In the week (28 OCT – 02 NOV) I was given the opportunity to travel to Abu Dhabi with 9 agents to experience the UAE culture along with participating in a number of activities.

Travelling with Etihad on the A380 direct to and from Sydney to Abu Dhabi on overnight flights, I was able to experience both Business and Economy Class.

Sydney to Abu Dhabi was in Business Class – this is a beautiful product with your own space and a full flatbed. As this was an overnight flight I was able to get a good 6 hours sleep. Also with an 18” TV Screen and over 700hours on entertainment I was definitely set for the 14hour flight. The Business Class crew was amazing went over and above for all passengers and definitely made me feel special.

Abu Dhabi – Sydney was in Economy Class – Also a great product with reclinable comfortable seats with plenty of space for a long haul flight.

I stayed at the Jumeirah at Etihad Tower, this Hotel is a 5 star 62 level property located across from the Emirates Palace. It has 2x pools and a beach located on site along with 12 restaurants and bars which cater for all. The Hotel rooms have plenty of space and all have separate baths and showers. The Jumeirah is located approx. 45mins from the international airport.

I was also able to view the Viceroy Hotel at Yas Island which is approx. 15mins from the Airport. This hotel is located on the Abu Dhabi marina racetrack with all rooms looking over the track and/or marina. Definitely one of the most popular hotels in Abu Dhabi when the F1 Grand Prix comes to town…

While in Abu Dhabi I attended the Etihad Innovation Centre. This is where all flight training is located. With mock settings of all Etihad classes, this was a great way to experience the different classes for the airline. And was able to view the Residents area and Suites (First Class).

This Centre also shows the future of Abu Dhabi Airport with the airport currently under renovations to create a bigger airport for more gates. Note this does not affect the day to day running of the current airport departure and arrivals.

Along with the Innovation Centre I was also able to do a City Tour and Desert Safari with Hala Tours who also accommodate a number of other Tours.

The City Tour showed us the Past, Present and Future for Abu Dhabi. This country is classed as a young country (approx. 70yrs old). I saw how life started through to what the future plans are for the city. the tour  included a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Mosque was designed with natural materials which includes marble stone, gold and crystals and can cater for over 40 thousand people.

The Sunset BBQ Desert Safari is a great way to see this Desert. From Camels to 4 wheel driving over hills to then watching the sunset followed by a BBQ with entertainment.

I would definitely recommend both tours as it is an eye opener to see the history, the exciting future of Abu Dhabi and also Amazing / Stunning Views from the Desert.

For a fun day we got to visit Ferrari World, this is so much fun with roller-coaster rides to learning the history of Ferrari. You can definitely spend hours here.

And lastly the Falcon Hospital, this hospital is for the Falcon Birds. The Hospital is fully equipped to perform surgeries. As the Falcon Bird is the National Bird for the Country, Etihad and Emirates allow these birds to travel on flights in Economy, Business or First Class Cabins with its owner. Each Falcon has a Passport which states details of the bird and its owner. When travelling inflight all birds must have a mask/helmet on which covers its eyes so it will not fly around the cabin/aircraft.

by Tracey Robinson