Your visit to the UAE cannot be considered full-fledged if you have not familiarized yourself with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country. Abu Dhabi is one of the most beautiful cities in the Arab world, not so long ago being a village with small huts.
In Abu Dhabi you can visit the "oil exhibition", admire the residence of the first president of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed, take a walk along the picturesque promenade, the Ethnographic Village and the old city market.
The cost of the trip usually includes lunch or dinner in an Arabic restaurant, smoking a hookah (shisha) and photographing in Arabic clothing.
Without leaving your car (bus) you can admire the palace where the sheikh and his family live now, as well as the miracle of modern architecture - the new Emirates Palace hotel. Another option is to independently travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus, every half hour leaving from Al-Gubayba bus station.
Skyscraper "Gates of the capital"
The Skyscraper Gates of the Capital, the main rival of the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, was created by the National Exhibition Company Abu Dhabi (ADNEC) and entered the Guinness Book of Records as the “Tower with the largest slope in the world,” thanks to an angle of inclination of 18 degrees. The tower with a height of 160 meters is depicted on the main landscape postcards of the capital of the UAE.
Al Ittihad Square
The main attraction of this place is the six sculptural symbols of the Arab world carved from snow-white stone (a cannon, a watchtower, a cover for covering food, a coffee pot, a vessel for rose water and an incense smoking bowl). The pedestals of some sculptures are bordered by fountains, and the square itself is a pedestrian zone. Families with children like to walk here.
Ethnographic Village
In many ways, similar to the one in Dubai. You will see how saddler, carpenter, glassblower and weaver work with primitive tools. You will observe a huge ox with a heavy burden, get acquainted with the desert irrigation system and visit the historical museum, where you will find ancient weapons, tools, catchers, sorters and sellers of pearls, ancient manuscript folios of the Koran, household items and the first photographs of the city.
The village is located on Mussafa Street behind the Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center.
It is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
The best day to visit is Friday: at this time there is a souvenir and sweets market, as well as musicians performing.
White Fort (Al Hosn Palace)
Built in the 18th century for the residence of the rulers of Abu Dhabi. Sheikhs from the Al Nahayyan clan, which still rules the emirate and the country, moved their residence from the oases of Al Ain and Buraimi to the strategically advantageous island of Abu Dhabi in the 1790s. The embodiment of their power over the territory, a protective structure and a palace for receptions was Al Hosn. It was built in a typical way for that time - a watchtower and a pair of two-story buildings, one room on each floor. Three more towers were later added. The whole structure was surrounded by a wall. The truly ascetic "palace" was built of stones and sand mined at sea, with a small addition of clay. Until the 1960s, the entire government, headed by a sheikh, was placed in these tiny rooms. Under the current ruler of Abu Dhabi and the President of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa, the palace is carefully preserved as a museum.
Now it is open to all; art exhibitions are held here. The guests of the fort are waiting for theatrical performances, performances of amateur drama groups and touring ballet troupes. Here is the national library and archive, theater studios and art workshops that preserve the secrets of old crafts. In the fort you can see interesting historical expositions.
Located on the corner of Al Nasr and Khalid bin Al Walid. It works from 8 to 14 and from 17 to 21.30.
Tel for inquiries (02) 619 5223
Sheikh Zayed Memorial Museum
To get acquainted with the amazing life of the now deceased Sheikh Zayed, lovingly called the "Father of the Nation", visit the museum of his memory in the Al Batin district. On the walls of the museum there is a photo gallery of the Sheikh, royal persons and honored guests, as well as many of his personal items, among which are his favorite hunting rifles. In the center of the museum are the favorite cars of the first president of the UAE, which he often drove around the city without security, as well as gifts received by the sheikh from around the world, for example, stuffed lions and cheetahs.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday
For information: 02 665 9555
Al Maktaa Fortress
On the approaches to the Al Maktaa bridge connecting the mainland with Abu Dhabi, an ancient fortress is located on the shore. It was built 200 years ago to protect against robbers, and now it is in vivid contrast to the modern bridge. Be careful when taking pictures, as this is a strategic military zone.
National Automotive Emirates
This "pyramid", located about 45 kilometers from Abu Dhabi, is home to about 200 cars owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Hamadan Al Nahyan.
