Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Enjoy classic English afternoon tea (Dh225) or, at the very least, have a good wander
around the lobby, perhaps ogling ancient art from China, Egypt, Africa, Greece and Rome
on display at the world-renowned
Barakat Gallery
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(
690 8950;
OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP
( 10am-10pm)
, which provides an overview of the
museum cluster taking shape off the shore of Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village
MUSEUM
( 02-681 4455; near Marina Mall, Breakwater; 9am-5pm Sat-Thu, 3.30-9pm Fri)
This fortress-
like compound lets you catch a glimpse of life in the pre-oil days, with an ersatz souq,
mosque,
barasti
house and Bedouin encampment complete with goat-hair tents. Watch
craftsmen at work and study displays of Bedouin jewellery, traditional clothing, cooking
utensils, camel harnesses and equipment used by pearl divers and merchants.
Traditional Souqs
MARKET
(Al Mina Port area)
One of the few authentic places left in Abu Dhabi is the souq area in Al
fish straight off the boat and even have it cooked at one of the stalls on the market's edge.
More haggling goes on across the street in the
fruit and vegetable souq
and south of here in the
Carpet Souq
and
Iranian Souq
, which sells household goods, earthenware, plants and crafts.
Women's Handicraft Centre
ARTS CENTRE
( 02-447 6645; south end of Al Karamah/24th St; admission Dh5; 7am-3pm Sun-Thu)
Anyone interested
in traditional Emirati handicrafts should swing by this government-run centre where local
women are engaged in textile weaving, embroidering, basket-making, silver-threading and
all sorts of other time-honoured crafts requiring remarkable dexterity. It's all a great way
to showcase and preserve the country's folk-art heritage.
Take off your shoes before entering the various workshops and ask permission first be-
fore snapping away. All items are for sale in a small shop. For a souvenir that lasts about
two weeks, get your hands swathed in an artistic henna tattoo.
To get here, follow Al Karamah St until it deadends at the General Women's Union.
The crafts centre is behind the main union building (ask the guard for directions).
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
MOSQUE
