When people think of the UAE, they focus only on Dubai. But the capital Abu Dhabi is different from the best cultural distinctions and incredible architecture. From shopping to culture to going to Abu Dhabi to exploring the country's traditions, I was fascinated by the amazing and rich history.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must-visit for anyone visiting the UAE or the Gulf region. The splendid white minarets and circular domes of the Grand Mosque combine with the fine architecture inspired by the Taj Mahal, and the beautiful mosque that celebrates Islamic religion is hard to miss.82 domes, 1,1196 columns, semi-precious carved stones in each hand, gold date palm on top. There are seven chandeliers made of Italian Murano glass and Swarovski crystals. It took 1200 artists to make the carpet. First opened in 2007, it took 11 years for construction but 19 years for the planning process.
There is ample parking around the church and manicured grounds. But no, I walked up to the church. Instead, head to the entrance to pick up a ticket. This entrance will take you to the mound, which will take you to the elevators on foot to the church.No vacation to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Make sure you have enough time left to explore. I recommend going just before sunset.
Yas Island / Ferrari World
The beaches of Abu Dhabi are stunning. Some are private and accessible through your hotel, but there are some public beaches. Yas Island has some beautiful beaches where you can relax in the sun. It charges from some public beaches (around 50-100 AED). There are not only beaches in Yas Island. Be sure to explore some other attractions, such as the world’s fastest rollercoaster and the world’s highest roller coaster loop at Ferrari World. Of course, you can find Ferrari-inspired rides and activities at any age. Click here to win a ticket. Of course, you can head over to Yas Water World for more than 40 rides, attractions, and entertainment for the whole family.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
I didn't know there was a Louvre outside of Paris, but it can be found in Abu Dhabi! The museum displays art from around the world, categorized by theme and date of creation. The steel of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun 3,000 years ago is one of my favorite pieces, describing him as the rightful king. The museum is a series of white buildings reminiscent of the Arab Medina. The building is an artwork surrounded by sea.
Heritage Village
To understand what Abu Dhabi was like before the oil boom to Heritage Village. Islamic traditions will be found in the deserted village, rebuilt with local handicrafts and historically designed buildings. Artisans make pottery, look for a traditional souk, and find a traditional mosque reminiscent of each modernized Abu Dhabi. There are monthly cultural festivals, which you should not miss. To get a better look at what Abu Dhabi looks like today, head over to the Etihad Towers observation deck. You can have a great view of the 63rd floor Quest restaurant.
Emirates Palace
One of the best things about Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Palace. This luxury hotel, which is 2 miles long, reaches new heights. The Emirates Palace Hotel cost $ 3 billion to build, making it one of the most expensive hotels ever built, with a combination of Islamic architecture and world-class amenities. Indulge in a 24-carat gold cappuccino or walk around the grounds and pick up beautiful marble and gold accents. You can also identify the hotel from the Fast and Furious 7 movie.
National Park
The mangroves are a welcome oasis between the nearby school buildings and the barren desert. At the heart of this modern city is an ancient ecosystem where you can go kayaking or paddleboarding to discover nature. The gardens are located on the 72 km (45 mi) coast of the UAE. When you go out, you will find amazing amounts of wildlife and peace in a busy city. You can spend anywhere from 2-6 hours in the area depending on your activity level.
Falcon Hospital
You should be surprised to see a Falcon Hospital listed as a major attraction in Abu Dhabi. The hospital cares exclusively for the Falcons and is used for education and awareness. Falcons have played a crucial role in the UAE since Bedouin hunters helped find bird food. Falcons are especially necessary because they can be trained to bring the victim back to life because, in Muslim law, animals must be sent alive to ensure that the meat is "halal." Falconry is a popular sport in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE. In fact, falcons are the only animals in the UAE. Going to the hospital will give you a better view of these incredible birds.
