Baltic Outlook January 2019 | Page 92

SPECIAL / January SPECIAL / January Words by Anda Kārkliņa (andasstuff.lv) Photos by Kristaps Kārkliņš BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL THE Its many parks bring to mind lush oases in the desert, while the long list of starchitects linked to its new structures is certain to impress. Abu Dhabi is the perfect city break if you’re looking to escape winter. Heritage Village provides a unique opportunity to become acquainted with the relatively recent history of Abu Dhabi, when this part of the Persian Gulf coast was mostly inhabited by pearl divers who had learned to survive in the harsh, hot climate and capricious natural environment. The city’s mighty skyscrapers, for their part, symbolise the admirable determination and powerful vision of the monarchs, who generously invested the income from their country’s natural resources to develop culture and the urban environment. 90 / airBaltic.com Baltic Outlook / 2019 / 91