The Andaz Capital Gate building is a landmark that residents in Abu Dhabi have surely passed by hundreds of times over the years.
Leaning at an angle of 18 degrees, the 35-storey building holds the Guinness World Record as the farthest man-made leaning building in the world, with a design inspired by the dunes of the desert and waves of the Arabian Gulf.
Part of the Hyatt Group, the Andaz brand is known for its vibrant properties that encourage connection with the local community. The National checked in for an overnight stay.
The welcome
Driving into Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi — a Concept by Hyatt, to give the hotel its full name, we are greeted warmly by the staff at the entrance. After parking our car, we are escorted to the 18th floor, where the check-in desk is located. The lower levels of the tower are home to several offices with the hotel commanding a prime position from levels 18 to 33. A bustling lobby awaits as we exit the lift, and colourful calligraphy works by Iraqi artist Wissam Shawkat instantly catch our eye.
We head to the Andaz Lounge to complete our check-in where an array of refreshing drinks, Arabic coffee and moreish dates gives guests a local welcome.
The process is quick and we soon have our room keys in hand.
The neighbourhood
A landmark in itself in Abu Dhabi, the hotel is located on Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Andaz Capital Gate is a mere five minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, about a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport and about the same from some of the city's other major landmarks including Emirates Palace and Qasr Al Watan. Despite its city location, many of the rooms come with views over the water.
The room
We stay in a spacious deluxe room on the 26th floor, which has a very comfortable and plush king-size bed that faces a giant television. The floors are carpeted and the room is drenched in sunlight thanks to a floor-to-ceiling glass wall. A desk and chair sit in the corner of the room overlooking the city and the sea beyond, and it's a good place to get some work completed if needs must.
A little wardrobe area is tucked away in another corner, where there's also space for luggage. There's a mini bar, with a good selection of teas and coffees on offer.
Featuring muted tones, the room has several interesting Arabic touches — from the cursive calligraphy on the wall to the mashrabya patterned stationary and coasters. A large standalone bathtub overlooking the sea is a main feature of the room's sizeable bathroom, which also has a separate shower area and vanity space.
Labelled light switches by the bedside are convenient — there's nothing worse than battling with a confusing lighting system — as is a small remote control that allows guests to open and close curtains in the bedroom and bathroom without having to move.
There's a beautiful colourful embroidered robe hanging in our room with a note saying it has been designed especially for the hotel by designer Essa Walla. Available in 10 colours, guests are free to don the "loungewear" while staying in the hotel, and if they take a strong liking to it, it's available to buy for Dh900 from the hotel's on-site shop.
The service
Warm, friendly and incredibly helpful. The staff at both breakfast and dinner were also very accommodating with dietary requirements.
The food
Cyan, the French-Arabic brassiere at the property is the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The name comes from the colour that is a mix of blue and green — blue representing the French “le bleu” and green, from the colour of Arabian olive trees. The menu also blends cuisines from both these regions, offering choices that add playful twists to traditional offerings. The restaurant also features an open kitchen in the centre, allowing diners to watch their food being prepared.
The buffet-style breakfast has plenty of options — from breads, pastries and croissants, to cheeses, cold cuts, fresh fruits and yoghurts. Meat options include Turkish sujuk with eggs, chicken sausages and beef bacon, while vegetarians can enjoy foul with toppings, veggie spring rolls, roasted potatoes and more. Made-to-order eggs are available as are sweet options such as waffles, pancakes and chia bowls.
In the afternoon, Cyan offers a business lunch during weekdays, and on Saturdays and Sundays, diners can either opt for the weekend menu, or order a la carte. Between lunch and dinner, there are teas, coffees and a selection of pastries available.
For dinner, we try the set menu, which offers guests a choice of two or three courses from a starting price of Dh120 on weekdays, with a dip in prices at the weekend.
The tomato tart starter, grilled Angus strip loin and a delicious chocolate tart were our favourites in each of the courses, which we enjoyed seated at the terrace of 18 Degrees, the hotel's bar. Perfect for the cooler months, the outdoor area with dim lighting and soft music is ideal for a quiet dinner with your partner or friends.
