Sleek, shiny and modern is the best way to describe the United Arab Emirates’ capital city. Abu Dhabi is quickly emerging as a city of cultural and sporting importance, an idea way to begin a memorable experience of the Middle East or to simply break your journey. From golden beaches to traditional Arabic souvenir shopping, there are activities to suit all.

See:

• The newly completed Sheikh Zayed Mosque, or Grand Mosque as it’s often called, is an impressive sight when driving into Abu Dhabi. This mosque is located in a large area between two bridges and considered the sixth largest mosque in the world. It is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and the first President of the United Arab Emirates, who is also buried there. Although it’s illegal for non-Muslims to enter mosques in the UAE, it was decided by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority that tours of this mosque are now allowed in order to promote religious understanding and culture.
• Abu Dhabi’s Heritage Village situated near the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, showcases Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural heritage where you will step back in time and see how the Bedouin lived before the modern irrigation and agricultural systems existed.
• Accessible via a short boat ride and situated across the Abu Dhabi Corniche is a large man-made island called Lulu Island featuring a generous stretch of beach, a haven for just about every beach lover. A public beach, Al Raha Beach, is located a short drive away from the city centre, while a ladies-only beach is located on the West Corniche Road, leading to the Abu Dhabi Ladies Club.

Experience:

• Visit Madinat Zayed Gold Souk to grab reasonably priced jewellery for yourself or your loved ones back home before you head back. However, price haggling is an art you must learn before setting off for your trip.
• Abu Dhabi’s various markets such as the bustling date and fish market in Port Zayed.
• Hit the dunes – this exhilarating experience is one you will always remember because of the thrill of the ride.
• The mysterious desert beckons you for a magical night out on the Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari. Enjoy being driven into the desert in a 4-wheel drive, seeing camels resting, watching the desert sunset and stopping for dinner at a Bedouin camp. Dinner includes grilled meats, fresh salads and delectable Arab sweets as well as entertainment from belly dancers.
• Cruise along the Gulf coast and enjoy the sunset on board one of the commercial dhows or luxury yachts. Most of the cruise vessels offer a-la-carte or buffer dinners as well as welcome drinks.
• Arabic Food - An Arabic cup of tea or coffee or a hearty serving of kebab, kofta or shish tawouk and fattoush (an Arabic vegetable salad) will make the evening quite extraordinary in one of the cafés located near the Abu Dhabi Corniche or in restaurants that are found in the city centre.

Secrets of the City:

• Experience the atmosphere of the city in one of the many cafes whilst enjoying a traditional ‘hubbly bubbly’ flavoured pipe. This is a great way to blend in and enjoy some local flavour.