Why go?

As the capital and financial powerhouse of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Abu Dhabi is stepping out of the shadow of its flashier neighbour, Dubai, with a bold plan to become the region’s cultural hub. Liberal yet oozing with Arab hospitality, the main city is an island, connected to the mainland (and its suburbs) by the Maqta and Mussafah Bridges. This month, Formula One fans are revving up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 14 November.

What to do

Inspired by Mughal and Moorish architecture, the enormous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (visitabudhabi.ae) is a must-see; it can accommodate 40,000 worshippers within its mosaic-encrusted, marble interior. Join the tour at 10am daily (except Fridays) where knowledgable guides give an insight into the mosque and Islam. Follow that with an afternoon desert safari (abudhabidesertsafari.com): a dune-bashing tour in a chunky four-wheel drive, topped off with a moonlit Bedouin-inspired dinner. Shopping, meanwhile, is a must-do. Bring on the bling at the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk, part of a much larger market that sells everything from fragrant incense to fresh dates, or head to the Carpet Souk for fine Persian rugs. In the souk, bargaining is a must; in Marina Mall, designer labels are hard to resist. Close to Marina Mall is Abu Dhabi Heritage Village, where you can explore the traditional way of life of UAE’s original Bedouins. Then, with your imagination (and your wallet) thoroughly exercised, why not hit the beach? The Corniche offers up both public swimming areas and pay-to-enter ‘private’ beaches and has a stunning shoreline walk. While you’re in the area, the Saadiyat Cultural District Exhibition at the Emirates Palace is worth a visit. Still in the early stages of construction, Saadiyat Island (saadiyat.ae) is set to become Abu Dhabi’s cultural heart, with a Pritzker prizewinning line-up of architects. Projects unveiled so far include a Guggenheim by Frank Gehry, Louvre by Jean Nouvel, Maritime Museum by Tadao Ando, Performing Arts Centre by Zaha Hadid and The Zayed National Museum by Foster & Partners. Attractions lie beyond the city centre, too. The Emirates National Auto Museum (enam.ae) is housed in a giant pyramid and boasts Jeremy Clarkson’s favourite: a five metre-high Dodge pick-up with an apartment inside. Also located outside central Abu Dhabi is Yas – a beacon for its Formula One circuit (yasmarinacircuit.com), marina and golf course. The thrilling Ferrari World theme park (ferrariworldabudhabi.com) – with the world’s fastest rollercoaster at up to 240kmh – is another recently opened addition to the island.

Where to stay

The Emirates Palace (kempinski.com) is Abu Dhabi’s glittering, crystal-encrusted hotspot, complete with a gold-bar vending machine. Contemporary Arabic style meets impeccable service at the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (shangrila.com), Abu Dhabi’s chicest choice. Or try the Village by One to One Hotels (onetoonehotels.com), the city’s first boutique-style hotel and a credible alternative to the chains.

Where to eat and drink

Local chef Ali Salem Edbowa fronts the country’s first Emirati fine-dining spot, Mezlai, at the Emirates Palace. Opt for local favourite hamour majboos (fish with cardamom, lime and turmeric) or the tender camel steak. Waterfront operation Al Dhafra (aldhafra.net) specialises in seafood and offers up a grand buffet at its Al Arish restaurant, along with a dinner and dhow cruise and a majlis-style Arabic coffee shop. Loved by locals is the wallet-friendly Lebanese Flower in Al Khalidiyah (on the Corniche) which serves good Lebanese food in a no-frills atmosphere. Fresh fruit juices are the perfect accompaniments to its silken hummus and crispy falafel. Then puff the night away at low-key shisha spot, Special Café Shisha, also in Al Khalidiyah, where pomegranate tops the list of flavours.

Time running out?

Head for the Marina Mall Tower – it offers up the most spectacular panoramas of the city.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency in the UAE is the dirham. Abu Dhabi is four hours ahead of GMT, and a six-hour flight from London.

Getting There

Etihad Airways (0800 731 9384, etihadairways.com) flies daily to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow.

Gulf Air (0844 493 1717, gulfair.com) flies daily to Abu Dhabi from London Heathrow.

Resources

Abu Dhabi Tourism (visitabudhabi.ae) provides information and resources for planning a visit to the city.

Arts Abu Dhabi (abudhabiart.ae) lists the cultural must-sees.