Recent Blogs Created
Recent blogs created by our usersThere are currently 0 users online.
 |
Jan
1
Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
Filed Under United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi December 2007 - photo courtesy Wikipedia licenced under the GFDL
A trip to Abu Dhabi
Once you leave the modern Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will feel as if you are walking into a scene from Aladdin, with bustling markets and an energetic ambiance prevailing. One of the hippest Middle Eastern destinations and the thriving capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is home to beautiful, well-preserved mosques; bustling souks; many fascinating tourist spots and a breathtaking coastline. Rising high and dominating the skyline are spectacular skyscrapers which blend in perfectly with the old town charms.
Flights to Abu Dhabi
The easiest way to arrive in Abu Dhabi is to fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are several direct flights between Abu Dhabi and major destinations in Europe and Asia. Even Canadians can easily reach this charming city, with flights operating to and from Toronto. The airport is modern and well-equipped with a variety of facilities including a post office, bureaux de change, bank, restaurants, duty-free and many shopping outlets. Also a favourite among business flyers, the airport has a luxurious hotel that offers full facilities as well as a golf course.
Even though Abu Dhabi International Airport is truly first-class, the same can’t be said about the city’s transportation. Public transportation is unreliable and irregular. Your best bet is to take a long-distance minibus or a taxi, which can be hired at the taxi station near the main bus terminal.
Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi oozes an awesome mixture of sleek, modern skyscrapers; beautiful old ruins; remarkable architecture and a lovely Red Sea coastline. Tourists usually start their sightseeing at the Corniche, a lovely boulevard featuring pretty parks, gardens, stylish buildings with a breathtaking backdrop of the Persian Gulf.
There are plenty of traditional souks around town where you can shop for various local goods or just simply enjoying the atmosphere of these old-school Arabian markets. Al Ain Oasis is a favourite family destination where you can visit a museum, a zoo and an aquarium as well as an amusement park. If time permits, take a tour around the exquisite islands of Das, Zirku, Mubarraz and Arzanah.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
With a wide range of international and local culinary delights to please your appetite, Abu Dhabi is ideal for food lovers. Local cuisine is more than superb, with kicking spices and exotic ingredients. Try hummas (a special chickpea dip) and shawarma (meat and salad roll), while health-freaks can always opt for one of the sumptuous veggie dishes.
When the night calls, hit one of many clubs in town. Visit the city’s notable venues like the Breakwater or make your way to the south of the centre, home to a handful of good bars and cafés.
Fun by day - shopping and activities
Abu Dhabi is known among serious shopaholics for cheap brand name goods and high-end apparel. The city also boasts magnificent local souvenirs such as carpets, tapestries, pottery, jewellery and silk, which can be found at any souk. Local crafts are available at the Women’s Craft Centre, while Al-Nasr St features fascinating Arabian souvenirs. Those looking for daytime activities will find an array of fun things to do, be it cycling, golfing, safari tours, cruising or roller-blading along the lovely seashore.
Daytrips
Abu Dhabi has a host of fun entertainment options and impressive attractions to see, all easily accessible from the city. The nearby city of Al Ain is only a short taxi ride or bus shuttle away and offers one of the best amusement parks in the region. Fun City is home to thrilling roller coasters, kids entertainment and carnival games.
Situated in the downtown district of Abu Dhabi is the fascinating Petroleum Exhibition, which documents the transformation of the sleepy fisherman village into what is now one of the richest oil producing nations in the world. The exhibits include photographs, videos and interactive multimedia learning stations.
Southwest of the city is the ‘real’ Abu Dhabi, where you will see how local Arabs live. The market here is an interesting day out with numerous foodstuffs and other local goods. Packages are offered from most hotels with pickup by mini-bus and guided tours from a local guide.
Must-see attractions
For a fun day out to see traditional Arab life, the Heritage Village on Mussafah road is the perfect place, with a range of activities including camel rides and falconry. The village has been recreated to look identical to past nomadic camps with tents and makeshift buildings erected.
The Women’s Craft Centre showcases the significant role women have in the Abu Dhabi economy. From hand painted ceramic pottery and hand woven baskets to traditional clothing and perfumed oils, the centre is filled with interesting pieces of local art and products. The Women’s Craft Centre has an on-site restaurant and a shop which sells authentic handicrafts direct to the public.
Throughout the city’s streets there are numerous markets and shops from traditional open air markets to small shop fronts selling carpets. You will also find several modern westernised shopping malls with designer brand boutiques and department stores.
Best time to go
The climate in Abu Dhabi is warm throughout the year although summer is particularly hot with temperatures reaching over 40°C. The best time of year to visit is during the winter when the scorching sun is not so hot.
Winter begins in December and lasts until late February. Most tourists choose to visit Abu Dhabi during this time and hotels generally fill quickly. If planning on visiting at this time, be sure to book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Rainy day suggestions
On the rare occasion that you encounter rain whilst visiting Abu Dhabi, there are a multitude of activities and attractions to see. The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is the city’s centre for performing arts, museums and other cultural events.
The nearby ‘Garden City’ of Al Ain has a great zoo filled with a variety of animals from around the world. There is also an impressive aquarium with hundreds of marine species to see. The aquarium is the world’s only one situated in the desert.
Comments
Leave a Reply
-
Subscribe to our RSS Feed
