Abu Dhabi
Behind the contemporary skyline of Abu Dhabi lies a capital that puts its heritage on a proud pedestal, aiming to educate all who visit on the culture fixed steadfast in its desert roots.
Behind the contemporary skyline of Abu Dhabi lies a capital that puts its heritage on a proud pedestal, aiming to educate all who visit on the culture fixed steadfast in its desert roots.
Growing from a little fishing village at record speed, Abu Dhabi is the place to dip inquisitive toes into the UAE, fusing Dubai’s glamour with its own chronicles of a desert-dwelling past. Comprised of several islands (although you’d never know it), the city is divided into districts each with their own particular interests. The culture hub of Saadiyat Island is where it’s at for us, balancing mangroves and a beach with a separate Hawksbill turtle hatching site with the region’s first ocean golf course and the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Others include Sir Bani Yas Island with its wildlife park only accessed by air or water, the UNESCO reserve of Bu Tinah and the thrill-a-minute Yas Island, home to the Grand Prix, Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World.
In pursuit of…
… a masterclass in the unfamiliar
is the classroom, dedicated to the teaching of its culture in opulent ways only this corner of the world knows how to do. An in-depth dive into the country’s heritage and knowledge is found in Qasr Al Watan – where the history of the UAE’s people and leaders can be found within the grandiose walls. And it isn’t enough to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi simply by walking through its linear timeline of artefacts, you’ve got to take to the surrounding water and experience the glittering speckled dome from a kayak at dusk.
“I truly believe Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s best film locations, and I can’t wait to come back.”
Its essence...
CONSIDERED
EDUTAINMENT
CULTURAL
Passages from a journal A weekend in Abu Dhabi
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
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![a large building with domes and a reflection on the floor]()
5:17 pm
We all arrived yesterday evening and got well rested for a busy weekend. Things really kick off this evening with the first F1 practice – not long now – but to escape the high sun we toured the mosque and some museums, an illuminating trip in the hunt for air-con.
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![a city skyline seen from a canoe boat]()
3:46 pm
we discovered a completely different side to Abu Dhabi on a kayak tour of the mangroves. Tonight we’re attending the main race event, but we might have a hard time peeling ourselves away from the Saadiyat beach loungers.
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![Two white sports utility vehicles driving in the desert]()
8:16 am
We’re going to start packing in a minute for an overnight in the desert. We’ve not got long, but we’re squeezing in some gems like dune bashing, a camel trek with locals and a mezeh dinner in a tent amongst the apricot sand.
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The leading line-up
Abu Dhabi
Destination essentials
WHEN TO VISIT
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
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