Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven kingdoms which make up the United Arab Emirates. The varied coastline offers ground-breaking architecture, award-winning golf courses, luxury resorts, some of the region's best shopping and surprising nature and wildlife. With an intriguing blend of historic wonders and modern marvels, and made up of over 200 islands, there is plenty to see and explore. From Abu Dhabi city's famous Corniche, to the western region's Empty Quarter Desert in Al Gharbia, culture, history and adventures are all waiting to be discovered.
If you are seeking a cultural fix on your next trip, Abu Dhabi offers a vibrant and contemporary arts & culture scene. There is no better place to experience this than on Saadiyat Island, where you can visit Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat to take in some of the world's finest art. Yas Island offers the perfect location for premier entertainment and is home to award-winning theme parks, such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi where you will find the world's fastest rollercoaster, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi where you can speed around the Middle East's longest suspended rollercoaster and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which brings many of the legendary film characters from the studio to life. For even more glitz and glamour, Al Maryah Island is an exclusive neighbourhood for business and shopping. It is home to one of the largest shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island, which has some of the finest dining spots that Abu Dhabi has to offer. Thrilling adventures await on Sir Bani Yas Island at the Arabian Wildlife Park where you can experience a breath-taking 4x4 desert safari, explore the stunning valleys on a mountain bike or enjoy the adrenaline-filled water sports on offer.
Abu Dhabi is well known for its vibrant contemporary arts and cultural scene where you can immerse yourself in the emirate's culture and heritage. A must-see for any visitor to Abu Dhabi is Qasr Al Watan, the working Presidential Palace where visitors can discover the history and tradition of the UAE, along with an unmissable family-friendly spectacular light and sound show Palace In Motion, which celebrates this fascinating story. Al Ain, known is the emirate's lush garden city, is a treasure trove of history and heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the world's oldest continually inhabited settlements, visitors will be immersed in the historical culture. You can also visit one of the oldest forts in the country, Al Jahili Fort, which dates back to the 1890s. Visit the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world with a capacity for over 40,000 visitors, that provides a deeper understanding of the emirate's values and beliefs. Open to visitors of all faiths, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque highlights the interaction between Islam and other cultures and celebrates diversity. Featuring 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-carat gold gilded chandeliers and, at 60,546 sq ft, the world's largest carpet that took more than 1,000 weavers over a year to complete, the mosque is certainly one of Abu Dhabi's top attractions. Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi and represents a living memorial to the emirate's rich history. It is a must-see attraction that's home to a stunning fort and historic watchtower with spectacular views, making it the ideal spot to take some stunning holiday photos.
Whether you're looking for fine dining or authentic Arabian street food, Abu Dhabi hosts some of the world's best culinary experiences. From family-friendly to fine dining options, there's something to suit everyone's tastes and budgets. For a truly unforgettable experience, Al Mabeet offers high-quality Arabian cuisine set in the breath-taking desert in Abu Dhabi, meaning you can dine in style and try out the local cuisine against a spectacular backdrop. If a five-star Emirati dining experience is on your wish list, don't miss Mezlai, providing an authentic taste of the region by offering dishes created with local ingredients from the sea, mountains, oases and desert. Suhail, which is named after the star Bedouins used to navigate through the desert, is perfect for couples looking for a high-end experience, serving the finest cuts of meat and fresh seafood from across the world and is not to be missed with its desert dining location.
Abu Dhabi is the ideal destination for those looking for some retail therapy and to indulge in unrivalled shopping experiences. It holds some of the best and largest shopping malls in the world and is the ideal retail destination. Don't miss Yas Mall - covering a massive 235,000 square metres of retail heaven, offering everything from designer labels to department stores, stunning restaurants and entertainment zones, there is something to keep the whole family entertained. Located close to the heart of the city, you will also find The Galleria Al Maryah Island mall, which is home to over 400 brands, including 100 food and beverage options and an array of entertainment choices suitable for visitors of all ages.
Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to discover the stunning nature and wildlife, explore desert lakes, paddle through mangroves or dive in the pristine turquoise seas. The magical desert and epic landscapes have formed the backdrop for many famous films and TV series, including Star Wars: Episode VII and Dune. A trip to Rub al Khali, also known as the Empty Quarter, gives you the opportunity to see this stunning location. Nature-lovers both young and old will be impressed by Abu Dhabi's mangrove forests, particularly at Mangrove National Park which is located at the edge of the city. Here, you can experience a range of activities including kayaking, tours and boat cruises to enable you to fully appreciate your surroundings. Thanks to its almost year-round sunshine, Abu Dhabi has the perfect climate for snorkelling in the warm, clear, blue waters with pristine beaches at any time of the year. Visitors can explore the wrecks and reefs, and view the stunning underwater marine life, including spotted eagle rays, stingrays and more.
In just over 50 years, Abu Dhabi has been transformed from a quiet coastal town into a thriving, modern 21st-century multi-cultural society. It remains strongly attached to its culture and roots with a unique and fascinating opportunity to explore the old and the new in a luxurious location.