are still famous today
such as the Spice and Silk Routes
• The main route across Arabia became known as the Incense Route or the Incense Road of Antiquity
• The Incense Routes were mostly controlled by the Arabs who brought frankincense and myrrh by camel
caravan from southern Arabia and for trade with India, Africa and East Asia
3. Pearl industry
• The pearl oyster or lulu was the main source of economic wealth in the region before the discovery of oil
• Pearl oysters occur naturally in the calm water and shallow banks of the Gulf
• Individual pearls have been found in excavations on archaeological sites that date back at least
7000 years
• The expansion of pearl fishing changed the settlement habits of nomadic communities from their
agricultural-based lifestyle to that of the coastal fringes
• Many families settled in places like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah
• The risks of the pearling industry were very great and the life of a pearl diver was dangerous and
often short
• The decline of the pearl industry began before World War II and was due to many factors including the
production of cheaper cultured pearls in Japan in 1921
4. The Trucial States

• In 1498, a Portuguese explorer established a sea route to India
• The Portuguese explorer was the first European to reach India by sea, opening up a lucrative trade route
and bypassing the camel caravans
• By 1515, the Portuguese occupied Julfar near Ras Al Khaimah and built a customs house where they
taxed the region’s flourishing trade with India and the Far East
• Conflict led to a series of interventions by the British to stop the piracy and, in 1820, the British imposed
a General Treaty of Peace on the nine Arab Sheikhdoms and established a garrison in the region
• In 1853, the Treaty of Peace in Perpetuity was signed with Britain under which the Sheikhs agreed to a
perpetual maritime truce
SECTION 3 Page 13
• The British enforced the Treaty and disputes between the Sheikhs were referred to the British for
settlement. As a result of this series of treaties, the area became known as the Trucial Coast and the
Emirates as the Trucial States
• The British promised to protect the Trucial Coast from all aggression by sea and to help in case of land
attack. The area was known as the Trucial Coast until the creation of the UAE in 1971
• Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of UTC (Co-ordinated Universal Time – formerly known as GMT).
5. Discovery of oil
• The decline of the pearl industry in the 1930s created significant hardship for the local population with
the loss of their largest export
• The economy was struggling but the discovery of oil in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and then Saudi Arabia was to
change all of this
• In 1939, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan granted the first oil concessions
• The first oil find was under an old pearling bed in the Gulf in 1958
• Oil was then struck in the desert at Murban in 1960
• The first cargo of crude oil was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962
• There were two oil companies:
- Petroleum Development (Trucial Coast) Ltd (PDTC)
- Abu Dhabi Marine Areas Ltd (ADMA)
• Today, oil production in the UAE is in the region of 2.3 million barrels per day
• The UAE is one of the world’s biggest oil producers
6. Key milestones for the United Arab Emirates

• In 1966, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became Ruler of Abu Dhabi
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan became the driving force behind the formation of the United Arab
Emirates, a post he held for 38 years
• In 1968, Britain announced it would withdraw its position in the Gulf by 1971
• On 18th February 1968, an historic agreement, the Union Accord, was signed between Abu Dhabi and
Dubai in Al Sameeh
• In February 1968, nine states convened a constitutional conference in Dubai and developed an
11-point agreement
• During summer of 1971, Bahrain and Qatar declared independence
• Six Emirates united as one nation on 2nd December 1971; Ras Al Khaimah joined the following year
• Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is remembered as the builder of the nation and as ‘a loving father
(Baba) to the nation’s citizens’
7. Tribes in the UAE

• Most Emirati nationals can tell you which tribe they belong to
• The name of the tribe may be part of their name. For example:
a. HH Sheikh Zayed as Zayed bin (‘’son of’’) Sultan (his father) Al Nahyan (family of Nahyan)
first name bin/bint father’s name family name
b. On marriage, women keep their father’s name so, for example, Sheikh Zayed’s wife was HH Fatima
bint (‘’daughter of’’) Mubarak (her father) Al Ketbi (her family name).
SECTION 3 Page 14
• The two main tribal groupings are the Qawasim and the Bani Yas.
• The Qawasim were land and sea traders and dominated the region of the Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah
and Sharjah
• The Bani Yas were agricultural and pastoral tribes based in what is now Abu Dhabi and Dubai
• In 1833, a large influential group of the Bani Yas moved to Dubai under the leadership of Maktoum bin
Buti Al Maktoum and this family continues to rule Dubai to this day.
• Sections of the Bani Yas tribe included:
• Al Rumaithat
• Al Bu Mahair
• Al Qubaisat
• Al Mazrouei
• Al Hawamil
• Al Maharbah
• Al Mishaghin
• Al Sudan
SECTION 3 Page 15
SECTION 3 Page 16
Section 4
Abu Dhabi Rulers

and Government
4
Section 4: Abu Dhabi Rulers and Government
Through your work on this section, you will be gaining knowledge on the following areas:
1. The life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

2. The legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
3. Current Abu Dhabi rulers
4. Government of Abu Dhabi and the UAE
5. The role of women in the UAE Government
Your work in this section will help you focus on elements of the following learning outcome:
LO3 Give an overview of the history of the UAE and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including the late
Sheikh Zayed and his legacy
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates is an absolute federal monarchy consisting of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The UAE was founded initially with six
members on the 2nd December 1971 (Ras Al Khaimah joined on the 10th February 1972) and it is the only
federation of separate states in the Arab world.
The region experienced many centuries of change in terms of industry and influence but since
independence, oil and gas has brought prosperity to the region and now it has a highly diversified economy.
HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Ruler of Abu Dhabi) and Sheikh Rashed bin Saeed Al Maktoum
(Ruler of Dubai) were the principal driving forces behind the formation of the UAE. Sheikh Zayed also had
a clear vision for the re-development and modernization of Abu Dhabi. This included building new roads,
constructing a bridge to link Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland and establishing schools, housing, medical
services, a seaport and an airport. These major investments in education, healthcare, public housing and
urban development created employment and opportunity.
Abu Dhabi is the largest and wealthiest Emirate with Dubai the second. Together, the two Emirates provide
more than 80% of the UAE’s income.
1. The life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

To understand the history of the UAE, and of Abu Dhabi, it is important to know Sheikh Zayed’s role in the
creation of the United Arab Emirates and how he guided its development into a modern state. His life story
shows a deep commitment to the values of family and faith and on improving the lives of his people without
damaging the environment.
Sheikh Zayed was the grandson of a powerful man, Zayed the First, ruler of the strongest and largest tribal
group in the region, the Bani Yas, and the Governor of Abu Dhabi for over 50 years (1855 - 1909).
Sheikh Zayed was born in 1918 in Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, the youngest of four brothers, part of a
powerful ruling family in the region. From an early age, he attended the majlis (community gatherings, see
Section 7: Emirati hospitality for more information on majlis) with his father, learning about Arab customs
and traditions, and also observing how the social and economic issues of the country affected people’s
lives. His father and mother ensured he had the best education and that he understood the challenges and
responsibility that leadership brings. His brother, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan, became ruler of
Abu Dhabi in 1928 after the death of their father.
1
Source: http://whatson.ae/2017/04/here-are-9-great-quotes-from-sheik-
zayed-the-founder-of-the-uae/
SECTION 4 Page 3
In 1946, Sheikh Shakhbout chose his youngest brother, Sheikh Zayed, to become the ruler’s representative
in the Eastern Region in Al Ain.1 Although he was only 28 years old, he was trained in political life and
leadership and understood the importance of bringing the different tribes together. Over the 20 years that
he was a ruler’s representative, he used an open majlis to listen to people’s needs and to develop solutions
to their problems. Peace and security, plus the commitment to the Islamic faith, were important but Sheikh
Zayed also knew the hardship people faced when the pearling industry declined, and recognised the
opportunities that oil exploration could bring.
Sheikh Zayed was appointed ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and set out his vision for a modern and united
country. He believed the new oil wealth should be directed to investments in education, healthcare,
public housing and urban development. The British Government, prompted by economic and political
pressures, announced they were withdrawing from the region in 1968. This meant that all the treaties which
had underpinned the security of the Trucial States ended. This provided a huge opportunity for Sheikh
Zayed to unify the Emirates. His plan was to pull together the small Emirates into one large federation to
secure peaceful negotiations and achieve economic development on a larger scale. In 1968, he signed
an agreement with Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, forming the first strong
partnership. Sheikh Zayed then persuaded the rulers of the other Emirates of his plans for a shared
constitution, legal system and model of governance.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was founded in 1971 and the rulers formed a Federal Supreme Council
to lead the UAE, electing Sheikh Zayed as the first President. He proved to be a popular leader up until his
death in 2004. During this time, as a federal nation, the UAE became a politically and economically stable
country using its oil revenues to build a modern state with a strong cultural heritage.
Sheikh Zayed and HRH Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
1
Source: https://www.cpc.gov.ae/en-us/theuae/Pages/LateSheikhZayed.aspx
SECTION 4 Page 4
2. The Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
Key areas of Sheikh Zayed’s legacy include:
Peace and stability in Development of Conservation

the region industrial sectors
eg preservation of the
eg setting up the Gulf eg manufacturing and Houbara bird; monitoring
Cooperation Council construction, tourism falcons; breeding
[5 star hotels], retail endangered oryx
[shopping malls]
A modern education Infrastructure Charity work

system development
eg Muslim schools and
eg Founding Zayed eg Roads, telephones, research institutes; Abu Dhabi
University sea port, airports Falcon Hospital
Diversification of the Preservation of the National pride

economy environment
eg Flag, The Ghaf Tree
eg Date farming, agriculture eg irrigation system
revived; Nature reserve on
Sir Bani Yas
Optional Activity: Sheikh Zayed’s legacy

See if you can find examples for each of these areas, ie monitoring of the Houbara bird, the national
emblems, the roads, agriculture and irrigation.
A few of these are discussed below but use the Knowledge Bank to find out more about the initiatives
Sheikh Zayed put in place.
Expanding the federation

It was important to have good relationships with neighbouring countries in the Middle East to maintain the
peace and security of the UAE. After lengthy discussions, led by Sheikh Zayed, with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman,
Qatar and Saudi Arabia, a formal political entity was agreed. The Charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council
(the GCC) was signed on 24th May 1981 by the heads of state. The GCC is the main body responsible for
ensuring stability in the region.
Reforming education
Education for all was an important factor for Sheikh Zayed’s vision of a modern country. Using the oil
revenues, he led a major reform programme to transform the education system from a basic localised option
to a universal provision for children and young people; schools were built, teachers recruited and a modern
curriculum introduced. The need for primary, secondary and higher education was addressed, new colleges
opened and universities established. Young people in the UAE were now able to attend schools and learn
a range of subjects including those that could give them careers and professions in the high-tech industries
that were emerging in the region. Read more about education in Section 2: General knowledge to further
your understanding of education in the UAE.
SECTION 4 Page 5
Developing industrial sectors and infrastructure
Sheikh Zayed believed that there must be diversification of the industry base to make the UAE stronger and
to ensure a sustainable economic future. Oil is a limited natural resource and there was risk in allowing it to
dominate the economy. He formed the General Industrial Corporation (GIC) to develop industrial policies,
focusing on areas like manufacturing, automotive and construction.
Connecting the seven Emirates was a priority after 1971. This included transport links such as improved
roads and ports but also communication, i.e. telephone lines and national newspapers. In a region where
the Bedouin tribes had been nomadic and based in remote desert areas, this rapid urbanisation was a
huge change.
Protecting the environment

Over time the desert sand had taken over much of the agricultural land in the region. As people moved to
the cities and gave up small-scale farming, the desert started to cover over irrigations systems, fields and
vital wildlife habitats. To counter this, Sheikh Zayed introduced his ‘Greening of the Desert’ vision and began
a long-term programme of tree-planting, irrigation, crop research and wildlife conservation. Endangered and
rare species were protected and monitored. These included birds, such as the Houbara and falcon, and
mammals, including the Arabian oryx, gazelle and leopard. A huge nature reserve was established to breed
endangered animals and fishing was regulated to protect sea species.
Sheikh Zayed’s commitment to conservation was recognised in 1995 with a Golden Panda award from the
World Wide Fund for Nature and, in 2005, a year after he died, he was honoured with ‘Champion of the
Earth’ by the United Nations Environment Programme.
Peacekeeping and charity work

Sheikh Zayed had a strong belief that Arab solidarity would ensure peace and stability in the region;
cooperation without interference in internal politics. He understood that the shared heritage and the religious
basis of the region was its strength. By focusing on these two factors, the nations could work together in
harmony. Sheikh Zayed established and supported many Muslim charities, schools, research institutes and
global non-profitable organizations.

There are many articles relating to the vision and legacy of Sheikh Zayed. Below are two that give good
information about his status in the history and future of UAE:
https://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/on-the-legacy-of-sheikh-zayed-bin-sultan-1.516604
SECTION 4 Page 6
Mandatory Activity 1: Timeline of Sheikh Zayed’s achievements
On the table below, indicate which dates are linked to which achievement by Sheikh Zayed bin
Sultan Al Nahyan
Legacy achievement Draw an arrow to link Date
He put forward the concept of

1998
the United Arab Emirates
Founded Zayed University 1991
Final Election as President by the

1995
Federal Supreme Council
Acknowledged by the World Wide 1968, on the announcement of the

Fund for Nature as a leader in British withdrawal from their treaty
environmental issues obligations to the Trucial States
Awarded ‘Champion of the Earth’

2005
Award by UN EP
Abu Dhabi Fund for Arab Economic

2nd December 2004
Development founded
Buried in the courtyard of the

1971
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
DID YOU KNOW? In 2013, a street in Montenegro was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan
Al Nahyan to honour the memory of such a great man.
SECTION 4 Page 7
3. Current rulers
President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed
Al Nahyan
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain City in 1948 just a few years after
his father, Sheikh Zayed, had been appointed to be the ruler’s representative of the Eastern Region in Al Ain.
He was educated and trained in leadership and the importance of peace, economic stability and the Islamic
faith in the development of a modern state.
Sheikh Khalifa was appointed as Abu Dhabi ruler`s representative in Al Ain Region in 1966 when he was
only 18 years old. He focused on key projects his father had developed such as the restoration of the
underground irrigation system at Al Ain. This work was essential to support agriculture and ensure that the
desert did not take over farming land. Sheikh Khalifa’s role was key within his father’s administration, and he
was appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in 1969.
After the formation of the UAE in 1971, Sheikh Khalifa was appointed to a number of different strategic
positions including: Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Minister of Defence, Deputy Commander of
the UAE Armed Forces and Head of the Supreme Petroleum Council. He is also Head of the Abu Dhabi
Cabinet.
On the death of his father in 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became Ruler of Abu Dhabi and was
elected President of the UAE.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi - Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the younger brother of Sheikh Khalifa, born in 1961. He is a
prominent member of the Al Nahyan ruling family; Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, General of the UAE Armed
Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
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.1
2
Source: https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/abu-dhabi-emirate/rulers-of-
abudhabi/his-highness-sheikh-mohamed-bin-zayed-al-nahyan
SECTION 4 Page 8
Optional Activity: UAE Rulers
Carry out some research to find out who the rulers of the other Emirates are. In the table below, write in their
name and position next to their Emirate:
Ruler Position Emirate
Abu Dhabi
Dubai
Sharjah
Ajman
Um Al Quwain
Ras Al Khaimah
Fujairah
4. The Government of Abu Dhabi

The Government of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Ruler of Abu Dhabi and is assisted by a governing body called the
Executive Council. This is the main executive body and is chaired by his brother General Sheikh Mohamed
bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It supervises the government departments or ministries concerned with activities such
as health, economic development and pensions. It also monitors state-owned enterprises, government-
sponsored projects and government performance. There are three bodies:
Executive Council Role
The General Secretariat of the The General Secretariat of the Executive Council decides the
Executive Council public policies to be agreed by the Executive Council
The Executive Affairs Authority The Executive Affairs Authority provides strategic policy advice to
the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
The Executive Committee and The Executive Committee decides what is submitted to the
the sub committees Executive Council. The sub committees include:
• Economic Development sub committee
• Social Development sub committee
• Infrastructure and Environment sub committee
The National Consultative Council (NCC) is the legislative body and the Executive Council must submit
draft laws to them for consultation. The NCC is made up of 60 members selected from the main families
and tribes in Abu Dhabi. Once agreed, the laws are then submitted to the Ruler to receive approval and be
signed off.
There is a local judicial system and intervention from the executive bodies is restricted to maintain
independence from the legislature.
DID YOU KNOW? There are over 20 state-owned enterprises (SOEs) including Etihad Airways, the
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Abu Dhabi Media Company.
SECTION 4 Page 9
Mandatory Activity 2: Abu Dhabi Government
Using the information on the Abu Dhabi government websites, fill in the names of six more state-owned
enterprises and four government departments
Name 6 SOEs:
• The Ruler
State Owned
• Executive
Enterprises
Council
[SOEs]
Abu Dhabi
Council for
Economic
Development

You can find out more about Abu Dhabi rulers and government by visiting the following pages:
http://www.sheikhmohammed.co.ae
https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/abu-dhabi-emirate/government/government-structure-
and-system
The Government of the UAE

The UAE is a federation of seven Emirates governed by a UAE national constitution. There are three levels
of Government: federal, Emirate and municipal. At the local level, there are also traditional open majlis
(community gatherings) where people are free to voice their opinions. The complexity of municipal and local
administration depends on the size of the Emirate but the relationship with federal government is dictated by
the constitution. You will read further information about the legal system in Section 14: Local information and
Emirate laws for visitors.
SECTION 4 Page 10
As you discovered in Section 2: General knowledge of the UAE, the seven Emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah.
• The rulers of each of these Emirates sit on the Federal Supreme Council. It has the final say on
federal policy such as laws relating to education, foreign affairs and defence. The Council meets
quarterly and the rulers of Abu Dhabi and Dubai have power of veto over decisions. Every five years, it
elects the President and the Vice-President. Sheikh Khalifa has been President since 2004 and Sheikh
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of Dubai has been Vice-President and Prime Minister since 2006.
• The Council of Ministers or Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister and is the executive authority
of the federation.
• The Federal National Council (FNC) is the consultative body and has both a legislative and
supervisory role. It has 40 members in total, half of which are elected by specific electoral bodies and
the other half appointed by the FNC. The term of membership is four years.
The UAE Government is based in Abu Dhabi.
The Judiciary
The independence of the judiciary is guaranteed by the Constitution and separated from the executive and
legislative powers. It is a legal system, but with the core principles based on Sharia law.
• The Federal Courts includes the Supreme Court based in Abu Dhabi which deals with law set out in
the Constitution such as disputes between Emirates or with cases referred from the local courts.
• Local court systems are in place in some of the Emirates. Abu Dhabi has a local court structure
consisting of: Courts of First Instance, Courts of Appeal and the highest judicial institution, the Court
of Cessation.
• Sharia Courts focus primarily on civil cases between Muslims, however, they may sometimes hear
appeals in criminal matters.
5. The role of women in the UAE Government

Gender equality is taken very seriously in the UAE and is written into the Constitution. In 2015, the Gender
Balance Council was founded to increase the role of women in leadership positions and position gender
as an issue in national policy development. In July 2017, eight women were members of the Council of
Ministers or UAE Cabinet and nine women have seats on the Federal National Council. In November 2015,
Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi became president of the Federal National Council. This made her the first woman in the
region to lead a national assembly.
In the UAE, there are high numbers of women studying in university where they are encouraged to study a
full range of subjects, including engineering, science, law and the oil industry. There are public and private
sector initiatives designed to strengthen women’s role in business, government and the military.
DID YOU KNOW? Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the Minister for State for Tolerance, is one of eight
women in Cabinet and was recognised by Forbes magazine in 2016 as one of the 100 most powerful
women in the world.
https://www.forbes.com/profile/sheikha-lubna-al-qasimi/
SECTION 4 Page 11
The following facts are correct at July 2017:
• Over 30 women work in the special security force and there are four women fighter pilots.
• Women fill two-thirds of all public-sector posts and a third of these are in senior positions.
• In October 2008, the first woman was sworn in as a judge. Now, four women are judges, two are public
prosecutors and 17 are assistant public prosecutors and marriage officials.
• Women make up 20% of the diplomatic corps. These include Ambassadors to the United Nations,
Spain, Portugal and Montenegro, and the Consul General in Milan.
• The Emirati Women Day on 28th August is an annual national celebration to recognise the contribution
of the nation’s women in developing and advancing the country. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak,
Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development
Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, chose the date,
which also marks the anniversary of the General Women’s Union, which was founded August 28, 1975.

You can find more about UAE, Abu Dhabi government and women in government from the following links:
https://government.ae/en
http://www.uae-embassy.ae/Embassies/uk/Content/676
https://uaecabinet.ae/en/federal-supreme-council
https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/departments/fnc
http://www.uae-embassy.org/about-uae/women-uae
http://www.uae-embassy.org/sites/default/files/Women_in_the_UAE_Eng.pdf
SECTION 4 Page 12
Knowledge Bank: Abu Dhabi Rulers and Government
The life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
• Sheikh Zayed was the grandson of Zayed the First
• Sheikh Zayed was born in 1918, the youngest of four brothers
• His brother, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan became ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1928 after the
death of their father
• In 1946, Sheikh Shakhbout chose his youngest brother Sheikh Zayed to be the ruler’s
representative in Al Ain and the Eastern Region; he was only 28 years old at the time
• Sheikh Zayed was appointed ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966 and set out his vision for a modern and
united Emirate state
• Sheikh Zayed was elected as President of the UAE and proved to be a popular and effective leader.
He was re-elected every five years until his death
• Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004, aged 86
• Sheikh Zayed was admired for his commitment to conservation and his ability to keep peace
and order
The Legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan

Sheikh Zayed’s plan was to pull together the small Emirates into one large federation, addressing the conflict
and enabling development on a large scale. His plans included:
• Expanding the federation

• Reforming education
• Developing industrial sectors and infrastructure
• Protecting the environment
• Peacekeeping and charity work
Current Rulers
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi
• Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in Qasr Al Muwaiji in Al Ain City in 1948
• After his father passed away in 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became the Ruler of
Abu Dhabi and was elected the President of the UAE
• Sheikh Khalifa was appointed as a ruler’s representative of the Eastern Region in 1966 when he
was only 18 years old. He focused on key projects such as the restoration of the underground
irrigation system at Al Ain
• Sheikh Khalifa’s role was key within his father’s administration, and he was appointed Crown Prince
of Abu Dhabi in 1969
General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the younger brother of Sheikh Khalifa
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was born in 1961
• Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a prominent member of the Al Nahyan ruling family;
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, General of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi
Executive Council.
SECTION 4 Page 13
The Government structure of Abu Dhabi
• The Executive Council is the executive body that reports directly to the Ruler
• The Government Departments are directed by the Executive Council and the heads of these
departments sit on the Council
• The National Consultative Council is the legislative body that is consulted on all laws
• The Ruler signs off all new laws
The Government of UAE

• There are three levels of Government: federal, Emirate and municipal. At the local level, there are
also traditional open majlis (community gatherings)
• The seven Emirates are: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Um Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah
and Fujairah
• The rulers of each of these Emirates sit on the Federal Supreme Council. Every five years it elects
the President and the Vice-President
• The Council of Ministers or Cabinet is led by the Prime Minister and is the executive authority of
the federation
• The Federal National Council (FNC) is the consultative body and has both a legislative and
supervisory role
• Federal Courts include the Supreme Court based in Abu Dhabi
• Local court systems are in place in some of the Emirates; Abu Dhabi has a local court structure
• Sharia courts focus primarily on civil cases between Muslims
• The Constitution of the UAE guarantees equality for women under Article 14
• The Gender Balance Council was set up in 2015 to focus on increasing the role of women in
leadership positions
• A military school for women opened in 2014
• Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is one of eight women in Cabinet and was recognised by Forbes
magazine as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world
• On 28th August every year, the UAE celebrates the Emirati Women Day which recognises the
contribution of the nation’s women in developing and advancing the country. The date was chosen
by Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and it marks the anniversary of the General Women’s Union, which
was founded August 28, 1975
SECTION 4 Page 14
Section 5
Religious Orientations
within the UAE
5
Section 5: Religious Orientations within the UAE
• Religion. General knowledge about religious orientations of the population of the UAE and Abu Dhabi,
with special focus on tolerance and the ability to practise your religion
LO12 Demonstrate general knowledge and awareness about the religion of Abu Dhabi and explain the
Five Pillars of Islam
LO13 Detail the process for preparing for prayers
LO14 Explain the details of Islamic holy days and the holy month of Ramadan and Eid
‘’To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam.’’ 1
General knowledge and awareness of Islam

The official religion of the UAE is Islam and it is practised by most of its citizens. Part Seven of the UAE
Constitution declares Islam as the official state religion.
Central to Islam is that there is only One God and that Muhammad is His Messenger (Peace be Upon Him).
Islam is an Arabic word meaning submission or commitment to Allah or God. The true believer is subject at
all times to the will of Allah and is a member of the community of the faithful or the ‘ummah’.
Muhammad (PBUH) was Allah’s chosen Messenger or Prophet, for the delivery of Allah’s Message which
was revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) in Arabic over a period of 22 years. Muhammad (PBUH) recited
the revelations and they were then memorised by his followers. After Muhammad’s death (PBUH), the
revelations were written in a holy book called the Quran. Muslims believe the Quran is Allah’s direct words,
from start to finish. The oldest copy of the Quran still in existence comes from the ninth century. It contains
114 chapters which are written in eloquent Arabic dialect.
The characteristics of the Islamic faith are: discipline, moderation, community and tolerance. These are part
of everyday life in the UAE:
Discipline - Rules outlined in the Quran are considered as the laws of God and are supported by the
Sunna, the sayings and reported actions of Muhammad (PBUH) during his lifetime. This sets out detailed
guidelines about how Muslims must lead their lives, such as moderate behaviour, regular prayers, strict diet,
cleanliness, and politeness. It also includes rules for the family and society. The entire structure of Quranic
law is accepted as God’s will and is known as Shariah.
Moderation - A practising Muslim believes in wasat. This is about finding the way between two extremes, in
favouring or preferring the middle ground and consensus. This encourages modesty and good relationships.
Community - The community should be self-reliant, standing as one, openly committed to the faith. This
is demonstrated by the saying of prayers at fixed times and in set ways while facing Mecca (Al Qibla). The
annual Hajj (see Five Pillars of Islam) draws millions of Muslims together to serve and follow God and His
Prophet (PBUH) on an equal basis.
Tolerance - Throughout the history of Islam, racial prejudice has been absent and religious tolerance has
been shown towards Christians and Jews. In the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, set the
principles of tolerance and promoted the values of peaceful co-existence. Freedom of religion is guaranteed
in the constitution.
1
Source: http://whatson.ae/2017/04/here-are-9-great-quotes-from-sheik-
zayed-the-founder-of-the-uae/
SECTION 5 Page 3
The Five Pillars of Islam
Muhammad (PBUH) said that Islam is “constructed on the Five” which has come to be known as the Five
Pillars of Islam. These are described in the Quran and offer a framework for worshipping God and as a sign
of commitment to the faith.
Shahadah - The daily confession of faith – The First Pillar
The believer’s open testimony of faith presented in a few words that everyone can understand, regardless
of their background:
”I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” In Arabic:
“Ash-hadu An La Ellaha Ella Allah wa Ash-hadu an Muhamad Rasulu Allah”
This proclamation is central to Islam. Not only do the words form part of everyday prayers and the call to
prayer, but they are also quoted at life’s key events such as birth and death.
Salat - Ritual daily prayer - The Second Pillar
Salat are the ritual prayers that happen on a daily basis and demonstrates the believer’s commitment to
the faith. It is believed that an individual’s record of prayer is judged by God on the Day of Judgement and
requires a strictly disciplined routine.
Prayers are performed five times a day facing the direction (Al Qibla) of the Ka’bah, the building in the centre
of the Grand Mosque in Mecca. The specific timings are based on the sun movements and so timings vary
from winter to summer and day to day. A prayer schedule is displayed at the entry of most mosques. The
basis for calculating the due times for prayers is as follows;
• Salat al-fajr - Dawn Prayer

• Salat al-dhuhr - Noon Prayer
• Salat al-‘asr - Afternoon Prayer
• Salat al-maghrib - Sunset Prayer
• Salat al-‘isha - Evening/Night Prayer
A believer should do their best to adhere to the prayer schedule, although there are certain situations when
exceptions are made and the believer is allowed to delay the time at which they pray. Ablutions, or ritual
washing, must be performed before prayers, either before leaving home or at the mosque. It follows a set
pattern of eight steps including the hands, mouth, nose, face, arms, ears and feet. The final step is washing
the feet. All mosques have small rudimentary washing facilities for this purpose. Cleanliness is an essential
pre-requisite to prayer, even in the desert where clean sand can be substituted.
Ritual washing techniques
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The prayer sequence consists of 13 separate moves accompanied by a disciplined repetition of set words.
At the core of the prayer sequence is the physical act of Islam, with seven points of the body resting on the
floor: forehead, palms, knees and toes. This procedure was developed by Muhammad (PBUH) during his
own ministry and he led the prayers of the faithful himself.
The prayers start with the Mu’athen calling Athan, for the faithful to congregate at the mosque. The call is
always at the due time so that all the mosques in one area generally call Athan simultaneously.
Zakat - Supporting the needy - The Third Pillar
The Third Pillar is charitable giving or alms giving. This demonstrates that a believer is giving back to Allah
a portion of the wealth He has given to them. This is considered a personal responsibility for Muslims in
order to ease hardship for others and eliminate inequality. It is often donated to community work and usually
amounts to between 2.5 per cent and 10 per cent of the donor’s after-tax income.
Sawm - The fast - The Fourth Pillar
Ramadan refers to the annual month of fasting that takes place and it is the holiest month in the Islamic
calendar. It does not have a set date as it starts with the new moon at the end of the previous calendar
month of Sha’ban.
According to Muslim belief, ‘the gates of hell are closed and the gates of heaven are open’ during Ramadan.
This is when Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation and the specific occasion is celebrated as Lailat
al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny). It signifies the most solemn of occasions for Islam.
The aim of fasting is to reduce the believer’s dependence on material things such as food and drink. It allows
Muslims to feel closer to God, to worship Him in their lives and to state their dependence on Him, atoning
for past sins, and to think about the poor and needy.
During the 29 or 30 days of the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and then in the
evening break their fast with iftar. This traditional evening meal is usually eaten communally with friends
and family. It is an occasion for great celebration. This is followed before dawn with sohour the meal that
precedes the start of the fast. During daylight, nothing may pass the lips: no food, no water, no cigarette
smoke, nothing whatsoever. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited. There are some exemptions from fasting,
during sickness or pregnancy for example. Fasting is necessary for every Muslim once they reach puberty.
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Hajj - The pilgrimage to Mecca - The Fifth Pillar
During the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in
Saudi Arabia. This is called the Hajj in Arabic. Every able-bodied Muslim, male or female, is obliged to make
the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. In the Hajj, all the elements of Islam come together during eight
days or longer of intense observance and prayer.
The Hajj consists of six key stages which must be undertaken by the pilgrims:
Al-Ehram - Before arrival at the holy centre of Mecca, the pilgrim must wash away the impurities of the
world. Worldly clothes and jewellery are replaced by white cloth and sandals. These demonstrate equality
and unity by removing outward signs of class or wealth.
Tawaf - Upon entering Mecca, the pilgrim walks seven times around the Ka’bah. The circulation is made in
a counter-clockwise movement.
Sa’y - There follows a rapid walk as a reminder of the desperate search for water by Ismael’s mother Hajar
on the mountains of Hijaz. The spring of Zamzam which is believed to have sprung from under the Ismael’s
heels to answer her call, lies beneath the mosque and water from the source is taken home by pilgrims as a
blessing for their families.
The Standing - The pilgrims then gather on the plain of Arafat to say the deepest prayers of the pilgrimage
and the final act of the ritual begins. This event, lasting from noon until dusk, takes place on the ground
where it is believed all mankind will stand before God on the Day of Judgement.
Mina - The pilgrims proceed to Mina to throw pebbles against the stone pillars representing Shaytan, an
evil spiritual being who can tempt believers into wrongdoing. This is in memory of Ibrahim’s escape from the
devil and a representation of the believer’s lifelong battle against their sins.
Sacrifice - Finally, there is the symbol of sacrifice, repeating the sacrifice of the ram by Ibrahim. The symbol
is usually a donation of food for the poor.
The pilgrim or Hajj, is honoured in the Islamic community, recognising the expression of devotion to God.
DID YOU KNOW? Ibrahim is acknowledged by the Quran as the father of prophets, just as he is
regarded as the source of Judaism and therefore of Christianity. There are many stories about his life
and the events are told in many areas of worship.
The Great Mosque of Mecca
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Optional Activity: The story of Ibrahim
Find out more about the story of Ibrahim and write a summary in your own words of what his story tells us.
You can find more information in the following resources:
https://www.al-islam.org/stories-prophets-tawhid-institute/sacrifice-prophet-ibrahim
UAE National Tolerance Programme

