Joanna James
Abu Dhabi has grown in leaps and bounds to become one of the top rated tourist hubs in the Arab world. Offering one a taste of modern elegance and ancient splendour there are lots to see in this city.
This is an iconic landmark in Abu Dhabi. Made up of exotic Macedonian marble the enormous girth of the building is quite awe inspiring. In celebration of Islamic architecture, the mosque is an elegant amalgamation of Ottoman, Mameluke and Fatamid design techniques. The exterior and interior of the building are enhanced with the skills of traditional artisans who have dexterously used the lures of mosaic tiling, glass work and elegant carvings to forge a truly stunning edifice. Construction took a staggering 20 years until the mosque was finally opened in 2007. Deemed the largest mosque in the UAE the place can hold up to 40,000 worshipers.
To get a taste of a typical Bedouin camp, do visit the Heritage Village. Offering one an insight into the simple lifestyles of the Emirati people before the oil boom, this place occupies a picturesque beach precinct of the city. This makes the Heritage Village a lovely area to explore. On display are a traditional day to day usage tools as well as objects used for pearl diving and local agriculture.
Al Hosn Palace is also called the White Fort and Old Fort. This is the city's oldest building having being built in 1793 to serve as the home of the ruling family; it was also the seat of the government. Although refurbished and modernised this building home to the Documentation and Research Centre is where you will come across a range of precious vintage articles that deal with the UAE's rich heritage. Culture buffs will love the tiled entrance head as well as the airy courtyard. Inside you will come across a museum dedicated to historical photographs and ancient artefacts.
Camel trekking is certainly one of the most popular Abu Dhabi excursions. There are many group tour operators as well as the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara that provide these tours. Enjoy a sojourn across the Liwa Desert one the back of the exotic animals and relish an authentic Bedouin experience. Choose from family treks, short treks and even sunset treks for those magnificent desert sunset photo opportunities. There's no better way to capture the magic of Arabia than to indulge in a desert trek as part of a traditional Camel caravan.
Check out the traditional skills of local women at the Women's Craft Centre. Watch as they skillfully spin, embroider and weave raw material into objects of beauty. If you are on a hunt for typical Arabic style souvenirs, this is where you can find some very authentic products; choose from carpets, shawls, embroidered slippers, bags, colourful textiles, baskets and trays that are a reflection of Arabic arts and culture.
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