Abu Dhabi tours on your own. What to see in abu dhabi
The capital of the Emirates "concurrently" is one of the richest cities in the world. From Arabic, the name of the city is translated lyrically: "the land of the gazelle." More recently, locals built their huts from palm leaves, and now business life and a whole infinity of amazing experiences are concentrated in Abu Dhabi.
Ferrari World
One of the most unusual amusement parks in the UAE is located on Yas Island, a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi and 50 minutes from Dubai. The building itself has an impressive size and is made in the form of a huge tent with the symbols and colors of Ferrari. The interior area of the park is 96,000 sq. m., and the adjacent territory occupies 435,000 (!) Sq. m.
The rides here are for all ages, from the youngest lovers of the Ferrari brand to their experienced parents. Ferrari World offers all kinds of simulators used to train Ferrari team drivers. The park also boasts the world's fastest roller coaster, which is an emulator of the cockpit of an F1 car, and free fall rides with a height of just over 62 meters (which is equal to the height of a 22-story building).
From Abu Dhabi you can get to Ferrari World by bus number 109. Abu Dhabi International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.
heritage village
History and museum buffs will appreciate the Heritage Village, which has restored the traditional Bedouin lifestyle down to the smallest detail. For tourists, they recreated a settlement in the desert, a goat hair tent and a hearth with coffee pots, old wells and irrigation systems, houses made of adobe bricks, old fishermen's buildings and bazaars.
Guests can try their hand at traditional Arabic crafts such as metalworking, pottery and weaving. On the territory of the museum there are shops with souvenirs and spices. The entrance to the village is free.
Emirates Park Zoo
Emirates Zoo is a 30-minute drive from central Abu Dhabi. It contains 1,700 animals, including a pair of white tigers and a Siberian bear. The park is equipped with a "cooling system" that keeps animals and employees cool during the summer months. The zoo is also home to the Emirates Park Resort, which offers comfortable air-conditioned rooms with balconies overlooking the zoo, caves or gardens.
At the zoo, you can buy bags of food for animals - from 10 dirhams. Children under two years old are allowed into the park for free, tickets for children from 2 to 5 years old are 20 dirhams, for adults - 30 dirhams.
The park is open daily, including holidays. Opening hours from Sunday to Wednesday from 09:00 to 20:00, from Thursday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00.
Purchases
Marina Mall
The most popular shopping center among tourists. It is good to take a break from excursions here - in addition to several hundred shops and boutiques, the complex has an ice rink, cinemas, restaurants, and a magnificent panorama of Abu Dhabi and the Persian Gulf opens from the observation tower. In general, we can say that Marina Mall is a typical Western mall.
Buses with numbers from 05 to 11, as well as 32, 34 go to Marina Mall. There is a Carrefour supermarket in the shopping center, opening hours from 09:00 to 00:00. The mall itself is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00, on Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, on Friday - from 14:00 to 23:00.
Abu Dhabi Mall
The largest shopping center in Abu Dhabi - more than 40 thousand people visit it daily. There are more than 220 shops here! Most of the presented clothing brands (such as Zara, Vero Moda, Mango) are quite democratic in price. The shopping center is located in the tourist part of the city in close proximity to the Beach Rotana hotel. On the territory of the center there are more than 40 cafes and restaurants, a cinema, bowling, etc. Abu Dhabi Mall is also a venue for the performance of many popular bands
Opening hours: Saturday - Wednesday from 10:00 to 22:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 23:00, Friday from 15:30 to 22:00.
Central Market
You will find the Central Market (“Souk”) on the territory of the Central Market shopping complex. The market is built in the traditional Arabic style. It is interesting to look here not only for shopping - concerts and exhibitions are often held here. The market presents mainly products of Arab manufacturers: jewelry, perfumes, clothing, spices.
