Joanna James
The charming emirate of Abu Dhabi would offer much that would draw the interest of the discerning visitor. Amongst the key local attractions would be a marvellous collection of cultural highlights that are sure to capture the imagination of the culture and history enthusiast. Described below are some of the must-experience cultural attractions to be found in the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi.
Taking pride of place in Abu Dhabi would be the splendid Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which would be one of the best-known features of the city. You will find that this magnificent place of worship is an impressive sight filled with remarkable features that would catch the eye of the visitor. You will see that this mosque features no less than 1,000 columns and 82 domes in addition to chandeliers gilded with 24-karat gold. Other noteworthy features of this mosque would include the immense handcrafted carpet – the largest in the world – and the amazing floral-themed marble decoration.
Another not-to-be-missed sightseeing attraction in Abu Dhabi would be the remarkable Qasr Al Watan which happens to belong to the Presidential Palace compound. Qasr Al Watan which is counted amongst the loveliest examples of contemporary Islamic architecture, would present a striking sight for the observer. Although members of the public may not visit the functional sections of this palace, it would be possible to stroll through the accessible areas, enjoy a guided tour and admire the pretty gardens; don’t forget you can experience a sound and light presentation provided in the evenings as well.
Undoubtedly, the remarkable Louvre Abu Dhabi would be counted amongst the UAE capital’s most alluring cultural attractions. Even the building in which this museum is housed may be considered an attraction, having been designed by the renowned architect, Jean Nouvel. You will find that the exhibits in the galleries of this museum document the development of humanity extending from ancient civilizations to the modern era. The cultural traditions of both the West and the East would be presented in this ground-breaking museum which is well worth adding to your itinerary.
The splendid Founders Memorial happens to be a memorial dedicated to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the United Arab Emirates’ first President. Whilst this monument would present an impressive sight at any time of the day, it would probably be most entrancing at the time of sunset; during this time the suspended geometric shapes of the memorial would be illuminated by a multitude of lights to create an image of the late Sheikh.
Visitors to Abu Dhabi would have the opportunity to undertake an engrossing culture and history tour at Sir Bani Yas Island which is sure to be a captivating experience for the culture lover. During the early 1990s, an important discovery was unearthed at Sir Bani Yas Island, namely the remains of a monastery, church, and several houses dating back to the 7th century. Today, you would have the chance to tour these noteworthy archaeological sites which offer fascinating insights. As you enjoy sightseeing in Abu Dhabi, an accommodation choice on Sir Bani Yas to consider from which you could easily undertake this tour would be Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara.
Your tour of Abu Dhabi’s cultural sites wouldn’t be complete without visiting the well-known Qasr Al Hosn which is considered the oldest existing building in the city. This impressive stone fort which dates to the 1790s was initially constructed to protect the local settlement and safeguard the important trade routes. Today, this monument has been transformed into an engrossing museum which plays an important role in fostering learning and culture in Abu Dhabi.
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.
