Things To See And Do In Abu Dhabi

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 230
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A few hundred years ago, Arabian farmers walking across the desert wouldn''t have been able to believe their eyes if they saw the Abu Dhabi of today, instead thinking they were seeing a mirage. But today, this desert oasis is very real and tangible.

Abu Dhabi is a clutch of shimming skyscrapers, palm-lined avenues, lush and colourful gardens and golden coastline. It is a city of luxury and opulence, with more five star hotels, designer boutiques and wealth-driven sporting events than pretty much anywhere else in the world.

Unlike Dubai, its Emirate neighbour, it is refreshingly not as bold, brash or showy. Whilst the more well known Middle Eastern city state made mistakes through rapid growth, it has stood back, watching and waiting. This means it is more laid back and manages to retain some of its original culture and values against all the odds. This does mean you can''t drink outside the hotel bars however.

Most trips to Abu Dhabi will start at the beach. The massive Corniche spans 8kms of the city''s waterfront. It is beautifully maintained with manicured gardens and not a scrap of rubbish anywhere. ...
... There is also a two kilometre stretch of beach to frolic on where the water is protected by large floating fences 40 metres out to sea.

The best beach is 20 minute''s drive away from the Corniche. Al Raha Beach is pure paradise. The sea is so blue it looks like a glacial lake, but far warmer. The sand too cold be snow because it is so white, but the palm trees give it all away as they shimmy with the wind that provides welcome respite from the heat.

Abu Dhabi is a shopper''s daydream. There are several malls all packed full of designer shops and international brand names. Abu Dhabi Mall is one of the older ones, but still just as appealing.

The Marina Mall, with its musical fountain and ceilings that thunder and rain is Middle Eastern grandeur and spectacle at its most ostentatious. Al Wahda Mall is one of the newest and has some of the best shops in Abu Dhabi plus one of the biggest grocery stores in the world.

Finally, Khalidiya Mall is smaller and less impressive, but if you are craving international fast food then it is the place to head to. Inside you''ll find Starbucks, Dunkin'' Donuts, Baskin Robbins and Krispy Kreme. This guide to holidays in Abu Dhabi was written by Bonny Kominek. For great deals on Abu Dhabi hotels, visit the Octopus Travel website.