Spirit of Abu Dhabi captured at WTM 2008

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'175346';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Occupying prime position in the Middle East zone, the Abu Dhabi stand at World Travel Market 2008 showcases the principle attractions under development. Models of Saadiyat Island, the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District, and the Desert Islands destination, are displayed on the stand, illustrating the Emirate’s core values of cultural respect and environmental stewardship.',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'ADTA_London.jpg',
        'url' => '/4/67334-ADTA_London.jpg'
    }
];

Occupying prime position in the Middle East zone, the Abu Dhabi stand showcases the principle attractions under development.

Designed to symbolise Abu Dhabi's astonishing landscape, the stand reflects the elegance and diversity of the Emirate, giving visitors a taste of the historical heart of the UAE. Models of Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi's new cultural district, and the Desert Islands destination, which lies off the Emirate's western coastline, are artistically displayed on stand, illustrating the Emirate's core values of cultural respect, global connectivity and environmental stewardship.

The second day of the prestigious trade show saw a host of unique developments presented by leading Abu Dhabi companies including Aldar Properties PJSC, Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC), Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company (ADNEC), Emirates Palace, Shangri-la Hotel, Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH Travco), Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) and National Corporation for Tourism and Hotels (NCTH).

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre:

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) recently revealed two distinctive commercial and residential towers by SinoGulf Investments that architecturally mimic the movement of sand dunes. The towers will be key features of the AED8 billion Capital Centre development underway at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Designed by world-renowned architects, Woods Bagot, the towers represent the abstraction of dune sand lines when the desert breeze blows. Due to be completed in 2010, the concept design has been based on simplicity of form that is responsive and respectful of its environment and orientation, setting an aesthetic benchmark for the Capital Centre development.

Abu Dhabi National Hotels:

His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman of Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), headed the ADNH delegation which today presented its principal portfolio of hospitality services. In partnership with the ADTA, ADHN also showcased the UAE's fast maturing hospitality sector. ADNH is currently developing six new world class hotels in the UAE, two of which are the JW Marriot Resort and Spa and Park Hyatt in Saadiyat Island.

Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chairman Abu Dhabi National Hotels commented: 'We are joining forces with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority in highlighting the tourism attractions of the UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular. There are several tourism related projects that are currently underway in Abu Dhabi that will boost high-end tourism in the Emirate.'

Emirates Palace:

Emirates Palace, which recently joined an exclusive list of world renowned properties on the 2008 Conde Nast Traveller's Gold List, is currently hosting a unique art exhibition to unveil the Yas Marina Circuit, the home of the 2009 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Presented by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, the exhibition will remain in Emirates Palace until the end of November. Highlights of the exhibition include the stunning Yas Marina Hotel with the track running through it, the Sun Tower 60 meters above the track allowing VIP guests the perfect view of the action and the Marina with a yacht club.

Shangri-la Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi:

With Abu Dhabi's world class hotels come world class restaurants, and the Shangri-la Abu Dhabi has launched the ultimate new destination in dining and lounging, Pearls & Caviar, Qaryat Al Beri. Designed by Dutch interior design company Concrete, the concept for Pearls & Caviar restaurant and bar derives from the rich pearl-fishing heritage of the UAE and features a classical poem in Arabic about pearl fishing, wrapped around the exterior of the building. Pearls Bar offers a tapas menu and hosts a DJ every evening.

Intercontinental:

Intercontinental Abu Dhabi has added a new restaurant to its collection with the launch of The Yacht Club Bar & Gallery. Open now with a contemporary interior, the Yacht Clubs Pacific Rim food will take guest's palates on a cruise along the countries overlooking the Pacific Ocean, including Japan, Australia and Malaysia. With a number of famous DJ's scheduled to host events during the coming year, the Yacht Club is set to become one of the hottest spots in town.

Al Masaood:

Al Masaood Travel & Services, the leading travel and travel related Services Company in UAE, announced the creation of a specialised Division for Holidays, Travel Management and Cargo. In the coming weeks the company will unveil a host of new customer tailored services.

Mafraq Hotel:

Recently acquired by one of the largest investment company in the Gulf, Mafraq Hotel is set to undergo a major transformation in 2008. More than Dhs70m has been invested in the expansion plans which include a full refurbishment of the existing hotel and the construction of 115 new rooms.

His Excellency Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, commented:

'As the ADTA looks to the future, we are working together with our partners to create a sustainable, world class destination for business and travel tourism. We hope that visitors to our stand have gained insight into the wealth of attractions Abu Dhabi has to offer.'