Abu Dhabi is known for its exotic islands, captivating beaches, riveting architecture and vibrant lifestyle. The blend of rich cultural heritage and modernity gives its visitor a unique flavour. Its picturesque beauty combined with mouth-watering delicacies makes Abu Dhabi a perfect destination for holiday.
The capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi, lies on a T-shaped island extending to the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.
Characterized by magnificent Corniche, the Emirate boasts of opulent hotels, striking gardens, theme parks, museums and galleries to keep its visitors entertained.
Latest technology and infrastructure makes the place a 21st century capital. When traveling here do remember to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which is one of the world’s largest mosques. Splendid dining experiences with multiple-cuisine in high-end restaurants edify your fabulous trip. And for shop-alcoholics, Abu Dhabi has a variety to offer right from ultra-modern malls with the latest brands, to small souk-like outlets where you can buy traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and carpets. At the end of Mina port, carpet souk (market) offers the best deals. Khalifa Park near Grand Mosque is the best park built at a cost of $50 million which has its own aquarium, museum, train, play parks and formal gardens.
The Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre has evolved as a main centre for holding cultural events and workshops throughout the year. The new centers of attraction Saadiyat Island and Yas Island are worth a visit. Saadiyat Island will be home to the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural institutions, including the Zayed National Museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi a performing arts centre and maritime museum. On the other hand, Yas Island features a world-class motor sports racetrack.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is located 32kms (20 miles) from the city centre.
Bus (Municipal / Public Bus)
Buses are available outside the arrival halls of Terminals 1 and 2. Bus 901 operates between the airport and the city at every one hour interval.
Car Rental
Cars on rent are available outside the airport. You will find booths of international car rental companies at the Terminal 1 car park.
Limousine Taxi
Limousine taxi service is also available outside the arrival halls of Terminal 1 and 2. It operates 24 hours daily.
Approx travel time from:
London 6Hrs 51Min
Manchester7Hrs 4Min
Edinburgh7Hrs 13Min
Glasgow 7Hrs 18Min
Birmingham 6Hrs 60Min
Other than shopping and business meetings, Abu Dhabi has a variety of attractions to offer to its visitors. And the best thing is that many of these tourist spots are free. Since the temperature of the region is usually high so the best time of the year for sightseeing is between October to May.
Ferrari World
To enjoy the ride of a lifetime, a visit to Ferrari World is a must. It is the world’s largest indoor amusement park which spreads over 2million sq ft. It’s an opportunity to enjoy various rides and attractions as well as pulsating shopping and dining experiences. Amongst many other attractions it includes the largest Ferrari gallery outside of the brand's headquarters in Marinello, Italy. It also offers the fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa, Fiorano GT Challenge and the 4-D experience with Speed of Magic journey. Hence, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will offer a truly amazing experience for every member of the family.
Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
Al Hosn Palace also known as White Fort is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. Built in 1973, it was the residence of a ruling family and also served a seat of the government. The palace was renovated in 1983 and is now used by the Cultural Foundation to house the Center for Documentation and Research. Its courtyard and main gate are known for the excellent tile work. There is also a museum inside the palace which has various traditional artifacts and historical photographs.
Heritage Village
One of the most famous tourist spot of Abu Dhabi, Heritage village is situated in middle of the Emirate. It is the replica of nomad camp which gives an insight of the lifestyle and traditions of Bedouin and other culture's before oil era. Right from mud-brick houses, a traditional mosque, shopping in a traditional market to ancient irrigation method, a visitor can enjoy everything. There’s also a museum in Heritage Village which exhibits traditional garments, Holy Quran, coins, jewellery, ancient diving equipments and old weaponry.
Petroleum Exhibition
The Petroleum Exhibition displays the old photographs of Abu Dhabi’s oil industry including early days of oil exploration, with lots of old and new photographs. It is an interactive display on how the black gold was discovered. Tourists interested in knowing about the history of Abu Dhabi must visit the Petroleum Exhibition. The exhibition explains Abu Dhabi's rapid economic growth from nomadic lifestyle to a modern and cosmopolitan city.
Shopping in Abu Dhabi is fun for shopaholics. Right from souks (traditional market) to big malls one can spend hours to buy things of their choice. There are airport duty free shops too where cheap stuffs are also available. Most of the malls here are opened from Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm, on Thursdays from 10am to 11pm, while on Fridays from 2pm until late. Independent shops get closed from 2pm to 4pm for lunch and then remain open at least till 9pm.
Abu Dhabi Mall
At present Abu Dhabi Mall is the largest mall in the Emirate. With around 220 shops that include best of fashion stores for children, women and men from international brands, Abu Dhabi mall is the most exciting mall of the area. Spread over the area of 200,000 sq meters, the mall has international food outlets and restaurants and an extensive food court. It also has a Cineplex in addition to two action-packed kid's entertainment centers.
Al Raha Mall
This is the first mall to open away from Abu Dhabi City Centre on Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway next to Al Raha Beach Villa Complex. It offers high fashion clothing, fine dining, cinema, entertainment, salons, supermarket and other services in a serene atmosphere. The mall has catered in the development to this area.
