Dragon boating promotes sportsmanship, team spirit, friendship, fun and advocates a healthy lifestyle, Posa said.

Food and drink, from the hotel's seven restaurants, contribute about 40 percent of the hotel's total revenue. The all-day dining option is the most popular among local guests and includes both local and international dishes buffet style.

Fifty-five years ago, Abu Dhabi had a population of 15,000 people. Everyday life used to involve traditional Bedouin activities of camel herding, small-scale agriculture and pearl trading.

By 2013, the city was home to 921,000 people. As the largest of the seven United Arab Emirate members, Abu Dhabi is the second most populous city and political and cultural center in the UAE. It covers more than 85 percent of the country's total landmass, including 700 kilometers of coastline and 200 offshore islands.

In 1958, oil was discovered in the city and during the following 40 years Abu Dhabi became a wealthy metropolis filled with gardens and skyscrapers.

The city is now identifying, developing and launching sustainable projects that capitalize on its natural resources while preserving the environment.

Priority was given not only to future development but also to rediscovering the past through archaeology, the restoration of buildings and museums and establishing indigenous wildlife parks.

(China Daily 01/31/2015 page10)