In June 2016, the UAE Government introduced the National Tolerance Programme to support the values of
tolerance and co-existence and to reject attitudes of discrimination. This programme is based on the seven
key pillars of UAE life:
• Islam
• The UAE Constitution
• HH Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and ethics of the UAE
• International conventions
• Archaeology and history
• Humanity
• Common values
Federal and local entities will collaborate under five main themes:
• Government’s role as an incubator of tolerance

• The role of family in nation building
• Promoting tolerance among youth
• Enriching the scientific and cultural content
• Integrating international efforts to promote tolerance
A Council of Tolerance develops policies to promote tolerance locally, regionally and internationally. The
programme includes a number of initiatives such as Tolerance Week, The UAE Tolerance Centre and The
Tolerance Responsibility Programme.
In February 2016, HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi was appointed Minister of State
for Tolerance.
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Optional Activity: Mosques
The Prophet (PBUH) ordered that a mosque should be built in every location where Muslims live and, upon
his arrival in Al Medina, Muhammad (PBUH) constructed the first mosque in Islam with his own hands.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the key site for worship in UAE and over 50,000 people
visit it during major Islamic celebrations like Eid and Ramadan. Two years in a row it has been voted the
world’s second favourite landmark attraction on TripAdvisor. See if you can find out four more key facts
about the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque.
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Islamic calendar
The Islamic calendar is used in many Muslim countries at the same time as using the Gregorian calendar. It
is used to set the proper days on which to observe Islamic holidays, festivals and events such as the holy
month of Ramadan and the Hajj holidays. The first year was the Islamic year beginning in AD622 when the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) travelled from Mecca to Medina. This is called the Hijra. Each numbered year is
designated either H for Hijra or AH for the Latin anno hegirae (in the year of the Hijra). The Islamic calendar
or hijra calendar is a lunar calendar consisting of twelve months in a year of 354 or 355 days.
The twelve Hijra months are named as follows in Arabic:
1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi’I or Rabi’ al-awwal
4. Rabi’II or Rabi’ al-Thani or Rabi’ al-Akhir
5. Jumada I or Jumada al-Oola
6. Jumada II or Jumada al-Thani or Jumada al-Akhir
7. Rajab
8. Sha’aban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhu al-Qidah
12. Dhu al-Hijjah
Islamic holy days

The Islamic holy day is Friday. The saying of prayers is a vital part of every holy celebration and on Friday the
Jum’ah Prayer takes place, usually in the mosque just after noon. Khutbah (the sermon) is delivered by the
Khateeb who in most cases also serves as the Imam. Attendance is required by all adult males who are legal
residents of the locality. Any Muslim can join the prayer. The main responsibility of the Imam of a mosque is
to deliver the khutba during Friday prayers. However, any chosen male member of the community can
lead prayers.
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, takes place on the tenth day of the Muslim month of Dhu’l-hajja. It
focuses on Ibrahim’s sacrifice of the ram in place of his son, Ismail. This reminds Muslims of the essential
message of the Hajj; the renewal of faith and the importance of life. The second most popular feast is Eid al-
Fitr, the Feast of Fast-Breaking. This event falls at the end of the fast of Ramadan. Traditionally, new clothes
are worn on this day.
DID YOU KNOW? Shariah is the name given to a system of laws based on the Quran and the
Sunna. From the belief that the Quran is the direct Word of God, it means that the laws to be found in
the text are those laid down by God for man. God cannot be excluded from any part of the life of the
individual or the laws of society.
Public holidays
The Abu Dhabi government issues a calendar of holidays with their approximate dates annually, and then
makes an announcement closer to the event to confirm the actual date. These are published in national
newspapers.
The holy night during the holy month of fasting for Muslims is: Laylat al-Qadr when the Prophet (PBUH) had
the first verses of the Quran revealed to Him; and Eid al-Fitr is the holiday at the end of Ramadan.
SECTION 5 Page 9
Hajj holidays are: the Day of Arafat when pilgrims at the Hajj gather on the plain of Arafat to request God’s
mercy and Eid al-Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice.
There are dates commemorating other important Islamic events such as:
• Islamic New Year: 1 Muharram

• Al Mawlid an-Nabawi (Prophet’s birthday): 12 Rabia’ Awal
• Isra’& Me’raj (Ascension of the Prophet): 27 Rajab
There are also national holidays such as:
• New Year’s Day: 1st January

• Commemoration Day: November - in honour of members of the UAE Armed Forces
• UAE National Day: 2nd December - celebrating the anniversary of the founding of UAE
The influence of religion on society

Religion is a very important aspect of UAE and Abu Dhabi society. Islam is the basis of the Emirati culture
and it shows in their political system, the way people dress and the lifestyle. There are many mosques
across the Emirates, at each street corner, in every compound, from the smallest to the largest. Visitors to
the country will see some key aspects of this influence such as:
• As the holy day of Islam is on Friday then the weekends are different from western countries. Friday and
Saturday are the weekend and Sunday is a normal working day
• Meat is halal, meaning that animals are slaughtered according to the traditional non-stunning rites
• The Mua’athen calls the faithful to prayer, five times a day (seven times during Ramadan) and can be
heard in most places, relayed by loudspeakers on either side of the minaret
• Practices that are banned by Islam are condemned by law in the UAE
• The rhythm of life and lifestyle change completely during Ramadan with cafes and restaurants closed
during the hours of daylight and the working day reduced
• The consumption of alcohol is strictly controlled. Muslims are forbidden to drink alcohol but it is available
for non-Muslims in hotel bars and some restaurants
Tourists should be advised to respect the principles of Islam and local customs and traditions when in the
UAE so as not to upset their hosts whilst they are guests in the country. Some behaviour can get tourists
into trouble with the law – this is covered in more detail in Section 14.
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Mandatory Activity: The Five Pillars
Islam consists of two fundamentals: iman, the outward expression of belief and ihsan, doing right. Both are
important to fulfil the will of God. The Five Pillars of Islam are the basis for external and internal behaviour.
The ceremonial duties of Islam also serve as outward emblems of personal and community identity and
give a worldwide solidarity through shared practice. These observances set Muslims apart visibly from other
religions but, at the same time, the acts emphasise the quality of all believers before God, regardless of race,
status, birth or wealth.
Use references to guide you, such as:
http://www.islam-guide.com/ch3-16.htm
https://sites.google.com/site/exploringtheuae/presentation/culture/religions
Consider the table below and fill in the missing pieces of information.
The Pillar What that means? How is it demonstrated?
The Shahadah Declaration of faith The tawhid – the main words that affirm that Allah is the One,
absolute, Creator and Lord and Master of all there is
Salat Ritual daily Prayer
Ceremonial giving A poor-tax by which a believer gives back to Allah a portion of

their wealth
Sawm
All the elements of Islam come together during eight days or

longer of intense observance and prayer
SECTION 5 Page 11
Mandatory Activity: The Hajj
Just as prayer is the outward demonstration of a believer’s faith, the pilgrimage is the main demonstration of
the path of God, or jihad. The Hajj consists of six stages and they all have deeply spiritual meanings. Using
your research notes, draw an arrow to link the sentences to the right stage:
Rapid walk following a set route to celebrate the desperate

search by Hajar for water for her son Ismael up and down the
bare mountains of the Hijaz.
Washing away the impurities of the world. Clothes and

1. Ritual Ablution jewellery are removed and replaced with two pieces of
seamless white cloth with plain leather sandals.
2. Tawaf, seven circles

around the Ka’bah
Coinciding with Eid al-Adha - the Feast of the Sacrifice -
repeating the sacrifice of the ram by Ibrahim and representing
the day of Resurrection.
3. The Sa’y
4. The Standing The pilgrim throws pebbles against the stone pillars
representing Shaytan. This shows Ibrahim’s escape from the
devil and the pilgrim’s lifelong struggle against sin.
5. Mina
On the ninth day of the month, the pilgrims gather together on

6. Sacrifice/Donation the plain of Arafat where the deepest prayers of the pilgrimage
are said. This is the believer’s preparation for the day of
standing before God.
Symbolises the fall of man and sins of the individual. This

follows the direct orders of God and his prophets, Ibrahim and
Muhammad (PBUH), expressing submission to His will. The
heart is emptied of evil just as the Prophet (PBUH) emptied
the Ka’bah of idols.
SECTION 5 Page 12
Mandatory Activity: Feasts
The Feasts of Islam
See if you can identify which feast is being described by the notes on the right. Add some notes of your own
which you think would interest the tourists in your group.
Name of the Feast Description of the Feast
The Feast of the Sacrifice – the principal feast of Islam takes place on the tenth
day of the Muslim lunar month of Dhu’l-Hajji – this is when Ibrahim’s sacrifice of
the ram in place of his son is re-enacted.
The Feast of Fast-Breaking – traditionally new clothes are worn on this day,
decorative lights are hung and much celebration.
The Night of Destiny – the anniversary of the first revelation of the Quran to the
Prophet (PBUH) though the angel Gabriel – a night of intense prayer.
Al-Hijira The New Year.
This is not a public holiday in the UAE it is marked by many Muslims with
Ashura
a voluntary day of fasting to observe the day that Prophet Moses freed the
Israelites from the bondage of the Egyptian Pharaoh.
Using the resources, now see if you can list the approximate date for the festivals above for the next 12
months. For example, Al-Hijira, the New Year fell on 2nd October 2016 and 22nd September 2017.
SECTION 5 Page 13
Optional Activity: The Quran
The text of the Quran is divided into 114 surahs or chapters; these are then subdivided into ayas or verses.
These can range from long and complicated to short and straightforward. All surahs (except sorat Al
Attawbah) start with a prayer known as basmalah:
In the name of God, the All-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
This reinforces the proclamation of an individual’s belief, the First Pillar of Islam.
See if you can describe the importance of the Quran in the Muslim faith.
The Quran is important to the Muslim faith because it...
SECTION 5 Page 14
Knowledge Bank: Religious Orientations within
the UAE
1. General knowledge and awareness of Islam
• There are four key characteristics of the Islamic faith: discipline, moderation, community and tolerance.
These are built into every aspect of life in the UAE.
• The Quran lays down the law of God and the Sunna provides the Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings. These
are obligatory instructions and guidelines that must be obeyed as testament to the faith.
• The UAE National Tolerance Programme launched in 2016 by the UAE Government illustrates the
importance of the four characteristics and their place in public as well as private life.
By looking at the following websites, you will understand the importance of discipline, moderation,
community and tolerance and its place in the cultural and political system in the UAE:
https://sites.google.com/site/exploringtheuae/presentation/culture/religions
https://government.ae/en/about-the-uae/strategies-initiatives-and-awards/federal-governments-strategies-
and-plans/national-tolerance-programme
2. The Five Pillars of Islam

• These are: the declaration of faith, obligatory daily prayer, compulsory giving of charity or alms, fasting
during Ramadan and the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca
• The discipline and rituals that sit behind each of these provide the foundations of the faith. They are
fundamental to community, public and private life, social and cultural heritage. You must have a good
awareness of the implications of these Five Pillars on every aspect of life in the UAE
Pilgrimage to
Declaration of Mecca
5
Faith
Pillars
of Islam
Fasting for the
Month of Ramadan
Obligatory
Prayer
Compulsory
Giving
There is lots of information available regarding the historical background to each of the Five Pillars.
Gathering information and facts on each one separately is useful so that you can answer tourists’ general
questions effectively. Here are some websites which offer an outline:
http://www.religionfacts.com/hajj
SECTION 5 Page 15
3. The process for preparing for prayers
• As part of the compulsory daily prayers outlined by the Five Pillars of Islam, a ritual form or set process
must be followed
• This starts with the ablutions or washing which follows a set pattern of eight steps
You can see an illustration of the ablutions or wudu process on the website below:
https://www.al-islam.org/ritual-and-spiritual-purity-sayyid-muhammad-rizvi/ii-wudu
The prayer sequence consists of thirteen separate moves and set words. You can see an illustration of the
prayer sequence on the website below:
http://gulfnews.com/multimedia/infographics/general/wudu-the-key-to-prayer-1.2033350
4. Islamic holy days and holidays

Islam has fewer holy days and holidays than some religions but the key holidays, such as the holy month of
Ramadan and the days of the Hajj, are very important and are reflected in all aspects of life. The dates are
based on the Islamic calendar and the holy days are officially announced. The feasts celebrate key events
in the Prophet’s (PBUH) life. Finding out about these events and the symbolism that is applied to each
celebration will help you to recount the information to the visitors. The Islamic events considered as holidays
in the UAE are:
• Islamic New Year: 1 Muharram

• Mawlid an-Nabi (Prophet’s Birthday): 12 Rabia’ Awal
• Isra’ & Mi’raj (Ascension of the Prophet): 27 Rajab
SECTION 5 Page 16
Section 6
Emirati Culture
and Traditions
6
Section 6: Emirati Culture and Traditions
• Traditional Emirati dress

• Family life and traditional housing
• Shopping and traditional sports
LO9 - Recognise and name key items of national dress and understand their origins
The UAE is a wealthy and modern country, rich in heritage and with a unique culture. This diverse history
and the strong foundation of the Islamic faith are an integral part of the artistic, social and cultural life of the
Emiratis. In this section, we will look at some key aspects of Emirati culture and traditions.
Traditional Emirati dress

A very clear outward demonstration of traditional values and the importance of cultural heritage in UAE is
what people wear. The origins of the Emirati dress are under-pinned by a strict code established over the
centuries. It immediately identifies an individual as being a part of that culture and accepting of its values.
The design of the clothes reflects two main things: the climate and the requirements of Islam. As well as
modesty and adaptability to the weather, the dress code also reflects other important aspects such as the
status of the person, the time of day and the religious setting, the gender and family position of
the individual.
National dress for men
Below are some items of national dress commonly worn in the UAE by Emirati men:
• Kandura or dishdash is a long white garment. This may be changed a number of times a day to go
to different events (work, prayers, dinner etc.). A typical kandura would cost between 150 and 250
Dirhams to get tailored. Actually, in summer the kandura is usually in white or any other light colors
like sky blue and beige, but in winter the material is changed to a thicker fabric and in dark colors like
gray, dark blue, and brown. In the past, men had to work outside the house as traders, pearl divers,
fishermen, and farmers. That is why the kandura fit their needs as they were exposed to the sun all day.
• Tarbusha - this is an extra to the kandura, rather than a necessity and is like an ornamental tassel or
decorative tie. It is made of hundreds of cotton threads tied together
• Ghutra is the head dress worn by men. The most popular colours are plain white, or white with red
checks. The checked material is traditional to the Bedouin as the material is very strong. It was useful
for protecting the face and head against the desert elements, such as sand storms. There are two ways
of wearing the ghutra; either ‘open’ with the black cord known as the eqal on top (this is a more formal
way of wearing the ghutra and often worn in the workplace) or, less formally, the ghutra can be tied
around the head without the eqal which is called Hamdaniya
• Eqal is the black cord that can be used to fix the ghutra headscarf in place. This was also used by the
Bedouin to tie their camel’s feet down during the night while they were travelling
• Ghah’fiyah is usually worn under the ghutra and is not visible. It is usually white in colour with designs
woven in to the fabric
• Bisht – for special occasions, important dignitaries or Sheikhs may wear a bisht, which is a robe worn
over the kandura. It is made of camel hair and has embroidered edges made with gold threads. The
colours of the bisht can vary, being either black, brown, beige, cream or grey in colour
• Faneela is a vest-like undergarment worn under the kandura
• Woozar is a piece of white cloth which is tied around the waist under the kandura
• Na-aal is traditional footwear - sandals
SECTION 6 Page 3
National dress for women
Below are some items of national dress commonly worn in the UAE by Emirati women:
• Abaya is the long, elegant, flowing black gown worn by Emirati women. It may also be placed on the
head. The abaya is traditionally completely black because this color is not transparent and it covers in
a modest way. Now many modern styles have colourful embroidery around the collar or on the sleeves.
Abayas are either tailor-made or ready-made with a vast number of designs available and a thriving
industry of Emirati women abaya designers! Women may wear local or western styles of clothing under
their abayas
• Shaila or Shayla is the piece of material, like a scarf, used to cover the head and sometimes the face.
Although the material is usually black, it is possible to see through it because it is thin
• Neqab is a veil worn by women over the face. The neqab leaves the area around the eyes clear
although it can also be worn with an eye veil
• Burqa is a metallic coloured cloth mask that partially covers a woman’s face and upper lip in a
horizontal H shape 1 which is specific to the UAE
• Jelabia Mukhawara is the traditional flowing gown worn by women. Some wear it on a daily
basis and others wear it for special occasions. It comes in a great array of colours and is sometimes
decorated with telli (embroidery)
Did you know? Hijab is not an item of clothing. It is the concept of modesty and includes
behaviour as well as a dress code for both men and women
Did you know? A growing number of women are setting up their own fashion businesses and
designing modern outfits in the traditional style. An increasing number of women are studying fashion
design, according to Zayed University. High-end brands such as Dolce and Gabbana, Givenchy and
Christian Dior have introduced abayas into their collections for the discerning UAE customer!
1
Source: www.thenational.ae/uae/heritage/history-project-the-burqa-1.303584
SECTION 6 Page 4
Mandatory Activity 1: How to tie the traditional head coverings
Watch the following video on how to tie the traditional head-covering for women; the shayla. Make notes
as or after you watch. Then try tying a shayla on a family member or friend or even yourself. How easy or
difficult was it for you?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcwPkObLEeg
How to tie a shayla
Traditional head-dress for women SECTION 6 Page 5

Family life and marriages in the UAE
Islam teaches that family is at the heart of the Muslim community, and parents and children have important
roles and responsibilities within that family. For the nomadic people, tribal structure was arranged around
extended family connections and all possessions were organised according to this. Who married whom was
a strategic decision taken by the older members of the family and not left to chance.
Traditionally, marriages were arranged to strengthen tribal ties and create strong relationships within and
between families. Marriages would be arranged between tribes in order to create beneficial new associations
or to heal rifts. They were a political tool for gaining power or maintaining wealth and status in a community.
It was not necessary for the couple to have met in advance.
Marriage is still key to family structure in the region and is the legal contract for a relationship between man
and woman. Sex outside marriage is illegal and family is still a guiding influence on the choice of spouse.
Marriage may still be arranged by families but it is less likely to be between people who have never met
before. The average age for people to marry is 25, older than a few decades ago, as many young people
wish to focus on their careers and academic pursuits before committing to marriage.
The marriage process, relationships and divorce are based on the writings in the Quran and the texts of the
Prophet. There must be free consent on both sides to the marriage and the prospective bride and groom
must meet the correct criteria. As a note of respect and honour to the woman and as a sign of commitment,
the groom agrees an obligatory dowry or mahr which should be given to the bride. There is guidance laid
down on the minimum and the maximum amount which should be offered.
The announcement of marriage and the celebrations attached to it are strictly defined but usually include a
marriage feast for all the friends and family of the bride and groom. These events will be segregated and be
in honour of the couple’s long and happy marriage.
A Muslim man can marry more than one woman under Sharia law, if he can demonstrate that he can look
after his wives financially and treat them equally. This is also part of a strict code of social and religious
conduct. A clause can be added to the marriage contract to stop a man from marrying another wife.
A husband is the only one who can instigate divorce proceedings but he must do so with dignity and
respect. There is guidance on how he may do this, known as talaq. A wife has to have a good legal reason
to seek a divorce and for there to be a court hearing. The rights of the wife are called khula. The husband is
obliged to support financially a divorced wife and any children from the marriage. The husband can claim
custody of his sons when they reach the age of ten.
SECTION 6 Page 6
Emirati houses
Lifestyle, climate and the available building materials are major influences in the architectural style of
traditional houses.
Traditional houses - The traditional design of houses includes an inner courtyard with living quarters
opening onto it. The courtyard hides daily activities from outside eyes and is kept cool by the circulation of
air. The central courtyard is also for the social and communal use of the family, including cooking. The need
for privacy, ventilation and communal spaces is also reflected in modern architecture and demonstrates the
challenges of the desert climate and the importance of Islam on everyday life.
The majlis or public sitting rooms are set away from the courtyard so that privacy is maintained. A wall is
often placed immediately behind the entrance gate of a house to prevent passers-by from seeing inside.
Decorative details are used throughout the home and include ornately-carved wooden outer doors, delicate
wooden lattice-work on windows, and patterns on the walls modelled on traditional Islamic designs.
Beit Al Shaar - the traditional tent - the long, low, black tents of the Bedouin are known as beit al shaar,
or “house of hair”. These are made of woven goat/sheep hair with a line of tall central poles and shorter
poles supporting the outsides. The tent is designed for nomadic desert life –it can be packed up and ready
to move within an hour. Tents can be up to thirty metres long and privacy is important. The communal living
area is divided into two sections by a woven curtain known as a ma’nad. The women’s area, the maharama,
is private but the mag’ad or ’sitting area’, for the men and reception of guests, is open.
To help ventilation and provide more privacy, there are pieces of material rolled up along the sides of the tent
which can be dropped into place when required. This also provides additional shelter from sand storms or
unwanted wildlife. Another tent is designated for use for cooking and storage.
Areesh (Barasti) houses - The Bedouins consider barasti or areesh houses as their second home after
the tent. Areesh houses are used during the summer season as these shelters are airy and allow good
ventilation. They are made of palm fronds and have two parts – the main area for sitting and sleeping and a
smaller area for cooking, storage and animals. Palm fronds have traditionally been used as a construction
material in the fishing, pearling and trading settlements on the coast.
Barasti or areesh houses are built on frames of wood ie mangrove pole or split-palm trunks. Palm fronds
are used for interior screens and roof thatch.
Barjeel houses - The Wind Tower - This clever piece of engineering was introduced in the area at the
beginning of the 20th century. The barjeel functions rather like a non-electrical air-conditioner and is used
during the summer months to provide relief from the heat. The tower is about five metres high, open on all
four sides, and is designed to catch and direct the breeze into the room below through vertical shafts. Water
is sometimes sprinkled at the bottom of the tower to cool the air further.
Permanent stone houses - Permanent stone houses were made from sun-dried mud bricks with roofs
made of palm tree leaves. Winter houses were built near coastal areas, while summer houses were found
mainly around palm tree farms. They were also located on the northern Emirates, where rocks are found by
the mountains and collected as building materials. Walls are thick to preserve the temperature in winter or
summer.
SECTION 6 Page 7
Souks and traditional shopping
Souk is Arabic for a marketplace or bazaar, and they have always been the centre of trade and for
exchanging news, attracting visitors, tourists and locals. Souks have a long history in the life of the region,
from the dhows sailing in from the Far East and India, to the spice sellers from Persia and the Portuguese
looking for the perfect pearl. The souk is laid out according to the different trades and items or services
they offer. Usually, the most important merchants such as those selling spice, incense and gold were
closest to the Mosque. The souks in modern day Abu Dhabi include the traditional bazaar and the modern
shopping mall featuring the latest brands. They still provide a huge array of goods and services but the style
of bargaining is changing. Read more about souks and traditional shopping in Section 10 in the shopping
section.
Carpet Souk - The souk offers carpets from around the world and they come in a wide range of sizes,
materials, designs and colours. The material affects the price so, for example, silk is more expensive than
wool. The technique and origin also affects the price so hand-made carpets from Iran are more expensive
than machine-made from Turkey.
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre - The Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre
has over 400 shops selling gold and other jewellery. There is a wide range of styles available, from simple,
classic designs to opulent, ornate Arabian wedding jewellery.
Fish Souk - The fish souk is in Mina Zayed Port. Early every morning, the fishermen load their catch on to
the quayside and prepare for buyers. These may be wholesale or private but the main aim is to buy and sell
the fish when it is at its freshest. The delight of buying fish from the souk is that visitors can buy the fish and
someone from the market will grill or fry it for take-away!
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk - This market is situated close to the Fish Souk and sells a range of fruit
and vegetables both imported and locally grown.
Date Souk - Located in Al Mina, local farmers come here to sell a vast variety of their fresh dates
The Souk at Central Market - The Souk at Central Market has more than 250 shops offering a wide
selection of products. It is styled on a traditional Arabian souk with the emphasis on displaying and selling
traditional and regional products ranging from jewellery, carpets, antiques to traditional tailoring. However, it
also features modern clothes, imported goods and diverse restaurants.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri - The waterside souk at Qaryat Al Beri is based on the concept of an old
Arabian souk but also features local and international retail brands, coffee shops and restaurants. Water
taxis or abra travel around the souk via a network of canals.
SECTION 6 Page 8
Traditional sports
Traditional sports such as falconry, hunting with Salukis (a breed of dog) and camel racing are important
parts of the cultural heritage of the region, dating back centuries and are still very popular with Emiratis
and tourists. These traditions are kept alive by various organisations which promote and develop the
sports today.
Falconry and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
The falcon is a national emblem for UAE and the ancient sport of falconry is still celebrated as an important
part of Emirati culture. It is believed to have first emerged in Central Asia, before coming to the Arabian
Peninsula from Persia in 3500 BC. It was associated with status and wealth and was a popular pastime for
royalty. It also provided the perfect setting for an event or gathering in the desert. However, the Bedouins
also saw that the falcon was a perfect hunting weapon for their desert lifestyle and adopted the practice to
supplement their diet.
The saker falcon and the peregrine falcon were the most popular hunting birds, trapped along the coast
during their autumn migration, trained for hunting, and then released after a season. They hunted for
houbara, a large bird of the bustard family that lives in arid habitats across northern Africa and Southeast
Asia. Houbara are brown with black wing markings, greyish neck and a black ruff along the side of the neck.
With urbanisation and economic development after the discovery of oil, the falcon’s place in the Bedouin
lifestyle was no longer necessary for food and falcon populations struggled to survive. However, as a result
of government support and interventions, the status of the falcon is taken very seriously in modern day UAE
and the sport of falconry is recognised as a vital part of the culture.
It is now illegal to use falcons to hunt for food and falcons are closely monitored. UAE is one of the only
countries in the world to issue falcon passports; they were introduced in 2002 to combat illegal trade in
falcons and enables falcons to travel with their owners.
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 birds’ survival rates when
freed after the hunting season has ended. Captive birds are strictly monitored with passports (owner
page, falcon page stating sex, species, origin, ring number, micro-chip number) visas to travel and health
certificates. Wild birds are not allowed to be touched.
To take care of the needs of falcons, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital (ADFH) was opened on 3rd October
1999. The ADFH is the first public falcon hospital in the United Arab Emirates and the largest falcon hospital
in the world. More than 11,000 falcons are received for examination and treatment annually, with falcons
being brought to it from not only the UAE, but also from other countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait
and Bahrain. As well as being a veterinary facility, the ADFH has expanded in the fields of education and
awareness, training and research. The ADFH started its own falcon breeding centre in 2011. It is now a fully-
fledged specialised avian hospital for all kinds of birds and poultry.
Did you know? So highly prized is the falcon that Etihad Airways allows falcons to
travel in Business Class! 2
2
Source: www.seatguru.com/airlines/Etihad_Airways/pets.php
SECTION 6 Page 9
Hunting with the Saluki and the Saluki Centre
Hunting with Saluki dogs was a traditional part of Bedouin culture used by the nomadic tribes to supplement
their diet with small prey or even gazelles, and as desert companions. They have a special place in the
culture and traditions of the region and evidence of their domestication has been found as far back as 6000
BC. This probably means they are closely related to the wolf.
Salukis are famous for their hunting prowess, speed, intelligence, stamina and loyalty to their handlers.
Bedouins traditionally hunted with a pack of two to six Salukis and trained the dogs to hunt with falcons as
part of the team. The falcons would spot and hover over the prey, while the Salukis sped off towards the
target and the hunters followed on their horses or camels. They were called ‘sight hounds’ because of this
ability to see the falcon or prey at long distances.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan strongly believed in the importance of supporting the cultural heritage
of the region and founded the Arabian Saluki Centre in 20013. The Centre honours the desert traditions of
hunting, training and breeding Salukis and invites visitors to learn more about their unique traits. It also aims
to maintain the purity of the breed, prevent inbreeding and guide Saluki breeders in other parts of the world.
Camel racing and the Al Ain racetrack
Camels were pivotal to traditional family and community life in harsh desert environments. They were the
primary source of transport, shade, milk, meat, wool and hides for the Bedouin but, with urbanisation and
economic development after the discovery of oil in the 1960s, their status diminished. With his strong belief
in the importance of traditional values and recognising the danger of losing touch with the cultural heritage of
the region, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan supported the growth of camel racing, investing large amounts
of money in the sport.
With the help of this royal patronage, the sport of camel racing has gained structure and become an
established national pastime, with modern racetracks, stables and breeding programmes. Betting is illegal,
but buying and selling of the camels and the prize money is significant. There are estimated to be over
14,000 active racing camels and the whole industry supports many jobs. The latest technology is utilised to
monitor and improve all aspects of the sport.
Did you know? Camels are raced once they are two years old. Racing camels can reach 65 Km/h
at the gallop. Two main breeds are raced: the Omani, which is very light, and the Sudania.
Traditional crafts
Traditional handicrafts and arts in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi have been handed down from one generation to
another. Making items for the household was usually the job of women.
Khoos - The traditional Bedouin craft of palm-frond weaving
The settlement of nomadic tribes around the oases meant that the use of palm fronds in construction of
the camp and household implements was commonplace. This heritage in the skill of weaving has led to the
development of a craft industry that uses palm materials to make a whole range of items such as baskets,
fans and floor coverings. The palm frond item used to cover food is known as al machaba. The hand fan
made from palm fronds is known as al mahfa. The larger floor mat made from palm fronds used for sitting
on is known as Haseer. The smaller floor mat made from palm fronds used to place food on is known as al
mishab.
3
Source: https://www.abudhabi.ae/portal/public/en/homepage/culture-and-
recreation/sports/hunting-with-saluki-dogs-in-uae
SECTION 6 Page 10
Sadu - The traditional Bedouin craft of weaving
The cloth produced from sadu was essential to nomadic life, providing soft furnishings and decorative
accessories for camels and horses and the covering for dwellings. Like khoos, this craft derives its raw
materials from the local environment, such as goat or sheep hair, and is woven either on a hand loom or on
a small ground loom. The untreated wool is gathered from the domestic animals and then washed, spun
and dyed using indigenous plant extracts such as henna, saffron, cactus and indigo. The woven product
may then be used for an array of purposes such as camel trappings or tents. Floor cushions, decorations,
carpets and rugs were also woven using the same technique. The individuality of each piece comes from
the history and traditions of the makers.
The craft was a very communal task among the women and this aspect is still celebrated. Weavers 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.
Spinning thread for sadu was often done by Bedouin women using a hand wheel rather than a treadle. This
meant that they could spin just as easily while travelling on the back of a camel as they could in the comfort
of the family tent.
The place of sadu in the cultural history of UAE is unique and it was listed under the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
in 2011.
Telli - the form of elaborate and colourful embroidery using twisted coloured threads, commonly used to
adorn the bodice and sleeves of the Emirati traditional dress. Gold, silver and brightly-coloured strings are
woven on a wooden block to produce the telli. These embroidered robes are worn on special occasions and
feasts such as the special ceremony that marks a young girl’s memorisation of the Holy Quran. Telli is found
exclusively in the UAE and Oman.
Pottery - The earliest pottery finds in the UAE date from the third millennium BC. 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.
Jewellery
The history of jewellery or personal adornment in the region goes back to at least the Bronze Age. Styles
and materials change over time but its popularity as a sign of your place in society has not diminished.
Nomadic people would wear their wealth as close to their body as possible as they travelled around and
a sign of outward wealth would also proclaim your status. Depending on the physical requirements of
your lifestyle, jewellery could be worn on ankles, necks, heads, wrists, hands and/or feet so was
extremely portable.
As the trading routes on the Arabian Peninsula grew,

the use of precious metals and pearls became more
widespread. Highly-skilled craftspeople were valued
and techniques were handed down through
generations. The layout of the souks reflected this
and whole sections are still dedicated to gold and
silver jewellers.
The UAE is very proud of this rich history of jewellery

and is famous for the quality of craftsmanship. Many
materials are used in jewellery today including pearls,
precious stones, shells and silver but gold still has
particular significance in the region.
Traditional jewellery at
Al Ain National Museum SECTION 6 Page 11
SECTION 6 Page 12
Knowledge Bank: Emirati Culture and Traditions
National dress and its origins
Based on the requirements of Islam and the climate, the dress has its origins in a strict code that includes
status, religious event, time of day and gender.
National dress for men
• Kandura or dishdash - a long white garment

