abu dhabi by the numbers
It may only be home to one million people, but the capital of the United Arab Emirates thinks big when it comes to its future.
By Natasha Dragun
From Dubai to Doha, there’s no shortage of architectural audacity in the Arabian Gulf. But while other emirates seem to have reached their limits, the oil-rich enclave of Abu Dhabi is just hitting its stride. Set on a series of islands jutting into the Gulf, the city has grand plans for its skyline – a web of cranes hover over monstrous pits and purpose-built galleries showcase miniatures of Abu Dhabi’s vision for the future. Here, a taste of this city in the making.
9
The percent of the world’s proven oil reserves held by Abu Dhabi, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the world.
271
The number of hectares that the Cultural District will cover on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat (“Happiness”) Island. Envisioned as the centrepiece of the offshore isle, earmarked for residential and resort development, the district will bring together creations from five of the world’s most acclaimed architects. Pritzker-prize winning Jean Nouvel has been called upon to design the Louvre Abu Dhabi, dedicated to fine art and inspired by the geometric form of overlapping palm leaves; Frank Gehry will oversee the world’s largest outpost of the Guggenheim, a space for contemporary art and culture; and Lord Norman Foster will be responsible for the Zayed National Museum, taking design cues from the wing tips of falcons. Finally, Zaha Hadid and Japanese architect Tadao Ando will contribute the island’s Performing Arts Centre and Maritime Museum, respectively, all set to be welcoming visitors by 2020.
9
The number of five-star hotels opening on Saadiyat Island in coming years. A St. Regis and Park Hyatt are both due to commence operations in 2011. Come back in three years and you’ll also be able to check in to the Shangri-La and the Mandarin Oriental, among other properties.
5,389
The number of diamond-shaped LED panels used to clad the exterior of the Yas Hotel, straddling a Formula One track on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Designed by U.S. architectural firm Asymptote, the 499-room hotel is edgy and aerodynamic, its curved structure lit up in a rainbow of colours come dusk. During the day, the who’s who of Abu Dhabi lounge by the rooftop pool, in high-tech rooms or in the hotel’s 11 restaurants and bars. And if that’s not enough to keep you occupied, make the most of neighbourhood attractions including the Ferrari World amusement park, links and parkland golf courses, the soon-to-open 296,000-square-metre Yas Mall, and a Warner Bros. Movie World theme park, also in the pipeline.
1:40.279
The time, in minutes and seconds, it took Sebastian Vettel to complete lap 54 of the 5.6-kilometre-long Yas Marina Circuit in 2009, a record that stands to this day. It may have cost more than AU$1.2 billion to develop but the course is not yet complete – before it hosts the 2011 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix (November 11 to 13), the track will undergo a number of makeovers to create more overtaking opportunities.
240
The speed, in kilometres per hour, of the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa – the star attraction at the newly minted Ferrari World. Sprawling over 200,000 square metres on Yas Island, the theme park pays homage to the Italian sports car brand with dozens of rides and attractions, all under a roof modelled to resemble a Ferrari GT. Those not brave enough to tackle Rossa will be happy to know that lower-velocity options are on offer as well, from an interactive 3-D show following the life of a Ferrari engineer to state-of-the-art racing simulators and Junior GT, a driving school for children. For refuelling, Ferrari World offers six Italian restaurants and cafés serving everything from cakes and coffee to degustation meals.
10,724
The cost, in Australian dollars, for one night in a Palace Suite at the Kempinski-managed Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi hotel – a small price to pay considering that the owners spent more than AU$2.7 billion constructing the monolith, making it the second-most-expensive hotel ever built. Occupying one million square metres, the property is all about excess: there’s a private helipad, marina and beach; guest suites come with silk-panelled walls, gilded mirrors and marble floors; and the hotel’s 15 restaurants serve signature Palace champagne for AU$2,365 a bottle, perfectly paired with Iranian or Russian caviar.
5,300
The amount, in UAE dirhams (around AU$1,345) that you need to shell out in cash to purchase a panda-shaped pendant from the Gold to Go dispensing machine, another of the lavish fixtures in the Emirates Palace hotel.
47
The number of tonnes of wool and cotton used to weave the carpet that covers the floor in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Spun in 25 colours, the rug – allegedly the largest of its kind in the world – can accommodate up to 7,000 worshippers at any given time and took 1,200 artisans nearly two years to make in Persia. Look up and you’ll be equally dazzled by the mosque’s 15.24-metre-high chandelier crafted from gold-plated metal and fitted with thousands of Swarovski crystals.
320
The speed, in kilometres per hour, that the falcon – the national bird of the UAE – can swoop in on prey, making them the fastest-moving creatures on Earth. So revered are these hunting birds in Abu Dhabi that they have been bestowed a private treatment facility, the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, where specialists perform everything from falcon manicures to major surgery and genetic research. The hospital is also home to a petite museum highlighting the role of the birds in Emirati history and culture. Look closely at the passports on display and you’ll see photos of the birds themselves: falcons are the only birds in the world to have their own travel documents and the only ones permitted to accompany their owners in First- and Business-Class cabins of Emirati airlines. •
Photography by Natasha Dragun and courtesy of Ferrari World and Abu Dhabi Tourism.
travel facts
getting there
Etihad Airways offers direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to Abu Dhabi. 61-2/8024-7200; etihadairways.com
getting around
Creative Holidays offers tour packages taking in all of Abu Dhabi’s attractions with accommodation and some meals included. creativeholidays.com
Arabian Adventures’ insightful city tours take you to Abu Dhabi’s existing and up-and-coming attractions. 971-2/691-1711; arabian-adventures.com
when to go
The best time to visit is from November through March, when daytime temperatures are tolerable and allow for sweat-free sightseeing.
where to stay
Set on a burgeoning man-made island, the Yas Hotel offers 499 design-driven rooms in high-tech towers straddling a F1 racetrack. 971-2/656-0000; theyashotel.com
The sheer size of the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi hotel can be daunting, but don’t be put off by its gargantuan proportions – once you’re ensconced in one of the opulent rooms or suites, the world will come to you. 971-2/690-9000; emiratespalace.com
Although slightly tired, the Le Méridien Abu Dhabi offers comfortable rooms and reasonable rates in the heart of town. The buffet breakfast is a delight. 971-2/644-6666; lemeridienabudhabi.com
what to do
The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital offers guided tours of its facilities. Be sure to book in advance. falconhospital.com
Ferrari World is open from Tuesday to Sunday and offers standard and premium tickets – the latter skip you to the front of queues at busy attractions. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Abu Dhabi Etihad Formula 1Grand Prix as well as a number of other races throughout the year. yasmarinacircuit.ae
further information
Australian travellers are given visas upon arrival in Abu Dhabi. For other tips on visiting the emirate, contact the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. visitabudhabi.ae
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