Abu Dhabi can be a little misunderstood. To help sort fact from fiction, here are some myths that need smashing about this marvellous Middle Eastern metropolis.
It’s time to bust some myths, so make like you’re on the Discovery Channel, and find your inner Mythbusters, just like Adam and Jamie.
No, we’re not looking to prove it’s possible to water ski behind a cruise ship; this is about crushing the misconceptions about Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi is sometimes overlooked as a holiday destination simply because people often don’t understand what a dynamic destination it is. From couples and families to travellers that want a bit of extra luxury on their holiday, Abu Dhabi is a great fit for any of your clients.
With a long list of amazing experiences, hotels and culture, Abu Dhabi makes both a great stopover destination to break up a trip further afield or a place to spend a little more time.
To understand how you can better sell Abu Dhabi to your clients, let’s bust some myths.
Myth #1 It’s not safe
One of the biggest myths up first is that Abu Dhabi isn’t a safe destination to travel to. Myth busted!
Numbeo just named Abu Dhabi the most secure city on the planet for the third year in a row.
Myth #2 You can’t drink
The next myth to take the test is that you can’t drink in Abu Dhabi. For all those that were looking forward to having your mandatory holiday cocktail, fear not!
Guests are allowed to drink in pretty much all major hotels and beach clubs. In fact, there is generally a ‘ladies drink free’ night in one of the top hotels every night. Trendy Friday bunch is also a very popular place for some relaxed beverages.
Myth #3 There’s only dust and desert
There are dunes – perfect for sand surfing, 4WD safaris and camel rides, BTW – but Abu Dhabi is not all desert, with over 700km of coastline and 200 natural islands, you might not have guessed it but Abu Dhabi is covered in spectacular white sandy beaches, with some great beach clubs for you to enjoy as well
Myth #4 It’s hot all the time
Abu Dhabi boasts year-round sunshine with the mild months between November to April, when the mercury hovers around 26C during the day, the season to settle for a stay.
And it’s not hard to cool down during the sizzling summer season with hotels and resorts – like Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, which boasts three pools and 400m of natural beach – offering an assortment of swimming spots.
Myth #5 It’s not the place for a flop-and-drop holiday
It’s definitely a destination for sunny stop-and-drop holidays, including little more than lazing by the pool, dining on delicious meals, and spa treatments.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers everything guests expect from a beachside five-star stay, while Jumeirah Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa has six restaurants and bars, a 1000sqm swimming pool, and Talise Spa.
Myth #6 Luxe is only for locals
You don’t need to be rolling in money to enjoy the best things in life with opulent hotels like Rosewood Abu Dhabi – the gleaming city tower has eight restaurants and lounges as well as direct access to The Galleria shopping – offering accommodation to those intent on indulging.
Myth #7 There’s no culture
Include Qasr al Watan, Al Jahili Fort, Qasr al Hosn, House of Artisans, the Date Market and the Louvre Abu Dhabi in the itinerary and try arguing there’s no culture in Abu Dhabi.
Myth #8 There’s nothing to do there
It’s just as easy to shoot down claims that Abu Dhabi is bereft of outdoor activities with a list that includes kayaking, cycling the Corniche, quad biking, sailing, white-water rafting, and hot springs.
And Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi –the Marriott address straddling the F1 track steps from Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World, and Warner Bros – makes it a cinch for on-the-go guests to get active.
Myth #9 It’s only good for a stopover
Abu Dhabi’s long list of attractions and activities means there’s something to satisfy every travel whim, while comfortable hotels like Danat Al Ain or Bab Al Qasr expand accommodation alternatives by combining comfort with abundant Arabian hospitality.
Myth #10 You won’t have the chance to experience Abu Dhabi yourself
Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways are busting this myth by giving Aussie travel agents a chance to win themselves a spot in the Abu Dhabi Mega Famil, and there are two ways to snag an invite.
The first is now that you feel more confident about Abu Dhabi after busting those myths, you can register as a SUPER SELLER by taking advantage of Etihad’s free two-night Abu Dhabi stopovers when you make a booking. The more you sell, the more your chances increase.
If you’d like to learn even more about Abu Dhabi, become a SUPER AGENT by telling us, in 50 words or less, how attending the Abu Dhabi Mega Famil will help you become an Abu Dhabi expert and what you hope to learn.
You have until August 31 to enter, so click here to get started.
[maxbutton id=”1″ url=”https://woobox.com/2f5dfo” text=”ENTER HERE” ]
Written by Sarah Nicholson, a Karryon contributor
This article is brought to you by:
