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Abu Dhabi full of surprises Dubai isn't the only reason for golfers to visit the UAE - Abu Dhabi has big plans and its own stop on the European Tour Less than 50 years ago, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing village. Then the Emirate discovered its oil and took off as one of the leading business centres in the Middle East. Today it is the capital of the UAE and a financial powerhouse in both the region and globally. Tourism is now firmly on the agenda. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority was formed in 2005. Under the guidance of his Excellency Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, the authority has embraced sports marketing within its tourism strategy: Golf is a major focus through the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship on the European Tour; Formula 1 is coming in 2009 to the Aldar-owned Yas Island; international cricket has been seen at the impressive sporting stadia already built in Abu Dhabi; and a world class tennis event is not far away. Abu Dhabi has a world class airline in Etihad Airways which is destined to become a major competitor to Emirates over the next 10 years. Etihad is key to the tourism plans for the Emirate and it is blazing a trail via over 40 established routes since it launched in 2005. When you visit Abu Dhabi today, you will be surprised by how much Abu Dhabi already has to offer: the fantastic Corniche at the heart of a city, the modern business district, the 5 star hotels including The Emirates Palace and Al Raha Beach, great shopping malls and restaurants and some of the best beaches in the UAE. You should also visit Al Ain and some of the other regions of Abu Dhabi where it has the genuine feel of being in the heart of Arabia with traditional soukhs and many varied Arabic experiences. The Emiratis of Abu Dhabi are also amongst the most hospitable and well educated that you will find. When you visit Abu Dhabi in 10 years time, Abu Dhabi will surprise you even more. Saadiyat Island will have the Guggenheim Museum and the Louvre…..Yas Island will be famous for its race-track and golf courses….Many of the Islands will ensure that Abu Dhabi gains a Mauritius style reputation for quality tourism. It will have over 20,000 hotel rooms and it will only have grown as a major business centre.
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