Jan

1

Abu Dhabi Travel Guide

January 1, 2008 |

abudhabi.jpg
Abu Dhabi December 2007 - photo courtesy Wikipedia licenced under the GFDL

A trip to Abu Dhabi
Once you leave the modern Abu Dhabi International Airport, you will feel as if you are walking into a scene from Aladdin, with bustling markets and an energetic ambiance prevailing. One of the hippest Middle Eastern destinations and the thriving capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is home to beautiful, well-preserved mosques; bustling souks; many fascinating tourist spots and a breathtaking coastline. Rising high and dominating the skyline are spectacular skyscrapers which blend in perfectly with the old town charms.

Flights to Abu Dhabi
The easiest way to arrive in Abu Dhabi is to fly to Abu Dhabi International Airport. There are several direct flights between Abu Dhabi and major destinations in Europe and Asia. Even Canadians can easily reach this charming city, with flights operating to and from Toronto. The airport is modern and well-equipped with a variety of facilities including a post office, bureaux de change, bank, restaurants, duty-free and many shopping outlets. Also a favourite among business flyers, the airport has a luxurious hotel that offers full facilities as well as a golf course.

Even though Abu Dhabi International Airport is truly first-class, the same can’t be said about the city’s transportation. Public transportation is unreliable and irregular. Your best bet is to take a long-distance minibus or a taxi, which can be hired at the taxi station near the main bus terminal.

Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi oozes an awesome mixture of sleek, modern skyscrapers; beautiful old ruins; remarkable architecture and a lovely Red Sea coastline. Tourists usually start their sightseeing at the Corniche, a lovely boulevard featuring pretty parks, gardens, stylish buildings with a breathtaking backdrop of the Persian Gulf.

There are plenty of traditional souks around town where you can shop for various local goods or just simply enjoying the atmosphere of these old-school Arabian markets. Al Ain Oasis is a favourite family destination where you can visit a museum, a zoo and an aquarium as well as an amusement park. If time permits, take a tour around the exquisite islands of Das, Zirku, Mubarraz and Arzanah.

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
With a wide range of international and local culinary delights to please your appetite, Abu Dhabi is ideal for food lovers. Local cuisine is more than superb, with kicking spices and exotic ingredients. Try hummas (a special chickpea dip) and shawarma (meat and salad roll), while health-freaks can always opt for one of the sumptuous veggie dishes.

When the night calls, hit one of many clubs in town. Visit the city’s notable venues like the Breakwater or make your way to the south of the centre, home to a handful of good bars and cafés.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
Abu Dhabi is known among serious shopaholics for cheap brand name goods and high-end apparel. The city also boasts magnificent local souvenirs such as carpets, tapestries, pottery, jewellery and silk, which can be found at any souk. Local crafts are available at the Women’s Craft Centre, while Al-Nasr St features fascinating Arabian souvenirs. Those looking for daytime activities will find an array of fun things to do, be it cycling, golfing, safari tours, cruising or roller-blading along the lovely seashore.


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind