Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi

Classic Escapes
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
IDEAL NO OF NIGHTS

4 Nights

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Nov-Mar

APPROX FLIGHTS PRICES

₹ 30,000/Per Person

VISA STATUS

ETA - E Visa

Overview

The brash, bold city of Abu Dhabi is a modern marvel, capital of the wealthy United Arab Emirates and headquarters of the world's richest oil operating companies. The pulsating city, with futuristic skyscrapers and wide tree-lined boulevards, is capitalising on its sophistication, amazing duty-free shopping zone, its luxury hotels and top class transport and communication infrastructure to attract tourists. They come not only for the 'retail therapy' and glitz, but also to explore the fascinating culture of the vast Abu Dhabi Emirate itself (it is the largest of the seven Emirates), with its miles of desert and interesting oases.

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The city is almost an island, jutting into the Persian Gulf, with land having been reclaimed from the sea to make way for a long seafront Corniche, lined with lush gardens and gushing fountains. It is a relatively young city, the area having been first settled by nomadic tribesmen in the mid-18th century; it remained little more than a fishing village until oil was discovered in the 1950s, and the financial and trading boom began.

Today the international airport and deep water port bring in visitors from around the world, most clutching credit cards and cash, set on spending as much as possible in the enticing shopping malls and buzzing souk (market). Limousines are a common sight in the congested streets, and restaurants offering the cuisine of many nations do a roaring trade, especially along the waterfront. Shopping fever is at its height during the annual Shopping Festival held in early March. Those taking a break from modern luxury can escape to the desert for a Bedouin feast under the stars, or a camel ride through the dunes.

