Abu Dhabi is a place where you can find something to do no matter how you like to spend your time. The Great Mosque of Sheikh Zayed or the ancient city of Al Ain is the place to go if you are a passionate culture. If you do not want to go to one of the malls, you could go to the beach or take a trip in the desert.
Abu Dhabi boasts a fairly large number of shopping centers, such as Marina Mall, and luxury attractions such as Ferrari World. But in the largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates you can learn more about the nation's traditions.
You can spend your days visiting Sheikh Zayed Sea Mosque or exploring the traditional Heritage Village streets. You will also find plenty of cultural sites in Al Ain, including the Palace Museum and the Al Jahili Fort. And if you prefer an outdoor activity, you'd better spend some time for Corniche Beach, the Jebel Hafeet Summit, or the empty neighborhood desert.
Great Mosque Sheikh Zayed
The Mosque is the eighth largest in the world. Built between 1996 and 2007, it has over 80 marble cupolas and over 1,000 supporting posts, is an architectural masterpiece of modern Islamic design.
What is very important is that the mosque is one of the two Arab Emirates who admit visitors as non-Muslim.
The Emirates Palace
Like Dubai Burj Al Arab, the Emirates Palace sets the standard for luxury accommodation in Abu Dhabi. It is 1.3 km from the private beach, with gold-decorated interiors, crystals and pearls. More than 1,000 handmade chandeliers and chairs contribute to the inner opulence. Also outside the hotel, palm trees, lush gardens and fountains create an oasis effect.
One night accommodation costs from 200 euros.
Even if you do not sleep for a night at the hotel, you can enjoy a gold-foil cake in one of the hotel's restaurants.
Tours in the desert
There are several variants to reach the Al Gharbia desert. You can opt for a classic camel ride, a safari-style jeep ride or a balloon tour.
Yas Marina and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
The Yas Marina circuit hosts the Grand Prix and Formula 1 races, and visitors are welcome to test the track for the rest of the year.
Tours cost 120 AED (about $ 33) for adults. You will pay 60 AED (approximately $ 17) for children aged 3 to 12; Children under 3 can participate free of charge. The cost of testing the track varies depending on the type of car you choose. A few strokes in a kart will cost 110 AED (about $ 30) for adults. Instead, a race with an Aston Martin starts at 1,500 AED (about $ 400).
You can also spend time in the Ferrari World fun park, which is the fastest place in the world: Formula Rossa, which goes up to 150 miles an hour.