1. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
It is not only one of the world’s most architecturally magnificent structures, but it is also a functioning house of worship that can accommodate up to 41,000 people. The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, is buried in Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque, which is formally known as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. “May Allah grant him eternal rest.”
During the day, the Grand Mosque, with its spotless white walls, domes, and minarets, is difficult to miss near the city’s entry on Abu Dhabi Island. Or perhaps you prefer the lovely glow of the night and the awe-inspiring silhouette? It is undeniably a modern marvel.
The Grand Mosque is utilized by Muslim worshipers throughout the week, with 10,000 people in the inside areas and 31,000 in the exterior areas – it does exceed capacity during Ramadan and Eid celebrations. It has multiple “world’s largest” claims to fame, including the world’s largest hand-woven carpet at 5,627 square meters and the world’s largest marble mosaic floor in its 17,000 square meter courtyard.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is available to the public seven days a week from 9 a.m. (excluding Fridays) to 10 p.m.; arrive early in the day to escape the heat and crowds. Entrance is free; all that is required is that you pass through security screening.
Dress code.
Respectful attire is required at all times inside the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque grounds. This entails long skirts/trousers, as well as covering the arms and head for ladies. Men’s knees and shirt sleeves must be covered. If you are not adequately clothed, a change facility is offered at security before entering the mosque grounds. Abayas (full-length robes) and shalas (head covering only) are available for free to women.
2. Emirates Palace
Emirates Palace is a world-renowned hotel noted for its stunning Arabesque architecture, award-winning five-star hospitality, and delightfully distinctive and authentic local experiences. The main edifice of the hotel runs nearly a kilometer from wing to wing, while the gardens cover 100 hectares.
Despite its central location in Abu Dhabi, the hotel is genuinely unique, with a pristine 1.3-kilometer private beach, landscaped pools, a private marina overlooking a natural harbor, a luxury spa, and some of the world’s most highly-rated restaurants.
Then there’s the building itself. The central dome of Emirates Palace is a stunning 72.6 meters above the ground, beautifully sculpted with gold, mother of pearl, and gems. The structure also has 1,002 chandeliers, the largest of which weighs 2.5 tons, as well as two handcrafted wall displays depicting the palace.
The golden facade of the palace contrasts with the lush foliage, glittering water fountains, and crisp blue sky during the day. The hotel’s illumination transforms softly at night, with an ethereal rainbow effect projected on the main dome. Emirates Palace is one of Abu Dhabi’s most opulent hotels, but you don’t have to stay here to enjoy its lavish amenities.
The Emirates Palace Hotel aims to offer a spectacular and unforgettable experience by combining Arabian magnificence with modern conveniences. Guests may anticipate big rooms and suites with luxurious amenities and breathtaking views. The hotel’s two magnificent swimming pools are ideal for soaking up the Arabian sun, and the Cascades Adventure Pool is a great place for youngsters to play around for hours.
The Emirates Palace Spa is the place to go if you want to take relaxation to the next level. Massages, cleansing, and even a 24-karat gold facial are just a few of the therapies available to make you feel like royalty. Because of the hotel’s central position, visitors can easily access Abu Dhabi’s most famous attractions, such as retail malls and cultural and heritage sites.
3. Ferrari World
If you love speed, you will love Ferrari World. The first amusement park of its kind by Ferrari, this one offers unparalleled entertainment. With rides for adrenaline junkies, Ferrari enthusiasts, and even the little ones, Ferrari World is a family-friendly theme park. Ferrari World has won many awards — most recently, it beat the likes of Universal Studios Singapore and Disneyland Paris to win the World’s Leading Theme Park 2020 award by World Travel Awards.
Highlights
At one of the region’s best amusement parks, you’ll find a variety of activities that will make your visit worthwhile. You’re sure to discover something exciting among the simulation games and amusement activities, as well as racing games and roller coasters. Enjoy a day at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where the phrase “fast and furious” is redefined.
Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster. Another global record-breaker is Ferrari World’s Flying Aces, which boasts the world’s highest rollercoaster loop. At Turbo Tower, feel the wind in your hair as you experience the excitement of a zero-gravity descent. At Flying Wings, you may fly throughout the park on your glider and control its movement.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is separated into five zones, each with its own set of attractions. When visiting this award-winning theme park, here’s a quick rundown of what to anticipate in each zone. A visit to Ferrari World is sure to leave you with lasting recollections of incredible thrills. Each of these areas of the park will be accessible with your Ferrari World tickets. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting the award-winning Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, from opening hours and location to safety requirements and food options.
In this family-friendly complex in Ferrari World, everyone will find something to their liking. Take a walk around the stunning Galleria Ferrari, for example, and marvel at the spectacular interactive exhibition of Ferrari cars dating back to 1947. Take a journey from the inside of a Ferrari engine through the paddocks and the excitement of the race. On the Scuderia Challenge race simulator, kids may compete against the best drivers in the world. Children can enjoy a variety of entertaining activities such as a go-kart track, a rally course, or the Speed of Magic, a 4D fantasy dreamscape where they can embark on an adventure up and down cliffs, gorges, or to the ocean’s bottom.
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi demonstrates the juxtaposition of multiple civilizations in the same space, demonstrating commonalities and exchanges from the shared human experience that transcend geography, country, and history.
The amazing edifice, inspired by the region’s rich architectural traditions and the museum’s unique setting, where the Arabian sky meets the sands of Saadiyat Island and the seas of the Arabian Gulf, is a symphony in concrete, water, and the subtle dance of reflected light. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only the Arab world’s first global museum but also a potent emblem of the United Arab Emirates’ ambition and achievement. It is considered one of the world’s modern urban wonders.
The renowned Louvre Abu Dhabi is the Arab World’s first universal museum, translating and nurturing the spirit of cultural exchange. This art-lovers dream is located in the center of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island and exhibits works of historical, cultural, and sociological value from ancient times to the modern period.
Nouvel’s vision is centered on a massive silvery dome that appears to float above the museum city. The dome, despite its seeming weightlessness, weighs approximately 7,500 tonnes. That’s about the same as the Parisian Eiffel Tower.
The Louvre is a museum in Paris. Abu Dhabi would be its entity, with France lending artworks and providing management experience for some time. The agreement would also see more cultural interchange and high-profile cooperation between the two countries, including the development of a Paris-Sorbonne University outpost in Abu Dhabi and the renovation of Château de Fontainebleau’s ancient theatre.
The museum – and the cultural neighborhood it would occupy – were conceived before the Louvre name was attached. It was part of a larger plan to diversify the economy and “inspire a new generation of cultural leaders and innovative thinkers to contribute to our fast-changing and tolerant nation,” according to the government.
5. Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is a waterpark with a strong Emirati connection. The core premise of the film is The Lost Pearl, which tells the narrative of a young Emirati girl on a mission to recover a famous pearl. A gigantic pearl rests atop Jebel Dhana, the park’s towering centerpiece, visually bringing The Lost Pearl motif to life. This incredible full-day park experience delivers you and your family exhilarating water-based attractions over a range of adrenaline levels, spanning 15 football fields.
Dhamma, the world’s first and largest hydromagnetic-powered, 238-meter-long, six-person tornado waterslide, or Bubble’s Barrel, which has the world’s largest surfable sheet wave for flow boards and body boards, features three-meter-high waves. Riders spray water jets at targets, drop water bombs, and trigger special effects on the Bandit Bomber, a 550-meter coaster. In the meantime, passers-by below them can join in the fun by showering cyclists with water as they pass. All of this action will work up an appetite, so there are several restaurants on-site, as well as a souk (market) and pearl-diving exhibits.
6. Corniche Road
The Corniche Road area is a self-contained community with a wide range of housing options. Even though it is a popular tourist destination because of its ultra-luxurious amenities and activities, the rental fees on Corniche Road are surprisingly inexpensive. Villas are uncommon, but there are plenty of beachfront apartments with plenty of living space.
With its beachside setting and immaculate promenade, the Corniche is one of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic roads. You’ll be sharing the road with bikers and joggers, making it a lively and bustling location to take in the city’s atmosphere. Corniche Road runs for five miles along Abu Dhabi’s whole northwest shore, passing through lushly manicured parks, boutiques, and picnic spaces.
