After Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the most populous city of the United Arab Emirates. Being the capital, it is also one of the popular destinations to visit in UAE. It is located on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast. This city portraits magnificent pictures of unusual skyling, charming beaches, architecturally brilliant and traditionally popular monuments, extravagant and futuristic shopping plazas.
The city has preserved its distinct Arabian culture amidst its glitz and glamour. The desert city is also home to some of the most beautiful mosques and rustic old towns displaying its rich desert-trader past.
History Associated With Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is a well-ordered, industrious city with a pretty waterside location. First inhabited by the nomadic Bani Yas tribe in 1760, the settlement remained a small fishing village until oil was discovered. Abu Dhabi was a small village within a desert housing stone huts and hundreds of palm trees with its rich history dating back to 3000 BC. Abu Dhabi’s new shiny city started to grow with oil exploration in the 1950s, which happened to be 10 per cent of the world’s oil reserve. Later the revenues collected from the oil has transformed Abu Dhabi into the modern city and today it is the bustling centre of business in the international market.
Take a look at the complete travel guide to tell you about where to enjoy a vacation in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi is the definitely one of the best towns of UAE after Dubai in terms of architectural and traditions monuments. One such landmark that lifted Abu Dhabi’s bars on an international level is the Grand Mosque of Sheik Zayed. This mosque is built in memory of late Sheik Zayed bin Sultan and is renowned as a prominent cultural landmark in Abu Dhabi.
Learn the tales associated with this mosque and appreciate the glamorous architecture & intricate carvings which are beautifully designed with Macedonian marble. The mosque fuses Mameluke, Ottoman, and Fatimid design elements to create a harmonious and thoroughly modern mosque that glorifies Islamic architecture.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum which is located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. It is the most spectacular museum in the Middle East and among the prime Abu Dhabi Tourist Places. The iconic landmark is the first universal museum in the Arab World that translates the spirit of openness of cultures. Billions of tourists flock every year to watch the amazing architecture of The Louvre which was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and was constructed below a large silvery dome.
The design and style of the dome are inspired by Arabian architecture. Around 12 galleries are displaying numerous artwork & paintings from renowned artists. Check out the ancient Egyptian statuary and famous paintings by Picasso and attend the exhibitions held every year. If you are art & cultural lover then you must pay a visit to this museum.
Observation Deck at 300
Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is this observation deck, offering skyline views from the highest point in the city, on the 74th floor of the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. The Observation Deck, as the name implies, is situated 300 meters above ground, making it the city’s highest point of view.
The Observation Deck at 300 offers a panoramic 360-degree view of the Abu Dhabi. One can enjoy a rare bird’s eye view of the skyline, the Corniche and the Arabian Gulf with the use of binoculars for a closer look. With the city below you, having a tea high up there at observation deck is certainly experience on your itinerary in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Island
Yas Island is Abu Dhabi’s 2,500-hectare human-made island, and one of the largest tourist attractions in the UAE. This masterpiece of engineering contains everything from posh hotels to shopping centres. It is also home to the famed Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit which every year since 2009 hosts the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Ferrari World
Ferrari World is the world’s first ‘themed’ Ferrari park that gives its guests adrenaline-pumping experiences with exclusive themes in its rides located on Yas Island. This branded theme park brings the thrill of Formula One racing to Abu Dhabi and is one of the city’s top things to do for thrill-seekers and families alike.
Together with two of the most famous rounds, Flying Aces, the world’s highest run, and the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world are housed under the shiny red roof. On the Junior GT track, small kids can test newly acquired driving skills, while daredevils can buck up and ride the Flying Aces roller coaster. A selection of vintage Ferrari cars dating back to 1947 are also available in the display.
Marina Mall & Marina Eye
Marina Mall is located very close to the Emirates Palace Hotel and is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping arcades in Abu Dhabi. Marina Mall combines leisure, fun, and fashion under one roof and is among the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi. You can visit the bowling alley, ice skating rink, musical fountain, spend some time watching a movie at complex and 100m observatories along with leading brand shops where you can shop extravagantly!!
Experience panoramic views of Abu Dhabi while taking a spin on the fun giant Marina Eye wheel, one of Abu Dhabi’s best places to visit. Sit inside a huge glass capsule of this 196-foot tall spinning wheel and get Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular panoramic views from its high-air observation wheel. This is an incredible activity to indulge in at night when you can enjoy the glittering views of the entire Abu Dhabi skyline.
Other Malls which you also visit apart from Marina mall are Abu Dhabi Mall, Dalma Mall and Yas Mall.
Qasr Al Hosn
Qasr Al Hosn or White Fort is a stone fort located along Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street is one of the most intriguing heritage places to visit in Abu Dhabi. It is the first permanent structure of Abu Dhabi holding the watchtower & is the ancestral home of Emirate’s ruling Al Nahyan family.
Constructed in 1760, it was used as the watchtower to protect Abu Dhabi Island’s only freshwater Well. Qasr Al Hosn consists of the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace, which are two most iconic structures. You can attend the exhibition which held annually at the Qasr al Hosn Centre and learn the tale of the city and its folks in details also you can enjoy the live music and dance performances showing the UAE’s cultural heritage.
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Al Jahili Fort
Al Jahili Fort is one of the most remarkable buildings in the United Arab Emirates. The fort was established in 1891 around Al-Jahili Oasis for the protection of city & palm farmers. It is one of the historic structures and presents a picture-perfect view nestled amid natureÍs beauty.
The place was once the headquarters of the force that was created to protect the mountain pass and keep inter-tribal peace, the Oman Trucial Scout as well as, the residence of the local governor. After the renovation, it is restored back in its full glory, the fort is adorned with a museum exhibiting the work of British adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger.
Emirates Palace
Your trip to the Abu World is incomplete without mention of the Emirates Palace. This place should not be skipped if you have a taste for a luxurious lifestyle. The gorgeous hotel is spread over an area of 100 acres stores all kind of luxury for the visitors.
You can savour the best cuisine at numerous restaurants serving different cuisines from all over the world, the luxurious lifestyle of the Arab world at this Palace.
Dessert Safari at Abu Dhabi
Capturing a view of the sunset and the sunrise through the eternal sands of Abu Dhabi’s deserts is an experience which everyone must take in their lifetime. The Desert Safari ends with peaceful camping sites present right in the desert! Arabian belly dancers and musical events showcased under the stars along with delicious cuisines. Apart from the safari, one can experience Camel Riding, Quad Biking, Sand Boarding, Dune Bashing and other thrilling and fun-filled activities.
Al Lulu Island
Magnificent beaches, blue water exotic, surfing and water sports make Al Lulu Island one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular tourist destinations. Through Abu Dhabi Breakwater the island reaches to the port of Zayed Bay.
You will visit the beautiful malls, the Sheik Zayed Cricket Stadium and the St Joseph Catholic Church on this island. This island has a vibrant beach atmosphere.
