Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Most of you’d most likely consider Dubai as THE place to go within the Center East, and that’s for a cause. However the precise capital metropolis of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi, situated only a 90-minute drive alongside the coast from Dubai, and there are heaps to be found there as properly.
We recommend that these vacationers who’re staying in Dubai ought to e-book Dubai to Abu Dhabi tour from native tour operators to journey conveniently and uncover Abu Dhabi sights with ease and no problem. And if you wish to go to Abu Dhabi by yourself or keep in Abu Dhabi, you may decide to rent a automobile or lease a taxi and benefit from the tour your self
Internationally, Abu Dhabi is most well-known for its spectacular mosque or the annual last Formulation 1 race of the season, which takes place there by the Yas Marina each November.
If you happen to resolve to come back to the United Arab Emirates, you must spend at the least three or 4 nights of your time in Abu Dhabi to see a few of its predominant sights. It’s received a big worldwide airport with dwelling provider Etihad Airways, however it’s additionally simply reachable from Dubai by bus or rental automobile. We’ve got executed each, and whereas a bus solely units you again round 5 {dollars}, a good rental automobile solely prices about US$40 for twenty-four hours, together with insurance coverage. Rental vehicles are very inexpensive and undoubtedly the simplest mode of transport within the UAE should you’re over 21.
If you happen to don’t like sizzling climate an excessive amount of, try to go between November and March. From June to September, temperatures often peak at 45 to 50°C, which is 113 to 122°F, mixed with a drenching humidity. In our opinion, April and early Might, in addition to October and early November, are one of the best instances to go along with good daytime peaks round 35°C (95°F), and evenings are nonetheless good and heat to sit down exterior.
However the factor that issues: Out of the three hundred and sixty five days a yr, solely six will drizzle just a few drops of rain onto town! Which means, everytime you go, you’ll be in for an excellent portion of sunshine!
1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is unquestionably probably the most well-known attraction of town, and it’s full of superlatives. The mosque is made nearly fully out of 15 kinds of white marble from a number of totally different nations and richly ornamented with costly supplies comparable to gold. The principle dome is the biggest mosque dome on the planet with a diameter of over 100 ft, and there are greater than 40 different domes positioned atop the mosque. One other spectacular factor is the German made chandeliers within the inside half, of which the biggest one measures nearly 50 ft in top. So far, solely two bigger chandeliers have ever been constructed on our planet.
Contained in the central prayer corridor, you’ll discover the world’s largest carpet at greater than 60,000 sq. ft. It weighs an unbelievable 47 tons, and it took over 1,000 carpet knotters greater than two years to finish it.
With its beautiful structure, it’s definitely some of the stunning mosques present. And as if all that wasn’t sufficient, it will get much more fascinating as quickly because the solar goes down, when totally different gentle installations flip the entire constructing right into a shiny and wonderful blue piece of artwork which you could even see from a airplane.
Better of all: The entry is totally freed from cost. Simply be sure to verify the opening instances earlier than you go, which could be restricted as a consequence of spiritual occasions. Additionally they provide free audio excursions and free guided excursions.
Whenever you go, be certain that to put on applicable apparel. Typically no shorts, girls must both convey or borrow (without cost) a non-transparent abaya and scarf to put on for your entire time of being in or across the mosque. As this will get actually, and we imply really sizzling in summer time, be certain that to take loads of water. It’s price it, although.
2. Saadiyat Island Seashore Membership
Saadiyat Island is dwelling to an ideal seaside that you’d fairly place someplace within the Caribbean by the appears of it. The UAE are identified for broad, broad seashores, however often, the colours aren’t the prettiest round. This one is an exception, although, and undoubtedly nearly as good because it’ll get within the UAE. Sadly, two resorts occupy most of it (the Park Hyatt and the St. Regis, that are each incredible), however there’s a little seaside membership that’s open to the general public. If you happen to can’t afford staying at one of many resorts, be certain that to test it out. It’s not a cut price at round US$20 to 100 per day (relying on the season, date, and many others.), however you’ll have limitless entry to the sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, seaside, pool, and loungers for so long as you need.
3. Go on an journey within the desert
There are a lot of totally different choices for this. With the desert proper at your step, don’t miss the possibility to discover it. The everyday method for vacationers is a desert safari, the place you may check out sand boarding, camel driving or dune buggies to call just some actions. There are an entire lot of tour operators, although, so you’ll want to verify which of them are good earlier than you go. We’ve got solely executed one from Dubai with Arabian Expedition, and it was a pleasant expertise with wonderful worth. Subsequently we can’t communicate for Abu Dhabi.
