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UAE Football Association

Zayed Athletic City, Abu Dhabi Business Avenue Building, 9th Floor United Arab Emirates

www.uae-football.org.ae

Abu Dhabi’s bid for the FIFA Youth World Cup

In 2008, the United Arab Emirates’ Football Federation decided to submit a bid for the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 , con!dent that the Emirate and the City of Abu Dhabi would be able to support it in delivering convincing arguments for FIFA to place the competition of the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 in its hands.

Host Country Immanent ReasonsAbu Dhabi, Capital City of the UAE’s Football Association, o"ers FIFA and the whole football family ideal conditions for staging the FIFA Youth World Cup.

The setting of Abu Dhabi in the Arabian Peninsula on the shores of the Persian Gulf is a perfect location for the competition. Pleasant weather conditions at the time of the tournament are guaranteed. With its per-fectly developed #ight connections, Abu Dhabi is easily accessed from all parts of the world. The rapidly growing, football-enthusiastic Arab world will pro-vide for a fantastic atmosphere and full stadiums. The central location between Europe, Asia and Africa also o"ers attractive conditions for TV and marketing.

The City itself also has a lot to o"er for the tournament — for FIFA, for the teams and their fans as well as for the sponsors. Two stadiums of world class standards and training sites within the city boundaries will ensure a tournament of short distances. The international, open-minded and toler-ant population together with a perceptibly secure public life will guarantee the well-being of all guests. This positive feeling will grow even more when they experience the !rst-class service of the world’s leading hotels backed up by the famous Arabic hospitality.

The existing know-how for the implementation of an event like the FIFA Club World Cup has already been proven. At the FIFA Youth World Championships 2003 and the Gulf Cup 2007 stadiums, information technol-ogy and telecommunications, media, management and all other relevant !elds have already demonstrated the Abu Dhabians work to the highest standard and are ready to host such events. Without doubt, this knowledge also led to the decision to stage the 2009 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Boost for FootballThe FIFA Youth World Cup in Abu Dhabi will surely boost the development of football, not just within the Emirates, but throughout the whole Arab World. Already the number 1 sport here, football will !nd even more enthusiastic and sustained support. New training programs for players, especially younger ones, as well as programs to develop the skills of referees and managers, will bring major improvements for football in the region. Stadiums and playing !elds are already at the planning, reconstruction or building stage will get additional promotion. Arab football fans will receive an event they will de!nitely be proof and supportive of.

Development of the CompetitionThe knowledge that the FIFA Youth World Cup will bring a lot of advantages and possibilities, not just for the development of football within the region, but for Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates, the Football Association, as well as Abu Dhabi’s governing bodies will do everything to develop the competition together with FIFA.

The Football Association and the governing bodies have already decided to continue their teamwork for promoting, organizing and implement-ing the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 as they did for the bidding. The most important partner for both thereby will, of course, be FIFA.

Plans for the development of the competition have already been drawn up. The integration of a FIFA Youth World Cup promotion campaign into the advertising activities of Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Authority is equally a part of its class and Internet promotion combined with public relations work by the Abu Dhabi media. The organization of fan events is also being discussed, together with striking decorations throughout the city. All this will guarantee a high degree of recognition of and participation in the competition before, during and after the tournament. The overriding goal of all parties involved in Abu Dhabi is for FIFA, the participating teams and their fans, the sponsors and media to retain positive memories of the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 as a joy-ous and successful event.

01 host country

02 political support

03 facilities and amenities

04 about the tournament

05 goods and services

hostcountry01

10 National and Local Characteristics

The United Arab Emirates are a Middle Eastern federation of seven emirates, situated in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula on the Arabian Gulf, border-ing Oman and Saudi Arabia. The Emirates — Abu Dhabi, which covers 87% of the country’s land mass, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain — represent a unique collective in the Gulf region.