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Places to Visit
  • Sightseeing
    Abu Dhabi is not typically considered to be a tourist destination, but there is whole lot more to see and do here than shopping or business meetings. More good news is that many of Abu Dhabi's quality attractions are free. Travellers should take note that getting around the city by foot is not much of an option due to the extreme heat and the best time of year for sightseeing in Abu Dhabi is between October and May.
    Famed for its amazing shopping opportunities, many visitors might choose to scrap any sightseeing and spend their time wandering the seemingly endless amounts of shopping malls and districts, but for those less interested in shopping, a good place to start is Corniche, Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront which stretches for miles. Stroll along the walkway, stop on of the sandy beaches or take the kids to the playgrounds or go-karting track. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and is an interesting cultural attraction for westerners to visit.
    Most of Abu Dhabi's hotels have their own beaches and swimming or simply lazing in the sun is a popular pastime for travellers to Abu Dhabi - but don't forget the sunscreen!
    Ferrari World
    Strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime at Ferrari World, which opened at Abu Dhabi's Yas Island in November 2010. At over 2 million sq feet (200,000 sq m) this is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. The headline attraction is the Formula Rossa rollercoaster, by some margin the world's fastest, attaining speeds of up to 160 miles p/h (240km) and an acceleration of 4.8 G, which is what a Formula One racing driver experiences at full throttle. The park's many attractions include the largest Ferrari gallery outside of the brand's headquarters in Marinello, Italy; the Speed of Magic immersive 4-D film experience; the GForce space shot tower; Bell'Italia, which reproduces Italy's main attractions in miniature; and various state of the art racing simulators. An enormous red-domed roof encloses the facility, creating a futuristic and unique structure that has been nominated for several architectural awards. Ferrari World includes six restaurants, featuring four Michelin-starred chefs.
    Al Hosn Palace (White Fort)
    The oldest building in young Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, known colloquially as the White Fort. It was constructed in 1793 as the official residence of the former ruling family, and was extensively renovated in 1983. Today it houses the Cultural Foundation, featuring a museum of traditional artefacts and historical photographs. The Palace is renowned for the magnificent tile work over its main gate.
    Heritage Village
    Designed as a living museum depicting traditional Bedouin life, the Heritage Village over the Abu Dhabi Corniche features tents, courtyard houses, an ancient irrigation system, workshops where craftsmen ply their trades, a museum and much more.
    Liwa Oasis
    Numerous local tour operators in Abu Dhabi offer trips from the city to the famed Liwa Oasis, about three hours drive away along a modern highway. This green, agricultural strip at the edge of the Rub Al Khali ('Empty Quarter') is surrounded by desolate desert with farms abutting towering sand dunes. Visitors enjoy overnight camel trips to camp in the desert. The oasis, made up of a string of small towns and villages, is resplendent with pools of fresh water and date plantations, and is the ancestral home of the Bani Yas tribe from whence sprang Abu Dhabi's ruling family.
    Marina Mall Fun City
    The Fun City at Marina Mall is a great place for kids, offering an exciting range of arcade games and rides to enjoy. Favourite rides at the amusement centre include the thrashing shark rollercoaster, the whizzy little bumper cars and the 'Extreme Shock' machine - actually very safe!
    Bowling, Paintball and Table Tennis
    Kids in Abu Dhabi will love honing their skills in the bowling alley at the Armed Forces Officers' Club, or perhaps playing a game of paintball or table tennis. There is also a large playground and an Olympic-size swimming pool at the club for kids to cool off in after all that action. The Armed Forces Officers' Club also has a Ladies recreation area with massage tables, a swimming pool, steam bath, sauna and gym.
    Hili Fun City
    A great attraction for children and often called the 'Disneyland of the Middle East', Hili Fun City is the largest theme park in the Gulf. Completely refurbished and modernised in 2009, the park offers a number of rides and amusements, including a mini train tour, an ice skating rink, a rollercoaster and sky-flyer, and the Dynamic Motion Theatre. There are also beautifully landscaped gardens and various picnic spots to enjoy at the park.
    Hiltonia Beach Club
    Belonging to the Hilton Abu Dhabi Hotel, the Hiltonia Beach Club is an exclusive beach with excellent facilities. Open to non-guests on weekdays for a fee, the beach offers lounge chairs and umbrellas in the sand, and water sports like snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, water skiing, kayaking and sailing. There is also a café and cocktail bar, and three swimming pools with water slides.
  • Kids Attractions Overview
    Although Abu Dhabi's glittering skyscrapers and opulent boulevards suggest more of an adult wonderland than a children's paradise, visiting parents will be happy to learn that there are plenty of amusements that promise to keep the children entertained during their time in the city.The many beaches and water parks are a sure way to keep the whole family occupied, but if one's sun quota has been filled, there are plenty of malls and amusement parks which specifically cater for children. Hili Fun City, for example, is the United Arab Emirates' answer to Disneyland, and the amusement centre at the Marina Mall offers a wide variety of arcade games and thrilling rides. The Armed Forces Officer's Club has many facilities for kids too, and even features a spa for the weary parents who are in need of some pampering. Khalifa Park is also a must as it features an aquarium, museum, play parks, a train and even formal gardens to enjoy some time out under the shade of a tree. With all these options, Abu Dhabi is ideal for travelling families.
  • Climate
    Sunshine and blue skies are guaranteed almost every day in Abu Dhabi. Temperatures between June and September can be unbearably hot for most Westerners, exacerbated by high humidity and ranging between 85ºF (29ºC) and 109ºF (43ºC) in July and August. Air-conditioning is the norm in all buildings, however. The best time to travel to Abu Dhabi is between October and May, and in January and February it becomes cool enough to warrant wearing a cardigan outdoors with temperatures ranging between 55ºF (13ºC) and 75ºF (24ºC). Rainfall is almost non-existent.
Entertainment
  • Nightlife
    While quieter than Dubai, Abu Dhabi has a very festive nightlife; most of the bars and clubs located in the city's upmarket hotels, which are allowed to serve alcohol under UAE law. The nightlife only really kicks off at around 11pm; many venues have a strict dress code to adhere to but an otherwise relaxed and safe atmosphere to enjoy. There are a number of English, Mexican and American-style bars and pubs in Abu Dhabi; some of the most popular including the Harvester's Pub at Sands Hotel, the Jazz Bar at Hemingway's and the Irish pub at the Abu Dhabi Grand. Live performances, happy hour, ladies nights and quiz evenings are regular events in Abu Dhabi bars. The local nightclubs feature international and local DJs, as well as live performances from Arab singers and belly dancers. Exotic cocktails, vintage brandies and Arabic mezzes (snacks) are also offered by most venues. Popular Abu Dhabi nightclubs include Le Meridien's Gauloises Club, and the Tequilana Discotheque at the Hemingway's complex.
  • Restaurants
