Let’s talk about Abu Dhabi starting from its name which means “land of the gazelle” in Arabic. A legend tells that the Emirate is in the place where an antelope led a nomadic tribe towards fresh water. An island where there were 300 huts made of barasti (palm branches), some coral buildings and the governor’s fort. That small settlement developed until it became the modern Abu Dhabi, one of the 7 United Arab Emirates.
More than a “stop over” destination
Abu Dhabi is often considered only a “stop over” destination, to be visited in a short time during a stopover. In reality it is a fascinating, cosmopolitan destination, where tradition and modernity blend together. Similar but different from the nearby and famous Dubai, from which it is just an hour away by car, here you will find more nature and above all white beaches and turquoise sea.
The city has a lot to offer and is constantly expanding. One of its symbols is the immense mosque of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE. It’s one of the largest in the world with its 22,000 m2, 82 domes, 4 minarets of 106 m and colonnades with floral inlays, amethysts and jaspers. In the prayer hall there is the largest carpet in the world, hand-woven by 1,300 Iranian artisans. Then gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, mosaics with marble tiles and water mirrors.
Abu Dhabi waterfront
The Corniche Road is Abu Dhabi’s iconic waterfront. It extends for 8 km and includes children’s play areas, pedestrian and cycle paths, cafés and restaurants and the Corniche Beach, a 2 km long beach with white sand and calm sea. On the Corniche Road you will also find the Etihad Towers, 5 skyscrapers that house luxury hotels, apartments, restaurants. The Observation Deck, at 300 on the 74th floor of Tower 2, is the highest panoramic point in the city with 360-degree views of Abu Dhabi and the Persian Gulf.
Yas Island
An artificial island 25/30 km from the city centre. A real “toyland” dedicated to entertainment, where you can find hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, an F1 circuit, Warner Bros World, Ferrari World and many other attractions!
At Warner Bros World you will meet the Warner Bros characters through six themed areas populated by the most famous cartoon heroes. Ferrari World is the amusement park dedicated to the red car that every Ferrari fan can’t miss. Inside the park there are the fastest roller coasters in the world and speed simulators.
Abu Dhabi Cultural District
For those who prefer art to adrenaline, a must-see is the Saadiyat Cultural District, which in Arabic means “happiness”. There museums, cultural institutions, collections and public initiatives alternate. The pharaonic project sees the construction of other museums where the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Abrahamic Family House already stand. It will be a huge open space with galleries at different heights intersecting with each other. Welcome to the future!
The Louvre Abu Dhabi has been one of the icons of the metropolis since 2017 with its innovative approach. It exhibits works of art from different cultures side by side, showing how creativity links civilizations and geographical areas over time. In addition to the collections and exhibitions, you can “circumnavigate” the museum kayaking.
The Abrahamic Family House has the aim of understanding what unites humanity through the exchange of knowledge and faith. There are 3 places of worship to visit: the mosque of His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb, the church of St. Francis and the synagogue of Moses Ben Maimon, with the aim of learning more about each religion.
The future
TeamLab Phenomena is a 17,000 m2 complex full of brilliant installations. Floating mirror lamps, clouds, and water gardens where works of art originates from natural phenomena. A constantly evolving combination of art, science and technology that ensures a unique experience with every visit!
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be the fourth and largest Guggenheim in the world after those in Bilbao, Venice and New York. Its size will reach 30,000 m2, and 600 works of art from the 1960s to the present will be here.
Zayed National Museum is a structure with 5 solar towers that recall the wingspan of a falcon, an animal much loved by Zayed.
In the Natural History Museum you will travel from the past to the future. It will also be a research and teaching institute aimed at education and awareness on the topic of eco-sustainability.
Abu Dhabi outside Abu Dhabi!
Abu Dhabi beautiful natural sites are worth visiting to immerse yourself in 360 degrees of local tradition and history.
Al Ain means “the source”. It is known for its large oases, irrigated by an ancient system still in operation, called “falaj”. 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi, people call it also “the Garden City”. Moreover, it’s one of the oldest settlements in the world declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ancient fortresses, archaeological sites, palaces dating back to ancient times. There’s also a camel market and chlorinated souks where you can buy handicrafts, spices, carpets, perfumes.
Al Dhafra is the largest of the three regions that make up Abu Dhabi. The area covers two-thirds of the emirate’s territory. Al Dhafra means “where the desert meets the sea”. In this region you will discover beaches, islands and sand dunes where you can practice dune bashing. Sir Bani Yas Island in Al Dhafra is an island inhabited by 17,000 animals. They live in freedom in the Arabian Wildlife Park, that can be admired during a safari aboard a 4X4 accompanied by local guides. You can see Arabian oryx, gazelles, giraffes, hyenas and cheetahs. This island is also home to the only Christian monastery discovered in the UAE. It was founded around 600 AD and abandoned in 750 AD, rediscovered during excavations in 1992.
The Empty Quarter (RUB’ AL KHALI) is the largest uninterrupted stretch of sand in the world. The fine red and gold sands are shaped by the wind to form dunes hundreds of meters high, visible as far as the eye can see. Spending the night here, stargazing, listening to the silence or watching the fire dancing in the night is something unique and unrepeatable.
Have you already explored this fantastic emirate?!