With a land area of about 83,600 square kilometers, most of which is covered by desert, both the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman touch the coastline of the United Arab Emirates, which is dotted with colorful coral reefs and numerous, mostly uninhabited, islands. The mainland is character-ized by salt #at natively called Sabkha, stretches of gravel plain and a desert area named Rubu’ al-Khali, or the Empty Quarter, famous for its spectacular sand dunes sculpting a distinctive landscape in the country broke only by occasional oases.

The United Arab Emirates, a young country, have made tre-mendous advances in the past four decades, becoming the regional hub for the whole Middle East and North Africa in terms of delivery of the best experiences at the highest possible standards. At the same time they are a safe and secure place, removed from current con#icts. Freedom of worship and equal opportu-nities in education are embedded in the law, and nationality, without exception, is no barrier to entry. There is no discrimination regarding religious persua-sion or beliefs, and all are welcome in a country where hospitality for guests and visitors are a way of life.

The United Arab Emirates o"er incoming businesses all the advantages of a highly developed economy, while infrastructure and services match the highest international standards, facilitating e$ciency and quality.

A blossoming future can only be realized on the basis of strong cultural roots. This is part of the Arab mentality and makes the cultural herit-age of the country not only an important part of the past but also of all upcom-ing developments. Especially in times of rapid growth, the cultural heritage is important as it gives people a sense of identity.

Host Country 11

area

approximately 83, 600 square kilometers, Abu Dhabi accounts for 87% of the country’s total land mass

coastline

approximately 1, 318 km, was extended with new land reclamation projects

topography

a low-lying coastal plain merges into the rolling sand dunes of the Rub’ al-Khali desert with rugged mountains along its eastern border with Oman

elevation

the lowest point is at seal level, the highest is 1, 527 meters at Jebal Yibir

12 Population

Host Country 13

The people of the United Arab Emirates form a modern society shaped by an ancient culture, known for being both tolerant and welcoming, and visitors will be delighted by the friendliness of the people. It is a melting pot of di"erent nationalities and cultures — very open to new in#uences without losing the national identity of which the people are very proud.

Many foreign residents (expatriates) live and work in the Emir-ates. Across the United Arab Emirates, Emirati nationals comprise roughly 20% of the population, while foreign nationalities include Asians, Africans, Europeans as well as North and Latin Americans.

With a growth rate of approximately 200% over the past 20 years, the United Arab Emirates population stands at about 4.5 million people today. This is an increase of about 75% compared to 1995, when the popula-tion what about 2.4 million people. Abu Dhabi has the largest population of the seven emirates, with about 1.6 million people, compared to Dubai’s 1.4 million, and Sharjah’s 0.8 million.

14 Population

male to female percentage of nationals — males 51% / females 49%

Host Country 15

male to female percentage of non-nationals — males 68% / females 32%

16 Languages

Host Country 17

Arabic is the o!cial language of the United Arab Emirates, but English is also widely spoken.

18 Natural Resources

The UAE’s most important natural resources are oil and natural gas, of which more than 90% are located in Abu Dhabi.

Host Country 19

20 Climate

Host Country 21

The United Arab Emirates enjoys a desert climate — cool and sunny in the winter, hot and humid during the summer months.

22 Sports Experience

General Sports ExperienceThe development of sports in the United Arab Emirates is closely linked with the development of the country itself; in a little more than thirty years from virtually nonexistent to today’s peak!

Today, tradition sports such as camel and horse racing still play a major role in the the United Arab Emirates’ sporting calendar. Besides this, huge developments in all other !elds of sports have taken place, since the foundation of the state, all due to the Rulers’ wish for sport to play an impor-tant role in the development of the United Arab Emirates’ society. New sport-ing councils, such as the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, have been established to coordinate the growth and development of local and national sports clubs. The seven Emirates regularly compete in national leagues and cups in a wide range of sports.

