Visit Abu Dhabi: what are the best things to do and see in the capital of the United Arab Emirates?
The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, attracts less attention than its neighbour, the clinching and booming city, Dubai . However, Abu Dhabi is actually richer than Dubai and has carefully monitored its growth, focusing on the arts and preservation of the city’s heritage. The latter has a line of streets similar to Manhattan, with wide avenues and lots of green green spaces. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has its lot of beaches, gold souks and international restaurants. Abu Dhabi is an ideal place to enjoy the sun in winter. With its golden beaches, water parks and taken to the desert, the Emirate is now well established as a tourist destination.
Here are the must-see visits to Abu Dhabi :
1. Musée du Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Opened on November 8, 2017 and opened to the public on November 11, 2017 Louvre Abou Dabi was designed by architect Jean Nouvel and consists in creating a “bridge” between the West and the East, to engage cultures and civilizations. Visit the Louvre Abou Dabi and its extensive exhibition of works of art and artifacts has become a must for the destination!
2. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Flickr – HISHAM BINSUWAIF
Macedonian marble, the magnificent and absolutely gigantic Shaykh Zayed Mosque is the iconic building of Abu Dhabi. The mosque merges elements of the mamelouk, Ottoman and Fatimid style to create a harmonious and resolutely modern mosque which celebrates Muslim architecture. International engineers and craftsmen have worked on its construction, including mosaics, worked glass and spectacular complex sculptures both inside and outside it. It was inaugurated in 2007 after 12 years of construction.
Capable of contain 40,000 faithful It is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and it is dedicated to Sheikh Zayed ben Sultan Al Nahyane. Non-Muslims are allowed in all areas of the mosque (including the vast library), and there are possible guided tours. The mosque is open (free of charge) every day from 9am to 10pm except Friday from 4.30pm to 8pm.
3. Qasr Al-Hosn (palais/fort)
Credit – gloholiday.com
The Al-Hosn Palace, also known as Old Fort or Fort Blanc, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi . The palace was built in 1793 as a family residence in power and government headquarters. The inside of the palace Al Hosn has been renovated and modernized, and is now used by the Cultural Foundation to house the Centre for Documentation and Research, which has a collection of documents on the heritage and history of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region. The courtyard and the magnificent mosaic work on the main north door are to be seen. In the palace is a museum museum traditional objects and historical photographs. The exhibition includes a section of natural history with desert wildlife, and a historical part with exhibits on Abu Dhabi’s history.
4. The Corniche
Flickr – Achilli Family Find Journeys
The Corniche is an epic walk of 6.5 km with many places to stop and enjoy a picnic. You can walk around the whole length in an afternoon, but why not accelerate things by renting a bike instead? Two things jump in the eye. The flag of the emirate , big as a bus, at the top of a building of 110 m, and the remarkable building Gate Capital , with an inclination of 18 degrees (the inclination of the Pisa tower is only four degrees). For those who wish, The Avenue at Etihad Towers is a commercial center dedicated to high-end fashion. Along the Corniche, the beach is only waiting for your towel. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Qasr Al-Hosn (see above) or have the embarrassment of choice in front of restaurants and cooking styles around the world.
5. Heritage Village
Flickr – Abdulla Al Muhairi
The Heritage Village of Abu Dhabi is an authentic replica of typical Bedouin camp which gives an idea of Emirati life before the oil boom. It is located on a pretty beach of the city, near the Marina Mall. There are exhibitions with traditional everyday objects, as well as the presentation of local agriculture and the trade in bead hunting, the main economies of the past. Unfortunately, information through the museum is rather rare.
6. Panoramic views across the city at Etihad Towers Hotel
Flickr – Kathrin Gaißer
Abu Dhabi’s response to the Burj Khalifa Tower of Dubai is its « Observation Deck at 300 » offering skyline views from Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel the city's highest point. There is an entrance ticket of 75 AED (16€) for hotel non-clients, but 50 AED (10,50€) are refunded in good order to eat or drink a drink at the restaurant of the observation terrace. Take a "Grand Cru" tea or a mocktail (cocktail without alcohol) on the 74th floor of this luxurious hotel, with the city just below: an exceptional experience during your stay in Abu Dhabi!
7. Centre d’Artisanat des Femmes
Credit – visitabudhabi.ae
Women’s Craft Centre (Women’s Craft Centre) Women’s Craft Centre ) is an ideal place for you to discover the traditional techniques of local women such as weaving, embroidery and vannerie. It’s a great place to buy authentic and original memories who support the work of the centre. You will find shawls, slippers, bags, carpets and textiles, trays and baskets... You can paint a motif on your hand, which will last about two weeks.
8. The Faucons hospital
Flickr – .EVO.
L’ Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is a veterinary hospital working for the healing of sick and injured faucons, but it also provides guided tours for interested visitors. Visits allow you to see these raptors closely and if you are ready to take up the challenge, you can also have the chance to hold one of these impressive birds.
9. Activities on Yas Island
Flickr – Sarah Ackerman
Yas Island is one of the best sports and luxury destinations in Abu Dhabi, 30 minutes away. beaches perfect to spend the day sunbathing. This island also welcomes Yas Marina circuit where the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix takes place every year. There is also the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi amusement park , a water park, several golf courses, polo grounds, a riding stable and high-end hotels.
10. The Suks of Abu Dhabi
Flickr – Jan Smith
Whether you’re a buyer or not, don’t miss the visit of a local souk, such as souk of the gold Madinat Zayed for gold and jewellery, or for famous Persian rugs Iranian souk . For fruit and vegetables go to souk Al Mina . The atmosphere Souk d’Al Aïn is excellent. Experience is made interesting if you market, as tradition wants.
Other souks are to be seen as those in the open air of Al Bawadi and d Al Qaws , or even Souk Al Zafarana and Souk aux Poissons .
11. Visit the city of the future, Masdar
Masdar , near the airport, deserves a visit. The cars are banned in this pioneering city of the “zero-carbon” which still makes the size of a village, but projects are to come. green city is fully powered by the sun, and the hot and strong winds that blow off the desert. Students and researchers are working on this project with the aim of seeing cities like these bloom around the planet, in a near future.
12. The oasis of Liwa
Flickr – John Britton
South of Abu Dhabi’s Emirate, the beautiful oasis of Liwa , 150 km from the city, is a great escape away from the urban tumult. Oasis is known for its production of dates and to be close to sand dunes among the largest in the world. If you stay in Abu Dhabi enough time, it’s a must-see attraction especially to make buggy, try surfing on sand or climb to camel’s back.
You can also escape to Al Ain's oasis, which has the top of the Jebel Hafeet as a backdrop.
How to go to Abu Dhabi and where to stay?
Etihad Airways is based in Abu Dhabi, so you may have the chance to travel on one of their planes. To find cheap flights to Abu Dhabi, search our partner's website Skyscanner .
Where to sleep in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is a gigantic city and it is necessary to choose its right area where to stay not having to make long distances to reach one point or another of the city. To find a cheap hotel in Abu Dhabi, search our website hotel comparison in Abu Dhabi
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