Ancient desert forts, world-class adventure parks and modern architectural wonders make Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, a dynamic destination

Words: Sally Macmillan

Over the past few years, savvy travellers have discovered there’s a lot more to Abu Dhabi than a stopover en route to Europe. It’s a popular port of call for cruises around the Arabian Peninsula but you really need at least a couple of days pre or post cruise to do justice to its many historic, cultural and contemporary attractions.

One exciting drawcard is the fabulous Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened at the end of 2017. This award-winning architectural wonder—a light and airy domed structure on the waterfront—offers an inspirational 12-gallery journey through humanity’s civilisations and hosts regular world-class exhibitions.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is another modern marvel, taking its design inspiration from a variety of Islamic styles. It accommodates 40,000 worshippers and visitors and has more than 80 marble domes punctuated by four soaring minarets. Inside the main prayer hall you’ll see chandeliers that sparkle with Swarovski crystals, exquisite inlaid marble and the world’s largest handwoven carpet.

Before the 1970s oil boom that fuelled its vast wealth, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing and pearling port that had been settled by the Bedouin of the Bani Yas tribe in the 18th century. A visit to the Heritage Village, a re-created Bedouin oasis village, reveals a way of life dating back thousands of years; it’s handily located near ultra-modern Marina Mall. Across the water, beautifully refurbished Qasr Al Hosn fort, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, is now a cultural centre showcasing the area’s rich history and demonstrating the Emiratis’ traditional crafts.

Go even further back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain, a lush oasis on the ancient caravan route from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Oman and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements.

Tours to Al Ain take in the 5000-year-old tombs at Jebel Hafeet mountain, the highest point in Abu Dhabi. Another important landmark is the Al Ain Palace Museum, once the home of the royal family, while a visit to the camel market is an altogether different type of eye-opener.

Thrillseekers will find plenty of exciting activities in Abu Dhabi. Wadi Adventure at Jebel Hafeet offers whitewater rafting, kayaking and surfing 3.3m man-made waves; Al Ain Raceway is home to Arabia’s biggest go-karting track; Ferrari World boasts the world’s fastest roller-coaster, among other wild rides; and half-day or evening desert safaris in 4WDs include camel rides, dune bashing and sandboarding.

Keen shoppers can pick and choose from numerous massive malls, haggle for rugs at the Carpet Souk or browse the stalls at Souk Al Zafarana for Arabian spices, traditional clothing, perfumes and local souvenirs.

Last but not least, Abu Dhabi is heaven for foodies. Whether you crave authentic shawarma, Asian cuisine or Western-style fine dining, this city has the lot. And if you’re in town on a weekend, don’t miss having a leisurely brunch in one of the city’s best hotels—it’s a time-honoured ritual for locals and visitors alike.

   

Cruise itineraries:

Middle East

MSC Bellissima

MSC Cruises’ 7-night Middle Eastern return cruise on MSC Bellissima departs Dubai on December 14, 2019. Ports of call include Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island, UAE; and Muscat and Khasab, Oman. Fares start from AU$879 per person, twin share.

Find out more Here

Arabia & India

Crystal Symphony

Crystal Cruises’ 12-night Visions of Arabia & India cruise on Crystal Symphony departs Abu Dhabi on October 27, 2021. Ports of call include Manama, Bahrain; Doha, Qatar; Dubai, UAE; Muscat, Oman; and Mumbai, India. Fares start from AU$6455 per person, twin share.

Find out more Here

More than a stopover: Stay a little longer and discover Abu Dhabi’s historic and cultural wonders

Words: Sally Macmillan

Abu Dhabi is a popular port of call for cruises around the Arabian Peninsula but you really need at least a couple of days pre or post cruise to do justice to its many historic and cultural attractions.

Before the 1970s oil boom that fuelled its vast wealth, Abu Dhabi was a small fishing and pearling port that had been settled by the Bedouin of the Bani Yas tribe in the 18th century. A visit to the Heritage Village, a re-created Bedouin oasis village, reveals a way of life dating back thousands of years; it’s handily located near ultra-modern Marina Mall. Across the water, beautifully refurbished Qasr Al Hosn fort, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi, is now a cultural centre showcasing the area’s rich history and demonstrating the Emiratis’ traditional crafts.

Go even further back in time at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Al Ain, a lush oasis on the ancient caravan route from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Oman and one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited settlements.

Tours to Al Ain take in the 5000-year-old tombs at Jebel Hafeet mountain, the highest point in Abu Dhabi. Another important landmark is the Al Ain Palace Museum, once the home of the royal family, while a visit to the camel market is an altogether different type of eye-opener.

One exciting drawcard is the fabulous Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened at the end of 2017. This award-winning architectural wonder—a light and airy domed structure on the waterfront—offers an inspirational 12-gallery journey through humanity’s civilisations and hosts regular world-class exhibitions.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is another modern marvel, taking its design inspiration from a variety of Islamic styles. It accommodates 40,000 worshippers and visitors and has more than 80 marble domes punctuated by four soaring minarets. Inside the main prayer hall you’ll see chandeliers that sparkle with Swarovski crystals, exquisite inlaid marble and the world’s largest handwoven carpet.