“First of all, I would like to note, which in itself is an attraction. The hotel building is a palace of fabulous beauty, designed in the best traditions of Arabic architecture! Emirates Palace was originally conceived as a venue for government summits and conferences in the Persian Gulf, and only later, already at the design stage, was turned into a hotel.
Particular attention should be paid to the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi and Villas - the resort is located on Saadiyat Island, just a 10-minute drive from the main business district of the city and the Corniche. Connoisseurs of a relaxing holiday will find a snow-white beach, gourmet cuisine and comfortable rooms, while fans of active entertainment will find a tennis court and a golf club here. For younger guests, the hotel has a Camp Hyatt club, where entertainment is based on the history and culture of Abu Dhabi. The pride of the hotel is the SPA-center Atarmia Spa.
The Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi is suitable for both leisure and business trips. The spacious rooms and suites are decorated in a contemporary style with traditional Arabic décor. The hotel offers its own beach, five swimming pools, a SPA center and six conference rooms.
For fans of Formula 1 or those who want to stay on Yas Island, the world-famous Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi hotel is located next to Ferrari Park. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi is the only hotel in the world located on a Formula 1 circuit. The hotel building is an unsurpassed masterpiece of architecture: the hotel is built in such a way that one half of it is above the water, and the other half is on the ground. At night, the illumination of the hotel is constantly changing, which creates a mesmerizing effect.”
The United Arab Emirates is an amazing country. In less than 50 years, from a British sheikhdom, the UAE has become an independent prosperous state, known throughout the world for its luxury.
Abu Dhabi is the greenest city in the UAE. It is also called the "Manhattan of the Middle East" and "Little New York". And this is not surprising - once here, you can see the interweaving of oriental traditions with the modern architecture of the metropolis, seething with life. Today we will tell you what to see in Abu Dhabi in the first place.
The magnificent snow-white Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi came as if from Arabian fairy tales. This is one of the most incredible attractions in Abu Dhabi. Its luxury is amazing: the territory is equal to 5 football fields, the walls are decorated with gold and gems, and the maintenance costs a myriad of dirhams.
And all this splendor is a monument to Sheikh Zayed, the man who united the United Arab Emirates and led the state to prosperity over 40 years of rule.
Construction was carried out on a large scale, materials were ordered from all over the world. The result of this global interaction was the most luxurious mosque in the Muslim world.
Even the carpet and chandelier in the Sheikh Zayed Mosque are the largest in the world. The carpet has an area of 5.6 thousand square meters, and the diameter of the chandelier, decorated with millions of Swarovski crystals, is 10 meters.
Also, along with the Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque has become an exception - tourists are allowed here, and not just Muslims.
But there is a strict dress code that tourists must follow: clothing must be such that it completely covers the legs and arms to the wrists. Women must necessarily cover their heads with a scarf, hiding their hair, but instead of a long skirt, you can wear trousers. Before entering the mosque, you will have to take off your shoes, so if possible, choose shoes that are easy to take off.
Incredible illumination on the walls of the Grand Mosque
Address: Sheikh Rashid Road (2nd St.)
Working hours: from 09:00 - to 22:00, Fri - in the morning entry for tourists is prohibited.
Entrance: free.
Website: www.szgmc.ae
Ferrari World Park
This is one of the most interesting places in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is a huge Disneyland for adults and also the largest indoor theme park in the world.
The unique design roof with the Ferrari logo (the largest on the planet) is clearly visible from sky-high heights.
With over 20 major rides at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, fans of Italian sports cars are sure to enjoy. A well-thought-out infrastructure will allow you to have fun here all day.
Location: Yas Island, 24 km. from Abu Dhabi.
Working hours: from 12:00 to 22:00.
Entrance:$61 adult ticket, $45 child ticket.
Emirates Palace Hotel
Emirates Palace cost the treasury more than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Only one inlay of the premises took 2 tons of gold. This is the most expensive hotel in the world. The rulers of several states have personal life numbers here.
In more detail about the Emirates Palace hotel, a separate one on our blog tells.
