Abu Dhabi, UAE

  The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi attracts less attention than its neighbor, the glitzy city and booming Dubai. However, Abu Dhabi is actually richer than Dubai and has closely monitored its growth, focusing on arts and heritage preservation in the city. The latter has a similar plot streets in Manhattan, with wide avenues and many green open spaces. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has its share of beaches, gold souks and international restaurants. Abu Dhabi is an ideal place to enjoy the sun in winter. With its golden beaches, water parks and trips to the desert, the emirate is now well established as a tourist destination.

1. Sheikh Zayed Mosque 

  Clad in marble, beautiful and absolutely huge Sheikh Zayed mosque is the iconic building of Abu Dhabi. The mosque merges Mamluk, Ottoman and Fatimid style elements to create a harmonious and modern mosque that celebrates Muslim architecture. International engineers and craftsmen worked on its construction thanks to mosaics, the processed glass and spectacular intricate carvings both inside and outside of it. It was inaugurated in 2007 after 12 years of construction. Capable of holding 40,000 worshipers, is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, and it is dedicated to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Non-Muslims are allowed in all sectors of the mosque (including the huge library), and there are guided tours possible. The mosque is open (free) every day from 9 am to 22h except on Friday from 16.30 to 20h. 

2. Qasr Al-Hosn (palace / fort) 

  Al-Hosn Palace, also known as the Old Fort or White Fort, is the oldest building in Abu Dhabi. The palace was built in 1793 as the residence of the ruling family and government headquarters. Inside the palace Al Hosn was renovated and modernized, and is now used by the Cultural Foundation to house the Center for Documentation and Research, which has a collection of documents on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The court and the beautiful mosaic work on the main north gate are to see. In the palace there is a museum of traditional objects and historical photographs. The exhibition includes a natural history section with desert wildlife and a historic part with exhibitions on the history of Abu Dhabi. 

3. Corniche - Achilli Family 

  An epic ride of 6.5 km with many places to stop and enjoy a picnic. You can walk the entire length in an afternoon, but why not speed things up by renting a bike instead? Two things are obvious. The flag of the emirate, as big as a bus, on top of a mast of 110 m, and the remarkable Capital Gate building, with an inclination of 18 degrees (the inclination of the Tower of Pisa is four degrees only) . For those who wish, The Avenue at Etihad Towers is a commercial center dedicated to high-end fashion. Along the Corniche, the beach awaits your towel. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Qasr Al Hosn (see above) or have spoiled for choice facing restaurants and cooking styles from around the world. 

4. Heritage Village 

  Al Muhairi The Abdulla Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is an authentic replica of a typical Bedouin camp which gives an idea of ​​Emirati life before the oil boom. It is located on a beautiful beach of the town, near the Marina Mall. There are shows featuring traditional objects of every day, and the presentation of local agriculture and trade in hunting for pearls, the major economies of the past. Unfortunately the information through the museum is rather rare.

5. The panoramic view over the city at Etihad Towers Hotel 

  Abu Dhabi's answer to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai is its "Observation Deck at 300 'views of the skyline from the JUMEIRAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS HOTEL, the highest point of the city. There is a 75 AED entrance ticket (€ 16) for non-hotel guests, but 50 AED (€ 10.50) are repaid in good to eat or a drink at the terrace of restaurant observation. So take tea "Grand Cru" or mocktail (alcoholic cocktail) at the 74th floor of this luxurious hotel, with the city extending just below: an exceptional experience during your stay in Abu Dhabi!

 6. Central Credit Women Handicraft 

  The women craft center (Women's Craft Centre) is an ideal place for you to discover the traditional techniques of local women such as weaving, embroidery and basketry. This is a great place to buy genuine and original souvenirs that support the center's work. Here you will find scarves, slippers, bags, rugs and textiles, trays and baskets ... You can you paint a pattern henna on your hand, which will last about two weeks. 

7. The hospital Falcons 

  The Falcon Hospital Abu Dhabi is a working animal hospital for healing the sick and injured hawks, but it also provides guided tours for interested visitors. The tours allow you to see up close these birds and if you're ready for the challenge, you can also have the chance to hold one of these impressive birds. 

8. The activities on the island of Yas 


  The Yas Island is one of the best sports destinations and luxury 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi, with perfect beaches to spend the day sunbathing. This island also hosts the Yas Marina circuit, venue of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi each year. There is also the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, water park, several golf courses, polo fields, an equestrian center and upscale hotels.