< Previous10 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 abu dhabi guide A new attraction in the UAE is bringing visitors up- close with the marine life it’s also trying to protect SeaWorld Abu Dhabi The attraction The region’s first marine life theme park, and the first SeaWorld outside North America, opened earlier this year and has already welcomed thousands of visitors, vying to catch a glimpse of any of the 100,000 animals that live there. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi spans 183,000 sqm, over fi ve fl oors. It’s split into eight realms that take you from the poles to the tropics, through more than 100 animal presentations, encounters, and expeditions. It’s also home to 35 interactive experiences and rides. Abu Dhabi Ocean is where the journey begins and ends. Themed around the UAE capital’s environment, all the animals here are native to the Arabian Gulf. That includes sea turtles and dugongs, of which Abu Dhabi has the second- largest population in the world. In One Ocean, visitors can learn more about aquatic life and how the SeaWorld staff look after the animals under their care, while at the Rocky Point visitors can meet the California sea lions and harbour seals. Then there’s the Endless Ocean, the world’s largest multi-species marine life aquarium that hosts more than 68,000 animals, including sharks, octopuses, and rays. Dolphins, Caribbean fl amingos, and tropical birds are settled in the Tropical Ocean zone, while penguins, walrus, sea otters, and puffi ns can be found in the Antarctica and Arctic areas. But it’s not all about entertainment, as the park also hosts Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue centre, which aims to investigate the Gulf’s marine ecosystems and develop solutions to support their restoration. The rescue staff take in any sick or injured marine life, rehabilitating them and returning them to their natural environment. Those that cannot go home can live at the centre and park. seaworldabudhabi.com SEA W ORLD ABU DHABI EtA_01-NOV-2023_10-13_AD guide Saadiyat and Art Fair_13053667.indd 1006/11/2023 16:05November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 11 and contemporary art, special projects, and aff ordable works – to name a few. It will present curated exhibitions, as well as commissions, that allow onlookers to experience various cultural perspectives, and learn about diff erent global art histories and diverse narratives. This includes a survey show of Emirati painter and multi- disciplinary artist Hashel El Lamki, who grew up in Al Ain. Site-specifi c commissions will also pop up across the emirate. Local pioneer Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim has been chosen to be this year’s visual campaign artist for the fair. The Emirati talent, who represented the UAE at the Venice Biennale in 2022, is inspired in his work by a deep love for the natural beauty of his birthplace, Khor Fakkan, a town on the Gulf of Oman set against a backdrop of the Hajar Mountains. Fair director Dyala Nusseibeh said this year’s event represents a “signifi cant moment” in its history. “We are delighted to be able to attract such a diverse range of artists and galleries from around the world, in part thanks to the important contribution and research of our global gallery representatives,” she said. “The presence of so many new galleries at the fair signifi es how dynamic the local and regional art market has become over the last 15 years.” abudhabiart.ae Sustainability is the focus of a good portion of artworks being featured at this year’s Abu Dhabi Art. It’s a fi tting theme, considering the UAE’s designation as host of the United Nation’s annual climate change conference, COP28. But female artists from the Arab world will also be under the spotlight at the city’s most prestigious art fair, as well as a range of works that refl ect on Hong Kong’s historical and contemporary art landscape. It might be taking place in Abu Dhabi, but this event encompasses the world. More than 90 galleries from 31 countries will congregate at Manarat Al Saadiyat, on Saadiyat Island, from 22 to 26 November, for the 15th edition, which is set to be its biggest fair yet. After all these years, the event has cemented its position on the global calendar and plays a pivotal role in the burgeoning art scenes of West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. While many galleries return year after year, nearly 40 attending in 2023 have never been before, hailing from countries as diverse as Georgia, Chile, and Singapore. Local, regional, and international artists will showcase and celebrate their latest works, as Abu Dhabi Art is the culmination of a year-long visual arts programme. The event, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, is split into several sectors, spanning modern The UAE capital’s most prestigious art event marks its 15th anniversary Abu Dhabi Art The exhibition