Promenade Corniche
Asking the question: "What to see in Abu Dhabi?" - do not miss the chance to stroll along the Corniche. Local residents have fully enjoyed the desert landscapes of the region, so they are very fanatical about green spaces. The embankment, stretching for 10 kilometers, was turned into a wonderful park area (one of the most extensive in the Middle East).
All plants are irrigated with desalinated water, and the most beautiful fountains in Abu Dhabi are also located here. There are many playgrounds, squares, parks and gardens, cafes, restaurants and clubs on the embankment.
The best time to walk here is in the evenings. You can also ride bicycles and skate, go for a run or enjoy sitting in a cafe with a cup of coffee while admiring the views.
Palace of Qasr al-Hosn
The White Palace in Abu Dhabi (Qasr Al Hosn) is the oldest building in the city. For a long time, the fort served as the residence of the ruling dynasty.
In 1760-1761, a watch tower was erected on this site to protect the settlement, which was formed near a source of fresh water. Later, the complex was rebuilt into an impregnable fort.
With its reflective wall decoration made from a mixture of lime, sand and crushed sea shells, the fort also served as an excellent reference point for merchant ships.
The palace expanded along with the city, and in 1966 a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, as a result of which the residence was turned into a museum repository - one of the most educational attractions in Abu Dhabi.
The museum contains an excellent collection that will tell about the past and present of Abu Dhabi and the Emirates, about the history and significance of the palace.
Visitors can enter the complex during the annual Qasr al Hosn festival. The program is very rich - there are various expositions, theatrical performances, poetry and song concerts, various shows and performances. It will be possible to see how national dhow boats are built, pearls are mined, horse charmers perform, visit craft fairs and so on.
Address: Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Exhibition Center:
Exhibition center opening hours: from 9:00 to 20:00.
Festival:
Dates: from 11 to 21 February, from 16:00 to 23:00.
Ticket price: AED 10, children under 12 are free.
Yas Waterworld Waterpark
Yas Waterworld water park opened in Abu Daba recently, in early 2013. It is located on Yas Island, where you can also visit the Ferrari World park and the Yas Marina race track.
Yas Waterworld water park is designed for 6,000 people, and its area is equal to 15 football fields. There are 43 water attractions, 5 of which are unique.
Working hours: approximately from 10:00 to 19:00.
Prices: adults - from 240 dirhams, children - from 195.
Website: yaswaterworld.com
Yas Marina Circuit - Formula 1 track
As the name suggests, the circuit is located on Yas Island. One of the stages of the World Championship in racing in the Formula 1 class, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, takes place here. This is the most spectacular track due to the combination of different sections of the track. Length - 5.5 km. All stands are covered, which allows you to protect the audience from the scorching sun and bad weather.
Yas Marina Hotel is a part of the racetrack complex and offers a wonderful view of the motor racing from its windows.
In free time from competitions, detailed excursions are held on the territory, which allow you to feel behind the scenes of the most famous races in the world. Everyone can ride on light fireballs, picking up crazy speed.
Opening hours:
Karting area— from 14:00 to 21:30.
Yas Central- 9:00 - until 23:00.
Hotel— from 9:00 to 18:00.
Louvre branch in Abu Dhabi
Alas, the opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum has once again been postponed. As of November 2016, the museum's official website states that the opening will take place in 2017. Initially, the opening was planned to be made in general in 2012, but due to the crisis, the deadlines were shifted.
The spectacle promises to be amazing - here you can see not only exhibits from the Louvre in Paris, but also from Versailles, Orsay and the Pompidou Center. And the building itself impresses with its futuristic architecture.
According to the project, the museum, as it were, "lies" on the surface of the sea. And thanks to the numerous water channels and a huge glass dome, it will create the feeling that the exhibitions are held on the high seas under the open sky. And at the same time, such conditions have been created to ensure comfort and coolness for visitors, and the excellent preservation of the museum collection, including the most demanding exhibits.
