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 effectively.
We advise 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’ll be able to 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 ultimate System 1 race of the season, which takes place there by the Yas Marina each November.
For those who determine to come back to the United Arab Emirates, you need to spend at the very least three or 4 nights of your time in Abu Dhabi to see a few of its major sights. It’s obtained a big worldwide airport with residence provider Etihad Airways, but it surely’s additionally simply reachable from Dubai by bus or rental automotive. We’ve got carried out each, and whereas a bus solely units you again round 5 {dollars}, a good rental automotive solely prices about US$40 for twenty-four hours, together with insurance coverage. Rental vehicles are very reasonably priced and positively the best mode of transport within the UAE in case you’re over 21.
For those who 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 perfect 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 a number of drops of rain onto the 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 the town, and it’s full of superlatives. The mosque is made nearly totally out of 15 types of white marble from a number of totally different nations and richly ornamented with costly supplies similar to gold. The primary dome is the most important mosque dome on this planet with a diameter of over 100 toes, 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 most important one measures nearly 50 toes in peak. Up to now, 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. toes. 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 actually one of the vital 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 totally different gentle installations flip the entire constructing right into a shiny and superb blue piece of artwork you can even see from a airplane.
Better of all: The entry is totally freed from cost. Simply be sure to examine the opening instances earlier than you go, which is likely to be restricted attributable to non secular occasions. Additionally they supply free audio excursions and free guided excursions.
Whenever you go, be sure to put on acceptable apparel. Typically no shorts, ladies should both carry or borrow (without spending a dime) a non-transparent abaya and headband to put on for your entire time of being in or across the mosque. As this will get actually, and we imply really scorching in summer season, be sure to take loads of water. It’s price it, although.
2. Saadiyat Island Seaside Membership
Saadiyat Island is residence to an ideal seaside that you’d moderately place someplace within the Caribbean by the appears to be like of it. The UAE are recognized for broad, huge seashores, however often, the colours aren’t the prettiest round. This one is an exception, although, and positively pretty much 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 implausible), however there’s a little seaside membership that’s open to the general public. For those who can’t afford staying at one of many resorts, be sure to test it out. It’s not a discount 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 numerous totally different choices for this. With the desert proper at your step, don’t miss the possibility to discover it. The everyday manner 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 an entire lot of tour operators, although, so make sure you examine which of them are good earlier than you go. We’ve got solely carried out one from Dubai with Arabian Expedition, and it was a pleasant expertise with glorious worth. Subsequently we can’t communicate for Abu Dhabi.
For those who keep longer and make pals with locals (additionally expats) who reside in Abu Dhabi, they may be capable to take you on the market for a picnic, which is a extremely in style 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. Nevertheless, “native” is usually laborious 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. At the moment, nearly 90% of the individuals residing there should not truly Emirati. And naturally, neither is many of the meals you’ll discover. There’s a almost 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 straightforward to outcome to worldwide chains inside all of the buying malls or to eat at one of many many fancy lodge eating places all over the place round. However to start with, the place the locals eat, it’s truly nonetheless very reasonably priced (for instance, mushy drinks underneath a greenback), and naturally it tastes at the very least pretty much as good as elsewhere whereas being far more genuine.
A straightforward space to seek out a lot of the above-mentioned meals lies between the Corniche Seaside and the Madinat Zayed buying advanced. We’ve got been to Chagh Kebab and Shish Shawerma, which have been each actually scrumptious and good worth.
5. Go to the various 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 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 observe. We’ve carried out it ourselves!
- Additionally, one of the vital trendy motels on this planet, the Yas Viceroy, is definitely constructed proper throughout the System 1 monitor. It appears to be like 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 velocity of 240 kph (150 mph).
- Yas Water World – Being the most important waterpark in the entire nation, it’s a enjoyable place to come back 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 about to open on Yas Island.
6. Go kayaking within the mangroves
Would mangroves have come to your thoughts when excited about the Arabian Peninsula? Most likely not. However in Abu Dhabi, they really do have giant areas of mangroves due to the various shallow lagoons and the humid local weather.
You’ll be able to see some components of them actually proper subsequent to the town, for instance from the Anantara Japanese Mangroves Lodge. 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 timber for spiders! 🙂
7. Expertise one of many ridiculously superb motels
Abu Dhabi has some motels 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 lodge constructing ever constructed in the entire world.
- Jumeirah Etihad Towers – Finest-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 System 1 racetrack.
- Zaya Nurai Island Resort – 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 the 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 Finances Lodge in Abu Dhabi, UAE – Ibis Capital Gate
The three-star Ibis Abu Dhabi Gate Lodge 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 Lodge 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, trendy, spacious and comfy customary rooms and 42 one bed room flats with kitchen services, 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 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 every single 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 tub, Steam room and Spa can also be out there on the hooked up lodge for a further price.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge Abu Dhabi, UAE – Millennium Corniche
The Millennium Corniche Lodge 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 seaside. Situated within the heart of Abu Dhabi and a simply quick stroll away from the Corniche, the Millennium Corniche Lodge 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 heart.
The Millennium Corniche Lodge 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 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 take pleasure in a rejuvenating physique therapy at Millennium Lodge’s wellness heart. The lodge has three eating places that includes a global delicacies, Italian delicacies, and a Moroccan specialty restaurant.
Finest Luxurious Lodge Abu Dhabi, UAE – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Abu Dhabi Worldwide Airport is a 30-minute drive from the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Lodge. 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 enduring 5-tower advanced in Abu Dhabi. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally includes a non-public seaside and a spa. Visitors can take pleasure in free WiFi All through the property.
With trendy furnishings and cutting-edge expertise, all rooms supply views of the 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 non-public seaside and a spa. Visitors can take pleasure in free WiFi All through the property.
Fantastic eating may be loved at Jumeirah’s two eating places serving subtle world delicacies. For informal eating, company 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 trendy gear. Situated on stage 74, the Statement Deck is the very best vantage level of Abu Dhabi.
Finest Tremendous Luxurious Lodge Abu Dhabi, UAE – Park Hyatt Aby Dhabi Lodge and Villas
This property is 4 minutes stroll from the seaside. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Lodge 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 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 trendy rooms. Every has floor-to-ceiling home windows and is embellished in mushy colors. An open-plan rest room with an outsized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
Stress-free 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 Lodge and Villas has three in-house eating places. Every presents a wide array of worldwide delicacies. The Seaside Home Restaurant options panoramic views of Saadiyat Seaside 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 we’ve got 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 data. By way 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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