Abu Dhabi Things to Do

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Completed in 2007, this 38-floor building was once Abu Dhabi's highest structure. It houses the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the oil-rich emirate's sovereign wealth fund, one of the world's largest and most respected investors. The elegant building looks like a folding curtain, said to be inspired by the shifting sand dunes of Arabia, and dominates the centre of Abu Dhabi's impressive corniche. It is one of the city's most beautiful modern structures, one that won several international awards for architecture. It was designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates - KPF.

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As an island, surrounded by many smaller islands (some manmade), Abu Dhabi has plenty of coastline to offer. A number of luxury hotels in the city, the Beach Rotana Hotel and Emirates Palace included, are equipped with private beaches, water sport facilities and swimming pools. These are the most accessible beaches from the city and are quite pleasant. In addition, there are some pretty public beaches behind the Emirates Palace Hotel at Al Ras Al Akhdar area, divided into "families" and "singles" sections, with the latter really for single men. However, my hotel guide indicated that there are some great isolated beaches a little further out, including on an island off the coast of the gulf that can only be reached by boat. Excursions can be easily organised.

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In an epic construction not seen probably since the Taj Mahal, the new Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi was completed in late 2007. It is officially called the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, after the late unifier and ruler of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Al Nahayan, who is buried within the mosque. No expense was spared in the construction of what is the world's largest mosque-mausoleum. It is said that it could hold up to 30,000 worshippers in its interior. I have only had a chance to see it from the exterior, but have seen photos online of the impressive interior. This multi-domed, white-marble-clad mosque contains the world's largest carpet (from Iran) and the largest chandelier (from Germany), as well as largest many other things from various parts of the world. The mosque is open to worshippers and tourists alike, but modest dress is required of men and women. It is located at the southern tip of the island of Abu Dhabi, right across from the newly opened Shangri-La Hotel & Resort. I hope to visit it on my next trip to Abu Dhabi.

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Construction in Abu Dhabi has exploded since around 2008 that the city's skyline is changing as fast as Dubai's once did. What was once a steady and measured progress seems to have accelerated rapidly with numerous architecturally stunning projects at all ends of the city. Some have criticised this approach claiming it has created a glut in luxury hotels, flats and office buildings, while the less fortunate classes have been priced out of the city centre. This will not stop the implementation of the vision of the ruler of Abu Dhabi, which has tried to avoid some of Dubai's mistakes (successfully?). Attached are photos of some the new skyscrapers in the city that far exceed the height of the ADIA building, which was the city's highest structure as recently as 2009.

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Abu Dhabi's second luxury shopping centre is located on a small island off the Khalidiya area in Abu Dhabi. It is a grand shopping centre with numerous high-end shops, cafés and a cinema, and has become a big meeting place for locals and expats. An indoor ski slope, much like Dubai's was being built at the back of the mall (I'm not sure if it has been completed). A tall observation tower, Marina Tower, behind the Mall offers panoramic views over the city and the Gulf.

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Completed in 2004/2005, the Emirates Palace Hotel was built by the government of Abu Dhabi in an effort to raise the profile of the city, similar to Dubai's move when they built Burj al Arab many years ago. However, Abu Dhabi did not choose to build a symbolic skyscraper, but rather a vast and palatial structure drawing on Islamic architectural traditions, particularly the Mughal style, complete with domes, cusped arches, and stalactite "muqarnas" decorations. The large hotel complex is run by the luxurious Kempinski hotel chain and contains several restaurants and bars, and has its own stunning private beach. It is located close to Marina Mall. The hotel was featured in the Hollywood film "Kingdom". Visits to the hotel by the public are permitted.

There are lots of things to do in Abu Dhabi, YAS island such as concerts ,Ferrari world, and more to come. I often spend my time at the officers club shooting at the Caracal range. There is also Al Forsan which has all sorts or activities from swimming, shooting,paint ball, and carting. Shopping is also good such as Hamdan center, Marina mall, Al Wahda mall and Abu Dhabi mall. oh! Don't forget the gold souk and other small shops in town. Although not like Dubai which is more touristy Abu Dhabi has it's unique ways. It's not as crowded as Dubai and bait more tamed. But if you are looking for a wild night out Dubai is only 45 min drive. I love Abu Dhabi it's like your in a suburb. I currently work and live here even though I am from the USA.

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Shiekh Zayed Grand Mosque the main thing to do in Abu Dhabi in my opinion. It's absolutely idyllic and I adored spending an hour there. The building is so white,imposing & spectacular, inside is very grand and colourful. I went in July and it wasn't too busy (most tourists avoid this time of year because of the heat!) It's also free... take some water though and I couldnt see anywhere to buy stuff like this!

Dress conservatively, especially if you're a lady. I got stared at even though I was wearing long linen trousers and a very baggy long sleeved top. When you arrive, ladies will be told not to enter and directed towards a room where you can pick up an Abaya to wear (the black arabic costume) You must then go behind a screen to place this over your own clothes. You are then allowed to enter the mosque grounds, if you want to go inside everyone (even men) have to remove their shoes and leave them outside. There's lovely soft carpet inside and I entirely understand their thinking here.

It's an amazing, enriching cultural experience and if you do nothing else in Abu Dhabi, do this!