While in Abu Dhabi we were working on a software implementation at a power station located about 250 Kms from the city, basically a drive straight into the desert for 2 1/2 hours! I love the UAE and enjioy staying in Abu Dhabi itself for the sheer opulence that you find yourself surrounded with, so I was a little miffed about having to stay out in the dessert in an area where the only hotel is a little run down and rough around the edges. On arrival however I was pleasantly surprised to discover that we had actually been booked into a new hotel in the area... the Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna.
There is not much in the area except for a power station, an oil refinery and a housing complex for the 6000 employees and... this wonderful resort. The hotel has a private, white-sand beach, a large outdoor pool and tropical gardens plus all the usual things you would expect from a 5 star resort.
It is a lovely place, the staff very accommodating and friendly, the 5 restaurants and bars open 24/7 and the well appointed bedrooms were all very much to my taste and conformed to the levels of comfort that I have come to expect from the UAE. But I did wonder why anyone would actually stay there rather than in the city itself - it turns out that people seeking an oasis of peace and tranquility away from city life but with all the home comforts are regular visitors. Also if you happen to be driving between the UAE and Saudi Arabia then this hotel is a good midway stop over point.
