People travel to Abu Dhabi to see the snow-white and golden Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the Ferrari World extreme amusement park, and the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel. But this city has much more to offer you.
We talk about the most exciting sights of Abu Dhabi, share ideas of where to go, what to see and what to do in the vibrant capital of the Emirates.
Table of Contents
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
It would be best if you started with the classics. For example, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque – one of the symbols of Abu Dhabi – was built in 2007 and named after Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan al-Nahyan.
Sheikh was the founder and first president of the UAE and is highly respected in the country. Everything that can be named after Sheikh Zayed – roads, bridges, mosques, museums.
This mosque is one of the six most prominent in the world. Its height is 114 meters, at the same time 40 thousand people can be in the building. Here you can see the world’s largest carpet with an area of 5627 meters and the world’s most enormous chandelier installed in a mosque. And, of course, the abundance of white marble, gold leaf and exquisite patterns is striking.
The mosque is remarkable not only for its architecture but also for non-Muslims can go there. Another plus is free admission.
Mosque rules
It would be best if you went inside in decent clothes that cover your legs and arms. In addition, women should wear a headscarf over their heads. If you do not have closed clothes, then at the entrance you can take an abaya – a unique cape for women, or trousers and a shirt for men.
The most exciting excursions with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Mosque
At the entrance, you can take a free audio guide, or you can join one of the sightseeing tours of Abu Dhabi.
Visit the Arabian fairy tale Abu Dhabi for $ 350 for a tour for 1-4 people;
Conquer Abu Dhabi in one day for $ 250 for a tour for 1-6 people;
An architectural marvel of Abu Dhabi for $ 350 for a guided tour for 1-4 people.
Saadiyat Island: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Beach
Abu Dhabi is located on several islands. There are bridges between all the major islands, so there are no problems with getting around the city.
Tourists are usually interested in Saadiyat and Yas Islands. Both islands have good beaches, comfortable hotels and entertainment.
Saadiyat is located 10 km from the centre of Abu Dhabi.
The main attractions of Saadiyat Island are the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum and an excellent sandy beach.
How to get to Saadiyat Island
You can get here by taxi or by other transportation methods. However, if you own a car, ensure to equip it with the best tyres in UAE.
Saadiyat beach
The beach of Saadiyat Island or Saadiyat Public Beach is 400 meters of pure white sand, on which the warm waves of the Persian Gulf roll. The entrance to the water is shallow so that families with children will feel comfortable.
Saadiyat Beach offers beautiful skyline views, while most of Abu Dhabi’s beaches overlook the neighboring islands, giving the deceptive impression that you are relaxing on the lake.
On the beach, you can rent a sun lounger and umbrella (about $ 10 per set) or sit on your bedspread. At your service shower, toilet, changing cabins, storage rooms.
The beach entrance costs $ 10 for adults and $ 5 for children.
Best hotels near Saadiyat beach
The five-star The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is located on Saadiyat Island by the sea. It offers Mediterranean-style rooms, a private beach, five swimming pools, a spa, a children’s entertainment center, six restaurants, and helpful staff.
Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is another luxury option with a private beach. Guests are offered stylish rooms with elements of oriental decor and views of the sea and tropical gardens, a spa center, several swimming pools, a restaurant, and a kids club.