Traveling in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, tourists are interested in the Abu Dhabi-Dubai route. Distance, how to get there, what transport is better to do and cheaper - the main questions.
Dubai is a popular holiday and shopping destination. And Abu Dhabi is the capital and a real park city. These resorts are a unique combination of luxury, urban destinations and that oriental zest for which people are ready to make the most unforgettable trips.
Location of cities relative to each other
Yandex Maps / Yandex.ru
Tourists love Abu Dhabi and Dubai for several reasons. The sun shines brightly here 340 days a year. Oriental flavor is diluted with sparkling skyscrapers and shopping centers with huge areas. In a relatively short time, you can get to a luxurious beach, because a flight to the UAE from Moscow takes only 5 hours.
Someone wants to admire a real oasis in the desert, natural and artificial islands, someone wants to visit one of the world's largest gold markets, and someone wants to sunbathe on the cleanest beach and visit unforgettable places of entertainment with children.
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is located on one of the islands of the Persian Gulf in its southeastern part. A quarter of a kilometer separates it from the mainland. Three road bridges connect the capital with the mainland.
Dubai is the largest city of the UAE, which is the most important financial and commercial center of the state. It is located northeast of the capital of the state on the shores of the Persian Gulf.
The distance from Dubai to Abu Dhabi is 129 kilometers, which can be overcome by different types of land transport. If we consider the distance from Dubai airport to the central bus station in Abu Dhabi, then it is much more and is 170 kilometers.
From the capital of the UAE to Dubai by taxi
Allan Henderson/flickr.com
This is probably the easiest way to get from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, and vice versa. Experienced travelers say that taxi drivers there literally react to every wave of their hand. For them, it is important that there is a place to park. Even if the taxi will drive on the opposite side of you, seeing a potential client, the driver will immediately begin to turn around to drive up to you.
Among the options on how to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, this is not the cheapest. Taxis are metered. A one-way trip will cost 250 - 300 dirhams, which is about 70 - 85 dollars. Travel time is about one and a half hours. Despite the high cost, the rest of the trip will be comfortable and convenient. To save time and money, we recommend using the service.
Shuttle minivan to Dubai
Shuttle minivans are one of the types of urban public transport in the UAE. They are designed for local residents and tourists without large luggage. The fare is much lower than a taxi, 30 dirhams. It's about 10 dollars.
The time for which you can reach your destination is about two hours. Due to traffic jams during rush hour, it can increase. If you do not disdain public transport and are ready to put up with the neighborhood of representatives of another culture in a minibus, then the trip will be quite comfortable. According to the reviews of tourists who have visited the UAE, public transport is clean and convenient. It is simply impossible to see broken seats, garbage, dirt there.
Video: what's the difference between Abu Dhabi and Dubai?
bus service
The cheapest way to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai on your own is by bus. You can leave from the central bus station. It is located at the intersection of Hazza bin Zayed (11th) St and East (4th) Rd. Travelers say that buses run frequently, but do not have any schedule, but leave as they fill with passengers.
The fare is about 25 dirhams. It's about 7 dollars. Travel time from the central bus station in Abu Dhabi to the airport in Dubai is 2 hours. In fact, it turns out to be much larger and stretched due to traffic jams.
The time spent on the bus is not burdensome at all. Comfortable public transport in the UAE is equipped with comfortable seats and air conditioning systems. At the request of passengers, polite drivers stop the bus at the right place if there is no need to go to the airport or to one of the two bus stations on this route.
Tickets for public transport in the UAE are sold only for local banknotes, dirhams. Therefore, before the trip, you should make sure that they are available and, if necessary, contact the exchanger. Obilechivanie occurs directly when boarding the bus.
Which of the listed modes of transport is better is up to you. In any case, the trip will be pleasant. Drivers in the UAE try to stick to the speed limit of 110 km/h. A beautiful four-lane highway, densely planted roadsides with palms and trees, comfortable seating, cool air conditioning, and courteous drivers all contribute to a pleasant stay even on the road.
