There are many ways to see the capital, but a unique birds-eye vantage point of the city opens up a truly unique way to see the city. Abu Dhabi Week takes to the skies to explore
Written by Alex Jordaan
If a picture says a thousand words, then we think an aerial view probably says a million. And Falcon Aviation Services (FAS) offers the perfect way to say it all with a different perspective of the capital – all from the seat of a helicopter.
Our journey starts at the FAS heliport at Marina Mall where Angel, Jasmin and Sana, our customer service agents, make us feel at home. Along with the other passengers (the sightseeing Eurocopter EC130 helicopter carries six passengers up with the pilot) we head to the briefing room where the first order of business is to step up onto a weighing scale. The Eurocopter can carry 470kg; the weights are used to determine where one sits in the helicopter for optimum weight distribution.
After a briefing on safety and the explanation on the helicopter’s features, equipped with a portable inflatable life jacket looped around our waist, we make our way out to the helicopter to meet our pilot Peter Kelly.
Seatbelts fastened and headsets on (to communicate with the pilot and your fellow fliers) – we’re ready for lift off.
Doors securely closed, the rotors start whirring and then, with the slightest of starts, we’re gliding forward and up toward the iconic Abu Dhabi flagpole.
It’s less noisy that we imagined, and as soon as we’re in the air we realise it’s going to be a smooth and easy ride on the stomach. We’re gliding effortlessly in the air. And we love it.
Peter proves to be an excellent and knowledgeable pilot. Past the flag pole and out toward the city, Peter points out the Salam street construction where you can get a great idea of the sheer scale and long term vision of the development. We delight in pointing out our apartment blocks and spot our favourite coffee shops from above.
An aerial view of the city shows just how connected the mainland is with the Emirate’s many surrounding islands. Peter knows all the secret spots so he flies over remote palaces and interesting islands, all the while keeping an eye out for dolphins are a common sight just off the islands. Around the shallow Saadiyat waters, some sharp eyes spot the occasional stingray below.
Yas Island is another amazing sight to see from above. While Peter banks the helicopter effortlessly, we encircle the sprawling and striking red Ferrari World structure.
Next en-route we cruise past Al Raha Beach towards the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Along the way we pass over Khalifa City and Mussafah; the sheer number of villas and residential areas under construction a striking sight.
Peter descends and loops around the Grand Mosque so we can take it in from every angle. We’re so enthralled that our camera gets overlooked for simply admiring the 360 degree views from the nearest window. It’s worth noting that photography and video cameras are allowed although the aerial photography laws in Abu Dhabi prevent you from taking lenses above a certain magnification on board, so be sure to check with the customer service agents before you fly.
The 30 minute session flies by all too fast and after a fly over Emirates Palace via ADNEC and Capital Gate, we conclude our circular tour with a gentle landing at the heliport by Marina Mall.
Feet firmly back on the ground, we’re still buzzing from the experience. Perhaps the fact that Abu Dhabi is so vast, or the fact that so much development is currently shaping the Islands – or perhaps just being able to spy all your favourite spots from the air – the experience is exhilarating and truly one of a kind.
Whether you take the city in for the first time as a tourist, or choose to admire your home city from above, there’s perhaps no other way quite as stunning as an aerial view from a helicopter.
Sightseeing tours can be taken on an individual or exclusive basis. Prices start from AED 490 per person. Information: 02 444 0007 | email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
