Joanna James
United Arab Emirates' (UAE) capital city Abu Dhabi is 15 times the size of Dubai. It is an amazing place you should definitely visit if you're thinking of the UAE for your next vacation.
Most of Abu Dhabi is made up of miles and miles of vast deserts. The perfect place to visit for camping under the stars and being one with the nation. Dessert driving and photography are some of the popular activities that visitors visiting the dessert can try out.
UAE is full of great architecture. Even though Dubai is home to the world's tallest building the Abu Dhabi is home to the some of the most stunning architectural feats in the world similar to Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid, The Landmark and ADNOC headquarters.
Most people know Abu Dhabi for the desserts. Not many know about the 70 km2 of land that is home to lush green mangroves. Aptly named Mangrove National park, it is home to 50 species of birds, animals like crabs and Gazelle and lush vegetation.
The Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is one of the world's best racing circuits. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which happen yearly is when the city comes alive with visitors, international artists, grand concerts and epic parties. The circuit regularly hosts events like a ladies night, free fitness programs and is open for people who engage in jogging or cycling.
Kayaking is one of the activities in Abu Dhabi that you should try out if you're staying at a hotel similar to Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villas. Other popular water sports in the country include stand up paddling, snorkelling and white-water rafting.
Going at speeds at over 24-kilometres an hour, the Formula Rossa located at the Ferrari world currently holds the record for the fastest rollercoaster in the world. The ride is so fast that it's actually faster than an F1 car!
While the nightlife in Dubai is great it doesn't even come close to the nightlife that Abu Dhabi offers. MAD on Yas Island, one of the biggest venues for indoor nightlife regularly hosts international superstars like Tineh Tempah, Akon, Ne-Yo and Tinashie.
If you stand on the road for a short time, you'll see some of the world's leading brands of cars drive by, you name it, they have it! The National Auto Museum which showcases more than 230 vehicles that belong to Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan's is a must visit place if you're a motorhead.
The malls in Abu Dhabi that sell some of the leading retail brands in the world place you can visit to literally shop till you drop. The Yas Mall for example which has 370 shops, 60 dining options and cinema complex with up to 20 screens is one of the best malls in the Middle East.
Even though Abu Dhabi has many modern buildings it still retains its cultural identity and showcases it with great pride. The Al Jahili Fort which was built in 1891 to protect the mountain passes and Al Ain is a great example of how well they've maintained their historical landmarks.
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.