• Tarbusha - similar to a tie
• Ghutra - head dress worn by the males
• Egal - the black rope that fixes the ghutra (headscarf) in place
• Ghafiyah - usually worn under the ghutra and is not visible
• Bisht - a cloak for special occasions
• 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 are the traditional footwear
National dress for women
• Hijab - is the concept of modesty including the dress code for both men and women
• Abaya - long flowing black gown
• Shela or Shayla - a scarf used to cover the head and face
• Neqab - a veil worn by women over the face leaving the area around the eyes clear. It can also be worn
with an eye veil.
• Burqa is a metallic coloured cloth mask that partially covers a woman’s face and upper lip in a
horizontal H shape 4 which is specific to the UAE.
• Jelabia Mukhawara - flowing gown that is worn by women daily or for special occasions
Family life and marriage in the UAE

Islamic law underpins the structure of family life and marriage in the UAE and there is a strict code of
conduct. Marriage is the only legal bond for the relationship between a man and a woman.
Source: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Dubai/Dubai-Guide/Culture/Marriage-Divorce
Traditional houses
Beit Al Shaar – the tent - long, low, black tents of the Bedouin known as beit al shaar, or “house of hair”.
Areesh (Barasti) houses – the summer house of the Bedouin, made of a wooden frame and palm fronds.
Barjeel houses – The Wind Tower - like a non-electrical air-conditioner and was used during the summer
months to provide some relief from the heat.
Permanent stone houses - made from sun-dried mud bricks with roofs made of palm tree leaves.
https://dreaminginarabic.wordpress.com/interesting-snippets/traditional-houses/
http://www.alhakaya.net/product.php?id_product=115
4
Source: www.thenational.ae/uae/heritage/history-project-the-burqa-1.303584
SECTION 6 Page 13
Falconry and the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
• Falcons
- The price of falcons can be over AED 500,000
- 60% are bred and imported from Austria and Germany
- The average lifespan of a wild falcon is 15-20 years and 10-14 years in captivity
- They can breed once a year and lay two to five eggs
- Falcons are the only animals allowed to travel in the cabin on Etihad Airways and First and Business
Class passengers are allowed up to two falcons each
- The falcon is the official emblem of the Abu Dhabi government
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

- Opened on 3rd of October, 1999
- The first public falcon hospital in the UAE and the largest falcon hospital in the world
- More than 11,000 falcons are treated annually
- The ADFH has expanded in the fields of education and awareness, training and research
- It treats all kinds of birds and poultry
- It manages the Abu Dhabi Animal Shelter for cats and dogs
- It has its own houbara breeding farm to feed the birds
Hunting with Salukis and the Saluki Centre
• Fast facts about Salukis:

- Salukis are very fast, agile and graceful in motion, typically 24-29 inches (60 -74 cm) tall at the
shoulder and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds (18 to 30 kg)
- Their sleek bodies have a very low ratio of body fat. Despite their small, narrow heads, they possess
strong jaws so can exert a powerful grip on prey
- Their legs are built for maximum acceleration and their feet have thick springy pads which help them
on long distances over sand
- The Bedouins used henna or nut oil to harden the Saluki’s feet to avoid injuries while hunting in the
harsh desert. Their paws can dig tunnels to get at prey
- Salukis are different colours, ranging from pure black to red, sandy and white. The colour is an
indication of lineage
- Their fur is silky and normally short with a single layer coat for surviving the heat of the desert. This lack
of undercoat means they never develop a typical dog smell
- When they hunted with the Bedouins, the Salukis would eat the same as their masters. Their diet was
also supplemented with rice, dates, olives, meat and milk 5
General information on culture and traditions:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/explore/culture.and.heritage.aspx
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/travel/essential.info/culture.and.lifestyle.aspx
5
Source: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/hunting-with-hounds-salukis-could-
be-a-bedouin-s-best-friend-1.529281
SECTION 6 Page 14
Section 7
Emirati Hospitality
7
Section 7: Emirati Hospitality
• Emirati hospitality
LO15 Give details of Emirati hospitality and traditions
Introduction
The origins of Emirati hospitality lie in Bedouin traditions and the needs of the nomadic tribes who travelled
the deserts of the region. Hosting guests was an opportunity to demonstrate your social status in the
community and as a sign of warmth and generosity. If strangers arrived at a camp, they had to be provided
with food and lodging for at least three days. The warmth of welcome and traditional generosity are very
much a part of the Abu Dhabi lifestyle today, whether in a teashop or five-star hotel. It can be seen in every
aspect of hospitality from the greeting to the fragrance in the room.
Communication
Rules of engagement have developed over centuries to avoid conflict and reflect the cultural heritage.
Modesty, tolerance and respect are central to this. Here are some examples of behaviour:
• Direct comments are avoided

• Direct eye contact is offensive between a woman and man who are not relatives, but are a sign of trust
in a business transaction
• It is disrespectful for a guest to decline hospitality
Greetings
The way in which people greet each other in the UAE reflects the cultural heritage of the region and is based
on respect and moderation.
Key things such as gender, age, social status and your position within the family network will affect the
greeting you use. This is very important when interacting with anyone outside of immediate family. There is
little to no physical touching between men and women during greetings in public; this is a sign of respect
which is strictly observed by people who are unrelated to each other.
When men greet each other, handshakes or nose-rubbing are commonplace. Nose-rubbing is a unique way
of greeting, and demonstrates trust, friendship and deep respect. It is actually a traditional code among the
Bedouins from the past. The nose, along with the forehead, is the most appealing feature which explains
why they have special status. When relatives greet an elderly family member, it is common to kiss the
forehead as a sign of respect of their status within the family.
When women greet each other, physical touch such as handshaking and cheek kissing also demonstrate
friendship and indicates trust and respect.
Coffee
The ritual of drinking Arabic coffee (gahwa) goes back many centuries and is central to any social or
business activity. Hospitality offered to guests always includes coffee, with the cup being refilled until the
guest indicates they have had enough.
Traditionally, a guest will have three cups. The coffee is boiled, not filtered, and can be served plain or
blended with spices such as cardamom. It can have sugar added but traditionally it is bitter and served in
very small amounts.
SECTION 7 Page 3
The tiny, handle-less cups it comes in are called finjan and the pot with long spout is called a dallah. The
dallah is such an important symbol in the UAE that a picture of one is on the dirham coin and also features
in the iconic Union Square monuments.
The guest shakes the finjan side to side when they have had enough. Food such as dates is served at the
same time and, later, perfumed incense named Bukhoor may be passed around the guests to freshen up.
You will have the opportunity to experience the ritual of drinking gahwa in Module Two, day one of your
tourist guide training and licensing programme. In the meantime, you may like to find out more by visiting the
following websites:
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/arabic-coffee-a-symbol-of-generosity-01074
https://ich.unesco.org/en/decisions/10.COM/10.B.32
Arabic coffee - a symbol of generosity
Palm dates
Dates were a vital source of nutrition in desert communities and are still part of the coffee ritual, a treat to
be offered to guests and a symbol of Emirati generosity. There are many different varieties of dates and date
produce available, such as fresh dates, dried dates, stuffed dates, chocolate dipped dates, sparkling date
juice, date jams, dates molasses and balsamic vinegar.
The Liwa Date Festival in July promotes and celebrates the symbolic and historic role that the date palm
plays in Emirati culture.
In Section 10: Sites and attractions, you will read about the Al Foah Date Factory and will learn some
interesting facts about dates and palms.
SECTION 7 Page 4
Majlis
Listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, the majlis - or ‘sitting place’ - was traditionally a tented
meeting place where hospitality was offered and family and business discussions took place. Majlis were an
essential method for sharing news and information. Originally, people were seated on mats but as the majlis
became established in homes, tekay (Arabic cushions) were introduced and the room became more
formally decorated.
The majlis represents a cultural and social space which is an integral part of traditional life and where friends
and family gather to talk about daily life, religious topics or reminisce about the past over Arabic coffee.
Majlis have developed into an important part of the cultural and political heritage of the region.
When you experience the ritual of drinking gahwa in module two, day one of your tourist guide training and
licensing programme, you will also be immersed in a majlis so will have the opportunity to gain first-hand
knowledge and experience of such an event. In the meantime, you may like to find out more by visiting the
following websites:
https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/majlis-a-cultural-and-social-space-01076
https://ich.unesco.org/en/decisions/10.COM/10.B.33
Incense
Another common feature of the majlis is the incense used to release a fragrant perfume, such as
sandalwood, oud and Bukhoor into the air. The incense burners are sometimes electric but more traditionally
charcoal burners are used. Oud comes from the Aquilaria trees found in India and South-East Asia and
Bukhoor comes from woodchips of Agar wood which have been scented with fragrant oils. The aroma of
Bukhoor is used generally in special occasions like weddings.
Traditional incense burner
SECTION 7 Page 5
Optional Activity 1: Hosting an Emirati family
Imagine you are going to receive a visit from an Emirati family. Using the information and resources in this
section, suggest five actions you should take to make them feel welcome and demonstrate good
Emirati hospitality.
Actions
Optional Activity 2: Dos and don’ts

Using the information in this section, make a list of five types of behaviour you would advise tourists to do
and five more you would advise them not to do when visiting Abu Dhabi.
Dos Don’ts

http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/general/the-warmth-of-arab-hospitality-1.381658
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/culture/genuineness-of-emirati-hospitality-and-warmth-is
memorable-1.1855278
http://www.cultures.ae/index.php/cuisine
http://vision.ae/art-life/culture/what-is-true-emirati-cuisine
http://arabiczeal.com/tag/arabic-coffee-with-cardamom/
SECTION 7 Page 6
Knowledge Bank: Emirati Hospitality
The origins of Emirati hospitality lie in Bedouin traditions and the needs of the nomadic tribes who travelled
the deserts of the region.
Communication
• Direct eye contact is offensive between a woman and man who are not relatives but are a sign of
trust in a business transaction
• It is disrespectful for a guest to decline hospitality
Greetings
• When men greet each other – physical touch such as handshake and nose-rubbing
demonstrates trust, friendship and respect between men.
• When women greet each other – physical touch also demonstrates friendship between
women and indicates that trust and respect is offered, so handshaking and cheek kissing are
commonplace.
• The greeting between men and women - there is little to no touching between men and women
during greetings in public.
Coffee
• Traditionally, a guest will have three cups
• The guest shakes the finjan side to side when they have had enough
gahwa The serving of Arabic coffee on arrival of a guest
finjan Tiny, handle-less coffee cups
dallah Large Arabic coffee pot with a long spout
Bukhoor A perfumed incense passed around the guests to freshen up their hands and face
Palm dates
• Dates hold an important place in Arabian heritage and provide the main source of nutrition in
desert communities
• Dates are part of the coffee ritual as a treat offered to guests and a symbol of Emirati generosity
• The Liwa Date Festival in July promotes and celebrates the symbolic and historic role the date palm
plays in Emirati culture
Majlis
• A tented meeting place where hospitality was offered and family and business discussions
took place
• Originally, people were seated on mats but as the majlis became established in homes tekay
(Arabic cushions) were introduced and rooms became more formally decorated
Incense
• Oud and Bukhoor are used in the incense burner but can be combined with other ingredients to
produce fragrances.
• Arabic perfume uses a range of oils such as rose, jasmine, lilies, sandalwood, musk and citrus
fruits. Arabic perfume typically does not contain alcohol
SECTION 7 Page 7
SECTION 7 Page 8
Section 8
Traditional Industries
8
Section 8: Traditional Industries
Traditional industries of the UAE including:
• Flora and fauna

• Farming
• Falaj system
• Date cultivation
• Pearl diving
• Camels
• Arabian horses
• Fishing
It will help you to:
LO 17 Give details about the traditional industries of the UAE
In this section, we look at traditional industries of the UAE and see the part they played in the past by
providing sources of income to local communities and how they have contributed to the cultural heritage of
the UAE.
In Section 3: The formation and history of the UAE, you will have learned that before the discovery of oil
in the 1950s, the UAE’s economy was almost wholly dependent on fishing, pearl diving and small-scale
farming. You will have also learned that there was a period of serious economic decline after 1920 when the
pearl industry collapsed. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, however, had a clear vision for his country and
the impact oil would have. He committed to preserve the cultural heritage of his country and its
traditional industries.
Sheikh Zayed also understood that it was important to protect the environment and avoid relying on one
resource for economic development. His vision for the future included ‘Greening of the Desert’.
Flora and fauna

The natural environment is a key component of traditional industries in the UAE and its preservation is
evident in the green landscaping, public parks, fruit-laden palm trees lining the streets and the natural
mangroves in the middle of urban developments.
Despite the desert climate and limited rainfall, Abu Dhabi has over 3,500 native plants, the date palm being
the most well-known amongst them. Fruit- and flower-bearing trees from around the world are found in
farms, gardens, parks and palaces in Abu Dhabi.
The ghaf tree is an evergreen species and is the national tree of the UAE. It is an important tree and can
help to prevent sand covering the oases. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan, recognising the importance of
the ghaf tree to protect the environment, gave it official status and royal protection. People are sometimes
provided with free seeds to encourage them to plant new trees.
The ghaf tree was very important for the survival and prosperity of the Bedouin tribes as it provided shade,
wood for cooking, timber for shelters and food in the form of edible leaves and fruit. The long pods also
provided feed for animals. The tree has very long roots that enable it to reach water from subterranean
sources and it can spread by producing new shoots from the root system rather than from seed. This
means that even during long dry periods, the trees are in leaf and can flower and fruit. The ghaf tree plays a
vital link in the desert chain, being the only source of food for wild and domestic animals in times of drought.
The tree also supports large populations of insects that either feed or live on the trees.
SECTION 8 Page 3
In 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made Sir Bani Yas his island retreat and began to establish a
nature reserve as part of his commitment to his ‘Greening of the Desert’ campaign. The government added
more to the island’s reserve in 2007 and it is now the most diverse wildlife sanctuary in the region. After
years of conservation work and investment in the fragile ecology, it supports a large variety of mammals and
several million trees and plants. There is also a programme for releasing wild animals back into the deserts.
This has included 14 oryx which were released into the Liwa Desert in 2010.
Research and conservation remain the most important part of the Sir Bani Yas park’s focus but there are
some wildlife and adventure activities available for visitors. These include wild-game tours, nature trails,
mountain biking and outdoor dining. The island now has a thriving tourist industry and hosts conferences as
well as being home to several small resorts.
Arabian Oryx
Most people believe that the camel is the national animal of the UAE but it is in fact the Arabian oryx. The
late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan found a valuable breeding herd of oryx in Abu Dhabi which provided
stock for reintroductions. There are oryx breeding herds in Al Ain Zoo, Sharjah’s Breeding Centre for
Endangered Arabian Wildlife, and a number of private collections in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Recent records
showed that UAE hosts more than 4,000 Arabian oryx.
Local fauna includes not only the camels and small rodents of the desert but also the critically-endangered
Arabian leopard and Asiatic lion, which are on the verge of extinction. The most commonly-seen mammals
will be the camels and cats but you may also see the sand cat, the sand fox and the desert hare, as well
as gerbils, hedgehogs and geckos. The UAE lies on the bird migration route between Central Asia and
East Africa and is a vital stopping off point for many species. Native species include the protected Houbara
bustards.
The waters around Abu Dhabi are full of a rich variety of marine life including manatees and dugongs (sea
cows) as well as endangered blue and fin whales. In fact, eight species of whale and seven species of
dolphin have been recorded off the coast. The rare hawksbill and leatherback turtles can also be spotted
offshore. The government has introduced regulations and awareness campaigns to preserve the fish stocks
and protect the fragile marine environment. You will read about this later in this document.
SECTION 8 Page 4
DID YOU KNOW?
• The UAE is home to rare species of plants, animals and marine life
• The UAE’s national animal is the Arabian oryx
• There are 23 species of mammal:
- Three are endangered:

• the Asiatic lion
• the blue and fin whales
• the Arabian leopard
- Five are vulnerable:

• Sudan cheetah
• Gazelles
• Oryx
• Manatees
• Dugongs
- One is close to being at risk:

• the sand cat
Caracal
SECTION 8 Page 5
Farming
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s long-term vision for ‘Greening of the Desert’ was underpinned by
a belief that farming and green spaces were essential to preserve the cultural heritage of the country, to
prevent the desert taking over more land, and to protect wildlife.
The oil industry meant that agriculture and fishing took a back-seat role in the UAE economy, contributing
less than 4% of GDP and requiring the UAE to import 70% of its food requirements by the late 1990s.
The introduction of investment capital and generous government subsidies to encourage diversification,
however, has given rise to a large increase in agricultural production in recent years. The Digdagga
Agricultural Trials Station in Ras Al Khaimah is central to agricultural research and to agricultural training in
the UAE.
Production of vegetables has increased, particularly in Abu Dhabi, due to the growing prosperity and the
demands of expatriate communities. The growth in production is supported by government grants and high-
quality technology and it is estimated that vegetable production will increase by 25% in the next few years.
The production of dates in the UAE is vitally significant; you will read more about date production later on in
this section.
The poultry industry in the UAE has faced challenges with disease but continues to grow. According to
Poultry World, poultry meat production meets approximately 15% of the country’s demand; 85% of poultry
meat is therefore imported.1
In 1981, under the directive of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Al Ain Farms for Livestock
Production was formed.2 This company was given the responsibility to produce fresh dairy products and
so the first dairy farm in the UAE was established – Al Ain Dairy. Since the 1980s, Al Ain Dairy has helped to
change the food manufacturing landscape of the country and now employs around 1,700 people from the
local community.
Abu Dhabi has a wheat farm at Al Ain which supports and trains local Bedouins in farming. The main
farming areas in the UAE are around the oases of Al Ain and Liwa, the coastal area of Al Fujairah and Ras Al
Khaimah, which receives underground water supplies from the nearby mountains of Oman and enjoys the
most plentiful rainfall.
In a dry environment like the UAE, successful farming depends on access to water. There is an ancient
irrigation system which was relied upon to bring water to the barren areas through a complex system of
tunnels and impressive man-made and natural oases. This is called the falaj system.
Further your knowledge on farming in the UAE:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV25AIPV7O8 for a report by the BBC on farming in the UAE
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/environment/zayed-vision-transforming-desert-into-green-haven-1.132209
http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Asia-and-Oceania/United-Arab-Emirates-AGRICULTURE.html
1
Source: http://www.poultryworld.net/Meat/Articles/2016/2/Case-Study-
Challenges-within-UAE-poultry-sector-2754620W/
SECTION 8 Page 6
2
Source: http://www.alaindairy.com/EN/Pages/HomePage.aspx#aboutus
Falaj system
Through a network of tunnels, the falaj system taps into subterranean aquifers (underground water-bearing
permeable rock). The water flows into open channels where it can be directed and regulated. This unique
and innovative method has been used in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi since the Iron Age and has been
recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
A falaj system is based on a ‘mother well’, a natural underground water source which occurs in the oases.
The main well is dug, along with smaller wells, and these are connected by tunnels to increase the distance
the water supply can go. The tunnels are drilled with vertical holes to the surface at regular distances
between the well and the fields. The holes allow ventilation, the removal of debris and provide access to the
tunnel if it needs mending. From the tunnels, the water flows into surface channels into the fields and these
are controlled using sliding gates.
The invention of the falaj during the Iron Age led to the development of agriculture and the large-scale
cultivation of date palms. At least five Iron Age falaj have been found in the Al Ain area. At Hili 15, a falaj
dating from around 1000 BC has been excavated to show the surface channels, a shari’a (mother well) with
sliding gates still in place, a covered channel section and two shafts. The falaj system can be seen at the Al
Ain Oasis.
Some of the settlements at Al Jabeeb, north of Al Ain, for example, were abandoned and covered by the
advancing dunes. In fact, until recently, the falaj was seen as part of history but due to the region’s rapidly-
growing population, there is high demand for water and engineers are investigating whether a modern
system of falaj could help.
Further your knowledge about the falaj

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ap9t6lZMY2A
Example of a Falaj system
SECTION 8 Page 7
Date cultivation
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, the date palm is a nutritious fruit able to withstand the harsh climatic
conditions of the desert. Dates were first cultivated over 7,000 years ago and have played an important role
in the history and culture of the Bedouin tribes, providing an invaluable trading resource and versatile natural
product. Today, the date palm is still a significant source of income to the economy of the region and the
UAE’s date industry is recognised as one of the biggest in the world, representing more than 11% of the
global market. It is key to the government’s economic diversification plan and attracts large investment in
terms of loans and in research and technology.
Date-palm trees are male or female and ripen in four stages, which are known throughout the world by their
Arabic names:
kimri - unripe
khalal - full-size, crunchy
rutab - ripe, soft
tamr - ripe, sun-dried
The date palm has many other uses such as: palm-frond houses, mats, covers for food, boats, baskets and
fish traps. Date harvesting begins in July. A long rope made from palm-tree fibres called a habool is used
to climb the palm tree to collect the dates. Once harvested, dates can be stored for months. Traditionally,
dates and camel milk break the evening fast during Ramadan.
Date-seed oil can be used in the making of soap and cosmetics. Date seeds can also be ground and used
as an additive to coffee and 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.
DID YOU KNOW? In 2009 the UAE was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for having the
largest number of date-palm trees in the world. There are around 44 million date palms in the UAE,
the seven main varieties of date are Khanizi, Khallas, Dabbas, Abu Maan, Fardh, Nukhba and A’adj.
The Liwa Date Festival celebrates the importance of dates in the history and culture of the Emirati people.
It offers a range of competitions, exhibitions and activities including cooking displays, photography and
handicraft contests. The main activity for visitors and participants is the Ratab Beauty Competition for dates.
The total prize money is approximately AED 5 million and there are usually more than 200 participants. More
information on the date festival is available in Section 2 and Section 10.
The Liwa Date Festival is famous for the date competitions it holds. You can see a video here: judging dates
at the Liwa Date Festival
www.thenational.ae/arts-life/video-liwa-date-festival
SECTION 8 Page 8
Pearl diving
In Section 3, you read about the importance of the pearl industry in the UAE economy. The pearl oyster or
lulu (qamashah) provided a source of wealth in the Emirates, long before the discovery of oil. The oysters
grow on the shallow banks (fasht) in the Gulf and the quality of the water produces pearls in yellow, pink,
white, grey and even green. By the 19th century, the pearling industry had transformed the traditional
economy of the nomadic population who had previously relied on small-scale farming and herding of
animals. Pearl diving was dangerous but provided great wealth for the many cooperatives that emerged.
Family and economic life revolved around the boats, the pearling season and the trade in pearls.
With the introduction of the Japanese cultured pearl in the 1920s, diving for sea pearls became obsolete
and the economic impact was large. Natural pearls had become the main source of income and many
families had moved to live permanently in coastal settlements such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and
Ras al-Khaimah. The collapse of the natural pearl market changed the economic and social structure of
communities and the economy struggled for many years until the discovery of oil in the 1950s.
Some of the vocabulary used in the pearl-diving profession includes:
• Al Banoosh and Jalboot 3 - traditional dhows used for pearl diving

• Noukhada - captain
• Al Jadi - vice-captain
• Al Sakoony - navigator
• Al Yada - rope used for pulling diver out of water
• Al Zeybin - rope with weight used to help diver submerge
• Al Tawash – a pearl trader
• Khabt - leather finger covers for protection
• Al Muflaqa - knife used to open shell
• Al Dista - the group of items including scales, magnifying glass and weight book
Further your knowledge:

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/11-facts-about-pearl-diving-in-the-uae
Pearl diving in 360° - Visit Abu Dhabi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQxYkkl5HxM
DID YOU KNOW? The entrepreneur, Kokichi Mikimoto from Japan, was the first person to introduce
the cultured pearl which transformed the pearl industry.
3
Source: https://smccudubai.wordpress.com/2014/05/16/pearls-and-pearl-
diving/
SECTION 8 Page 9
The camel
Ata Allah or ‘God’s gift’ is the Bedouin name for camelus dromedarius, the single-hump dromedary, also
known as the Arabian camel. For the Bedouin tribes, the camel was essential, providing transport, shade,
milk, meat, wool and hides, a bride’s gift in marriage and the sacrificial offering at festivals. Camels can cope
with high body temperatures up to 42c and can go five to seven days with little or no food and water.
As you will have read in Section 6: Emirati culture and traditions, the camel is now celebrated primarily
through camel racing which is a very popular pastime amongst Emiratis. Al Ain Camel Souk has camels
segregated according to whether they will provide meat or milk, or whether they will be used for racing.
Racing camels are the most expensive. An article by the BBC in 2016 entitled ‘Camel Racing – a market
worth millions’, reported that to buy a camel would cost a minimum of about £40,000 and that in 2010, an
Emirati camel-racing fan spent £6.5m on three camels. 4
Camel breeding in Abu Dhabi is a thriving business. The Advanced Scientific Group (ASG), known previously
as The Veterinary Research Centre (VRC), is renowned for its camel breeding department, breeding
purebred dromedary camels for either racing or milk production. It is also known for its use of embryo
transfer technology; between 1992 and 2013, around 5,000 calves were born using this breeding method.
Some interesting facts about camels:
• The average adult camel is 1.85m at the shoulder and 2.15m at the hump and weighs up to 700kg.
• A camel that is used for travelling is known as a Rahool
• A small male camel is known as Al Qaood
• The large black camel is known as Al Majaheem
• The Yallal is a cover used to protect the camel from the cold weather
• The normal life span of a camel is 40 years, although a working camel retires from active duty at 25
• 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
• Camel milk is more nutritious than cow’s milk. It is lower in fat and lactose, higher in potassium, iron and
Vitamin C. It is normally drunk fresh from the camel when it is warm, sweet and frothy
• Abu Dhabi has two camel race tracks: the Al Whathba Camel Race track, approximately 45 km from
Abu Dhabi, and the Al Maqam Track near Al Ain
Find out more

http://asgroup.ae/brief-history/
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/explore/culture.and.
heritage/traditions/camel.racing.aspx
4
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35935661
SECTION 8 Page 10
Arabian horses
The Arabian horse is an important part of the cultural heritage and tradition of the UAE. The Arabian
horse represents the strength and beauty of the natural world in harmony with the people of the desert
communities. It originated on the Arabian Peninsula, adapted to the harsh environment and was specifically
bred to meet the needs of the nomadic people. Trade and war spread the news of their strength, speed and
endurance and ownership became a sign of status. Excavations at Mleiha, in Sharjah, show that over 2,000
years ago, prized stallions, decorated with gold trappings, were buried close to their owners.
The breed is distinctive with a wedge-shaped head, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils, and a small
muzzle. They display a concave, or ’dished’ profile and have a slight forehead bulge between their eyes.
This bulge is called the jibbah by the Bedouin and adds additional sinus capacity, believed to have helped
the Arabian horse in the desert climate. With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is
one of the most easily recognisable horse breeds in the world.
Preserving and promoting the pure-bred Arabian horse is very important to the UAE Government. Set up in
Dubai in 2007, the Dubai Arabian Horse Stud has bred and produced international champion horses and
has gained respect across the world.5 The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse
Flat Racing Festival strives to preserve the heritage of the equestrian sport and the pure-bred Arabian horse.
The Festival promotes Arabian horses throughout the world and encourages UAE citizens to buy and breed
pure-bred Arabian horses. There are many race meetings and events held all year, both at the two Abu
Dhabi race tracks and at other tracks around the world. To find out more about the Festival, visit:
http://www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com/default.aspx
The equestrian industry, as a whole, is now buoyant in the UAE. This is evident from the number of stud
farms, equestrian centres and activities available throughout the UAE and in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi in
particular. Both the British Horse Society and the Pony Club now have bases in the UAE and sometimes
fly in their approved instructors to provide training clinics to members. An international horse fair has been
held in Dubai annually since about 2004. This often takes place alongside an international Arabian horse
championship which sees horses competing for a prize of up to AED 15 million.
In addition to breeding Arabian horses, horse racing has become a major sporting event in the UAE and Abu
Dhabi has one of the four racecourses in the UAE; it opened in 1991. Find out more about horse racing in
the UAE: http://www.emiratesracing.com/industry/frequently-asked-questions

Brief history of Arabian horses
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsKGUprJx4k
5
Source: http://dubaiarabianstud.com/web/about-us
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Fishing
Fishing has been an important part of the UAE economy for many centuries. The Bedouin people settled
along the coasts as the climate became more arid and as the pearl industry grew. The farming and herding
of animals was supplemented by fishing and many tribes relied heavily on the fishing industry. In the 1920s,
with the collapse of pearling and economic decline, fishing was essential to many communities’ survival. So,
when oil began to bring in money to the Emirate in the 1960s, there was substantial investment in the fishing
fleet. This was to meet the increased demand for fish from the growing population and when the demand for
seafood outstripped supply.
Traditional fishing boats or dhows have different traditional names based on their sizes, like Sambouk, Shu’ai
and Jalboot. Some of the traditional fishing methods used include:
• Hadra: fence traps placed perpendicularly out from the shore. Hadra traps are used right along the
coast and inshore islands
• Gargour or garagir: a fishing trap made of palm leaves woven into a semi-circular shape, weighted to
the seabed with rocks or cement. They are then baited with fresh or rotting fish to lure the fish in
• Al Salia: a fish trap that resembles an umbrella with holes around it, used to trap a school of fish
• Garagir (plural of gargopur): metallic netted basket traps, only allowed to be used on licensed wooden
fishing dhows known as lanshs
• Beach seine netting (yaroof), drift nets (al hayali), gillnets (al liekh) and long lines (manshalla) are
also used.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Nahyan identified the dangers of over-fishing and, with his strong vision for
conservation and sustainability, introduced regulation to protect the waters. Environmental organisations
such as Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) carry out regular surveys of fish stocks to monitor and
manage the industry. Fishing licences are limited, the use of fish traps is regulated, net sizes have been
controlled and there are set periods of time when fishing can take place. The fishing season in the UAE is
from February to June.
The fishing industry in the Gulf is worth over AED 1 billion a year and the population of the UAE eats about
100 tons of seafood annually.
Fishing has also grown to be a popular sport and pastime in the UAE. There are over 500 marine species in
the seas around the UAE, ranging from smallest seahorses to largest sharks. Species include: barracuda,
sherry, Sultan Ibrahim, hamour, sharks, stingrays, kingfish, and cobia.

