What can you do in the capital of the UAE in 1 day?
The capital of the United Arab Emirates - the city of Abu Dhabi is located on an island in the Persian Gulf.
There is a legend that once the hunters drove a gazelle, it threw itself into the water and swam across the strait - this is how the island was discovered, on which the city of Abu Dhabi now stands (translated as "Gazelle Hunter"). This emirate is the largest among its compatriots and the richest. It occupies 87% of the country; almost all the oil and gas of the UAE is concentrated here. Summer - all year round, it is always warm, it rarely rains.
How to get a visa?
A visa to Abu Dhabi can be easily done on your own on the Internet in 5-7 days. Fly better by airline Etihad Airways (€ 502). The flight lasts 5 hours in a campaign with great food and a large collection of films with Russian translation. If you are here for the first time, you will definitely be photographed at the border as a souvenir. On hotel beaches, it is allowed to sunbathe in swimsuits and swimming trunks - in the city, wear clothes that cover your knees and elbows. Almost everyone in the country speaks English, as 80% of UAE workers are newcomers. To hail a taxi, you just need to raise your hand.
What to see in Abu Dhabi?
Full day itinerary:
9: 00-10: 00 Breakfast
10: 30-12: 00 Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Recently, everyone is allowed to enter the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, as it is so interesting for tourists and unique in terms of architecture. The area inside is 17,000 sq. m, capacity - 40,000 people.
Here you will see the world's largest Iranian carpet, a crystal chandelier, a white marble dome of an incredible minaret.
13: 00-15: 00 Lunch
For a great lunch, go to Shangri-La's Bord Eau Restaurant, hosted by Michelin-starred Chef Phillipe Labbé.
15: 00-16: 00 City of Craftsmen
On Corniche Street, local artisans and the fruits of their labors are gathered in one place: wood carving, fabrics, leather, chasing.
What to buy in Abu Dhabi?
16:00–19:00
In Marina Mall you can not only shop, there is everything from Zara to Chanel, but also to have fun, go ice skating or play bowling. For shoppers, visit the Dubai Mall with its aquarium, an hour's taxi ride from Abu Dhabi.
What do tourists usually buy?
Oud tree oil
Do not inhale the aroma of the ancient bark oil for 15 minutes, then it will change - and you will love it forever. The 5 ml bottle costs $ 100.
Gold
Just as tourists bring nesting dolls from Russia, so from the UAE you need to bring gold, no matter in what form: chains, rings or necklaces. The last option is the airport shop.
Sweets
Don't forget to buy a box oriental sweets... The tastiest ones can be found at Al Finjan (Le Meridien Hotel), Le Vendôme Brasserie (Emirates Palace Hotel) or Café Arabia, which has been converted from a private villa.
19: 00-21: 00 Dinner
Dine at Hakkasan Restaurant on West Corniche Road for authentic Chinese delicacies or Bu Tafish, the oldest seafood restaurant that boasts the finest seafood.
Night life.
Abu Dhabi is much more aristocratic and quieter than Dubai. There are not many discos and noisy entertainment here. If you want variety and fun, take an hour by taxi and you will find yourself in the neighboring emirate.
Where to go with kids in Abu Dhabi?
If you are staying in Abu Dhabi for a few days, we advise you to visit the Ferrari World park, dedicated to the iconic car on the island of Yas. The amusement park is covered with a huge awning in the shape of a scarlet starfish with a prancing horse, which is perfectly visible even from an airplane. You can spend the whole day here and not get tired. Ferrari World has everything for adults and children: racing tracks of varying difficulty, six restaurants, two shopping centers, mother and child rooms, smoking areas and much more.
Traveling to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, tourists are interested in the Abu Dhabi - Dubai route. Distance, how to get there, what kind of transport it is better to do and cheaper are the main questions.
Dubai is a popular destination for leisure and shopping. And Abu Dhabi is the capital and a real city-park. These resorts in a unique way combine luxury, urban trends 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 for 340 days a year. Oriental flavor is diluted with sparkling skyscrapers and shopping centers with huge squares. In a relatively short time, you can get to the 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 seeks to visit one of the world's largest gold markets, and someone to sunbathe on the cleanest beach and visit unforgettable entertainment places with children.
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, is located on one of the islands of the Persian Gulf in its southeastern part. It is separated from the mainland by a quarter of a kilometer. Three road bridge connect the capital with the mainland.
Dubai - The largest city 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 in different ways 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 react to literally every wave of their hand. It is important for them to have somewhere to park. Even if the taxi is driving on the opposite side of you, upon seeing a potential customer, the driver will immediately begin to turn around to drive up to you.
Among the options for how to get from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, this is not the cheapest. Taxis have counters. 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
Route minivans are one of the types of urban public transport in the UAE. They are designed for locals and tourists without large luggage. The fare is much lower than a taxi, 30 dirhams. It's about $ 10.
The time it takes to get to your destination is about two hours. Taking into account rush hour traffic jams, it may increase. If you do not disdain public transport and are ready to put up with the proximity of representatives of another culture in the 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, debris, 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 often, but do not have any kind of schedule, but leave as they fill up with passengers.
The fare is about 25 dirhams. That's about $ 7. 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 stretches due to traffic jams.
The time spent on the bus is not at all burdensome. Comfortable public transport in the UAE is equipped with comfortable seating and air conditioning systems. Polite drivers, at the request of passengers, 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.
Public transport tickets 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. The treatment takes place right upon boarding the bus.
