what to do in Abu Dhabi_2

So I’m going to the other main reason of checking out Abu Dhabi..which is the Ferrari World.  In this case, architectural inspection took a back seat as anticipation for the promised rides awaited us.  Oh, I was still sidetracked with lots of design and details, but since we only had around three hours to complete the whole complex, its was like an amazing race with lots of arguing and yawyaw among the three of us.

The Ferrari World has four ‘Thrill’ rides with the rest for junior, kids and families.  Obviously, being the astig that we are, we only have eyes for the Thrills (except for Bambit). Unfortunately for us, the primo ride – Formula Rossa, was out of commission! Technical problems were probably being repaired on that same day. So the park issued another ticket to come back the next time, essentially free! But since Fritz and myself got discounted staff tickets beforehand, only Bambit got the extra one.

first thing you see, even before reaching the FW entrance

So we only got to ride G-Force and the Fiorano GT Challenge of the Thrill category.  The Scuderia Challenge had a long queue and since it was basically a car simulator, we just missed it. Kids really have a lot more rides to choose from and there is even more for the whole family!

the core where the G-Force zooms up

some race track rides for kiddos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After checking out a couple of  them, namely the Speed of Magic (kids) and Cinema Maranello (family), we simply did not have time to enjoy the rest.

A friend back from university days was staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel in the same Yas Island so we paid him a quick visit at the pool, and met his lovely wife too.  And since Ramadan was officially over, we just had to enjoy a round of draft by the bar which was the reason I almost missed my flight back.

my cohorts (l-r) Bernadette and James Fritz with yours truly

Thing was, I had to go back to Dubai via bus in time for the 9:30pm flight.  So it was just logical, considering bus timings, traffic from Abu Dhabi to Bur Dubai and other miscellaneous stuff (like finishing first the sinigang ribs cooked by Bernadette’s mom), that I was around 15 minutes late for checking-in and my airline counter completely closed out on me. From Swissair, counter and staff already changed to Sri Lankan Air, I was that late! I reasoned my case to the arab guy the Srilankan Air lady pointed to, who probably was in charge of handling pasaway passengers.  I knew it was a transit flight from Zurich and usually runs late, and besides I do have residency in Oman (fingers were so crossing that time).  Thankfully, thankfully he allowed me through…

So here I am, back in Muscat.

XS: Besides the Masdar Institute and the Ferrarri World, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque was also well worth the visit for me, even with the heat+obligatory abaya.  Seeing the Round Skyscraper was a nice surprise, as well as the Capital Gate building, knows as the leaning tower of Abu Dhabi (designed by RMJM Dubai).  The images below are all sourced online, as my pictures taken were not as clear, while those above are completely mine.

Capital Gate of Abu Dhabi

building section

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

XXS: When I do go back to AUH, it will have to be in a more leisurely pace with time to go inside these new structures, eat more pinoy food and include body pampering 🙂

what to do in Abu Dhabi_1

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, was to see for myself the Masdar City (the other reason being the rides at Ferrari World!). I have only read that this city has a lot of systems and techniques that make it sustainable and almost having zero carbon footprint. Comparing the Masdar City and the Ferrari World was the last thing in my mind before I visited. Although they are both huge, it’s easy to realize later on that these massive complexes are probably as opposite as any development can be. But they are the same in that both are leaders in innovation and performances in their respective fields. And for that I appreciate both.

The Masdar Institute is the anchor campus of the Masdar City. Taking off from the Institute’s brochure:
“Established on the principles of environmental preservation and development as outlined by the late UAE President Sheik Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Masdar Institute exemplifies an unparalleled commitment by the Emirate to take a leading role in the search for viable solutions that address today’s energy challenges.”

“Designed by Foster & Partners, which is also designing the infrastructure of Masdar City, the Masdar campus has clean technology at its core and innovation at every turn.”

At the heart of their aims and visions, they promote sustainable living at their own campus. Right from the main entrance, you notice something is different when aloe vera and pineapple plants are part of the landscaping.

pineapple and aloe vera plants

The campus does not allow cars and operates their own Personal Rapid Transit on magnetic tracks that take you from area to area on the ground level. The whole institute accommodates laboratories, classrooms, dormitories, offices and retail spaces above ground level.

PRT

what is PRT?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solar panels are mounted at all rooftop dormitory buildings.

scaled model, see the solar panels

solar panels viewed up from the courtyards

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supposedly, wind tunnel harnesses the substantial desert winds and cools the open courtyards. There was no technical explanation of how this actually works but there was a mist sprayer on top and it’s usually over 40 degrees cel. in any given desert day. I just thought there would be more scoops scattered throughout.

wind tunnel, with mist sprayer at the inside top

Backlit glass walls used are reportedly the largest recycled glass and LED panels ever created.

better at night to appreciate the LED-lit glass

glass surface

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The light fixtures installed were as intelligently-designed as possible, using the sun itself with reflecting and refracting glass.

sunlight reflecting fixtures

solar-powered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunshading devices were employed all over and the buildings were grouped much closer. Aside from increasing density, this provides more shades and shadows, a building technique inherent in old desert city-towns.

narrow

simple wooden partitions and sunshades

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But no matter how technically-advanced or research-oriented this campus is, wastes physical segregation remain constant.

waste segregation, just like in any environement-conscious company out there

The great thing about this place, and others like it all over the globe, is that theories and ideas are actually put into place. If torrential rains occur there, I’m sure it will also be addressed systematically and properly. As it is, they provided shallow channels around landscaping elements in the event when rains do come. Usually, one day or two in a couple of years or so.

I understand that energy resource and production is primarily “big business” and anything academic and research-oriented will definitely lead to commerce. But when companies will take the right step in the sustainable direction, the production that follows will adhere to these tenets of sustainable living. Ideally, anyway.