ABU DHABI - A LAND OF CULTURE, DISCOVERY AND LUXURY

Abu Dhabi is a dream destination for anyone craving an unforgettable holiday experience, promising culture, adventure, luxury and almost guaranteed sunshine.

Abu Dhabi offers the world in one place. Pristine beaches, inviting turquoise waters, enthralling desert adventures, fascinating culture and incredible hospitality are just some of the delights that await in this spellbinding destination.

You'll also discover luxurious resorts, world-class culinary experiences, modern architecture, historical wonders, designer shopping malls and thrilling water sports.

This magical Middle Eastern getaway on the shores of the Arabian Gulf has something for everyone – solo travellers, couples, families and groups of friends will all be wowed by a feast of fun, relaxation and entertainment.

So, let's turn the spotlight on some of the main attractions that make Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, a great choice for a holiday of a lifetime.

Haven of year-round sunshine

The sunny climate means Abu Dhabi is an ideal destination for a fabulous outdoor adventure. The peak season is between October and April when temperatures hover in the mid-to-high 20s, creating pleasant and comfortable conditions for getting out and about.

There’s so much to see and do in Abu Dhabi that your only challenge may be trying to fit it all in. From incredible theme parks for hours of family fun, to the chance to barter for bargains in a traditional souk, there’s never a dull moment in this exhilarating escape.

Abu Dhabi is blessed with blissful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun, enjoy energetic sports on the sands or take to the glistening ocean for a swim or water sports action.

There are several public beaches you can visit, plus many hotel resorts allow visitors have their own private beaches.

Options for some excitement on the waves include a catamaran island cruise, a romantic dinner under the stars on a luxury dhow boat, a dolphin-spotting adventure or a relaxing trip on a glass-bottomed boat.

Water sport enthusiasts will be impressed with the myriad of pursuits available, including jet-skiing, wakeboarding, flyboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, parasailing, flowboarding, kite surfing and white-knuckle banana boat rides.

There’s also plenty of opportunity for freediving, scuba diving and snorkelling to explore Abu Dhabi’s captivating reefs and shipwrecks.

Indulge in iconic landmarks and attractions

Abu Dhabi is blessed with a multitude of fabulous attractions, whether you’re craving big city thrills or relaxing hours in stunning natural surroundings.

The Corniche is a spectacular 8km waterfront featuring fountains, restaurants, play areas, city skyline views, a golden Blue Flag beach and a multitude of water sports.

The serene shores of Saadiyat Island, just minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi, are brimming with outstanding natural beauty, cultural immersion and the opportunity for sublime relaxation. This idyllic haven is a nesting place for endangered hawksbill turtles, while dolphins can be seen in its sapphire waters.

Saadiyat Island is also home to the region’s first universal museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club and Manarat Al Saadiyat culture and arts centre.

Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a formidable feat of engineering, which was designed by renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid. This gateway to the city over the Maqta Channel is a compelling spectacle at night when illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colourful lights.

The Observation Deck at 300 - located on the 74th floor of Jumeirah at Emirates Tower Hotel - is the highest public vantage point in Abu Dhabi, offering breathtaking views of the city sights below. It offers superb photo opportunities and is a great place for a delicious meal and drinks.

No holiday in Abu Dhabi would be complete without a visit to the enchanting Rub al Khali (Empty Quarter), the world's largest sand desert where you’ll be spellbound by the Tel Moreeb dune, which towers at 300 metres in height.

The desert is the place to enjoy a camel ride, buggy safari on the sands or dinner under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp. There’s also the option to take to the sky in a hot air balloon for a bird’s-eye view of the rolling desert dunes.

Abu Dhabi’s mangrove forests are a treasure for nature lovers. The massive Mangrove National Park on the edge of the city, which is home to turtles, birds, dolphins and other creatures, has a network of serene water channels that are ideal for kayaking and boat cruises.

Al Wathba Wetland Reserve is a sanctuary for pink flamingos, reptiles and aquatic life. Fossil Rock is a phenomenal natural attraction with fossils dating back more than 80 million years, while Hatta is a secluded location with a tranquil blue lake, surrounded by epic mountain ranges.

Vibrant nightlife

This bustling metropolis really comes alive after dark, with a plenty of lively beachfront lounge bars, pulsating nightclubs and music venues.

Everything from jazz bands to rock groups provide live entertainment in the city, while traditional English-style pubs and American-style sports bars are perfect for a great time with family and friends.

Abu Dhabi also has several multi-screen cinemas if you feel like watching a movie, while couples can enjoy a romantic meal and soothing background music in relaxing beachfront bars and restaurants.

You'll also discover an abundance of evening entertainment in many of the luxury hotels, including live shows, karaoke nights and traditional dance acts.

Enjoy some retail therapy

Abu Dhabi is the ideal retail destination to indulge in a shopping spree during your holiday.

Glitzy boutiques, big-name clothing stores, decadent malls and high-end jewellery outlets are among the world-class shopping opportunities.

