Top 5 Attractions in Abu Dhabi - Big Lights, Big City, Big Places

This mosque is Abu Dhabi's most talked-about holiday attraction. A rather intimidating block of architecture with its Macedonian marble and enormous size, a great many efforts went into creating this incredible piece of design. A few are the Fatimid, Mameluke and Ottoman origins which have come together to create a united and contemporary building in honour of Muslim structural design. The outside and inside of the mosque use different techniques and elements such as glass-work and mosaic tiling. At least 40,000 worshippers can fit inside this magnificent house of prayer and there are many tours available for visitors who would like a peek inside.

From a distance, Abu Dhabi seems to be nothing less of a concrete jungle but some sites like that of the mangrove forests boast the city's greatest natural thrills. These forests stand on the outskirts of the islands which border the coastline. Here you will find several kayaking packages for visitors of any age or skill level. Kayaking tours come in packages lasting from 1.5 hours to 3 hours of paddling. These are Eco Tours which keep visitors informed of how these mangroves came to be and what remains of them in the jungle of Abu Dhabi. Most travellers and sensation seekers, in general, do choose the night tours as they offer more of an adventure; you can explore the mangroves under the cover of darkness along the waters deep in the forest world.

Step into a theme park where Formula One racing is what it's all about. Adrenaline junkies and adventure-seeking families love this spot which has become a favourite Abu Dhabi holiday activity. There's something for everything at this state-of-the-art recreational zone with features like Junior GT track for youngsters to get a taste of being behind the wheel. There's also the essential fearsome rollercoaster- Flying Aces. At 120 kilometres per hour on a loop of 52 metres, this rollercoaster is amongst the tallest and scariest ever. Car lovers rejoice here too. Visitors get an exclusive look at some of the most vintage cars to ever exist at present such as those going back as early as 1947. There's also a tour of the Ferrari factory and a game show to test the knowledge of all Ferrari enthusiasts.

An escapade on the waters of Abu Dhabi will reward you with some pretty amazing sights of the city's tallest buildings. Go further into the deep blue and the shiny skyscrapers come into better view. Travellers need only arrange their excursions with their tour operators and luckily for them, there are many options which allow for selecting the best package at the best possible price. Many tourists pick the "island hopping tours" offered by resorts in Abu Dhabi. There are many choice hotels and holiday retreats in the city such as Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Yamm Villa Resort where holidaymakers can get in some solid beach and snorkelling time at different islands along the coast. The sunset cruises are another hot pick. Travellers can enjoy watching the sunset cover the entire city in hues of fiery orange and salmon pink- the perfect end to a day of holiday fun.

This is Abu Dhabi's oldest building and thus an importance site of much historical significance. The ancient construction came to fruition in the year 1793 and served as the family home of the city's rulers and government figures. Inside Qasr Al-Hosn lies a very different picture of what it used to be, having been renovated to a more contemporary design. It is now used as a museum- a relic of the culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi. On display are spoken historical facts and stories and many old photographs of vintage times. The wonderful tiling in the courtyard are symbols of historical vestige which visitors often come to admire.