experienci*ng AD

My experience of Abu Dhabi indicates an underlying wealth of difference between the capital and Dubai, and my examples are solely in terms of customer service.

Telephone conversation with major airline:

The employee (although friendly) was simply unable to provide facts like an e-library, which is what any competent sales rep should be able to do.

What's the flight schedule? Obviously reading off a table with checkmarks, mistakes had to be corrected whilst confirming days: not impressive. And a few other hiccups...not unexpected, but good job all-around, especially from an airline with more than 4 classes on board! (the call was answered pronto - must accredit them with that)

@ a private hospital:

The ladies' waiting area was near the gent's room (!). AC was bad: add that to my qualms. Does one really need to a) walk through an ICU to get to a GP; b)listen to nurses' exchanges about patients' complaints in the waiting room?

@ a favourite restaurant:

It was near closing time but our order was taken. As the starters arrived, we were informed grilled food was no longer available so we re-ordered accordingly. The waiter later arrived to confirm no main courses were available, whatsoever. I return tomorrow.

My Abu Dhabi experience ends on a high note. A car hit mine whilst parked, and I discovered the offender had left his insurance details.

Can I say "only in Abu Dhabi"? Yes: "Abu Dhabi Rising".