Info about Abu Dhabi , and why it is a great idea to visit it.
The Etihad Towers
Our next destination is the city of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and the second most populated city besides Dubai, considered one of the richest economically speaking in the entire Middle East.
Before moving on to all the tourist information and why you should visit Abu Dhabi, it is important to first know its history, which gives it the value to be considered an important point to visit in the Middle East, to be able to admire and value its architecture, culture, religion, traditions, monuments, and gastronomy of the city.
A Bit of History
The development of the richest city in the United Arab Emirates began only 70 years ago after someone discovered a pocket of oil in the 1950s. However, Bedouin tribes, merchants, and fishermen have inhabited this place for thousands of years; they depended on the sea for part of their livelihood. The Bani Yas tribe became the most important, controlling part of the desert up to the borders of present-day Oman since the 18th century.
In 1892, Britain made Abu Dhabi part of the British protectorate, like the rest of the emirates in the area, until they united in 1971 to form the current UAE. Abu Dhabi started exporting oil first in the 1950s, and the emirate grew rapidly to become one of the most important financial centers worldwide. The ruling sheikhs also focused on cultural development, which transformed the region into a kingdom of art.
Abu Dhabi experienced an almost unbelievable development in recent years, thanks to the vast wealth oil produced. Consequently, the city saw the construction of luxury buildings, skyscrapers, and ultra-luxury hotels in a very short time, which made it one of the richest cities in the entire Middle East.
Must-See Attractions in Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest in the country and one of the largest worldwide; it presents one of Abu Dhabi’s most impressive sights due to its grandeur and wealth. Many consider it a wonder of the modern world. Completed in 2007, the mosque accommodates up to 40,000 people. Builders used white marble, precious stones, and gold for its structure, giving it an extreme elegance that four minarets over 100 meters high emphasize. Its large inner courtyard will consistently take your breath away. Inside, you can see mosaics, floral decoration, an incredible handmade carpet, and chandeliers made with gold, precious stones, and Swarovski crystals.
- Admission is free, but visitors must follow strict dress code measures. Bring a large scarf to cover up completely and avoid wearing tight clothing.
- Avoid Friday visits, as it is the sacred day for Muslims. You absolutely must see the mosque illuminated at night—the view is spectacular.
Corniche: Seafront Stroll
Corniche
Walking along the eight kilometers of Abu Dhabi’s promenade is one of the best plans at sunset, just when a sea breeze starts to move. The city skyline in the background gives you one of the most beautiful photos. The place features many terraces where you can sit down for a soft drink, a shake, or tea. You can easily rent a bicycle to cycle the entire length without getting tired. Right in the middle of the promenade, you find Corniche Beach, a public beach where you can take a swim or lie on the white sand to admire the landscape.
World-Class Museums
The Louvre , Abu Dhabi
Since 2017, people enjoy the Louvre not only in Paris but also in Abu Dhabi, thanks to a 30-year agreement for the loan of works. The collection occupies a stunning building designed by Jean Nouvel, who created an iconic steel dome that appears to float. Inside the collection of more than 300 works, you can see a portrait by Leonardo Da Vinci, and paintings by Degas, Renoir, and Picasso. The museum also hosts temporary collections from other French centers, like the Musée D’Orsay. The Louvre isn’t the only museum here; the city also features a car museum, a natural history museum, and several art galleries.
Theme Parks and Shows
Ferrari World
Abu Dhabi successfully brought the world’s best theme parks to Yas Island.
- Ferrari World dedicates itself to the famous car brand and boasts the fastest roller coaster globally, the Formula Rossa. You find the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 circuit right next to this park.
- If you love theme parks, you must visit Warner Bros. World, which features almost 30 state-of-the-art attractions.
- If you want to cool off from the high temperatures, Yas Waterworld is the best choice, offering water attractions for the whole family.
Luxury Shopping Centers
You cannot leave Abu Dhabi without visiting some of its most luxurious shopping centers, such as Marina Mall or Yas Mall. You find stores for all the international brands you can imagine, as well as all kinds of elegant restaurants. These centers are one of the best places to see Abu Dhabi residents socialize.
We recommend making a 2 to 3-day plan to visit the city and enjoy every corner of Abu Dhabi in more detail. You can check more information on the top 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi.
