From desert legend to dazzling innovation, Abu Dhabi is where the “Father of Gazelles” now leads the world in culture, luxury, and imagination.
- Abu Dhabi means “Father of the Gazelles” – a name born from a desert legend of discovery and survival.
- Covering over 87% of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a vast tapestry of islands, oases, and architectural marvels.
- By 2030, Abu Dhabi will welcome Disneyland – the first in the Middle East and a new chapter in Arabian magic.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism hosted an intimate roadshow this month at the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, offering guests a rare journey through the emirate’s fascinating blend of heritage, innovation, and world-class luxury – from its legendary origin as the “Father of Gazelles” to its bold vision of becoming home to the Middle East’s first Disneyland. But let’s start with the gazelles.
There’s a story behind this that captures the spirit of Abu Dhabi – one that begins long before skyscrapers kissed the desert sky or Formula One engines roared along Yas Island. It’s a tale of a gazelle, a tribe, and a chance discovery that shaped the heart of the United Arab Emirates. Centuries ago, when desert tribes roamed in search of food and water, a group of hunters followed a gazelle through the endless dunes.
The gazelle, graceful and untamed, led them to an oasis teeming with life and fresh water. When they returned to their leadership, they spoke of this miraculous place – a land rich in resources and beauty. The tribe soon settled there, and that settlement became Abu Dhabi, which literally means: Father of the Gazelles.
To this day, that blend of wisdom, instinct, and discovery remains the soul of Abu Dhabi. It’s a city that honours its heritage while boldly designing the future – a destination that offers serenity and spectacle in equal measure.
The Heart Of The Emirates
Abu Dhabi isn’t just another stop on a UAE itinerary, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. It’s the largest emirate, occupying over 87% of the country’s land. Just an hour and a half from Dubai (give or take some traffic), Abu Dhabi stretches across more than 200 islands – each offering a distinct slice of desert luxury. The capital city itself is flanked by the vast Al Dhafra region, home to sprawling dunes and desert resorts, and the lush Al Ain, known for its greenery, culture, and royal roots.
With six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Abu Dhabi doesn’t simply showcase history – it lets visitors walk through it. The city’s commitment to accessibility and sustainability is equally evident. Free Wi-Fi buses connect major hotels and attractions, running across eight comfortable routes to Saadiyat Island, Jubail Island, Yas Island, and Hudayriat Island – all wheelchair-accessible and hassle-free.
A World Of Hospitality
Abu Dhabi prides itself on the art of welcoming guests. With 172 hotels and over 34’000 rooms to choose from, it caters to every traveller, from desert adventurers to luxury seekers. 59 five-star hotels reflect the city’s flair for elegance, while a growing portfolio of boutique stays and holiday homes ensures there’s always something new on the horizon.
But beyond luxury, Abu Dhabi’s charm lies in balance it seems. It’s the one emirate that truly offers pretty-much everything: beaches, desert, nature, culture, entertainment, sports, weddings, medical tourism – all within easy reach. It’s no wonder the city’s tagline, Find Your Peace, feels so fitting. Few travellers know of the Abrahamic Family House which forms part of the cities fabric – a remarkable complex housing a mosque, church, and synagogue side by side. On Fridays, people of all faiths gather to share conversations, ideas, and peaceful dialogue.
And then, there’s the golden touch of the Emirates Palace. Only in Abu Dhabi can you sip coffee laced with 24-karat gold, enjoy a gold-infused massage, or taste ice cream flecked with edible gold.
Adventures On Land And Sea
Along the Corniche, the city’s iconic waterfront, restaurants and cafés line the promenade, offering front-row views of the shimmering Gulf. Here, you can board a yellow boat, race across the water in a jet car, or simply stroll along the palm-fringed pathways as the skyline glows. For those who prefer altitude to adrenaline, there’s the “Highest of High Teas” – a 360-degree view served with scones. For something even more exclusive, book a sunset supper on a helipad 225 meters above the ground – a literal dinner in the clouds.
Abu Dhabi’s entertainment is as versatile as it is thrilling. From indoor theme parks to sprawling outdoor attractions, it’s a playground for all ages. The SeaWorld Abu Dhabi combines marine entertainment with conservation, showcasing educational exhibits and dolphin shows that focus on ocean preservation. The Yas Waterworld is a masterpiece of fun – an adrenaline-pumping labyrinth of slides and rides that turn adults into big kids.
Then there’s Ferrari World, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. Across the street, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi offers pure cinematic nostalgia. Families staying at the adjoining Warner Bros. Hotel wake up to Bugs Bunny at breakfast – or even find him knocking on their door with cookies and milk in hand.
For nightlife, Saadiyat Beach Club, Yas Bay Waterfront, and Buddha-Bar Beach keep the party going until sunrise. Whether you’re enjoying shisha by the shore or dancing under the stars, Abu Dhabi knows how to unwind in style.
Sports, Seasons, And Spectacle
From October to May, Abu Dhabi comes alive with world-class events. The mild weather – a blissful 22°C – makes it ideal for outdoor living. The calendar is packed with global sporting moments: the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, NBA games, triathlons, and more. On Yas Island, the roar of engines and cheers from the grandstands merge into a symphony of excitement that defines Abu Dhabi’s winter.
Art, Innovation, And What’s Next
If there’s one thing Abu Dhabi excels at, it’s looking forward. The TeamLab Phenomena – only the second of its kind after Japan – blends art, technology, and nature into an interactive wonderland. Visitors can draw anything – a crocodile, a flower, a name – and watch it come alive in light and motion.
Upcoming luxury openings promise to redefine travel once again. The Aldhafra Resort by Vignette Collection, Amar Luxury Desert Lodge, and Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort invite guests into the heart of desert tranquillity. Meanwhile, the Saadiyat Cultural District will soon become a global cultural epicentre. Within walking distance of each other, you’ll find the Zayed National Museum (opening December 2025), the Natural History Museum (2026), and the highly anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (2026).
But two new projects are set to make headlines worldwide: the arrival of the Sphere – the world’s second after Las Vegas – and the crown jewel of them all: Disneyland Abu Dhabi.
A Whole New World
Set to become the first Disneyland in the Middle East and the ninth worldwide, the park will merge Disney’s storytelling magic with Emirati design and hospitality. Built on Yas Island, the waterfront resort will be the most advanced and interactive in Disney’s portfolio. The project is expected to take 6 to 8 years, with design and planning already underway – but if history is anything to go by, Abu Dhabi may deliver sooner. After all, this is a city where ambition meets efficiency.
From its ancient story of a gazelle discovering life-giving water to its modern reinvention as a hub of culture, luxury, and innovation, Abu Dhabi looks to position itself as a place where nature and progress coexist.
Stand a chance to WIN with The Sandton Times.
Advertise on The Sandton Times today!
Head back to The Sandton Times Home Page for more stories.
