Abu Dhabi Corniche

This guide to the Abu Dhabi Corniche opens at the record-breaking flagpole on its breakwater, raised in November 2001 to mark the UAE's thirtieth National Day, and follows the rivalry with Jordan that came for its title within two years. It traces the reclaimed land beneath your feet back to the dhows that once anchored offshore before Mina Zayed's port existed. A tip: look past the flag at the cycling paths and beach that used to be open water.