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To Abu Dhabi
Plan your trip to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, the capital and second-largest city of the United Arab Emirates, is an island that floats in the Persian Gulf, surrounded by other smaller islands. Even so, in recent years it has been at the top of the list of destinations in the Arab peninsula, offering visitors tourism facilities of a high standard.
Abu Dhabi is one of the most expensive cities in the world and it’s no accident that it’s known as the Las Vegas of the East. In this city, you will see just what luxury means. It has avoided the trap fallen into by Dubai, with its rampant luxury and futuristic cityscape, and Abu Dhabi has instead found a balance between modern architecture and traditional mosques, maintaining its traditions yet at the same time investing much in contemporary culture.
Visit the city that has become synonymous with opulence by booking your tickets with Olympic Air.
Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. Built entirely in white marble, the mosque is dedicated to Sheikh Zayed, the country’s first and longest-serving president. His body is buried next to the mosque. Details in goldwork and precious stones adorn this remarkable building, the sight of which is breathtaking, especially in the evening hours. In the main prayer hall, you can see the world’s largest carpet and the world’s largest chandelier, gilded with 24-carat gold! This is the only mosque in the UAE that can be visited by non-Muslims and it is considered the most important attraction of Abu Dhabi, as well as being one of the 10 greatest attractions in the World.
Address: 2nd Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, www.szgmc.ae
Visit Saadiyat Island (Happiness Island), which aims to become the largest cultural hub in the world. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located here (www.louvreabudhabi.ae), while under construction is the Zayed National Museum, which will be dedicated to the history of the region and the sheikh who unified the Arab Emirates (www.zayednationalmuseum.ae). Also currently being built is the “Guggenheim of the East” ( www.guggenheimabudhabi.ae), which has been designed by the architect Frank Gehry and which aims to become the largest platform for contemporary art in the world.
The reconstructed traditional village, which has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. Here you can view mud houses, the irrigation system used by the civilisation that lived here in antiquity, a traditional mosque and a covered market, while you can take part in workshops about the traditional professions (ironmonger, potter, weaver).
Address: Near Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - Breakwater Rd - Abu Dhabi.
The Qasr al-Hosn, the oldest stone building in the city, is a symbol of the foundation of the emirates and was the old palace of the Sheikh in Abu Dhabi. Inside, you can learn all about the history of Abu Dhabi, and the country’s traditions and culture. Entrance is free.
Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St (2nd St) - Abu Dhabi.
If you have children, it is worth taking a visit to the Yas Waterworld on the artificial Yas island. With over 40 water slides and other activities that get the adrenaline pumping, as well as shops and restaurants, young and old will be left happy. This is a cooling experience that will relieve you from the heat – temperatures in Abu Dhabi are red hot, even during the so-called winter months – and it is something that the kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
Address: https://www.yaswaterworld.com/en Yas Island.
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Relax in the Corniche (Corniche Road) of Abu Dhabi. In the idyllic coastal promenade, apart from dips into the turquoise waters, you can go for a bicycle ride or walk, and dine while gazing onto the horizon.
A safari or camel ride in the desert! The most popular activities in the desert are to have your photograph taken with the tame falcons and get a henna tattoo. Try them both!
Hit the gas on the “Mecca of speed”! Visit the world of Ferrari at the first theme park dedicated to the famous Italian company. Here you will be able to drive legendary Ferraris, climb into the famous rollercoaster that travels at speeds of 120 km per hour and taste Italian delicacies. The Formula 1 Yas Marina Circuit track which hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and various other events is located on Yas Island. Book a seat and enjoy a unique ride on the circuit, either as a driver or as a passenger.
Information: https://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en
Since you are on Yas Island, you must take a look at the ode to opulence that is the world-famous Emirates Palace, the only 7-star hotel in the world and the most expensive hotel in the UAE. Address: West Corniche Road.
Entertainment in Abu Dhabi
Most bars and clubs are located inside the hotels and along the coastal Corniche. If you are looking for something more traditional, then choose an Arabic nightclub with a belly dancing show.
Enjoy the authentic Arabic cuisine, where the many spices, nuts and dried fruits blend harmoniously with vegetables and meat (chicken or lamb). Cinnamon, saffron and turmeric are the favourite spices here, while each dinner is concluded with an aromatic Middle Eastern baklava and an Arabic coffee.
Shopping
If you love fragrances that stir memories of the East as well as gold jewellery, then you will be in heaven!
Abu Dhabi has many glamorous shops and large shopping malls, the best-known being the Abu Dhabi Mall with 200 shops, the Fotouh Al Khair Centre, which contains some of the biggest names in international fashion, but also Marina Mall, with its 100-metre tower and stunningly beautiful view.
A wander through the many souks, the city’s open-air markets, should not be missed. Here, you will find everything from handmade souvenirs, textiles and food to high fashion. Do not leave Abu Dhabi without having first packed some Middle Eastern sweets and dates into your suitcase.
Getting from the airport to Abu Dhabi
After landing in the capital of UAE, you can take one of the six bus lines to the city. In approximately 45 minutes you will be downtown and ready to explore it.
Alternatively, you can take a taxi or hire a car. The car rental agencies that are located in the airport (open 24 hours a day) offer great bargains and solutions to suit your budget.
Useful tip: Avoid visiting Abu Dhabi during Ramadan as you will not be able to eat during the day. Moreover, during the month of Ramadan many businesses close early. Be careful also with alcohol consumption (it is not permitted outside of the hotels), and with public displays of affection with your partner as someone might report you and you will get into trouble.