Abu Dhabi is the federal capital of the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.). Although Dubai is the more prominent city of U.A.E., Abu Dhabi is the country's center of government and one of the most richest cities in the middle east. During my latest trip in the U.A.E., i made sure tat I visited Abu Dhabi and explored the wonders of this city. Here are some of the attractions that I've been to:
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates. It has an open door policy to tourists and locals as well as for non-Muslims. It is also the most iconic landmark of Abu Dhabi, UAE's capital emirate. It is a true marvel of architecture with 82 marble domes, 1096 exterior columns, 96 semi-precious jewel-crusted internal columns, and 7 24-karat gold plated Swarovski crystal chandeliers. There are no entrance fees to enter, but, you have to register your personal info on the entrance. General visiting times are from 9am to 10pm but limited on Fridays during time of worship. There is a dress code when entering the mosque. Men should wear trousers/pants and shirts with sleeves. Women on the other hand are required to wear Hijab and Abaya which available free of cost in the entrance.
Watch this YouTube video of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street، - 5th St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
ETIHAD TOWERS AND OBSERVATION DECK @ 300
Etihad Towers is a complex comprised of 5 buildings and one of the major landmarks of Abu Dhabi. The five towers are actually luxury hotels with superb service and exquisite surroundings. The towers invites residents and visitors to stay, shop, and dine in one destination at the heart of Abu Dhabi. One of the featured attractions is the Observation Deck At 300 which is a restaurant and an observation deck in one. It is located at tower 2 of the Etihad Towers and is open daily from 10am to 7pm. Entrance fee to Observation Deck At 300 is AED95 where in AED55 can be used as credit for food purchase.
Watch this YouTube video of Observation Deck @ 300:
Observation Deck @ 300
https://www.jumeirah.com/en/dine/abu-dhabi/etihad-towers-observation-deck-at-300
Tower 2, Level 74, Jumeirah Hotel, Etihad Towers - Corniche W St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
EMIRATES PALACE
The Emirates Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi, just across the Etihad Towers. Although it's a luxury hotel, guests are welcome to dine or just simply take pictures in it's grounds. The fountain and gardens upfront are a sight to behold. It also has the best view of the Etihad Towers. During daytime, the hotel's golden color contrasts with the green gardens, silvery fountains and the blue sky. On the other hand, at night, the hotel turns to a majestic rainbow changing effect on the main dome.
Emirates Palace
https://www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/luxury-hotel
West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
HERITAGE VILLAGE
If you want to know the history of Abu Dhabi, the Heritage Village is one of the best places to visit. Here, they showcase the traditional aspects of the desert way of life and immerse you in a time capsule that brings you to a souk, a mosque and a museum. The attraction also features gardens, courtyards, and a beach on the backside with an incredible view of the city. Heritage Village is open from 9am to 4pm on Saturdays to Thursdays and from 4pm to 9pm on Fridays. Admission is free.
Watch this YouTube video of Heritage Village:
UAE Heritage Village
https://torath.gov.ae/
Near Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - Breakwater Rd - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
QASR AL HOSN
Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest and most significant building in Abu Dhabi. It is comprised of two major structures, the Inner Fort and the Outer Palace. Previously, it was home to the ruling family of goverment. Now, it is the nation's living memorial of Abu Dhabi's history. In 2018, it has been transformed into a museum and an attraction wherein many tourist visit the site on a daily basis. Entrance fee is AED30 for adults and AED15 for children. Qasr Al Hosn is open from 9AM to 7PM on Saturdays to Thursdays and from 12PM to 10PM on Fridays.
Watch this YouTube video of Qasr Al Hosn:
Qasr Al Hosn
https://qasralhosn.ae/
Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St(2nd St) - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
ABU DHABI CORNICHE
The Abu Dhabi Corniche is an 8 kilometer long boulevard that has bicycle pathways, pedestrian running trails, children's playgrounds, restaurants, cafes, and beach access in the heart of the city. The beach itself is a major attraction with long stretch of white sand with the Abu Dhabi skyline in the background. The family beach has an entrance fee of AED10 for adults and AED5 for children. But the public beach is free admission.
Watch this YouTube video of Abu Dhabi Corniche:
Abu Dhabi Corniche
https://www.travelabudhabi.ae/places-to-visit/corniche-abu-dhabi
Corniche - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
YAS MALL AND FERRARI WORLD
Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's largest luxury mall. The mall offers incredible shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences. If you prefer to cool off from the heat outside, then the Yas Mall is the perfect place for you. It is also your gateway to the world famous Ferrari World.
Ferrari World is the first ever ferrari-branded theme park. It is mostly an indoor park with an area covering approximately 86,000 square meters. Considered as UAE's leading theme park, it highlights the worlds fastest roller coaster, the Formula Rossa.
Yas Mall & Ferrari World
https://www.yasmall.ae/en/home
https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/en
Yas Island - Yas Leisure Dr - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Here are some tips if you want to visit Abu Dhabi:
- Like all cities in the middle east, Abu Dhabi is a desert and can be extremely hot during summer from June to August. It is still best to visit during cold months from October to February.
- If you are to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, make sure to wear decent clothes. No shorts, and no sleeveless shirts. It is also important to consider going on less busy days (Mon-Thu), as Friday is prayer time and they limit visitors on this time.
- Just be reminded that your ticket for Observation Deck @ 300 is partially consumable for food and drinks (AED55 is consumable). So grab a snack while enjoying the views at the observation deck.
- The best time to visit Emirates Palace is before dawn till night time so you can enjoy morning and evening views.
- If you don't have a private car to visit attractions of Abu Dhabi, you can consider availing a Big Bus Tour Bus. They stop to all major tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi at every 30 minutes interval. Here is their website for more info: https://www.bigbustours.com/en/abu-dhabi/abu-dhabi-bus-tours/
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