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Abu Dhabi is very much a 21st century city, with futuristic glass office towers and a forest of neon signs, but it was a very different place before oil was discovered in 1958. Bedouins made their living fishing, farming, hunting, and trading, working hard to survive off the meager resources of the frequently parched land. Today, visitors hoping for a glimpse of pre-boom Abu Dhabi need only stop by Emirates Heritage Village, an ethnographic museum dedicated to preserving the traditional lifestyle of Abu Dhabi and the other Emirates. Located at the Breakwater of Abu Dhabi City, the village contains a variety of structures and artifacts common to Bedouin communities, ranging from mud-brick houses and Bedouin tents to a mosque and central market where life's essentials were bought and sold. Wander into the metalworking shop, where artisans create pots, pans, and gardening implements using the most basic tools, or try your hand at pottery and weaving. Enjoy the aroma of the spice shop, where flavors from around the world were traded. Stop by the museum, with its rich display of Emirate jewelry, weaponry, and art. But don't leave without visiting the Hili Gardens, a collection of thousand year old tombs lined with palm trees, grasses, and flowers. As impressive as Abu Dhabi is today, it's not hard to see the beauty in its past as well. Starwood has five properties in Abu Dhabi, including the impressive new Aloft Abu Dhabi.

[image via Visit Abu Dhabi]

From the windows of the Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel, Abu Dhabi, views of the Persian Gulf allure. An undulating ribbon of coastline unfurls along aquamarine waters, backed by a gleaming skyline of dazzling skyscrapers. One of the prime places to enjoy the beauty of that majestic scenery is just steps away, at the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Just across from the boulevard that runs the length of the coast, a long, picturesque promenade extends for nearly six kilometers. Fountains and gardens create an Eden-like atmosphere all along the paved stretch, adding dashes of natural splendor for those out for a morning stroll, jog, skate or bike ride. Once you've had your fill of open-air activities, take a plunge in those tranquil Gulf waters. A two-kilometer beach offers a long stretch of soft white sands. Dry off beneath the shade of one of 170 umbrellas, and get ready to dance to the music of Lebanese pop stars, Dubai DJs, South African folk bands, and more. Free concerts are set to take place on the beach October 27-31.