Which is the best of the listed modes of transport - it's up to you. In any case, the trip will be pleasant. Drivers in the UAE try to stick to a speed limit of 110 km / h. A beautiful four-lane highway, roadsides, densely planted with trees and palm trees, comfortable seats, cool air conditioning, polite drivers - all this contributes 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 all tourists who come to the capital of the UAE for an excursion must visit.
Abu Dhabi also has several 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 small islands. Despite its short history, the capital of the UAE has many historical landmarks to admire. Of course, local shopping centers should also be referred to attractions, because they are in fact masterpieces of modern architecture.
You don't have to order sightseeing tour through the city to see the main attractions of Abu Dhabi. You can see many sights 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 tell you 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 of these places on your own, since they are relatively close to each other.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The UAE capital is home to the third largest Muslim holy building in the world, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which was officially opened in 2007.
The 56 hectare mosque 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 measures 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, and its 32.2 meter diameter makes it the world's largest mosque dome. In total, the building has over 40 other domes of various sizes. There is also the Capital Gate building next to the mosque, which we will also talk about in this article.
The parking spaces surrounding the White Mosque (the second name of the sanctuary) offer as much parking space as is allocated for parking near large sports stadiums. The interior also looks impressive. White marble, gold leaf and handcrafted Iranian carpet with an area of 5,627 square meters will impress even the most discerning 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. The lighting is energy efficient and uses modern LEDs. Equally excellent is the construction cost of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is $ 545 million!
Tourists can visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque for free, but 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 photographing is not prohibited here, you should not distract worshipers, so turn off the flash on your camera immediately.
Emirates Palace
The Emirates Palace 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 belongs to the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. The construction cost is about $ 3 billion. This is why it has long been considered one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Officially, the Emirates Palace has 5 stars, but because of its ubiquitous luxury, it is often called not a hotel, but a palace. For every guest here works personal butler who tries to fulfill all the wishes. The main guests of the Emirates Palace are top-notch guests, including politicians and celebrities.
The architecture of the Emirates Palace is based on traditional Arabic ornaments. For example, a large dome is 45 meters in diameter. 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 attractions in Abu Dhabi, this city has the world-famous Ferrari World amusement park, which is very popular with big and small fans of motorsport.
This special theme park covers an area of 25 hectares, of which 8 hectares are under the roof. This allowed Ferrari World to enter the Guinness Book of Records as the largest indoor theme park.
Ferrari World guests can look forward to over 20 attractions for adults and children. News of the project first surfaced 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 roller coasters, you hop into a Ferrari model and catapult forward with incredible acceleration. According to experts, the acceleration matches the acceleration of a real Ferrari racing car, so the participants will experience a special feeling. In the end, a maximum speed of 240 km / h is reached!
In the immediate vicinity of Ferrari World, there is also the Formula 1 circuit, where the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held, which is well worth a visit for true motorsport enthusiasts.
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 east of the main island and is located in the "mangrove belt". Near the southern part of the island is tourist area Al-Raha. Abu Dhabi Airport is also close by, just seven kilometers from the island. Yas is a shallow sandy island that has become the focus of Aldar Properties. More than $ 40 billion has been spent on the construction of infrastructure on this island. In addition, infrastructure has been expanded throughout the island through the construction of new roads and bridges. Forested areas were created to protect against erosion.
All infrastructure on the island was planned and created simultaneously with residential complexes, about 20 hotels and entertainment complex... This complex includes three theme parks, the harbor and, of course, the Formula 1 track. In terms of track design, the builders followed the example of the Monaco track.
Formula 1 track
Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent race track located in the UAE, more specifically in Abu Dhabi. It is located on Yas Island, which is why it is often referred to as Circuit Yas Island. The 2009 racing season ended with a race on this track. The 2010 Formula 1 season also ended in Abu Dhabi. Responsible for the design of the track is the German architect Hermann Tilke, who was also involved in the design of the track in Monaco.
The length of the full circle of the track is 5.4 kilometers when driving on an ideal line. Comparable in difficulty is, of course, the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore, which is also impressive.
On the highway in Abu Dhabi, you can reach maximum speed 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 the port of Abu Dhabi. Saadiyat Island has an area of approximately 27 square kilometers and its sandy core, which is located in the mangrove zone, is of natural origin. Polygons were created around this sandy core, which increased the area of the island. Thanks to these extensions, the beautiful beach of the island has been kept 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. The harbor with 1000 berths will be another important object of the island. Of course, there will be some sights on the island in the future. Already, there is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which will host concerts, theater performances and operas. In addition, there will be built National Museum Sheikh Zayed. Saadiyat Island should also have educational institutions such as New York University.
The infrastructure of Saadiyat Island is already well developed. The island can be reached from Abu Dhabi and neighboring island Yas on the 10 lane motorway. The island's population is expected to increase to 150,000 as early as 2018, when many construction works are completed.
Yas waterworld
What else can you see in Abu Dhabi? The famous water park is also one of the attractions of this metropolis. Anyone planning a vacation 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 places to eat, 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 beautiful complex. The towers contain office and living quarters, as well as a hotel. The Etihad Towers complex is located on the western side of the Corniche.
Nearly $ 4 billion was spent on the construction of these beautiful towers, which are by far one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The first two of the five towers were fully completed only in November 2010. A year later, the complex opened a hotel owned by the Jumeirah Group, Etihad towers Hotel. On the 74th floor of the high tower, at an altitude of about 300 meters, there is an observation deck that allows you to get an unforgettable view of Abu Dhabi.
