Characterised by its lush greenery, gorgeous architecture and exquisitely laid out avenues, the city of Abu Dhabi affirms itself as a worthy capital of the United Arab Emirates. As you leave the glistening terminal of Abu Dhabi International Airport, and make your way towards the city, you will notice just how well-planned this city is. Far from being a cluster of skyscrapers, Abu Dhabi’s cityscape exudes a certain elegance. The gorgeous skyscrapers notwithstanding, you will drive past gorgeous mansions, sprawling government buildings, embassies, mosques and malls, all laid out with geometric precision. Abu Dhabi — which translates from Arabic as Land of the Gazelle — can best be described as a charming city which has shrugged its humble origins as a tribal settlement and transformed into a modern, cosmopolitan city.
Today, Abu Dhabi is a visitor’s paradise with a myriad of options to do. Check in at one of its many plush hotels — St. Regis Abu Dhabi and Emirates Palace get our vote — and then create an itinerary for yourself, depending on your likes. Some architectural and cultural marvels of the city include the brand new Louvre Abu Dhabi or the opulent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Head on over to Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi for a bit of an adrenalin rush, followed by a relaxed evening by the Corniche, lined with a promenade, cafes and restaurants. Don’t forget to pencil in an exciting desert safari or a bit of water sports into your calendar. If you’re looking for some much-needed rest and relaxation, take a break at the Mediterranean-style village on Saadiyat Island, brimming with luxury boutiques, cafes and restaurants. For a more offbeat experience, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s heritage heartland is a short drive away.
As one of the hottest tourist destinations in the Middle East, Abu Dhabi packs in more punch than you can imagine. It truly is coming of age as a city that offers much more than shopping malls, instead it is establishing itself as a cultural and adventure hub, perfect for a family holiday.
ABU DHABI – THE ULTIMATE FAMILY DESTINATION
Corniche: The waterfront promenade, at the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi is referred to as the Corniche. Like in many other cities in the Middle East, the Corniche is a social highlight and a meeting spot for locals. People from all walks of life descend upon the Corniche every evening to enjoy the cool weather at sunset and to hang out with friends or family. Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, spread across eight kilometres of landscaped gardens and manicured lawns, is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, where you can sit by the water, on the sand, in a garden or just watch the world go by in one of its many cafes. The Corniche also boasts a host of restaurants and a beach park, with designated lifeguards.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: One of Abu Dhabi’s latest and most opulent architectural icons, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and its stately silhouette are instantly recognisable from miles away, as you notice its 80 domes towering over the city. This gargantuan mosque complex can house up to 40,000 worshippers under its 1,000 columns. The architecture and design of the mosque is inspired by different Islamic aesthetic styles — Persian, Mughal and Alexandrian — and features four minarets towering over the massive courtyard. The highlight of the main prayer hall is its 35-tonne carpet, spread across 17,000 sqm, said to be the largest carpet in the world. The interiors feature massive German chandeliers, studded with millions of Swarovski crystals, while the pillars are inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
Yas Island: Referred to as Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hub, Yas Island is situated close to the airport, and a quick 30 minute drive from the city centre. One of the highlights of Yas Island, and one that most people recognise it for, is the Yas Marina Circuit, which plays host to the annual F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A short distance away is the Yas Marina, where yachting enthusiasts from around the globe come to enjoy some yachting culture. Families have more than enough to do on Yas Island with attractions like Yas Waterworld — a waterpark with over 40 rides and slides, including the world’s first six-person tornado waterslide. Another unmissable attraction is, of course, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where the legendary Italian car brand has created immersive Ferrari-themed experiences and rides. And finally, Yas Beach is a definite must-visit, where admission fees include a beach towel and a sun lounger, perfect for a lazy day at the beach with the family.
Saadiyat Island: Spread across 27 sq km, Saadiyat Island is hailed as Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious lifestyle hub, boasting a variety of entertainment and leisure options. Situated less than ten minutes from the city centre of Abu Dhabi, the island is home to the city’s latest cultural attraction – Louvre Abu Dhabi — as well as the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, which pegs itself as the first seafront golf course in the region. To understand the history of the island, head to the Manarat Al Saadiyat, with its interactive exhibitions and galleries. You can soak up the sun at the Saadiyat Public Beach, spread across 400 metres, and packed with amenities like lounge chairs, towels and changing rooms.
Al Ain: Proudly bearing the stamp of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Al Ain is one of the most undiscovered parts of the region and is highly recommended as a day trip (or maybe even an overnighter) from Abu Dhabi. Situated about 90 minutes from the capital, Al Ain is home to the Al Jahili Fort, dating back to the late 19th century, one of the country’s most historically significant buildings. Similarly, the Al Qattara Fort is now a cultural centre with an arts exhibition. Considered by many as the UAE’s cultural capital, the Al Ain National Museum is a great way to discover ancient bedouin culture. The city is also home to one of the world’s last remaining camel markets. For a leisurely evening stroll, head to the Al Ain oasis, and enjoy a picnic along its promenades. Don’t forget to visit the Al Ain Palace Museum, which was once home to the late founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: If you’re looking for an off-the-cuff experience, why not head to the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, to understand the efforts that go into nurturing and conserving falcons. The UAE’s first veterinary hospital reserved exclusively for falcons — an endemic bird — was founded in 1999 and is now the largest falcon hospital in the world. Visitors to the hospital can learn more about falcons and the conservation efforts by talking to some of the experts there. You can also learn more about the breeding centre, which was inaugurated in 2011. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to click a photograph or two with a falcon.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi: Located at Yas Island, spread over 1,53,000 sq m, the park offers visitors the chance to discover the worlds of their beloved characters, uniquely created to allow for an immersive experience. With six lands, 29 rides and a range of themed restaurants, Warner Bros. World is nothing short of a magic show.