There is a large collection of cars for off-road driving and classic American cars, a rainbow collection of Mercedes cars and the largest truck in the world. Doors are open from 9.00 to 18.00 seven days a week, but there may be exceptions to the schedule.
Entrance fee: 10 drx
Location: in the south of Abu Dhabi, Hamim street, with E11, in the area of Al-Gharbiya
Tel for inquiries (050) 829 3952
Emirates Zoo
In this menagerie in the Al-Bahya region, a pair of majestic white tigers and a Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs and zebras live - only 660 individuals of various animals. There is a section with sea animals.
Entrance fee: 20 drh for adults, 5 drh for children under 6 years. Opening hours: from May to September from 16.00 to 21.00 During the month of Ramadan: from 20.00 to 00.00
Location: Northeast of the city of Abu Dhabi, 35 km towards Dubai.
Tel for inquiries (02) 5633100
Saluki Center
This center pays tribute to the local traditions of hunting, training and breeding saluki - a special breed of dogs found in deserts. The center invites visitors to learn more about the unique features of the breed and about caring for these amazing dogs.
Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, from 9:00 to 15:00
Location: Near Abu Dhabi International Airport, behind Falcon Hospital
Tel for inquiries (02) 575 5330
Islamic Center "Mirage"
The center contains museum exhibits and unique items of Islamic culture brought from Egypt, Syria, Iran, India, Iraq, Kashmir and Russia. Among the exhibits are magnificent handmade carpets, silk, jewelry, marble objects, vases decorated with Arabic calligraphy, and miniatures. On the roof of the center there is a cafe with panoramic views of the Persian Gulf.
Opening hours: daily from 09:30 to 19:00. Free admission.
Location: In Marina Office Park Area, behind Marina Mall
For information: (050) 2503950
Parks
Broken in the center of the city, Capital Gardens amazes with a variety of well-groomed lawns neatly broken around a central pond. The new Corniche Park is a paradise for songbirds and anglers. On warm winter evenings, you can have picnics at special venues. There is no cafe in the Khalidiya garden, but there are many vending machines for selling drinks and snacks, and the lawns with their emerald greenery resemble billiard tables.
Abu Dhabi Islands
If you like adventure, keep in mind that along the coast of the emirate, there are more than 200 islands of any size and varying degrees of habitability. You can rent a boat at the beach club of any seaside hotel (it is safer to entrust the passage through the shallows to the local captain). Pay attention to the artificial island of Lulu, built opposite the central city promenade. It is supposed to be turned into a theme park or an entertainment complex connected with the city by bridges and tunnels.Not far from it is an island Saadiyat, a popular holiday destination for overnight stays and weekends. The island has marinas, cottages and an entertainment center. Various competitions are usually held here, for example, jet skiing and water skiing.
5 km south of Abu Dhabi is a small island Futaysi. It is inhabited, but it is a private possession of Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. There are many old quarries where material was mined for the construction of the forts of Abu Dhabi. Now the island is a tourist resort and nature reserve. Here you can rent a cottage and ride horses.
Ferries from Jebel Danna Resort can also reach the island. Delma. It is famous for the fact that it preserved the oldest traces of date palm cultivation, pottery of Mesopotamia and skillfully made stone tools were found. Thanks to access to quality water, the island is surprisingly fertile. It has a large number of farms and plantations producing various products.
Sir Bani Yas Island
One of the largest natural islands of the emirate, Sir Bani Yas is the central element of the Desert Islands and is located 240 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. The Arabian Wildlife Center, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Arabia, is home to over 10,000 animals and occupies more than half of the island. There are many Arabian antelopes, gazelles and giraffes in the park along with new residents - hyenas and cheetahs. Now guests can get closer to giraffes thanks to a special platform built using recycled materials.The new Cruises and Sailing routes offer several tours of the Arabian Gulf, and the world's first zero-emission buses introduce guests to the island’s beautiful landscape and wildlife.
On the island of Sir Bani Yas, a Christian monastery was also discovered, which is now open to the public. Built allegedly in 600 BC. e., it was discovered during excavations on the island in 1992. This historically important archaeological site makes the island one of the few in the world to offer an eventful tour including wildlife excursions, outdoor activities, a five-star hotel and historic sites.
