High rise view of Abu Dhabi

Friday brunches are a big thing here for Expats.

Remember, weekends here are Fridays and Saturdays.
Friday mornings are the major day for worship here (Christian and Islam alike).
Things are quiet in the morning, with most businesses  closed; and then things liven up in the late afternoon.

A popular activity is Friday brunch.  Generally going 12 to 4 p.m., they are buffets with "grape juice" or "bubbly".  I had heard about these brunches, seen ads for them in the local weekly activities guide, and figured I'd experience at least one while I'm here. (Not the biggest fan of buffets ... but really, turns out it's more about the company and a leisurely afternoon.)  

On a Friday that Tim was here in February, we had brunch with Hannah and Amanda who work with me at Al Rowdah. Both from the UK, they are each a joy to work with. Amanda selected the Royal Meridien near the Corniche -- on the 26th floor is a revolving restaurant.  With that, you get the 360 degree view of Abu Dhabi while enjoying food and conversation.

Here are some photos ...

Older section of Abu Dhabi (older being a relative term, given that 40 some years ago it was completely different, and undeveloped).

Nestled among newer buildings. And in the background, is a new area being built up called Al Reem.

Another view.  The building with the golf ball looking thing on top is the Etisalat (phone company) building. Another building that is a landmark to navigate by.  And the buildings to the right (tall skinny) stand just above the Central Souk at 3rd and 4th streets.

As we come around, we see the Corniche area:

Looking out at the breakwater, with the Corniche in the foreground and the Arabian Gulf in the background:

The island on the left is called Lulu Island. It has some buildings on it, and a couple of docks. I had to look up what the island is, or is supposed to be. Here's one of the pieces of information I found:
http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment/lulu-island-closed-to-the-public-sort-of
Intended for some mix of recreation and residential, and that for now development has been suspended.

And a closeup of one of a dhow that is the above photo.  Dhows are the fishing boats. I need to find out when and where to see the dhows come in, as I've heard it's quite an impressive sight with their sails up.  This one is for dinner cruises (yup, should do that too!).

A close up of some structure on Lulu Island.  Have NO idea what this bunker-looking thing is:

The food was good, the company was great, and it was very fun to get some photos from a high-rise.