In Abu Dhabi, in public imagination, often seen as the glitzzy neighbour of Dubai, located just hundred kilometers along the coast, the capital of the Emirates has grown into a prime tourist destination, a business hub, and an airline hub, attracting a constant stream of short term visitors with strong interest in every major attraction, and right it stands on its own and tends to feature prominently in any article of travel impressions drawn from multiple trips to Abu Dhabi, over the course of the last two, three years in the Gulf region, still very much a work in progress, to sum up what I have gathered, and bear in mind it is something seen pretty much everywhere.
To write from my returning trips to the Emirate, I have seen large swathes of Saadiyat and Yas islands filled with construction cranes, shaping a growing cultural district and museum district, along with expanding residential developments and commercial developments, and every post I share feels like it needs frequent updates to truly keep up with the times of something always new. Many people in the UAE often focus on Dubai, but the capital Abu Dhabi balances wealth with great activities, clear cultural distinctions, and incredible architecture, all carefully mapped out as the best things to do, from shopping and culture to exploring traditions, and at this time anyone who has traveled here feels excited and pleasantly surprised by its mesmerizing and rich history, making them want to come back to this place over and over.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque:
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is the United Arab Emirates’ largest mosque and was completed in 2007. This is the most beautiful mosque I have ever seen and one of the most magnificent buildings I have ever experienced. This is a must to visit and clearly the number one priority of things to see and do when visiting Abu Dhabi. It’s hard not to be struck by the brilliant white minarets and round domes of the Grand Mosque. It’s a must see for anyone visiting the UAE or Gulf region. Inspired by the Taj Mahal this excellent architectural masterpiece combines symmetry and unity to display a beautiful mosque celebrating Islamic religion. There are 82 domes 1,1196 columns each handmade with semi-precious inlaid stones with gold date palm trees at the top. There are seven chandeliers throughout made of Italian Murano glass and Swarovski crystals. It took 1200 artists to make the carpet. First opened in 2007 construction took 11 years but the planning process itself took 19 years.
There is ample parking around the mosque and manicured grounds. But don’t like I did walk all the way up to the mosque. Instead go the entrance to grab a ticket. This entrance takes you underground which will take you on a series of walking elevators to the mosque. Here’s what the entrance looks like. Entry is free and I highly recommend that you take a tour. Tours are offered every hour and allow you access inside the mosque and to some other restricted areas you might not get to explore if you didn’t take a tour. Plus you get an understanding of Muslim religion and culture. No holiday to Abu Dhabi is complete without a stop to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Make sure to leave enough time to explore. I recommend going just before sunset.
Louvre Abu Dhabi:
The museum in Abu Dhabi, known as the Louvre, is a truly good museum experience built as a fantastic architectural building where time feels carefully designed into every space. The central division allows European, Arabic, and Asian objects to exist at the same time, creating a unique cultural flow. Don’t miss the chance to visit, as Louvre, Paris, and Abu Dhabi together define a global museum of art from the world, shaped through themes, date created, and favorite pieces like Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamen, steele, and artifacts from 3,000 years ago of a rightful king, all displayed under white buildings inspired by an Arab medina, where every building art piece sits beside the sea in a flowing series.
It is often the first port of call for any visitor in Abu Dhabi, especially during few hours or short stopovers, and this French museum franchise once faced skepticism, but Louvre Abu Dhabi is now seen as a true jewel of modern museology. As one of the leading contemporary museums, it works as a container where content tells the history of mankind through major themes and topics, arranged chronologically and in a thematically coherent way. The city acts as a global node connecting cultures and faiths, with collections, exhibits, and artifacts across sections, though still limited to one, two, or a handful of specialists compared to the British Museum, making this flagship museum known for its speciality of offering a holistic view of civilizations on the planet.
The aesthetics of the building are truly remarkable and beautiful, making it a key visit itinerary highlight that is pleasing eye and modern, though slightly confusing in proportions. It delivers an intense experience that is not tiring, avoiding anxiety or the feeling of having missed things, even if you go twice to Louvre Abu Dhabi in the cultural district of Sadiyat Island, near Downtown and its recreational areas.
Shangri-La Abu Dhabi:
At Shangri-La Abu Dhabi, the experience begins in an exquisite lobby where Arabian coffee is served with spicy sweet dates, setting a welcoming tone inside a large hotel with a truly grand feel of marble, chandelier, and a sweeping staircase. The design shows perfect symmetry with traditional arches, beautiful lamps, and a calming cool effect, while every corner feels carefully guided through elegant spaces like the breakfast area and a peaceful room with a soft view over the water and apricot colored sand.
Inside the Shangri-La Hotel, the spacious room includes a king-sized bed, comfortable sitting area, and table setup with mini-fridge, fresh flowers, and even dates and baklava for a local touch. Guests relax in a fluffy white robe after a long day under sun or night, enjoying fresh fruit, traditional Chinese tea, or ordering room service like lentil soup through the helpful concierge. The bathroom offers a shower, bath, and rain-water shower with a refreshing refresher, plus a bright well lit mirror, makeup space, counter-top space, and blow dryer so you feel ready for a comfy night. The continental breakfast is served daily with a plethora of options, dishes from around the world, including chocolate fountain and ice cream, before heading to the infinity pool, heated pool, another pool, or relaxing on lounge chairs and cabanas by the beach with beach access. The property also features a gym, spa, boat, and free boat ride across the canal on the hotel property, connecting to souk, shopping, Starbucks, and restaurants, all set in an unparalleled luxurious atmosphere with easy access to top sights across Abu Dhabi.
Beyond the stay, guests can enjoy activities like fishing excursions, canoeing, and cultural visits including the Grand Mosque, making it one of the most memorable hotels in the region.
Falcon Hospital:
Image Credit : falcon hospital
In falcon hospital in Abu Dhabi, a top attraction, many people are surprised and it is recommended to check it out where the hospital provides care exclusively for falcons, with education and awareness in the UAE playing a crucial role since Bedouin hunters and the bird help find food and played a key role. The falcons are interesting, trained to bring back prey alive, and it is necessary under Muslim law that animals are dispatched by human hands to ensure the meat is halal. falconry is a popular sport in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where only animals are allowed to travel on planes in business class or first class, and from a hospital perspective you see incredible birds. People who love animals can also visit the Saluki Center in Abu Dhabi, where Arabian dogs as companions reflect the culture of the Bedoins and native people of the Arabian desert, linked with hunting companions for 5000 years.
Emirates Palace:
In Abu Dhabi, the Emirates Palace is a symbol of opulence, a $3 billion dollars project of Islamic architecture with world-class amenities, where a 24-carat gold cappuccino, marble, and gold accents define the experience; this luxury hotel, the Emirates Palace Hotel, is rightfully known after its cost, build, and constructed story as one of the most expensive hotels ever, also linked to the Fast and Furious 7 film, rated, where you can still recognize the film scenes while you walk around grounds, indulge, and see how beautiful the design is along a 2-mile stretch, showing a perfect mix of elegance and grandeur ever, making it one of the best things to do in Abu Dhabi.
