Abu Dhabi is a destination of diversity with a rich history of traditions and heritage. From Bedouin beginnings, it has become one the world’s most modern cities with a dynamic and luxurious presence.
It is the capital and largest of the seven emirates that comprise the UAE. Abu Dhabi is home to more than 200 natural islands and borders Oman, Saudi Arabia and the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea.
The city features large gardens and parks with shaded boulevards lined with sophisticated high-rise buildings, international luxury hotels and opulent shopping malls.
Abu Dhabi isn’t afraid to challenge world records. It has world’s largest hand-loomed carpet, the fastest roller coaster, the highest high tea, the tower with the greatest lean and the largest cluster of cultural buildings of the 21st century.
A contrasting experience is the other side of Abu Dhabi where you can stroll around the dhow harbour, haggle in the markets and absorb the atmosphere at sheesha cafes.
No matter whether you are an adventure addict or luxury lover, you are going to be spoilt for choice in Abu Dhabi. For the beach goers, there is over 700 kilometres of beautiful coastline, teeming with marine life. Then there is Ferrari World with a roller coaster that hits 240km/h in just five seconds. At the Falcon hospital visitors can hold one of these magnificent birds and watch them in free flight. The Louvre Abu Dhabi will open in November, followed by the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim.
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The dazzling white marble edifice of epic proportions has the capacity to hold 40,000 worshippers. It is simply breath taking.
On my recent visit to Abu Dhabi, even though temperatures were in the 40’s, I spent hours wandering around the mosque in a traditional abaya and headscarf. I was in awe of this spectacular building which has been voted second most popular world landmark in 2016.
It is a shoppers’ heaven and has a fantastic choice of spending opportunities for everyone. It is one of my favourite stopovers and well worth a few days exploring.
