
It
is hard to believe that just 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi the island capital
of the United Arab Emirates was a bleak fishing and pearling village.
The evolution of Abu Dhabi has been spectacular. Today, it has large
gardens, green boulevards, sophisticated high-rise buildings, rich
shopping malls, cultural centers and events that offer one-of-a-kind
experience all the year round.
En route to Abu Dhabi is the
humungous Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world.
Driving through the bridge we pass by Abu Dhabi's magnificent new
mosque, which is nearing completion and is also widely believed to be
one of the biggest mosque in the world. On arrival in Abu Dhabi we visit
the renovated AL HUSN PALACE - now home of the Centre for Documentation
and Research. We then learn about the oil- the so-called 'black gold' -
and how it has transformed Abu Dhabi into the wealthy city of today. The
journey then continues towards a drive along the beautiful Corniche
gives a magnificent view of the city. Later, the tour passes the
majestic presidents palace, then to the Dhow Yard, where wooden
ships are still built using simple tools and lastly the Women Handicraft
Centre where we admire the skill and dexterity of local ladies making
traditional handicrafts.