My welcome in Abu Dhabi was all about the lingering aroma of oud fragrances as soon as I entered my hotel lobby. However, what truly charmed me was a small porcelain cup of gahwa—Emirati coffee and a soft, sweet date, freshly sourced from a nearby souq. A ritual steeped in time-honoured tradition, this warm gesture of hospitality was paired with a cool, refreshing towel for a soothing dab in the desert heat.
“The strong and tangy Emirati coffee is imperative to our ethos,” a local told me, "and with evolving hospitality practices, we try to integrate our legacy into contemporary colours," he added.
Indeed, this combination of old and new wasn’t just in the coffee—it defined my experience in Abu Dhabi. My journey through the UAE capital was tailored to luxury—starting with VVIP access to the glistening white marble-crafted Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. A little later, I was zipping through Yas Kartzone on Yas Marina Circuit where they host the Formula 1® season finale. At the Four Seasons Hotel, where I stayed, the lavish ballrooms and conference rooms hosting up to 200 guests are perfect for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and splendid weddings.