Abu Dhabi has many attractions for all tastes. There are especially many mosques here, so you cannot walk more than 500 meters and not see any mosque. But none of them can compare with the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is a must-see for all tourists who come to the UAE capital for a tour.
Abu Dhabi also has some magnificent palaces and unique buildings. Due to its location on an island in the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi can also offer a picturesque setting with many smaller islands. Despite its short history, the capital of the UAE has many historical sights to admire. Of course, local shopping centers should also be included in the sights, because they are actually masterpieces of modern architecture.
You do not need to book a city tour to see the main sights of Abu Dhabi. Many sights you can see on your own. Some of them can be reached by taxi or rented car, while others can be reached on foot. It all depends on where exactly your hotel will be located.
In this article we will talk about what you can see in Abu Dhabi on your own. Even if you want to come to this city for just a few days, you can visit almost all these places on your own, since they are relatively close to each other.
sheikh zayed mosque
The capital of the UAE is home to the third largest Muslim holy building in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which was officially opened in 2007.
The mosque with an area of 56 hectares is located at the southeastern end of the main island. It was named after the first president and co-founder of the Emirates, Emir and Sheikh Zayed. His grave is located on the territory of the sanctuary. Thus, the mosque is also a historical symbol of a still young state. It is built of noble marble, which shines with a snow-white color, and has dimensions of 224 by 174 meters.
Each of the four partially gilded minarets reaches a height of 107 meters. The main dome rises 75 meters above the prayer hall, its diameter of 32.2 meters makes it the largest mosque dome in the world. In total, the building has more than 40 other domes of various sizes. Near the mosque there is also the Capital Gate building, which we will also talk about in this article.
The parking spaces surrounding the White Mosque (the shrine's second name) offer as much parking space as is available for parking near large sports stadiums. Inside, everything also looks impressive. White marble, gold leaf and a handmade Iranian carpet with an area of 5627 square meters will not leave indifferent even the most demanding traveler. By the way, this carpet is considered the largest and heaviest (47 tons) in the world. All this splendor is illuminated by seven gilded metal chandeliers and thousands of Swarovski crystals of different colors. Lighting is energy efficient and is provided by modern LEDs. Equally excellent is the price of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is 545 million dollars!
Tourists can visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque for free, but you should pay attention to the dress code. This means that women and men must cover their shoulders and knees. If you do not follow the dress code, then you will simply not be allowed into the mosque. Although photography is not prohibited here, you should not distract the worshipers, so immediately turn off the flash on your camera.
Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It belongs to the Kempinski hotel chain. Construction began in December 2001 and was completed in February 2005. The hotel itself is owned by the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. The cost of construction is about 3 billion dollars. That is why it has long been considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Officially Emirates Palace has 5 stars, but because of its ubiquitous luxury, it is often referred to not as a hotel, but as a palace. For each guest, a personal butler works here, who tries to fulfill all wishes. Basically, guests of the first magnitude, including politicians and stars, stop at the Emirates Palace.
Emirates Palace architecture is based on traditional Arabic ornaments. For example, a large dome has a diameter of 45 meters. In addition to this, there are 114 more domes. The color of the hotel is reminiscent of the color of the desert sands.
The Emirates Palace Hotel covers an area of 243,000 square meters, which certainly makes it one of the most impressive buildings in the city. In addition, the hotel has a 1 square kilometer park and a private beach equipped to the highest standards.
Ferrari World
In recent years, the Emirates have made great efforts to open their country to tourism and make it especially attractive to foreign visitors. In addition to many other equally interesting sights in Abu Dhabi, this city has the world-famous Ferrari World amusement park, which is very popular with big and small motorsport fans.
This special theme park covers an area of 25 hectares, of which 8 hectares are covered. This allowed Ferrari World to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the largest indoor theme park.