Al Wahda Mall
Al Wahda Mall is most visible landmark of the area. It has stores dealing in fashion, home décor, electronics, jewelry, health and beauty stores across its three floors. Its striking food court, fine dining restaurants and entertainment zone is a favored destination for everyone, with a facility of multilevel parking space.
Fotouh Al Khair Centre
Several of the world’s favorite brands are seen this mall like Marks & Spencer, Adams, Monsoon, Nine West, and more. It is the best place in the city for young people, especially ladies, to hunt for international brands of clothing.
#Souks (Traditional markets)##Souks are the traditional market where commodities are bought and sold. In earlier times, dhows or boats from other countries used to unload their wares at souks. Traders from all over world came here to trade commodities. Over the years the goods on sale have evolved and changed drastically – today besides, the spices, silks and perfumes one can find electronic goods, souvenirs, clothing and household items also. Dubai souks are located in Deira and Bur Dubai.##
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk##Along the road from the Fish Souk, Al Mina fruit and vegetable souk is bursting with colors as each seller arranges varieties of fresh fruits outside their shops. The choice is amazing, and one can buy by the kilo or the box. This provides excellent opportunities for photos as well.##Carpet Souk##Most carpets available in Abu Dhabi come from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Central Asia. A wide range of carpets in an exquisite array of designs and colors can be found at carpet souk on Mina Road near the main port area.
Marina Mall Fun City
Marina Mall Fun City is a great place for family. It not only offers unique shopping experience but also has a CineStar movie complex that has nine screens showing the latest blockbuster movies. If you and your kid are fond of video games then you’ll love the Fun City arcade which offers a wide range of entertaining games. You can also enjoy ice skating at the Marina Ice Rink with your family.
Hili Fun City
Hili Fun City is a wonderful theme park which offers wild rides and fun games. You have the chance to enjoy some of the region's most exciting roller coasters as well as water slides. Hili Fun City also features a giant ice-skating rink and Motion Theatre.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo is home to different types of animal species from across the globe. It also features an exhilarating aquarium which has a wide range of sea creatures belonging from tropical to cold water. There is a special attraction for kids-the daily dolphin shows and penguin exhibit.
Arabian Wildlife Park
Located on Bani Yas Island, Arabian Wildlife Park provides an apt environment for various wild animals to roam freely while the island remains an exceptional experience for the visitors to watch these beautiful creatures. These animals include the endangered Arabian Oryx, Sand Gazelle, Arabian (Mountain) Gazelle, as well as predators and scavengers such as the cheetah and hyena. The creation of the Arabian Wildlife Park has been the result of years of conservation and re-vegetation work that continues to till date.
Children's Parks
#Abu Dhabi has almost 20 small to mid-sized parks and gardens where children can enjoy. For kids who love swings, climbing frames and slides, can visit parks like Al Nahyan Garden, Capital Garden and Urban and Lake Park. There are larger parks like Al Khalidiya and Al Mushrif Gardens which are usually popular among the local residents.
Nightlife in Abu Dhabi is generally quiet characterizing a typical Arabic city night. One can either take a stroll with family by the corniche or in a park in cool seasons or can watch a rock band performance in a pub. You can also visit to one of the city’s restaurants for fine dining experience or continue shopping as the sun goes down. For the ones who love dancing can visit night club in one of the Abu Dhabi’s five or four-star hotels. In a calm night Abu Dhabi has still a lot to offer to different age-groups.
Ally Pally Corner
Ally Pally Corner is one of the oldest English pubs in Abu Dhabi located on the ground floor of the Al Ain Palace hotel. The pub is just 20 minutes away from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. One can enjoy live music and delicious cuisines in a warm ambience. Ally Pally Corner is equipped with various entertainment facilities and is very reasonably priced.
AMPM, Abu Dhabi
The AMPM is a very famous bar at the Intercontinental Abu Dhabi. This hotel is located one mile away from the famous Marina Mall and 22 miles from Abu Dhabi International Airport. The bar also lies in close proximity to various tourist destinations like Corniche, Heritage Village and Abu Dhabi Mall. This place is usually crowded and is considered as the most happening place in Abu Dhabi by the youth.
49er's
The 49er's is a well-known bar-cum-restaurant at Al Diar Dana Hotel in Abu Dhabi. This American themed bar is also one of the most popular bars among all the bars and nightclubs in Abu Dhabi. One can order sizzling steaks, which is grilled to your choice in the traditional Wild West style. The bar serves exotic wine and usually gets full as soon as it opens. It also features a regular DJ who plays so enthralling music that you can stop grooving on its beats.
Chequers
The Chequers is an in-house bar at Sands Hotel and this hotel also has another bar- Harvesters. This bar is centrally located at Sheikh Zayed and lies in close proximity to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The bar serves modern European cuisine accompanied by live Jazz and Blues music. Tourists on tour who are fond of having exclusive wines must pay a visit to Chequers.