Cornish in Abu Dhabi
The attractions of Abu Dhabi are not only buildings, shopping centers and amusement parks. One of the popular attractions among tourists is the beautiful Corniche promenade. 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 that recognizes beaches that guarantee clean and safe bathing. So you can rest assured that there are no problems with safety and cleanliness on this beach. Attractions such as the Emirates Palace Hotel and the Etihad Towers are located at the western end of the Corniche.
Gold Souk
At the famous Gold Souk in Abu Dhabi, you can buy cheap gold jewelry. Arabian cities are known primarily for their sun, wealth and gold. Many tourists cannot resist the huge offer of a variety of jewelry in the Gold Market, which are sold here for a very low prices... In fact, the value of a product is determined by its weight multiplied by the cost of a gram of gold by this moment... This means that there are practically no markups for gold items.
One of the largest gold souks in the UAE can be found at the Medinat Zayed mall in the central area of Abu Dhabi.
Spice market
The smell of the East is always associated with the smell of spices. Anyone visiting Abu Dhabi on vacation should visit at least one local market to experience the traditional UAE atmosphere. Bazaars in Abu Dhabi were created so that merchants could sail in from all over the world and sell their goods. Often goods were sold right at the pier. Today, only the fish market is still located near the harbor.
An interesting place 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 you can buy something for yourself and your loved ones.
Heritage village
This place offers you interesting information about the past of Abu Dhabi. Here you can learn about Bedouin history 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, as well as get a glimpse of the amazing changes that have taken place in Abu Dhabi over the past 50 years. See local artisans showcasing their old traditional skills against the backdrop of a modern metropolis.
Marina Mall
The most beautiful shopping center in Abu Dhabi is the Marina Mall. Abu Dhabi is a shopping paradise in the UAE, and not much inferior in this regard to Dubai. In huge shopping centers the capital of the UAE you will find luxury shops and boutiques of famous brands. Opened in 2001, Marina Mall is Abu Dhabi's most impressive large shopping mall as it sits on the Corniche and has a unique Bedouin tent design. In addition, this shopping center also has a tower with observation deck, from where a beautiful view of the surroundings opens. The popular Marina Mall has about 220 stores 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 malls in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Mall, is also considered one of the most important attractions in the capital of the UAE. With more than 200 stores, the shopping center 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 simply 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 of the popular places in the city.
Yas mall
The largest shopping center in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall, is located on Yas Island and has an area of over 235 thousand square meters. In addition, this mall is one of the largest in the UAE and offers several hundred shops. Of course, there is a cinema, a play area for children and many restaurants, of which Rollercoaster stands out, where orders are delivered by train. At Yas Mall you can buy goods for every taste and wallet, 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 is in stark contrast to 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 of the Emirate. Fort Qasr el Hosn, 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. It is an eco-city that sits next to a dusty capital full of skyscrapers. So far, Masdar City is still only 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 on, the implementation of the eco-city is gradually underway. It is planned that Masdar will be powered by renewable energy sources. Water supply in the city should be carried out using desalination plants that run on solar energy.
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 with 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 in case of earthquakes, vibration dampers are installed, which have the properties of damping shock and vibration.
Round skyscraper
Since the opening of the Aldar building in 2010, it has risen above the horizon like a blue ball in the Abu Dhabi sky. 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 designed by Arup differs significantly from the surrounding structures. This is due to the peculiarity of the steel and glass composite. The engineers, architects and designers who built the circular skyscraper have already caused a building sensation with the help of the Sydney opera house and became world famous.
In total, the circular skyscraper has 23 floors and about 62,000 square meters of floor space. The building's height of 110 meters is also impressive. The skyscraper houses the Aldar Building offices, 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 intentionally tilted tower in the world. Anyone visiting Abu Dhabi will not lose sight of this unique skyscraper. Construction of the Capital Gate building lasted from 2007 to 2011. The grand opening took place on December 21, 2011 after four years of construction.
Abu Dhabi is the richest and at the same time the largest emirate among all the members of the UAE. The city of Abu Dhabi itself is especially notable for tourists because it is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and is also rightfully considered one of the few real city-parks today. Most of of wealth donated by the UAE by oil went to improve the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi and turn it into a unique comfortable resort. The area of the city is 67 thousand square kilometers, and each of them is filled with luxury.
The city of Abu Dhabi includes several dozen islands located off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. In the eastern part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi is the small town of Al Ain, famous for its rich and beautiful greenery. There are a large number of parks, farms and even artesian wells. The most amazing places in the area are Mount Hafeet, Ain Fayad Park, Al Haley Amusement Park, Al Ain Museum and Zoo.
Every visitor will be amazed at the abundance of greenery in Abu Dhabi - the main road to the city, as well as the entire embankment is bordered by planting lines that hide arid soil. Palm trees and eucalyptus trees grow here. The city itself is filled with a huge number of ornamental shrubs and grassy lawns. In the evening, Abu Dhabi can delight you with the play of jets in its fountains located along the embankment.
The city of Abu Dhabi is separated from the mainland by a strait, the temperature in the capital is several degrees lower than outside the city, also because there is a large number of green spaces here.
Speaking about the climate, you can define it as subtropical. Due to the high humidity in the summer, it is very difficult to endure the heat, especially for tourists. For this reason, the season for calm and comfortable rest is from October to May. Precipitation falls very rarely, in winter it rains only occasionally. Statistics say that on average 13 mm of precipitation falls here per year, which can be compared with about 3-4 rainy days in European countries.