From above left clockwise: Home Sweet Home: Before Love Pool 1 (2023) by Mak2; Natural Being 18-10 (2018) by Keunjoong Kim; CA Farouk 1, Icons of the Nile 10 (1990-1993) by Chant Avedissian abu dhabi guide DE SAR THE; KEUMSAN GALLER Y ; SABRINA AMRANI EtA_01-NOV-2023_10-13_AD guide Saadiyat and Art Fair_13053667.indd 1102/11/2023 09:56EAD_Winter_Etihad e-box magazine_Nov_200 X 260 mm.indd 130/10/2023 4:07 PMNovember 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 13 abu dhabi guide Since 2010, one destination in Abu Dhabi has been a favourite for all golfers in the Emirate. That is the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which played host to countless tournaments, including the city’s fi rst Ladies European Tour stop and the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open, as well as back-to-back Challenge Tour events earlier this year. This award-winning, world-class Par 72 golfi ng destination is designed by Gary Player, who’s considered by many one of the best players of all time. He has more than 400 projects to his name, but this 18-hole championship course in Abu Dhabi can be easily put among his top few works. The Saadiyat Beach Golf Club course edges up to the Arabian Gulf and is the region’s fi rst ocean golf course and it utilises existing salt-water lakes and beach dunes, surrounded by white- sand shores and the clear, turquoise waters. It’s not unheard of to see gazelles bounding across the grass or to have dolphins join the game as spectators as golfers tee off . This club is also nurturing some of the future’s brightest talents, as it hosts the Saadiyat Academy, where PGA professionals train budding golf enthusiasts. But this club is about more than just sport. It has also become a popular hangout for golfers and non-golfers alike, courtesy of Hawksbill Restaurant. Now the weather in the UAE is cooling down, too, it’s only set to get busier, thanks to its outdoor terrace. Guests can dine al fresco as they watch the sun rise or set over the rolling hills of the course while tucking into an obligatory post-game bite or beverage. Dishes span international cuisines, from baked Greek chicken wings to Indonesian nasi goreng, and Italian lamb agnolotti to a Spanish paella. Wagyu, caviar, and oyster Rockefeller also elevate the menu above the ordinary. Some people adore this place so much they’ve even gotten married here. Two outdoor lawn locations overlooking the sea off er couples a wonderful spot to say “I do” – with the dolphins as their witness. viyagolf.com/saadiyat Tee off , tuck in, and even get betrothed at this world-class course Saadiyat Beach Golf Club The venue SAADIY A T BEA CH GOLF CL UB EtA_01-NOV-2023_10-13_AD guide Saadiyat and Art Fair_13053667.indd 1301/11/2023 21:3614 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 abu dhabi guide Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 The event Every November, the world’s best racing car drivers descend on the UAE for the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023. The fi rst event was held on 1 November 2009 and was the fi nal meet of that season. It was also Formula 1’s fi rst-ever day-night race, as it began at 5pm local time and fl oodlights were used to illuminate the track as the sun went down. To this day, the race takes place over 58 laps of the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island. German driver Sebastian Vettel was the fi rst to win, for Red Bull Racing. He also won in 2010 and 2013. It’s British seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton for Mercedes who’s had the most success on this track, however, having Get up to speed on everything you need to know about one of the world’s most anticipated annual sporting events ETIHAD AIRW A Y S; SHUTTERST OCK EtA_01-NOV-2023_14-15_AD guide Grand Prix_13069019.indd 1406/11/2023 16:06November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 15 abu dhabi guide From above left clockwise: Yas Marina Circuit; Max Verstappen racing at the United States Grand Prix 2023; Max Verstappen celebrates his win in US; Etihad Airway’s fl ypast tradition with the Al Fursan aerobatics team lifted the trophy a total of fi ve times. Other Abu Dhabi champions have included Belgian-Dutch competitor Max Verstappen, who ties with Vettel at three wins, as well as German Nico Rosberg, Finns Kimi Räikkönen, and Valtteri Bottas. This year, race weekend takes places between 24 and 26 November, a full weekend of practice and qualifying sessions, support races, press conferences, and special events. This includes a series of after-race concerts, which will feature Foo Fighters, Shania Twain, Ava Max, and Tiësto. Past performers have included everyone from Beyoncé to Prince and Guns ‘N’ Roses to The Weeknd. Another spectacle every year is the Etihad Airways fl ypast, where four veteran pilots fl y Boeing 787-9 aircraft only 600 feet above the ground and over the start line at