Guests of Ferrari World can look forward to more than 20 attractions for adults and children. News about the project first broke in 2005 when Aldar Properties PJSC and Ferrari announced a partnership. Five years later, the construction of the theme park was completed, the highlight of which, without a doubt, is the fastest roller coaster in the world. On these slides, you get into a Ferrari model and catapult forward with incredible acceleration. According to experts, the acceleration corresponds to the acceleration of a real Ferrari race car, so the participants will be able to experience a special feeling. Finally, a top speed of 240 km/h is reached!
In close proximity to Ferrari World, there is also the Formula 1 circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is worth a visit for true motorsport fans.
Yas Island
Yas is one of the largest natural islands in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, as it is about 7.7 kilometers long and 6.2 kilometers wide at its widest point. Its area is 25 square kilometers. This island is located to the east of the main island and is located in the "mangrove belt". Near the southern part of the island is the tourist area of Al-Raha. Abu Dhabi Airport is also close by, only seven kilometers from the island. Yas is a shallow sandy island that has become the focus of Aldar Properties' work. More than $40 billion has been spent on building infrastructure on this island. In addition, the infrastructure has been expanded throughout the island with the construction of new roads and bridges. Forest areas have been created to protect against erosion.
The entire infrastructure on the island was planned and created simultaneously with residential complexes, about 20 hotels and an entertainment complex. This complex includes three theme parks, a harbor and, of course, a Formula 1 track. As for the design of the track, the builders took an example from the track in Monaco.
Formula 1 track
Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent race track located in the UAE, more precisely in Abu Dhabi. It is located on Yas Island, which is why it is also often referred to as Circuit Yas Island. In 2009 the racing season ended with a race at this track. In 2010, the Formula 1 season also ended in Abu Dhabi. Responsible for the design of the circuit is the German architect Hermann Tilke, who also took part in the development of the circuit in Monaco.
The length of a full circle of the track is 5.4 kilometers when driving in an ideal line. Comparable in difficulty is certainly the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, which is also impressive.
On the highway in Abu Dhabi, you can reach a maximum speed of 320 kilometers per hour, and the average speed here is only 198 kilometers per hour. Interestingly, the track can be divided into two separate parts.
Saadiyat Island
This beautiful island is located less than 500 meters from Abu Dhabi Port. Saadiyat Island has an area of approximately 27 square kilometers, and its sandy core, which is located in the mangrove forest zone, is of natural origin. Polygons were created around this sand core, allowing the area of the island to be increased. Thanks to these extensions, the beautiful beach of the island has been preserved intact. Construction on Saadiyat continues. We can say that it has just begun. Over the next few years, a residential complex with 38,000 apartments and 8,000 villas will be built on Saadiyat Island. In addition, Saadiyat will have up to 30 hotels, including a 7-star hotel. Another important object of the island will be a harbor with 1,000 berths. Of course, there will be some attractions on the island in the future. Already, there is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which will host concerts, theatrical performances and operas. In addition, the Sheikh Zayed National Museum will be built here. Saadiyat Island should also have educational institutions such as New York University.
The infrastructure of Saadiyat Island is already quite well developed. The island can be reached from Abu Dhabi and neighboring Yas Island via a 10-lane highway. It is expected that already in 2018 the population of the island will increase to 150,000 inhabitants, when many construction works are completed.
Yas Water World
What else can you see in Abu Dhabi? The attractions of this metropolis should also include a famous water park. Anyone planning a holiday trip to Abu Dhabi should definitely consider visiting Yas Waterworld. This water park is characterized by numerous water slides and various pools, as well as other attractions. The theme of the park is based on the lost pearl that the girl was looking for. As befits a large water park, Yas Waterworld offers not only a large number of attractions, but also many food places, shops and other facilities and services.