The population in Abu Dhabi is 1,145,000 (2017), half of whom live directly in the capital. Locals Arabs are nationalities, but they make up only a small part of the population. The foreign communities are dominated by Indians, Pakistanis and British. The dominant tribe is Baniyaz.
The geographical location of the city of Abu Dhabi has led to the construction of hotels in the emirate right on seashore, which is not at all typical for Dubai and Sharjah. This irresistible capital combines the traditions of the East with urban landscapes, and among the leisure centers it occupies a leading position in the UAE, along with Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is especially famous for its beautiful beaches, which wash the azure sparkling waters of the Persian Gulf, as well as numerous restaurants, all the necessary conditions for sports, nightclubs and other forms of entertainment.
Founded: about 1760
Square: 972 km 2
Population: 1,145,000 people (2017)
Currency: dirham
Language: Arab
Of.site: http://www.abudhabi.ae
Current time in Abu Dhabi:
(UTC +4)
European tourists may be surprised at the ban on alcoholic drinks in restaurants located in the city. Note that the United Arab Emirates has a dry law. Therefore, it should be noted that only hotel establishments can sell alcoholic beverages. However, if you don't mind prohibition, we advise you to fully immerse yourself in the life of Abu Dhabi and visit the most popular establishments in the city.
How to get to Abu Dhabi
In addition, Emirates operates a special "aero-bus" flight with an arrival in Dubai and further travel to Abu Dhabi on a corporate bus. Such a flight is sold in ours, the bus is already included in the price. This option can be used by residents of Moscow and St. Petersburg - those cities to which Emirates flies.
If it is important for you to fly to the airport of the capital of the UAE for some reason, then you can use the following connecting flights(the transfer airport is indicated in brackets):
- Turkish Airlines (Istanbul): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Rostov, Ufa, Sochi, Novosibirsk.
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Samara.
- Czech Airlines (Prague): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi, Samara, Ufa.
- Finnair (Helsinki): Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg.
- Qatar Airways (Doha): Moscow.
- Air Berlin (Berlin): Moscow, St. Petersburg.
How to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai
If you need to get to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, then keep in mind that a taxi will cost you 250 - 300 dirhams one way.
However, you can also use a cheaper route: from the Bar Dubai bus station, bus 1E departs every 15-20 minutes from 5.30 in the morning. The cost of the trip is 80 dirhams. You will spend almost 2 hours on the way. The station where the bus arrives in Abu Dhabi is Central.
Also from the Dubai Bar station you can go to shuttle taxi, minivan. Such a trip will cost one passenger 120 dirhams. Of course, this transport will take you in a shorter time, but not everyone likes to be in close proximity with representatives of another culture.
If you are thinking about how to get from Abu Dhabi back to Dubai, know that the same scheme applies here. It is important that in addition to the listed modes of transportation, buses run here that stop along the road, the ticket price is 60 dirhams. You can also ask the driver to stop where you need to if the destination is not at the bus station.
Flight search
in Abu Dhabi
Search for travel companions
on BlaBlaCar
Transfers
in Abu Dhabi
Vehicle search
for hire
Find Flights to Abu Dhabi
We compare all available flight options at your request, and then direct you to purchase on the official websites of airlines and agencies. The airfare you see on Aviasales is final. We have removed all hidden services and checkboxes.
We know where to buy cheap flights. Plane tickets to 220 countries of the world. Search and compare prices for flights among 100 agencies and 728 airlines.
We cooperate with Aviasales.ru and do not take any commissions - the cost of tickets is exactly the same as on the website.
Find fellow travelers on BlaBlaCar
Where do you want to go?
A couple of clicks - and you can hit the road right from the doorstep.
Among the millions of fellow travelers, you can easily find those who are near and who are with you along the way.
Get to your destination directly. When traveling with fellow travelers, you don't have to worry about queues and hours spent waiting at the station.
We cooperate with Blablacar and do not take any commissions - the cost of the trip is exactly the same as on the website.
