Joanna James
Tipped to be one of Middle East's top holiday hotspots, Abu Dhabi offers visitors a wealth of experiences. Here are some of the best ways to uncover the glory of Abu Dhabi during a holiday.
Regarded as one of the world's premier cultural institutions, the Louvre Abu Dhabi gives its French counterpart a run for its money with an equally impressive collection of relics and jaw-dropping exhibits. As the only Louvre Museum located outside of Europe, the Abu Dhabi instalment of this globally renowned museum and cultural Mecca is a staggering feat of creativity. Contained within a futuristic structure designed by celebrated architect Jean Nouvel the museum is situated on Saadiyat Island, and is a stone's throw away from Abu Dhabi's downtown region. Encircled by water the museum which also features an iconic dome and a promenade is easily accessible to those based in 5 star hotels in Abu Dhabi the likes of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and countless others.
As an important part of the city's history, there's no better way to encounter the glorious past of this Middle Eastern powerhouse than with the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey. The tour kicks off in a conventional pearling dhow which sets sail from Abu Dhabi and heads towards Hudayriat Island. Stunning views of the mangroves and other sights along the way are part and parcel of the experience which also includes sampling Gahwa or Arabic coffee and dates. The secrets of the trade of pearl diving and a demonstration on the technique of opening oyster shells are other key moments of this tour which informs visitors of the history of pearl diving in the city.
Taking visitors on a trip back in time through the annals of history an excursion to witness the Jebel Hafeet Tombs is a must for all first time visitors touring the desert nation. Located within the Jebel Hafeet Mountains the five thousand year old civilization and Al Ain's first communities are all buried here in ancient domed tombs that are as large as they are intricate. Both round shaped and oval shaped tombs in this enclosure reach up to 13 feet in height and differ greatly from the Umm an-Nar burial grounds.
Considered one of Abu Dhabi's true national treasures in terms of both design elements as well as Islamic architecture, no visit to the city would be complete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. As one of the most photographed and recognizable cultural icons in the city, this mammoth religious edifice has come to exemplify the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. Called one of the finest architectural feats in the world, the mosque not only contains a whopping 82 domes but also a thousand columns and the globe's biggest hand knotted carpet. Another highlight at the venue includes its 33 feet diameter Swarovski crystal chandelier which is among one of the largest in the world.
One need not be a Formula One fan to enjoy an exhilarating driving adventure at the Yas Marina Circuit. Having hosted the Etihad Airways Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix nearly a decade ago, the race course in now used as a recreational hub where visitors can live out their racing dreams by getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458 or an Aston Martin GT4.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