Golf, tennis, motor sport, football, rugby, cricket, sailing and powerboat races are common sports within the United Arab Emirates, a regu-lar stop for the great annual professional tours. These events not only attract large numbers of competing and sports enthusiasts from around the globe; they also see some of the country’s own top sportsmen and women in action. Events like the Red Bull Air Race attract hundreds of thousands to the coast-line of Abu Dhabi. Formula 1 has had a regular stop at the country’s circuit since 2009.

Besides the actual active sports, sports sponsoring, essential for all professional, high-quality events, has undergone tremendous develop-ment in the United Arab Emirates. Especially the country’s two major airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates Airlines, play important roles. Etihad sponsors sporting events that are consistent with its values of hospitality, tea, spirit and helping bring cultures together, and Emirates as an O$cial FIFA Partner sup-ports the Arsenal Football Club and the Football Association. All this creates an atmosphere of intense interest in sports in the country, o"ering a multitude of marketing opportunities.

Host Country 23

United Arab Emirates national team successes

Gulf Cup Champions 2007 Gulf Cup Runners-Up 1986, 1988, 1994Asian Cup Runners-Up 1996FIFA World Cup Participants 1990

United Arab Emirates experience as event organizer

Host of Gulf Cup 1982, 1994, 2007Host of Asian Cup 1996Host of FIFA Youth Championship 2003

24 Sports Experience

United Arab Emirates Football FederationFootball was already known for years before it was organized within the struc-ture of an association in 1971. It was sailors of the British Navy or cargo boats and travellers returning from abroad, especially from India, who brought foot-ball to the United Arab Emirates. Over the years, the Emirates’ people played football unorganized without any de!ned numbers of players or referees. There were no poles for goals neither a real !eld of play.

This changed a few months after the United Arab Emirates’ declaration of independence and the foundation of the state. On the 2nd of December, 1971 the Football Association of the United Arab Emirates was founded as the country’s !rst sports union, following the country’s leader’s vision to integrate sports as an important part in the United Arab Emirates’ people’s lives. In 1972 the Federation joined FIFA, followed by the member-ship in the Asian and Arab Association in 1974. Years of developments in the United Arab Emirates and the Football Association succeeded, always deeply supported by the country’s leaders.

Over the years a highly diversi!ed, multi-tasking authority developed, with the General Assembly being the highest legislative body, which is closely linked to the elected 11 members of the Board of Directors consisting, of the President, the Vice President and 9 other members. These again stay in direct contact with the judicial body, the Federation’s 12 committees and the General Secretariat. The General Assembly also has in#uence on the di"er-ent unions — the Professional League Union, the Players Union, the Coaches Union, the Referees Union and the Clubs.

Today, the association can look back on an interesting and suc-cessful history, which made it to a recognized, respected and important players in the world of football.

One reason for this is surely the successes of the nation team — runner up at the Gulf Cup 1986, 1988 and 1994; runner up at the Asian Cup 1996; participation in the FIFA World Cup 1990 in Italy, culmination in becoming the Champion of the Gulf Club in 2007.

Host Country 25

The United Arab Emirates Football Association also earned great honors by staging international events such as the Gulf Cup 1982, 1994 and 2007, the Asian Cup 1996 and, the biggest football event staged to date in the UAE, the 2003 World Youth Championship.

The Association can also be proud of its club work. 31 clubs are listed in the country’s leagues. The President’s club is an integral part of the annual football calendar. Also, on an international scale, the clubs have been able to gain recognition. By far, the most notable of these. was surely Al Ain’s title in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League in 2003.

Women’s football is prospering in the United Arab Emirates, as well. On the 22nd of June, 2005 the administration of the Abu Dhabi Health and Fitness Club suggested forming a ladies’ football team. In September 2005, the !rst friendly matches in Amman followed. It was December 2005, at Bah-rain’s Annual Football Tournament for Gulf Countries, that the team won the cup — its !rst title.

In February 2006, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the !rst Arabian Women’s Football Tournament was organized in Abu Dhabi. In its second edition, in 2008, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hazaa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, this tour-nament was won by the Abu Dhabi team.