If you happen to keep longer and make pals with locals (additionally expats) who reside in Abu Dhabi, they could be capable of take you on the market for a picnic, which is a very widespread factor to do within the night.
4. Eat the place the locals eat
Eat the place the locals eat might be factor regardless of the place you go. Nonetheless, “native” is usually exhausting to specify for the UAE, as a result of 50 years in the past there was hardly something there other than some desert Bedouins and fishing villages. Right this moment, nearly 90% of the folks dwelling there aren’t really Emirati. And naturally, neither is many of the meals you’ll discover. There’s a almost limitless number of meals decisions that exist within the UAE right this moment, however the meals usually related to “native” these days is a mixture of Emirati and Lebanese delicacies.
It’s very straightforward to outcome to worldwide chains inside all of the buying malls or to eat at one of many many fancy lodge eating places in all places round. However to begin with, the place the locals eat, it’s really nonetheless very inexpensive (for instance, smooth drinks beneath a greenback), and naturally it tastes at the least nearly as good as elsewhere whereas being far more genuine.
A straightforward space to search out numerous the above-mentioned meals lies between the Corniche Seashore and the Madinat Zayed buying complicated. We’ve got been to Chagh Kebab and Shish Shawerma, which have been each actually scrumptious and good worth.
5. Go to the numerous sights of Yas Island
Yas Island was nothing however a stretch of sand within the early 2000s. Since then, it’s grown to the main spot for native and worldwide tourism in Abu Dhabi. These are a number of the issues to do on Yas Island:
- Yas Marina Circuit – A Formulation 1 racetrack internet hosting the ultimate race of every Formulation 1 season ever since 2009. The race takes place in late November and lasts from about an hour earlier than sundown to lengthy after darkish, which is spectacular to observe. We’ve executed it ourselves!
- Additionally, some of the fashionable inns on the planet, the Yas Viceroy, is definitely constructed proper throughout the Formulation 1 monitor. It appears extra like a spaceship than like a lodge.
- Yas Ferrari World – A big Ferrari themed park, additionally internet hosting the world’s quickest curler coaster with a prime velocity of 240 kph (150 mph).
- Yas Water World – Being the biggest waterpark in the entire nation, it’s a enjoyable place to come back for folks of all ages.
- In 2018, the world’s third Warner Bros. World is scheduled to open on Yas Island.
- In 2022, the world’s first SeaWorld with out orcas is about to open on Yas Island.
6. Go kayaking within the mangroves
Would mangroves have come to your thoughts when fascinated with the Arabian Peninsula? In all probability not. However in Abu Dhabi, they really do have giant areas of mangroves because of the numerous shallow lagoons and the humid local weather.
You’ll be able to see some components of them actually proper subsequent to town, for instance from the Anantara Jap Mangroves Resort. There are a number of kayaking excursions supplied, which is a good and weird expertise that most individuals going to the UAE would by no means have heard of. Simply don’t mistake the little crabs on the timber for spiders! 🙂
7. Expertise one of many ridiculously superb inns
Abu Dhabi has some inns which might be such an expertise; they deserve their very own spot right here. From extravagant desert resorts to spectacular skyscrapers to luxurious non-public islands, it’s all of your alternative. Simply to call some:
- Emirates Palace – The most costly lodge constructing ever constructed in the entire world.
- Jumeirah Etihad Towers – Greatest-rated lodge in Abu Dhabi and most spectacular constructing alongside the Corniche.
- The St. Regis or Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island – Bear in mind the seaside from earlier? That is the place to remain.
- Yas Viceroy – Illuminated extremely at night time, constructed proper throughout the Formulation 1 racetrack.
- Zaya Nurai Island Resort – Just lately opened non-public island with unbelievably good pool villas.
- Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – The very best desert resort within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a 2-hour drive from town.
Tip: They’ll be probably the most inexpensive in June, which is low(est) season.
8. Discover lodging in Abu Dhabi, UAE
— Hostels aren’t allowed within the UAE. Please don’t e-book any on-line should you do discover one, as a result of they’re unlawful. —
Greatest Funds Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Ibis Capital Gate
The three-star Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Resort is ideally situated on the finish of the creek between Abu Dhabi Gate Metropolis and
Bain Al Jessrain in Al Maqta space. Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Resort is ideal for each enterprise and leisure. ADNEC (Abu Dhabi Nationwide Exhibition Centre) and Abu Dhabi Airport are simply quarter-hour away whereas Yas water world and Ferrari world are simply 20 minutes away.