http://fishinguae.com/general-information-about-fishing-in-the-united-arab-emirates-2/
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Mandatory Activity: Traditional industries – key points
Using the information provided in this section and the Knowledge Bank below, list five key points about each
of the following. This will help you to retain the important facts about traditional industries with which help to
delight your visitors.
Flora and fauna
Farming
Falaj system
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Date cultivation
Pearl diving
Camels
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Arabian horses
Fishing
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Knowledge Bank: Traditional Industries
Flora and fauna
• Abu Dhabi has over 3,500 native plants
• The ghaf tree is an evergreen species and is the national tree of the UAE
• Large mammals include the highly-endangered Arabian leopard and Asiatic lion
• In 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan made Sir Bani Yas his island retreat and began to establish
a nature reserve as part of his ‘Greening of the Desert’ campaign
• The national animal of the UAE is the Arabian oryx
• The waters around Abu Dhabi are full of a rich variety of marine life including manatees and dugongs
(sea cows) as well as endangered blue and fin whales
• As Abu Dhabi is on the migration route between Central Asia and East Africa, many species of bird can
be seen, included the rare and protected Houbara bustard
• Rare hawksbill and leatherback turtles can be spotted offshore
Farming
• Vegetable production in the UAE includes onions, potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, cauliflower, cucumber,
cabbage, beans, eggplant, peppers, lettuce, lemons and apples
• In 1981, the first dairy farm in the UAE was established
• Abu Dhabi has a wheat farm at Al Ain, to support and train local Bedouins in farming
The falaj
• The ancient irrigation system which was relied upon to bring water to barren areas through a complex
system of tunnels is called the falaj irrigation system
• The main well in a falaj system is dug along with smaller wells which are connected by tunnels
• At least five Iron Age falaj have been found in the Al Ain area
Date cultivation
• Dates were first cultivated over 7,000 years ago
• Date-palm trees are male or female and ripen in four stages:
- kimri - unripe
- khalal - full-size, crunchy
- rutab - ripe, soft
- tamr - ripe, sun-dried
• A long rope made from palm-tree fibres called a habool is used to climb the palm tree for date collection
• There are around 44 million date palms in the UAE
• The seven main varieties of date are: Khanizi, Khallas, Dabbas, Abu Maan, Fardh, Nukhba and A’adj
• The Liwa Date Festival is held annually and celebrates the importance of dates in the history and culture
of Emirati people
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Pearl diving
• The pearl oyster or lulu (qamashah) provided a source of wealth in the Emirates
• The oysters grow on the shallow banks (fasht) in the Gulf and the quality of the water produces pearls in
yellow, pink, white, grey and green
• With the introduction of the cultured pearl in the 1920s, diving for sea pearls became obsolete and
economic impact was severe
• The pearl trader was known as: Al Tawash
Camels
• For the Bedouin tribes, the camel was essential, providing transport, shade, milk, meat, wool and hides,
a bride’s gift in marriage and the sacrificial offering at festivals
• Camel breeding in Abu Dhabi is a thriving business
• Camel racing is popular in the UAE
• The normal life span of a camel is 40 years, although a working camel retires from active duty at 25
• Camel milk is more nutritious than cow’s milk. It is lower in fat and lactose, higher in potassium, iron and
Vitamin C. It is normally drunk fresh from the camel when it is warm, sweet and frothy
• Abu Dhabi has two camel race tracks: the Al Whathba Camel Race track, approximately 45 km from
Abu Dhabi, and the Al Maqam Track near Al Ain
Arabian horses
• The Arabian horse is an important part of the cultural heritage and tradition of the UAE
• Excavations of sites in Sharjah, show prized stallions decorated with gold trappings were buried close to
their owners over 2,000 years ago
• The breed is distinctive with wedge-shaped heads, a broad forehead, large eyes, large nostrils and
small muzzles
• With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, the Arabian is one of the most easily-recognisable
horse breeds in the world
• International Arabian horse championships see horses competing for a prize of up to AED 15 million
Fishing
• Fishing has been an important part of the UAE economy for many centuries
• In the 1920s, with the collapse of pearling, fishing was essential to survival
• Traditional fishing boats are called dhows
• Dhows used for pearl diving are Al Banoosh and Jalboot
• Fishing licences are limited and the use of fish traps is regulated
• There are over 500 marine species in the seas around the UAE, ranging from smallest seahorses to
largest sharks
• The fishing season in the UAE is from February to June
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Section 9
Regions and Islands

of Abu Dhabi
Section 9: Regions and Islands of Abu Dhabi
• Regions and islands of Abu Dhabi including:

- Abu Dhabi city and islands
- Al Ain
- Al Dhafra
LO4 Define and locate on a map of Abu Dhabi, the City, Districts and Islands; and give basic
information about each
You will gain an overview of the regions and islands of Abu Dhabi while reading this document. In Section
10, you will go on to discover individual sites and attractions within the regions.
The capital of the UAE and the largest of the seven Emirates, Abu Dhabi has three distinct regions:
• The capital, also named Abu Dhabi, a low-lying wedge-shaped island on the north-eastern tip of the
Emirate, along with the islands of Yas, Saadiyat and those that make up the Eastern Islands
• Al Ain, the oasis city
• Al Dhafra, where the dunes of the desert meet the waters of the Arabian Gulf
“Thanks to the competence, love of God, our country’s security and stability, endowed wealth,
integrated infrastructure and quality services, the UAE turned into the world’s renowned destination
for tourism, investment and business management: the interface of choice for hosting major cultural
events, artistic and sports, in the world.”
HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan
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Abu Dhabi City and Islands
Overview
Abu Dhabi Island, the Emirate’s capital, was once a small, ancient settlement ruled by the Al Nahyan family
tribe, which still governs today. In the 1930s, the discovery of oil replaced the traditional industries of the
region and the city began to expand quickly to cater for the sudden influx of workers and new expatriate
residents. The island of Abu Dhabi has changed dramatically to become the lively metropolis it is today, with
the most modern architecture and a thriving, multi-cultural society.
The city centre

Although there is no officially-designated city centre in the capital, the focal point can be found in the north
of the city, including the eastern Al Danah district and the Al Hosn district to the west. Here visitors will find
lively street life in the form of cafés, restaurants and shops.
Sitting in Al Hosn district to the west is the oldest building and original protective fort in the UAE, Qasr Al
Hosn. The Bani Yas tribes originally built this fort in the 18th century as a watchtower, looking over coastal
trade routes and protecting their community which had settled in the area. Qasr Al Hosn is a reminder of the
heritage and history of the city of Abu Dhabi before the skyscrapers and people made the city the bustling
capital it is today.
Please see Section 10: Culture and heritage sites for Abu Dhabi, for more on this remarkable coral and sea
stone watchtower and refer back to Section 3 for a reminder on the Bani Yas tribes.
The World Trade Centre (WTC) also lies in this area; an Abu Dhabi landmark designed by one of the British
stars of the architecture world, Foster and Partners. The 320-metre-tall, mixed-use building towers over the
streets and provides visitors with amazing photo opportunities as well as a shopping centre, souk and The
Courtyard by Marriot Hotel.
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the city centre. Large malls host top international brands while
smaller boutiques and back-street shops offer opportunities for large and smaller purses and differing tastes.
Please see Section 10: Shopping in Abu Dhabi for further details of the range of shopping opportunities in
Abu Dhabi.
Iconic luxury hotels and mid-priced apartments provide plenty of places to stay in the heart of the centre
of Abu Dhabi for visitors not wanting to miss any of the action. Surprisingly, there are also plenty of green
shady spaces for visitors to relax and the city’s central beach to cool off in the Arabian Gulf.
Read on to find out about the city’s parks and green spaces and see Section 10: Iconic landmarks for more
information on the luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi.
Qasr Al Hosn
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Optional Activity: Sights, attractions and amenities in the city centre
Take a look at your official Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi map; make a note of some of
the sites, attractions and amenities available in these areas. It is a good idea to divide these into groups to
help you remember them. Use the following chart, other notes or visual maps as you prefer.
Shopping Entertainment
Hotels and apartments Clinics and hospitals
Landmarks Banks
Other Other
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The Corniche
Running the entire width of the north end of the island is 1st Street or the Corniche Road, one of the
most well-known roads in the Abu Dhabi capital. Before the discovery of oil and expansion of the city, the
Corniche area was where fishermen lived because of its proximity to the Arabian Gulf.
The Corniche pedestrian promenade and cycle zone follow the Corniche Road and provide visitors with 8
kilometres of reclaimed, highly-landscaped waterfront to enjoy. The dedicated cycle paths and pedestrian
walkways help visitors and residents travel easily with plenty of parks, cafés and restaurants, and the Blue
Flag, guarded Corniche Beach along the way. For more information about the Blue Flag scheme, visit:
http://www.saadiyat.ae/Admin/Content/Saadiyat-Beach-CLub-File432015143843.pdf
One of the best ways to explore the Corniche is to rent a bicycle and use some pedal power! There are
several stations where visitors can pick up or drop off bikes along the 8km cycleway. The Visit Abu Dhabi
website gives more details on rental options here:
https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/abu.dhabi.
corniche.aspx
Government authorities in Abu Dhabi are expanding the western edge further in line with the Emirate’s Plan
Abu Dhabi 2030. The Abu Dhabi Corniche Project’s 16,000 square metre new development will improve the
sector between Al Khaleej Al Arabi and 32nd Street which will feature a new no-car zone with shops, cafes
and restaurants.
Other developments along the Corniche waterfront include plans for sports and leisure activity areas
for beach volleyball, football, and water sports. There will also be new affordable stores and local and
international food and beverage outlets offering a choice of snacks and dishes. Completing the development
are plans for a beach walk way which will stretch the entire length of the public section of Corniche Beach.

Watch this short video on cycling the Corniche from the Visit Abu Dhabi YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaqHppPjM2o
Corniche Beach
The Corniche Beach is one of the highlights of this area. Beachgoers can rent sunbeds and beach towels
from Bake UAE and enjoy the clean waters of the Blue Flag beach and its facilities. Please see Section 10:
Sites and attractions - Water for further details of this and the other beaches in Abu Dhabi.
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Optional Activity: Hotels and landmarks near the Corniche Road
Look at the official Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT) website and check out the hotels and landmarks
along or near the Corniche. Add to the bullet points in the following chart to group your information together.
Hotels along or near the Corniche Road Landmarks along or near the Corniche Road
• Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana • Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)
HQ building
• The St Regis Abu Dhabi
• Mamsha Al Khair (granite blocks with
• Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
inspirational inscriptions from Abu Dhabi’s past
• Emirates Palace Hotel and present rulers)
• Hilton Abu Dhabi • Nation Riviera Beach Club
• Nation Galleria shopping mall
•
• Corniche Beach
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Al Bateen
Al Bateen is the historical quarter of Abu Dhabi and is located on the north west of the island. Al Bateen
hosts royal palaces and courts, the Crown Prince Court, Al Bateen Palace and Al Mushrif Palace.
Parks and gardens in Abu Dhabi city

Luckily for residents and visitors alike, there are plenty of places to keep cool and in the shade in the bustling
city centre. Abu Dhabi boasts some excellent parks and gardens for visitors to chill out and children to play.
Look at some of the best the city has to offer.
Map data ©2017 Google
Heritage Park
Located opposite Mina Port in Corniche East, this is one of the city’s most attractive green spaces. It is free
to enter and features two car parks, fountains and green lawns with a fort sitting on top of a small mound.
Adults can have a barbeque in designated areas while children play in a sand pit with a climbing frame!
Formal Park
A little further down from Heritage Park in Corniche East is free-to-enter Formal Park with its maze and
evening fun fair with rides and inflatable slides! Formal Park also features a walled garden, cool fountains and
an exercise track around the perimeter. This green space is popular with families barbecuing and playing
badminton in the paved area.
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Family Park
A free green space that is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in Corniche Central and has a lot to offer
families. This includes cycle hire, skateboarding and BMX ramps as well as a farm and a theatre! Lounging
around on the grass is also popular here. For children, there is a good play area and children’s fun area. The
park also has a café which serves children’s favourite snacks and drinks.
Capital Garden
The entrance to this large park is on Muroor Road near Khalifa Street and is decorated with large coffee
pots! Green spaces and shaded areas in the park are good for runners and people wanting to get out of
the sun. There is a children’s playground featuring a mini climbing wall, near the mosque at the left of the
entrance. There is a café and vending machines for those looking for refreshment. This park charges AED 1
to enter although there is no charge for children under 10.
Al Khalidiyah Park
This space, located between 30th and 16th Streets, features a shaded playground for little ones and a fun
fair. Runners like it here as it’s on a slight incline giving them challenge. There are no barbecue facilities but
the Sinbad Café, vending machines and an option to picnic by the fountain under the trees provide plenty of
food options. This park charges AED 1 to enter and children under 10 are free.
Umm Al Emarat Park

Located on 15th Street in the Mushrif area, this is a space for residents and visitors alike. Umm Al Emarat
Park is a large green area with a huge lawn and great attractions. There is a wisdom garden in memory of
HH Sheikh Zayed, an amphitheatre seating 1,000, and an animal barn operated in partnership with Emirates
Park Zoo. In addition, there is a botanical garden, a tropical shade house, a children’s park and an evening
garden, together with dining facilities. This popular park also hosts weekly film screenings suitable for all
members of the family. The park charges AED 5 to enter and children under the age of three go free. The
park has its own dedicated website:
http://www.ummalemaratpark.ae/ and it opens daily from 08:00 - 00:00.
Lake Park
Situated on the east side of the Corniche, this beautiful space has a lake with a 15m fountain at the centre.
The free park is open 24 hours a day and features a children’s play area and a café - Café Layali Zaman.
Al Khubeirah Garden
A restful and shady garden space on the west end of the Corniche, Al Khubeirah Garden is a favourite
spot for adults to relax and read on benches. There are swings and park toys for children. This free park,
opposite Starbucks and Spinneys, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bainunah Park
Opposite the Intercontinental Hotel on King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street is a space known as
Bainunah Park. It is free to the public and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The narrow space has
a bike track that runs alongside it, shaded by palm trees. There are no children’s facilities, although there are
several fountains that children may enjoy to cool off.
Al Bateen Beach Park

The grassy area adjoining Al Bateen Beach features a modest-sized shaded children’s playground with
swing and a slide. Pedalos can be hired on the beach itself. There is even a place to buy jacket potatoes at
the kiosk. The beach park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is free to all.
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Khalifa Park
Just off Salam Street, 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. You can tour by hopping on the miniature railway. With play
equipment for children, picnic facilities, a garden centre, café and an outdoor auditorium, it is a popular spot
in the cooler evenings and during weekends.
Al Fayah Park
The 12.5-hectare park opposite the Hilton Capital Grand hotel is due to open in 2017. Commissioned by
the Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and designed by Thomas Heatherwick, Al Fayah (meaning
shade in Arabic) will feature shaded gardens and raised walkways 20 metres high that will frame the views
of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The architectural design will look like the cracked earth of the
desert, contrasting with the green of the gardens below.
DID YOU KNOW? Thomas Heatherwick is the man behind London’s double-decker bus
reinvention and the London 2012 Olympic cauldron! 1

Read The National Newspaper’s interview with the architect Thomas Heatherwick here
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/putting-other-parks-in-the-shade-1.604579
1
Source: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/environment/putting-other-parks-in-
the-shade-1.604579
SECTION 9 Page 10
Yas Island
Overview
Yas Island lies to the east of Abu Dhabi city and is a popular destination for both business and pleasure
visitors alike. In 2009, the World Travel Awards named Yas Island as the world’s leading tourism project.
Aldar Properties started the Yas island project in 2006, with a vision to make the island a complete
entertainment destination with leisure facilities, hotels and shopping completed in phases by 2018.
Sites and attractions

When visitors arrive, they have a range of fantastic attractions, hotels and sport and leisure facilities to
explore and enjoy.
The following is an overview of what to see and do on Yas Island, although Section 10 will give more details
of the island’s main sites, attractions, activities and experiences.
Yas Marina Circuit

Yas Island has been home to the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held annually in
November at the Yas Marina Circuit, since 2009. The F1™ track holds the record for the longest straight
section of any current Formula 1™ circuit. Twenty-one bends and turns pass around the Marina and,
spectacularly, actually underneath the Yas Viceroy Hotel.
Yas Marina
Yas Marina has many modern facilities and has become a popular destination in its own right. Waterside
restaurants and fitness facilities mean visitors do not need to be on a boat on the water to enjoy a day or
evening here.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Designed for visitors with an appetite for speed and G-force, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to Ferrari-
themed rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the highest loop on any roller
coaster in the world and a new ride that features a vertical climb and an epic zero-gravity fall!
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Yas Waterworld
Forty-five slides, rides and attractions with something suitable for all ages, Yas Waterworld offers four levels
of thrill and fun. From rides for little ones to flow-boarding and surfing for water sports fans looking to gain
new skills, leading up to a tornado group waterslide for those with no-fear!
Yas Viceroy Hotel

This hotel has been built on land and over water, in equal measures. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is the island’s
premier, iconic five-star hotel and its architectural centrepiece. Its interior design is inspired by fishnet,
representing Abu Dhabi’s culture, contrasted with modern sleek lines and, outside, the iconic gridshell
exterior lights up the skyline with its Light-Emitting Diode (LED) canopy. Straddling the Yas Marina Formula 1
Circuit, guests of the Yas Viceroy are able to watch the race and practice races from the hotel itself.
Yas Plaza Hotels

Other options to stay on the island are provided by six Yas Plaza hotels. These include:
• Crowne Plaza
• Staybridge Suites
• Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi
• Park Inn
• Rotana
• Centro
Yas Mall
Four hundred brands and a 20-screen cinema mean that Yas Mall is the region’s biggest indoor family
entertainment centre. It is popular for families and visitors escaping the heat as well as fans of retail therapy!
Warner Bros.™ World Abu Dhabi

Expected to open in 2018, Warner Bros.™ World Abu Dhabi will be home to almost 30 thrill rides, family
attractions and live entertainment. It will have six themed zones including Gotham City, Cartoon Junction
and Bedrock. There will be an interactive indoor experience featuring some of the world’s most popular
characters including Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo and Batman. Fred and Wilma of The Flintstones may also be
roaming around.
CLYMB
CLYMB Abu Dhabi is also due to open in 2018 when it will provide the world’s widest flight chamber and
tallest indoor climbing wall. The flight chamber will provide visitors with the opportunity to experience
skydiving within the safety of a chamber. You will learn more about Warner Bros.™ World and CLYMB during
your work in Module 3, Abu Dhabi sites and attractions.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is set to open on Yas Island by 2022. Located to the northeast of Ferrari World Abu
Dhabi, it will be the first SeaWorld without orcas.
SECTION 9 Page 12
Yas Marina
Boats, cruises and seaplanes

Operating from Yas Marina are Jalboot Marine, Captain Tony’s and Azure Marine charter boat companies.
Seawings seaplanes operate 20-minute Abu Dhabi tours.
Yas Links Golf Club

Ranked as the world’s 24th best golf course outside the USA in 2012, Yas Links is a traditional 18-hole links
course designed by Kyle Phillips.
Yas Beach
Free to the island’s hotel guests, with shuttle bus transportation services, Yas beach provides fun for
all ages. The beach features a new lounge area with pool and private cabanas. Water sports and daily
Mangrove Tours are catered for by aquatic group Noukhada. A shaded children’s pool entertains little ones,
keeping them cool and out of the sun.
du Live!
The indoor du Arena and outdoor du Forum are entertainment venues on Yas Island. du Live! music
concerts at both venues include the annual du World Music Festival and the Yasalam after-race events
following the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix in November.
Refer to Section 10 to find out more detail on sites and attractions that feature on Yas Island
SECTION 9 Page 13
Saadiyat Island
Overview
Saadiyat means happiness in Arabic, so Saadiyat Island means the island of happiness! A large, low-lying
island, 500 metres off the coast of mainland Abu Dhabi island and located 15 minutes’ drive from Abu Dhabi
city centre and roughly 20 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat is easy to reach for
visitors wishing to take advantage of its sites and attractions.
The main aim of the Saadiyat Island project is to become Abu Dhabi’s future Emirati and international cultural
centre. It is being led by TDIC, the tourism asset management and development arm of the Department of
Culture & Tourism (DCT). Working with a number of government agencies TDIC are creating an integrated
project, in a fairly short period of time. Saadiyat Island aims to become a premier tourist attraction for
culturally-motivated visitors to the Emirate. The commercial, residential, and leisure project is already well
underway on Saadiyat and scheduled for completion in 2020.
Saadiyat Island
Sites and attractions

The island is expected to attract visitors mainly to its Cultural District which will include museums designed
by super-league ‘Starchitects’ Norman Foster, Jean Nouvel, and Frank Gehry. Already built is the island’s
temporary exhibition space, Manarat Al Saadiyat, which showcases the exciting future cultural institutions
planned for the island. Further information on some of these buildings and the architects who created them
is given in Section 12: Architectural styles in Abu Dhabi.
Key tourist and cultural authorities throughout the Emirate are focusing on increasing international cultural
exposure to the region by hosting a calendar of major international exhibitions while the buildings are being
developed. This will make Saadiyat Island a destination firmly placed on both the international cultural map
and calendar!
SECTION 9 Page 14
The main districts being developed on the island are:
Saadiyat Cultural District

The cultural heart of Saadiyat Island featuring Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Zayed
National Museum
Saadiyat Beach District

A tourism destination featuring the Saadiyat public beach, the Saadiyat Beach Club, nine kilometres of
pristine beaches and a Gary Player-designed golf course
Saadiyat Marina District

The island’s commercial hub featuring a large marina as well as commercial and retail space
Saadiyat Promenade District

This is designed as a family destination and resort, featuring a beach and walk ways with entertainment
and leisure facilities including a number of places offering something to eat and drink
Saadiyat Lagoons District

This district is planned to feature plush residential housing and a mangrove tidal lagoon system
Saadiyat Retreat District

Unusually, the Retreat district will not feature any high-rise construction. It is the location of the Jumeirah
Saadiyat Island Resort and will also house boutique hotels and luxury waterside homes
Saadiyat Reserves District

Again, low-rise residences will feature in this district as well as a unique tidal golf course which will be built in
the salt flats. At low tide, the creeks will be dry, but as the tide rises, the sea will fill them.
You will discover more detail about Saadiyat Island’s sites and attractions in Section 10.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
SECTION 9 Page 15
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island is on the east coast of Abu Dhabi and is fast becoming Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business
District with leisure and entertainment facilities now being developed. With stunning sea views, the five-
star Rosewood and Four Seasons Hotels are luxury options for visitors and, alongside them, The Galleria
shopping centre has over 130 international brands, 50 of which were a first in Abu Dhabi. Cleveland Hospital
is clearly visible on Al Maryah Island. You will have read about this hospital in Section 2: General knowledge.
Al Reem Island
Located on the eastern side of Abu Dhabi Island, Al Reem Island is rapidly developing into an upmarket
suburban residential area. Retail and dining options can be found within Shams Boutik with its eye-catching
Sun and Sky Towers at each end.
Other dramatic features found on Al Reem Island are the three striking Gate Towers joined by a parapet
sitting horizontally on top. The design is based on the United Kingdom’s ancient monument of Stonehenge.
During your work on Section 2: General knowledge, you will have noted that Paris-Sorbonne University
(PSUAD) is situated on Al Reem Island.
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Nurai Island
Nurai Island is situated to the east of the Abu Dhabi city coastline, just a 10-minute boat ride from Saadiyat
Island. Inspired by the Arabic word ‘nur’ meaning ‘light’, Nurai Island is a stunning piece of paradise. It is the
perfect retreat for those looking for peace and tranquillity, complemented by unparalleled and uninterrupted
Arabian Gulf views. The island is also home to Zaya Nurai Island, a unique, boutique private island resort
with a 32-bed, all-villa hotel and five food and beverage outlets.
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Al Ain
Overview
Al Ain is the second largest of Abu Dhabi’s cities and a destination on the culturally- and historically-
motivated visitor’s map. Al Ain also provides a welcome retreat from the humidity of Abu Dhabi city for
visitors and residents alike. Al Ain means ‘the spring’ in Arabic.
Al Ain is located a 90-minute drive eastward along the E22 from the Island of Abu Dhabi. It is a lush city of
oases, situated on the old caravan route from the UAE to Oman, near the border with Oman. The oases
have provided a vital source of water, food and shelter for inhabitants and travellers through the generations.
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the UAE, was raised in Al Ain and its unique
landscape and culture made its mark on his character. He had a passion to protect Abu Dhabi’s history and
cultural heritage.
Culture and heritage sites

Al Ain is well known for its rich culture and heritage, including Abu Dhabi’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
consisting of six of the seven oases, as well as the archaeological sites of Hafeet, Hili and Bida Bint Saud.
In the oases, the ancient falaj water channel irrigation system was used to sustain vital crops such as date
palms. Over 100 species of date palms were not only cultivated for nutritious and high-energy food but the
wood was used for building and the fronds for weaving Arish traditional buildings (Barasti) and household
items. As the palms grew so well in the lush oases, the people of the city and surrounding areas were able
to generate income for their communities by cultivating and selling the dates and the palm trees’
by-products.
As well as the oases, Al Ain had important forts that housed royalty and protected the lush area from
bandits. Three of the most important forts in Al Ain have recently been restored to their former glory:
• Qasr Al Muwaiji, home to the ruling Al-Nayhan family for generations where Sheikh Khalifa Bin
Zayed was born
• Al Jahili Fort, built to protect the neighbouring oasis and date palms, and as a summer palace for the
royal family
• Al Qattara Fort, now an arts centre and gallery
You will find out more about Al Ain’s culture and heritage, and its sites and attractions in Section 10.
SECTION 9 Page 18
Attractions and activities
There are many attractions for the adventure enthusiast including a visit to drive, cycle or climb Jebel
Hafeet, Abu Dhabi’s highest peak! The Mercure Hotel perches on the top of the mountain and is a favourite
destination for visitors. At the base of Jebel Hafeet sit the mineral springs and park of Green Mubazzarah.
Those who like water adventures can take advantage of Wadi Adventure near Jebel Hafeet, which offers a
range of water activities including rafting, surfing and kayaking. Those visitors who have a need for speed
can visit the international-standard go-karting circuit, Al Ain Raceway. The raceway hosts the Rotax Max
World Karting Finals and provides high-octane fun.
Visitors partial to shopping can take advantage of the six malls in Al Ain and they can also spend some
quality leisure time in the vast number of coffee shops and shisha cafes in and around the city.
In Section 10, you will gain detailed knowledge of the main sites, attractions, activities and experiences
available in Al Ain and a more in-depth look at the rich culture and heritage sites here, including the
UNESCO World Heritage sites themselves.
Trekking in Jebel Hafeet
SECTION 9 Page 19
Al Dhafra
Overview
Al Dhafra (previously known as Al Gharbia) is Abu Dhabi’s region where vast desert meets the sea. It makes
up two-thirds of Abu Dhabi’s entire land mass and features hundreds of kilometres of coast, beaches and
islands. Al Dhafra is becoming increasingly popular for visitors with a sense of desert and island adventure
and an appreciation of stunning natural and historical sites and features.
Sir Bani Yas Island
Al Dhafra
Dune bashing
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Liwa City
The oasis town of Liwa sits at the entrance to the Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter). This important town
contains a huge date-palm oasis, with more than 100,000 trees. It is sustained by a plentiful supply of water
from the underground springs of the Liwa Oasis. The plantation has been formally recognised as a Globally
Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Liwa has its very own Date Festival each July where
prestigious prizes are awarded to growers of the finest specimens of the desert fruit.
It takes approximately three hours to drive to Liwa from Abu Dhabi city.
Liwa City and desert
Rub Al Khali (The Empty Quarter)

Rub Al Khali and the Liwa Desert

The Rub Al Khali or Empty Quarter is renowned for being the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass and
features the world’s highest dune, known as Tel Moreeb. This huge expanse of ever-changing and endless
dunes was brought to international attention by the British explorer, Wilfred Thesiger, when he crossed the
Empty Quarter twice with his Emirati and Omani companions in the 1940s and ‘50s. The Empty Quarter is
Abu Dhabi’s epicentre for desert activities such as dawn dune walks, camel trekking, dune bashing (dune
driving in 4X4 vehicles), falconry shows and campfire barbecues. It is becoming a popular destination for
visitors wanting to get away from it all and thrill-seekers alike.
The five-star resort of Qasr Al Sarab, otherwise known as the Mirage Palace, resembles an old Arabian
fortress and is located in the Liwa Desert and specialises in desert activities. Further information on this
resort is given in Section 10: Iconic landmarks.
Aside from the Liwa Date Festival already mentioned, Al Dhafra has many events and festivals throughout
the year, such as:
• Tel Moreeb Festival held in January which is the desert hill climb event for all desert driving enthusiasts
• The annual Al Dhafra Festival featuring camel beauty contests
• Al Dhafra Watersports Festival, an annual event featuring dragon boat racing, kite surfing, dhow racing
and swimming events and activities
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Sir Bani Yas Island
Sir Bani Yas Island lies 170km southwest of Abu Dhabi and is recognised as part of the region of Al Dhafra.
It is a natural island and one of the eight islands that make up the ‘Desert Islands’ in Al Dhafra.
Sir Bani Yas is a stunning reserve and nature-lover’s paradise. It features the Arabian Wildlife Park which
spans over half the island and is home to more than 10,000 free-roaming animals including the Arabian
Oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. Tours of the park are available in 4x4s with expert guides.
The island is also the destination for the Desert Island Beach Stopover, a dedicated beach for cruise
passengers where guests can enjoy purpose-built beach and water sports facilities and restaurants on the
island’s shores.
For guests wishing to stay a while longer, there are three Anantara Hotels Resort & Spa retreats
on the island:
• Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara

• Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort
• Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort
Guests at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa can discover the UAE’s only Christian monastery on one of their
cultural tours. The monastery was believed to have been built around 600 AD and abandoned in 750 AD.
The site was excavated in 1992.
You will discover more of Al Dhafra’s desert and island charms and more detail of those mentioned in this
section within Section 10.
Cheetah
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Knowledge Bank: Regions and Islands of Abu Dhabi
The Corniche
• Ten kilometres of reclaimed, highly-landscaped waterfront
• Dedicated cycle paths and pedestrian walkways
• Bike hire for eight kilometres of cycle paths
• Corniche Beach
Yas Island
• An emerging entertainment destination
• Located within a 20 minute drive of the UAE capital
Home to:
• Yas Marina
• Yas Marina Circuit
• Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
• Yas Waterworld
• Yas Links Golf Course
• Yas Beach
• Yas Mall
• Yas Plaza
• du Arena
• du Forum
• Warner Bros.™
• CLYMB
Saadiyat Island
Located 500 metres off the coast of mainland Abu Dhabi island, a 15-minute drive away from Abu Dhabi city
centre and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport
The main districts being developed on the island are:
• Saadiyat Cultural District

• Planned museums to be built by the stars of the architectural world here include:
- Zayed National Museum
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
• Saadiyat Beach District
• Saadiyat Marina District
• Saadiyat Promenade District
• Saadiyat Lagoons District
• Saadiyat Retreat District
• Saadiyat Reserves District
SECTION 9 Page 23
Other Saadiyat Island attractions and landmarks:
• Manarat Al Saadiyat
• The UAE Pavilion
• Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
• The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
• Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi
• Saadiyat Beach Club
• Saadiyat Public Beach
Natural treasures:
Hawksbill sea turtles nest along Saadiyat Beach every year. They are listed as critically endangered on the
International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List. The turtles have decreased by up to 80 per cent
worldwide due to poaching and intention or unintentional destruction of their natural habitat to make way
for construction.
Hawksbill Turtle
The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) in Abu Dhabi began its Hawksbill Turtle
Conservation Programme in early 2010 and now over 650 eggs have successfully hatched on
Saadiyat Island.
Al Maryah Island
Al Maryah Island features:
• The Galleria shopping mall

• Rosewood Hotel
• Four Seasons Hotel
• A pedestrian promenade which surrounds the island
• Abu Dhabi Global Market Square
• The Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi
• Al Maryah Central shopping mall – yet to be completed
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Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island features:
• Paris-Sorbonne University (PSUAD)

• Shams Boutik with its eye-catching Sun and Sky Towers at each end
Nurai Island
Nurai Island features:
• Uninterrupted Arabian Gulf views

• Zaya Nurai Island which is a unique, boutique, private island resort with a 32-bed, all-villa hotel
Al Ain
• A 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city
• One of the world’s oldest permanently inhabited settlements, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Sites and attractions include:
• Al Jahili Fort
• Al Qattara Arts Centre
• Qasr Al Muwaiji
• Al Ain National Museum
• Al Ain Palace Museum
• Al Ain Oasis
• Al Ain Zoo
• Hili Fun-City
• Wadi Adventure
• Al Ain Raceway
• Jebel Hafeet mountain
Al Dhafra
Sites and attractions include
• Liwa, an historic oasis town, and the surrounding Liwa Desert

• Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass
• Qasr Al Sarab or Mirage Palace, a five-star resort in the Liwa Desert
• Events and festivals throughout the year include:
- January’s Tel Moreeb Festival
- Al Dhafra Festival
- Al Dhafra Watersports Festival
- July’s Liwa Date Festival
Sir Bani Yas Island

