Abu Dhabi [antikvár]

Abu Dhabi sits proudly as tine largest of the seven Emirates, a vast golden expanse with a rich vein of oil wealth running beneath the shifting sands. While neighbouring Dubai's global reputation as a towering playground for the wealthy and a burgeoning hub between east and west, north and south escalates untamed, Abu Dhabi sits less boisterously, as the powerhouse that drives the country forward; the cerebral thinker, the financial strength, the moral guide, the spiritual leader. Ruled by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi grows more impressive with every new sunrise, the wonders within Its borders revealing themselves to the world with each passing day. From Saadiyat Island the turquoise seas of the Arabian Gulf lap calmly against white sands, their warmth a perfect breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles. Exclusive resorts like the Park Hyatt and St. Regis luxuriate splendidly along the shores, while there is invention and ambition towards the city The international galleries of the Louvre and Guggenheim rise like architectural beacons at the island's edge, only the cultural treasures set to be found within able to match their breathtaking silhouettes. Across the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge into the city of Abu Dhabi, past bustling ports with vibrant fish and textile markets, and traditional dhows moored alongside giant containers bringing goods from all corners of the world, the corniche busies cars along the coast, its green parks and waterside promenades alive with cyclists, runners and families enjoying the shaded calm. At the foot of the corniche, where Etihad Towers and Emirates Palace meet in glorious luxury a simple image of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan can be found. Affectionately known as the Father of the UAE for his vision in unifying the seven Emirates and for his benevolence to the people, legend holds that it was at this spot he would sit and watch as the Hilton hotel was constructed; one of the first sparks of progress that helped ignite Abu Dhabi into the city that now burns so brightly. Old Abu Dhabi can still be found, celebrated at the Abu Dhabi Heritage Centre on the Breakwater or hidden amongst the towering feats of glass and metal that stretch ever skyward. Qasr al-Hosn, or White Fort, the city's oldest building, sits confidently despite its gradual enclosure from walls of shining high rises over the decades. Its place in history assured, its importance unmatched, every year it calls Emiratis from the land to relive the traditions of the past, to fill the city's air once again with