An important task in the work of the Association is the devel-opment of the referees. A great in#uence is thereby attributable to the work of the United Arab Emirates’ showpiece referee Ali BuJsaim, who represented the Association in all major football tournaments of the 1990s.

The work of the Association in all aspects of football is marked by a general openness and tolerance. it is not uncommon for its doors to be opened to international football schools by appointing renowned internation-al coaches. Bringing these experts to the United Arab Emirates has certainly achieved development and success, and helped to make football the most popu-lar sport in the United Arab Emirates.

26 Economy

The United Arab Emirates are a major global economic powerhouse and one of the world’s top oil producers. Its member states have entered a new era of economic liberalization and modernization that will transform them over to the next decade into one of the world’s leading centers of excellence in tourism, culture and infrastructure development, across a wide spectrum of business and social activity. Alongside the continuing strong oil market, the establishment of a number of major development and infrastructure projects and further expansion of the free zones has fostered and a solid economic growth over the part years. The strategic planning was a strong motor for accomplishing the goals of economic improvement.

Economic IndicatorsThe economy of the United Arab Emirates has been constantly growing over the past years, and will continue to increase in the future. The sustained growth has led to top-performances regarding key economic indicators such as the per capita Gross Domestic Product, which is among the highest in the world, and is still growing at a rate of 7.7%, as noted by the International monetary Fund

The impressive achievements in the economic sector are based on one of its major strengths: oil and gas resources. Notwithstanding, the United Arab Emirates, and especially Abu Dhabi, have already implemented plans to diversify the Emirates’ economic success by creating a solid industrial base and a very strong service sector to avoid sole dependency on oil and gas exports. Today, the non-oil sector already accounts for approximately 65% of the nominal Gross Domestic Product. A major part in achieving these extraordinary outputs was played by Abu Dhabi, which contributed the largest amount of the national budget and accounted for an average of 60% of the United Arab Emirates Gross Domestic Product, hence providing a substantial share of the economic success story.

A diversi!cation policy has achieved distinguished results, such as the establishment of free trade zones and the reform of property laws to boost real estate and tourism. An indicator of the successful e"orts to establish a healthy economy based on multiple sectors is the average income per capita in the United Arab Emirates, which has grown over the past 5 years

Host Country 27

Currency Exchange Rate Between "#$ / %&$Since 1973, the o$cial currency of the United Arab Emirates has been the dirham, which was pegged to the US dollar at an exchange rate of 1 US dollar to 3.6725 dirhams. The Prime Minister and Governor of the United Arab Emirates decided to retain the dollar-to-dirham peg as part of the nation’s e"orts to preserve the United Arab Emirates’ supreme national interests, as well as maintaining a healthy economy in the short and long run.

Strategic PlanningThe United Arab Emirates economy is characterized by vibrant diversity. Transparent and sound governance is currently fostered by the outsourcing of a range of government services to the private sector, streamlining regulatory procedures, and improving essential infrastructure to enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as a globally preferred destination for foreign direct investment as well as for local investment.

The economic vision is a shift from a consumer economy to a productive one. To achieve this goal, Abu Dhabi has embarked on a $175 billion program from 2007 to 2012, split between tourism, energy, industry, real estate and social programs. This move will also take place in the form of public/private partnerships, as a change from the state-led reform e"orts that prevailed.

Economic ForecastsThe future of the United Arab Emirates’ economic developments marked by growth and expansion. Independent forecast reports back up this statement and attest to a prospering and positive economic outlook for the country. Medium term foresight by the Business Monitor International and International Monetary Fund indicate a rising nominal Gross Domestic Product by 2012. Furthermore, both institutions predict a drop in the in#ation rate and an almost steady real Gross Domestic Product.

