Business & Leisure
The tourism and leisure industry in Abu Dhabi offers great potential for investment in the coming years, as the government considers more ways to diversify the economy. There are already world-class hotels and resorts in the capital of the UAE, as well as extensive convention facilities.
Sector ripe for investment
The emirate of Abu Dhabi consists of three parts: the city of Abu Dhabi itself, the oasis city of Al-Ain, and several offshore islands. The modern, clean and safe city of Abu Dhabi resembles Manhattan with its gleaming skyscrapers. Evidence of the emirate’s wealth is everywhere: some say that the city of Abu Dhabi has the world’s highest ratio of Mercedes to the number of drivers.
Abu Dhabi has interesting souks to explore, and also an attractive coastal road along the Persian Gulf called the Corniche. Al-Ain is approximately 90 miles east of the city of Abu Dhabi, on the border with Oman. Its date palms and ancient city walls provide an historic contrast to the modern, bustling capital. Its camel market and livestock souk offer a fascinating taste of local life.
The fertile Liwa oasis south of the city of Abu Dhabi is on the edge of the Rub al-Khali, known as the Empty Quarter desert. The spectacular sand dunes here are popular for exploring in a four-wheel drive with a local guide. Many of the islands in the Persian Gulf – including Dalma, Abu al-Abyad and Sir Bani Yas – have developed from pearling centers into oil terminals.
Khalidia Palace Hotel
“RELAX and take a break in a beautiful resort.”
Antoine Sayegh, General Manager
Khalidia Palace Hotel, built as a private palace and later converted into a luxury hotel, offers exceptional facilities and services, including a private sandy beach known as the best in Abu Dhabi.
With 120 rooms and suites with private balconies, Internet access and sea views, the hotel attracts both business and leisure travelers. Antoine Sayegh, General Manager, explains, “This is the only hotel in Abu Dhabi that is privately owned and run. It offers everything a luxury hotel chain offers, along with genuine, warm Arab hospitality. We know the importance of details and authenticity.”
The Khalidia Palace has temperature-controlled swimming pools, a state-of-the-art fitness center with sea views, shuttle to the city center, several restaurants offering a variety of international cuisines, special facilities for children, including a private zoo, and a wide range of sports opportunities, including jet-ski rentals and dhow cruises.
Outstanding banquet and conference facilities are available, and long-term guests can rent chalets with kitchens, private gardens and beach access.
Urging American travelers to discover the Khalidia Palace, Sayegh says, “It’s easy to mix business and pleasure here. You feel you are miles away from the world. Take a beautiful break in a relaxing resort.”
Khalidia Palace Hotel is a family oriented and children friendly style hotel & resort, this has made the hotel unique among others in attracting the tourists and local residents alike.
Novotel Centre Hotel
“We are extremely flexible and extremely friendly.”
Adel Eid, General Manager
The four-star Novotel Centre Hotel in Abu Dhabi offers the fine services for which the Novotel group is known worldwide, along with special features that have made it one of the UAE’s top hotels. As General Manager Adel Eid points out, the hotel particularly excels in its food and beverage services, which include the award-winning Beaujolais European restaurant, one of the country’s best Italian restaurants, as well as a Chinese restaurant. Planned renovations will enhance the hotel’s food and beverage offerings even more.
Especially popular among business travelers, who make up the majority of its clientele, the Novotel has its own state-of-the-art business center, high-speed Internet access in all guest rooms, and a convenient location near the city center. As Eid explains, “I stay on top of the market in my niche.”
Urging US travelers to choose the Novotel when they come to Abu Dhabi, Eid concludes, “If you want to have good food and stay in a friendly hotel, come to the Novotel Centre. We might not be a super five-star hotel, but we are extremely flexible and extremely friendly. You feel it; it’s genuine. The people who work here are happy to be here.”
Budget Rent a Car
“Customers know they will not find better service elsewhere.”
Khalil Haddad, General Manager
The international Budget car-rental group has been active in the United Arab Emirates for 27 years and has established a strong track record there for its reliable service. As Khalil Haddad, General Manager of Budget Abu Dhabi for the past 19 years, puts it, “I know my clients as individuals, and I know every one of my cars. We have a name, a high quality of service, and a reputation for ethical business practices, so that our customers always return. They know they will not find better service elsewhere.”
Haddad des-cribes himself as a “one-man show” dedicated to making sure that every aspect of Budget’s operations runs smoothly.
Budget offers a fleet of foreign-made vehicles, including Cadillac luxury cars, Chevrolet Caprices, Land Rover and others. Haddad also has access to vehicles at other Budget agencies in the region so that he is able to supply companies that need a large number of cars.
The company provides insurance coverage and a convenient airport location for arriving passengers. With its long-term success in the UAE, Budget aims to continue to grow there in the future. Haddad concludes, “My team and I have the ability to supply our customers with what they need, when they need it.”
