Joanna James
Although the capital of the United Arab Emirates is easily overlooked due to the popularity of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is just as iconic a city, and has many wondrous sights in store.
A skyscraper that can contend with Dubai's Burj al Khalifa is Abu Dhabi's Etihad Towers Hotel, whose observation deck is the highest point in the city. The views from the deck enable you to glimpse all that Abu Dhabi has to offer, from Ferrari World to many luxury hotels in UAE's capital city like entities such as Anantara Hotels, Resort & Spa. There is an entrance fee that will be charged for visitors who aren't hotel guests, but it is redeemable for food and beverages from the restaurant located within the deck itself.
This colossal monument is a marvellous tribute to the nation's late ruler. Designed with a fusion of Ottoman, Mameluke and Fatamid elements and clad in fine Macedonian marble, the sight of this inspirational work of architecture is unforgettable. Both the interior and exterior of the grand mosque contains elaborate designs consisting of mosaic tiling and glasswork. The massive mosque took nearly two decades to build and is the largest of its kind in the entire country, able to contain a crowd of forty thousand worshippers. Non-Muslims are welcome to any area of the mosque and there are guided tours available as well
A beautiful example of a Bedouin encampment has been lovingly recreated in Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village. It plays an interesting role in reminding the people of the city of a humble existence before the discovery of oil and the nation's subsequent development into a prosperous metropolitan superpower. Through a visit to Heritage Village you can learn about the many early economies that were present before the oil trade, ranging from agriculture to pearl diving. This attraction is also located in a beautiful beach setting, which makes it a most lucrative place to visit on your Abu Dhabi adventure.
The range of wildlife featured in the Abu Dhabi zoo is incredibly comprehensive, and is bound to be a most fulfilling visit. Some of the spectacular animals to be glimpsed include rare white tigers, elephants and even sea lions. If you wish to interact with animals, you can do so at the petting zoo. Only domestic animals however are available to be interacted with.
There is undoubtedly no place worthier of a visit than Yas Island. The large range of attractions contained within this tiny landmass is impressive, from theme parks to a world-renowned Formula-1 circuit. Yas Island contains what has been ranked as the second best water park in the world by the Los Angeles Times. The island also boasts the only Ferrari-branded theme park in existence; Ferrari World. The world's fastest roller-coaster, the Formula Rossa, is also located within this incredible theme park. One of the country's largest shopping centres, the Yas Mall, is also situated on the island. Last but not least, Warner Brothers is set to open a theme park in 2018 featuring rides involving all their franchises from Looney Tunes to the recent movies starring Batman and Superman. If you're ever in Abu Dhabi, be sure to visit Yas Island.
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