Anyone else going to Abu Dhabi?

That would imply that you are going?

 

nfw.

 

I was in Abu Dhabi 5 years ago and can tell you all about it if anyone is going. It is a clean, safe place but not as exotic as its name implies. It is a modern place with only a small part of the city preserved in old Islamic style. We took a shared taxi from Dubai.
You can't buy alcohol in shops but you can get it in resturants catering to foreigners.

 

Depends on how far of a drive it is.

 

I believe Abu Dhabi is the hub for Gulf Airlines, which is a fine outfit with lots of flights out of London. The hub for Emirates is in Dubai, about 2 hours away by road. Emirates is one of the best airlines in the world, with RAF pilots and beautiful young stewardesses from Holland, Sweden and the U.K. It looks like the Miss Sweden pageant on some of the flights. Both cities are in the United Arab Emirates, which is a very safe place for tourists.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyane, President of UAE, has delegated quite a bit of authority to His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince. Sheikh Mohammed is a very progressive man and was very pro-American until recently. The rapid development of UAE and its good relations with the west are due largely to the efforts of Sheikh Mohammed. Dubai is the Singapore of Asia Minor, a trading hub with excellent shopping. Women can dress the way they like all over UAE but it is best to err on the side of conservatism.
There is a fine youth hostel in Dubai, a sure sign of an advanced civilization....

 

If you are indeed going over Andy, stay safe man.

 

no thank you,,,,,just spent 4 months in that part of the world wearing body armour most of the time. Don't care to ever go back to southwest asia.

 

So I would guess tailgating is not too popular there.

 

No, tailgating is not popular there, but it is not popular in Canada either. It is an American thing.
Seriously, don't believe the ridiculous, anti-Islamic lies the U.S. government and its amplifiers in the media pour out. UAE is one of the safest countries you can visit. Hot? Yes. A bit boring? Yes. Dangerous?????
With the exception of Cameroun and North Korea, I have visited every country that has ever qualified for the World Cup. I usually cheer for the country-either at the Cup or in qualifiers- that treated me the best when I was there. UAE gets high grades.
I have visited UAE 5 times and entered the country another 5 times due to trips to Beirut, Lebanon, Iran, Sultanate of Oman, Islamic Republic of Maldives, Bangla Desh, India and Pakistan. No problems other than a taxi driver trying to charge too much.
When UAE played China in a qualifier, I asked my wife who she was for. She said UAE; "because the people were so nice to us. Not like in China."
OK our government and media hates Muslims. It does not mean we have to hate them. Until very recently, they sure didn't hate us.
If you don't believe me, check the U.S. Department of State website where it has the usual claptrap about the "war" against terror but says "crime is not a serious problem in UAE". How many countries do they say that about? Not many.

 

http://www.map.freegk.com/united_arab_emirates/united_arab_emirates.php

Map showing Al Ayn is not far from Abu Dhabi



http://whc.unesco.org/sites/434.htm

Brief description of Al Ayn as UNESCO World Heritage Site

I will write more later. You will need an Omani visa (these days not much of a problem). The Sultan of Oman is also a very progressive man and is still pro-American. On September 11, 2001, The Sultan of Oman phoned his condolences to the White House and offered Omani airfields for our disposal in fighting the terrorists.

 

http://www.greatestcities.com/Middle_East/United_Arab_Emirates/Al_Ayn_city.html

I think there are two cities, one old and historic in Oman and one new in UAE. It would be great if you could do the triangle: Abu Dhabi-Al Ayn-Muscat-Abu Dhabi. Muscat is BEAUTIFUL. Like a tiny Cape Town with a very old and well-preserved souk.

 

Oh come on fidlerre, don't you remember everything on the news after 9/11 that encouraged people to take out their aggression on the Muslim population?

 

If you want to go into Oman and come back, make sure you get a double-entry visa. You could fly from Abu Dhabi to Muscat and back for around $130, especially if it is part of your over the water ticket.
Muscat has a lovely waterfront area, next to the souk, known as the corniche. We stayed in the Hotel du Nord at the end of the corniche, across from the fish market. It was $40 a night for a double with a/c, color TV and private bath.

Muscat is beautiful.

 

Actually, I remember a GREAT deal of stuff to anyone willing to listen that we were not after Muslims -- we were after Islamic extremists and terrorists.

There are extremists in any religion / ethnic group -- can you say KKK -- white & Christian.


My son (who is 17) was in Bahrain last spring. They were escorted the entire time by Embassy security because there was some stuff going on at that time, but they were able to have a good time.

 

Andy, the scariest thing about this is the way you toss out the question so casually...

No, I'm trying to convince my better 3/4 that she would absolutely adore taking a winter road trip out of the Land of the Frozen Chosen to a suitable opponent in the SS Minnow round of qualifying...

Hopefully we don't get stuck with a choice between Havana and Port-au-Prince...

 

Andy, you know I would love to join you man, but I am afraid I am not making this one. Ivy has finally convinced me to take a non-soccer trip with her. I am doing so in order to regain my leverage for the upcoming qualifying season.

I have also heard great things about UAE. Have a great time and I look forward to seeing the pictures.

 

Now we know how Nermal keeps coming back.

 

Whoops!

I thought this thread was about Freddy. Now I see it's "ABU"


with a "B"