• Located 170km southwest of Abu Dhabi
• A nature-based destination in the Al Dhafra region
Sites and attractions include:
• Arabian Wildlife Park - 4x4 Nature and Wildlife drive of the park
• Three Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spas’ retreats
• Dedicated cruise passenger Desert Island Beach Stopover
• The UAE’s only discovered Christian monastery
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Section 10
Major Abu Dhabi Sites

and Attractions, Activities
and Experiences
SECTION 10 Page 1
SECTION 10 Page 2
Index
Iconic Landmarks
Aldar HQ
Capital Gate
World Trade Centre Souk & Mall Souk/Central Market
du Arena and du Forum
Emirates Palace
Etihad Towers
Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
Nation Towers
Yas Viceroy Hotel
Culture and Heritage Sites

Currency Museum at the Central Bank
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Qasr al Hosn
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- The Guggenheim Museum
- UAE Pavilion
Union Square
Wahat Al Karama
Zayed Heritage Centre
Family Attractions
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Ferrari World
Marina Eye
Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Waterworld
Sustainable Tourist Attractions

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve
Mangrove National Park
Masdar City Project
SECTION 10 Page 3
Sports and Leisure Activities
Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
Abu Dhabi Golf Club
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club
Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Yas Kartzone
Al Forsan Equestrian Club – Shooting
Caracal Shooting Club
Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club
Al Forsan Equestrian
Sea and Water

Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey
Beaches - featuring
- Overview
- Corniche Beach
- Yas Beach
- Saadiyat Public Beach
- Al Bateen Beach
- Al Bateen Beach for Women
Noukhada
Yas Marina
Nation Riveria Beach Club
Saadiyat Beach Club
Shopping
Shopping Malls Abu Dhabi City
Al Ain
Al Ain Camel Market
Al Ain National Museum
Al Foah Date Factory
Al Jahili Fort
Al Khaznah Tannery
Al Qattara Arts Centre
Qasr Al Muwaiji
Souq Al Qattara
UNESCO Heritage Sites

UNESCO Overview
Al Ain Oasis
Bida Bint Saud
Hili Archaeological Park
Jebel Hafeet Tombs
SECTION 10 Page 4
Family Attractions
Al Ain Zoo
Green Mubazzarah
Hili Fun City
Wadi Adventure
Sports and Leisure Activities

Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club - Equestrian
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club - Golf
Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club - Shooting
Outdoor Adventure - Land / Desert

Al Ain Safari
Arabian Nights Village
Jebel Hafeet
Telal Al Ain
Shopping Malls in Al Ain

Mall locations and information
Al Dhafra
Iconic Landmarks
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Sustainable Tourist Attractions

Arabian Wildlife Park
Al Marzoon Hunting Reserve
Outdoor Adventure - Land / Desert

Tel Moreeb
Sea and Water

Desert Island Beach Stopover
Sir Bani Yas Island, Desert Islands Watersports Centre
Mirfa Beach
SECTION 10 Page 5
SECTION 10 Page 6
Section 10
Abu Dhabi:
Iconic Landmarks
SECTION 10 Page 7
SECTION 10 Page 8
The Founder’s Memorial
The Founder’s Memorial is a permanent national tribute dedicated to commemorating, celebrating and
reflecting on the life, legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed as a man and a leader. The space serves as
a place of gathering that instills pride and purpose in the UAE community.
Through a series of personal encounters with Sheikh Zayed, the man and the leader, The Founder’s
Memorial invites visitors to embark on a journey of discovery through his life and legacy, enriching
understanding of his character, the causes he championed, and the values he voiced to the UAE and the
world. The space also features a range of experiences designed to reveal aspects of the broader social,
cultural and environmental heritage of the UAE, including art, stories, exhibitions and an array of local trees
and plants.
SECTION 10 Page 9
The Constellation
Housed in a 30-metre-high pavilion, The Constellation is a dynamic, three-dimensional portrait of the late
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan that can be experienced differently from multiple viewing points around
the memorial and from other vantage points.
Artist Ralph Helmick created the portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through an impressive
constellation of 1,327 hanging shapes, known as platonic solids, which are suspended through the use of
1,110 cables.
Platonic solids are special three-dimensional symmetrical shapes with unique mathematical properties.
There are only five platonic solids and each one is made up of a series of identical faces and corners.
Renowned for their beauty, these shapes have inspired artists and scientists for millennia.
The five platonic solids are:
• Tetrahedron (Four faces)
• Cube (Six faces)
• Octahedron (Eight faces)
• Dodecahedron (Twelve faces)
• Icosahedron (Twenty faces)

Also referred to as ‘cosmic figures,’ these shapes were used by Helmick to create The Constellation. This
depicts Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a celestial constellation and as our guiding light. The shapes
come together to reveal Sheikh Zayed’s image, watching over the Emirati people and the nation that he
loved.
The Heritage Garden

This intriguing garden features just some of the plants traditionally used by the Bedouin people of the
Arabian Peninsula. They were ingenious in their use of the natural environment. Many of these remedies are
still in use today. There are a total of 188 trees throughout the memorial’s landscaping which encompasses
3.3 hectares of public space. The Sanctuary Garden which is located in the public plaza that surrounds The
Constellation, is planted with groves of Ghaf and Sidr trees that provide natural shade from the sun. A series
of Falaj water channels are set into the landscape which reflects Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong project to ‘green’
the Emirates.
Within the Heritage Garden you can find:
• Desert Cotton
Traditionally used to pad saddles and cushions, desert cotton was also thought to reduce swelling, heal
wounds, and combat aches and pains.
• Henna
Still used to dye hair and apply intricate patterns to hands and feet, henna also has antibacterial
properties.
• Toothbrush Tree
The twigs from this tree have antiseptic properties, making them ideal for cleaning your teeth.
Traditionally, its leaves were also used to soothe blisters and scorpion bites.
SECTION 10 Page 10
• Alkali Weed
Traditionally used by the Bedouin to settle the stomach, alkali weed was also thought to relieve coughs.
• Caralluma
Brewed as a tea, caralluma was traditionally used to treat liver complaints and relieve pain.
• Harmal
The Bedouin traditionally applied the seeds of the harmal plant to the skin to remove moisture and cool
the body. The seeds are also believed to ease stomach complaints.
• Tree Species - Fitneh (Also known as the Sweet Acacia)

The soft, feathery leaves and highly fragrant yellow flowers of the fitneh tree are a striking contrast to
its rough, thorny bark. All parts of this remarkable tree – bark, leaves and roots – are known for their
astringent properties and were traditionally used to treat wounds, skin diseases and inflammation. The
bark was also used to soothe ailments such as rheumatism, blood disease, bronchitis and ulcers.
• Tree Species - Samr (Also known as the Umbrella Thorn)

Small and wiry, the samr tree is easily identified by its contorted seed-pods and distinctive thorns. A
hardy species, the samr thrives on gravel and sand plains, along wadi banks and on the slopes of
mountains, where it provides grazing for camels, goats and local wildlife. The wood of the samr was
traditionally used as fuel and for making tools, while the edible gum from the tree was eaten to combat
infections.
• Tree Species - Sidr

Mentioned in the Holy Quran as a blessed plant of paradise, the sidr tree is held in high esteem
throughout the Islamic world. In the Emirates, its leaves were traditionally dried and ground to a powder
that could be added to water to create a natural shampoo. The fruit, leaves, roots and bark were also
used for various treatments, including disinfecting wounds and healing skin diseases. Today, honey from
the sidr is highly prized.
The Walkway
This elevated walkway runs round the perimeter of the Sanctuary Garden. From here you can look in to the
garden and towards The Constellation, built as a memorial to Sheikh Zayed.
But from this walkway you can also look outwards to the skyline of the City of Abu Dhabi, which is also
surely a living memorial to Sheikh Zayed. He was the one that had a clear vision for this world-class city,
and he was the one who made it happen. The pathway running behind the memorial artwork gives visitors
insight into the causes and beliefs that Sheikh Zayed held. As they walk along the raised path, visitors are
invited to read these words by Sheikh Zayed:
“I have always had big dreams for this country, the land of our ancestors. I dreamt that, one-day, we would
equal other countries that were ahead of us in development and progress.”
“Nothing is more valuable to me than the homeland and its citizens. I shall fight to raise and uphold the
status of this country and to make the citizens happy.”
“The greatest piece of advice that I give to my sons is not to be overly proud. I believe that it neither belittles
nor undermines the powerful to behave with humility and respect.”
“The nation’s true wealth is to be found in serious, honest work which benefits people and society, for the
fruit of such labour endures and gives value to people and the state.”
SECTION 10 Page 11
The Welcome Centre
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with the man and the leader through rarely-seen footage,
personal stories, articles and interviews with those who knew and loved Sheikh Zayed. This state-of-the-art
multimedia experience also features a number of screened ‘Sheikh Zayed Encounters’, that give visitors the
chance to hear from the late leader in his own words.
Tours & Opening Hours

Complimentary tours led by our trained Cultural Tour Guides are available to guide visitors. The Cultural Tours
are available in English and Arabic from 9am to 10pm and last around 30 minutes. Visitors can book a tour
by sending an email to visit@thefoundersmemorial.ae or at the Welcome Centre on arrival. Space is limited,
and that is why bookings are recommended.

The official website of The Founder’s Memorial
http://www.thefoundersmemorial.ae/en/
SECTION 10 Page 12
Knowledge Bank: The Founder’s Memorial
Overview
• The Founder’s Memorial is a permanent national tribute dedicated to commemorating and reflecting on
the legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed as a man and a leader.
• The Constellation is housed in a 30-metre-high pavilion, and has a dynamic, three-dimensional portrait
of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
• The Constellation can be experienced differently from multiple viewing points around the memorial and
from other vantage points.
• Platonic solids are the special three-dimensional symmetrical shapes with unique mathematical
properties which helps creating the portrait of Sheikh Zayed.
• Artist Ralph Helmick created the portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through an impressive
constellation of 1,327 hanging shapes which are suspended through the use of 1,110 cables.
• The Sanctuary Garden is planted with groves of Ghaf and Sidr trees that provide natural shade from the
sun.
• A series of Falaj water channels are set into the landscape which reflects Sheikh Zayed’s lifelong project
to ‘green’ the Emirates.
• The Heritage Garden has plants traditionally used by the Bedouin like Samr, Sidr, palm tress, Alkali
Weed, Desert Cotton, Harmal, Caralluma, Toothbrush Tree, Fitneh, and Henna.
• The Walkway gives the visitors the chance to look out to the skyline of the City of Abu Dhabi, and along
the path, words of Sheikh Zayed are inscribed which give insight into the causes and beliefs that Sheikh
Zayed held.
• The Welcome Centre houses rarely-seen footage, personal stories, articles and interviews with those
who knew and loved Sheikh Zayed. Also, visitors can enjoy the multimedia experience that features a
number of screened ‘Sheikh Zayed Encounters’, which give visitors the chance to hear from the late
leader in his own words.
SECTION 10 Page 13
SECTION 10 Page 14
Aldar HQ
Aldar HQ is the head office of Abu Dhabi property developers, Aldar, and was completed in 2010. It was
designed by Marwan Zgheib, founder of MZ Architects, and is located in the prestigious Al Dana business
district on Al Raha Beach Development.
Inspired by the shape of a clam shell which hints at the area’s historical pearl harvesting past, the circular
structure’s curved glass exterior glistens with the reflection of sunrise on the building’s eastern side and
sunset on the west. Resembling a pearl resting at the ocean’s edge, it has become one of Abu Dhabi’s
iconic landmarks.
The building represents a number of impressive ‘firsts’ for the region and is recognised as:
• the Middle East’s first round skyscraper

• being the first UAE building to use the ‘diagrid’ - an external, diagonal, steel grid with diamond-shaped
glass panels - similar to that used for London’s iconic Landmark London office development, commonly
known as the Gherkin
• housing Abu Dhabi’s first underground waste disposal system, which feeds waste from the building
straight through to a recycling and treatment plant.
SECTION 10 Page 15
Adding to its green credentials, this eco-friendly building is not only made of recyclable materials, it hosts
a cooling mechanism as well as energy-efficient water and lighting systems. On each floor, meeting rooms
and offices along the edges of the building make the most of the natural light which floods in through the
glass façade. With such initiatives, Aldar HQ has more than earned its 82% efficiency rating and Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver rating award1 by the US Green Building Council.
At just 23 floors and 121 metres high, the circular headquarters provides a considerable 62,000m2 office
space normally only found in much taller constructions. This is thanks to the building’s unique circular design
which means that there are fewer internal support columns taking up valuable space. The two spheres are
joined by a roof made from a singular glass and structural strip. It is the building’s diagrid, also subsequently
used in Abu Dhabi’s Capital Gate Tower, which gives it its curved shape, together with stability and flexibility
The internationally-acclaimed Aldar HQ was awarded the title ‘Best Futuristic Design’ at the Building
Exchange Conference (BEX) in 2008 as well as being named as one of ‘The World’s Most Spectacular
Corporate Headquarters’2 by Emporis in 2013.
Optional Activity: Aldar HQ on National Geographic Megastructures

If you would like to know more about the design and build of Aldar HQ, take a look at the following video
and make some notes that will wow your architecturally-motivated visitors.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ryi-p0FXyI

Archdaily’s in-depth study of the concept and construction of Aldar HQ:
http://www.archdaily.com/240524/al-dar-headquarters-mz-architects
1
See: https://www.usgbc.org/leed
2
Source: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/aldar-s-disc-hq-in-abu-dhabi-ranked- SECTION 10 Page 16
among-the-world-s-most-spectacular-offices-1.365331
Knowledge Bank: Aldar HQ
Overview
• The architect of Aldar HQ was Marwan Zgheib
• Marwan Zgheib is the founder of MZ Architects who have offices in Abu Dhabi
• Aldar HQ is circular in design
• It is the headquarters of property developer Aldar of Abu Dhabi
• The building is located on Al Raha Beach
• Alder HQ is 121 metres high
• There is 62,000m2 of office space over 23 floors
Design
• The circular building is the first of its kind in the Middle East
• The building is positioned on an east/west axis so the sunset and sunrise is reflected in the glass façade
• Aldar HQ has a unique and complex curved glass curtain wall façade
• An external triangular steel ‘diagrid’ gives the building stability and flexibility
• The roof structure is made from a continuous glass and structural band forming the building’s spine
Sustainability
• The design of Aldar HQ was developed in line with the US Green Building Council LEED rating system
• The circular glass façade optimises natural light
• The building features its own waste collection vacuum system, a cooling plant and sustainable lighting
and water systems
• Aldar HQ is rated as 82% efficient
Awards
• Best Futuristic Design award - the Building Exchange Conference (BEX) 2008
• One of 16 of ‘The World’s Most Spectacular Corporate Headquarters’ - Emporis in 2013
• Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating from Green Building Council (USA)
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Capital Gate
Capital Gate is also known as The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi. It was designed by British architects,
RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall), and is owned and developed by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions
Company (ADNEC).
The tower was designed to tilt 18° westwards, four times more than Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. Work
began on the 35-floor skyscraper in 2007 and was completed in 2011. This iconic building was certified by
the Guinness World Records in 2010 as the ‘World’s Farthest Manmade Leaning Building.’1
The tilt was achieved by constructing a solid, concrete core with a curve that bent in the opposite direction
to the way the building leaned. It was rooted into the ground with 500 pile foundations driven nearly 30
metres deep.
An external, diagonal, steel grid with diamond-shaped glass panels or ‘diagrid’, similar to that used in the
construction of Aldar HQ, gives the building its stability and flexibility. The heat-reflective, glass panels were
hand-made to fit the structure.
Located between Zayed Sports City and the Zayed Military hospital on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, (30th
Street) and standing at 160 metres tall, the impressive building is now the centrepiece and signature tower
of the Capital Centre/Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
Capital Gate connects to the grandstand of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) with a wave-
like structure known as ‘the Splash’. At 133,000m2 ADNEC is the largest conference and exhibition venue in
the Middle East.
The building is environmentally-friendly as well as iconic in its design. Its green credentials include:
• External, energy-efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights which minimise light pollution
• The Splash structure which acts as a sun shade and protects the floor inside from 30% of the sun’s rays
• A double façade on the building’s upper floors, made of special anti-glare glass which reduces heat
entering the building by 5%
Capital Gate houses office space on the lower half and Hyatt Capital Gate - the first Hyatt Hotel in Abu
Dhabi - on the higher floors. The five-star hotel features 189 guest rooms and 22 suites.
The hotel includes an outside pool deck on top of the Splash, a glass atrium and a tea lounge which
overhangs the building, suspended 80m above the ground. It is a popular hotel for golf enthusiasts as it is
located 15 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Golf Club and also with business travellers due to its 15-minute
drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport.
1
Source: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/farthest-
manmade-leaning-building
SECTION 10 Page 19
Optional Activity: The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi Megastructures Video
If you would like to know more about the daring construction of Capital Gate, take a look at the following
Megastructures video and make some notes that will entertain and inform your visitors with a passion for
modern architecture and precision engineering!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkbRAPH3B9k
DID YOU KNOW? The glazing for the building’s façade is made up of 728 diamond-shaped panels.
Each had to be hand-made and customised for the building because of the complexity of the design.
To withstand the harsh temperature changes and winds, the panels had to be designed to be able to
shift up to 20mm! 2

The Capital Gate website:
http://www.capitalgate.ae/
Hyatt Hotel’s overview of the grand design of Capital Gate:
https://abudhabicapitalgate.hyatthotels.hyatt.com/en/hotel/news-and-events/news-listing/backgrounder-
capital-gate-abu-dhabi.html
A factsheet about the Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi:
https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt/images/hotels/abdcc/factsheet.pdf
2
Source: Megastructures video: https://www.youtube.com watch?v=RkbRA
PH3B9k
SECTION 10 Page 20
Knowledge Bank: Capital Gate
Overview
• Capital Gate is located between Zayed Sports City and the Zayed Military Hospital on Al Khaleej Al Arabi
Street, (30th Street)
• The building is owned and was developed by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
• The building is 160 metres tall and 35 floors high
• It is the centrepiece and signature tower of the Capital Centre/ADNEC
• The building is connected to ADNEC with a wave-like structure known as ‘the Splash’
• ADNEC is the largest conference and exhibition venue in the Middle East at 133,000m2
Architecture
• Capital Gate was designed by architectural firm RMJM (Robert Matthew Johnson Marshall)
• The building was started in 2007 and completed in 2011
• The tower tilts 18° westwards meaning that Capital Gate leans four times as much as the Leaning
Tower of Pisa
• Capital Gate was named the ‘World’s Farthest Manmade Leaning Building’ by Guinness World Records
in 2010
• The building sits on nearly 500 pile foundations, drilled 30 metres into the ground to support the
building’s lean
• The central concrete core leans in the opposite direction to the building to help stabilise it
• The building has a steel façade known as a diagrid
• The diagrid is glazed with heat-reflective glass panels that had to be handmade to fit
Environmental impact
• The outer structure known as ‘the Splash’ protects the floor inside from 30% of the sun’s rays
• The upper floors of Capital Gate have a double façade made of special anti-glare glass which reduces
heat entering the building by 5%
Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

• The five-star hotel features 189 guest rooms and 22 suites
• The hotel has unique features such as an outside pool deck on top of ‘the Splash’, a glass atrium and a
suspended tea lounge
• The hotel is popular with golf enthusiasts as it is located 15 minutes away from Abu Dhabi Golf Club
• Business-travellers also use the hotel as it is a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and
attached to the ADNEC
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World Trade Centre Souk & Mall/Central Market
The new World Trade Centre Souk & Mall in Abu Dhabi is located on the original site of the city’s Old Souk
on the intersection of 2nd and 3rd Streets, next to the Lake Park and the Corniche at the northern tip of the
island. It was designed by British architects, Foster and Partners.
The Old Souk was built in the early 1970s and was one of the first projects to be completed under HH
Sheikh Zayed’s masterplan for the reshaping of Abu Dhabi city after oil was discovered.
The souk had nearly 200 small, family-run stores and was a vibrant social hub where residents would buy
clothes, shoes, electrical equipment, and even gold. Currencies and news were also exchanged there.
HH Sheikh Zayed himself was fond of visiting the souk during Eid and would spend time talking with
shopkeepers in their stores.
A series of fires in 2003 completely destroyed the Old Souk and its remains were finally demolished in 2005.
The shopkeepers had to relocate around the city and, as a result, Abu Dhabi centre lost a vital piece of its
cultural heritage.
In 2006, Abu Dhabi’s property developer Aldar Properties approached architects Foster and Partners to
design a modern interpretation of the Old Souk on the original site, creating a new ‘city within a city’. This
was to be the ambitious World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi project.
Foster wanted to reflect Abu Dhabi’s past and so used aspects from traditional Arabian architecture in the
redesign of the market space. The World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi development was completed in 2014 and
now hosts one of the largest Arabic markets in the world. The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi hosts
the top brands, shops, fine dining options and cinema. On the other side, The Souk at World Trade Centre
Abu Dhabi has everything from traditional artefacts, Arabic perfumes, henna and spices to jewellery.
The project’s traditional features include:
• courtyards, squares and narrow alleyways

• integrated balconies and walkways
• blue and yellow ornate glass windows that filter light into the market
• panelling with traditional Islamic perforations and octagonal geometric panels based on
traditional zellij tiles
SECTION 10 Page 23
The market site also has modern features such as a retractable roof section which closes in hotter months
to keep the temperature cool. Visitors can relax and dine in the roof gardens that cover the low-rise retail
halls, called podiums.
Rising above the retail halls, market space and roof gardens are two striking, blade-shaped towers that
make up the rest of the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi project:
• Commercial Tower: Also known as World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi1 - The Offices and more recently
the Arabtec Tower
• Residential Tower: Known as the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid. The building is Abu Dhabi’s highest at
381 metres with 93 floors2
• Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is perfectly positioned adjacent to the city’s The Mall at World Trade Center,
and the tallest tower in Abu Dhabi, the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid
Both of the towers are angled at a sharp 50 degrees at the top and carry custom-made solar panels
designed to receive as much sunlight as possible as the sun tracks from east to west during the course of
the day. The panelled roofs are the most complicated of their kind ever built.3
DID YOU KNOW? Perching on the top of the Residential Tower within the World Trade Centre
development is one of the world’s highest swimming pools!4

Foster and Partners’ webpage on the development:
http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/world-trade-center-souk/
‘Build it Bigger’ documentary on Central Market:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNrZ9ZvYxSE
1
Source: https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/world-trade-center-abu-
dhabi-the-offices/653
2
Source: https://www.skyscrapercenter.com/building/burj-mohammed-bin-
rashid/259
3
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNrZ9ZvYxSE
SECTION 10 Page 24
4
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNrZ9ZvYxSE
Mandatory Activity: Old versus new
Visitors will appreciate the contrast between what was on this site before and what it has become,
especially as the Old Souk was such an important part of Abu Dhabi’s heritage.
Fill in the table with some bullet points from the information in this section and the Knowledge Bank so you
have the old versus the new facts at your fingertips.
World Trade Centre Souk/Central Market
Old Souk The Souk at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi
• Built in the early 1970s • Redeveloped from 2006 - 2014
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
• •
SECTION 10 Page 25
Knowledge Bank: World Trade Centre Souk & Mall
Souk/Central Market
Overview
• World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi is located on the original site of the city’s Old Souk on the intersection of
2nd and 3rd Streets
• The Old Souk was built in the early 1970s and housed around 200 small stores selling clothes, shoes,
electrical goods and gold
• The original souk was destroyed by fire in 2003
• The developer Aldar Properties approached architects Foster and Partners to rebuild the souk in 2006
• The development was completed in 2014
• The World Trade Centre Souk & Mall is one of the largest Arabic markets in the world
Architecture and design

• Foster used aspects from traditional (vernacular) architecture such as courtyards and narrow alleyways,
balconies and walkways, decorative glass windows and Islamic panels
• Modern features include a retractable roof section for climate control, low-rise retail halls called podiums
with green roof gardens
• The World Trade Centre Souk & Mall is topped with two blade-shape towers
• The Commercial Tower is known as the World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi or the Arabtec Tower
• The Residential Tower is known as the Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid and is the highest building
in Abu Dhabi
• The Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid is 381 metres high with 93 floors. It features one of the world’s highest
swimming pools
• The hotel Courtyard by Marriott is located adjacent to the city’s The Mall at World Trade Center, and the
Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid
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du Arena and du Forum
du Arena and du Forum are two entertainment venues located on Yas Island. Having opened in 2009, then
known as Yas Arena and Flash Forum respectively, they were rebranded in 2012 following a partnership deal
between telecommunications company, du, and concert promoter, Flash Entertainment.
The open-air du Arena is the largest of its kind in the Middle East with a capacity of over 50,000 people with
free onsite parking for 5,000 cars. An extensive ‘village’ area welcomes visitors just inside the entrance, with
spaces which can be rented by food and drink providers.
The du Arena is a flexible space which can accommodate a range of seating and standing layouts and has
hosted a variety of events including:
• concerts by top international artists such as Bon Jovi, Calvin Harris, Coldplay, Justin Timberlake,
Madonna, Metallica, Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones
• Yasalam after-race concerts during the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November
• the Taste of Abu Dhabi food festival in November
• Abu Dhabi Pet Festival in February
As well as having disabled access and refreshments available on site, the venue offers a number of VIP
areas including ‘tree house’ suites with direct and clear views of performances and 250 VIP parking spaces
with separate entry to, and exit from, the venue.
du Forum is a smaller, indoor venue which can hold up to 7,000 people – 4,500 standing and 2,500 seated
and has 1,500 free car parking spaces.
It is used for a variety of events including music concerts and sporting events open to the public and private
functions such as business events, weddings, balls and gala dinners.
Events held at du Forum include:
• a Munich-inspired Oktoberfest
• ‘Beyond the track’ events during the November Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
• a free-to-attend Winterland Carnival at the end of December
SECTION 10 Page 27
With no pillars, spectators do not need to be in one of the venue’s VIP areas to benefit from a great view. Its
state-of-the-art air conditioning system keeps performers and visitors to the venue cool throughout the year.
Optional Activity: What events bring visitors to du Forum and du Arena?

Take a look at the du Forum and du Arena website and make a note of the concerts and events that are due
to take place in each venue.
www.duforum.ae http://duforum.ae/?sitetag=duarena
du Forum du Arena
DID YOU KNOW? Even though du Arena is an outside concert venue, it has a special cooling
system to keep visitors fresh and ready to party 24 hours a day, all year round!
SECTION 10 Page 28
Knowledge Bank: du Arena and du Forum
du Arena
Venue capacities and features:
• du Arena is an outdoor entertainment venue located on Yas Island. It is the largest of its kind in the
Middle East
• It opened in 2009
• du Arena can hold a total of 50,000 people
• The space inside the venue is flexible. It can be arranged with various seating and standing layouts
• There are dedicated VIP areas and the venue also has wheelchair access
• du Arena features ’tree house’ suites for VIPs which give guests direct and clear views of performances
• Food and drink is available to purchase on-site
• There is free on-site parking for 5,000 cars
• There is a reserved VIP parking area for 250 cars. VIP parking has its own entrance and exit to and from
the venue
• Inside the gates to the entrance of du Arena there is a large ’village’ area with spaces that can be rented
by food and drink companies
Functions and events at du Arena

• Concerts featuring international performers and DJs such as Pink, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, The Rolling
Stones, Madonna, Coldplay, Justin Timberlake, Metallica and Calvin Harris
• Yasalam After-Race Concerts (for ticket holders of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
in November)
• Taste of Abu Dhabi Food festival
• Abu Dhabi Pet Festival
du Forum
• du Forum is an indoor venue located on Yas Island
• It opened in 2009
• du Forum is used for public music concerts and sporting events as well as private functions including
business events, weddings, balls and dinners etc.
• du Forum can hold a total of 7,000 people (4,500 standing, 2,500 seated)
• du Forum does not have pillars so everyone in the venue can see performances
• The venue has a state-of-the-art air-conditioning system to keep visitors cool all year
• The venue has designated VIP guest areas
• There is free parking for 1,500 cars
Events at du Forum
• Oktoberfest
• ‘Beyond the Track’ events over duration of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
in November
• Winterland carnival
SECTION 10 Page 29
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Emirates Palace Hotel
The Emirates Palace Hotel is a five-star hotel located on the western tip of Abu Dhabi’s promenade, known
as the Corniche. Built between 2001 and 2005, it is owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi and managed
by Kempinski Hotels and Resorts as their flagship hotel in the Middle East.
Its exterior was designed by architect, John Elliott of Wimberley, Allison, Tong and Goo (WATG), international
specialists in resort design. (You will find out more about the design of the hotel in Section 12, Architectural
Styles in Abu Dhabi.) WATG was responsible for the design of many well-known hotels such as MGM Grand
in Las Vegas, Atlantis the Palm in neighbouring Dubai and the interior refurbishment of Claridge’s, London.
Kongsak Yuktasevi of KY&A designed the interior of Emirates Palace over a period of four years and with an
unlimited budget. KY&A are interior design specialists for spas and hotels worldwide.
Over 12,000 workers were involved in the hotel’s construction before it opened its doors in November 2005.
It now employs over 2,000 staff, including 170 chefs, from around 50 different countries.
Outside, the hotel is based on traditional Arabian architecture, using colours to reflect the desert sand. The
building’s central Grand Atrium dome is 42m wide and made of silver- and gold-coloured glass with a gold
top or finial. A further 114 smaller domes top other parts of the main and outbuildings.
Inside, the hotel is just as luxurious, featuring gold, mother of pearl, glittering crystals and polished marble
floors. Suspended from the ceilings are 1,002 chandeliers - the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes - made from
Swarovski’s superior quality, Strauss crystals. Two decorative carpets, depicting the hotel and weighing a
tonne each, hang on its walls.
The hotel has 394 guest rooms and 92 suites. It acts as the official guest palace for Abu Dhabi’s
Government, with the top floor hosting suites for UAE royal families. Spanning one kilometre from the east to
west wing and with grounds covering an expanse of over 1 million square metres, guests benefit from:
• a 1.6km long private beach, with sand imported from overseas and private harbour
• two swimming pools
• 15 restaurants including Lebanese, Arabic and Italian cuisine as well as Chinese at the award-winning
Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2010. Mezlai is the Emirati award-winning restaurant with menu
steeped in the heritage and geography of the UAE
• A Moroccan-inspired spa with hammam, jacuzzis, steam rooms and an ice cave
SECTION 10 Page 31
Non-residents are also able to visit the hotel, but a strict dress code applies.
DID YOU KNOW? At one time, in the lobby of the Emirates Palace Hotel, visitors could find a gold
vending machine ‘Gold to Go’. It dispensed gold bars featuring the Emirates Palace Hotel’s logo.1
1
Source: https://www.thenational.ae/business/travel-and-tourism/emirates-
palace-atm-worth-its-weight-in-gold-1.413371
SECTION 10 Page 32
Knowledge Bank: Emirates Palace Hotel
Overview
• The five-star hotel is located on the western end of the Corniche in Abu Dhabi City
• Construction of the hotel started in 2001 and it opened in November 2005
• It is operated by Kempinski Hotels & Resorts but owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi
• Emirates Palace is Kempinski’s Middle East flagship hotel
• It has 394 guest rooms and 92 suites
• It took 12,000 workers to construct the hotel
• The distance from the east wing to the west wing of the hotel is 1km
• The hotel’s grounds and beach spread over one million square metres; Emirates Palace has its own 1.6
km private beach and harbour
• The hotel features two pools, 15 restaurants including the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Hakkasan
Abu Dhabi, which opened in June 2010, the Emirati restaurant Mezlai and Lebanese, Arabic and Italian
cuisine
• Other features include a Moroccan-inspired spa with hammam, jacuzzis and steam rooms and an
ice cave
Exterior architecture and design

• The architect for the exterior design was John Elliott, architect at Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG).
WATG have designed the Mansion at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Atlantis, the Palm Dubai and were
responsible for the interior refurbishment of Claridge’s, London, amongst others
• The Palace’s external design is based on traditional Arabian architecture featuring a traditional grand
dome with smaller domes repeated over the main and additional buildings
• The central dome is known as the Grand Atrium dome. It is 42m wide and features silver- and gold-
coloured glass with a gold finial
• The colours that were used in the building reflect the colours of the desert sand
Interior architecture and design

