I think I post one of these every now and again but here is a new one that the Abu Dhabi government recently released. This video interesting because it does show a lot of the new things since we've moved here (in addition to some of the "older" buildings like Jake's work, Emirates Palace Hotel and the Grand Mosque). I've put what some of the buildings are in the timeline below. Enjoy!
0:00: Video starts out with three of the newest tallest buildings in Abu Dhabi (all near Jake's work)
0:20: The "Bridge to Nowhere"! This new bridge goes to an island and a couple of years ago the island looked completely empty except for one beautiful modern villa (and you had to drive on sand from the bridge probably a 1/2 mile to get to it). I haven't been in a high rise with a view that direction in a while but surely there are more homes over there now!
0: 30: The new port that opened up outside of Abu Dhabi
0:42: Wow - there is a factory here that makes something? Fascinating! The UAE imports most things but I do know that they make some of the construction materials here (aluminum, etc.) and I read that they built a semiconductor plant here a couple of years ago. Not sure what else is actually made here!
1:11: Etihad Rail opened last year on a train route that will eventually go to Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and onto Saudi Arabia. The interstate routes between the UAE and Saudi are very crowded so I think it's needed. The rail will be only for commercial shipping and won't be for passenger travel
1:20: The new Abu Dhabi midfield airport terminal under construction.
1:30: Many, many flights to/ from Abu Dhabi are around 2 a.m. (80% of the airport traffic is connecting traffic) so I'm sure that's when these were filmed!
1:36: Old airport terminal which we affectionately call the Mushroom terminal due to the mushroom shape of the building (you can see it a bit in the distance - the round tiled ceiling)
1:40: Ferrari World - largest indoor amusement park in the world with the fastest roller coaster in the world
1:54: Formula One annual race
2:00: Yas Viceroy Hotel (placed within the Formula One race track for a prime spot during Formula One race weekend. They have yacht parking there, too, if you want to bring our yacht to the race!)
2:07: Capital Gate - the "leaning-est" building in the world - 2:18 shot of it gives a good view of how far it leans over
2:29: World Trader Center tower - I think it's probably the tallest building in Abu Dhabi right now. New residential tower across from Jake's work connected to the Central Souk and the new World Trade Center mall (yes, another mall in Abu Dhabi!)
2:38: All new development on Marya Island. The building on the far right is the new Cleveland Clinic hospital which we all hope will improve the quality of health care here
3:00: Rosewood Hotel pool (adjacent to Cleveland Clinic Hospital).
3:16: Jake's work building - gorgeous building
3:37: The red building is the Emirates Palace Hotel - at the time of its construction the most expensive hotel built
3:43: I think this is the Qasr al Hosn fort - the original fort and residence of the emirate
3:50: Grand Mosque
4:06: Emirates Palace Hotel again (also where our school has its graduation each year - fortunately someone is able to get us a very good rate for their auditorium once a year!)
4:15: The Corniche which is the lovely road along the water in Abu Dhabi where there are also beaches, running/ biking paths and playgrounds along the way. Jake's work is right on this street
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