Transfers in Abu Dhabi
Show transfers from Abu Dhabi| Abu Dhabi airport | Abu Dhabi | from 2524 p. | ||
| Yas Island Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi | from 2591 p. | ||
| Saadiyat Island | Abu Dhabi | from 2591 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi Bus Station | Abu Dhabi | from 2591 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi port Mina Zayed | Abu Dhabi | from 2923 p. | ||
| Al Maktoum airport | Abu Dhabi | from 4982 p. | ||
| Dubai airport | Abu Dhabi | from 5580 p. | ||
| Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 5779 p. | ||
| Dubai Jebel Ali | Abu Dhabi | from 5845 p. | ||
| Dubai Deira | Abu Dhabi | from 5845 p. | ||
| Kizad | Abu Dhabi | from 5845 p. | ||
| Dubai Nad Al Sheba | Abu Dhabi | from 5908 p. | ||
| Silicone Oasis District Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 5908 p. | ||
| Dubai Business Bay | Abu Dhabi | from 5908 p. | ||
| Bab Al Shams | Abu Dhabi | from 6111 p. | ||
| Al safu | Abu Dhabi | from 6173 p. | ||
| City Festival Dubai District | Abu Dhabi | from 6240 p. | ||
| Palm Jumeirah | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | |||
| Villa District Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Dubai Jumeirah | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Marina District Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Dubai Bur Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Dubai Al Barsha | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Dubai Garhoud | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Dubai downtown | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Rashid Port | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Barsha Heights Dubai District | Abu Dhabi | from 6244 p. | ||
| Al Hawanij District Dubai | Abu Dhabi | from 6306 p. | ||
| El Ain | Abu Dhabi | from 6642 p. | ||
| Sharjah | Abu Dhabi | from 7174 p. | ||
| Al maha | Abu Dhabi | from 7174 p. | ||
| Ajman | Abu Dhabi | from 7506 p. | ||
| Rema | Abu Dhabi | from 7838 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | from 7905 p. | |||
| Al Marjan Island | Abu Dhabi | from 8098 p. | ||
| Al ain airport | Abu Dhabi | from 8297 p. | ||
| Jereira | Abu Dhabi | from 8303 p. | ||
| Umm al-Quwain | Abu Dhabi | from 8635 p. | ||
| Ruvais | Abu Dhabi | from 9964 p. | ||
| Ras al-Khaimah | Abu Dhabi | from 10827 p. | ||
| Jebel Dhana Port | Abu Dhabi | from 12413 p. | ||
| Madinat Zayed | Abu Dhabi | from 12479 p. | ||
| Hatta | Abu Dhabi | from 12488 p. | ||
| Fujairah city | Abu Dhabi | from 12488 p. | ||
| Ras Al Khaimah airport | Abu Dhabi | from 13077 p. | ||
| Al-aqa | Abu Dhabi | from 13276 p. | ||
| Dibba | Abu Dhabi | from 13276 p. | ||
| Khor-Fakkan | Abu Dhabi | from 13285 p. | ||
| Qasr Al Sarab | Abu Dhabi | from 13285 p. | ||
| Jebel Dhana | Abu Dhabi | from 16595 p. |
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi airport | from 2524 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Saadiyat Island | from 2591 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi Bus Station | from 2591 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Yas Island Abu Dhabi | from 2591 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi port Mina Zayed | from 2923 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al Maktoum airport | from 5447 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai | from 5646 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Kizad | from 5845 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Deira | from 5845 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Jebel Ali | from 5845 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Business Bay | from 5908 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Nad Al Sheba | from 5908 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Silicone Oasis District Dubai | from 5908 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Bab Al Shams | from 6111 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al safu | from 6173 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | City Festival Dubai District | from 6240 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Jebel Ali Village Dubai District | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Rashid Port | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Villa District Dubai | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Jumeirah | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Marina District Dubai | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Bur Dubai | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai downtown | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Garhoud | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Palm Jumeirah | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai Al Barsha | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Barsha Heights Dubai District | from 6244 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al Hawanij District Dubai | from 6306 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dubai airport | from 6510 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | El Ain | from 6642 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al maha | from 7174 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Ajman | from 7506 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Rema | from 7838 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Sharjah | from 7905 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | international Airport Sharjah | from 7905 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al Marjan Island | from 8098 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al ain airport | from 8297 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Jereira | from 8303 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Umm al-Quwain | from 8635 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Ruwais | from 9964 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Ras al-Khaimah | from 10827 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Jebel Dhana Port | from 12413 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Madinat Zayed | from 12479 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Hatta | from 12488 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Fujairah city | from 12488 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Ras Al Khaimah airport | from 13077 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Al-aqa | from 13276 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Dibba | from 13276 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Khor-Fakkan | from 13285 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Qasr Al Sarab | from 13285 p. | ||
| Abu Dhabi | Jebel Dhana | from 16595 p. |
We cooperate with kiwitaxi and do not take any commissions - the rental price is exactly the same as on the website.
Search for a rental car
Compare 900 car rental companies at 53,000 locations.
Search 221 car rental companies worldwide
40,000 points of issue
Easy cancellation or modification of your booking
We cooperate with RentalCars and do not take any commissions - the rental price is exactly the same as on the website.
Climate and weather in Abu Dhabi
Weather forecast
|
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Abu Dhabi Monthly Weather
| Temperature day, ° C |
Temperature at night, ° C |
Temperature water, ° C |
Quantity precipitation, mm |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 11 | 19 | 2 | |
| 24 | 13 | 18 | 42 | |
| 28 | 15 | 23 | 24 | |
| 33 | 19 | 27 | 7 | |
| 38 | 22 | 27 | 0 | |
| 39 | 24 | 27 | 0 | |
| 42 | 27 | 29 | 0 | |
| 41 | 28 | 32 | 0 | |
| 40 | 25 | 27 | 0 | |
| 35 | 21 | 27 | 0 | |
| 30 | 17 | 25 | 1 | |
| 25 | 14 | 24 | 9 |
Reviews by month
| January 21 February 10 March 13 | April 7 May 5 June 5 | July 5 August 3 September 2 | October 10 November 9 December 20 |
Transport
Today, in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, public transport is represented by buses, water and land taxis, and ferry services.
Buses
Regular bus service in Abu Dhabi was introduced by the Department of Transport only in 2008, when modern comfortable air-conditioned shuttles were purchased for city routes. People with disabilities can easily use them.
Currently, there are 7 suburban and 7 urban routes in the capital. In addition, there is also an intercity bus service, carried out both within the territory of one emirate, and within the whole country.
It should be noted that buses can be seen only in the only part of the city - near large hotels. In fact, there are special stopping points and complexes, near which there is a cafe or restaurant, where drivers can grab something light or have a cup of coffee. It is in these places that Abu Dhabi buses are based. Speaking about the city itself, it is worth emphasizing that there you can spend almost a whole day waiting for public transport. Some hotels, in order to create especially comfortable conditions for their tourists, organize local bus services that provide passenger transportation services.
