Abu Dhabi the capital of wonders

Abu Dhabi the capital of wonders

Since the beginning of the week we have been offering you a tour of the United Arab Emirates.

We gave you a taste of Dubai, today we are going to show you around Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is less well known than its extravagant neighboring city of Dubai, yet it has such a strong traditional and cultural heritage. This city, whose name means “father of the gazelle” in Arabic has become a great cultural, commercial and political center in the Persian Gulf. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi covers more than 80% of the UAE’s total territory, which consists of seven Emirates in total. You might think there isn’t much to do there and yet there are plenty of places to discover!

Starting with the famous Louvre Abu Dhabi, which shares works with its French counterpart with the aim of bridging the gap between Eastern and Western art. The beautiful Sheikh Zayed Mosque, which is possible to visit even for non-Muslims and which is full of architectural prowess. Yas Island, home to several extraordinary theme parks such as Ferrari World or Yas Waterworld, but also one of the most popular beaches in Abu Dhabi. The mangrove national park which allows you to take a real break in nature in a preserved site. Or the Etihad Towers which offer a breathtaking view of the entire city, from the Emirates Palace to the presidential palace. You will understand, there is plenty to do in the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

Here is a list of the must-see places to discover during a trip to Abu Dhabi, especially since for the past few days you have had direct flights from Tel Aviv to Abu-Dhabi with the company Emirates, company that More Travel recommend you !!!!

What to see in Abu Dhabi?

The Sheikh Zayed Mosque

Icon of Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is a building of over 22,000 square meters, making it the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates, but also the ninth largest in the world. It takes its name from the first president of the Emirates and is the only mosque that can be visited by non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi.

The building itself is amazing with its white marble and very modern Muslim architecture. It contains the largest chandelier in the world with its 15 meters high and 12 tons, but also the largest handmade carpet in the world with its 5600 square meters. Inaugurated in 2007, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque is able to bring together 40,000 worshipers during prayers. The mosque is a true work of art, not to be missed.

For your visit, focus on the end of the day, the sunset and the beginning of the night. You will see how beautiful marble is depending on the colors of the sun or the night lights. Also remember to take a little detour through the reflecting pool, the reflection of the mosque is absolutely magnificent. The visit is free and if you do not have the necessary clothes, we will lend them to you at the entrance.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World is the world’s first theme park for the Ferrari brand. Opened in November 2010, it is the largest indoor park in the world and its roof has the largest Ferrari logo in the world. Ferrari world offers the public about twenty attractions, mostly in the world of motor racing and among them, five roller coasters. A great idea for an outing to stimulate your adrenaline with, in particular, the famous “Formula Rossa”, the fastest roller coasters in the world or even the “Flying Aces” which constantly puts you upside down. In addition to the attractions, there are also some Ferrari models on display on the walls, for lovers of the Italian car brand.

The little extra to know: Practical advice, go on a roller coaster before lunch, because they really take your breath away. There are skip-the-line tickets, but depending on the day, the lines don’t have to be that long. Be aware of the budget, some attractions have to be paid in addition to the initial entrance fee to the park.

Yas Island

Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a few man-made islands, including Yas Island. This nerve center of leisure allows you to live several experiences with, to begin with, the Yas Marina Circuit. This racing circuit hosts the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and offers tours and driving lessons on the track outside of these competitions. You can also discover the Yas Waterworld, a huge water park with an area of no less than 15 football fields. It is a perfect place to come with the family or for adults looking for thrills.

The park includes five attractions that are unique in the world, such as the slide that can accommodate up to six people at the same time, or the pool that forms a three-meter wave and allows you to surf the largest indoor surface in the world. Finally, if you are looking for a place to relax, Yas Beach is the place to be. It is the perfect place to sunbathe, enjoy the cool water or a good meal with your feet in the sand. It is also possible to do nautical activities such as jet skiing or towed buoys.

More Travel Tip: If you have little time, choose the sites you want to see on Yas Island in advance. Between the theme parks and the mall, the time flies very quickly and you might not be able to fully enjoy it if you don’t manage the timing.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Inaugurated in November 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was born out of an agreement between France and the United Arab Emirates. The desire was to be able to forge a cultural link between East and West. France provided works from its collection as well as exhibitions for the first years of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s opening, before it could build up its own collections.

In return, the Emirates pay a monetary contribution to support the French Louvre and other partner museums. It is a must visit when coming to Abu Dhabi as much for its exterior architecture as for its interior works, which will delight art lovers and the curious alike. The museum itself is designed in a very modern way, chronologically, and presenting different cultures in parallel.

Tip from More Travel: Allow at least two hours for the site visit plus time to get there and back from the center. It is possible to buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in line for too long.

Still captivated? So stay tuned, from tomorrow we will continue to explore Abu Dhabi together…

You will enjoy your visit in Abu Dhabi, the capital of wonders