For speciality coffee and pastries, head to 165 Below on the ground floor. The cafe is run in partnership with local Cafe Artea, which serves speciality brews.
Andaz Lounge on the 18th floor is another option for beverages, desserts and light bites.
The scene
The desert is the inspiration for the property’s Rayana Spa, where soothing beige colours dominate the space, including in the treatment rooms which have desert-inspired plants and a ceiling designed to resemble a starry sky.
Guests can choose their own oil, with therapists offering several options including rose, lemongrass and stress-busting scents. For an extremely relaxing experience, try the Rayana massage.
Andaz Capital Gate has a fully equipped gym, where you can hit your cardio goals while enjoying stellar views of the Arabian Sea.
On the 19th floor, the hotel has the highest suspended pool in Abu Dhabi and offers amazing city views. Lined with loungers, it was quiet when we visited and is the ideal place to relax for a few hours. There's also a colourful indoor space if you need to escape the sun.
A Latin tapas bar that opened in 2020 and halted operations during the pandemic has reopened, offering poolside drinks and light bites.
There is a big focus on local art at the property, with several works by local and regional names including eL Seed, Shawkat, Badr Abbas and Abdulla Lutfi. Art lovers take note — the ground floor is currently being refurbished to be opened next year as a gallery.
Highs and lows
Our meal at 18 Degrees terrace was a big plus — the views are extraordinary, the ambience is cosy yet intimate and the food from Cyan was absolutely delicious.
The insider tip
The Pulse book in the hotel lobby is a great idea. This huge tome is packed with 100 hidden gems, things to do and places to go in Abu Dhabi, all recommended by previous travellers and ideal if you're looking for some inspiration for a day out.
If you sign up for the World of Hyatt loyalty programme, you'll earn five points for every dollar you spend at the hotel — and all other Hyatt properties. These points can be used to book spa treatments, pay for room upgrades, meals or even an overnight stay. The World of Hyatt app allows you to keep track of your points, and how many you need to book an award.
The verdict
A fantastic place to stay if you are coming to Abu Dhabi to explore the city and want to feel a connection with the local community. It's worth noting that while families are welcome, there's no children's club nor any children's menus on offer.
The bottom line
Rates at Andaz Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi start at Dh450, plus taxes, for a standard room. Check-in is from 3pm and checkout is at noon. More information is available at hyatt.com
This review was conducted at the invitation of the hotel.
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO
Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday
Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of policy
Term life insurance: this is the cheapest and most-popular form of life cover. You pay a regular monthly premium for a pre-agreed period, typically anything between five and 25 years, or possibly longer. If you die within that time, the policy will pay a cash lump sum, which is typically tax-free even outside the UAE. If you die after the policy ends, you do not get anything in return. There is no cash-in value at any time. Once you stop paying premiums, cover stops.
Whole-of-life insurance: as its name suggests, this type of life cover is designed to run for the rest of your life. You pay regular monthly premiums and in return, get a guaranteed cash lump sum whenever you die. As a result, premiums are typically much higher than one term life insurance, although they do not usually increase with age. In some cases, you have to keep up premiums for as long as you live, although there may be a cut-off period, say, at age 80 but it can go as high as 95. There are penalties if you don’t last the course and you may get a lot less than you paid in.
Critical illness cover: this pays a cash lump sum if you suffer from a serious illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Some policies cover as many as 50 different illnesses, although cancer triggers by far the most claims. The payout is designed to cover major financial responsibilities such as a mortgage or children’s education fees if you fall ill and are unable to work. It is cost effective to combine it with life insurance, with the policy paying out once if you either die or suffer a serious illness.
Income protection: this pays a replacement income if you fall ill and are unable to continue working. On the best policies, this will continue either until you recover, or reach retirement age. Unlike critical illness cover, policies will typically pay out for stress and musculoskeletal problems such as back trouble.