With commuter buses, the situation is slightly different: they are more punctual. We can also say that their number slightly exceeds the number of city buses, and this transport is better developed, because it is in great demand. Although commuter buses modern and well equipped, it is nearly impossible for them to cope with the sweltering heat and long distances between facilities in the UAE. Therefore, naturally, for many tourists such trips can be a real challenge.
City buses run all week from 5 am to 12 am on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends and holidays. The interval of movement depends on the time of day and the specific route, it can be from 10 to 40 minutes. The fare for this transport is low: 1-3 dirhams or $ 0.3-0.82. When in Abu Dhabi, bus transport was just put into operation, travel was carried out free of charge in order to attract as much more passengers.
Taxi
Currently, there are four different types of taxis in Abu Dhabi: white cars are private old taxis that are about to be retired from service in the near future; golden cars; the cars are silver, they are the newest; as well as pink cars. In pink cars, only women work as drivers, and only women and boys under 10 years old can use the services of such a taxi. In each of the types of taxis, cars are equipped with special meters, in Abu Dhabi a standard tariff has been introduced for everyone, but at the same time, it is possible to agree on the price in advance with the drivers, especially in old private taxis.
There are taxi ranks near all the main shopping centers of the city, in all other places you can “catch” a taxi by making a certain sign with your hand. Of course, you can call a taxi using a special phone, this service costs about $ 1.4, and the fare is paid by the meter. It should be said that taxi rates are being revised all the time.
Daytime boarding costs about $ 0.82; if you travel a distance not exceeding 50 km, then for every 750 meters you need to pay $ 0.27, and if the distance exceeds 50 km, you pay $ 0.41 for every 750 meters. If you need the machine to wait for you, then for every minute of downtime (over 5 minutes) you will need to pay $ 0.14.
At night, of course, there are slightly different rates. Landing costs $ 1. If the distance of your journey is less than 50 km, then 750 meters are paid at a rate of $ 0.33, and if more than 50 km, then at a rate of $ 0.5. However, a minute of waiting is paid in the same way as in the daytime - $ 0.14 per minute over the first 5.
If you need to travel a long distance, for example, from one emirate to another, you can use a special taxi that stops where Defense Street intersects with Al Muroor Street. In these taxis, the fare is also determined by the meter readings.
If you need to get from the airport in Abu Dhabi to the city center, the journey time will be approximately 30 minutes, and the cost is $ 16.5 or 60 dirhams. It is worth noting that it is better to get to the airport by taxi, as the length of the waiting time for the bus can lead to a delay in your flight.
Pictures of Abu Dhabi
What to see in Abu Dhabi
The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is a truly amazing place that is transforming faster and faster, while maintaining a connection with its unusual past. Whether you visit any corner of the emirate - the capital, the western Al Gharbiya region, or the eastern city of Al Ain, you can discover many attractions and attractions that will interest everyone. Some of the sights of Abu Dhabi are world famous.
Korish Street stretches across a well-groomed, majestic 8-kilometer district of the city. This area is located near the seashore, where there is a playground, special paths for pedestrians and bicycles, many cozy cafes and restaurants, as well as a park-beach, where lifeguards are constantly working. On weekends, it is simply packed with visitors, so finding a free umbrella is quite difficult. It is important to know that it is forbidden to swim very far, at a distance of 40 meters there are already floating barriers, which are being watched by rescuers.
This beautiful promenade is a well-deserved owner Blue Flag, that is, the world-famous mark for beaches and marinas, guaranteeing their cleanliness and safety of bathing waters.
If you want to explore the Corniche from start to finish, you can borrow a bike. At a special station located along the Corniche street, you can rent a variety of bicycles: mountain bicycles, city bicycles for 2 or 3 passengers, as well as special women's bicycles with abaya. One hour of rent will cost an adult $ 5, and a child $ 4.
If you love speed and drive, you just need to visit the Ferrari World, which is also located in Abu Dhabi. This park is the world's first Ferrari-themed entertainment center and also the world's most great attraction, which pleases people of absolutely all ages. In this park, everyone can learn the history of Ferrari by testing all the educational and fun rides, of which there are more than 20. You can also do interactive shopping here and enjoy real Italian cuisine.
The park is located under the iconic red roof, which houses attractions such as the Ferrari Gallery (the largest outside Maranello, which hosts an interactive exhibition of cars built from 1947 to the present day), Formula Rossa (the world's fastest roller coaster, speed of which can reach 240 km / h), Speed of Magic (here you will be offered to make a fantastic journey in 4D through ice caves, jungles and ravines to the crater of a beautiful fairy volcano). And all those who want to get a huge adrenaline rush and remember their trip to the Ferrari world for a lifetime should taste the speed of the G-Force ride, which will first "throw" you through its red roof, and only then will rush down from a 62-meter height ...
If we talk about the emirate of Abu Dhabi (and not about the city), then there is also a lot of interesting things. The museums of Abu Dhabi deserve special attention, and one cannot fail to note the impressive oasis in the heart of Al Ain, covered with palm plantations. If you want to get away from the noise of the city and the hot heat to some quiet, calm place, then you need to go to the Al Ain Oasis, where the only sounds will be the rustling of palm trees and the singing of birds.
