Overview

Abu Dhabi has grown in popularity in recent years and this is largely to do with the number of sights on offer. There is a wealth of things to see ranging from old forts to ancient souks and beautiful islands. The city is ideally situated on the Persian Gulf and is therefore close to many small and picturesque islands which are perfect for day trips.

Qasr Al Hosn

This historic fort is the oldest structure in the whole of Abu Dhabi and was once home to the rulers of the emirate. There are a number of houses within the grounds which have gained Cultural Foundation status and the beautiful gardens have trees dating back hundreds of years. The tiled entrance and courtyard are among the highlights.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

This foundation is located in Qasr Al Hosn and is popular with the city's elite classes as is hosts art galleries, theatre productions, concerts and many other cultural events. It also boasts one of the best libraries in the Middle East.

Al Ain Oasis

This city is built around an oasis and is known as the ‘Garden City'. It is a popular daytrip and houses many archaeological sites and relics. The Al Ain Museum is a popular sight found here as is the Al Jahili Fort. It is also home to a zoo and aquarium as well as an amusement park. The city's backdrop is dominated by the Jabel Hafit Mountain, home to a number of endangered species.

Heritage Village

The Heritage Village is a replica of a Bedouin nomad camp. It is a fascinating attraction complete with an authentic shelter as well as cooking and hunting implements. There are daily demonstrations of camel riding and falconry as well as exhibits on ancient life in the Middle East. It can be found in the heart of Abu Dhabi and is popular with all tourists.

Lulu Island

Lulu is a manmade island off the Persian coast, close to the Corniche breakwater. It is being developed as a residential and tourism district which boasts beautiful beaches and a good selection of water sports. It is very popular with both tourists and locals already and will become a prime area to both live and stay.

Old Souk

This market is a must see for everyone who visits Abu Dhabi. It is a traditional souk selling everything you could imagine from Persian rugs to tapestries, handmade jewellery and textiles. It is a unique insight into life in Abu Dhabi and, with all souks, bargaining is expected.

Overview

The heat during the day in Abu Dhabi does not lend itself well to sporting activities other than those which take place indoors or in water. However, the mornings and evenings tend to be cooler and this is when locals and tourists can be found going for runs and walks. There are many activities which are unique to the Middle East such as enjoying a camel safari or enjoying a ride on a dhow.

Scuba diving and snorkelling

The stunning underwater sights around the Persian Gulf are ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling. There is a wide variety of marine life including fish, coral and mammals as well as underwater caves and wrecks to explore. The coastline around Abu Dhabi is scattered with small islands and shallow lagoons which are great for snorkelling, regardless of age. If you would like to scuba dive, there are dive schools around the city which book trips and courses.

Dhow cruising

If you prefer to stay on top of the water, there are day trips available on traditional dhows, ancient sailing ships which are still very seaworthy and offer a unique experience. These ships take passengers around the islands as well as along the network of small channels which birds, fish and other animals call home.

Camel safaris

There are many sights in and around Abu Dhabi that are best seen on camelback. The heat of the sun can make walking anywhere very tiring whereas camels are used to the heat and provide a unique way to explore the city. There are a number of tour operators throughout the city who offer trips on camels to a range of destinations.

Wadi bashing

This sport is a favourite with many tourists and involves driving a 4x4 at very high speeds along dried up riverbeds. There are many travel agents offering Wadi Bashing and if you like extreme sports, this will get the adrenalin pumping. There many places within 30 minutes' drive of the city centre.

Golf

Abu Dhabi is home to some world class golf courses which have been built for the emerging expat community in the city. There are many public courses which are open to tourists and boast excellent facilities within stunning grounds. It is advisable to avoid the heat of the day and to play later in the evening. Many of the courses offer night time golf with well-lit facilities. The temperature drops at night, making any kind of golfing activity much more pleasant.

Dining and shopping

When it comes to restaurant choices, Abu Dhabi is very international. There are a number of restaurants serving cuisine from across the world, many of which are centrally and scenically located. There is also an abundance of restaurants located within hotels and close to many popular tourist attractions, such as the Breakwater.

You might find it hard to avoid the tempting aromas of international restaurants, but it is worth trying the local cuisine as there are many local restaurants offering both fine and budget dining. If you want to eat like a local (and for the same price) there are many small eateries located throughout the city, mainly down back streets or on street stalls.