Begin your exploit as you enter the Warner Bros. Plaza, a portal that transports you to the themed, action packed lands of the park- Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis.
With Art Deco inspired architecture, the Plaza encourages you to stroll down the streets to witness a celebration of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
At Bedrock, find yourself going back in time to meet The Flintstones and The Rubbles.
Explore your eccentric and quirky side as you visit the desert landscape of Dynamite Gulch, alongside the exciting antics of Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner.
Cartoon Junction brings to you an animated round of excitement as you come head to head with Scooby-Doo. Fight crime in the shadows of Batman and Superman at Gotham city & Metropolis.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The legendary Parisian museum’s Abu Dhabi outpost is a collaboration between France and the UAE. The museum is a depiction of UAE’s commitment to establishing itself as a cultural hub. Located on Saadiyat Island, it is spread over 24,000 sq m, making it the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the structure consists of an intricately patterned silver dome that appears to float above the entire museum. The exquisite pattern of the roof allows the sun to filter through, to create an effect inspired by the palm trees of Abu Dhabi.
The museum galleries at Louvre Abu Dhabi narrate the story of humanity in 12 chronological distinct chapters that have been categorised with common themes and perspectives. Building on the fundamentals of a global cultural exchange, the galleries consist of over 600 permanent artefacts in its collection.
The entrance of the first gallery is marked by a sculpture of an Egyptian Goddess nursing her son next to one of the Virgin Mary and Jesus. The Funeral set of Princess Henuttawy, a Leaf from the Blue Qur’an along with a statue of Dancing Shiva and a pair of Namban six-fold screens are some of the artefacts spread across the consecutive galleries. The final gallery- A Global Stage, is dominated by Ai Weiwei’s Fountain of light, a chandelier which is the centrepiece.
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show
Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) will be a gathering of boating displays and water sports. The show will be held by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), in association with British Marine Boat Shows. It will be held at ADNEC Marina, with representations from over 18 countries including US, UK and Germany. ADIBS will be attented by leading boat makers including Gulf Craft, ART Marine, Beneteau and Benetti. Visitors can avail price experiences, for tickets
booked online in advance including a ride on the F1 power boat with Team Abu Dhabi Champion.
When: October 17-20, 3 pm – 10 pm
Where: ADNEC Marina
adibs.ae
Al Dhafra Festival
Al Dhafra Festival offers an insight into Arab heritage, providing an experience of UAE’s national identity and Bedouin life and culture. Held near Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra, the core of the festival is Mazayna, a beauty contest for camels. Apart from the Mazayna, there are 16 different competitions including Mahaleb Competition, Falcon Mazayna and Arab Saluki Beauty Contest.
Note: Camels winning the Mazayna are marked on their heads with a paste of expensive and rare yellow saffron, along with other aromatics.
When: December 17 – January 01
Where: Al Dhafra
aldhafrafestival.ae
Festival of Lights
Giving a modern twist to the traditional Indian festival of Diwali, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will celebrate the Festival of Lights. Guests can look forward to see various cultural performances including troupes of Indian and international performers and the unique Lali – a storytelling puppet elephant. The theme park will feature lights and stories of Indian culture with live performances and acts of music and dance.
When: November 9-17
Where: Ferrari World
ferrariworldabudhabi.com
FORMULA 1 2018 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
Being held at the Yas Marina Circuit, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the biggest international sports event in the UAE. Located on Yas Island, the track features a circuit length of 5.554 km and a race length of 305.355 km. Twenty drivers from 10 teams including Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Räikkönen from Ferrari will be seen competing for the first position. For the after-race concert, only for F1 ticket holders, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will host performances including The Weeknd, Sam Smith and Guns n’ Roses.
When: November 22- 25
Where: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island
formula1.com
Taste of Abu Dhabi
Taste of Abu Dhabi is a three-day event of food, drinks and music, showcasing the best restaurants, chefs and international live music. The festival being held at du Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, will feature Gary Rhodes, Eric Lanlard, Sanjeev Kapoor and Jenny Morris, among other top celebrity chefs. Apart from seeing the chefs cook live on-stage, guests can expect taster-size signature dishes, interactive masterclasses, innovative and interactive demonstrations and shopping from local and international F&B outlets.
When: November 8, 4 pm -11 pm; November 9, 12 pm-11pm; November 10, 12 pm -10 pm
Where:du Arena, Yas Island
BAYREUTH FESTIVAL – THE VALKYRIE
Bayreuth Festival held annually in Bayreuth, Germany is debuting internationally with Richard Wagner’s opera The Valkyrie. Hosted by Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) the festival will be held at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. The musical drama, The Valkyrie will be directed by Katharina Wagner, great granddaughter of Richard Wagner. The event will also include a feature length film played in the background telling the story of The Valkyrie and revisiting the main locations of the original play.
When: January 30 and February 01
Where: Emirates Palace