Through the use of the falaj irrigation system, which has been in use for 3 thousand years, water canals have been built in the Al Ain oasis, supporting the life of all palm plantations in this real inner-city paradise. The oasis is provided with 8 separate entrances, there are 147 thousand date palms(which are presented in 100 species), growing on 1200 hectares of land. The entrance is free.
A truly iconic landmark in the region is the Emirates Palace, a luxury hotel that combines modern technology with traditional Arab luxury. During the day, this hotel stands out with its sandy gold paint, set among vibrant green gardens, blue skies and silver fountains. And at night it completely changes its lighting, which creates an amazing iridescent rainbow effect over its main dome.
The main building is more than a kilometer from one wing to the other, and the surrounding area, grounds and hotel gardens extend over 100 hectares. The hotel is decorated with 114 domes, the central of which is located at a height of 72.6 meters above the ground. The main part of the interior decoration of the Palace is made of mother-of-pearl, gold and crystal. The palace itself is decorated with 1,002 chandeliers, the largest of which weighs 2.5 tons. Also among the special features of the Palace are 2 handcrafted wall hangings depicting the hotel itself. Each of them weighs a ton.
Another hotel that is a real architectural triumph is the five-star Yas Vaysroy. This hotel is exclusive in that one half of it is built on land and the other is above the water. Also next to it is a part of the Formula 1 track.
The main characteristic of Yas Vaysroi is the 200-meter lattice carapace, composed of curved wide glass and metal, covering the hotel's 2 towers. They are connected by a bridge that crosses the Formula 1 track. This carapace is equipped with a lighting system that is combined with video streaming through 5096 panels. Thanks to these panels, the shell can change the colors as well as the shape of the diamond. This optical effect is truly stunning, reflecting thousands of colored rays from the sky, desert and sea.
Near Jebel Hafeet there is a huge Al-Ain Zoo, spread over an area of 900 hectares. Here, visitors are offered to admire the huge collection of animals outside the fenced area. This area is as close as possible to the real habitat of animals in nature. There are picnic areas in the park, there are playgrounds, cozy cafes, and train tours throughout the zoo.
More than 400 animals live in this park, of which there are even those that are considered endangered species. In this zoo, you will have the opportunity to feed giraffes, ride camels, and pet animals - all considered the latest interactive activities in the UAE. There are special places for feeding giraffes with lettuce and carrots. And for direct communication with animals, a zoo was designed in the style of a local farm, where you can pet and play with tamed animals. Domestic sheep, goats, llamas, camels, chickens and ducks live here.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum of Art and Culture opened in 2017. The museum was created as part of a thirty-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government. The main mission of the museum is to bridge the gap between the art of the East and the West.
.The prices for many of the products are quite reasonable compared to those that are established in other countries. To a greater extent, this applies to gold products, textiles and carpets. And if you know how and are not afraid to bargain, then the purchase can become especially profitable.
Most of the shops here start their work as early as 10 am and end at 10 pm. I must say that there is no such thing as a lunch break, however, there are independent stores that close for a few hours for this purpose. Please note that shops operate differently during Ramadan: they close in the afternoon and only open in the evening.
You can read more about shopping in the capital of the UAE in the article "Shopping in Abu Dhabi" It is also helpful to have a look at the shopping malls in Abu Dhabi. In addition, you will find useful information about the Old Bazaar in the capital of the Emirates.
If we take Abu Dhabi not as a city, but as an emirate, then it would be appropriate to talk about the shopping centers of the city of Al Ain, which is part of the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the fourth largest city in the UAE.
Safety in Abu Dhabi
Talking about crimes in Abu Dhabi, it should be noted that they happen here quite rarely. Locals and tourists can safely stroll through the city until late. Overall, this city is considered a relatively calm and safe place. Due to certain factors, the UAE has a low crime rate, among them the rules of conduct existing in Islam, a low unemployment rate and the severity of the law.
It is rare in Abu Dhabi to hear about any incidents, however, tourists are advised to keep an eye on their belongings if you are in a public place. It will never hurt anyone to be extra careful, especially if you have a large amount of money with you that you have withdrawn from the bank. In this case, you can ask the security guards at the bank to walk you to the car.
In order not to fall into the trap of scammers, you should not provide strangers with information about yourself, any personal data.
Pay a lot of attention to the rules road traffic, as the drivers here drive pretty extreme and fast. Be extremely careful when crossing the road.
Continuing the conversation about the rules of conduct, it is worth noting that much in Abu Dhabi is governed by traditions, despite the fact that the city has a cosmopolitan lifestyle. In Arab culture, there is such a distinctive feature as hospitality. Tourists are offered soft drinks, tea and coffee in some shops and offices. If you start a conversation on the merits right away, it is taken as an impolite sign. Questions about wives and relatives are assessed from the same position; it is better to ask about the whole family as a whole. Get ready for the fact that the wives of your acquaintances will not sit at the same table with you.
Never pick up or offer money, food, or drink to anyone with your left hand. Also, you should not offer food that contains pork or alcohol.
If you have come to an Arab house, shoes should be left at the doorstep only if the owner did not ask you to enter the house with shoes on. Never point the sole of your foot directly at an Arab.
Know that you cannot take photos of Muslim women, you also cannot laugh at them and flirt with them, you need to be respectful and polite, otherwise you will have to pay a fine of 60 thousand dirhams, after which you will be deported. As for men, they can only be photographed after permission. Continuing the topic of photographs, we note that you should not do this with government buildings and military installations.
During Ramadan, do not drink or drink, smoke, eat, chew gum in in public places and on the streets before the sun goes down. This does not apply to those tourists who eat in the afternoon or morning in their hotels. Violation of this rule may result in a fine or imprisonment.
