Sep 07, 2024
Sep 07, 2024
Mr. Alex Simpson had come from Texas, USA. He visited Abu Dhabi for the first time. He had met a guide named Ahmed Abdullah who is a resident of Abu Dhabi. Ahmed said, “The city had been designed by Sheikh Zayed and there was an architect from Japan named Katsuhiko Takahashi. It was planned in 1967. The population of Abu Dhabi was 40,000.”
Mr. Simpson said, “Oh Great! Tell me more about employment and population density of Abu Dhabi.”
Ahmed said, “There is variation in the density with high employment in central area. There is a lot density in the resident for central downtown. We have come to know the lower densities in suburban districts. There are medium-buildings and the high-rise buildings.”
Mr. Simpson said, “ Oh this is awesome! Tell me about the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi.”
Ahmed said, “ Some important skyscrapers are Burj Mohammed bin Rashid which is the Abu Dhabi World Trade Center. There is Etihad Towers along with National Bank of Abu Dhabi. We can also name Hilton Hotel named Baynunah. There are headquarters of Etisalat. It has been discovered in Abu Dhabi’s financial districts”.
Mr. Simpson asked, “Do you know about Emirates Palace?”
Ahmed said, “Arab heritage is motivated by Emirates Palace. Along with it, there are Aldar Headquarters which is a skyscraper of circular shape at middle east.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “Do you have any idea about Abu Dhabi Plan 2030?”
Ahmed said, “ Yes! It is really interesting! The Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 is going to lead construction of new skyscrapers for 10 decades. The central business of Abu Dhabi had expanded. There are new developments around Al Maryah Island along with Al Reem Island.”
Mr. Simpson said, “ Tell me about the skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi.”
Ahmed said “There are supertall skyscrapers which are under the construction across city. The tallest buildings over skyline consists of 382 m or 1,253.28 ft which is the Central Market Residential Tower. The height of The Landmark is 324 m or 1,062.99 ft. There is a 74-story building which is 310 m or 1,017.06 ft in height. It is great news that Sky Tower has been finished.”
Mr. Simpson said, “ Can you help me in the tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque?
Ahmed said, “ Yes why not? This Mosque shows patrimony of architectural at Abu Dhabi. It had been built during late President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He was the primary figure of modern UAE. Do you know the amazing facts about the mosque?”
Mr. Simpson replied, “ Yes, tell me!”
Ahmed said, “The mosque had materials from various countries like Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Iran, China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece, and United Arab Emirates.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “ How many workers participated in that project?”
Ahmed said, “There were around 3,000 workers. Roughly 38 contracting companies participated in the project. The durability have been considered and the materials were chosen wisely. Do you know what are those materials?”
Mr. Simpson asked, “ Yes, what are those materials? I have heard about marble and stone only.”
Ahmed replied, “Along with stone and marble, there were gold, crystals, semi-precious stones, and ceramics.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “ When did the construction start?”
Ahmed said, “ It started in 5 November 1996. Do you know how many people can stay in that mosque?”
Mr Simpson, “How many people? I have no idea.
Ahmed said, “It can accommodate around 41,000 people within 22,412 square metres. On December 2007, the inner prayer halls have been opened”.
Mr. Simpson asked, “ I have heard about Founder's Memorial.Can you tell me about it?”
Ahmed said, “Founder's Memorial has been the visitor center of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and this is regarded as the memorial of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He became President of United Arab Emirates for the first time. The memorial includes open Heritage Garden along with Sanctuary Garden. There is a Constellation, which is the artwork associated with the memory of Zayed.”
Mr. Simpson enquired, “ Can you help me visit the presidential palace?”
Ahmed said, “ Yes, why not? It is also known as Qaṣr Al-Waṭan which means "Palace of the Nation" and it has been presented to public on March 2019.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “ I have heard about Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi. Can you tell me something about it?”
Ahmed said, “A Ceremony was organized on 22 September 2019 at Department of Community Development at Abu Dhabi, which is the ceremony for obtaining licenses for the churches. There are 17 churches. You can also find a hindu temple.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “How many types of churches are there?
Ahmed said, “ You will discover Protestant ,Orthodox and Catholic churches. You will also find St. Joseph’s Cathedral. The slogan “A call for harmony” is great which permits everybody to practice their religious faith.”
Mr. Simpson asked, “ Which is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi?
Ahmed said, “ It is Qasr Al Hosn and it has been built by Bani Yas tribe in the year 1761. This has been the center of government and it had been ruled by family of Al Nahyan.”