Yas Mall, the city’s largest shopping centre, covers an impressive 235,000 metres on three levels and boasts more than 370 brand names, top-class restaurants and superb entertainment zones.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is home to more than 400 stores and 100 food and beverage options, while Abu Dhabi Mall has more than 200 stores, children's play zones and a cineplex.

For a traditional shopping experience of yesteryear, you should head to one of Abu Dhabi's lively street markets and souks where you can haggle for local merchandise including handmade rugs and carpets, souvenirs, clothing and food.

Dining delights

You will readily find delicious culinary options in Abu Dhabi, with culinary delights available in a range of venues - from Arabian street food stalls to the finest dining spots.

Typical Abu Dhabi meals normally consist of a platter of meats, accompanied with aromatic rice and seasonal vegetables. Emirati food is usually infused with ingredients and spices from the Middle East and Asia. Mezze, a selection of small dishes served as appetisers, is also very popular in Abu Dhabi.

Thereed is a wholesome stew made with chicken, lamb or mutton and vegetables, while Robyan Mashwi is grilled and spiced jumbo shrimp, accompanied by flatbread or rice.

Khuzi, the national dish of the UAE, features whole roasted lamb or mutton, served on top of spicy rice and garnished with vegetables, nuts and raisins.

Laban is a popular salty, yoghurt-based, drink and meals are usually finished off with a sweet dessert such as Baklava and traditional Arabic coffee.

Other delicious cuisines you’ll find in Abu Dhabi to tantalise your taste buds include Lebanese, Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Peruvian, Mexican, French, British and American.

World-class resorts

Enjoy emirate hospitality at one of Abu Dhabi’s magnificent hotels and resorts that will take your breath away with their opulence, style and luxurious amenities.

The emirate is home to many lavish 5-star hideaways where private beaches, luxurious spas, infinity pools, mini water parks, fine dining restaurants and exquisite accommodation are among the attractions.

Some of them operate all-inclusive programmes – with all your meals, drinks and other extras paid for in advance – allowing you to get on with having a fantastic time, rather than watching your finances.

Family fun at every turn

It’s thrills and spills all the way for families in Abu Dhabi with fantastic theme parks, water parks and wildlife attractions to ensure hours of fun and excitement.

A splashing time is guaranteed at Yas Waterworld, where parents and kids can enjoy 45 rides and a range of fabulous slides and chutes. There's also a lazy river, a giant wave pool and Falcons Falaj, the world's longest mammoth six-seater water coaster.

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi on Yas Island is a sensational indoor theme park where the amazing rides include The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure, The Jetsons Cosmic Orbiter, Marvin the Martian Crater Crashers and Fast and Furry-ous.

CLYMB Abu Dhabi is the ultimate adventure hub featuring the world’s biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber and daredevil climbing wall challenges, while Wadi Adventure is the place to ride the rapids and Hili Fun City is a bundle of fun with classic child-friendly rides and an ice-skating rink.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller-coaster on the planet which reaches speeds of 155mph in under five seconds. Other great rides include Turbo Tower, Fiorano GT Challenge and Flying Wings.

Al Ain Safari is a wonderful man-made attraction on 217 hectares of land outside the city which creates a fabulous African wildlife experience, with white rhino, lions, giraffes, zebras, ostriches and wildebeest among the creatures to delight wide-eyed children.

Other excellent attractions include the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island, which is home to 17,000 free-roaming animals and Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital where you can learn about falconry and the history of these majestic birds of prey.

Many of Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotels also feature a range of excellent amenities for young guests including kids’ clubs, playgrounds, mini water parks and outdoor playgrounds.

Immerse yourself in culture

A trip to the capital is not complete without spending time experiencing its culture and heritage, both of which can be found in abundance. The region is steeped in rich history and culture which stretches back more than 8,000 years, with imposing mosques, palaces, fortresses and ancient ruins among the must-see attractions.

Al Jahili Fort is one of the largest historical forts in the UAE. Built in the 1890s for Sheikh Zayed the Great, this huge structure in Al Ain features striking battlements and watchtowers.

Qasr Al Hosn, a former palace for the ruling family which was built in the 18th century, is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. It now houses a fascinating museum where the plethora of artefacts include weapons used during the city's history.

Qasr Al Watan is the beautiful presidential palace of the UAE offering a unique insight into the nation's cultural heritage. Attractions in this 'working' palace include a massive library, plush restaurants and an incredible evening light and sound show.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is astounding with its 82 domes and more than 1,000 marble columns. It also features the largest carpet in the world in its prayer room and the third largest chandelier in the world.

The Emirates Heritage Village near the Corniche, a reconstruction of a traditional desert village, is also worth a visit if you want to get an enlightening insight into the region’s fascinating past.

An awe-inspiring holiday of a lifetime awaits in magical Abu Dhabi. Book your dream escape today with Destination2.co.uk.