1 Louvre Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi will achieve its biggest cultural milestone with the opening of the $1billion Louvre museum at the Saadiyat Cultural District. The Jean Nouvel-designed iconic structure poised between sand and sea encompass 9,200 square metres of art galleries, and will exhibit artefacts spanning several centuries and continents.
2 Onwani address system in Al Ain, western region
Following in the footsteps of Abu Dhabi, soon Al Ain and the Western region will also implement the unified address system, Onwani. Under this system all thoroughfares will be renamed and buildings given unique QR codes, which can be scanned using smart devices.
3 New ‘Flying Aces’ ride at Ferrari World
This is for the Daredevils! Ferrari world will have a new record-breaking ride with the opening of ‘Flying Aces.’ The 1.5 kilometre roller coaster will have the world’s largest roller coaster loop and steepest incline. Flying Aces is due to open in January.
4 Security cameras in Abu Dhabi taxis
All Abu Dhabi taxis will have security cameras. The new monitoring system is expected to make cab rides safer and help curb abusive behaviour by passengers and drivers.
5 Adaptable radars
High-tech adaptable radars which can adjust speed limits according to weather, traffic and road conditions will be watching you on Abu Dhabi roads. Variable message signs will warn drivers when they should adjust their speed and adaptable radars will catch those who fail to comply.
6 Seven new schools
2016 could be a stress-free year for Abu Dhabi parents as five Indian schools (Ryan International School, Global Indian International School, Gems United Indian School, International Indian school and Shining Star International School) open besides two international schools by Aldar Academies.
7 Ferry service expansion
Abu Dhabi’s newly-launched Jalboot ferry service that covers 100km of waterway will expand its fleet. Currently, the service is available from 2pm to 9.30pm from Abu Dhabi mall, Yas Marina, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Etihad Towers.
8 New five-star hotels
The capital city will have two more five-star hotels to add to its hospitality crown in 2016. InterContinental Abu Dhabi Grand Marina will be a 184-room waterfront property located next to the existing InterContinental hotel and the 35- storey Four Seasons Hotel will open in Al Maryah Island by the first quarter of 2016.
9 12 pedestrian bridges
Abu Dhabi roads will get safer for pedestrians as the city will get 12 new pedestrian bridges. Abu Dhabi municipality will construct overpasses in busy areas like Sultan Bin Zayed First Street, Abu Dhabi Al Ain Road, Dubai Motorway, Mussaffah Road and in front of Khalidiya Mall.
10 Etihad’s Dreamliner Boeing 787-9s on five new routes
Abu Dhabi’s national airline Etihad will fly its Boeing 787-9s on five new routes starting with Abu Dhabi-Duesseldorf from May followed by Perth in June, Shanghai and Istanbul from August and Johannesburg from November.
