Although Abu Dhabi is a modern city, it has maintained its heritage. Some buildings appear as if they come straight out of Arabian legends.
The city’s architecture blends futuristic skyscrapers and traditional souks, with modern and ancient sights on display. Everything a visitor would want to see – from fun and adventure to culture and history – can be found in this metropolis, which lies on an island formed by two T-shaped peninsulas.
Are you looking for somewhere to visit on your Abu Dhabi tour? Here are some top places to check out there.
● Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The capital’s biggest and most magnificent Mosque is also its most significant. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque has become a symbol of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Zayed, the UAE’s former ruler and founder came up with the idea for this grand Mosque.
Construction began in 1996 and continued until 1997. In 2007, after spending 2 billion dollars and 11 years, the stunning Mosque was opened to the public.
This wonder was made with incredible attention to detail. The walls are made of white granite from the Republic of Macedonia and lined with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, red agate, amethyst, abalone, jasper, mother-of-pearl, and gold.
This Mosque features a unique blend of Ottoman, Fatimid, and Moorish architecture, with contemporary and modern elements. The large prayer halls adorn beautiful carpets and massive bronze chandeliers with Swarovski crystals. The world’s most giant hand-woven rug also belongs to this Mosque.
All are welcome at the Mosque, Muslims and non-Muslims alike. However, everyone must follow the Islamic dress code while on site. Loose hooded gowns with long sleeves are available for rental at the entrance. Except during the five prayer times, tourists may enter the interior of the Mosque without restriction.
● Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louver Abu Dhabi, designed by the Pritzker-winning architect, is intended to be distinct from all other museums in every way. The UAE and the French government collaborated on this fantastic project.
The museum is located on the island of Saadiyat, which is entirely covered in water on all sides. The museum’s roof is an engineering wonder; it consists of eight levels and looks like palm-leaf roofs stacked on each other.
The dome is so giant that, from a distance, it gives the illusion that the building is floating above the water. The light streaming through the dome in the galleries beneath gives off an otherworldly glow.
In late 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which boasts the world’s most comprehensive museum title, unveiled its doors. Rather than organizing the objects by era and civilization as previous Louvers have done, Louvre Abu Dhabi explores art and history’s global impact.
The artifacts in the collection come from ancient times. The Ain Ghazal statue, hailing from Jordan, is from the 7th millennium BC. At Louvre, there is both a permanent and temporary gallery. The temporary one displays loaned items from several major museums in France, most notably the original Louvre (Musee du Louvre).
● Emirates Palace Hotel
Only a handful of hotels worldwide can compete with Emirates Palace regarding luxury. This sandstone-colored beachfront hotel is majestic, like something straight out of an Arabian fairytale. The German hotel chain Kempinski owns and operates the hotel.
Aside from the rest, this hotel’s sheer size and luxury set it apart. It measures thousands of acres on Ras Al Akhdar’s western coast and overlooks the Arabian Gulf. The enormous granite cupolas illuminated with gold become even more magnificent every evening.
If you’re trying new dishes, this is the place for you! Four excellent restaurants will tantalize your taste buds. The interior and exterior design are in keeping with the exquisite Arabian style, with vast stairwells and atriums.
The hotel has a gallery where ancient works of art are displayed on gold shelves. Because of its premium location and size, the hotel attracts attention from almost every part of Sana’a.
● Ferrari World
Ferrari World is among the most prominent Abu Dhabi tourist places. As the only Ferrari-themed park on Earth, it is also one of the world’s most popular destinations for car fans and Fascisti.
UAE is home to many desert attractions, but if you’re looking to escape the heat and spend a day indoors, this climate-controlled indoor theme park is perfect for your needs.
The sprawling facility is located on Yas Island and offers an array of activities that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, it’s one of the first things you’ll see when driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi!
Ferrari World has the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa. In under 5 seconds, the gut-wrenching 2.2-kilometer lift speeds up from 0 to 240 km/h. You’ll need to put on goggles to protect your eyes at these stunning (intentional pun) speeds.
There are four d shows and a factory tour of Ferrari in addition to all the rides. Not to mention all of the cafés. On weekends, a day at the Ferrari world is an excellent way for the entire family to spend quality time together.
● Qasr Al Watan Abu Dhabi
Few people have had the chance to walk through an actual palace, but at Qasar Al Watan, you can explore the Presidential Palace of UAE with a guided tour. The name, “Qasar Al Watan,” translates to the nation’s palace in Arabic. You’ll be able to see where vital Abu Dhabi officials work and get a feel for what it’s like inside such a fantastic building.
The Mosque’s facade, like the palace, is built with bright white granite. There are several architectural elements that the two structures have in common.
The palace stands next to the luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel on the Ras al Akhtar peninsula. However, both facilities are beautiful, but the hotel pales in comparison to the palace’s grandeur.
The evening’s light and sound show at the Qasar Al Watan discusses the goal that will take the nation forward.
Final Words:
Abu Dhabi is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a city break that offers an abundance of culture and history. From awe-inspiring mosques to luxurious shopping malls, there’s something for everyone in this Arabian metropolis. So why not book your trip today?