A good place to find local cuisine is around the many souks in the city. Eating and shopping go hand in hand in Abu Dhabi and some of the most authentic food is found here. It is also some of the cheapest food you will find in the entire city and despite first appearances, the large majority of these restaurants are very clean and hygienic, just a little shabby. However, if you are put off by the appearance of these establishments, the restaurants at the Heritage Village and Women's Craft Centre are very popular and serve up authentic food in nicer surroundings.

Local specialities include: dips such as hummus (chickpea and sesame dip) and baba ganush (aubergine or eggplant dip); meat dishes such as shawarma (meat and salad kebab roll); kibbe (meat patties made from minced lamb, bulghur and onions) and a number of vegetarian salads and side dishes: falafel (bean patties served in pitta bread); tabbuleh (salad of couscous or bulgur with diced tomatoes, onions, mint and parsley) and kussa mahshi (stuffed courgettes).

It is not possible to visit Abu Dhabi without indulging in some retail therapy. There are countless opportunities to shop, whether it is at the local markets or at the expensive shopping malls. Browsing the souks is not something which can be achieved in an hour or so. There are so many to choose from that you could literally spend a whole day visiting different ones and still not get through them all.

It is important to have a look round before purchasing as many stalls offer the same goods but at different prices. It is also important to haggle for everything to make sure you get the right price. You may be uncomfortable with this at first, but it won't take long to get used to it.

The exclusive shopping malls sell Western fashion items, electronic goods, accessories, books, jewellery and gifts. The two most popular malls are Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall. Shops here will not give discounts as they are fixed price and haggling is not recommended.

The most popular items to buy while in Abu Dhabi include: silk, ornamental daggers, silver and gold jewellery, carpets, coffee pots and coffee, tapestries, worry beads and perfume oils. These are all best purchased from the souks. Beware, however, of antiques which are sold as many are not genuine. The biggest and most impressive souk is Old Souk, which can be found in the northwest part of the city. It is the oldest market in the region and has the widest selection of goods available.

If you are travelling to Abu Dhabi in March, you will be in time for the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival. Here you will find an enormous array of collectable items and souvenirs at excellent prices. The experience and quantity of goods on offer make it a shopping holiday not to be missed.

Abu Dhabi boasts a surprising number of international restaurants, with some of the most popular located within the five-star hotels. Most of the restaurants are located in the business district although there are also many fresh seafood restaurants along the beach and many more within the grounds of many tourist hot spots. Cuisine from all over the world is available in a range of budgets so that there is something for everyone.

Overview

Abu Dhabi International Airport is the main gateway into and out of the city. Getting to and from the airport is achieved by the airport shuttle bus, hire car or taxi; there are no reliable public transport options. Once in the city, the most popular way for tourists to get around is either on foot or by taxi. There are buses available, but they are not really suitable for tourists.

Airports

Abu Dhabi International Airport is located approximately 30kms away from the city centre. It is the main gateway to the city and serves many destinations across the world. It is one of the main hubs in the United Arab Emirates with many flights arriving in transit to other destinations. It is possible to arrive direct from London, Manchester, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Paris, Canada and many countries throughout the US.

The modern airport boasts a wide range of facilities which have recently seen a makeover and extension. Facilities include a post office, bank, bureau de change and ATMs; a number of restaurants, bars and coffee shops; duty-free shopping; high-street shops; business and conference facilities; lounges; WiFi and a golf course.

A big bonus of flying out of Abu Dhabi is that the city has built a city terminal which allows passengers to check in and wait for transport to the main airport. There are as many amenities as the main airport and you will also find showers and a VIP lounge. It is free for first and business-class passengers and there is only a small charge for economy passengers.

There is a city-operated shuttle bus which travels to and from the main airport to a number of destinations throughout the city. It runs 24 hours a day and is ideal for those who are on a budget. There are also taxis and car hire available for the 30km journey into the town centre.

If you are hiring a car, you should book online and in advance to make sure you get the best deals.

Public transportation

Public transport within Abu Dhabi city is fairly limited for tourists. The bus network is very unreliable and difficult to use if you don't speak the language. The best option for tourists in the city is to take a taxi, hire a car or walk if you are not going far.

Taxis are found in abundance throughout the city and offer a good and inexpensive way of getting around. It is possible to hire a driver for your entire holiday if you find one you are happy with. They will pick you up from your hotel and take you wherever you want to go; just make sure they have the meter on.

Hiring a car is also a good option as you will have the freedom to travel where and when you want and also in privacy. Roads are well signposted and maintained and the driving skills of the locals are not as bad as in some other countries.