An elegant, pared-down aesthetic that is almost zen in its sensibility- from the imposing Al Nahyan mosque (its elegant silhouette visible from almost every angle at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al-Beri) to the image projected by Abu Dhabi's tourism board.

Heritage and conservation feature largely in Abu Dhabi's promotional efforts in tourism evinced by the nostalgic sepia-toned photos bearing images of falconry, horses and traditional dances or the upscale Sir Bani Yas, an island on the Persian Gulf, with its own wildlife reserve housing indigenous species like the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, cheetahs and hyenas in an area occupying half of Sir Bani Yas island.

Luxury has similarly made its way in the Abu Dhabi end of the Empty Quarters, with the opening of a luxury resort  by the Anantara group- the same hospitality-based group managing the Sir Bani Yas Island. Whilst both leisure and business travellers would be well served in the excellent Shangri-la Qaryat Al-Beri, a luxury tour of Abu Dhabi could easily combine the Empty Quarters, Sir Bani Yas island and easily, an extension trip to Iran or Oman.