2003 - 2023 Celebrating 20 Years NATIONAL AIRLINE OF THE UAE EtihadAtlas_Magazine_Cover_13053027.indd 102/11/2023 11:32November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 5 welcome Message from the CEO Welcome on board, and welcome to our new infl ight magazine atlas by Etihad Airways. The word “welcome” is very important to us at Etihad. From the very fi rst moment you choose to fl y with us, we hope that it is how we make you feel. Our highly trained crew are here to make sure your experience at every point in the journey is one that makes you feel welcomed. From your very fi rst enquiry about a journey to the moment you are at home with friends or family, I hope our welcome stays with you. We celebrate our 20th anniversary this year, and we have been on a remarkable journey from one aircraft in 2003, to a fl eet and a network that is growing month by month. In this magazine, we have a special supplement looking back across our last two decades, and celebrating some of the remarkable people who have been with us from the start. We are shaping our airline to suit you. We are enhancing our services to China, the Indian subcontinent, southeast Asia, and the Gulf, connecting with destinations in Europe and the US East Coast through our Abu Dhabi home. We launched a number of new destinations this year, including Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, and Osaka. Boston in the US and two new routes to the Indian Subcontinent – Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram – will start in early 2024, and we have a wonderful feature on Kerala in this issue from page 32. Our schedules are changing so that you can make the most of your time at your destination. We have increased the number of times we fl y to Chennai, Islamabad, Kochi, Madrid, Milan, Munich, Rome, and Phuket. We are bringing new aircraft into service, so that your journey is safe, comfortable, and responsible, ensuring our fl eet is among the youngest in the sky, and burning less fuel than comparable models. We were also named Environmental Airline of the Year for the second year running in the Airline Ratings awards. Onboard, our welcome means fantastic entertainment choices, enhanced menus, Wi-Fi packages with unlimited data, and free in-fl ight messaging. You have greater choice whether that be in Economy, upgrading to Business for a fully-fl at bed, a private suite in First, or even your own aerial apartment in our legendary The Residence. Our new home at Terminal A in Abu Dhabi International Airport is also now open, creating a seamless experience whether you are transferring on our network, or Abu Dhabi is your fi nal destination, and you can read much more about that in this edition. We are making it easier for you to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of our home in Abu Dhabi, to savour its cuisine, and sample its vibrant and varied culture. Year-round there is something going on in our emirate, not least the fi nale of the Formula 1 racing season at the end of November. We always know you have a choice when it comes to selecting your travel, which is why we are moulding our airline around your needs. It’s the dedication, professionalism, and care of our people – our pilots, our cabin crew, and our ground teams – that will make sure you always feel welcome. I thank them for all they do, and I thank you for choosing to fl y with us. Antonoaldo Neves Chief Executive Offi cer EtA_01-NOV-2023_05_Mesage from the CEO_13049582.indd 501/11/2023 21:176 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 Beaches & backwaters Take a journey through Kerala, where a beautiful landscape of culture and recreation collides 72 hours in Phuket Discover this vibrant Thai city’s symphony of sun, sand, and serendipity over three days Our 20th anniversary We celebrate two decades in the sky with a special supplement located at the heart of this issue abu dhabi What’s on A calendar of the emirate’s best events over the next few weeks The attraction SeaWorld Abu Dhabi recently opened to much fanfare The exhibition Abu Dhabi Art is bigger and better than ever with over 90 galleries The venue Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is about much more than sport 8 32 10 11 40 67 13 November 2023 contents SEA W ORLD ABU DHABI EtA_01-NOV-2023_06-07_Content_13049559.indd 606/11/2023 16:05November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 7 The event Get up to speed on this year’s much-awaited Abu Dhabi F1 The show Roll up, roll up as Gandey’s Great Circus of Europe heads to Al Ain The restaurant MouzMari inventively fuses both Emirati and Argentinian cuisines The property The three Abu Dhabi islands worth your investment The community Four fascinating facts about eco-friendly Masdar City time zones On the map Three of the biggest talking points across Etihad’s route network Star on board Etihad ambassador and Bollywood star Katrina Kaif talks travel tips suitcase Red gold The aroma of Acqua Di Parma’s latest fragrance is saffron infused Groom yourself Male grooming must-haves, from beard oil to toothpaste and cream The hands of time Lewis Hamilton’s limited-edition collab with IWC Schaffhausen Top tech Nifty devices to help you travel better, sleep deeper and game Carry on Stylish bags from Boss, Montblanc, and Givenchy to take on board Boost your bags Three handy tips for packing more efficiently and effectively index The go-to source for Etihad guests, with news and infl ight insight 14 24 17 16 25 18 26 19 20 ITP Media Group CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Alex Reeve Editorial Group Editor: Kate-Lynne Wolmarans Tel: 00 971 4 444 3541 Email: kate.wolmarans@itp.com Editor: Katy Gillett Email: katy.gillett@os.itp.com Arabic Editor: Samar Mohaisen Email: samar.mohaisen@os.itp.com Deputy Editor: Manaf Alzaitoun Email: manaf.alzaitoun@itp.com Art Art Director: Gihane Youssef Advertising Commercial Director: Michael Underdown Tel: 00971 4 444 3566 Email: michael.underdown@itp.com Production Production Manager: Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator: Gijo Thomas Senior Image Editor: Emmalyn Robles Distribution Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira Marketing Director of Awards & Marketing: Daniel Fewtrell ITP Group CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. @2023 