That includes 252 individually embellished, fashionable, spacious and comfy normal rooms and 42 one bed room flats with kitchen amenities, 24-hour room service and security deposit bins. For leisure, every room is fitted with a flat-screen LCD TV with satellite tv for pc channels. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is supplied in all public areas and rooms.
Company can get pleasure from an eclectic eating expertise at Belgian Cafe, a contemporary but conventional Italian journey in Gabbiano Italian Restaurant and 24-hour service in Fusion Lounge. Wok & Co Restaurant serves an intensive high quality breakfast buffet from 06:30 am – 10:30 am every single day. For lunch, you may get pleasure from an intensive worldwide buffet and an Indian eating expertise for dinner in Horizon Restaurant. Entry to the outside swimming pool on the 2nd flooring with kids’s pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Moroccan bathtub, Steam room and Spa can be out there on the connected lodge for a further price.
Greatest Mid-Vary Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE – Millennium Corniche
The Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi is a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport. Town’s ADNEC exhibition heart is 15 km away. The Grand Mosque is simply 20 minutes’ drive from the lodge. The Ferrari World and Yas Island are half-hour’ away by automobile. This property is 6 minutes stroll from the seaside. Positioned within the heart of Abu Dhabi and a simply quick stroll away from the Corniche, the Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi gives 5-star lodging and options views of Capital Gardens metropolis park and the Arabian Gulf. It has free Wi-Fi entry, an out of doors pool, and a well being and health heart.
The Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi has luxurious rooms and suites with hardwood furnishings. All of the spacious rooms and suites characteristic flat-screen TVs and floor-to-ceiling home windows with backyard or Gulf views. It has free Wi-Fi entry, an out of doors pool, and a well being and health centre.
The well being membership contains an out of doors swimming pool with sunken bar, a sauna, and a health club. Company may get pleasure from a rejuvenating physique therapy at Millennium Resort’s wellness heart. The lodge has three eating places that includes a world delicacies, Italian delicacies, and a Moroccan specialty restaurant.
Greatest Luxurious Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport is a 30-minute drive from the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Resort. Marina Mall is a 5-minute drive away. This property is 5 minutes stroll from the seaside. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Corniche, this contemporary lodge is a part of the long-lasting 5-tower complicated in Abu Dhabi. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally contains a non-public seaside and a spa. Company can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
With fashionable furnishings and cutting-edge expertise, all rooms provide views of town skyline or the coast. Every features a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. Some rooms embody entry to the manager lounge. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally contains a non-public seaside and a spa. Company can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
Nice eating may be loved at Jumeirah’s two eating places serving refined world delicacies. For informal eating, friends can select from 5 totally different venues, whereas drinks are supplied on the lodge’s 2 bars. The Jumeirah has a full-service spa with 13 therapy rooms and a big health heart with fashionable gear. Positioned on stage 74, the Commentary Deck is the best vantage level of Abu Dhabi.
Greatest Tremendous Luxurious Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE – Park Hyatt Aby Dhabi Resort and Villas
This property is 4 minutes stroll from the seaside. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas is located on a 9 km stretch of personal seaside on Saadiyat Island. Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away.
This 5-star lodge gives air-conditioned rooms with a balcony. It has a well being membership with an out of doors pool. A spacious seating space with a 42-inch flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station are in Hyatt Abu Dhabi’s fashionable rooms. Every has floor-to-ceiling home windows and is embellished in smooth colors. An open-plan lavatory with an outsized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
Stress-free massages and numerous magnificence therapies can be found at Atarmia Spa. It features a health club and personal therapy rooms for women and men. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas has three in-house eating places. Every gives a big selection of worldwide delicacies. The Seashore Home Restaurant options panoramic views of Saadiyat Seashore and the landscaped lodge gardens.
Concerning the Author
Hey! We’re Emma and Yannick! A journey running a blog couple who met in Thailand in 2014, and since then now we have visited over 20+ nations with no plans to cease! We journey the world in luxurious, with out paying the worth for it, by journey hacking and insider information. By way of this, we love to assist and educate others to journey properly for much less, similar to we do! Completely satisfied Travels 🙂
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