Abu Dhabi charms with multiple faces

ABU DHABI ? What is the best type of vacation you have longed for?

You might think of taking a rest and relaxation or losing weight through intensive exercise or sightseeing with the other two mixed in balance.

No matter how delicate your appetite may be, this Middle East state is set to meet all desires you have and give you more.

Rest and relaxation
Freezing winter is quickly creeping into states in the Northern hemisphere, including Korea, and people feel their muscle stiffen while doing outdoor activities. It might be even harder ? for the next several months ? to imagine laying down on a beach in swimsuit and sunbathing.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is situated in the upper part of the globe. In the emirate, however, summer is virtually all-year-round, meaning although Abu Dhabi enters a cold season its hot climate is hardly affected and people can enjoy beach and other water sports activities as they do during summer.

Saadiyat Beach district is a magnet for beachgoers and relaxation seekers. The district is a cluster of a nine-kilometer beach, hotels and resorts, and a residential community.

Where turtles nest, dune grasses sway gently in the breeze and the crystal blue ocean sparkles under the sizzling sun. From the array of native grass to its sensitivity to the local turtles’ habitat, the site respects strict eco-guideline.

“Thanks to its nine-kilometer arc of pristine white sand, Saadiyat Beach will be a much sought-after international tourist destination, and will encompass world-class attractions woven seamlessly into the natural environment,” Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said in a release.

Located on Saadiyat Island’s northwestern coast, the district accommodates Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Monte-Carlo Beach Club, a luxurious beach club.

If you feel bored from beach activities, just take a few-minute drive and set foot on the Saadiyat Beach Golf Course to play a round of golf on what ADTA describes as “championship-ready” golf courses.

The golf club harnesses the natural beauty of Saadiyat to create an “unparalleled golfing experience,” the authority said. “This is due to the Gulf’s glittering waters and pristine sands.”

Desert treks, car racing and more
Abu Dhabi is home to a wide range of leisure activities from exotic desert treks, typical city sightseeing to tours of Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit.

Travelers can choose their means of transport through the desert either on a camel or, if you are more adventurous, opt for dune driving in a 4x4 SUV.

Camel riding provides tourists with a great view of the desert that is unimaginable on the ground.

“Indeed, tourists must never miss this opportunity to have a desert trek, especially on the back of camel,” a blogger wrote in a posting, referring to his recent trip to Abu Dhabi. “It lets you enjoy the beauty of Abu Dhabi deserts even when you have a busy schedule.”

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in downtown Abu Dhabi is one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors have been mesmerized by the towering figure of the country’s most imposing religious and national landmark.

The mosque was initiated by the late President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, fondly thought of as the founding father of the UAE. His final resting place is located in the grounds of the building.

Built on a 22,412-square-meter of land with natural marble, gold, semi-precious stones and crystals, the mosque is capable of accommodating 41,000 people.

If you prefer something dynamic, visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor theme park, and board the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller-coaster.

The coaster’s cars accelerate to a top speed of 240 kilometers per hour in approximately 4.9 seconds. Immediately following the launch, it ascends a 53-meter hill, where its speed is significantly reduced, a result of high-end technology designed to give extreme thrills to riders.

Abu Dhabi is also home to an annual Formula 1 race, hosted by the country’s flagship airliner Etihad Airways.

“This international headline race joins an impressive line-up of world-class events which have enabled the emirate to emerge as a major global events contender,” ADTA said.

These events include the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, the Gourmet Abu Dhabi gastronomic festival, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge rally, the Al Ain Aerobatics Championship and in January 2012, the country will be a host port for the Volvo Ocean Race.

Source: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/art/2011/12/144_100398.html