• The interior of Emirates Palace was designed by Kongsak Yuktasevi of KY&A, specialists in designing
the interiors of resorts and spas worldwide
• Yuktasevi took four years to complete the interior design and had a limitless budget
• The interior is lavish in design and features gold, mother of pearl and countless crystals
• The hotel has a collection of 1,002 chandeliers made from Swarovski’s premier Strauss crystals. The
largest chandelier weighs 2.5 tonnes
• The hotel also features two one-tonne display carpets. Their design shows the hotel itself
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Etihad Towers
Etihad Towers is a development located on Corniche West Street. The Towers are opposite the Emirates
Palace Hotel and can be reached by car from the airport in just 30 minutes.
Close to Abu Dhabi’s business hub, the site is near to the Central Bank, the Foreign Ministry and the
headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).
Designed by Australian architects, DBI Design, the Towers are owned by influential businessman and
member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family, HH Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan.
Completed in 2011, the complex consists of five separate towers and a multi-level podium at their base. It
offers a mix of residential and office space, a five-star hotel and shopping and eating outlets. Altogether the
site spans over 500,000m2.
With futuristic and sculpted forms, the Towers were inspired by symbols of local culture and heritage such
as sails, swords and falconry.1
Tower 1 houses Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, a five-star hotel which offers 382 rooms and suites, together
with 199 serviced apartments across 69 floors.2
Guests at the hotel benefit from a private beach, three swimming pools and the Talise Spa. Diners can
choose from 12 restaurants and a range of international cuisines such as French, Italian and Lebanese. The
restaurants are all based in The Podium at the base of the Towers.
At 277m high, the Jumeirah hosts Abu Dhabi’s highest public viewing point, the ‘Observation Deck at 300’
at the 74th floor in Tower 2 with spectacular views of the Presidential Palace and Emirates Palace Hotel.
Tower 3, is slightly lower than the hotel building at 260 metres high and contains 45,000m2 of office space
spread over 54 floors.3
Businesses benefit from a private car park, managed reception desks, concierge service and round-the-
clock security.
1
Source: www.archello.com/en/project/etihad-towers/1948096
2
Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20130801075610/http://
skyscrapercenter.com/abu-dhabi/etihad-towers-t1/
3
skyscrapercenter.com/abu-dhabi/etihad-towers-t3/5241/
SECTION 10 Page 35
The remaining three towers provide a range of residential accommodation with a total of 885 apartments of
between one and five bedrooms.
Tower 2 is the tallest of the five skyscrapers at 305 metres high and 74 floors.4 Towers 4 and 5 are the two
smallest at 234 metres high with 61 floors and 218 metres high with 55 floors respectively.5
The three residential towers each have their own leisure facilities including:
• swimming pool
• sauna
• gymnasium
• bars, cafes and restaurants
At the very base of the complex, the Podium contains The Avenue - two floors of luxury boutiques, many
of which have private rooms for VIP shopping. It is here that the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ lobby can be
accessed, along with the hotel’s public spaces including a fitness and well-being centre, a state-of-the-art
convention centre, and the grand ballroom.
Optional Activity: Grouping information together about Etihad Towers

It is easy to confuse key information about the different Etihad Towers, although your delivery should be
clear for your visitors. Grouping your information together under headings in bullet points can help as a quick
visual reminder for when you want to review the knowledge in this portfolio. Take the important information
from this section and the Knowledge Bank to fill in the following table. You may also like to organise your
information using the visual-mapping techniques you looked at in section one.
Tower 1 Tower 2 Tower 3
Tower 4 Tower 5 Podium
DID YOU KNOW? Vin Diesel’s movie, ‘Fast and Furious 7’ features a famous car jump stunt
that was filmed at the Jumeirah Etihad Towers.
4
Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20130820201602/http://www.
5
https://web.archive.org/web/20130819181448/http://skyscrapercenter.com/
SECTION 10 Page 36
abu-dhabi/etihad-towers-t5/5233/
Knowledge Bank: Etihad Towers
Overview
• Etihad Towers are part of a mixed-use development containing residential apartments, offices, a five-star
hotel and shopping and dining facilities
• The construction of the towers was completed in 2011
• There are five separate towers and a multi-level podium
• The development is located on Corniche West Street, opposite the Emirates Palace Hotel and a 30
minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport
• The development site spreads over 500,000m2
• The Towers are located close to the central business district of Abu Dhabi, as well as the Central Bank,
the Foreign Ministry and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) headquarters
• The Towers are owned by HH Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, a senior member of Abu
Dhabi’s ruling family and an influential businessman

• Etihad Towers were designed by Australian architects, DBI Design
• The design of the Towers is futuristic and sculpted in form
• The shape of the Towers is based on symbols such as sails, swords and falconry, which are a part of
Abu Dhabi’s culture and heritage
Tower 1: Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

• Jumeirah at Etihad Towers is a five-star luxury hotel
• It has 382 rooms and suites and 199 serviced apartments
• The hotel features the Talise Spa, a private beach and three swimming pools
• The hotel offers 12 international restaurants including Japanese, Italian, French and Lebanese cuisine
• The entire Tower is 277 metres in height and has 69 floors
• The hotel stars in Vin Diesel’s famous car jump stunt in the movie ‘Fast and Furious 7’
Towers 2, 4 and 5: Residential apartments

• The 885 residential apartments and penthouses within Towers 2,4 and 5 have one to five bedrooms
• Each residential tower has its own gymnasium, sauna and pool, bars, cafés and restaurants
• Tower 2 is 305 metres in height and has 74 floors
• The hotel’s ‘Observation Deck at 300’ at the 74th floor is the highest public viewing point in Abu Dhabi
and looks out over the Presidential Palace and the Emirates Palace Hotel
Tower 3: Offices
• The tower has 54 floors and 45,000m² of office space
• It features a dedicated car park, managed reception desks, a concierge service and security 24 hours a
day, seven days a week
• The entire tower is 260 metres high and has 54 floors
The Podium
• Located at the base of the towers, The Podium features:
- The Avenue, two floors of high-end luxury boutiques. Many of the boutiques have luxurious private
rooms for private, VIP shopping
- public spaces of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers including a state-of-the-art convention centre, a grand
ballroom, a fitness club and wellness centre, the hotel’s 12 themed restaurants and cafes and the
hotel lobby.
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The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal
This five-star luxury hotel and spa is a regional flagship for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. It is located in an
upmarket and peaceful part of Abu Dhabi city on Al Maqta Creek just off 3rd Street. It is a 25-minute drive
from the airport and around 20 minutes from the city centre. Located opposite the hotel are two landmark
structures - the Martyrs’ memorial Wahat Al Karama and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Opened in 2013, it was built at a cost of AED 1.5 billion and is owned by Abu Dhabi National Hotels. The
hotel is located in grounds of 57 acres and consists of ten main buildings in a semi-circle around a central
swimming pool, all framed by a landscaped lawn.
The exterior design of the hotel by architects, Otak International, was based on 15th – 17th century Italian
Renaissance architecture and the interiors were designed by SFA Design. Aspects of the design of the
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque have been incorporated into the hotel as can be seen in the floor mosaics and
motifs in the lobby.
The main buildings contain a total of 447 guest rooms and 85 private villas. Guests can use the private
beach and ESPA at Ritz-Carlton, a 2,000 m² beach-front spa which has a steam room and hammam
(Turkish bath). There are also a number of other amenities including a fitness centre, luxury boutiques, the
1,550 m² Roma ballroom and a business centre. The Club Lounge for Ritz-Carlton Club Level guests offers
spectacular views of the Al Maqta Creek.
Guests have plenty of choice when it comes to dining. The Japanese company Super Potato designed
the three signature restaurants: Li Jang, with Asian food, The Forge Steakhouse and Mijana Lebanese
restaurant. The Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi’s upscale dining district, offering international cuisine, Indian,
Japanese and authentic Emirati food, is also located within the hotel’s grounds.
SECTION 10 Page 39
Optional Activity: What’s to see and do nearby?
The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is located in Al Maqta Creek (Khor Al Maqta) area of the city.
What other sites and attractions are nearby? Guests of hotels often like to be able to access local attractions
easily and quickly.
Do some research and make some notes.
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where.to.stay/the.ritz.carlton.abu.dhabi.grand.canal.aspx
DID YOU KNOW? It’s all about THAT pool! The hotel’s signature feature is an amazing 1,600m²
outdoor swimming pool.
SECTION 10 Page 40
Knowledge Bank: Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi
Grand Canal
Overview
• The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal is a five-star luxury hotel and spa
• It is a regional flagship hotel for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
• The hotel is owned by Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH)
• The investment cost in the hotel was AED 1.5 billion
• It is located on Al Maqta Creek, just off 3rd Street, an upscale and peaceful area of Abu Dhabi
• It is a 25-minute drive from the airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre
• The hotel opened in 2013
• It has 447 guest rooms and 85 private villas
• Two landmarks feature nearby: the Martyrs’ memorial Wahat Al Karama and the Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque are opposite the hotel
• The extent of the hotel’s ground is 57 acres
• The guest accommodation is designed in a semi-circle around a 1,600m² outdoor pool opposite
the canal
• The hotel features a private beach and a 2,000m² beach-front spa (ESPA at Ritz-Carlton) which has a
steam room and hammam
• Other hotel amenities include a fitness centre, luxury boutiques, the 1,550m² Roma ballroom and a full
business centre
• The Club Level Lounge caters for Ritz-Carlton Club Level guests
• The Lounge offers spectacular views of Al Matqa Creek
• For dining options, the hotel offers Asian, Arabic/Lebanese, Mediterranean and a steakhouse
• The Japanese company, Super Potato, designed the hotel’s three signature restaurants; Li Jang, the
Asian restaurant, The Forge steakhouse and Mijana Lebanese restaurant
• The Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi’s upscale dining district, is located within the hotel’s grounds
• The Venetian Village offers international cuisine: Indian, Japanese and authentic Emirati fare from
Al Fanar restaurant
Architecture
• The hotel was designed by architect, Otak International
• The interiors were designed by SFA Design
• The design of the hotel was based on 15th – 17th century Renaissance architecture,
specifically Venetian
• The main part of the hotel consists of ten buildings in a semi-circle around the central pool
• The hotel is framed with a landscaped lawn
• The hotel has also borrowed aspects of the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This can be
seen within the lobby’s floor mosaics and motifs used in the hotel’s interior
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SECTION 10 Page 42
Overview
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is one of the most important sites in the whole of Abu Dhabi. This
magnificent structure stands at the entry to Abu Dhabi City. It was built nine metres higher than ground
level so that it could be admired from a distance. It is considered to be one of the finest examples of
Islamic architecture in the world. The mosque is located on 5th Street, off Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street.
Opposite the Grand Mosque stands the Wahat Al Karama (the Oasis of Dignity), a tribute to those who have
given their lives for the UAE.
This is the UAE’s official and largest mosque and is believed to be the eighth largest in the world. It can hold
50,000 worshippers (20,000 inside and over 30,000 in the courtyard outside). In total, the complex covers
an area of 555,000 square metres (55.5 hectares). Abu Dhabi Municipality led the project with more than 38
contracting companies, while Halcrow Ltd., an engineering company based in the United Kingdom, took
charge of the concrete construction.
Friday is, of course, the mosque’s busiest day when thousands of male and female worshippers gather to
hear the khut’ba sermon that takes place before the midday prayer. Outside prayer time, visitors are very
welcome and complimentary guided tours are available
Plans to build the mosque began in the late 1980s, construction began on November 5th 1996 and it
opened for worship in time for Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice) in 2007. The mosque was named after
the founding father of the UAE and the first president of the union, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
HH Sheikh Zayed
Sheikh Zayed was involved in all aspects of the design and structure of the mosque and chose to have the
building covered entirely in white marble as a symbol of purity and peace. He wanted the mosque to be
not only a place of worship but also a cultural and educational centre to promote communication, cultural
understanding and tolerance.
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Unfortunately, Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004 before the mosque was completed and his son, Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, became president and oversaw completion. Sheik Zayed’s mausoleum is
located beside the north side of the mosque. The live 24/7 recitations of the Quran from the mausoleum
that are spread throughout the mosque increase the spirituality and beauty of this architecture. The mosque
is currently under the supervision of HH Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Presidential Affairs.
External features of the mosque

This impressive mosque is a stunning building which contains 82 domes, approximately 1,000 columns, four
minarets, 24 carat gold-plated chandeliers and the world’s largest knotted carpet.
The outer surfaces of the mosque, including the walls, domes and minarets, are covered in flawless SIVEC
marble from Macedonia;- more than 165,000 square metres of marble was needed. In the courtyard (the
Sahan) the floor is covered with 30 different types of coloured marble tiles from Italy, India, Greece and
China.
The courtyard
A Sahan or courtyard area is found in other large grand mosques, as well as the Sheikh Zayed Grand
Mosque. It is an outside space used for worship at important religious times of the year such as during
Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr (The Feast of Breaking the Fast) at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha. This area can
accommodate up to 30,000 worshippers when full.
The floor of the courtyard was designed by British artist, Kevin Dean, who created a floral design with lilies,
irises and tulips set on multi-coloured marble tiles. Dean also worked on the decoration of four internal
arches, the floor and walls of the main prayer hall and the floors of the northern and southern entrances. In
the book, The Moon and the Minaret,1 Dean described how he wanted the designs to have a theme to link
them together whilst representing Islam as an international faith. He cleverly used flowers from countries in
the northern hemisphere in the northern entrance and plants and flowers from the southern hemisphere in
the southern entrance. Flowers from the Arab Gulf region were used in the designs in the main prayer hall.
The rest of the courtyard is inlaid with thousands of small pieces of white marble and this may well be the
largest marble mosaic in the world.
Exterior columns
Around the edge of the Sahan runs an outdoor arcade with more than 1,000 six-sided columns. These are
covered with white marble and inlaid with floral patterns of semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, red
agate, amethyst and, in the centre of the flowers, mother of pearl. Each piece of the marble was carved and
positioned by hand and the overall design of the columns is based on the trunk of the date palm which has
historical, cultural and economic importance for Abu Dhabi. This ancient Italian inlay technique, pietra dura,
has been found in different historical landmarks like Taj Mahal in India.
1
The Moon and the Minaret was published in 2011 by the Sheikh Zayed Grand SECTION 10 Page 44
Mosque Centre
Minarets
At each corner of the courtyard is a 106 metre tall minaret. One of the original uses of a minaret was to
provide a high place for the mu’athin (caller of the prayer) to summon Muslims to prayer. The word minaret
derives from the Arabic word of Manara, which means lighthouse, or place of enlightenment.
It is therefore fitting that the mosque’s library is located on the third floor at the base of one of the minarets.
This is the only library in a minaret in the world. The Adhan (call to prayer) is centrally called in the Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque and is broadcast to all the mosques throughout the main island of Abu Dhabi City.
The domes
The largest of the 82 domes is positioned over the centre of the main prayer hall and is 84m high and 36.2m
across. On top of this dome is a crescent-shaped finial in gold-glass mosaic, and arched windows are
located lower down to let in natural light. The insides of these domes are covered in verses from the Holy
Quran. The crowns of the domes are of a Moghul design, which resembles the the shape of an onion and
are covered in white marble. In addition to the white domes, a green glass dome can be found above the
separate washing (ablution or wadu) facilities for men and women.
Reflective pools
Around the perimeter of the mosque, there is a series of rectangular, blue-tiled reflective pools which extend
to a total of nearly 7,000 square metres. They are a traditional feature of Islamic architecture and gardens,
and the pools cool the bright shimmer of the white marble.
At night, the pools enhance the effect of the ‘lunar’ lighting. This clever lighting system was designed by
lighting architects, Jonathon Speirs and Major, and mimics the moon’s phases. As the moon becomes fuller,
the lighting increases in brightness to project a blue colour onto the white marble of the mosque.
Interior features of the mosque

Foyers
The main entrances to the mosque building itself are from the courtyard (Sahan) via foyers or hallways which
give access to the main prayer hall. At the entrance to each of the four foyers, there is a blue chandelier, the
largest of which is located in the main foyer (East Entrance) measuring 4.5m across, 6.5m high and weighs
two tonnes.
All seven chandeliers in the mosque were designed by the German lighting designer, Faustig. Gold-plated
(gilded) steel and Italian glass with a total of 40 million Swarovski crystals were used in the making of all the
chandeliers in the mosque.
The walls and floors of the foyers were also designed by British artist, Kevin Dean, and are designed to look
like gardens with floral vines climbing the walls. Above the main foyer is one of the largest domes which, like
the others, is decorated internally with calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran.
Floors, doors and walls

Throughout the external area of the mosque, there are wall panels of traditional Turkish ‘Iznik’ tiles. These
are floral in design and are decorated with calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran that were designed by
Hasan Celebi (1937), a famous Turkish calligrapher. Iznik is a town in the Bursa Province of western Turkey.
All of the glass doors in the mosque are made of three separate sheets of Italian Murano glass. The inner
and outer panes are clear but sandwiched between them is a central pane which is a beautiful floral design
made using mosaic, cut and sandblasting techniques. These glass doors bring light into the interior, lighting
the walls, floors and domes.
SECTION 10 Page 45
Main prayer hall
The main prayer hall, which can accommodate 7,800 worshippers, is entered from the four foyers. This is
mainly used when there are large groups of worshippers during Eid, Ramadan and Friday sermons. For the
daily five prayers, there is a south prayer hall for men and a north prayer hall for women with capacities of
1,200 and 1,700 respectively.
The main prayer hall is symmetrical in design with almost everything repeated on either side of the centre,
which is a feature of Islamic design. There are 96 vertical columns placed in groups of four to support the
structure and domes. Each column is covered in Italian marble inlaid with mother-of-pearl vines, and topped
with golden coloured palm fronds. The interior walls are covered with patterned Italian Lasa marble and
Bianco P marble.
Covering the entire floor of the main prayer hall is a huge and intricately designed Islamic carpet of wool and
cotton which was designed, hand-knotted and woven over a period of two years by 1,200 craftspeople. It is
designed with a traditional Islamic medallion and floral pattern with raised lines to show worshippers where
to stand. The carpet covers a total of 5,400 square metres and weighs 35 tonnes. In 2007 it was officially
recognised as the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Qibla wall
Like most mosques, there is a Qibla wall to indicate the direction of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia and
the location of the Ka’abah, the cubic-shaped building in Makkah towards which Muslims must face when
praying. The designs on the Qibla wall feature 99 attributes of Allah designed in flower shapes and written
in a Fatimid Kufic script by the Emirati calligrapher, Mohammed Al Tamimi. At the top centre is a large circle
with ‘Allah’ (God Almighty) written inside.
In the middle of the Qibla wall is a semi-circular niche or Mihrab, an important part of a mosque where an
Imam (prayer leader) stands to lead the worshippers in prayer. Before the microphone was used, the shape
would help to project the Imam’s voice so all could hear him. The main hall has three chandeliers of varying
sizes, all with a design based on the date palm tree. The largest of these is 10 metres across, 15.5 metres
high and weighs 12 tonnes. Inside the chandeliers are spiral staircases to enable maintenance and cleaning
of their upper parts.
Slightly to the right of the Mihrab is the wooden Minbar, a type of pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver
sermons. This is one of the earliest features of mosque architecture and from here, the Imam delivers the
khut’ba sermon before Friday prayers.
Clocks
There are 11 clocks in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. They were all made in the United Kingdom from
steel inlaid with mother-of-pearl and shaped like a flower with six petals. Daily prayers are based on the
movement of the sun, so the five prayer times change each day, and the clocks are designed to reflect this.
In the inner circle of the clock, the hands tell the minute and hour.
On each of the petals, digital displays mark the divisions of the day and run clockwise:
• The top petal indicates true dawn Faijr

• The second petal indicates sunrise and the Shorouq which is the end of dawn prayers
• The third petal indicates the noon prayer Dhuhr which is performed between noon and mid-afternoon
• The fourth petal shows the afternoon prayer Asr which is performed between mid-afternoon and sunset
• The fifth petal shows the sunset Prayer Maghrib which is performed between sunset and darkness
• The sixth petal indicates the late evening prayer Isha
Finally, there are two other digital displays:
• The display at the top of the clock’s inner circle shows the date according to the Gregorian, or
Western, calendar
• The display at the bottom of the clock’s inner circle is the date according to the Islamic or Hijri calendar
SECTION 10 Page 46
Tours
Complimentary one-hour guided tours run:
• 10am, 11am and 5pm Sunday - Thursday

• 5pm and 7pm Fridays
• 10am, 11am, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm Saturdays
Audio guides are free for visitors and are available in 11 languages: Arabic, English, German, French, Italian,
Portuguese, Spanish, Urdu, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian. To make use of this service, visitors should
go to the Visitor Service desk with a valid ID card.
Mandatory Activity: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in numbers

As you have read, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is amazing both inside and out! The numbers attached
to some of the record heights, lengths and amounts are equally impressive. Read through this section and
the Knowledge Bank to complete the following activity.
Find the answers to this activity in the answer section at the end of Portfolio 1.
Complete the gaps in the sentences below with the correct number from the box.
84 165,000 50,000
96 11 1,200
1. _______________: square metres of SIVEC marble clads the mosque
2. _______________: number of worshippers that can pray inside and outside the mosque
3. _______________: number of people it took to knot and weave the main prayer hall’s carpet
4. _______________: height in metres of the largest dome in the mosque
5. _______________: number of clocks made in Britain that can be found throughout the mosque
6. _______________: number of columns found in the main prayer hall
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Optional Activity: See the mosque on Google Street View
Take a look at the Google Street View of the various areas within the mosque site and make notes on what
you see that would be interesting for visitors.
https://www.google.ae/intl/en-GB/streetview/#sheikh-zayed-grand-mosque/mosque-yard
Mosque courtyard (the Sahan) Mosque entrance (foyer)
The central dome The carpet
The columns Mosque overview
DID YOU KNOW? The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque was ranked as the world’s second favourite
landmark in 2017 on Trip Advisor! 2

The official mosque website:
www.szgmc.ae/en/about-szgmc
2
Source: www.thenational.ae/business/travel-and-tourism/sheikh-zayed-grand-
mosque-ranked-world-s-second-favourite-landmark-1.28687
SECTION 10 Page 48
Knowledge Bank: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Overview
• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is located on 5th Street off Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, opposite
Wahat Al Karama in the capital of Abu Dhabi
• It stands at the entrance to Abu Dhabi City and was built nine metres higher than street level so that it
could be visible from a distance
• The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the UAE’s official mosque
• It is one of the finest examples of modern Islamic architecture worldwide
• It is the UAE’s largest mosque and the eighth largest in the world with a capacity for more than 50,000
worshippers (20,000 inside and 30,000+ outside)
• It covers an area of 555,000m²
• The concrete structures were built by Halcrow Ltd., an engineering company based in the
United Kingdom
• The mosque is named after the founding father of the UAE and the first president of the union, Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
• Construction started in 1996 and was completed in 2007 in time for Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice)
HH Sheikh Zayed
• HH Sheikh Zayed was involved in all aspects of the design and construction of the mosque
• When HH Sheikh Zayed passed away in 2004, his son Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became
President and completed construction
• HH Sheikh Zayed elected to have the mosque constructed in white marble as a symbol of purity
and peace
• HH Sheikh Zayed wanted the mosque to be a place of worship as well as a cultural and educational
centre to promote communication, cultural understanding and tolerance
• Sheikh Zayed’s mausoleum is located beside the north side of the mosque where the live Quran
recitation is 24/7 nonstop by 24 reciters (each one will recite for one hour)
Features of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

• The mosque features:
- 82 domes
- approximately 1,000 columns
- 24-carat gold plated chandeliers
- the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet
Friday is, of course, the busiest day in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque when thousands of male and
female worshippers gather to listen to the khut’ba sermon that takes place before the midday prayers.
The marble
• The outer surfaces of the mosque are covered in flawless SIVEC marble from Macedonia
• The SIVEC marble covers the:
- domes
- minarets
- walls
• The design of the mosque required more than 165,000 m² of SIVEC marble
• The mosque’s courtyard (the Sahan) is covered with thousands of marble tiles from Italy, India, Greece
and China, with more than 30 different types of coloured marble
• In the main prayer hall, Italian marble has been used on the columns and the Qibla wall
SECTION 10 Page 49
The courtyard (Sahan)
• The Sahan or outside courtyard area is unique to grand mosques
• It is an outside space used for worship at important religious times of the year such as Eid al- Fitr (The
Feast of Breaking the Fast) and Eid al-Adha (The Feast of Sacrifice) prayers and during the Holy Month
of Ramadan
• The Sahan can accommodate up to 31,000 worshippers when full
• British artist, Kevin Dean, created a floral design for the floor of the Sahan with flowers such as lilies and
irises; the rest of the floor is set with tiny pieces of white marble. Possibly the largest marble mosaic in
the world
Exterior columns
• The mosque has more than 1,000 white columns which are decorated in a floral design made from
semi-precious stones, and mother-of-pearl at the centre of flowers
• Each piece of marble for the columns was carved and inlaid by hand using the Italian technique called
pietra dura
• The design of the columns is based on the trunk of the date palm which has historical, cultural and
economic importance for Abu Dhabi
Minarets
• The minarets are a significant feature of the mosque and rise over 100 metres from each corner of
the courtyard
• Minaret in Arabic is ‘Manara’, which means lighthouse or place of enlightenment
• Originally minarets were used for the mu’athin to call worshippers to prayer
• There is a library located in one of the minarets; this is the only library in the world inside a minaret
• The Adhan (call to prayer) is centrally called in the Mosque and is broadcast to all mosques throughout
the main island of Abu Dhabi City
The domes
• The largest dome in the mosque is 84 metres high and 36.2 metres across
• It is located over the centre of the main prayer hall
• The crowns of the domes are in Moghul style and shaped like onions and are covered in white marble
• On top of the largest dome sits a crescent-shaped finial in gold-glass mosaic
• The domes feature arched windows at the bottom to let natural light through
• The insides of the domes are covered in verses from the Holy Quran
• As well as white domes, green glass domes can be found above the separate washing (ablution or
wadu) facilities for men and women
Reflective pools
• Rectangular blue-tiled reflective pools run around the perimeter of the mosque
• Reflective pools are a traditional feature of Islamic architecture and gardens
• The spectacular lighting of the mosque at night projects the blue colour from the pools onto the white
marble of the mosque
Lunar lighting
• The clever lighting system at the mosque was designed by lighting architects, Jonathon Speirs
and Major
• There are 22 light towers and each contain ten – 13 projectors
• The lighting mimics the moon’s phases; as the moon becomes fuller, the lighting increases in brightness
SECTION 10 Page 50
Internal features of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Iznik tiles
• The mosque features traditional Turkish Iznik tiles
• The tiles are floral in design and are decorated with calligraphy of verses from the Holy Quran
• The calligraphy tiles were designed by Hasan Celebi who is a famous Turkish calligrapher
• Iznik is a town in Bursa Province in the west of Turkey
The foyers
• The foyers of the mosque are the main prayer hall entrances
• The walls and the floors of the foyers were also designed by Kevin Dean, a British artist and designer, to
look like gardens
• At the centre of the central foyer (the main foyer) is a large blue crystal chandelier (it is in fact the
smallest of seven chandeliers created for the mosque)
• Four blue chandeliers can be found at the entrances of the foyers
• The largest of the blue chandeliers is 4.5m across, 6.5m high and weighs two tonnes located at the
central foyer (the main foyer)
• All the mosque’s chandeliers were designed by the German lighting designer, Faustig
• They are made from gold-plated (gilded) steel and Italian glass with a total of 40 million Swarovski
crystals used in all seven chandeliers
• The central foyer features its own dome. It is one of the largest in the mosque and like the others is
decorated on the inside with calligraphy of the verses of the Holy Quran
Glass designs
• The mosque features Italian Murano glass doors throughout to bring light into the inside of the mosque
• The glass doors have a three-paned design. The external clear panes sandwich an intricate floral design
in the centre
The main prayer hall

• The main prayer hall can accommodate around 7,800 worshippers
• The hall is mainly used when there are large groups of worshippers during Eid, Ramadan and
Friday Sermons
• The prayer hall is symmetrical in design which is a feature of Islamic architecture
• The hall has 96 vertical columns placed in groups of four to support the mosque’s structure
• The columns have a vine design which is made out of mother-of-pearl
• At the top of the columns there are gold-coloured palm fronds
Interior walls
• The interior walls of the mosque are covered with patterned Italian marble
Qibla wall
• The main prayer hall has a special wall named the Qibla wall
• The Qibla wall points towards Ka’abah, a building of special significance in the holy city of Makkah,
Saudi Arabia, that Muslims face when praying
• The Qibla wall is lit and covered in Italian marble, designed in a Fatimid Kufic style featuring flowers with
five petals
• The Qibla wall calligraphy was designed by Emirati, Mohammed Mandi Al Tamimi
• At the centre of the Qibla wall is a large circle with ‘Allah’ (God Almighty) written inside
SECTION 10 Page 51
The Mihrab (niche)
• The Mihrab is an important part of a mosque and in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is found in the
middle of the Qibla wall
• The semi-circular Mihrab is the place where an Imam (prayer leader) stands to speak to and lead the
worshippers into prayer
• The Mihrab is traditionally semi-circular in design, and used to help project the Imam’s voice so all
worshippers could hear him
The Minbar
• The Minbar is a type of pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver the sermons
• It is one of the earliest Islamic architectural features
• In the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque the Minbar can be found on the right of the Mihrab
• On Fridays, the Imam addresses worshippers directly from the Minbar to deliver the khut’ba sermon
The carpet
• Covering the floor of the main prayer hall is a huge and intricately designed Islamic carpet
• The carpet was pronounced as the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet by Guinness World Records
in 2007
• 1,200 craftspeople hand-knotted and wove the carpet together over 2 years
• The carpet covers the entire floor-area of the main prayer hall
• The wool and cotton carpet is 5,400 m² and weighs 35 tonnes
• The carpet features raised lines to show worshippers where to stand to pray
• The carpet is designed with a traditional Islamic medallion and floral pattern
Chandeliers in the main prayer hall

• The main prayer hall has three identically-designed chandeliers of varying sizes
• The largest chandelier is found in the middle of the hall and is 10m across, 15.5m high and weighs
around 12 tonnes
• It is considered to be the largest chandelier in any mosque worldwide
• The design of the chandeliers is based on the date palm tree
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Nation Towers
Winner of an international design competition, this mixed-use hotel complex is located on Abu Dhabi’s
Corniche. The sculptured two towers are 52 and 64-storeys tall, with the roof of the base pavilions,
representing the evocative imagery of waves, sand and water to create a powerful architectural statement.
Nation Towers is established as a premier retail, residential and hospitality address in Abu Dhabi.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel is a business and social hub for Arabian royalty, corporate executives and
leisure guests from all over the world. Located between the 33rd and 50th floors on Tower 2, the hotel’s
283 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites offer captivating views of the Arabian Gulf. The St. Regis
Abu Dhabi offers an array of leisure facilities, including the region’s first Reméde Spa and the Nation Riviera
Beach Club, and 11 distinctive food and beverage venues, including a restaurant by the Michelin-starred
chef Gary Rhodes. The complex is connected to the beach, the Nation Riviera Beach Club and pool pavilion
across the Corniche, by way of a tunnel that passes under the wide waterfront boulevard. The complex also
includes luxury retail space in the podium called Nation Galleria, featuring different dining options (Middle
Eastern, Indian and Mexican food), and a cinema and luxury brand outlets.
DID YOU KNOW? The bridge connects the towers at a height of 202m which is 30 metres
higher than the sky bridge of the Petronas Tower in Malaysia. Also, it is the world’s highest
interconnecting presidential St. Regis Hotel suite which is housed on both 48th and 49th floor.
This steel bridge weighs over 400 tonnes.
SECTION 10 Page 53
Knowledge Bank: Nation Towers
Overview
• Nation Towers is a mixed-use hotel complex located on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche
• There are two towers; Tower 1 as a residence has 64 stories, and Tower 2 has the offices and hotel
and has 52 stories
• The roof of the base pavilions, represents the image of waves of both sand and water to create a
powerful architectural statement.
• The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Hotel is located between the 33rd and 50th floors on Tower 2
• The hotel offers an array of leisure facilities, including the region’s first Reméde Spa and the Nation
Riviera Beach Club, and 11 distinctive food and beverage venues, including a restaurant by the
Michelin-starred chef Gary Rhodes.
• The complex is connected to the beach, Nation Riviera Beach Club and pool pavilion across the
Corniche by way of a tunnel that passes under the wide waterfront boulevard.
• The pavilion podium has a luxury retail space called Nation Galleria which has different dining
options (Middle Eastern, Indian, Mexican), and a cinema and luxury brand outlets.
The sky bridge:

• It connects the towers at a height of 202m which is 30 metres higher than the sky bridge of the
Petronas Tower in Malaysia.
• It accommodates the world’s highest interconnecting presidential St. Regis Hotel suite which is housed
on both 48th and 49th floor.
• The weight of the bridge is over 400 tonnes.
SECTION 10 Page 54
Yas Viceroy
This five-star hotel is the centrepiece of the Yas Island Marina complex and was developed by Aldar
Properties. Construction started in 2007 and the hotel opened in November 2009, just before the first
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The hotel is very well located, being only 10 minutes’ drive from the airport. The city centre can also be
reached in just 15 to 20 minutes. It is also close to the many family attractions on Yas Island, such as Yas
Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina and Yas Mall.
The hotel was designed by New York architects, Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote
Architecture, who worked closely with designers, Jestico + Whiles and Richardson Sadeki, to create its
stunning design.
The hotel has two buildings of 12 floors each, one on land and one on water, linked by a steel and glass
bridge which spans the racing circuit. With one building within the circuit and one in Yas Marina, guests in
some of the rooms and suites can watch races from their balcony.
The buildings are covered with a unique ‘gridshell’ architectural feature made of steel and glass which spans
219 metres and contains 5,096 diamond-shaped glass panels. These panels are fitted with Light Emitting
Diodes (LEDs) which produce a beautiful effect at night. This ‘gridshell’ shape and structure resembles a veil
covering the hotel when seen from a distance. The exterior of the hotel was designed to represent speed
and traditional Islamic arts and crafts at the same time.
Inside the hotel, the lobby walls are based on a modern version of a classical Arabic feature called a
mashrabiya - a type of window which has latticework carved from wood and often contains stained glass.
The rest of the interior has a modern design.
There are a total of 499 guest rooms and 75 suites within the two buildings. As well as access to Yas beach
for guests to relax in the sun, the hotel features a grand ballroom, a library, a fitness centre, a luxury spa
(ESPA at Yas Viceroy) with a steam room and rooftop pools which provide great views at sunset. There are
also six international restaurants providing Italian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Japanese and Asian food.
SECTION 10 Page 55
DID YOU KNOW? The hotel’s ‘gridshell’ covering is based on the design of a traditional
Emirati fishing net.

