If you still have the energy to look at the sights and walk for hours along the streets and museums of an unfamiliar city, then write down these places in Abu Dhabi:
- Qasr Al Watan Palace is an active residence where there are not only business meeting areas, but also collectible exhibits. Among them are finds from historical times, library heritage and gifts to various rulers of the Emirates. The palace is located near the Corniche. In the evenings, light and music shows are held at the main entrance, which tell about the history of the Emirates.
- The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is an architectural monument to the first president of the UAE. White marble, Swarovski crystals, gold, hand-knitted carpets - all this impresses and delights guests of the city no less than the overall scale of the mosque! Just remember that the entrance to the building is allowed only in closed clothes.
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a branch of the famous French museum, which impresses not only with its content, but also with its appearance. The silver dome of the museum weighs several thousand tons and combines perfectly with the surrounding landscape of city buildings and the water surface.
Water recreation
If the outgoing year has passed you with an asphalt roller and all you have the strength for is lying by the water under the sun, then add Abu Dhabi's beaches and aqua zones to your vacation list. Below they are listed:
- Yas Waterworld is the largest water park in the city, which is the size of fifteen football fields. It can be reached in 20 minutes by car from the center of Abu Dhabi, there is a park on Yas Island. The park's infrastructure includes 45 attractions, six of which are unique and have no analogues in the world.
- The Corniche (beach) is a place with clear water, excellent service and modern infrastructure. The beach is located in the southwest of the city. You can choose one of three beach areas: family (only with children and for a fee), just paid and free. On New Year's Eve, it's great to admire the fireworks from this beach!
- Saadiyat (island) – 9 km of beach holidays and boundless happiness. There is soft sand, and gentle sun, and the sound of waves, and even turtles from the Red Book. You can get here by car from the city in 30+ minutes, or you can immediately check into local five-star hotels and not part with the beaches for a second.
Leisure and shopping
If there's no better remedy for the blues than shopping, then you'll love Abu Dhabi. Make a list of souvenirs for your loved ones and for yourself and go here:
- Yas Mall - this shopping center occupies second position in the ranking of the largest stores in the country. There are both famous and local brands for different budgets and tastes.
- Al Mina Souks are a treasure trove of fresh produce, from marine life to vegetables, and locally produced pillows and carpets can be found near the end of the shopping ranges.
- World Trade Center Mall is a place, combining the bazaar spirit that once worked on the territory of the shopping center, and modern offers.
Extreme recreation
If all these joys of city life have already tired you, and lying on the beach around the clock is also not tempting, then take a closer look at the wilderness and its opportunities in the Emirates:
- Mount Jebel Hafeet is a peak that can be conquered not only on foot, but also by transport: bicycle, moped, car or motorcycle. At the very peak, some tourists like to celebrate the New Year, and at its foot they like to walk in the historical park and study ancient finds.
- Desert activities or, more simply, safaris are a popular entertainment among tourists. Fans of "Dune" will be attracted to these parts by the fact that many scenes for the second part of the film were filmed in these locations! The Rub' al-Khali desert is so wide that escaping here from the hustle and bustle of the city and annoying people is the perfect option. Travel agents offer tourists options for horseback riding, jeeps, bicycles and camels.
- The mangrove reserve is a national treasure that is protected and preserved in its original form. Green trees, salt water, boat and hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking - choose all the ways and objects to admire the local nature.
Rest and feast for the belly
If you have developed an appetite after all the previous activities, then save the top 3 places where you can satisfy it in Abu Dhabi:
- Erth is the owner of one Michelin star and a menu with reimagined dishes which origins come from traditional food and Emirati history.
- Yadoo's House Restaurant & Cafe is another lucky Michelin star and also has a culinary focus on local street food.
- Beirut Sur Mer is a place marked by Bibendum, the Michelin mascot, where you can find both oriental culinary classics and modern seafood dishes.
