WINTER 2010I sea& iI41 cityguide

42Isea& iIWINTER 2010 you will find some of the best restaurants tucked in the lobbies of the four- and five- star hotels. DRINK. One place you must visit is an Arabic coffee shop for a traditional shisha ( also known as a hookah or hubbly- bubbly). Try Havana Caféat Breakwater; Al Finjanat Le Meridien, Al Ain at the Heritage Village and the Hiltonia Clubat the Hilton Al Ain. DANCE. International DJs rock the clubs. Spend an evening at Tequilana Discotheque- its interior is adorned with tiny huts and palm trees, all housed inside Hemingway's Complex on the West Corniche beach. See, shop, savour SEE. You'll have to wait until 2012 to see the spectacular Art Louvre Abu Dhabimuseum ( a multi- million- dollar showcase bridging eastern and western art), but in the meantime the Emirates Palaceplays host to world- class exhibitions in its Gallery One. TheBateen Shipyardis the place to see traditional craftsmen building wooden dhows; the Sheikh Zayed Mosque- the third largest mosque in the world - provides an impressive photo opportunity; the Camel Marketis a unique souk at which to absorb local life; and The Cornicheis a tranquil park- lined coastal boulevard. SHOP. Situated near the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Villageoffers a fascinating insight into Abu Dhabi's Bedouin cultural heritage. Pottery and exotic spices make for nice keepsakes. Later, visit the vast Marina Mallor Abu Dhabi Mall, the latter of which has over 200 stores, 40 food outlets and a six- screen cinema. SAVOUR. Spas are found in the best hotels. Try the Emirates Palacefor regal pampering. One of the most unique wellness centres in the emirate, exclusively designed for women, is the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club. Nestled in lush gardens, it has numerous international sports facilities, a pool and treatment rooms. Do, dare DO. Golf is a year- round pastime. Abu Dhabi International Airport has its own Al Ghazal Golf Club( ideal if you need to fill time while in transit), and there are many courses outside the AT A GLANCE. Best travel time: year- round sun Currency: dirham ( Dhs or AED) Language: Arabic, although English is widely spoken Culture: this is one of the most modern, sophisticated, wealthy and dynamic cities in the world. Arabic hospitality excels here. The emirate is more tolerant than most, but dress code remains conservative. Sport, culture and shopping are high on the agenda. This page, clockwise from top left: Qasr Al Sarab; the pearl and caviar restaurant at the Shangri- La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri; the spa at the Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi; the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship; Sheikh Zayed Mosque