The Yas Viceroy App can be downloaded here:
www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/en/abudhabi/hotelapp
Hotel video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6a5g4PJ0_SU
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Knowledge Bank: Yas Viceroy
Overview
• Yas Viceroy is a five-star hotel and the centrepiece of the Yas Island Marina complex
• The hotel was developed by Aldar Properties
• Construction of the hotel started in 2007 and it opened in November 2009 in time for the Formula 1
Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of that year
• Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 10-minute drive away. It takes 15 to 20 minutes to drive to the
city centre
• The hotel is well-positioned for visitors to access some of the family attractions on Yas Island such as
Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina and Yas Mall
• The hotel has 499 guest rooms and 75 suites
• The hotel sits on both sides of the Yas Marina Circuit, Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
racetrack and is linked by a bridge
• It is built half on land, half on water
• In some rooms, visitors can watch a car race from their balcony or relax beachside in the sun
• The hotel features: access to Yas Beach, a grand ballroom, a library, a fitness centre, a luxury spa (ESPA
at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi) with steam room and rooftop pools with great views at sunset
• For dining options, the hotel boasts six international restaurants that include Italian, Indian, Middle
Eastern, Japanese and Asian cuisine

• The hotel was designed by Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote Architecture, New York
who worked with Jestico + Whiles and Richardson Sadeki to create the hotel’s design
• Yas Viceroy is made up of two hotel towers of 12 floors each. One of the towers is actually within the
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 1 race circuit and the other in Yas Marina
• The hotel towers are linked together by a steel and glass bridge
• The hotel is covered in a unique ‘gridshell’ structure represents a traditional Emirati fishing net and from
a distance this looks like a veil covering the hotel
• The gridshell is made up of a steel and glass covering spanning 219 metres and fitted with 5,096
diamond shaped glass panels
• The glass panels are fitted with LED lighting which produces a beautiful effect at night
• The hotel was designed to represent speed (the racetrack) and traditional Islamic arts and crafts at the
same time
• Inside, the hotel’s lobby walls are based on a modern version of a traditional Arabic feature called a
mashrabiya, a type of window which features carved wood latticework and is often inset with
stained glass
• The rest of the interior décor is contemporary in design
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Section 10
Abu Dhabi:
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UAE Currency Museum at the Central Bank
The UAE Currency Museum is located on the ground floor of the Central Bank, near Al Bateen Wharf in
Abu Dhabi City. The museum explains the history of currency in the region, including the introduction of the
dirham in 1973.
It was opened in 2013 to mark 40 years of the UAE Central Bank, and a commemorative coin was released
to celebrate the anniversary. Within the museum is part of the Central Bank’s collections of currency notes
and coins, commemorative coins, and samples of various issues of UAE currency notes. It also includes
coins and currencies from other countries, cash counting and sorting machines used by the Central Bank in
the past.
Old note shredders are on display. These were used to make holes in the security features of recalled notes
and could process 100 notes at a time. The museum also has processing machines which would check
authenticity and sort the real from the counterfeit at a rate of eight notes per second.
Collectors can pay tens of thousands of dirhams for pristine examples of first-issue notes. Visitors to the
museum will learn about a time when Abu Dhabi had its own currency, different to the one used by Dubai
and the northern Emirates.
The first dirham notes, introduced in 1973, were in denominations of AED 1, 5, 10, 20 and 100. Three
years later the AED 1,000 note was released, the first issue being the most valuable note to collect at the
museum. The first notes issued had both Arabic and English lettering, with various Emirates landmarks
printed on them, similar to those in circulation today.
The UAE Currency Museum at the Central Bank is open daily from 9am to 3pm and is free to enter. Tours
may be booked in advance, for a maximum number of 15 to 20 people.
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Optional Activity: Original security features of 100 Dirham note
There is a fascination among keen travellers for foreign banknotes! Increase your storytelling abilities by
finding out four of the original security features on the 100 Dirham banknote. You might even be able
to obtain some to show interested visitors during a ‘dry period’ when guiding a tour.
Take a look at the first image on the following webpage to find out:
http://www.thenational.ae/uae/in-pictures-inside-the-uae-currency-museum
DID YOU KNOW? The Dirham was put into circulation for the first time on May 19, 1973.
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Knowledge Bank: UAE Currency Museum at the
Central Bank
Overview
• The UAE Currency Museum is located on the ground floor of the Central Bank, near Al Bateen Wharf in
Abu Dhabi City
• The museum explains the history of currency in the region, including the introduction of the dirham
in 1973
• It includes a part of the Central Bank’s collections of:
- currency notes
- currency coins
- commemorative coins
- samples of issues of UAE currency notes
- currency from other countries
- cash counting and sorting machines used by the Central Bank in the past
- gifts
• The museum opened in 2013 to mark 40 years of the UAE Central Bank
• A commemorative coin was released to mark the 40th anniversary of the bank
• Visitors will be able to see old cash-counting machines and cash-sorting machines
• Old note shredders are also on display, which were used to make holes in the security features of
recalled notes. These machines could process 100 notes at a time
• The museum has processing machines which could check for authenticity at a rate of eight notes per
second
• Visitors to the museum will learn about a time when Abu Dhabi had its own currency, different to that
used by Dubai and the northern Emirates
• Collectors can pay tens of thousands of dirhams for pristine examples of first-issue notes
• The first issue AED 1,000 note is the most valuable to collect
• The first notes issued had both Arabic and English lettering, with various Emirates landmarks printed on
them, similar to those in circulation today
• The first dirham notes were in denominations of AED 1, 5, 10, 50 and 100. Three years later, the AED
1,000 note was released
Opening hours
9am - 3pm daily
Charges
Free
Tour size
Maximum 15-20 persons (booking in advance is required)
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Manarat Al Saadiyat
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a 15,400m² arts and culture centre located on Saadiyat Island. It houses three major
gallery spaces, a central events gallery, and a 250-seat theatre. Visitors to the culture centre can see a large
model of the island’s developments including cultural, residential and leisure buildings. The site is dedicated
to developing arts and culture in Abu Dhabi and is located within the Saadiyat Cultural District currently
taking shape.
The galleries showcase art from all over the world and are also used for regular exhibitions and lectures. The
Abu Dhabi Art Fair is hosted there every November.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is free to enter and is open from 9am until 8pm every day, except during Ramadan
when the opening hours are 9am to 2pm and 8.30pm to 11.30pm.
DID YOU KNOW? Manarat Al Saadiyat means ’a place that provides enlightenment’ in Arabic
– quite fitting really!

Useful guidelines for visitor groups:
http://www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae/Global/SCD/pdf/MAS-VISITOR-GUIDELINES-ONLINE-EN.pdf
The ‘Welcome to the Saadiyat Experience’ publicity map:
www.saadiyat.ae/Admin/Content/Saadiyat-Experience-Map-File432015143044.pdf
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Knowledge Bank: Manarat Al Saadiyat
Overview
• Manarat Al Saadiyat is located on Saadiyat Island
• It consists of a 15,400m² arts and culture centre
• It has three major gallery spaces, a central events gallery, and a 250-seat theatre
• The gallery exhibits art from all over the world
• The centre hosts regular exhibitions and lectures, and the Abu Dhabi Art Fair every November
Opening hours
Open daily from 9am - 8pm except during Ramadan
Charges
Entry is free
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Qasr al Hosn
Qasr al Hosn started its life in 1761 when the original round tower, shown in the photograph, was built as
a watchtower by Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa who was the leader of Bani Yas tribe. The watchtower was built to
protect the fresh water discovered at that time. It is located in Abu Dhabi City on Khalid bin Al Waleed Street
and is the oldest permanent building in the city. The word ‘Qasr’ refers to its status as a fortress.
Qasr al Hosn is seen as the symbol of Abu Dhabi’s birthplace. Over the years it has been transformed into
the impressive palace it is today and has seen a number of stages in its development.
From 1795 until the 1850s, the tower was developed into a fortress by Sheikh Shakhbout bin Dhiyab as two
new towers were added and a defensive wall built around the outside. He also moved the seat of power
from Liwa to Abu Dhabi Island and the fortress became home to the government, the military and also
served as Sheikh Shakhbut’s home. The fort was then further enlarged and developed by Sheikh Saeed bin
Tahnun in 1850.
Between 1855 and 1909, the local community began to grow and develop around the fort under Sheikh
Zayed bin Khalifa, also known as Zayed the Great because of his status as Abu Dhabi’s longest ruler.
The fort then became the home for the Emirate’s ruling Al Nahyan family for many generations. It was
expanded in the 1940s and 1950s, following the start of the search for oil in Abu Dhabi. With the funds
received from the British for the right to search for oil, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan constructed
the palace that now encloses the fort.
Reflecting the importance of the building and its place in history, the ‘Father of the Nation’, the late Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, decided to renovate the palace and transform it from the royal residence into a
museum. This renovation work took place between 1976 and 1983.
The building is constructed of coral brick plastered with crushed seashells, and sand known as Jus.
The Outer Palace is now covered in white render, which was added in the 1980s. However, it has been
discovered that the render is damaging the original structure and renovations are underway to reveal the
original brickwork. An interesting feature of the fort is an ancient, cleverly designed ventilation system called
a ‘barjeel’. There are set-back arches and airways built into the structure which enable the sea breezes to be
directed into the building, creating an early form of air-conditioning.
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The Cultural Foundation Building is located within the grounds of Qasr Al Hosn, which was designed and
built in the 1970s. This building houses the UAE’s first cultural centre and includes a library, auditorium,
exhibition halls and meeting rooms.
The Cultural Foundation Building is currently undergoing renovations to modernise it. The fort is also subject
to renovation work and will not open fully until 2018.
Optional Activity: Qasr Al Hosn on Google Street View

Immerse yourself in a 3D view of Qasr Al Hosn and start to make notes of some of the features of the fort
that you could tell visitors about. Click through from the webpage using the street view icon:
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/iconic.landmarks/qasr.al.hosn.aspx
DID YOU KNOW? Qasr Al Hosn literally in English means “The Protection Fort” which highlights the
importance of constructing the fort for protection at that time.

Qasr al Hosn’s official website:
http://www.qasralhosn.ae/en/
The website also includes a timeline outlining how the fort changed over the years:
http://www.qasralhosn.ae/en/qasr-al-hosn-story/qasr-al-hosn-fort/a-timeline-qasr-al-hosn/
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Knowledge Bank: Qasr al Hosn
Overview
• Qasr al Hosn is located in Abu Dhabi’s capital
• The first part was built in 1761
• It is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi
• Qasr al Hosn is seen as the country’s symbolic birthplace
• From 1795 until the 1850s, the tower was developed into a fortress and became home to the
government, military and ruling family
• In the 1940s-50s, Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan constructed the palace that now encloses
the fort, with funds paid by the British to start the exploration for oil
• The fort was the home of the ruling Al Nahyan family for many generations
• The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan decided to renovate the residence and turn it into
a museum
• Renovations took place between 1976 and 1983
• The fort has an ancient ingenious ventilation system called ‘barjeel’. The breeze from the sea is directed
into the building through recessed arches and airways built in the structure
• The fort was made from coral brick decorated with crushed seashells which sparkled in the sun
• The Outer Palace is now covered in white render, which was added in the 1980s. However, it was
discovered that this render is damaging to the original structure. A project is underway to reveal the
original brickwork once more
• The site includes an exhibition telling the story of Abu Dhabi, which includes spoken testimonies from
locals and photographs
The Cultural Foundation Building

• The building is undergoing renovations to modernise it
• The Cultural Foundation Building houses the UAE’s first cultural centre
• The building includes a library, an auditorium, exhibition halls and meeting rooms
• The building was completed in the 1970s
Opening hours
The fort is currently undergoing conservation works and will open fully in 2018.
The Qasr Al Hosn Exhibition is open daily from 9am to 8pm
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The Saadiyat Cultural District is an area of Saadiyat Island which has been dedicated to culture and the
arts and aims to draw in visitors from across the globe. Located on the upper west area of Saadiyat Island,
the cultural district has a land area of 2,800,000 square metres, and consists of key buildings, still under
construction:- Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and UAE Pavilion.
The featured buildings will sit alongside a top-end retail destination called The District, as well as exclusive
residences, hotels, and educational facilities. The District will have 550 units featuring luxury and fashion
brands, restaurants, galleries and entertainment venues. There will be four distinct zones: Luxury Street,
for luxury fashion brands; The Canal Zone, a boardwalk featuring many restaurants and beverage outlets;
High Street, for flagship fashion brands; and The Crescent Arcade, with three levels featuring entertainment
venues alongside fashion stores and restaurants.
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Mandatory Activity: Visitors’ cultural preferences
Match the visitors’ interests to the best museum/gallery in Saadiyat Cultural District for them to see.
What recommendations would you give to each of these visitors?
Visitor Interests Suggested museum/gallery
Visitor 1 “I’d like to learn more about the history of the

UAE and the ruling family”
Visitor 2 “I’ve heard about the building that has travelled

here from Shanghai and would love to see it
for myself”
Visitor 3 “I’m on holiday with my children and am looking

for a museum suitable to take them to. I would
like them to feel welcome and enjoy
their experience”
Visitor 4 “I love art! I studied History of Art at university

and am always looking to learn more”
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Knowledge Bank: Saadiyat Cultural District
Overview
• The Cultural District is located on the upper west area of Saadiyat Island
• The district is an area of Saadiyat Island which has been dedicated to culture and the arts, which aims
to draw visitors from across the globe
• The Cultural District has a land area of 2,800,000m²
• The Cultural District comprises key buildings:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
- UAE Pavilion
The District
• The featured buildings will sit alongside an upscale retail destination called The District, as well as
exclusive residences, hotels, and educational facilities
• The District has 550 units featuring luxury and fashion brands, restaurants, galleries and
entertainment venues
• The District has four distinct zones:
- Luxury Street – for luxury fashion brands
- The Canal Zone – a boardwalk featuring many restaurants and beverage outlets
- High Street – for flagship fashion brands
- The Crescent Arcade – three levels featuring entertainment venues alongside fashion stores
and restaurants
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum that enables visitors to experience art—and humanity—in a new
light. Located in Abu Dhabi’s cultural district on Saadiyat Island, and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning
French architect Jean Nouvel, it was inaugurated in a special ceremony in November 2017 by French
President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders. Works by many of the world’s greatest artists are
on display, in surprising encounters that reveal the threads of creativity connecting diverse cultures across
thousands of years.
The museum’s magnificent domed structure, 20 meters across, evokes an Arab medina (city) surrounded by
the sea. Inspired by the architecture and traditions of the UAE, its pierced-steel dome casts an enchanting
‘rain of light’ effect on the interconnecting buildings and open-air waterfront promenades below.
In Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection galleries, more than 600 artworks from a variety of cultures and periods are
on display. The galleries are organised chronologically and thematically as follows:
Gallery 1: The First Villages
Gallery 2: The First Great Powers
Gallery 3: Civilisations and Empires
Gallery 4: Universal Religions
Gallery 5: Asian Trade Routes
Gallery 6: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
Gallery 7: The World in Perspective
Gallery 8: The Magnificence of the Court
Gallery 9: A New Art of Living
Gallery 10: A Modern World?
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Gallery 11: Challenging Modernity
Gallery 12: A Global Stage
Three hundred artworks from the museum’s own distinguished and growing collection comprise about half
of the display, and they are exhibited in combination with an equal number of masterpieces borrowed from
the Louvre and 12 additional French partner museums, all of them preeminent internationally.
Louvre Abu Dhabi also offers visitors at least four new exhibitions each year and ongoing performing arts
and education programming, much of which is presented in its state-of-the-art auditorium. A Children’s
Museum nurtures curiosity and discovery through temporary exhibitions and workshops designed to engage
young visitors and their families. School groups, family visits and birthday parties are welcome.
Visitors can enjoy a short break at the rooftop café, or dine in an elegant indoor and outdoor restaurant,
while enjoying the sweeping sea views of Saadiyat Island. For those who love to shop, the museum’s
boutiques feature selections of art books, souvenirs, postcards, and designer items.
Museum hours are:
Saturday/Sunday/Tuesday/Wednesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday/Friday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Closed Monday
Tickets are AED 60. Reduced ticket rates are available for teachers, university faculty, members of the
military, and those with tickets to workshops and auditorium events. Admission is free for children under
the age of 13, special-need visitors and their companions, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Club members.
The museum recommends that general visitors book their tickets online at least 2 days in advance of their
visits in order to skip the queue on arrival. Book tickets at:
https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/buy-ticket
DID YOU KNOW? The domed roof of Louvre Abu Dhabi is constructed from 7,850 unique stars
and angels, repeated in different sizes on each of its 8 steel layers. These pierced-steel stars form
unique patterns allowing sunlight to pass through to the spaces below, forming a ‘rain of light’ effect
that changes as the sun moves across the sky during the day. The dome weighs approx. 7,500 tons,
equal in weight to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Website:
www.louvreabudhabi.ae
Video: Building the Louvre Abu Dhabi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzD-6DxBSU
Selection of videos from the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s YouTube page
www.youtube.com/channel/UCCkLcDuvikAAmwN7G7MKjXw
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Knowledge Bank: Louvre Abu Dhabi
Overview
• Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum that enables visitors to experience art—and humanity.
• The opening ceremony was in November 2017. It was opened by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed
Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with the French President Emmanuel
Macron, and other world leaders including many international figures.
• The museum is designed by Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel.
• The museum’s magnificent domed structure is 20 meters across. The design reflects the architecture
and traditions of the UAE, as its pierced-steel dome casts an enchanting ‘rain of light’ effect on the
interconnecting buildings below.
• The design of the museum buildings are inspired by an Arab medina (city) surrounded by the sea.
• The galleries’ collections are more than 600 artworks from a variety of cultures and periods.
• The galleries are organized chronologically and thematically as follows:

o Gallery 1: The First Villages
o Gallery 2: The First Great Powers
o Gallery 3: Civilisations and Empires
o Gallery 4: Universal Religions
o Gallery 5: Asian Trade Routes
o Gallery 6: From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
o Gallery 7: The World in Perspective
o Gallery 8: The Magnificence of the Court
o Gallery 9: A New Art of Living
o Gallery 10: A Modern World?
o Gallery 11: Challenging Modernity
o Gallery 12: A Global Stage
• A number of masterpieces are borrowed from the Louvre in Paris and 12 additional French partner
museums.
• New exhibitions are offered each year and ongoing performing arts and education programming can be
seen in the museum’s state-of-the-art auditorium.
• A Children’s Museum nurtures curiosity and discovery through temporary exhibitions and workshops
designed to engage young visitors.
• Visitors can enjoy the rooftop café including the indoor and outdoor restaurants. The museum’s
boutiques feature selections of art books, souvenirs, postcards, and designer items.
Opening Hours & Tickets

Saturday/Sunday/Tuesday/Wednesday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday/Friday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Closed Monday
Tickets are AED 60. Reduced ticket rates are available for teachers, university faculty, members of the
military, and those with tickets to workshops and auditorium events. Admission is free for children under
the age of 13, special-need visitors and their companions, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Club members.
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Zayed National Museum
The Zayed National Museum, designed by another Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Lord Norman Foster, will
be the national museum of the UAE. The site is located on the eastern edge of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
The museum will tell the story of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and explore the history of the UAE.
The museum will include a landscaped garden, forming a key part of the visitors’ experience. The main
gallery will be about Sheikh Zayed and will include photographs and personal belongings of the Sheikh.
Visitors to the museum will learn about the changing culture of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed’s love of the natural
world, and how Arabic culture and inventions have influenced the rest of the world.
Opening times and entry prices are still to be announced.
DID YOU KNOW? The building’s towers were designed to invoke the image of a falcon’s wings,
a cultural icon of the UAE!

The museum’s website:
www.zayednationalmuseum.ae
A video highlighting the life of Sheikh Zayed and the inspiration behind the museum:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtTuBof2tRw
Information on the architectural design of the area:
http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/zayed-national-museum
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Knowledge Bank: Zayed National Museum
Overview
• The museum site is located on the eastern edge of the Saadiyat Cultural District
• It will be the national museum of the UAE
• The museum will tell the story of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan and explore the history of the UAE
• It was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Lord Norman Foster
• The museum site will include a landscaped garden, which will form a key part of the visitors’ experience
• Visitors to the museum will learn about the changing culture of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed’s love of the
natural world, and how Arabic culture and inventions have influenced the rest of the world
Opening hours:
Opening soon - no details on opening hours or cost available yet.
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Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be located on a peninsula at the north-western tip of Saadiyat Island. The
museum will aim to show the history of contemporary art across cultures. Exhibitions will rotate and explore
how art has developed in similar ways over time, in different locations.
Designed by a further Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Frank Gehry, this will be the largest of the
Guggenheim museums. The cones of the building were inspired by ancient wind towers ‘barjeel’, and will
help to provide the building with ventilation and shade to the gardens.
Visitors will view a collection from the 1960s to the present day, composed of a variety of media, including
work especially created for the site. The galleries are connected by a central catwalk and vary in height
and shape. This gives greater flexibility for the building’s curators. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s collection
will reinforce the museum’s commitment to working with artists and supporting contemporary artistic
production. The site will include a large theatre, capable of seating 350 people, as well as shops, a research
centre and a library.
Opening times and prices are still to be announced.
Optional Activity: Architectural Design of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Find out more about this truly iconic piece of architectural design from the architect himself, Frank Gehry,
and make some notes of the key design features that will wow your visitors.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp3P_YWd4Xo
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DID YOU KNOW? The location of the building was chosen not only for the stunning views of the
Arabian Gulf, but it also helps to provide a breakwater and shelter for the island’s north beach

Guggenheim website:
www.guggenheim.org/about-us - click through to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi for more details on design
and content
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Knowledge Bank: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Overview
• The museum will be located on a peninsula at the north-western tip of Saadiyat Island
• The Guggenheim will aim to show the history of art across cultures
• Exhibitions will rotate and explore how art has developed in similar ways over time, in different locations
• Visitors will view a collection from the 1960s to the present day composed of a variety of media,
including work that has been specially created for the site
• The building was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect, Frank Gehry
• Gehry has stated that the design is “intentionally ‘messy’, moving into clarity.” The cones of the building
were inspired by ancient wind-towers ‘barjeel’. These cones help provide the building with ventilation
and shade the gardens
• The galleries are connected by a central catwalk, and vary in height and shape. This gives greater
flexibility for the building’s curators
• The building will be the largest of the Guggenheim locations
• The site will include a large theatre, capable of seating 350 people, as well as shops, a research centre
and a library
Opening hours:
Construction is not yet complete on this site. There is no estimated date of completion.
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UAE Pavilion
The UAE Pavilion was inspired by the sand dunes of the UAE and was designed by Foster and Partners.
It was originally built for the 2010 Shanghai Expo, which had the theme ‘Better Cities, Better Lives’. The
building was designed to be easily dismantled to make relocation possible when the Expo ended. It has
since made a lengthy journey to reach Abu Dhabi to become the UAE Pavilion. The construction of the
building in Saadiyat was completed in 2011 when it opened to the public.
The Shanghai Expo showcased environmentally-friendly projects such as Masdar City, a carbon-neutral,
zero-waste community in Abu Dhabi. The pavilion had nearly two million visitors while located at the
Shanghai Expo and was one of the largest structures on display.
Located next to the Manarat Al Saadiyat building, the UAE Pavilion is over 20 metres high and has total
footprint of 3,452m². The components of the building filled over 50 containers, with some of the largest
parts being transported as open-sea freight due to their weight of almost 60 tonnes.
Optional Activity: How the UAE Pavilion was rebuilt piece by piece
By no mean feat, the UAE Pavilion was rebuilt literally piece by piece on Saadiyat Island in 2011. How on
earth was this huge feat of engineering managed?
Take a look at the following article by The National newspaper and make some notes of how this colossal
and exciting task was carried out. You’ll have some great facts at your fingertips to amaze your visitors with!
www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/the-expo-pavilions-long-journey-to-china-and-back-again#full
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DID YOU KNOW? The UAE Pavilion’s trip from the banks of Huangpu River to Saadiyat Island was
a long one by any measure - more than 6,500 kilometres, or equivalent to eight and a half hours by
jet, or a month at sea on a slow boat!

Architect’s webpage:
http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/uae-pavilion-shanghai-expo-2010/
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Knowledge Bank: UAE Pavilion
Overview
• The UAE Pavilion is located next to the Manarat Al Saadiyat building
• The Pavilion was originally designed by Foster and Partners and built for the 2010 Shanghai Expo,
which had the theme ‘Better Cities, Better Lives’
• At the Shanghai Expo, the building showcased environmentally-friendly projects such as Masdar City, a
carbon-neutral, zero-waste community in Abu Dhabi
• The Pavilion had nearly two million visitors while located at the Shanghai Expo and was one of the
largest structures on display
• The building design was inspired by the sand dunes that are common across the UAE
• The building is over 20 metres high and has total footprint of 3,452m²
• The building was designed to be easily dismantled to make relocation possible when the Expo ended
• After the Expo ended, the building made a lengthy journey to reach Abu Dhabi
• The components of the building filled over 50 containers, with some of the largest parts being
transported as open-sea freight due to their weight of almost 60 tonnes
• The construction of the building in Saadiyat was completed in 2011 when it opened to the public
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Union Square
Union Square is located near the Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi city centre. In an area once considered the very
heart of the city, this is an iconic and truly stunning square which now embodies modern Emirati culture,
following a makeover. It is also known as Culture Square, or Etihad Square (sometimes spelled as Al
Ittihad Square).
There was a large cannon sculpture on display in the square, which also gave it the nickname, Cannon
Square. However the cannon sculpture was replaced with traditional symbolic monuments as part of
recent renovations.
Now with five white statues which glisten in the sun between two lanes of traffic, the square is an important
tourist attraction. These statues represent national symbols of Abu Dhabi’s traditions and hospitality.
Recreated in white stone, the statues include a traditional Arabic coffee pot - dallah, an incense burner -
mabkhara, and a traditional Arabic rosewater sprinkler, marrash. There are also statues of a fort representing
strength and power, and a food cover made from palm fronds - mechabba, signifying the UAE’s heritage.
This area was also where Abu Dhabi’s original souk was located, and also contained the city’s first bus
station, clocktower and one of its most elaborate mosques, Al Fahimi.
DID YOU KNOW? The square is often used as a filming location for local and international movies!
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Knowledge Bank: Union Square
Overview
• Union Square is located near the Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi city centre
• It is also known as Etihad Square (sometimes spelt as Al Ittihad Square) or Culture Square
• The area was once considered the heart of the city
• The area also contained the original souk, the city’s first bus station and clocktower as well as the Al
Fahimi mosque
• There used to be a large cannon sculpture on display in the square, giving it the nickname
Cannon Square
• The cannon sculpture was replaced with traditional symbolic monuments as part of recent renovations
• National symbols of Abu Dhabi’s traditions and hospitality are displayed here:
- coffee pot, or dallah, for hospitality
- incense burner, mabkhara, for hospitality
- rosewater sprinkler, marrash for hospitality
- fort, for strength and power
- food cover made from palm fronds, mechabba, for heritage
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Wahat Al Karama
“Our martyrs pave the way for the dignity and pride in our country and wise leadership, so that
we all remain loyal guardians of our country, and that we stay true to our pledge to protect the
accomplishments of the modern state founded by the late Sheikh Zayed.”
Maj Gen Mohammed Khalfan Al Romaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police 1
Wahat Al Karama is an impressive memorial which honours all the heroes of the UAE since the country was
established in 1971. It is located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters
of the UAE Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi City.
The name Wahat Al Karama means ‘the oasis of dignity’. The site itself consists of five areas:
• The Memorial
• The Pavilion of Honour
• Memorial Plaza
• Plaza Terraces
• Visitor Centre
The Memorial is made up of 31 huge tablets covered in aluminium which lean on each other. These
symbolise the unity, solidarity and mutual support that bind together the leadership and citizens of the UAE
with the servicemen and women who protect them. More than 1,000 individual aluminium panels make up
the towering tablets which were hand painted in a colour that captures the light rather than reflects it.
Quotes and poems from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and various high-profile figures are
inscribed on the panels. Visitors can also read the Armed Forces Pledge of Allegiance which is engraved
on a long spine at the memorial. The spine is actually supporting the other panels which symbolizes the
importance of soldiers in protecting and supporting the country.
1
Source: http://www.thenational.ae/uae/government/leaders-honour-uae-
heroes-at-wahat-al-karama-memorial
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The Pavilion of Honour is an open air geometric building. Its internal walls are covered in aluminium plates,
of which 196 are inscribed with the name, rank, branch, location, and date of death of each of the UAE’s
heroes. The illuminated plates are made from reclaimed armoured service vehicles from the UAE Armed
Forces. The martyrs are in chronological order where visitors can recognise the first martyr in the UAE.
The roof of the building is constructed from eight slabs, seven of which symbolise the Emirates of the UAE,
with the additional slab symbolising the heroes themselves. Seven large transparent glass panels, which
also represent the seven Emirates, can be seen at the centre of the Pavilion surrounded by a pool of slowly-
moving water. On the front and back of each glass panel is the Pledge of Allegiance of the UAE Armed
Forces, legible from whichever side the visitor reads it.
Memorial Plaza is over 4,000m2 and offers clear views of the memorial and the neighbouring Grand Mosque.
The plaza includes an amphitheatre which can seat over 1,200 people. A shallow pool in the centre of the
Plaza reflects the memorials and provides the perfect location for self-reflection. The Plaza is used annually
on 30th November for the Commemoration Day ceremony to remember and honour those who have given
their lives for the UAE.
Wahat Al Karama is free to enter. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9am until 10pm. Opening hours can
vary during visits from official delegations, national days and special events. Dress code is strictly ‘modest’.
Tours are available in both Arabic and English. These take place at 11am and 5pm each day. Visitors have
the opportunity to see a ceremony by Honour Guards from the Armed Forces, in the early morning and
afternoon.
DID YOU KNOW? The Wahat al Karama Memorial and Pavilion of Honour were designed by the
London-based artist, Idris Khan, who was born in Birmingham, United Kingdom, in 1978. Since
completing his Master’s Degree with Distinction in Research at the Royal College of Art in London in
2004, Idris has received international acclaim for his minimal, yet emotionally charged photographs,
videos and sculptures. Wahat Al Karama project went from design approval to delivery within just
nine months!
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Knowledge Bank: Wahat Al Karama
Overview
• The memorial is located between the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the General Headquarters of
the UAE Armed Forces in Abu Dhabi City
• Wahat Al Karama literally means ‘the oasis of dignity’
• The site is a memorial which honours all the heroes of the UAE since the country’s birth in 1971
• Wahat al Karma comprises five areas:
- The Memorial
- The Pavilion of Honour
- Memorial Plaza
- Plaza Terraces
- Visitor Centre
• The Memorial itself is composed of 31 huge aluminium-clad tablets, which lean on each other,
symbolising the unity, solidarity and mutual support that bind together leadership and citizens with the
servicemen and women who protect them
• Visitors can read the Armed Forces Pledge of Allegiance which is engraved on a long spine at
The Memorial
• Quotes and poems from various high-profile figures are inscribed on the panels
The Pavilion of Honour

