The Marina
T'is the outdoor season and we are here to embrace it. A week ago, the Asean Hive Community had a contest about boats. Abu Dhabi, being a coastal city, has lots of boats. Heck, in our last neighborhood, boats are in the parking lots instead of cars. LOL.
Hi-ho, hi-ho... off to the Marina we go...
I remembered we have not yet gone to the marina in Al Bateen, so that's where we went.
Marsa Al Bateen
Marsa Al Bateen is a project of ALDAR Properties that has developed a beautiful wharf for residents and visitors where we can enjoy the beautiful waterfront and other amenities.
I am not a regular in this area, so when we drove through, I did not know where to park. Only upon circling back did I notice that the parking area was there on my right side.
The parking is free for one hour upon presentation of proof that you dined at one of the restaurants/cafes inside. Well, I did not read the board at the parking entrance properly - I thought it was free parking for the first hour. We left after 30 minutes without buying anything, so I ended up paying AED 25 ($7). Awts.
There is this beautiful covered pathway with trees lining the sides that provide a sheltered walk during a sunny day and just a leisurely walk all in all.
There are several restaurants and coffee shops with lots of local and expat patrons there even in a weekday afternoon.
We were not there to dine, but to look for boats for the challenge. The kids were not as excited as I was to enjoy the beautiful sight, so we turned around and crossed the road to get to the other side.
While walking, we couldn't help but notice this building - the ALDAR sales office. It has colorful graffiti on its exterior walls. Pretty.
Welcome to Marsa Al Bateen
There were more coffee shops and restaurants on the opposite side and more wooden benches to sit on while enjoying the view.
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There is this frame that's clearly for taking some photos. My companions were busy playing in the kids' area, so I just took a photo with the Etihad Towers in view.
If it were not for this kids' play area, then I would have had grumpy companions already. LOL.
So while the kids were busy at the play area, I went on to take pictures of the boats at the dock.
There are still lots of areas we did not explore -- it was getting late and we still needed to do grocery shopping, and whew, we did not have lunch yet. No wonder my bosses were grumpy.
The place shouts luxury anywhere I looked, but it still has a warm and inviting vibe. I'd love to come back soon when we're more ready and could spend more time and enjoy maybe an evening view.
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