If there’s one thing this country’s good at, it’s breaking records. And while Dubai certainly captured the world’s attention with the opening of the Burj Khalifa in January (the proud owner of 15 world records, including tallest structure ever built), Abu Dhabi is rapidly racking up its own enviable roster of Guinness certificates. Next month sees the opening of the world’s fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World (in itself the world’s largest indoor theme park) on Yas Island – an experience so physically traumatising that you’re required to wear goggles to prevent your eyeballs exiting through the back of your skull and spoiling a nice day out for the rider sat directly behind you.
The Grand Mosque holds two records of its own, taking the accolades for both world’s largest chandelier and world’s largest carpet from neighbouring Oman.
June saw Capital Gate break new records; it is now officially recognised as the world’s furthest leaning manmade tower. A move that, in the dreams of the city’s officials perhaps, had tumbleweeds rolling through the deserted streets of Pisa’s Piazza del Duomo.
It’s one thing to question whether these extremes actually add anything to a visitor’s experience of the capital, but what’s more troubling is the image of insecurity Abu Dhabi is inadvertently broadcasting in enslaving itself to this constant one-upmanship. Where is the use in marketing the region’s natural geographic beauty, rich Bedouin heritage and burgeoning cultural scene to tourists if you then go and undermine it all by unveiling the world’s bounciest trampoline? The point being that Abu Dhabi has enough to offer that it doesn’t need to get involved with all these games. Of the top attractions rated by tourists on TripAdvisor.com,
the most enthusiastic reviews are notably of record-free spots. The lush greenery of the mangroves is up there, as are Al-Hosn fort, the historically preserved Heritage Village and the simple tranquillity of the Corniche. Okay, so Emirates Palace (constructed at a cost of Dhs11billion, making it the world’s most expensive hotel) also earns a spot, but the overwhelming impression is that Abu Dhabi doesn’t need to try so hard to charm its guests.
Of course, if you really wanted to impress us, we’d support plans for the world’s largest air-conditioned dome (to be placed over the city during the summer months), the world’s first robotic taxi driver (equipped with anti-perspirant and in-built GPS) and the world’s longest-running festival (we’re thinking a month-long marathon featuring the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and the resurrected cast of Woodstock, ideally taking place in our back garden). But, until then, you can keep your headline-grabbing attractions and extravagant feats of engineering. We love Abu Dhabi just the way she is.
