Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Most of you’d in all probability consider Dubai as THE place to go within the Center East, and that’s for a motive. However the precise capital metropolis of the United Arab Emirates is Abu Dhabi, positioned only a 90-minute drive alongside the coast from Dubai, and there are heaps to be found there as effectively.
We propose 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 points of interest with ease and no problem. And if you wish to go to Abu Dhabi by yourself or keep in Abu Dhabi, you’ll be able to decide to rent a automobile or hire a taxi and benefit from the tour your self
Internationally, Abu Dhabi is most well-known for its spectacular mosque or the annual ultimate System 1 race of the season, which takes place there by the Yas Marina each November.
In case you determine to return to the United Arab Emirates, you need to spend at the least three or 4 nights of your time in Abu Dhabi to see a few of its principal points of interest. It’s bought a big worldwide airport with dwelling provider Etihad Airways, but it surely’s additionally simply reachable from Dubai by bus or rental automobile. We have now finished each, and whereas a bus solely units you again round 5 {dollars}, an honest rental automobile solely prices about US$40 for twenty-four hours, together with insurance coverage. Rental automobiles are very reasonably priced and undoubtedly the simplest mode of transport within the UAE in case you’re over 21.
In case you don’t like scorching climate an excessive amount of, attempt to go between November and March. From June to September, temperatures normally 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 the perfect instances to go along with good daytime peaks round 35°C (95°F), and evenings are nonetheless good and heat to take a seat exterior.
However the factor that issues: Out of the three hundred and sixty five days a yr, solely six will drizzle a number of drops of rain onto town! Meaning, 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 types of white marble from a number of completely different nations and richly ornamented with costly supplies similar 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 peak. To this point, 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 gorgeous structure, it’s definitely one of the crucial 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 completely different gentle installations flip the entire constructing right into a shiny and superb blue piece of artwork that you may even see from a aircraft.
Better of all: The entry is totally freed from cost. Simply ensure you verify the opening instances earlier than you go, which could be restricted as a consequence of non secular occasions. In addition they provide free audio excursions and free guided excursions.
Whenever you go, be sure that to put on acceptable apparel. Typically no shorts, girls must both carry or borrow (without cost) a non-transparent abaya and headband to put on for all the time of being in or across the mosque. As this will get actually, and we imply really scorching in summer season, be sure that to take loads of water. It’s value it, although.
2. Saadiyat Island Seashore Membership
Saadiyat Island is dwelling to an ideal seashore that you’d moderately place someplace within the Caribbean by the seems to be of it. The UAE are identified for broad, broad seashores, however normally, 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 improbable), however there’s a little seashore membership that’s open to the general public. In case you can’t afford staying at one of many resorts, be sure 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 so on.), however you’ll have limitless entry to the sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, seashore, pool, and loungers for so long as you need.
3. Go on an journey within the desert
There are a lot of completely different choices for this. With the desert proper at your step, don’t miss the possibility to discover it. The everyday means for vacationers is a desert safari, the place you’ll be able to check out sand boarding, camel using or dune buggies to call just some actions. There are a complete lot of tour operators, although, so you should definitely verify which of them are good earlier than you go. We have now solely finished one from Dubai with Arabian Expedition, and it was a pleasant expertise with glorious worth. Due to this fact we can’t converse for Abu Dhabi.
In case you keep longer and make associates with locals (additionally expats) who dwell in Abu Dhabi, they could be capable to take you on the market for a picnic, which is a extremely common factor to do within the night.
4. Eat the place the locals eat
Eat the place the locals eat might be a very good factor irrespective of the place you go. Nonetheless, “native” is mostly arduous 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 should not truly Emirati. And naturally, neither is many of the meals you’ll discover. There’s a practically limitless number of meals selections that exist within the UAE right now, however the meals usually related to “native” these days is a mixture of Emirati and Lebanese delicacies.
It’s very simple to outcome to worldwide chains inside all of the procuring malls or to eat at one of many many fancy resort eating places in all places round. However to start with, the place the locals eat, it’s truly nonetheless very reasonably priced (for instance, delicate drinks below a greenback), and naturally it tastes at the least nearly as good as elsewhere whereas being far more genuine.
A straightforward space to seek out numerous the above-mentioned meals lies between the Corniche Seashore and the Madinat Zayed procuring advanced. We have now been to Chagh Kebab and Shish Shawerma, which have been each actually scrumptious and good worth.
5. Go to the numerous points of interest 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 few of the issues to do on Yas Island:
- Yas Marina Circuit – A System 1 racetrack internet hosting the ultimate race of every System 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 look at. We’ve finished it ourselves!
- Additionally, one of the crucial fashionable inns on the planet, the Yas Viceroy, is definitely constructed proper throughout the System 1 observe. It seems to be extra like a spaceship than like a resort.