Yas Marina Circuit. This happens before the season-ending fi nale begins, and is a tradition that has been going on since 2009. They do this with the Al Fursan aerobatics team who whizz around them, leaving a trail of red, white, green, and black in their wake. The 2023 Formula 1 season began on 5 March in the neighbouring Gulf country of Bahrain, where Verstappen secured his fi rst win for Oracle Red Bull Racing, as it’s now known. Since then, he’s gone on to win over a dozen more, beating off all competition in Australia, Miami, Monaco, Spain, and Canada – to name a few. In October, he was also the champion in races in Qatar and the US, where the 26-year-old Dutchman crossed the fi nish line 2.225 seconds ahead of Hamilton, who was later disqualifi ed when his car failed a technical inspection. As the Abu Dhabi tournament rounds off the season, will Verstappen reign the race again? Get your tickets to fi nd out! 24-26 November; general admission tickets start from AED 750, available at yasmarinacircuit.com EtA_01-NOV-2023_14-15_AD guide Grand Prix_13069019.indd 1501/11/2023 21:2316 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 abu dhabi guide Roll up, roll up to the big top in Al Ain this month! Great Circus of Europe The show Step right up as a production by Europe’s largest touring circus is coming to Abu Dhabi. The Great Circus of Europe is heading to Al Ain with aerialists, acrobats, and artists from across the world and from diverse backgrounds in tow. The show starts on 17 November. Spectators can expect to see world-class acrobatics, amazing aerial displays, mind- blowing contortionists, and cheeky clowns perform in the big top six times a week at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium for one month. Daredevil stunts featuring motorbikes, cyclists, and more will have guests on the edge of their seats, while performances incorporating multi- What to know Tickets for Al Ain’s Great Circus of Europe start from AED 75 and are available from platinumlist.net. Anyone two years and older needs a valid ticket, while children under two years old can go for free if they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap. Anyone under the age of 16 must be supervised by an adult who is 21 years or older. Shows are one hour and run on Fridays at 7pm; Saturdays at 2pm, 4.30pm and 7pm; and Sundays at 2pm and 4.30pm. The show runs from 17 November to 16 December at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. cultural infl uences aim to mesmerise. There are no tamed lions or juggling elephants here, but the show does promise a touch of traditional circus artistry with a modern slant, brought to the UAE by organiser Theory Eleven Entertainment and supported by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. In the past, it has also been performed in Qatar, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The Great Circus of Europe was created by Gandey World Class Productions, which is known for producing top-notch shows worldwide for over 100 years, from circuses to cabarets and even an ice show in the middle of the Arabian desert. They’re also behind the UK’s Gandeys Circus, Cirque Surreal, and Chinese State Circus, and have taken events across the world, including all over the GCC, Asia, and Europe. The company is now directed by Phillip Gandey, who, at the age of 17, became Europe’s youngest- ever circus director and went on to establish the UK’s largest traditional circus. Do you dare to be amazed? GANDEY’S GREA T CIRCUS OF EUROPE EtA_01-NOV-2023_16_AD guide Great Circus of Europe_13069039.indd 1602/11/2023 14:53November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 17 abu dhabi guide A new restaurant in Abu Dhabi inventively fuses Emirati cuisine with the fl avours of Argentina East meets South The restaurant It’s not a pairing many would think of, but MouzMari has found Emirati and Argentinian cuisines actually have a lot of synergy. The Abu Dhabi restaurant which opened on Al Reem Island in September, has fused the fl avours of the UAE and Argentina to create a menu that’s truly unique. It’s inspired by founder Moadad Eisa Saif Mohamed Almazrouei’s love of meat. “Growing up, I would always help prepare our family dinners when we went out to the desert, and from there my lifelong love for food began,” says Almazrouei. “Whilst studying in the USA, I really became fascinated with steaks and meat, and I went on to study meat extensively.” He’d always dreamed of opening his own restaurant, but it wasn’t until he met Chef Sergio Cabrera in May 2022 that the fantasy could become a reality. Cabrera brought to the table his adoration for his country’s traditional culinary techniques, and together, they’ve created the UAE’s – perhaps even the world’s – fi rst Emirati-inspired Argentinian steakhouse by taking local spices and infusing them in the warm and rich dishes of Latin America. And vice versa. The restaurant, which