Joanna James
From a quaint desert-bound Bedouin village to a world-class oasis gleaming with staggering skyscrapers and opulent hospitality, Abu Dhabi boasts a scintillating mix of heritage tapestries and innovative enticements. Here’s what you can look forward to.
While it's easy to get mesmerised by Abu Dhabi’s commanding superstructures, glitzy shopping malls, sprawling entertainment arenas, and lavish hotels, there’s more to this opulent oasis than what meets the eye. Whether it’s roaming through atmospheric heritage mazes in search of a locally recommended bakery, early morning kayaks through lush mangroves, or discovering breathtaking ancient desert cities, experience-led travellers can lose themselves in spontaneous thrills.
The next-generation globetrotter is no longer impressed by superficial status symbols, impersonal white-glove service, and traditional guidebook excursions. While discerning travellers to Abu Dhabi expect top-tier amenities and excellent service, they are also looking for deeper insights into the local culture and meaningful community connections. From exhilarating desert glamping and exclusive desert fortress expeditions to guided supercar tours and dhow dinner cruises, there’s plenty to satiate wanderlust chasers.
Aiming to draw in 39 million visitors by 2030, Abu Dhabi’s multi-layered tourism strategy includes expanding the range of its cultural offerings and fine-tuning its family-friendly adventures. From high-octane, climate-controlled theme parks like Ferrari World and the ever-evolving adventures at Yas Island to immersive museums like teamLab that experiment with art, culture, science, and technology, there’s an undeniable multi-generational allure.
Recognising the rising sentiment for responsible travel that leaves a positive impact on nature and the community, Abu Dhabi has crafted enriching encounters infused with heart and heritage. From promoting environmental conservation and sustainable progress with projects like SeaWorld Yas Island to cycling through the dreamy, self-sustaining Al Ain Oasis, Abu Dhabi offers unique eco-friendly experiences. With its intricate historic architecture and natural beauty, eco-conscious enchantments await at every turn. If you’re seeking hotel apartments in Abu Dhabi that combine plush comforts with convenient access to diverse attractions, venture no further than Oaks Liwa Executive Suites.
Enriching bespoke initiatives driven by seamless digitisation are transforming Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry. Guests can expect contactless convenience and thoughtful customisation, from smart rooms that anticipate their every need and apps that facilitate tailor-made experiences to AI chatbots and automated systems that enhance service and operational excellence.
While annually anticipated events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, International Book Fair, and Science Festival are mostly concentrated in the avant-garde cityscape, modern travellers crave off-the-beaten-path excursions. From the majestic sunset-hued dunes at Rub Al Khali and the magical Liwa Oasis to the shimmering expanse of Al Wathba Salt Lake with its elegant flamingos, there are endless hidden gems to discover.
Abu Dhabi is stealing the spotlight as an out-of-the-box MICE destination, with its stunning venues, immersive technologies, and AI-infused tools that help anticipate guest requirements. The line between work and pleasure is pleasantly blurred with all-in-one entertainment emporiums decked with futuristic facilities for award shows, exhibitions, gala dinners, and creative workshops. Yas Island, for instance, is rebranding itself as an all-in-one bleisure destination, boasting state-of-the-art infrastructure and new-age diversions for unconventional, thematic events.
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.