- 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 return 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 ready to open on Yas Island.
6. Go kayaking within the mangroves
Would mangroves have come to your thoughts when desirous about the Arabian Peninsula? In all probability not. However in Abu Dhabi, they really do have massive areas of mangroves because of the numerous shallow lagoons and the humid local weather.
You may 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 superb and strange 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 wonderful inns
Abu Dhabi has some inns which can 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 selection. Simply to call some:
- Emirates Palace – The most costly resort constructing ever constructed in the entire world.
- Jumeirah Etihad Towers – Finest-rated resort in Abu Dhabi and most spectacular constructing alongside the Corniche.
- The St. Regis or Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island – Bear in mind the seashore from earlier? That is the place to remain.
- Yas Viceroy – Illuminated extremely at night time, constructed proper throughout the System 1 racetrack.
- Zaya Nurai Island Resort – Just lately opened non-public island with unbelievably good pool villas.
- Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort – One of the best desert resort within the emirate of Abu Dhabi, a 2-hour drive from town.
Tip: They’ll be probably the most reasonably priced in June, which is low(est) season.
8. Discover lodging in Abu Dhabi, UAE
— Hostels should not allowed within the UAE. Please don’t e book any on-line in case you do discover one, as a result of they’re unlawful. —
Finest Price range Resort in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Ibis Capital Gate
The three-star Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Resort is ideally positioned 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 adorned, fashionable, spacious and cozy commonplace rooms and 42 one bed room flats with kitchen amenities, 24-hour room service and security deposit containers. For leisure, every room is fitted with a flat-screen LCD TV with satellite tv for pc channels. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is offered in all public areas and rooms.
Visitors can take pleasure in 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 day by day. For lunch, you’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 accessible on the hooked up resort for a further payment.
Finest Mid-Vary Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE – Millennium Corniche
The Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi is a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport. The town’s ADNEC exhibition middle is 15 km away. The Grand Mosque is simply 20 minutes’ drive from the resort. The Ferrari World and Yas Island are half-hour’ away by automobile. This property is 6 minutes stroll from the seashore. Positioned within the middle of Abu Dhabi and a simply quick stroll away from the Corniche, the Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi presents 5-star lodging and options views of Capital Gardens metropolis park and the Arabian Gulf. It has free Wi-Fi entry, an outside pool, and a well being and health middle.
The Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi has luxurious rooms and suites with hardwood furnishings. All of the spacious rooms and suites function flat-screen TVs and floor-to-ceiling home windows with backyard or Gulf views. It has free Wi-Fi entry, an outside pool, and a well being and health centre.
The well being membership contains an outside swimming pool with sunken bar, a sauna, and a fitness center. Visitors may also take pleasure in a rejuvenating physique remedy at Millennium Resort’s wellness middle. The resort has three eating places that includes a world delicacies, Italian delicacies, and a Moroccan specialty restaurant.
Finest 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 seashore. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Corniche, this contemporary resort is a part of the enduring 5-tower advanced in Abu Dhabi. Other than its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally encompasses a non-public seashore and a spa. Visitors can take pleasure in free WiFi All through the property.
With fashionable furnishings and cutting-edge know-how, all rooms provide views of town skyline or the coast. Every features a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. Some rooms embrace entry to the chief lounge. Other than its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally encompasses a non-public seashore and a spa. Visitors can take pleasure in free WiFi All through the property.
Positive eating might be loved at Jumeirah’s two eating places serving refined world delicacies. For informal eating, company can select from 5 completely different venues, whereas drinks are supplied on the resort’s 2 bars. The Jumeirah has a full-service spa with 13 remedy rooms and a big health middle with fashionable gear. Positioned on stage 74, the Commentary Deck is the very best vantage level of Abu Dhabi.
Finest Tremendous Luxurious Resort Abu Dhabi, UAE – Park Hyatt Aby Dhabi Resort and Villas
This property is 4 minutes stroll from the seashore. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas is located on a 9 km stretch of personal seashore on Saadiyat Island. Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport is 35 minutes’ drive away.
This 5-star resort presents air-conditioned rooms with a balcony. It has a well being membership with an outside 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 adorned in delicate colors. An open-plan rest room with an outsized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
Enjoyable massages and varied magnificence remedies can be found at Atarmia Spa. It features a fitness center and personal remedy rooms for women and men. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas has three in-house eating places. Every presents a big selection of worldwide delicacies. The Seashore Home Restaurant options panoramic views of Saadiyat Seashore and the landscaped resort gardens.
In regards to the Author
Hey! We’re Emma and Yannick! A journey running a blog couple who met in Thailand in 2014, and since then we now have visited over 20+ nations with no plans to cease! We journey the world in luxurious, with out paying the value for it, by way of journey hacking and insider information. By way of this, we love to assist and train others to journey effectively for much less, similar to we do! Joyful Travels 🙂
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