Don’t forget your camera since the Corniche Abu Dhabi is one of the best spots in the city to see the city’s stunning skyscrapers. You can spend the afternoon relaxing on the golden sands of the public beach or rent a bike to explore the beauties of Corniche Road on two wheels.
Corniche Road Abu Dhabi is a great spot to walk and take in the city’s sights. You can also enjoy the breeze while exploring by renting a bike from the Cycle bike-share station near the Nation Riviera Beach Club on the Corniche’s south-western end. If you’re exercising on the promenade, carry some water with you because certain portions aren’t shaded.
The Etihad Towers complex, which faces the Emirates Palace, is one of Abu Dhabi’s architectural marvels. It consists of a group of five skyscrapers of varying heights. Sheikh Suroor Projects Department developed Etihad Towers, which was designed by DBI Design, a leading outsourced firm.
Many huge parking lots near commercial districts, such as the Khalidiya Parking Lot close to Nation Towers and the one near Mohammed Bin Saif Mosque, will ensure that people do not have to worry about finding a parking spot. Choithrams near Oryx Hotel and Royal City Market plus are two supermarkets along Corniche Road that sell daily groceries. Many more, such as Lulu Express Carrefour City and SPAR Express Khalidiya, is located off Corniche Road and are only a short drive away. Organics Food and Café, on the second floor of Nation Towers, contains everything a health-conscious person could want in terms of organic produce.
7. Bab Al Qasr
With excellent facilities, a variety of rooms, and incredible dining options, Bab Al Qasr offers five-star elegance in a breathtaking environment.
This elegant hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s famed Corniche promenade, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the capital’s Presidential Palace, Qasr Al-Watan.
Bab Al Qasr deftly combines modern quality with a reverence for Arabic culture. Modern fittings are used in the rooms and facilities, which are situated inside Arabian-inspired interiors and a sweeping architectural style.
Corniche Beach’s pristine sands are only a few steps away. The attractive infinity pool and the soothing Ayana spa are even closer, promising hours of relaxation in the sauna or steam room.
Bab Al Qasr’s seven restaurants and bars provide delectable dishes from throughout the world. Alternatively, for private eating in your hotel, a 24-hour service is offered.
Fitness buffs can work up a sweat in the hotel gym before cooling off in the pool.
With the capital’s renowned landmarks all within a short drive, the hotel’s excellent location gives it an ideal base for your Abu Dhabi trip.
Blissful and awe-inspiring
The Bab Al Qasr is a wonderful option hotel for a stay in Abu Dhabi, combining modern conveniences with a rich Arabic tradition. The Bab Al Qasr has 412 rooms, including 265 contemporary flats and 114 beautiful suites, making it perfect for both business travelers and weekend getaways.
Touch screen technology and other new installations share suite space with sweeping marble bathrooms and large balconies overlooking cultural monuments to make your stay as comfortable as possible. A variety of suites ensures that there is room to accommodate every type of visitor. There are king and double rooms available, as well as professional studios with workplace and elegant club rooms with VIP access to a members-only lounge.
8. AL JURF GARDENS
Al Jurf Gardens is an off-plan residential development in Abu Dhabi, located along the Sahel Al Emarat Coast. It is one of Al Jurf’s three districts, conveniently situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Villas, semi-detached villas (townhouses), and residential plots will be available, as well as a variety of facilities. It is an IMKAN Properties master development.
Overview of The Community
Al Jurf Gardens is a self-contained community that provides residents with a pleasant lifestyle. The residential building is excellent for folks who commute between Abu Dhabi and Dubai regularly for work. Prospective tenants can pick among 2, 3, 4, 5, and 7-bedroom villas and townhouses in the area, or they can buy a residential site. The villas are designed in accordance with Arabic architectural traditions and include a courtyard and a majlis. A private pool, parking area, and lawn are all included in the Al Jurf homes for sale.
The nearest shopping grocery is Ghantoot Palace Grocery, which offers a wide choice of high-quality products for everyday use. Dua Al Madina Supermarket and JMA Supermarket are two other possibilities.
