Abu Dhabi, the sister city of Dubai is marking its territory as one of the top tourist destinations in UAE due to its world class infrastructure and interesting attractions. Until yesterday, Abu Dhabi boasted of a city of conventions and exhibitions but today it gaining importance for entertainment and shopping also. Various areas and islands in Abu Dhabi are developed to promote tourism including the Corniche & Yas and Saadiyat Island. To provide in-depth information on the various things to do in Abu Dhabi, we have compiled a must visit list of top landmarks, bars, activities. Also, travellers will be informed on the various means of transportation and communication options in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi personifies religious architecture in Abu Dhabi. The largest mosque in Abu Dhabi, it is a key place of worship during Eid when it is able to accommodate nearly 40,000 worshippers. Its architectural features include the world’s largest carpet, imported 24-carat gold plated chandeliers from Germany made of Swarovski crystals, calligraphy styles on the Qiba wall and unique lighting along the pools arcades. The mosque is open to all religions with complimentary ‘walk-in’ guided tours available from Saturday to Thursday.
Heritage Village UAE in Abu Dhabi:
Operated by the Emirates Heritage Club, Heritage Village provides introspection of a bygone traditional Middle Eastern village settled along an oasis. Traditional way of living including desert life, coffee pots, and tents made of goat’s hair, and falaj irrigation system can be observed at this open-air museum. Traditional metal skills are also demonstrated here where men work on pottery and metal work while women show their skills at weaving and spinning.
The Corniche Beach :
The Abu Dhabi Corniche beach front shows off many facets of its personality, right from a premium housing location to a lengthy coast of sparkling blue beaches. In the past few years, the area has notably come into the limelight as a high profile entertainment and recreation centre. At one end of the Corniche is the breakwater where many tourists spend their weekends to rest and relax while the other end boasts of a port and souq’s. The Corniche welcomes many from regular joggers, picnickers to guests staying at luxury hotels.
Emirates Palace:
The Emirates Palace is an outstanding luxury hotel and a national landmark located in Abu Dhabi. The hotel itself is owned by the Abu Dhabi government but managed by the Kempinski Group. If money is not a problem, then a stay at this hotel is worth the penny since you’ll get to enjoy a mirror image of the Burj Al Arab in Dubai. The hotel features gold plated Swaroski crystal chandeliers, intricate glimmering domes and all the wealth of Abu Dhabi trapped in 302 Grand rooms and 92 magnificent suites.
Yas Island:
Abu Dhabi itself is an island neighboured by nearly 200 minor islands. A few of them have been developed for tourism of which one is Yas Island – home to the Yas Marina Circuit – the world-class F1 motor cross race track. It also features attractions like Yas Marina and Abu Dhabi golf course, Warner Bros. Movie World, Ferrari World, Yas Marina Hotel and a water park. The tourist destination is completed with inclusion of hotels, marinas, polo clubs, apartments, villas and food and beverage outlets. The Yas Island is just 30 minutes drive from Abu Dhabi.
Saadiyat Island:
As the Yas Island, Saadiyat Island is also fast developing as progressive tourist development off the coast of Abu Dhabi. The island will serve all from entrepreneurs to tourists by incorporating constructions to the likes of waterfront residences & hotels, international business hub and beachfront entertainment centres & attractions. Specifically, it will feature the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi, a performing arts centre and a maritime museum conceptualized by Pritzker prize-winners.
Al Maqtaa Fort & Palace:
This 200-year beige coloured fortress has all the traditional trappings of the local architecture when bandits ruled the place around the Al Maqtaa Bridge. The fort was built to protect and keep a close watch on the surrounding area and the waters. When visiting the fort/palace don’t forget to enjoy the wooden doors, sandy walls and on-site museum.
The Women’s Handicraft Centre:
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The Women’s Handicraft Centre is a government centre promoting weaving, embroidery, sewing, basketry items made by women from the emirates. Demonstration and display of traditional styles of weaving are held at the workshops here where you can get to see the actual women work together their handicrafts items. Photography of women is not allowed without the concerned lady’s permission. Moreover, it is advisable that tourists concentrate on buying and clicking pictures of items like camel bags, ethnic costumes and other traditional craft items.
Al Bateen Shipyard:
Al Bateen Shipyard is an iconic landmark on the coast of Abu Dhabi which illustrates the traditional craft of Arabic boat making. Visitors can get to enjoy displays of how traditional Dhow sailing vessels are made by able local craftsmen. Also, this is one of the few places where dhows are still used to catch fish and prawns from the Gulf. The oldest occupied area of the UAE capital is developed to include signature waterfront destinations like the Fishermen’s Marina and the luxury five-star Al Bateen Wharf Hotel.
Qasr al-Husn Palace:
Built in 1761 by the ruling Al-Nahyan family Qasr al-Husn is the oldest standing stone building in Abu Dhabi. Also known as ‘white fort’ due its white walls formed during the early 19th century renovations, it remained the official government seat and royal palace until 1966. The building is presently undergoing restoration and is closed to the public.
