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 nicely.
We recommend 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 trouble. And if you wish to go to Abu Dhabi by yourself or keep in Abu Dhabi, you possibly can 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 Formulation 1 race of the season, which takes place there by the Yas Marina each November.
In the event you determine to return to the United Arab Emirates, you need to spend not less than three or 4 nights of your time in Abu Dhabi to see a few of its essential sights. It’s bought a big worldwide airport with house provider Etihad Airways, but it surely’s additionally simply reachable from Dubai by bus or rental automotive. We now have 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 inexpensive and positively the best mode of transport within the UAE in the event you’re over 21.
In the event you don’t like sizzling 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 very best instances to go together 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 12 months a 12 months, solely six will drizzle a number of drops of rain onto 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 certainly essentially the most well-known attraction of town, and it’s filled with superlatives. The mosque is made nearly completely out of 15 types of white marble from a number of completely different nations and richly ornamented with costly supplies equivalent 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 top. Thus 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. 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 definitely 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 completely different gentle installations flip the entire constructing right into a shiny and wonderful blue piece of artwork that you may even see from a aircraft.
Better of all: The entry is totally freed from cost. Simply be sure to test the opening instances earlier than you go, which could be restricted on account of non secular occasions. Additionally they supply free audio excursions and free guided excursions.
While you go, be sure to put on applicable apparel. Usually no shorts, girls must both deliver 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 sizzling in summer time, be sure to take loads of water. It’s value it, although.
2. Saadiyat Island Seashore Membership
Saadiyat Island is house to an ideal seashore that you’d somewhat place someplace within the Caribbean by the appears to be like of it. The UAE are identified for broad, extensive 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 unbelievable), however there’s a little seashore membership that’s open to the general public. In the event you 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 so forth.), 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 standard method for vacationers is a desert safari, the place you possibly can check out sand boarding, camel driving or dune buggies to call just some actions. There are an entire lot of tour operators, although, so be sure you test which of them are good earlier than you go. We now have solely carried out one from Dubai with Arabian Expedition, and it was a pleasant expertise with wonderful worth. Due to this fact we can’t communicate for Abu Dhabi.
In the event you keep longer and make mates with locals (additionally expats) who dwell in Abu Dhabi, they may have the ability to take you on the market for a picnic, which is a very well-liked factor to do within the night.
4. Eat the place the locals eat
Eat the place the locals eat might be an excellent factor irrespective of the place you go. Nonetheless, “native” is usually 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 truly Emirati. And naturally, neither is many of the meals you’ll discover. There’s a almost limitless number of meals decisions 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 straightforward to end result to worldwide chains inside all of the procuring malls or to eat at one of many many fancy lodge eating places in all places round. However initially, the place the locals eat, it’s truly nonetheless very inexpensive (for instance, smooth drinks beneath a greenback), and naturally it tastes not less than pretty much as good as elsewhere whereas being far more genuine.
A straightforward space to seek out plenty of the above-mentioned meals lies between the Corniche Seashore and the Madinat Zayed procuring advanced. We now 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 a number of the issues to do on Yas Island:
- Yas Marina Circuit – A Formulation 1 racetrack internet hosting the ultimate race of every Formulation 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 carried out it ourselves!
- Additionally, one of the vital trendy resorts on this planet, the Yas Viceroy, is definitely constructed proper throughout the Formulation 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 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 massive areas of mangroves due to 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 Lodge. There are a number of kayaking excursions provided, 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 resorts
Abu Dhabi has some resorts which might 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 alternative. Simply to call some:
- Emirates Palace – The most costly 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 – Keep in mind the seashore from earlier? That is the place to remain.
- Yas Viceroy – Illuminated extremely at evening, constructed proper throughout the Formulation 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 town.
Tip: They’ll be essentially the most inexpensive in June, which is low(est) season.
8. Discover lodging in Abu Dhabi, UAE
— Hostels aren’t allowed within the UAE. Please don’t e book any on-line in the event you do discover one, as a result of they’re unlawful. —
Greatest Funds 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 cozy normal rooms and 42 one bed room residences with kitchen services, 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.
Friends 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 every single day. For lunch, you possibly can get pleasure from an in depth worldwide buffet and an Indian eating expertise for dinner in Horizon Restaurant. Entry to the out of doors swimming pool on the 2nd ground with youngsters’s pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Moroccan bathtub, Steam room and Spa can also be out there on the connected lodge for an extra charge.
Greatest 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 seashore. Situated within the heart of Abu Dhabi and a simply brief stroll away from the Corniche, the Millennium Corniche Lodge 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 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 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 consists of an outside swimming pool with sunken bar, a sauna, and a fitness center. Friends may also get pleasure from a rejuvenating physique therapy at Millennium Lodge’s wellness heart. The lodge has three eating places that includes a world delicacies, Italian delicacies, and a Moroccan specialty restaurant.
Greatest 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 seashore. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and Corniche, this contemporary lodge is a part of the long-lasting 5-tower advanced in Abu Dhabi. Aside from its landscaped swimming pools and gardens, it additionally includes a non-public seashore and a spa. Friends can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
With trendy furnishings and cutting-edge know-how, 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 non-public seashore and a spa. Friends can get pleasure from free WiFi All through the property.
Nice eating might be loved at Jumeirah’s two eating places serving subtle world delicacies. For informal eating, company can select from 5 completely different venues, whereas drinks are provided 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 degree 74, the Remark Deck is the best vantage level of Abu Dhabi.
Greatest Tremendous Luxurious Lodge Abu Dhabi, UAE – Park Hyatt Aby Dhabi Hotel and Villas
This property is 4 minutes stroll from the seashore. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Lodge 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 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 smooth colors. An open-plan lavatory with an outsized bathtub and a separate rain-shower is included.
Enjoyable massages and varied magnificence therapies 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 affords a big selection of worldwide delicacies. The Seashore Home Restaurant options panoramic views of Saadiyat Seashore and the landscaped lodge gardens.
Concerning the Author
Hey! We’re Emma and Yannick! A journey blogging 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 means of journey hacking and insider information. By this, we love to assist and train others to journey nicely for much less, similar to we do! Comfortable Travels 🙂
Social Media:
Fb: LuxuryBackpacking
Instagram: @luxurybackpacking
Twitter: @luxurybackpackin