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Sitting between the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Travel + Leisure India and South Asia Curate the best experiences in Abu Dhabi and make every point of your week-long trip unforgettable.Bayar Jainism
Abu Dhabi has many things – the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the largest emirate in the country and a major cultural and commercial center. Beyond these factual descriptions, however, lies a land full of undeveloped gems. It is surrounded by the mild waters of the Arabian Gulf at one end and Oman, Saudi Arabia and Dubai at the other. Going beyond the usual perception of Abu Dhabi, unearths a range of culturally rich and captivating experiences for all kinds of travelers, including single female travelers like myself.
royal welcome
Abu Dhabi is said to be a land of luxury. This moniker is brought to life in a number of ways. To start my trip, I checked into the Emirates Palace, a luxurious residence that often finds a spot in every indulgent traveler’s itinerary. Strolling down the hotel’s stately corridors, my long-distance travel worries melted away; the Palace Cappuccino, a 24-karat gold flake served at Le Café, was a fitting way to begin my exploration of the city’s many luxuries.
architectural marvel
When it comes to grandeur, no trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a stop at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Whatever your religious preference, this stunning mosque is a must visit. Therefore, it is also my first stop. As a testament to the visionary vision of its founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, this white architectural marvel captured my attention from a distance.
Photos dotting the walls reveal that discussions about building the mosque began in the late 1980s. However, construction only started on November 5, 1996. The exterior is decorated with white Macedonian marble, while the interior is decorated with colourful Islamic art. Consider spending a day soaking up this beauty and seeing the artwork up close. At dusk, the location reveals another surreal moment – the illumination of the moon. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque’s lighting system is designed to reflect the phases of the moon, and 22 lighthouses are equipped with projectors that cast soft, undulating blue-gray clouds on the marble, including the facade and dome. result? magic. Despite the sunset, I felt safe and surreal in the moonlight of Abu Dhabi.
art appreciation
The region’s tryst with art has a long history. pottery and other traditional crafts, Sadhu (Weaving) and embroidery have been inherent in Emirati culture since the Bedouin era. Today, the city also embraces more contemporary art forms. I saw this at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first cosmopolitan museum in the Arab world, presenting historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient times to the present. A seemingly weightless silver dome, seemingly floating above the museum, was the perfect starting point for my art-loving soul to enter the creative world. Inspired by the dome, a dome-like feature common in Arabic architecture, this geometric dome intertwines 7,850 stars that repeat in different sizes and angles across eight floors. When the sun shines on the silver flakes and enters the museum, it creates a mesmerizing effect called a rain of light. In addition to the mesmerizing light works, Louvre Abu Dhabi has 9,200 square meters of galleries, including a permanent and temporary gallery.
Next, I’ll stop at Warehouse421, which supports emerging talent from the UAE, Middle East and South Asia. Wander through the white-walled galleries to see the colors, tones and brushstrokes of various artistic styles. I made a mental note to re-attend to one of the various performances, book readings, seminars and lectures.
For a certain heritage and history, the Craftsman’s House is the place to go. The handicrafts represented here celebrate the region’s creative and artistic relationship with locally available natural resources. The Artisan House also offers training courses and educational workshops to keep these traditions alive.
Adventures
There is no shortage of adventurous spirit in Abu Dhabi. The towering dunes of Liwa Oasis in Al Dhafra or Al Khaznah are rightfully a dune-bashing playground. However, the main city is also packed with adrenaline-pumping offerings.
I got off to a slow start at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi. As the world’s largest fully air-conditioned indoor theme park, this family-favorite hotspot brings studio legends to life. However, solo travelers like me also find fun around every corner. Six immersive worlds of action, adventure and wacky greet every moment. Choose from 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive attractions, upbeat live entertainment, dining options and exclusive shopping options. I found my joy playing with Tom and Jerry, the iconic and lovable cat and mouse characters from the cartoon series of the same name.
Then I head to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for a fast-paced adventure, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park. Open year-round, this mostly indoor theme park tells the brand’s story through 20 exhilarating and educational rides. One of the few outdoor attractions here is the iconic Formula Rosa, also known as the fastest roller coaster in the world. This lightning-fast flight soars to an altitude of 52 meters, accelerating from zero to 240 kilometers per hour in less than 5 seconds. My heart may have been beating a few times, but the adrenaline rushing out of me is roaring again!
Instead, I pursued a different kind of adventure. With a quick turn, I continued on to Yas Marina Circuit for a high-speed turn (safely!) on the F1 track. Launched in 2009 to host the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this epic circuit winds its way around Yas Marina with five main grandstands. The ultra-modern track also allows for karting, drag racing, walking, running and cycling.
My day ends at CLYMB Abu Dhabi. Home to the world’s tallest indoor skydiving flight room and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, this geometrically designed building ensures fun for all ages and guides even solo adventurers with ease.
sea ​​time
I am water baby. The waters around Abu Dhabi are full of life. Abu Dhabi National Aquarium has them all under one roof. Billed as the largest aquarium in the Middle East, this blue abode has one of the largest reef tanks in the region and may be the largest living snake in the world, including more than 46,000 animals from 300 species. There are more than 60 attractions in 10 nautical themed areas. Imagine glass-bottom sailing trips or personal encounters with sharks, puffins and freshwater rays, incorporating innovations such as video-mapping technology, signage guides and countless interactive learning opportunities.
After leveling up in marine science, I headed out to explore the city’s many beaches. The spotless seaside beach is a fitting place to start. I took the seaside boardwalk to the turquoise waters and soft white sand. You can enjoy manicured gardens, dedicated play areas for children and free sports facilities, namely five volleyball courts, two football fields and three sports fields. Or, like me, go snorkeling and explore the fascinating underwater life. If none of the above makes your boat float, get a pose! Corniche is ideal for ‘grams. The Cove Beach Makers District is also attracting attention. Abu Dhabi’s newly licensed private beach club is perfect for lounging while gazing out at the sparkling ocean.
crazy shopping
Abu Dhabi is often said to be a shopping paradise. Of course, considering Yas Mall, Marina Mall, The Galleria and more, there is something to be proud of here. Each of these malls has an impressive array of stores, including international retailers and restaurants.
And don’t forget the overloaded dates – the best of which can be found at the Abu Dhabi Date Market. I also found a treasure trove of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs at the Folk Village.Designed as a pre-modern Emirati village locked in a fascinating time capsule with an ancient world open-air market (markets), mosques and camps, this oasis showcases the region’s historic crafts. For a more local feel, head to Mina Market, a charming farmers market. As an archipelago, Abu Dhabi has deep ties to the ocean. So it’s no surprise that it has a love for seafood. The fish market in the Docklands offers the best variety of seafood. Further ahead is the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk, which offers unique colors, aromas and visuals of fresh produce – a haven for vegetarians like me. Yemeni mattresses and machine-made rugs dominate the carpet souks, and some even sell Arabic-inspired cushions as souvenirs from unforgettable trips.
When I ended my solo stay in Abu Dhabi I knew it was a destination I would love to explore more, probably soon with my girlfriend – it’s safe, stylish and culturally rich – A perfect local experience for pure fun.
to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways Offers many direct flights from all major cities in India such as Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai.
explore more here.
related: Your ultimate travel guide to Abu Dhabi – a perfect blend of old and new
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