My favourite thing about travel is its potential to surprise. Stepping outside an airport's sliding doors into a brand new destination, you never quite know what you're going to find.
Last week, I visited Abu Dhabi for the first time. I knew little about the UAE's largest Emirate before Iarrived and assumed it would be much like Dubai, all big, brash buildings and overstated luxury.
Yes, there are definite displays of unbelievable wealth, but I found there was a lot more to Abu Dhabi than I first gave it credit for, and it quickly made a positive impression on me.
My preconceived ideas were that it would be overly conservative, unwelcoming to Westerners, and an unpleasant place for female travellers. I couldn't have been more wrong.
There are close to 200 nationalities residing in Abu Dhabi, with Emiratis making up only 20 per cent of the population. I met expats from Britain, the US, Pakistan, Serbia, France, the Netherlands, Morocco — and of course a few Kiwis thrown in for good measure.
When asked what they liked about living there, all the expats said a similar thing — it's a safe, welcoming place for all.
Speaking on last Wednesday's International Day of Tolerance, Minister of State for Tolerance Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi said "every day is a Tolerance Day" for the people of Abu Dhabi. The Government makes concerted efforts to sustain and encourage respect for all people, all year round, and has even launched a National Programme for Tolerance to continue the good work.
May I respectfully suggest the US President-elect takes some notes?