is named after the owner’s children, Mouza and Mariam, serves premium steaks and meats from Argentina and authentic dishes from Emirati cuisine, as well as creative fusion dishes using ingredients that are 90% sourced from UAE farms. The team says among their standout plates is the Muhammar paella, which draws infl uence from Abu Dhabi’s love of Muhammar seafood, known for its sweet and sour fl avours. This combines with an Argentinian take on the classic Spanish rice-based dish. A classic rice-based dish from the region also makes an appearance on the menu in the form of a rack of lamb, a reinterpretation of machbous. Other options include a beetroot carpaccio with orange and date dressing, or the langostino tigre a la plancha, made with grilled Gulf tiger prawns sprinkled with Argentinian spices. Even the dining room marries the two cultures, as it’s built from brick tiles shipped in from Argentina, while also featuring domed arches reminiscent of Emirati liwaan, the corridors that connected living rooms and bedrooms in traditional homes, they explain. It’s an “extraordinarily” diff erent dining experience, says Cabrera, “whether you share our passion for meat or simply want to learn more about Emirati or Argentinian culture”. Almazrouei says it’s all built on a foundation of quality, sustainability and family values. “There is nowhere else like it in the seven emirates.” MouzMari is open daily at Marina Bay 1, Reem Island, from noon to 11.30pm; +971 2 626 6344 MOUZMARI EtA_01-NOV-2023_17_AD guide Restaurant_13059180.indd 1702/11/2023 14:5318 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | November 2023 abu dhabi guide The property As the capital city of the UAE, Abu Dhabi stands out with its dazzling skyscrapers, advanced infrastructure, and a blend of tradition and modernity. Abu Dhabi’s real estate market presents a wealth of opportunities, whether for massive potential returns or for a lavish lifestyle. The city’s unique blend of modern luxury and traditional allure makes it an attractive destination for property buyers worldwide, and in the last few years, three islands in Abu Dhabi have been stealing the show: Yas Island Hosting some of the region’s most prominent attractions, like Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island became an absolute stop for the UAE’s visitors. With the opening of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi in May, it doesn’t seem like Yas Island’s popularity will be fading any time soon. Al Reem Island Located just 600 metres away from Abu Dhabi city, this island off ers breath-taking sea views, high-rise apartments, shopping malls, schools, and hospitals, making it a perfect residential community for many years to come. There are three islands in particular every property investor should keep an eye on in the coming years Make Abu Dhabi your home away from home Saadiyat Island Saadiyat Island off ers a sophisticated cultural experience, with Louvre Abu Dhabi museum, Manarat Al Saadiyat, and the Abrahamic Family House, in addition to its luxurious leisure destinations, like Saadiyat Beach Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. SHUTTERST OCK EtA_02-DEC-2023_18_AD prop investment_13067854.indd 1802/11/2023 14:54November 2023 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 19 abu dhabi guide The community Located six kilometres away from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar City is a ground- breaking initiative where traditional architectural practices are combined with cutting-edge technology to provide one of the most sustainable urban communities not just in the Middle East, but the world. The cool tower Inspired by the traditional Emirati barjeels, a 45-metre wind tower takes centre stage at Masdar City. This tower captures the wind at the top, channelling it down into the city and creating a natural outdoor passive cooling system. Zero waste The city’s waste management game is top-notch, making sure nearly everything gets a second shot through recycling or by being turned into energy, complementing the 10MW photovoltaic power Solar Park project. A business hub Masdar City isn’t a conceptual experiment, but a high-performance community that hosts more than 900 companies working across industries such as artifi cial intelligence, renewable energy, mobility, water effi ciency, sustainable urban development, agriculture, and health, among others. An academic lighthouse Masdar City off ers a complete innovation ecosystem for research and development, and pilot facilities in the renewable energy and urban sustainability space. It’s also home to Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artifi cial Intelligence. masdarcity.ae Four facts that set Masdar City apart as one of the world’s most eco-friendly urban districts Abu Dhabi’s sustainability sandbox 1 2 3 4 SHUTTERST OCK EtA_01-NOV-2023_19_AD guide Sustainable city_13059342.indd 1902/11/2023 14:54Next >