photo contest - Yacht Essentials

Ports of Call: Fantasy Island
There are few marinas in the world that can match the glamour of Yas,
and it is the only marina where it is possible to watch a Formula 1 race just
a few metres from the moorings.
very soon, some of the world’s most famous museums.
The palatial malls and indigenous souqs make for a great
shopping expedition. Gastronomic treats abound, from
cool and sophisticated cafes, clubs and restaurants to
traditional Arab fare.
Tourism guides often point visitors to ancient buildings,
but a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is much
more than just a day trip. Foreigners of every religious belief
(or none at all) are encouraged to visit this monumental
structure capable of housing 41,000 people. The mosque
has 82 domes, all decorated with white marble, and it is
a far from somber place. Natural minerals were chosen
for much of the design, and there are beautiful details in
gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics.
Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is considered the father
of the United Arab Emirates, and he is buried at the
28 YACHT ESSENTIALS
Grand Mosque. His family has ruled Abu Dhabi since the
18th century, but the country was just desert until the
discovery of oil in 1958. This brought radical change to
the land and its people, and Sheik Zayed was a strong
leader, incredibly popular and a guiding light. The Grand
Mosque was not designed as a mausoleum but as a celebration
of the Emirati way of life.
On a visit to Abu Dhabi, one of the most marvelous,
ambitious and exciting cities in the world, there is much
to celebrate.
Louay Habib is a freelance journalist and broadcaster
based in the UK. With 30+ years of international yacht
racing experience, he has visited more than 40 countries
around the world.