Joanna James
Touring to a different country for a holiday that lasts just two days or so seems daunting, but given that Abu Dhabi is well connected by air, a trip to this Emirati capital should be a breeze.
For a modern city that commenced its journey to stardom only about two or three decades ago once crude oil was discovered, it does come as a surprise that arts and architecture are high on the list of priorities. However, any doubts that may have existed were put to rest when the Abu Dhabi Louvre was commissioned. Built in collaboration with France, this dome-shaped wondrous site challenges the traditional concept of a museum. The artefacts and exhibits are ordered chronologically and not based on geography. As a result, people who are interested in comparing the level of development or aesthetic progress made by two or more countries at a particular time, the Abu Dhabi Louvre is a great repository.
The Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is meant for those who find the speed to be thrilling. Complete with a car factory tour and rides for the entire family, this theme park boasts of a gigantic space frame structure. It is located in Yas Island, a purpose-built leisure and entertainment district. The island which is partly built on reclaimed land can be accessed even by aircraft and continues to be developed and modified. Visitors throng to enjoy the Water Park, golf course, beach fringe and open-air arenas for entertainment gigs. This could easily take up two days of your time yet choose what you wish to do the most and try to wrap up in about half a day if you want to make it to the end of this list.
What is a holiday without some binging? Pamper yourself at one of the many 5 star hotels Abu Dhabi, purchase branded wear for yourself at the numerous malls and stop for a movie at one of the states of the art screens. You could easily dedicate an evening to do some shopping at the malls close late at night and the deals can be overwhelming if you time your trip right. The local festival times are particularly good shopping seasons. If you have your heart set on experiencing the non-material side to life, leave this for the last.
A dry and brown desert with an occasional oasis is the only natural element that comes to mind instantly when speaking of the United Arab Emirates. However, just by the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara is the body of water that surrounds some of the most luscious mangroves in the Gulf region. There are boat trips and little adventurous tours of the waters for visitors to admire this endowment of nature. Nevertheless, this does not imply that visiting a desert is a bad idea, you could sign up at the city's desert safari office for a quick feeler of life in the sands.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
