Joanna James
Are you planning a trip to Abu Dhabi with your family? It is definitely a city of sports cars, indulgent luxury, shopping and good times. But there is much more to this ancient city and its eventful past. If you're visiting with family, you can take a look around to spot the hidden gems. Go out of the way to stumble upon some authentic Arabian experiences in Abu Dhabi.
This man-made wildlife park is a haven for safaris, sailing to see migratory birds, snorkelling, and even kayaking. The park is full of wild animals including cheetahs, gazelles, giraffes, and the Arabian Oryx. You can even find a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi near Sir Bani Yas Island. Check out places like the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara to be close to what the island has to offer.
Take the kids to see the delicate art of glass blowing, pottery and weaving at the heritage village. It is a reconstructed village in the old style with a souk, a fort that provides safety from invaders from the seas, an ox-drawn well and palm-leafed 'barsati' dwellings. There is an ancient irrigation system called 'falaj' in the village.
Located on Saadiyat Island, this place is where city dwellers go to seek peace. Within just 20 minutes of travelling from the city centre, you can find a plethora of soul-soothing activities like yoga and painting in Mamsha Al Saadiyat. Once you find serenity, check out a few restaurants to tuck into a feast.
Qasr Al Hosn is where you'll find the oldest standing building in Abu Dhabi. Its watchtower was built way back in 1760 and the inner fort and outer palace came together years later. If you love to sketch, this place is worth spending some time with your sketching kit. The House of Artisans in Qasr Al Hosn keeps Emirati art alive with their work. You can watch their dedication to their craft and even dabble a little to learn some techniques.
Go to the Mina Markets to grab some freshly caught grilled fish and feast your eyes on the new catch of gleaming silver fish. Then make your way to the Al Mina souk to look for exotic fruit and vegetables. You can taste some mango from India or coconuts from Sri Lanka. Don't forget to buy some dates to savour the true Arabian delight. Then take a little trip to the Carpet Souk to delight in the charm of hand-woven rugs.
A desert safari should be the highlight of your trip to Abu Dhabi. You can try sandboarding or sand dune bashing to seek thrills in the sandy desert. Come dusk, make your way to a Bedouin camp with a touch of luxury to get henna tattoos, watch a beautiful belly dancer and tuck into a feast of fresh meat and rice infused with herbs and spices as you watch the stars light up the magical desert.
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.