Notable salonnières of the Middle East through history
Al Khasan (Okaz, Saudi Arabia)
Tamadir bint Amr Al Harith, known simply as Al Khasan, was a poet from Najd famed for elegies, earning great renown for the eulogy of her brothers Mu’awiyah and Sakhr, both killed in tribal wars. Although not a salonnière, this prestigious 7th century poet fostered a culture of literary criticism and could be found standing in the souq of Okaz and reciting her poetry, publicly pronouncing her views and inviting others to join in the debate on scholarship. She later converted to Islam.
Maryana Marrash (Aleppo)
A poet and writer, Marrash helped revive the tradition of the salon and was an active part of the Nadha movement, or Arab Renaissance. Born to an established family in Aleppo in Ottoman Syria in 1848, Marrash was educated at missionary schools in Aleppo and Beirut at a time when many women did not receive an education. After touring Europe, she began to host salons where writers played chess and cards, competed in the art of poetry, and discussed literature and politics. An accomplished singer and canon player, music and dancing were a part of these evenings.
Princess Nazil Fadil (Cairo)
Princess Nazil Fadil gathered religious, literary and political elite together at her Cairo palace, although she stopped short of inviting women. The princess, a niece of Khedive Ismail, believed that Egypt’s situation could only be solved through education and she donated her own property to help fund the first modern Egyptian University in Cairo.
Mayy Ziyadah (Cairo)
Ziyadah was the first to entertain both men and women at her Cairo salon, founded in 1913. The writer, poet, public speaker and critic, her writing explored language, religious identity, language, nationalism and hierarchy. Born in Nazareth, Palestine, to a Lebanese father and Palestinian mother, her salon was open to different social classes and earned comparisons with souq of where Al Khansa herself once recited.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
World Cricket League Division 2
In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.
UAE fixtures
Thursday, February 8 v Kenya; Friday, February 9 v Canada; Sunday, February 11 v Nepal; Monday, February 12 v Oman; Wednesday, February 14 v Namibia; Thursday, February 15 final
more from Janine di Giovanni
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
The specs: 2018 Ducati SuperSport S
Price, base / as tested: Dh74,900 / Dh85,900
Engine: 937cc
Transmission: Six-speed gearbox
Power: 110hp @ 9,000rpm
Torque: 93Nm @ 6,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.9L / 100km
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – FINAL RECKONING
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg
Rating: 4/5
PSL FINAL
Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi
8pm, Thursday
Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
At a glance
Global events: Much of the UK’s economic woes were blamed on “increased global uncertainty”, which can be interpreted as the economic impact of the Ukraine war and the uncertainty over Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Growth forecasts: Cut for 2025 from 2 per cent to 1 per cent. The OBR watchdog also estimated inflation will average 3.2 per cent this year
Welfare: Universal credit health element cut by 50 per cent and frozen for new claimants, building on cuts to the disability and incapacity bill set out earlier this month
Spending cuts: Overall day-to day-spending across government cut by £6.1bn in 2029-30
Tax evasion: Steps to crack down on tax evasion to raise “£6.5bn per year” for the public purse
Defence: New high-tech weaponry, upgrading HM Naval Base in Portsmouth
Housing: Housebuilding to reach its highest in 40 years, with planning reforms helping generate an extra £3.4bn for public finances
TICKETS
For tickets for the two-day Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) event, entitled Dubai Invasion 2019, on September 27 and 28 go to www.meraticket.com.
Scoreline
Al Wasl 1 (Caio Canedo 90 1')
Al Ain 2 (Ismail Ahmed 3', Marcus Berg 50')
Red cards: Ismail Ahmed (Al Ain) 77'
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
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match info
Union Berlin 0
Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')
Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results
2.30pm: Dubai Creek Tower – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m; Winner: Marmara Xm, Gary Sanchez (jockey), Abdelkhir Adam (trainer)
3pm: Al Yasmeen – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: AS Hajez, Jesus Rosales, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.30pm: Al Ferdous – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Soukainah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
4pm: The Crown Prince Of Sharjah – Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: AF Thayer, Ray Dawson, Ernst Oertel
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup – Handicap (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: George Villiers, Antonio Fresu, Bhupat Seemar
5pm: Palma Spring – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Es Abu Mousa, Antonio Fresu, Abubakar Daud
