MANILA, Philippines - Occupying more than 80 percent of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven principalities that make up the desert region between Oman and Saudi Arabia. Traveler-host Denise Keller visits the capital of the UAE, captivated by its undulating sand dunes and glittering skyscrapers, but finds out very quickly that the clichés of opulence and largesse belie a confident and hospitable city proud of its traditional identity.
PASSAGE TO ABU DHABI captures Denise’s journey through this cosmopolitan desert dreamscape in two exciting episodes. Meet the fascinating characters that thrive and satisfy their thirst for amazing experiences and opportunities when PASSAGE TO ABU DHABI: premieres in two parts on Monday, April 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, April 17 at 8:00 p.m on TLC.
The Gateway reveals an engaging portrait of a cosmopolitan city balancing tradition and modernity. Abu Dhabi’s flat desert landscape is dotted with architectural marvels that pay tribute to its sky-high ambitions.
As the largest mosque in the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is testament to this. Denise is enthralled by this epitome of timeless wonder, built by an international crew drawing design inspiration from Arab, Mughal and Moorish Islamic architecture.
She also visits Al-Ain, a popular summer destination for people looking to escape from the heat of the city. With its oases, lush greenery and cool, desert air, the Garden City of Abu Dhabi and its heritage icons welcome Denise with open arms. Taking the excitement level up a couple of notches, our gung ho host rides high on the fastest roller coaster in the world before descending into the massive celebrations of the UAE’s 40th National Day.
Barren and desolate for some but full of promise and opportunities for others, the desert is the traditional heartland of Abu Dhabi. In the second episode 360, Denise’s eyes are opened to the rich layers of culture and identity that make up Abu Dhabi’s DNA. Denise sets off to explore the romantic allure of the Rub al Khali desert or the ‘Empty Quarter’ as it is known poetically in the pages of literature. It is an inspiring journey that leads her into the fascinating world of falconry where she regales in the majestic bird's precision-driven flights. The horses of the Arabian Desert fascinate Denise and she spends some time with the local emirati getting know the close bond these magnificent animals share with their human masters. Denise's desert trek eventually leads her to the wildly jubilant Al Dhafra Camel Festival where camels vie for attention in what is a sensational camel beauty pageant in celebration of the true survivor of the desert.