Etihad Towers
The most beautiful skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi are the Etihad Towers. These are five towers standing next to each other. Together they form a wonderful complex. The towers contain office and residential space, as well as a hotel. The Etihad Towers complex is located on the western side of the Corniche.
About 4 billion dollars went into the construction of these beautiful towers, which are certainly one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The first two towers out of five were fully completed only in November 2010. A year later, a hotel owned by the Jumeirah Group, the Etihad Towers Hotel, opened in the complex. On the 74th floor of the highest tower, at an altitude of about 300 meters, there is an observation deck that allows you to get an unforgettable view of Abu Dhabi.
Corniche in Abu Dhabi
The sights of Abu Dhabi are not only buildings, shopping centers and amusement parks. One of the popular sites among tourists is the beautiful Corniche. It is one of the most beautiful and versatile places in the capital of the UAE. In the western part of the Corniche there is a beautiful and well-groomed beach of the same name. This beach has been awarded the Blue Flag, an international award given to beaches that guarantee clean and safe bathing. So you can rest assured that there are no problems with safety and cleanliness on this beach. At the western end of the Corniche are attractions such as the Emirates Palace Hotel and the Etihad Towers.
gold market
At the famous Gold Souk in Abu Dhabi, you can buy cheap gold jewelry. Arabian cities are known primarily for the sun, wealth and gold. Many tourists can't resist the huge selection of jewelry at the Gold Souk, which are sold here at very low prices. In essence, the value of an item is determined by its weight multiplied by the current value of a gram of gold. This means that there are practically no markups on gold items here.
One of the largest gold souks in the UAE can be found at the Medinat Zayed Mall in Abu Dhabi's central district.
spice market
The smell of the East is always associated with the smell of spices. Everyone who comes to Abu Dhabi on vacation should visit at least one local market to feel the traditional atmosphere of the UAE. The bazaars in Abu Dhabi were created so that merchants could sail on ships from all over the world and sell their goods. Often goods were sold right at the pier. Today, only the fish market is still close to the harbour.
Interesting for tourists is the spice market, which is located in the Al Jimi shopping center. Here you will find the largest selection of spices in Abu Dhabi and will be able to buy something for you and your loved ones.
heritage village
This place offers you interesting insights into Abu Dhabi's past. Here you can learn about the history of the Bedouin in the Emirates and visit goat hair tents and traditional houses with wind towers made to keep residents cool. At the Heritage Village, you can admire camels and Arabian horses and get a glimpse of the amazing changes that have taken place in Abu Dhabi over the past 50 years. See local artisans show off their old traditional skills against the backdrop of a modern metropolis.
Marina Mall
The most beautiful mall in Abu Dhabi is the Marina Mall. Abu Dhabi is a shopping paradise in the UAE, and not inferior to Dubai in this regard. In the huge shopping malls of the capital of the UAE you will find luxury shops and boutiques of famous brands. Opened in 2001, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi's most impressive large mall, as it is located on the Corniche and has a unique design in the form of a Bedouin tent. In addition, this shopping center also has a tower with an observation deck, which offers a beautiful view of the surroundings. The popular Marina Mall has about 220 shops with a wide range of products. In addition, there is a large selection of restaurants and cafes for every taste.
Abu Dhabi Mall
One of the largest shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Mall is also considered one of the main attractions of the capital of the UAE. With over 200 stores, the mall is one of the largest in the country. Several tens of thousands of visitors come to Abu Dhabi Mall every day for shopping, entertainment, food and just to spend time in a clean and air-conditioned mall.
Abu Dhabi Mall is located in the World Trade Center in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Therefore, it can be quickly reached from most popular places in the city.
Yas Mall
The largest mall in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, is located on Yas Island and has an area of over 235,000 square meters. In addition, this mall is one of the largest in the UAE and offers several hundred stores. Of course, there is a cinema, a play area for children and many restaurants, of which the Rollercoaster stands out, where orders are brought by the train. In Yas Mall you can buy goods for every taste and budget, but mainly fashion clothes, accessories, electronics, perfumes and jewelry are sold here.
