"I will turn the country from a desert to a green paradise, promised Shiekh Zayed Al Nahyan, the late Amir of the United Arab Emirates, and he has indeed kept his promise. Abu Dhabi, the capital and one of the UAE's seven emirates has been transformed into a green haven over the past 15 years. As soon as you leave the airport you are welcomed with lines of lush trees and gardens almost everywhere, along the roads, at hotel entrances and on the long beaches. With a 700 km coastline, and around 200 islands "the city of the future as Abu Dhabi is known, is not only an investment and business hub, it is fast-establishing itself as one of the world's hottest travel destinations. One landmark is the new Shiekh Zayed mosque, one of the biggest in the world, lined with white marble and gold minarets. Both the floors and the ceilings are beautifully decked out in colorful floral designs. The mosque which was built by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council, cost of around $ 20 million, and was built in the memory of the late Emir who is also buried inside. Emirates Palace, one of the country's most luxurious palaces which was turned into a hotel, is simply outstanding. Everything from the beautiful ceilings, walls and floors is a masterpiece in its own right. And when it comes to culinary delights, Abu Dhabi resets the standards, especially when it comes to its exquisite seafood offerings with an Emirati twist, since most local dishes are more in the fishy side. For top-notch fare, head straight to Rotana Beach resort, which houses one of the best beachside seafood restaurants in the country. Another piece of good news about Abu Dhabi is that over the past three years, it has established a worldwide reputation for being a leading golf detestation. Its massive 7,334-yard, 72-hole golf course hosts an annual golf championship where participants and aficionados can enjoy the unique falcon-shaped clubhouse, with the wings stretched upwards. The course features several small lakes and gigantic trees surrounded by colorful shrubs and rose bushes. Delivering its promise to meet the accommodation needs of holiday seekers and business travelers alike, Abu Dhabi should be on anyone's must-visit list.
