Cargo, More and more people are sending their luggage ahead of them nowadays. I know at Heathrow there are several unaccompanied luggage booths in each terminal and I have seen them in phone books as well. I suggest you weigh the amount you will be sending, the number of pieces and call these shippers and ask a price quote. So many people are always shipping things to Oz from the UK ,the price must not be too prohibitive. I would do the shipping at least a week in advance if possible so you can be assured that your luggage is at your destination. If your flight stops, other that Abu Dhabi do not involve a change of aircraft, that portion should be safe if you elect to check it in. Good luck to you!!