The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, entices less attention than its neighbor, the glitzy and booming city, Dubai. Nevertheless, Abu Dhabi happens to be actually wealthier than Dubai and has watched its progress prudently, with an emphasis on the arts and the preservation of the city’s inheritance.
Abu Dhabi is one of the main cities of the United Arab Emirates. Visiting Abu Dhabi is a step not to be missed during a trip to the Emirates.
In the shadow of Dubai, tourism is also growing in Abu Dhabi. The city does not lack places of interest and assets to attract the traveler, like the famous Sheikh Zayed mosque, which is the most beautiful mosque in the country. So, if you are looking forward to making plans for an Arabian holiday. Without any doubt, book emirates reservations in any class and save up to 40% on one-way & round trips on every flight. Scroll down and check out the awesome things to do while in Abu Dhabi:
Enjoy tea and the view at this hotel
The Emirates Palace Hotel is a destination in itself. This spectacular billion-dollar building is not only a hotel but also a sight to behold. The palace is located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche and offers stunning views of the city from the 910-meter Etihad Towers. The expansive grounds, private beaches, and ornate interiors will take your breath away. To complete the view, treat yourself to a 24-karat gold tea or cappuccino at the Emirates Palace Hotel. Sip that hot beverage while enjoying freshly prepared delights such as scones, sandwiches, and cakes in the unmistakable atmosphere of the hotel’s tea room.
Explore this ancient green seat of power
Al Ain, east of Abu Dhabi, is the historic seat of the sheiks and the birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Al Ain, also known as the “Garden City” for its greenery, is the most traditional of the major cities in the United Arab Emirates and is a popular place to visit in the summer due to its low humidity. The Al Ain Oasis, which covers over 1,200 hectares and is home to over 147,000 date palms, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Immerse yourself in this center of art and culture
Saadiyat Island is located about 500 meters off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The island is still under construction, but it is destined to become the beating heart of the emirate, as well as the artistic and cultural center of the United Arab Emirates. Although the island won’t be completed in its entirety until 2023, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, is already attracting a large following. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum tells the story of humanity through 600 works of art and artifacts from around the world.
Stand in awe of this extravagant mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque happens to be a must-see milestone that never fails to impress. Its perfect white marble walls and refined domes welcome all visitors to the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Open to non-Muslims, the mosque is the eighth largest in the world and features chandeliers gilded with 24-carat gold, the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world, and 82 domes supported by more than 1,000 columns. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees to enter. Men may be asked to wear a pandora while women will have to wear a Shayla and an abaya to enter the mosque. Visitors will need around two hours to explore this majestic palace to do it justice.
Ferrari World
The Ferrari World is an amusement park located in the Yas Marina, not far from the Formula 1 circuit of the same name. And as its name suggests, this amusement park is placed under the theme of the Ferrari car brand. Also known as the Ferrari Experience, the park claims to be the largest indoor park in the world at over eight hectares in area. The park has Formula Rossa, the roller coaster course that has set the world speed record on a roller coaster with a top speed of 240 km/h.
Get your heart pumping on Yas Island
Visiting Yas Island, the Island of Entertainment, is one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi. Home to numerous theme parks and attractions, the island also hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year. Thrill-seekers and families are sure to head to Ferrari World, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster. If you’re still craving speed, the nearby Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit will help you with that. You’ll feel like a Formula 1 driver as you prepare to take a lap in the driver’s seat of a real racing car.
A desert safari
If you have the opportunity to visit Abu Dhabi, do not hesitate to do a Safari in the desert. Here, the principle is different from a safari in the savannah since the passengers go on an adventure aboard a van in the desert to drive on the dunes, attend belly dance, take pictures of the Sunset above the desert, or surf the dunes.
Conclusion
With its gleaming skyscrapers, high-end luxury hotels, majestic mosques, dreamy beaches, falcons, Ferraris, and Formula 1, Abu Dhabi’s attractions have long since overshadowed Dubai, but are an attractive vacation destination in their own right in the Arabian Peninsula. So, start planning a holiday with AirlinesMap and enjoy the best experience you ever make. Bon Voyage!