28 Economy

Gross Domestic Product $192.27 billion

Industries oil, gas, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, commercial ship repair, petrochemicals, construction materials, pharmaceuticals, tourism

Exports Imports$152.1 billion $94.7 billion

Directions of Trade / Exports Japan 25.8%, South Korea 9.6%, Thailand 5.9&, India 4.5%

Direction of Trade / ImportsUSA 11.5%, China 11%, India 9.8%, Germany 6.4%, Japan 5.8%, UK 5.5%, France 4.1%, Italy 4%

Host Country 29

politicalsupport02

32 Official Letters

Political Support 33

The Federation of the United Arab Emirates, and its capital Abu Dhabi, are a true representation of a rich and diverse convergence of cultures. Ours is a country in which people from across the globe live in a secure, harmonious environment. For the ’world game’ which thrives on, and perpetuates, such cul-tural exchange and diversity, there can be few better stages for one of its most significant tournaments.

Our passion for football is evident across the entire United Arab Emirates — from the young children playing in the streets, to our profes-sional competitions. Each week thousands of fans support the 12 teams that make up our premier league.

For this reason, the Government of Abu Dhabi is firmly com-mitted to fostering the sport’s growth and development in the United Arab Emirates. Key to this is bringing the highest levels of the sport to the people of this region. As a result, the Government is passion about Abu Dhabi’s bid for the FIFA Youth World Cup.

As an Emirate, Abu Dhabi is undergoing unprecedented growth and development, firmly establishing its position on the global stage. With a strong vision and detailed plans in place to further drive this develop-ment, we are able to o"er a guarantee that the very best infrastructure, services and utilities needed to host an event on this scale will be in place. We will also draw on the valuable experience we have gained furring recent years in success-ful hosting other major sporting events including the Football Gulf Cup, the Abu Dhabi Gulf Championships and the Red Bull Air Race.

My hope is that this document is a true manifestation of the passion and desire that we have for the game. I o"er you the Government of Abu Dhabi’s, and my personal guarantee, that if we are chosen as the host country for the FIFA Youth World Cup, the events will receive every attention and commitment commensurate with their stature and significant.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Deputy Supreme Commander of the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces

34 Official Letters

Political Support 35

Football is indisputably the number 1 sport in the United Arab Emirates. It is the sport of the professionals and amateur; it is the sport of kids and adults, of men and women, where or not they are from the Emirates or from other coun-tries. It can be followed live on television, in the newspapers or on the Internet.

Football is an important part of life in the United Arab Emir-ates and Abu Dhabi. With this in mind, together with our Government’s pledge of support, it makes me proud as President of the United Arab Emirates Foot-ball Association to submit this bid for the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012. I ask the world of football to honor us again with its request to host this unique sporting event.

We, the Football Association, guarantee today that we will give special priority to these championships, which will be re#ected in all its aspects and activities. We will ensure that these championships leave a positive impres-sion in everyone’s mind. It is our declared intention to make it a memorable football festival for all involved, for the teams, fans, sponsors and the FIFA.

We will combine all technical and human resources with our utmost e"orts to serve the organizing committee of this championship. We have sufficient experience for hosting events of this kind, as the Association has previously hosted many international, continental and regional champion-ships. The most important of them was the FIFA World Youth Championship in 2003, which according to the participants and observers was more than just an organizational success. It re#ected once more the enthusiasm and convic-tion of the public and officials in hosting the events that we had the honor to organize.

Mohamed Khalfan Al-Rumaithi President of the United Arab Emirates Football Association

36 Local Support

Abu Dhabi’s bid for the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 is not just a bid of the country’s Football Federation. It is a bid deeply supported by the entire Abu Dhabi society. Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahya, Crown Price of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Com-mander of the UAE Armed Forces, the bid has the full backing of the United Arab Emirates and Abu Dhabi Government and its authorities.

Other government bodies who have worked together to develop a consistent bid concept include the Federal Government, the Executive A"airs Authority, the Urban Planning Council, the Department of Transport, the Abu Dhabi Airport Company, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Health Authority, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the Abu Dhabi Media Company an the Abu Dhabi Police.

