A JEWEL IN THE DESERT
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is an exciting city to visit. It is the richest of the 7 Emirates, and the largest in land size.
I have travelled here twice and both times have been overwhelmed by the extreme opulence and grandeur of this jewel in the desert.
The city has developed rapidly in just 50 years, from being little more than just a small village in the desert. The entire city is well planned with all the modern infrastructure. Truly amazing!
Here are just some of the reasons why you must see Abu Dhabi.
Amazing Architecture
The Abu Dhabi skyline features ultra-modern skyscrapers, heritage buildings and cultural monuments to admire.
The amazing architecture is reason enough for visiting Abu Dhabi. Here I’ll mention a few structures to look out for.
Etihad Towers
Firstly, the 5 tower complex known as the Etihad Towers are the tallest buildings in the city. One has an observation deck, which gives you panoramic views of the city and beaches.
Capital Gate
The Capital Gate building is the entrance to the city of Abu Dhabi. The startling feature about the structure is not only its curvaceous design, but the fact that it was built leaning at 18 degrees, which is more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Hence, this skyscraper is known as the Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Speaking of stunning architecture, this will surely excite you. We all know the Louvre Museum in Paris, but now there is another, called the Louvre Abu Dhabi, located on Saadiyat Island.
Designed by a french architect, it took 10 years to complete and opened in 2017. A huge floating dome structure, with water surrounding it, called the Museum in the Sea.
It houses eastern and western art, but many pieces are loaned from the Louvre Paris.
Luxury Hotels
If you want a luxury stay, you’ve come to the right place. There is a plethora of luxury hotels in Abu Dhabi for you to choose from. Two I’ve had the pleasure of staying at are the Sofitel, a very luxurious skyscraper with spacious rooms, situated on the Corniche overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The other is the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, which has expansive views of the golf course and balcony access. Both hotels were sensational and have everything you could want for a fabulous stay.
Then I discovered the cream of the crop, the Emirates Palace Hotel. Wow! This place blew my mind. It is by far the most opulent hotel I have ever seen and I really, really, need to stay here next time I come to Abu Dhabi.
An iconic landmark of the city and one of the most expensive hotels in the world. The building is over a kilometre long and the decor inside has marble, gold, mother of pearl and Swarovski crystals. Absolutely over the top, but stunning. A true jewel in the desert.
Rooms in this gorgeous 5 star palace hotel start from (United Arab Emirates Dirham) AED 2000, which is approximately AUD $770 per night. Bargain, right?
Gold ATM
Have you ever heard of a ‘gold’ ATM machine? Yep, it’s not a typo. At this Emirates Hotel there is an ATM machine that gives out gold bullions and gold coins! It was the first one in the world to be installed in 2010. Now there are others around the world in luxury shopping malls and airports.
Grand Mosque
Another jaw dropping place to visit, which is open to the public and has free entry, is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Grand is an understatement. Ginormous is more like it. You really must see this Mosque. It’s one of the top attractions and one of the main reasons why you must see Abu Dhabi.
An absolutely magnificent structure made with materials sourced from all over the world including marble, gold, pearl and millions of crystals incorporated throughout the design. Workers and companies from many different countries were employed. It boasts the world’s biggest chandelier and the largest hand made carpet. I love the stark white, inside and out, with the gold embellishments.
Don’t miss seeing this Mosque.
Corniche Beachfront
The Corniche beachfront is pristine and absolutely immaculate. Manicured to precision, staff pick up anything slightly untoward on the sand and rake it regularly. It’s one of the cleanest beaches I’ve ever seen. Chairs and umbrellas are placed in perfect alignment. Private beaches are also available for a small charge, if you prefer.
There are beautiful cafes on the beach for you to enjoy too. It is very pretty here and the water is an unreal colour. It’s a great spot to hang out and I spent quite a few hours here.
A Desert Safari
There are several deserts in Abu Dhabi, the largest is the Empty Quarter.
On my first trip to Abu Dhabi I was talked into going on a Desert Safari. I was a little less than enthusiastic, not really knowing what it would entail, but agreed to do it. We were picked up from our hotel, taken to join a bunch of other poor unsuspecting folk, bundled into cross-country vehicles, and driven out to the middle of nowhere, literally, where there is nothing but sand as far as the eye can see. Immediately I panicked, as we could be left out here to die in 50°C heat! Ok, a bit overdramatic, I know.
Dunes
Then we were off, dune-bashing, with our thrill-seeker driver, who was out to scare the life out of me. Here in the desert, there are no road rules or police, so they can drive as mad as they want. The crazy desert thrashing went on for about an hour! I was hanging on for dear life, meanwhile everyone in the car was laughing at my distress, including my dear beloved.
Camel Farm
Finally, the dune-bashing came to a halt, thank goodness. We pulled up to a camel farm in the middle of this vast nothingness. By this stage I was feeling quite ill and hoarse from screaming. I started to feel a little better but was not interested in the camels.
After my stomach settled, I was encouraged to try a short camel ride, and what a hilarious experience that was. Little did I know that the camel has to sit down in a weird kneeling position for you to hop on and off, which I was not expecting, and nearly toppled over the front of its head. The ride itself was actually quite fun.
Dinner and A Show In The Desert
To finish off an exhilirating day, we were treated to a lovely outdoor dinner of local Arabian cuisine, including delicious sweets. Tables, cushions and carpets were set up on the sand, and a bellydancing show performed on stage in the middle. The dancer encouraged us to get up and participate in a bit of jelly-shaking.
There is something really special about being out in the desert at night. It’s surprisingly cool in the evening.