• The Pavilion is an open-air, geometric building which is clad with aluminium plates on its inner wall
• The name, rank, branch, location, and date of death of each of the UAE’s heroes is inscribed on 196 of
the aluminium plates
• The plates are made from reclaimed armoured service vehicles from the UAE Armed Forces
• The roof of the building is constructed from eight slabs. Seven of these slabs symbolise the Emirates of
the UAE, with the additional slab symbolising the heroes themselves
• Seven large transparent glass panels represent the seven Emirates and are surrounded by a pool of
slowly-moving water
Memorial Plaza
• The Plaza is over 4,000m2
• The Plaza offers clear views of the memorial and neighbouring mosque
• The Plaza includes an amphitheatre which can seat over 1,200 people
• A shallow pool in the centre of the Plaza reflects the neighbouring memorials and provides a place
for self-reflection
Opening hours:
Wahat Al Karama is free to enter. The Visitor Centre is open daily 9am until 10pm. Opening hours can vary
during visits from official delegations, national days and special events.
Tours take place daily in Arabic or English at 11am and 5pm.
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Zayed Heritage Centre
Zayed Heritage Centre (also known as Zayed Centre for Studies and Research) is located in the Al Bateen
district and is a museum dedicated to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
This beautiful, traditional building was opened in 2009, and is housed within an Emirati heritage village
(complete with camels). The Centre provides an amazing overview of the history of the region and the
Sheikh’s vision for his people. It is full of fascinating information about his life and really puts into perspective
how quickly the region has changed.
The museum contains a huge collection of memorabilia, giving an insight into the Sheikh’s life, and includes
more than 200 photographs dating back to the late 1950s. There are personal family memories as well as
pictures of the many visiting dignitaries. The gallery allows visitors to see rare pictures of the Sheikh’s funeral
including the late Ruler wrapped in the national flag while being carried to his resting place.
Visitors can see personal belongings of the Sheikh, learn about his favourite hobbies and view the gifts
he received from foreign delegates from all over the world. This includes stuffed lions and cheetahs. A
highlight of the museum is a collection of the Sheikh’s favourite cars including Sheikh Zayed’s favourite blue
Mercedes and his Land Rover.
An imposing solid gold and granite mantle clock is on display in the museum. It features a falcon on the top
with a child looking at the time. Visitors have the opportunity to take photographs of the Sheikh’s personal
belongings.
Other rooms within the Zayed Heritage Centre also describe the country’s recent history and the legacy of
Sheik Zayed. The Abu Dhabi Police room houses a collection of the uniforms and tools used throughout the
years by the local police force. The Emirates Post room contains a collection of stamps spanning decades
and from across the Emirates. Another room features a timeline of the history of the Abu Dhabi Company for
Onshore Petroleum Operations Limited. The rooms are lit by beautiful stained-glass windows.
The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 3pm. It is closed over the weekend on Fridays
and Saturdays.
As a mark of respect, visitors should wear appropriate and respectful clothing.
Guided tours in English and Arabic are available. Prior booking of tours is required.
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Optional Activity: Key artefacts that tell the story of ‘Baba Zayed’
The founding father of the UAE is a much-cherished national figure who captured the hearts and minds of all
Emiratis. He was a man you will need to know a lot about. His story is beautiful and inspirational, one with
which you can really enchant visitors.
Along with the factual information found here, do some desk research and find out about the types of
collections and artefacts housed at the museum. Start to build your story of the hobbies and pastimes of
Sheik Zayed. Make notes of your findings.
The National Newspaper article:
www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/baba-zayeds-house-is-a-home-comfort
DID YOU KNOW? The huge portrait of Sheikh Zayed in the museum which looks like a mosaic is
actually made of postage stamps!
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Knowledge Bank: Zayed Heritage Centre
Overview
• The museum is located in the Al Bateen district
• The museum is dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and includes mementoes
of his life
• A photo gallery documents the life of the Sheikh and includes photographs of visiting foreign dignitaries
• Over 200 photographs are on display, the earliest is from the late 1950s
• Visitors can see some personal belongings of the Sheikh, learn about his favourite hobbies and view the
extravagant gifts he received from all over the world
• A highlight of the museum is a collection of the Sheikh’s favourite cars
• The photograph collection includes private photos, such as rarely seen pictures of the Sheikh’s
funeral. Visitors can see the images of the late Ruler wrapped in the national flag while carried to his
resting place
• Visitors can pose and take photographs with one the Sheikh’s hunting rifles
• A solid gold and granite mantel clock is on display in the museum
• As a mark of respect, visitors should wear appropriate and respectful clothing and refrain from using
offensive language
• One room features a wall detailing the history of the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum
Operations Ltd
• The Emirates Post room contains a collection of stamps spanning decades and from across the
Emirates. The collection includes a portrait of Sheikh Zayed made from postage stamps
• The Abu Dhabi Police room includes displays of the uniforms and tools used throughout the years by
the local police force
Opening hours:
The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday - 8am to 3pm. It is closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tours
Guided tours in English and Arabic are available with advance bookings.
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Section 10
Abu Dhabi:
Family Attractions
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Abu Dhabi Corniche
The Corniche is an 8km pedestrianised walk- and cycle-way that runs alongside Corniche Road (also known
as 1st Street). It is one of the best-known areas in Abu Dhabi, is popular with residents and tourists alike and
offers water-sports activities including kayaking, jet skis and inflatable rides, as well as football and volleyball
on the beach.
The history of the Corniche dates back to the 1960s after the discovery of oil in Abu Dhabi. A number of top
hotels – including The Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Al Ain Palace Hotel and the Hilton Abu Dhabi – were built
to house the influx of business people, transforming the city from a fishing village to a modern metropolis.
Other top hotels located along the Corniche are Emirates Palace, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, St. Regis
and Sofitel.
The current walk- and cycle-way was built on reclaimed land between 2003 and 2004. Before this was built,
these buildings sat on the edge of the Arabian Gulf.
The Corniche features children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés and restaurants,
and the Corniche beach – a Blue Flag, family-friendly beach park patrolled by lifeguards.
It is especially popular during UAE National Day celebrations on the second of December each year when
the walkway fills up with thousands of people, parades, entertainers, concerts and fireworks.
During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November, it hosts the Formula 1 FanZone™ with giant TV screens
showing the race as well as concerts and creative workshops to make the most out of this internationally-
renowned sporting event.
Those looking for something to eat can choose from an overwhelming range of quick and easy food options
just off Corniche beach. Visitors and residents often picnic in the beautiful public parks found along the
length of the Corniche. The Khalidiyah area at the west of the Corniche is also a popular place to go out and
eat dinner. A large number of restaurants and cafés stay open until 4am on Thursday and Friday nights in
this area.
Nation Galleria is a high-end shopping mall located on the west of the Corniche offering a great range of
designer shops and an organic supermarket. Other shopping malls located nearby include Marina Mall,
Khalidiyah Mall, World Trade Centre Souk and Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.
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There are plenty of Baqala, or grocery stores, in the residential streets where visitors can buy water and
snacks. Popular supermarkets in the west Corniche area include Spinneys and Abela.
There is a large car park by the Nation Towers skyscrapers on the southern end of the Corniche with free
and paid parking spots and an underpass to access the beach.
Alternatively, cycling is a great way to explore the length of the Corniche with plenty of places to hire bikes.
The main bike hire location is near to the Hiltonia Beach Club on the west end of the Corniche.
For further information, see: https://www.bikeshare.ae
Optional Activity: The Corniche: key facts, features and activities

The Corniche is packed with things for visitors to see and do. From the information in this section and the
Knowledge Bank, record some facts in bullets points in each of the following areas to help you remember
what this family attraction has to offer.
General overview Attractions
Eating out Transport
DID YOU KNOW? In days gone by, pearl fishermen lived in this area as it was close to the port.

Visit Abu Dhabi Corniche video:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaqHppPjM2o&t=9s
The National Newspaper’s Neighbourhood Guide for The Corniche:
www.thenational.ae/arts-life/neighbourhood-guide-the-corniche
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Knowledge Bank: Abu Dhabi Corniche
Overview
• The Corniche is an 8km pedestrianised walk- and cycle-way than runs alongside Corniche Road (which
is also known as 1st Street)
• The Corniche is one of the best-known areas in Abu Dhabi City and is popular with residents
and tourists
• In the 1960s, the Corniche was developed after the discovery of oil
• Big hotels such as The Sheraton Hotel and Resort, Al Ain Palace Hotel and the Hilton Abu Dhabi were
built for the new influx of business people into Abu Dhabi
• The current footpath and cycleway were built on reclaimed land between 2003 and 2004
• Before 2003, the buildings along the Corniche used to sit at the edge of the Arabian Gulf
• These days the Corniche features children’s play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, cafés
and restaurants, and the Corniche beach – a Blue Flag, family-friendly beach park with lifeguards
• The Corniche is also a site used for UAE National Day celebrations when the walkway fills up with
thousands of people, parades, entertainers, concerts and fireworks
• The Corniche also hosts the F1 FanZone™. This event takes place at the same time as the Abu Dhabi
Formula 1 Grand Prix in November. Giant TV screens show the race live for the public
• The Corniche also hosts after-race concerts and creative workshops to make the most out of the
Grand Prix event
Eating out
• There are lots of fast food options in the crescent of outlets by the public Corniche beach
• The Khalidiyah area at the west of the Corniche is a popular place to eat. Restaurants and cafés are
open until 4am on Thursday and Friday nights
• Visitors and residents often picnic in the public parks found along the length of the Corniche
Shopping
• Nation Galleria shopping mall, located on the west of the Corniche, has a good range of designer shops
and an organic supermarket
• Other shopping malls located near the Corniche include Marina Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, World Trade
Centre Souk and Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall
• Popular supermarkets in the west Corniche area include Spinneys and Abela
Transport
• There is a large car park by the Nation Towers skyscrapers on the southern end of the Corniche with
free and paid parking spots and an underpass to access the beach
• Cycling along the Corniche is a great way to see the views
• There is a dedicated cycleway and plenty of spots to hire bikes with the main place near to the Hiltonia
Beach Club at the west end of the Corniche
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Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Emirates Park Zoo and Resort was the first private zoo in the UAE, having opened in 2008. It is located in
Al-Bahia, a north-east suburb approximately 35kms from Abu Dhabi City.
The zoo currently houses an incredible 1,700 animals in a number of different zones including Snake Alley,
Flamingo Park and Giraffe Park. Visitors can enjoy feeding camels, ostriches, sheep and goats at the Petting
Zoo, while braver visitors may enjoy watching lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras in the Predators and
Wild Animal enclosures.
Monkeys and baboons are on show in Primate Parade while lizards, pythons, geckos, water dragons and
tortoises can be seen in the Reptile House. In the Bird Park there are owls, Harris hawks, falcons, eagles,
peacocks and parrots.
The Wildlife Park offers a view of elephants, cheetahs, bears, crocodiles, lions, leopards, gazelle, Arabian
oryx and tigers – including a pair of rare white tigers.
The Aquarium houses hundreds of magnificent and colourful fish, sharks, damselfish and stingrays.
Water-based entertainment is available during daily sea lion shows where three resident sea lions juggle,
breakdance and even stand on their flippers!
As well as animals, the zoo has a resident band from Ghana who drum and play African music to get visitors
in the mood to enjoy their experience. Visitors can learn even more about the many species on show by
visiting the large animal theatre. Both animals and visitors are kept cool all year round thanks to a unique
misting system.
Major upgrades to the zoo will soon see the addition of:
• zip lines and tree-top activities

• an indoor marine zone which has four fresh water and 26 salt-water tanks
• playgrounds and gaming zones
• international fast food chains
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The zoo is open 9am until 8pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 9am until 9pm Thursday to Saturday.
Entry is free for children under two years old. For up-to-date entry prices and packages, please visit the
website at:
www.emiratesparkzooandresort.com/about-us/experiences/
The Emirates Park Resort is connected to the zoo and offers 68 air-conditioned rooms and four suites.
All accommodation options have balconies overlooking the zoo, cave or garden. It is a traditional Arabic-
designed resort suitable for families.
DID YOU KNOW? The zoo is home to a 31-year-old, 300kg-plus Siberian Bear!
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Knowledge Bank: Emirates Park Zoo and Resort
Overview
• Emirates Park Zoo and Resort is located in Al-Bahia, a north-east suburb, approximately 35kms from
Abu Dhabi City
• The zoo opened in 2008 and was the first private zoo in the UAE
• The entire zoo is kept cool with a misting system for visitors and animals alike
• As well as animals, the zoo has a resident band from Ghana who drum and play African music to get
visitors in the mood to enjoy their experience
• The zoo is currently undergoing a major upgrade with additions such as:
- zip lines and tree top activities
- an indoor marine zone with 26 salt-water and four fresh-water tanks
- playgrounds and gaming zones
- international fast food chains
Animals
• The zoo currently houses 1,700 animals in several different zones:
- Petting zoo – for visitors to pet and feed camels, ostriches, sheep and goats
- Bird Park – featuring owls, Harris hawks, falcons, eagles, peacocks and parrots
- Snake Alley
- Flamingo Park
- Giraffe Park
- Wildlife Park – with elephants, cheetahs, bears, crocodiles, lions, leopards, gazelle, Arabian oryx and
tigers including a pair of rare white tigers
- Reptile House - featuring lizards, pythons, geckos, water dragons and tortoises
- Primate Parade – with a variety of monkeys and baboons
- The Aquarium – with hundreds of magnificent and colourful fish, sharks, damselfish and stingrays
- Predators and Wild Animals enclosures – housing lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras
- Animal theatre – the park features a large animal theatre where the staff educate visitors about the
species there
- Sea Lion shows – there is also a sea lion show where the three residents provide daily entertainment
by juggling, breakdancing and standing on their flippers!
Emirates Park Resort

• The Emirates Park Resort is connected to the zoo
• It has 68 air-conditioned rooms and four suites
• It is a traditional Arabic-designed resort suitable for families
• All accommodation options have balconies overlooking the zoo, cave or garden
Zoo opening hours

Sunday – Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday – Saturday: 9am-9pm
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Ferrari World
Ferrari World is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and is open 365 days a year. It is located on Yas
Island and covers an incredible 86,000m2. The Ferrari story is brought to life by each area and attraction in
the Park. An example is Cinema Maranello and its film which captures the speed, power and freedom of a
Formula 1 car.
The theme park features rides, attractions, live shows and experiences, all inspired by Ferrari. It was
developed over three years between 2007 and 2010. During their trip to the park, visitors can also enjoy
shopping at the world’s biggest Ferrari store, which sells clothing, toys, souvenirs and everything else
Ferrari. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcomed 2,000 VIP guests in December 2010. The guests included senior
government officials and F1 drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. The VIPs were given a spectacular
show which preceded an opening ceremony by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince
of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Roller-coasters on offer include:
• Turbo Track – this is the park’s most recent roller-coaster having been built in 2017. It has back-to-back
seats, a vertical climb and an amazing zero-gravity fall
• Flying Aces – inspired by Count Francesco Baracca, the ‘ace of aces’ aviator, this plane-themed roller-
coaster was installed in 2016. Riders enter a military biplane and rise up 63 metres at a 51-degree
incline. During the ride, they hit speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour and get to experience the
world’s highest roller-coaster loop
• Fiorano GT Challenge – this roller-coaster was created in 2010 and allows riders to race each other on
a circuit of parallel tracks in a replica of a Ferrari F430 Spider. The circuit is full of twists and turns where
riders will reach speeds of up to 95km per hour
• Formula Rossa – this is the world’s fastest roller-coaster and was installed in 2010. Riders travel from 0
to 240km per hour in less than five seconds
Other rides include: an interactive motion simulator called Scuderia Challenge; a flight simulator inspired
by the legendary open-road endurance Mille Miglia called Viaggio in Italia; a daring 4D ride called Speed of
Magic; a Formula 1 virtual simulator called Driving with the Champion; and a 290-metre-long track inspired
by the Yas Marina Circuit at the Karting Academy.
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Children can also enjoy a whole host of rides and activities, subject to a few age and height restrictions:
• Tyre Twist offers a Formula 1 twist on a traditional teacup ride

• Khalil’s Car Wash is an exciting interactive children’s playground
• Benno’s Great Race, a new family race in which participants help Benno win
• Junior Training Camp, a climbing area
• Ferrari driving school called Junior GT/Junior GP
Other unique attractions include a tour of a traditional Ferrari factory called Made in Maranello, and Bell’Italia
which allows visitors to drive a scaled replica of a Ferrari 250 California, circa 1958, and explore a
miniature Italy.
As well as rides and tours, Ferrari World has a number of shows to offer visitors. Cinema Maranello is a
show about the life and times of Enzo Ferrari. The La Piazza show sees Ferrari World street performers
presenting an exciting family variety show. Other shows include live dance performances, BMX biking
displays and acrobatics.
There are a number of dining options, from Italian to international cuisine including Mamma Rossella,
Officers’ Food Quarters, Il Podio, Rosticceria Modena, Ristorante Cavallino and Espresso Rosso.
A unique attraction, Ferrari World won Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction in both 2015 and 2016.
The popular theme park is open daily from 11am until 8pm. For visitors entering on foot, the park is
conveniently located through Yas Shopping Mall.
There are a variety of packages and deals for entrance to Ferrari World. Visitors should check the website
for the most-up-to-date prices and deals:
https://ferrariworldabudhabi.com/ticketing/?lang=en
Optional Activity: The making of Turbo Track

Turbo Track is Ferrari World’s latest thrilling roller coaster. Watch the video on how it was made and make
some notes so you can excite visitors planning to go there!
The Making of Turbo Track:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBbhaHW5sRE
DID YOU KNOW? The Flying Aces roller-coaster only straps ride-goers down by their waists and
not by their shoulders!

Park map:
https://farahwordpress.blob.core.windows.net/fwad-media/2016/05/FWAD_3D_Map-min.jpg
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Knowledge Bank: Ferrari World
Overview
• Ferrari World is located on Yas Island
• It was developed over three years from 2007 – 2010 and covers an area of 86,000m²
• It is the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park and is open 365 days a year
• The theme park features rides, attractions, live shows and experiences all inspired by Ferrari
• Visitors can find the world’s biggest Ferrari store inside the park
• The Ferrari logo on the roof, the largest ever created, measures an incredible 65m in length and covers
an area of 3,000m²
Experiences, rides attractions and shows

Roller-coasters
Name Opened Details
Turbo Track 2017 The latest ride for thrill-seekers! Back-to-back seats and back-to-back
thrills. It takes riders up a vertical climb and releases them at the top for an
amazing zero-gravity fall
Flying Aces 2016 This white-knuckle ride was inspired by Count Francesco Baracca, the
‘ace of aces’ aviator. Riders enter a military biplane and rise up 63 metres
at a 51-degree incline. Riders hit speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour
and get to experience the world’s highest roller-coaster loop
Fiorano GT 2010 Riders race each other on a circuit of parallel tracks in a replica of a Ferrari
Challenge F430 Spider. The circuit is full of twists and turns and riders will reach
speeds of up to 95km/h
Formula Rossa 2010 Riders travel from 0 to 240km/h in less than five seconds in the world’s
fastest roller-coaster!
Other rides
Name Type Details
Karting Go-karts A 290-metre-long competitive track inspired by the Yas Marina Circuit
Academy
Scuderia Interactive Participants race a variety of Ferraris, solo or in a group, on the virtual Yas
Challenge motion Marina Circuit and try to achieve the best lap time
simulator
Tyre Twist Teacup ride Participants sit inside a giant tyre styled like a F1 tyre and twist around
and around at speed like a traditional teacup ride
Viaggio in Italia Flight Participants enter a flight simulator to fly over an Italian landscape inspired
simulator by the legendary open-road endurance race Mille Miglia
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Name Type Details
Speed of Magic 4D ride Nello, a Ferrari driver, leads participants through a daring 4D ride
complete with simulator technology that changes the temperature,
moisture, light and movement along the way
Made in Tour of the historic Participants go on an in-depth tour of the Ferrari factory and
Maranello Ferrari factory discover how a Ferrari GT is made
Driving with the F1 & GT virtual This is a cinematic motion-based simulator where participants sit
Champion simulation alongside a virtual F1 pro to ride the Fiorano track and streets of
Maranello, virtually at authentic F1 speeds
Bell’Italia Tour of miniature Participants board a scaled replica of a Ferrari 250 California, circa
Italy 1958 and explore a miniature Italy
Junior GT & Junior Pilota’s A Ferrari driving school for children featuring an educational
Junior GP driving and racing video and some track time with instruction from trained experts.
school Participants then race against each other
Khalil’s Car Children’s Children can climb up the grandstand, slide down the carwash and
Wash interactive pilot remote-control Ferraris and pedal cars
play area
Junior Training Climbing area A climbing area for children to practise climbing skills and problem-
Camp solve on the Hexagonal Towers and low suspension bridges
Benno’s Great Interactive A new family ride, participants have to help Benno win the race!
Race dark ride
Shows
Name Details
Cinema A film set in the 1920s about the life and times of Enzo Ferrari
Maranello
La Piazza The show in La Piazza sees Ferrari World street performers

presenting an exciting family variety show
SECTION 10 Page 112

Dining
Dining options include:
• Mamma Rossella - fresh pasta and pizzas made in a traditional wood-burning oven
• Officers’ Food Quarters – fast food counter service
• Il Podio - an international buffet modelled on the real staff refectory at the Ferrari factory
• Rosticceria Modena - counter service
• Ristorante Cavallino - table service Italian restaurant
• Espresso Rosso - Italian ice cream (gelato) and pastries
Awards and acclaim

• Winner of the Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2015 and 2016
Opening hours
Open daily from 11am - 8pm
For visitors entering on foot, the park is conveniently located through Yas Shopping Mall
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Marina Eye
The Marina Eye is located in front of Marina Mall in the Al Marina area of Abu Dhabi City and is one of the
most impressive of Abu Dhabi’s tourist attractions. The Marina Eye lights up the skyline at night and offers
incredible views of many local landmarks across the city.
This popular destination stands 60 metres high and opened to the public in 2015. The wheel has 42
capsules, including special VIP capsules, each seating eight people. The luxury VIP capsules include a
number of special features such as a glass floor, leather interior, CD player, refrigerator and tinted windows.
All of the capsules are air-conditioned or heated when necessary and all have wireless communication and a
panic alarm system.
The capsules’ glass walls provide amazing, panoramic views of the Marina area as well as the Corniche
Road and the Abu Dhabi skyline. There is also a good view of the Emirates Palace Hotel. The views are
particularly spectacular at night when Abu Dhabi City and the wheel itself are lit up.
Rides on the wheel can be taken day or night, summer or winter, thanks to the climate control system in
the capsules.
It is open seven days a week. On Thursday to Saturday it is open from 11am to 1am and on Sunday to
Wednesday from 11am to 11pm. Tickets can be bought in advance and cost AED 50 for adults and AED 30
for children under 12.
DID YOU KNOW? The VIP capsules on the Marina Eye feature a flat screen TV!

Marina Eye promotional video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2CltjE_zL4
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Knowledge Bank: Marina Eye
Overview
• The Marina Eye is located in front of Marina Mall in the Al Marina area of Abu Dhabi City
• It is a large Ferris wheel with 42 capsules, including special VIP capsules
• The wheel opened to the public in 2015
• The wheel is 60 metres high
• A ride on the wheel takes five minutes
• Visitors can see the Corniche and the Abu Dhabi skyline and a great view of the Emirates Palace Hotel
• The views are particularly spectacular at night when Abu Dhabi City and the wheel itself are lit up
The capsules
• The wheel has 42 air-conditioned and heated capsules with wireless communication and panic
alarm system
• Visitors can ride the wheel day or night, summer or winter, as there is climate control
The VIP capsule

• VIP capsules are equipped with:
- glass floor
- leather interior
- DVD player
- tinted windows
- cup holder
- refrigerator
Opening hours:
Open seven days a week
Thursday to Saturday from 11am - 1am
Sunday to Wednesday from 11am - 11pm
Charges
The price of a ride is AED 50 and AED 30 for children under 12
SECTION 10 Page 116

Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit is located on the Yas Marina site in the heart of Yas Island. Every November, it plays
host to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix over a three-day period. It is close to the other
attractions on Yas Island including Ferrari World, a large theme park devoted to all things Ferrari.
The 5.5 kilometre Formula 1 international track is the only circuit in the world to feature five completely
covered grandstands that can hold more than 55,000 spectators. The coverings are designed to echo
Emirati culture. The circuit has the longest straight section of any current Formula 1 circuit, measuring an
impressive 1,173 metres.
Drivers make their way around 21 different turns, 12 left turns and 9 right turns, as they take on the
course anti-clockwise. The circuit has the flexibility to operate as two independent, fully-functioning tracks
measuring 3.15 kilometres and 2.36 kilometres. The track also offers a variety of other circuit configurations.
In the main pit building, situated in the Main Grandstand, are 40 pit garages with a further 30 pit garages in
the support pits also located within the Marina Grandstand.
The location does not just host Formula 1 races. It is also used for other events including Yas drag racing,
Yas drift nights, local motor racing events sanctioned under the newly-created Yas Motor Racing Club, bike
track racing as well as running and cycling activities.
Drivers wanting to try out the circuit themselves can visit the Yas Racing facility which offers visitors driver
experiences, passenger experiences, private driving tuition programmes and racing licence courses. There
is also the Yas Kartzone for those wanting to try a karting challenge.
Yas Marina Circuit opens up its north circuit to specialist drivers known as drifters during its Yas drift nights.
Drift racing is where drivers intentionally over-steer their vehicle at high speed causing a loss of grip at the
rear end of the car. Drivers with approved and street-legal vehicles can enjoy two-minute runs or unlimited
runs within a pre-booked four-hour evening session.
Yas Venue Tours are available outside of the Formula 1 weekend showing visitors just how much
maintenance and manpower a circuit like the Yas Marina Circuit requires.
The circuit is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 12pm and 2pm and 4pm (drifting sessions take
place in the evenings).
SECTION 10 Page 117

For up-to-date information on pricing for all the activities and experiences available at the Yas Marina Circuit,
please visit:
https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/experiences/?tab=openyas.
Optional Activity: Yas Marina Formula 1 facts

Having some key facts at your fingertips to satisfy the Formula 1 curious or diehard fans is essential for
tourist guides. Check out the Knowledge Bank as well as the following webpages, take a virtual lap around
the track, then make some notes.
Visit Abu Dhabi’s guide to the key facts of the Formula 1 racetrack:
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/plan.your.f1/f1.race.info/about.yas.marina.circuit.aspx
Formula 1™ Circuit Guide video – features Jenson Button taking you on a perfectly executed lap:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYZxFsQBSZI
DID YOU KNOW? The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is Formula 1’s only twilight race!

Official website:
www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Google Street View of the race track:
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/explore/islands/yas.island/behind.the.scenes.at.yas.marina.circuit.aspx
- Click on the Google Street View icon at the top right-hand of the webpage
Formula 1™ weekend highlights:
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/plan.your.f1/f1.race.info/f1.weekend.highlights.aspx
Formula 1™ off-track action:
http://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/plan.your.f1/f1.race.info/off.track.action.aspx
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Knowledge Bank: Yas Marina Circuit
Overview
• Yas Marina Circuit is located on the Yas Marina site in the heart of Yas Island
• The circuit is a 5.55 kilometre Formula 1 standard international track
• The circuit hosts the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for three days each November
• At other times, the location is used for other events such as:
- Yas drag racing
- Yas drift nights
- Local motor racing events sanctioned under the newly-created Yas Motor Racing Club
- Bike track racing
- Running and cycling activities around the track
• The circuit also hosts driving experiences where the public can experience the track at the Yas
Racing School
• The circuit is also home to Yas Kartzone
Yas Marina Circuit features

• The circuit has some unique features such as:
- the longest straight section on any current Formula 1 circuit (1,173 metres)
- the only circuit in the world to feature five completely covered grandstands that can hold more than
55,000 spectators
- drivers are challenged with 21 different turns (12 left turns and nine right turns)
- the circuit can operate as two independent, fully-functioning tracks (3.15 kilometres and 2.36
kilometres) and several other circuit configurations
- the full circuit configuration is 5.55 kilometres
- all races held at Yas Marina Circuit race in an anti-clockwise direction
- there are 40 pit garages in the main pit building within the Main Grandstand
- there are 30 pit garages in the support pits located within the Marina Grandstand
Behind the scenes at Yas Marina Circuit - Yas Venue Tour

• Visitors can take a tour behind the scenes of the circuit when it is not Formula 1 weekend
• The Yas Venue Tour shows visitors how much maintenance and manpower a circuit like this requires
Driving and passenger experiences

• The ‘Yas Racing’ facility at the circuit offers a variety of packages including:
- Driver experiences
- Passenger experiences
- Private driving tuition programmes
- Racing licence courses
SECTION 10 Page 119

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Extraordinary Abu Dhabi:

Tourist Guide Training & Licensing Manual

May I wish you the best with your training.

Saif Saeed Ghobash

Director General, Department of Culture & Tourism (DCT)

The knowledge presented to you in module one has a number of features:

• Desk research activities - optional and mandatory

Section 1 How to Study and Organise your Learning

Section 2 General Knowledge of the UAE and Emirate of Abu Dhabi

Section 3 The Formation and History of the UAE

Section 4 Abu Dhabi Rulers and Government

Section 5 Religious Orientations within the UAE

Section 6 Emirate Culture and Traditions

Section 7 Emirati Hospitality

Section 8 Traditional Industries

Section 9 Regions and Islands of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi City and Islands:

• Culture and Heritage Sites

Section 11 Arts, Music, Poetry and Dance

Section 12 Architectural Styles in Abu Dhabi

Section 13 Cuisine and Knowledge of Local Restaurants

Section 14 Local Information and Emirati Laws for Visitors

Section 15 Answers to Mandatory Activities

How to Study and Organise

Visually organising information

Making effective notes

Note the important facts

Organising your approach using a note-making method

Example of the Split Page method of making notes

The Cornell method:

Video of the Cornell method (Watch from 4:00 to the end):

Keep notes together

Take a look at how this is done.

First, here some simple rules to help you study successfully:

Video that explains the five golden rules of goal setting:

Optional Activity: The perfect study schedule

Answer the following questions by circling yes (Y) or no (N)

2. Do you meet deadlines you set for yourself? Y/N

3. Do you begin working on long projects as early as possible? Y/N

6. Do you set specific goals for each day? Y/N

Final score ________________

Optional Activity: Identifying personal study-time preferences – keeping an

Successful desk research

Where do you start?

Evaluating internet content:

A useful pdf to print out:

Internet research tips:

Explore Facebook and Twitter

Look at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s social media sites:

General Knowledge of the

• The Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the UAE

2.1 The United Arab Emirates 5

2.2 The Emirate of Abu Dhabi 13

The following map gives more information on each of the Emirates.

b) Quick UAE facts

• 10% service charge

For further information visit https://taxhelp.me/vat-registration-services-dubai-uae/

g) UAE strategies towards non-oil economy growth

h) UAE Vision 2021