Residents would have to drive to neighboring locations to offer their prayers in mosques because the community is still being developed. ADNOC Mosque and Mina Al Sayyaden Masjid are the closest mosques. These mosques near Al Jurf Gardens are approximately a half-hour drive away.
To visit churches near Al Jurf Gardens, Christians will have to drive for an hour. The United Christian Church of Dubai and the Catholic Church of St Francis of Assisi are two of them.
Near Al Jurf Gardens, parents with school-aged children will find a plethora of nurseries and schools. Despite its proximity to the emirate’s shore, Al Jurf’s well-connected road network makes commuting to neighboring areas a breeze.
9. NUDRA, SAADIYAT ISLAND
The Saadiyat Cultural District is dedicated to the promotion of the arts on Saadiyat Island. It has various conveniences, retail and commercial projects, classy residences, hotels, and well-known landmarks, all of which are located alongside Al Falah Road. The Saadiyat Cultural District is home to Nudra, a luxury coastal villa development. The picturesque destination is meticulous in its attention to detail.
Overview of The Community
Being a part of a master-planned community ensures that facilities are always close by. Nudra Saadiyat’s excellent location provides homeowners with easy access to lively eateries, top-notch shopping places, and cultural events.
The following are some of the sub-highlights:
- Living on the beach
- Easy access to conveniences
- Access to a private beach
Residents of Nudra Saadiyat Island will have no trouble finding ultra-modern amenities and recreational opportunities. The area is secure since security is provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are parks, running and cycling trails, and a fitness center for residents to live a healthy lifestyle. Tennis is a sport that sports fans may participate in. In the area, there are also banks, a 24-hour medical center, a community club, a mosque, swimming pools, and resorts.
It takes 9 minutes to drive to Saadiyat To Go Supermarket. Some of Abu Dhabi’s well-known hypermarkets include Waitrose and Lulu Express. These stores sell more than just groceries. Waitrose has a branch on 4th Street, which is only 13 minutes away. Lulu Express is a 16-minute drive away from Hidd Al Saadiyat Road.
Nudra is a 10-minute drive from Masjid Saadiyat Island. Some of the other mosques near Nudra Saadiyat Island are Zubair Bin Awam Mosque, Thani bin Mohammed Mosque, Mosque of Sheikh Ahmed, and Mosque Ahmed Jaber Al-Hamli. The sub-community is less than a 17-minute drive away. The Collection Saadiyat is the closest shopping destination, ideal for those in need of a quick purchase. It’s a 9-minute drive away from the sub-community. If you’re looking for a unique anniversary gift, Al Manara International Jewellery is only an 8-minute drive away.
10. THE CEDARS, YAS ISLAND
The Cedars is a recently constructed residential neighborhood on Yas Island that includes villas and townhouses. It is a family-friendly neighborhood with two foreign schools, common facilities, and important sites close by. Several recreational facilities, such as dedicated cycling and jogging lanes and landscaped gardens, are located within the residential complex. It’s a project by master developers Aldar Properties, and it’s located in Yas Acres, the city’s premier waterfront and golf complex.
The Cedars of Yas Acres is a self-contained neighborhood close to popular recreational areas and important monuments. It is part of one of Yas Island’s best Aldar off-plan projects, with a prominent location in the district. Prospective residents can pick from 3- and 4-bedroom villas and townhouses in the neighborhood, depending on their needs. Another characteristic of the community is its easy access to neighboring areas. A mosque is located within the residential complex, where Muslims can offer their daily prayers. Other possibilities are Yas Masjid, Saeed Mohammad Al Kalili Mosque, and Al Basit Mosque, all of which are within a 15 to 20-minute drive.
Near the Cedars of Yas Acres, there is a range of casual dining restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Some of Yas Island’s greatest eateries are also within walking distance of the property. A 9-minute journey will take you to Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi, which offers a variety of nightlife alternatives. It is one of Abu Dhabi’s greatest bars, serving foreign cuisines such as the classic combination of fish and chips and Mexican tacos. The bar also features a large selection of draught and bottled beers to accompany your meal.
