Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Most of you’ll 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 effectively.
We advise that these vacationers who’re staying in Dubai ought to ebook 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 choose to rent a automotive 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 remaining Components 1 race of the season, which takes place there by the Yas Marina each November.
When you determine to return to the United Arab Emirates, it is best to spend at the very least three or 4 nights of your time in Abu Dhabi to see a few of its predominant sights. It’s acquired a big worldwide airport with house service Etihad Airways, but it surely’s additionally simply reachable from Dubai by bus or rental automotive. Now we have completed each, and whereas a bus solely units you again round 5 {dollars}, an honest rental automotive solely prices about US$40 for twenty-four hours, together with insurance coverage. Rental automobiles are very reasonably priced and positively the simplest mode of transport within the UAE in case you’re over 21.
When you don’t like scorching climate an excessive amount of, attempt 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 the most effective occasions to go together with good daytime peaks round 35°C (95°F), and evenings are nonetheless good and heat to take a seat outdoors.
However the factor that issues: Out of the 12 months a 12 months, solely six will drizzle just a few 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 filled with superlatives. The mosque is made nearly fully out of 15 kinds of white marble from a number of completely different international locations and richly ornamented with costly supplies equivalent 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 current. And as if all that wasn’t sufficient, it will get much more fascinating as quickly because the solar goes down, when completely different mild installations flip the entire constructing right into a shiny and superb blue piece of artwork you can even see from a aircraft.
Better of all: The entry is totally freed from cost. Simply ensure you examine the opening occasions earlier than you go, which may be restricted because of non secular occasions. In addition they supply free audio excursions and free guided excursions.
Once you go, be sure to put on acceptable apparel. Usually no shorts, girls need to both carry or borrow (at no cost) a non-transparent abaya and headband to put on for the complete time of being in or across the mosque. As this will get actually, and we imply really scorching in summer time, be sure to take loads of water. It’s price it, although.
2. Saadiyat Island Seaside Membership
Saadiyat Island is house 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, vast seashores, however often, the colours aren’t the prettiest round. This one is an exception, although, and positively 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 unbelievable), however there’s a little seashore membership that’s open to the general public. When you can’t afford staying at one of many resorts, be sure 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 numerous completely different choices for this. With the desert proper at the doorstep, don’t miss the possibility to discover it. The everyday means for vacationers is a desert safari, the place you may check out sand boarding, camel using or dune buggies to call just some actions. There are a complete lot of tour operators, although, so make sure you examine which of them are good earlier than you go. Now we have solely completed one from Dubai with Arabian Expedition, and it was a pleasant expertise with wonderful worth. Subsequently we can not converse for Abu Dhabi.
When you keep longer and make buddies with locals (additionally expats) who stay in Abu Dhabi, they may have the ability to take you on the market for a picnic, which is a very fashionable factor to do within the night.
4. Eat the place the locals eat
Eat the place the locals eat might be a superb factor regardless of the place you go. Nevertheless, “native” is mostly arduous to specify for the UAE, as a result of 50 years in the past there was hardly something there aside from some desert Bedouins and fishing villages. As we speak, nearly 90% of the individuals residing there aren’t really 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 at present, however the meals sometimes related to “native” these days is a mixture of Emirati and Lebanese delicacies.
It’s very simple to consequence to worldwide chains inside all of the purchasing 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 reasonably priced (for instance, gentle drinks below a greenback), and naturally it tastes at the very least nearly as good as elsewhere whereas being far more genuine.
A simple space to search out plenty of the above-mentioned meals lies between the Corniche Seaside and the Madinat Zayed purchasing advanced. Now we have 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 among the issues to do on Yas Island:
- Yas Marina Circuit – A Components 1 racetrack internet hosting the ultimate race of every Components 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 completed it ourselves!
- Additionally, some of the fashionable accommodations on the planet, the Yas Viceroy, is definitely constructed proper throughout the Components 1 observe. It seems to be 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 high pace of 240 kph (150 mph).
- Yas Water World – Being the biggest waterpark in the entire nation, it’s a enjoyable place to return for individuals 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? Most likely 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 superb 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 bushes for spiders! 🙂
7. Expertise one of many ridiculously superb accommodations
Abu Dhabi has some accommodations which can be such an expertise; they deserve their very own spot right here. From extravagant desert resorts to spectacular skyscrapers to luxurious personal islands, it’s all of your selection. Simply to call some:
- Emirates Palace – The costliest 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 seashore from earlier? That is the place to remain.
- Yas Viceroy – Illuminated extremely at night time, constructed proper throughout the Components 1 racetrack.
- Zaya Nurai Island Resort – Not too long ago opened personal 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 aren’t allowed within the UAE. Please don’t ebook any on-line in case you do discover one, as a result of they’re unlawful. —
Greatest Price range 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 adorned, trendy, spacious and cozy customary rooms and 42 one bed room flats with kitchen amenities, 24-hour room service and security deposit packing 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 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 in depth high quality breakfast buffet from 06:30 am – 10:30 am daily. For lunch, you may get pleasure from an in depth worldwide buffet and an Indian eating expertise for dinner in Horizon Restaurant. Entry to the outside swimming pool on the 2nd ground with kids’s pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Moroccan tub, Steam room and Spa can be obtainable on the hooked up lodge for an extra charge.
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 automotive. This property is 6 minutes stroll from the seashore. Situated within the heart of Abu Dhabi and a simply brief stroll away from the Corniche, the Millennium Corniche Resort Abu Dhabi affords 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 consists of an out of doors swimming pool with sunken bar, a sauna, and a fitness center. Company can even get pleasure from a rejuvenating physique therapy at Millennium Resort’s wellness heart. The lodge has three eating places that includes a global 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 seashore. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Corniche, this contemporary lodge is a part of the enduring 5-tower advanced in Abu Dhabi. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally includes a personal seashore and a spa. Company can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
With fashionable furnishings and cutting-edge expertise, all rooms supply views of town skyline or the coast. Every features a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. Some rooms embrace entry to the manager lounge. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally includes a personal seashore and a spa. Company can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
High-quality eating could be loved at Jumeirah’s two eating places serving subtle world delicacies. For informal eating, visitors can select from 5 completely 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 trendy tools. Situated on stage 74, the Statement 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 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 lodge affords 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 trendy rooms. Every has floor-to-ceiling home windows and is adorned in gentle colors. An open-plan toilet with an outsized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
Enjoyable massages and numerous magnificence remedies can be found at Atarmia Spa. It features a fitness center and personal therapy rooms for women and men. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Resort and Villas has three in-house eating places. Every affords a big selection of worldwide delicacies. The Seaside Home Restaurant options panoramic views of Saadiyat Seaside and the landscaped lodge 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+ international locations with no plans to cease! We journey the world in luxurious, with out paying the value for it, by journey hacking and insider information. By means of this, we love to assist and educate others to journey effectively for much less, similar to we do! Comfortable Travels 🙂
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