Abu Dhabi do

Looks like we'll be spending a lot more time with the neighbours 1 Comments

1

© ITP Images

View slideshow

• 
• Picture 1 of 2
• 

I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, ‘I’ll get round to it.’ You’re thinking, ‘It’s only two hours up the road – it’s not going anywhere.’ Well, I’m here to tell you you’re wrong. Abu Dhabi is a mere 90 minutes up the road (on a good day) and it’s going places fast.

You may have heard the rumours. Again, I can confirm they’re all true. With the summer a sweaty memory, the capital is heading outdoors, basking on the corniche and gearing up for the mega events coming our way. There’s Timbaland, Kings of Leon, Jamiroquai, Beyoncé, Aerosmith, … oh, and the small matter of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Elsewhere, a huge party on the beach is rumoured to have attracted the attention of Brangelina, among others. Yep, you certainly wouldn’t want to be anywhere else this autumn.

And it’s not as if things haven’t been happening here before, either. Some of you ventured this way earlier in the year for Coldplay, Andrea Bocelli and the fantastic Womad festival that saw 80,000 revellers take to the beach. Or maybe you’re thinking of putting off your visit until Saadiyat Island is complete, with the Guggenheim, the Louvre and more.

But why wait until then? We’re a friendly bunch. We’ve got room for all of you. Come and join us for the Yasalam events that have already begun and continue until October 31. I’ll save a seat for you at the open-air cinema; we can watch the Grand Prix together.

I’m often asked whether Abu Dhabi is the new Dubai. I don’t think it is. It’s in no race to better itself, you see. The extras will be unveiled when they’re good and ready. Turn away from the current pomp and it has a retro feel – dusty backstreets that ooze character; restaurants where you can eat your fill and feel like you’ve ripped someone off. It feels lived-in.

It’s not that I think you’re being rude, of course, but it seems silly to keep putting us off. Come on, come and join in. I’d really hate to see you miss out.