Speaking of bans, we note that in Abu Dhabi they apply to gambling, print and video products of sexual content. You can not drink alcohol and appear drunk in public places, it is allowed only in restaurants, bars or hotel rooms.
Also, you can not throw garbage on the streets - for this you can be fined in the amount of 3 thousand dirhams. For this purpose, litter bins are installed in every city, and trash cans are installed on highways. The ban on smoking in furnished apartments, hotels, entertainment venues, shopping centers and on the beaches has also been legalized, remember, you can smoke only in specially equipped places. Any violation is punishable by punishment, from an innocent fine to deportation. Be careful!
Where to stay in Abu Dhabi
Booking.com offers over 140 Abu Dhabi hotels for booking. You can select a hotel using a variety of filters: hotel star rating, hotel type (hotel, apartment, villa, hostel, etc.), cost, hotel location, ratings of people who visited the hotel, Wi-Fi availability and much more. ...
United Arab Emirates — amazing country... In less than 50 years, from a subordinate to Great Britain, the UAE sheikhs became an independent prosperous state, known throughout the world for its luxury.
Abu Dhabi is the most green city in the UAE. It is also called "Manhattan of the Middle East" and "Little New York". And this is not surprising - once you are here, you can see the interweaving of Eastern traditions with the modern architecture of a megalopolis, seething with life. Today we will tell you what to see in Abu Dhabi first.
The magnificent snow-white Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi came as if from arabic tales... This is one of the most incredible landmarks in Abu Dhabi. Its luxury is striking: 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 Arab Emirates and brought the state to prosperity over 40 years of rule.
The construction was carried out on a large scale, materials were ordered from all over the world. The result of this global interaction is 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, not just Muslims.
But there is a strict dress code that tourists must follow: clothes must be such that they completely cover the legs and arms to the wrists. Women should definitely cover their heads with a scarf, hiding their hair, but instead of a long skirt, you can wear trousers. You will need to take off your shoes before entering the mosque, so choose shoes that are easy to take off whenever possible.
Incredible illumination on the walls of the Great Mosque
Address: Sheikh Rashid Road (2nd St.)
Working hours: from 09:00 - to 22:00, Fri - in the morning, tourists are not allowed to enter.
Entrance: free.
Site: www.szgmc.ae
Ferrari World Park
This is one of the most interesting places in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari World is a huge adult Disneyland and also the largest indoor theme park in the world.
The unique designer roof with the Ferrari logo (the largest on the planet) can be clearly seen from the sky above.
More than 20 major attractions at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi are sure to delight fans of Italian sports cars. 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
The Emirates Palace cost the treasury more than the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Only one incrustation 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.
More details about the Emirates Palace hotel are described in a separate section on our blog.
Corniche promenade
Asking the question: "What to see in Abu Dhabi?" - do not miss the chance to stroll along the Corniche. The locals have fully enjoyed the desert landscapes of the region, so they are very fanatical about green spaces. The embankment, stretching for 10 kilometers, has been turned into a wonderful parkland (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.
It is most pleasant to walk here in the evenings. You can also go cycling and ice skating, go for a jog or enjoy sitting in a cafe with a cup of coffee, admiring the views.
Qasr al-Hosn palace
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 watchtower was erected on this site to protect the settlement that had formed near the source fresh water... Later, the complex was rebuilt into an impregnable fort.
With reflective wall cladding made from a mixture of lime, sand and crushed sea shells, the fort also served as an excellent landmark for merchant ships.
The palace expanded 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 storage - one of the most informative sights of 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 compound during the annual Qasr al-Hosn festival. The program is very rich - there are various exhibitions, theatrical performances, concerts of poetry and songs, various shows and performances. It will be possible to see how national dhow boats are built, pearls are mined, horse charmers perform, visit folk craft fairs and so on.
Address: Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Exhibition Center:
Exhibition center working hours: from 9:00 to 20:00.
The festival:
Dates: from 11 to 21 February, from 16:00 to 23:00.
Ticket price: 10 dirhams, children under 12 years old - free.
Yas Waterworld Waterpark
Yas Waterworld Waterpark opened in Abu Dab as recently as early 2013. It is located on Yas Island, where you can also visit the Ferrari World 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.
Site: yaswaterworld.com
Yas Marina Circuit - Formula 1 circuit
As the name implies, the circuit is located on Yas Island. One of the stages of the Formula 1 World Championship - 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 to protect spectators from scorching sun, and from bad weather.
The Yas Marina hotel is a part of the autodrome complex, from the windows of which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the auto racing.
In their free time from the competition, detailed excursions are held on the territory, which allow you to feel behind the scenes of the most famous races in the world. Anyone can ride light cars himself, gaining 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 indicates 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 dates have shifted.
The spectacle promises to be amazing - here you can see not only exhibits from the Parisian Louvre, but also from Versailles, Orsay and the Pompidou Center. And the building itself amazes with its futuristic architecture.
According to the project, the museum "lies" as it were on the surface of the sea. And thanks to the numerous water channels and a huge glass dome, the feeling will be created that the exhibitions are taking place in the open sea 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 fastidious exhibits.
Why does Sabetta have an Italian name and how to get there?
The Black Sea: what threats it poses
Best Hotels - the hotel chain I use in Spain Best Hotels Spain
Dominican Republic Resorts
Bormio ski resort in Italy: skiing, shopping and entertainment Bormio italy