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People & Places: There's something for everyone at Abu Dhabi Corniche

Abu Dhabi Corniche, where a lot of events are held, is a place to experience the UAE's culture and tradition.

Corniche is a microcosm of what Abu Dhabi City offers. While the ubiquitous skyscrapers are evidence of modernism, there are notable landmarks which make it a place to experience the UAE's culture and tradition.
The Corniche Road stretching a few miles houses the Founder's Memorial that celebrates the legacy and values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the corporate headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel and others like Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Bab Al Qasr and the Grand Hyatt to name a few where international events and conferences are hosted.
There is a narrow breakwater road leading to the Marina Mall and in between there is the Abu Dhabi Theatre Road with Heritage Village offering a glimpse into the emirate's past and Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club for water sport activities. The Theatre Road is a hotspot to capture the entire Abu Dhabi skyline, the tallest flagpole of the UAE flag and also fill lungs with some fresh air.
There are many events like the Mother of Nation Festival, Adnoc Abu Dhabi Marathon, Terry Fox Run, concerts, social events, movements and gatherings held on the Corniche Road. Other than these, there is the headline event of spectacular fireworks display and airshows held to mark festivities like Eid, the National Day, New Year and more when Corniche stretch will be jammed with hundreds of thousands of residents.
Apart from the family beaches with gardens, boardwalks and walkways, there are parks with children's play areas, separate cycle and pedestrian pathways, restaurants and cafes, which all are thronged by residents every evening till late night. And opening of Al Bahar as the beachfront destination has added to the family-friendly spots with dining options that dots the road. Al Bahar also hosts many entertainment and fun activities too.
The entire stretch also has lots of apartments, which are home to thousands of families. Residents felt the USP of Corniche is the pathways that connect all the landmarks and hotels, malls, parks etc. 
Reejo C. George, an old-timer, is someone who has witnessed the changes firsthand.
"Most of the development you see happened in 15-20 years. Earlier it was just the beach. The Corniche is a testimony to the growth which has happened in the Capital and the country on the whole. When you think of Abu Dhabi, Corniche is one place which comes to mind. With the many landmarks, it is a place which stays in everyone's mind. This is a not-to-be-missed place for those coming here," George said.
Muhammed Hasan is an expat who hits the Corniche pathway every day for past few years.
"It's after I shifted here that I started to exercise. A walk in the morning is the best way to start my day. My favourite is the Theatre Road. It's my secret place to introspect and take key decisions. The blue waters offer an unmatched calmness. Also, Corniche is one place where we all friends catchup and play football. Lot many events are also held here."
Corniche offers something for people of all ages and the best part is that most of the amenities - be it parks, beaches, pathways and all - are free of cost to enjoy, explore and benefit.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com