I also had Henna painting done and some people were enjoying the Shisha on offer. You can also partake in quad-bike riding and sand-boarding down the dunes.
Overall, I quite enjoyed the whole desert safari tour and thoroughly recommend it. It’s something we don’t normally get to experience. A first for me, that’s for sure.
Different tours vary in price, but expect to pay around A$100 per person for 5 hours.
Al Jahili Fort
Constructed of traditional mud-brick, Al Jahili is one of the largest forts in UAE. Also, it’s one of the very few historic monuments of the country.
You can visit the exhibits here and tour the fort, located over an hour from the city in Al Ain.
Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace
An impressive monument and important cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the palace to see some of the interior. Take a tour of Qasr Al Watan or visit on your own.
This majestic building houses the offices of the Emir of Abu Dhabi, offices of the UAE President, and welcomes VIP’s from around the world.
You’ll appreciate the magnificent Arabian architecture. Constructed of white granite and limestone, the building was completed in 2017.
Yas Island
Yas Island is the entertainment mecca, and one of the main destination attractions for families holidaying in Abu Dhabi, with no less than 4 theme parks to explore:
- Ferrari World, and Formula 1 circuit
- Waterworld
- Warner Bros World
- Sea World.
Snazzy Tips for Abu Dhabi
1. Photography – when taking photos, be aware of the rules in certain places. I found out the wrong way, told off by security for having my photo taken in front of the Grand Mosque. I believe the reason was because I was in unsuitable attire. Apparently, even Rihanna got in trouble when she was there a few years ago. However, men are allowed to be photographed in normal clothing.
2. Dress Code – It’s very important to avoid offending the locals and respect the customs by dressing conservatively, to be allowed entry into some sites. Check requirements beforehand, to avoid disappointment. For the Emirates Palace everyone must cover legs and arms, no shorts and no open shoes. The man I was with was given a Kandoura (an ankle length Arab garment) to wear because he had shorts on.
Similarly, to be allowed entry into the Grand Mosque, men are to wear long trousers and preferably long sleeves. Women are given a black Hijab to cover their hair and neck and a black Abaya to wear over their clothes. This is provided at the entrance in a changing area and is free, but you must leave them your ID, or driver’s license, not passport though, as a security deposit.
Finally
A land of contrasts and a fascinating city, with much to admire, and a whole host of things to see and do here. It really is a jewel in the desert.
You must see Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. It has something for everyone.
Related
More Snazzy Trips
-
The World’s Love Of Triumphal Arches
ICONIC MONUMENTS YOU SHOULD VISIT Travel allows you to witness many... -
Budapest Night Cruise On The Danube River
THE MOST AWESOME THING TO DO IN THE CITY A Budapest... -
Amazing Art At The Louvre
Must-See Masterpieces When in Paris, you must visit the Louvre Museum,... -
Monterosso Al Mare In Winter
A delightful 'Cinque Terre' Resort Along the coastline of Northern Italy,... -
The Enchanting Cloud Forest Dome And Flower Dome In Singapore
A GUIDE TO THESE UNMISSABLE ATTRACTIONS Ah Singapore! If you've read any...
22 Comments
I really appreciate the time and effort you put into this. It’s clear you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the subject.
Wow!This post is very informative and interesting. Thank you for sharing your expertise and tips!
You have me sold on wanting to visit. Never really been somewhere I have thought of visiting but after reading this post I really want to go
As a mom, I really appreciate the tips for family-friendly activities like Yas Island and the desert safari.
The skylines and insides of buildings in Abu Dhabi are so unique. This is an amazing place that I would love to visit and explore.
I totally agree that Abu Dhabi is truly a wonderful city to visit. Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences!
Abu Dhabi looks like a great place to visit. The architecture looks very interesting there!
My workouts are done by a guy from that area and the views are just beautiful.
I went to Abu Dhabi a few years ago and visited the Grand Mosque, Gorgeous Gorgeous Gorgeous…Abu Dhabi changed a lot the past few years, it’s a must see.
I would LOVE to see Abu Dhabi one day! The architecture is so amazing!
Wonderful images. I recall my visit to Abu Dhabi long back. Abu Dhabi is a perfect blend of classic with modern.
Looks so beautiful! I’d love to see those sand dunes someday!
your pictures are beautiful and make me want to go there even more! I can’t imagine that ride through the sand dunes. Sounds like it was a roller coaster! Was it really blowing around and in your face too?
It wasn’t windy, just very hot and no shade out in the desert, as you can imagine.
The Emirates Palace Hotel looks AMAZING!! Now I need to go visit 🙂
This city definitely sounds unique. I especially loved the story about driving through the desert. Sounds like fun… or maybe not lol
beautiful photos! Abu-Dhabi has much to offer indeed. should probably add this destination to our travel list 🙂
Wow Abu Dhabi sounds like it is full of incredible buildings. The Emirates Palace Hotel looks amazing, can you just walk in to see it even if you aren’t staying there? Your Desert safari sounds like a nice time despite the wild driving!
Yes, you can go into the Emirates Palace and look around the huge foyer. There is a lovely bar and you can have drinks there.
Amazing what has been built there in the past years.
Regarding the dress code: I would try to adapt, but I don’t really enjoy it. And I wouldn’t have given my passport as a deposit either.
Thank you for the detailed description!
I lived in Abu Dhabi for 3.5 years and they were my wonderful days. I love the cultural aspect of this city and that too it has perfect blend of modern amenities. Abu Dhabi Corniche is my favorite place to go for a evening stroll.
I badly want to visit the Grand Mosque. It is breathtaking and the pictures don’t do justice to that place. I like how you have mentioned all places in Abu Dhabi. Lovely post.