In the event that Abu Dhabi receives the honor to host the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012, the combined work of all these governmental bodies will continue for the promotion and organization before, during and after the tournament. It goes without saying that all work will be in close col-laboration with all FIFA bodies and partners involved.

Political Support 37

The United Arab Emirates Football Association will rely on its excellent net-work within the country, the region and the whole world of football to support and promote the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012. All o$cials and administrative people in charge at the Association will contribute their experience, manpower and passion for football to present this event as what it is — a tournament of the world’s youthful talent.

Already today, FIFA can count on the United Arab Emirates’ media infrastructure and network. The FIFA Youth World Cup will be covered at the highest standard in TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, as well as on the Internet. The audience will not consist of the millions of people in the Gulf region, but will also include the entire Arab and International world, who can remain informed of the tournament before, during, and after its duration.

Experiences with other major sports events in the United Arab Emirates have already proven that the national economy is always a strong, reliable partner, as technical supporter, service provider or sponsor. For an event of this magnitude, this will be even more important.

Last, but not least, the Emirates people, the football fans, whether native or expatriate, will support this event enthusiastically. They are deeply fascinated by sport in general; they follow the football leagues in the United Arab Emirates and abroad, and can hardly wait to be host of a great international football tournament. They will de!nitely make every e"ort to ensure that is is an event to be proud of. All groups together will make it hap-pen — a football festival for all in 2012 — in Abu Dhabi at the FIFA Youth World Cup.

facilities and amenities03

40 Zayed Sports City

Facilities and Amenities 41

Zayed Sports City Zayed Sports City is located in the southeast of Abu Dhabi, near the Mussa"a Bridge, along the coastal road connecting the capital to the other cities of the United Arab Emirates. Occupying a total area of 109 hectares, the complex is entirely and exclusively dedicated to sport benues and their supporting facil-ities (training grounds, parking, etc.) The headquarters of the United Arab Emirates Football Association are also located within the site, and the Emir-ates’ National Team regularly plays its matched in the Zayed Sports City Sta-dium.

The stadium opened in 1980 as a multi-functional facility equipped with a running track around the !eld of play. Currently, the specta-tor capacity of the venue amounts to 43,765 seats, which will be increased to a total of 50,415 seats after the expansion and reorganization measures planned in preparation for the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012. With the exception of a small part in the central western section of the building, the stands are entirely covered by a characteristic roof structure.

The existing fence surrounding the ensemble forms the outer security perimeter. Public and dedicated parking areas as well as functional areas are allocated in a concentric structure around the stadium. The inner circle closest to the stadium is reserved for VIP parking, media compound, media parking and the Sponsor / Hospitality Village. Separate entrances for each of the di"erent groups are provided. Public parking spaces, the football event plaza and the supporting facilities such as the Volunteer Center, Security Headquarters and the Accreditation / Ticketing Center (within existing build-ings) extend to the edge of the site.

In all, more than 8,000 parking lots are provided within the boundaries of Zayed Sports City. In the west of the area is a large football training area comprising of six pitches. The inner security perimeter will be separated from the rest of the are by existing water basins, which surround the stadium building and also provide separate checkpoints for VIP, media repre-sentatives, o$cials, teams and spectators.

42 Zayed Sports City / Floor Plan

Facilities and Amenities 43

!eld of play

general public

VIP

media

security

about thetournament04

46 Match Schedule

According to the general program of previous FIFA Youth World Cup tournaments, a prelim-inary match schedule has been set up with 8 match days over a competition period of 12 days. In order to observe the Islamic and Gregorian weekends for the !nals, the opening match has been set for Wednesday, 9th December 2012.

Proposed Match Schedule for FIFA Youth World Cup 2012

12 / 12

About the Tournament 47

Friday

Wednesday

Thursday

day

Wednesday

Sunday

Thursday

Friday

Tuesday

Saturday

Monday

Saturday

Sunday

date matches

09 / 12 play-o"s for quarter-!nals

quarter-!nals

semi-!nals

match for !fth place

match for third place

quarter-!nals

semi-!nals

!nal

10 / 12

17 / 12

11 / 12

18 / 12

16 / 12

13 / 12

15 / 12

19 / 12

14 / 12

20 / 12

goods and services05

50 Air Travel

Goods and Services 51

Air Travel The United Arab Emirates’ strategic location ensures easy access from the world’s major trade centers. It is located halfway between Tokyo and New York. Europe, Africa and western Asia are a few hours away by air. The United Arab Emirates has responded to the increasing demand for air transport by building world-class international which connect the country by direct #ights to more than 200 cities around the world. Today, more than 100 airlines, including award winning local airlines, #y more than 40 million to and from the United Arab Emirates.

Due to the rising popularity of the United Arab Emirates as a business center, tourist destination and aviation hub, passenger volumes have increased steadily. One of the United Arab Emirates’ advantages is e$cient air-port operation, including rapid baggage handling, immigration and customs formalities. To ensure that these high standards are maintained as passenger tra$c grows, United Arab Emirates airports are undergoing a sophisticated development program, accounting for 60% of all airport investment in the Gulf region.

Of major relevance for the FIFA Youth World Cup 2012 are the international airports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain, all a maximum of one and a half hour drive away from Abu Dhabi’s city center.

52 Major International Flight Connections

BangkokBeijingFrankfurtHong KongJohannesburgLondonMumbaiMoscowNew YorkParisSao PaoloSeoulSydneyTorontoZurich

0 6 : 0 00 7 : 4 50 6 : 1 00 7 : 0 00 7 : 4 50 6 : 4 50 2 : 5 00 5 : 0 01 2 : 5 00 6 : 3 51 4 : 4 00 8 : 4 51 4 : 0 01 3 : 0 50 6 : 4 5

Goods and Services 53

54 Section

Chapter 55

Tourism and HospitalityHospitality lies at the heart of Arab cultures. Just as the Bedouin would o"er food and shelter to strangers in the desert, visitors today will experience a wel-come unmatched anywhere else, from the traditional serving of Arabic co"ee to absolute dedication to the highest standards of modern service. Part of the United Arab Emirates’s unique charm is the blend of ancient and modern. Tra-ditions, some of them little changed from the 19th century, coexist with a 21st century economy and lifestyle; a juxtaposition that lies at the heart of modern society. Old world courtesies still prevail and traditional culture is very much alive. Visitors can see craftsmen demonstrating ancient skills or experience camel riding, falconry, ayyallah dancing and henna and learn about other age-old customs from local people who are proud to share their traditions.

56 Section

Current Accommodation O'ers in Abu DhabiFive Star Hotels !!!!!

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Abu Dhabi Hilton HotelAbu Dhabi Intercontinental HotelAbu Dhabi Sheraton HotelAl Diar Capital HotelAl Diar Sands HotelAl Raha Beach HotelArmed Forces O!cers Club HotelBeach Rotana Hotel and TowersCrown Plaza HotelDanat Resort Jabal Dhanna HotelEmirate Palace HotelLe Meridien Hotel Abu DhabiLe Royal Meridien HotelMillenium Hotel Abu DhabiOryx HotelShangri-LaSheraton Khalidiya HotelAl Ain Hilton Hotel

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Chapter 57

Three Star Hotels !!!()*#+ ,"-#

Al Diar Dana HotelAl Diar Mina HotelGava HotelInternational Rotana InnSabaya HotelTulip Inn

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Four Star Hotels !!!!

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Al Ain Palace HotelAl Dhafra Beach HotelAl Diar Palm Suites HotelAl Jazira Club HotelEmirates Plaza HotelGrand Continental HotelHoward Johnson Diplomat

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