    The city has a reputation as a cosmopolitan melting pot, and Abu Dhabi's restaurants are no exception to this rule. A wide variety of choices is available to suit all palates, ranging from cheap and cheerful curry and Chinese takeout to five-star French restaurants. One great thing about the restaurants in Abu Dhabi is that diners need not go out to enjoy them; nearly every establishment will deliver, usually for free. Dining out in Abu Dhabi becomes more complicated during the month of Ramadan. As Muslims are fasting during daylight hours, restaurants are obligated by law to close at this time. Fines are given to anyone eating or drinking anything (even water) in public. Some large hotels catering to Westerners will keep one restaurant open for non-Muslim customers however, and it's a good idea to check with your hotel on arrival.
    Many high-end restaurants in Abu Dhabi add a service charge of around 10 percent to the bill, while hotel restaurants may also add a tourism levy of 6 percent. These charges are sometimes included in menu prices. Tips of 10 percent are customary for waiters. Travellers to the UAE should keep in mind strict regulations regarding the consumption of alcohol, meaning the only restaurants that are licensed are in hotels and private clubs. Some restaurants are segregated into 'family sections' where men and women must sit separately.
    Name: Beach Rotana Brunch City
    Address: 10th Street, Al Zahiya Area
    Friday brunch is an institution in Abu Dhabi and this five star hotel sets the bar very high with an epic brunch spread, combining the food selection of a number of its restaurants to provide customers with a dazzling array of culinary choice. Beach Rotana's relatively high prices are offset by the exceptional food and complimentary champagne.
    Name: Al Mina
    Address: Al Dhafra, Dhow Harbor
    Al Mina is a relaxed restaurant on the harbour serving traditional Iranian cuisine, with a special focus on local seafood like lobster and squid. Try one of the starter platters, overflowing with hummus, tabbouleh, and dolmades. The restaurant has both an Arabianstyle indoor section and an outdoor patio with waterfront views. Open daily from 4-11pm.
    Name: Automatic and Lebanese Flower
    Address: Near the corner of Hamdan & 4th Streets, Al-Manhal, Khalidia
    Website: www.zunfthaus-zimmerleuten.ch/
    These restaurant chains offer a good local variety of fast food at a low price. They do shawarmas (roast meat rapped in pita bread), hummus, falafels and roast chicken. The mouthwatering fare and local cultural inspiration makes them a must try.
    Name: Pars Palace
    Address: Al-Khalidiya
    Considered the best place to eat Persian food in Abu Dhabi, Pars Palace is tucked away in a small backstreet behind Corniche Towers, near the marina. A wide selection of authentic Middle Eastern dishes, including saffron chicken and spicy kebabs, is accompanied by complementary fresh loaves of flat bread with sheeps-milk cheese. One of the best-value restaurants in Abu Dhabi, Pars Palace is busy for lunch and dinner. Open 11am to 3:30pm and 6pm to midnight.
    Name: Hediard
    Address: West Corniche Road - Al Marina - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
    Marina Mall, Ras Al Akhdar This elegant French patisserie is popular over lunch for its excellent people-watching and relaxed environment. Linger over a cup of coffee and a petit four, or indulge in a leisurely meal of French fusion cuisine. Located in the Marin Mall, Hediard is open daily from 9am to midnight.
  • Shopping
    Shopping in Abu Dhabi is a very rewarding experience with souks, malls and the airport duty free shops offering some of the lowest prices in the world on a wide range of goods, thanks to very low import duties. Most shopping malls are open Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm, on Thursdays from 10am to 11pm, and on Fridays from 2pm until late. Independent shops close for lunch from 2pm to 4pm, and then stay open until at least 9pm.
    There are a number of souks (markets) in Abu Dhabi offering a vast selection of oriental carpets, gold and antique jewellery, electronic gadgets, designer clothes, cosmetics, spices and souvenirs. The Al Nasr Street, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Khalifa, Iranian and Al Meena souks are among the most popular in Abu Dhabi. Local souvenirs include items such as traditional coffee pots, Bedouin jewellery and antique chests.
    There are more than 18 shopping malls and centres in Abu Dhabi offering a variety of brandname outlets, hypermarkets, cinemas, cafés, restaurants and fast-food joints for shoppers to enjoy; two of the biggest are the Marina and Abu Dhabi malls. Some of the international outlets at these malls are IKEA, Woolworths, Body Shop, Virgin Megastores, Versace, Burberry and Gucci. The Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival is held each March in malls throughout the city and consumers can find excellent bargains and win a number of shopping prizes.
Travel & Accommodation
  • Getting Around
    Abu Dhabi is well-supplied with a vast number of metered taxis offering very reasonable fares; these are the best way of getting around in town, and outside of it. There are unmetered taxis too, and when using these it is best to agree on a fare up front. Most taxi drivers speak English. It is worth noting that a surcharge can be added for air-conditioning in the taxi. But as temperatures in summer are sweltering, this may still be a better option than walking. There is a limited bus system, but it does not follow fixed routes. Most hotels offer bus services to principal destinations, including the airport. Car and limousine rental is slightly more expensive than in the West, but of course petrol is cheap! Driving in the Emirates, however, is a hair-raising experience, with an established hierarchy as to who has right of way, so unless you are fearless and aggressive behind the wheel, it is best to hire a vehicle with a local driver. There is also the Abu Dhabi Metro Rail system which is convenient and aims to relieve traffic congestion. It provides optimal connectivity between Abu Dhabi Island and the suburbs.
Places
City: Abu Dhabi
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
City: Abu Dhabi Food Name: Hummus
Pars Palace Restaurant
City: Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Passports, Visas, Health & Advice
  • Health
    No vaccinations are required for entry to the UAE, however a certificate is required for cholera and yellow fever if arriving from an affected area. Tap water in the major cities is safe to drink, but elsewhere only bottled water should be drunk. Medical care is excellent in the main cities, but extremely expensive, while medicines and medical care are not always available in the outlying areas. Health insurance is essential; in Abu Dhabi particularly a health insurance law has been implemented that makes it mandatory for all travellers to Abu Dhabi to have health insurance. Dubai has just recently taken on the same approach making it mandatory to have health insurance. In general, travellers who require medical treatment will have to cover the cost of any medical fees incurred.
  • Passport/Visa
    All visitors to the United Arab Emirates must hold a passport that is valid for six months. Visitors must hold documents and confirmed tickets for their next destination and have a sponsor in the UAE to cover their stay. Holders of passports containing an Israeli visa or stamps need to obtain a clearance issued by the C.I.D. (Crime Investigation Department) before arrival. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
  • Safety
    Most visits to the UAE are trouble free. Crime is not a problem, but there is deemed to be a threat of terrorism against Western interests and gathering points, particularly entertainment venues. It is therefore wise to be vigilant when frequenting these. It is also wise to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Al Qaeda continues to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region, including references to attack Western interests, such as residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.