And who’d have thought, any of us, that we’d have found ourselves here which is why I’m reflecting now Abu Dhabi would be Fabi.
Don’t tell the Scary One but the Abu Dhabians were on my trail about a job out on their pre-eminent English-speaking newspaper.
And I started checking out all about the emirate in the event that I could be heading for the Gulf.
The Gulf states have long laid the carpet out to us in our own islands of Britain and Ireland.
With hosted nights and invitations to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman.
And we shouldn’t be surprised as Oman is the home of frankincense.
Gulf classic
The Gulf is always and increasingly so worthy of our time and attention.
As its work, entertainment and holiday options increase and improve.
But today we’ll focus on Abu Dhabi because Ireland has been added to its Green List.
And it’s a long old A-Z list, starting with Albania (where they have been allowing beardie people like me, although maybe not specifically me) for years right down to U.
I can only assume they’re searching for Vs, Ws, Xs, Ys and Zs.
So where to go and what to see in Abu Dhabi.
Love your Louvre
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: And you’ll get the full range of world art across history.
From the Neolithic up to the present day and including lots for Egyptologists and surrealists with famous paintings by Picasso.
Saadiyat Island is set to become the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi with the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum on the radar.
Fantastic Ferrari
Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi: Nyyyyyeeeeow. And you can channel your boy (or girl) racer at Yas Leisure Drive, Yas Island.
Where it’s Ferraris, yes, and the kids can even check out the Junior GT ride.
And if it’s your thing then there’s also the Flying Aces rollercoaster.
It clocks up speeds of 120kph on a 52m loop (the tallest in the world).
While you’ll also want to check out Yas beach too where you can get active or just enjoy your cabana.
Warner’s superheroes
Warner Bros World: And while I wait for my return visit to the American original which I missed out on because I caught a 24-hour bug from a returning Californian on the plane…
I’ll turn my attentions east to the Gulf where my old pals Attraction Tickets will cover all your needs.
Gotham City and Metropolis are where you can channel your inner Batman and Superman. Meanwhile back in…
Formula for success
Yas Marina Circuit: And here’s where you can drive on the circuit that Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen rip it up in the Formula One season.
But if you’re not allowed to even take out the smallest cars then you can also run or cycle it every Tuesday and Sunday when it is free.
Not just desert
Desert Dunes: And, of course, when you’re in the desert, or the edge of it, you need to get into desert life.
The camels are the caravans of the desert and I’m one happy customer in Morocco and Jordan.
And you should check out an Evening Desert Safari, BBQ dinner, that Camel Ride and sandboarding.
Just a sample, of course, and there are waterworlds, falcon hospitals, shopping, museums, mosques.
Maybe I need a fresh chat with the Scary One… as Abu Dhabi would be Fabbi. And I know just the guys to get me there.. Etihad.