22 28 30 31 47 Inflight Entertainment & Publications PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 5110000 publications@etihad.ae EtA_01-NOV-2023_06-07_Content_13049559.indd 706/11/2023 16:058 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 abu dhabi guide The best of what’s happening in the emirate over the next few weeks abu dhabi Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design When: 16 November-24 March Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi What: Discover the infl uence of Islamic art on Cartier’s creations at this exhibition, which features over 400 works, including jewellery, photographs, textiles, and more. All Africa Festival When: 17-19 November Where: Etihad Park What: For the fi rst time in the capital, this three-day event features live performances by talent representing African regions, including Congolese- French rapper Gims. Al Ain Book Festival When: 19-25 November Where: Across Al Ain What: Six iconic venues across the Al Ain are opening their doors for this year’s book festival, that will feature a cultural programme of talks, workshops, and exhibitions, including Zayed Central Library. Arijit Singh Live When: 17-18 November Where: Etihad Arena What: World-renowned Indian playback singer and composer Arijit Singh will take to the stage to perform his most popular songs, from Tum Hi Ho to Channa Mereya. Sheikh Zayed Festival When: 17 November-9 March Where: Al Wathba What: Named after the UAE’s Founding Father, this annual festival encompasses cultural experiences, competitions, restaurants, raffl es, rides, shows, exhibitions, parades, and fi reworks. Mother of the Nation Festival When: 22 November-31 December Where: Al Dhafra, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi What: As it turns seven, Mother of the Nation is holding three festivals across the emirate with live entertainment, culinary experiences, pop-up shops, and other activities. The Park Market When: Until March 30 Where: Um Al Emarat Park What: Every Friday and Saturday, Abu Dhabi’s Umm Al Emarat Park turns into a market with 40 stalls selling locally made artisanal goods and food, plus entertainment for everyone. Art exhibitions, family-friendly activities, performances, fi tness, and wellness classes, and more are running between 4pm and 10pm every weekend until the end of March. There’s also Cinema in the Park, a popular outdoor movie experience that welcomes children and adults alike. It’s AED 10 per person to enter The Park Market and free for children under three years old and people of determination. The park is also home to a range of year-round attractions, such as the Animal Barn, a dedicated children’s garden, an amphitheatre, a train ride, a vegetable farming area, playgrounds, water features, and more. ummalemaratpark.ae DEP AR TMENT OF T OURISM AND CUL TURE – ABU DHABI; ARCHIVE PL / ALAMY ST OCK PHO T O; MAIRO CINQUETTI / ALAMY ST OCK PHO T O; CRO WN PRINC E C OUR T – ABU DHABI; W A M EtA_01-NOV-2023_08-09_AD guide calendar_13070726.indd 801/11/2023 21:20November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 9 abu dhabi guide Russell Peters: Act Your Age When: 23 November Where: Etihad Arena What: The Emmy-winning Canadian funnyman who’s no stranger to the UAE is bringing his world tour to Abu Dhabi for a night full of laughs and signature audience interactions. Yas Winter Fest When: 6-10 December Where: Yas Island What: A snow park with a slide and maze is just the tip of the iceberg for this festive- themed event on Yas Island that will also feature Santa Land, a carnival, kids’ zone, and live entertainment. Spartan World Championships When: 8-10 December Where: Al Wathba What: The world’s best obstacle course racing athletes will take on a challenging new desert course for this year’s Spartan World Championships, followed by live music and the Parade of Nations. Abu Dhabi T10 League When: 28 November-9 December Where: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium What: The cricket league’s seventh season promises fi erce competition as three teams – reigning champions Deccan Gladiators, Northern Warriors and New York Strikers – battle it out. The Illusionists: Magic of the Holidays When: 8-10 December Where: Etihad Arena What: The world’s best-selling touring magic show returns to Yas Island for a festive-themed production of mind- boggling illusions, tricks, and feats that will astound children and adults alike. EMG Gaming Festival When: -10 December Where: ADNEC What: This festival celebrates today’s gaming culture with a series of tournaments, an anime cosplay event, and a host of activities, plus appearances from popular industry infl uencers. Three ways to spend National Day in Abu Dhabi Fireworks When: 2 December Where: Across Abu Dhabi What: Every year, the emirate’s skies light up with pyrotechnic displays to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the UAE. Some of the most popular areas to catch them are from the Corniche, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, and at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental. You can also be sure there will be spectacular fi reworks shows over the Al Wathba desert throughout the weekend at Sheikh Zayed Festival. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi When: 1-3 December Where: Yas Island What: Marking its fi rst UAE National Day, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is off ering a variety of activities during opening hours, including traditional dances, a live sand artist, fi sh net-making demonstrations, a magician performance, and more. It will all be hosted in the Abu Dhabi Ocean zone of the park. seaworldabudhabi.com Bab Al Qasr When: 2 December Where: Al Bateen What: This stalwart fi ve-star Abu Dhabi hotel is off ering discounts across its outlets, including 52 per cent off on brunch and dinner buff ets at Artisan Kitchen, to celebrate the UAE’s 52nd birthday. Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant Rosemary Lounge is also off ering the same discount on all items. For a unique experience, try the three-course mystery set menu at Fresh Basil – Dine in the Dark – again with 52 per cent off . babalqasr.com EtA_01-NOV-2023_08-09_AD guide calendar_13070726.indd 901/11/2023 21:20Next >