Qasr el Hosn
If you are interested in the historical sights of Abu Dhabi, then we advise you to visit the old fort, which contrasts sharply with the modern buildings and mirrored skyscrapers that surround it. In the middle of the still very young city, there is the oldest hand-built building in the Emirate. Qasr El Hosn Fort, which is directly related to the founding of the current capital of the UAE, was built in 1793. Then it became the first permanent settlement in the emirate and the residence of the ruling Al Nahyan family. In addition to its function as the seat of government, the fort served as an impregnable fortress until 1966.
Masdar City
The city of Masdar in the emirate of Abu Dhabi is very modern. This is an eco-city, which is located next to the dusty capital with many skyscrapers. So far, Masdar City is just a project that is underway. It is expected that 40,000 people will live in Masdar.
The Masdar City project itself was born in 2008, and from that moment the implementation of the eco-city has been gradually going on. Masdar is planned to be powered by renewable energy sources. Water supply in the city should be carried out using solar-powered desalination plants.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
The most beautiful bridge in Abu Dhabi has a total length of 842 meters. The Sheikh Zayed Bridge connects the city of Abu Dhabi to the mainland. The building bears the name of Sheikh Zayed, who was the first Emir of Abu Dhabi and the first President of the United Arab Emirates. After a long illness, the sheikh died and was buried on November 3, 2004 near the White Mosque.
The bridge was designed by British-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid and opened on 25 November 2010 after eight years of construction. For safety during earthquakes, vibration dampers are installed, which have the properties of shock and vibration damping.
round skyscraper
Since the opening of the Aldar building in 2010, it has risen above the horizon like a blue ball in the sky of Abu Dhabi. The round skyscraper is integrated into the business district of the capital. From a distance, the Aldar building looks like two interconnected panels. The building created by Arup is significantly different from the surrounding structures. This is due to the peculiarity of the steel and glass composite. The engineers, architects and designers who built the round skyscraper have already caused a construction sensation with the help of the Sydney Opera House and have become world famous.
In total, the round skyscraper has 23 floors and about 62,000 square meters of area. The building height of 110 meters is also impressive. The skyscraper houses the offices of the Aldar Building, shops, a restaurant and a hotel with various apartments.
Falling tower
The Capital Gate building is a multifunctional skyscraper located in the heart of Abu Dhabi. The skyscraper is in the Guinness Book of Records. It has been honored as the most deliberately leaning tower in the world. Anyone visiting Abu Dhabi will not miss this unique skyscraper. Construction of the Capital Gate building lasted from 2007 to 2011. The grand opening took place on 21 December 2011 after four years of construction.
Abu Dhabi self-guided travel planning guide.
Preparing for your trip to Abu Dhabi
- Tickets to Abu Dhabi.
We buy a ticket for, train, bus. First, we book / buy transport tickets, since the dates of arrival and departure will serve as the determining dates for booking a hotel. - Housing in Abu Dhabi.
. This is a secondary task compared to transport tickets, as there are many hotels in Abu Dhabi and there is always plenty to choose from. - Visa.
You can get a visa in the UAE, both independently (embassy, visa center), and with the help of special companies for an additional fee. We make a visa last, since upon receipt it may be necessary to provide documentary evidence of the purpose of the trip, for example, in the case of tourism, a hotel reservation will be a proof. - Insurance.
All types of insurance are available via the Internet, order.
Planning a Vacation in Abu Dhabi
- Arrival.(Airport)
- Transport.(Bus | )
- to travel outside of Abu Dhabi.
- Excursions. When traveling on your own, we recommend buying several inexpensive group ones.
What to see / Where to go
- , Museum, Embankment. Get to know interesting places in Abu Dhabi in advance, we have described all the sights and their location.
- Are you young and ready to party all night long? Abu Dhabi Club.
