Joanna James
As the bustling capital of the United Arab Emirates, it should come as no surprise that Abu Dhabi is home to some of the country's most iconic points of interest. From historic attractions to more modern additions to the city landscape, here are 5 highlights visitors must explore on a tour of Abu Dhabi.
Ranked among the most exquisite places of worship in all of the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is perhaps the most photographed religious edifice in the city. With its stark white marble exterior, the larger-than-life structure dwarves the city around it by combining Ottoman, Mameluke and even Fatimid architectural styles to create a symbol of truly mammoth proportions. It took 20 years to build the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which can host 40,000 devotees at once and is the largest in all of the UAE. Built as a tribute to the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan, the mosaic tiles and the glasswork are some of the most impressive elements of this building. Guided tours of the venue are available free of charge.
Considered the most iconic museum in all of the Middle East, the Louvre Abu Dhabi also holds the distinct honour of being the only instalment of the famed Paris Louvre Museum outside of France. Celebrating the gamut of humanity's achievements in the sphere of art from the Neolithic age to modern times, the main highlights of the museum's exhibits include the paintings by Picasso and other European Greats. Divided into 12 galleries, temporary exhibitions and travelling showcases are regularly hosted at this venue is an architectural marvel in its own right.
No trip to Abu Dhabi would be complete without exploring one of the city's finest theme parks. One need not be a Formula One fan to enjoy and marvel at Ferrari World, a one of a kind recreational hub where one can not only ride gravity-defying roller coasters but also drive vintage and modern racing cars made in the Ferrari Factory in Italy.
Saadiyat Island is not only Abu Dhabi's most popular weekend hotspot but also where one of the city's top beaches is found. Holidaymakers hoping to splash around on Abu Dhabi's finest seaside hamlets will find no finer alternative to Saadiyat Beach, a lifeguard protected beachfront lined with sunbeds and cafes.
Listed among the spectacular things to see in Abu Dhabi by online travel resources the likes of Vacation Getaway and similar portals, the Eastern Mangroves are a geographical anomaly in this desert city. The mangrove forests are best explored on a kayaking tour of the landscape which is home to countless flora and fauna. The eco-friendly tours can be brief or extensive according to one's preferences while those who wish to witness the mangroves at nightfall can also sign up for a night-time excursion among the marshes.
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.
