Few places in the Gulf can set the bar on wonderment in the Gulf as Abu Dhabi can. Long assumed to be the capital city of the UAE with little to do and just the place where Ethihad, another great Gulf airline lands, Abu Dhabi can wow your imagination if one really sets out to explore.
Challenging records or changing perception Abu Dhabi has come a long way to stake its claim as the destination of choice for family entertainment or even a fascinating cultural experience.
Constantly innovating and proud at the forefront of innovation, Abu Dhabi is one of the leading cities in the world for culture being home to the much anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi and soon to be Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. This will surely take the city to a world crown for fascinating museums and cultural attractions.
Our hosts the Rotana Group put us up to experience the Saadiyat Rotana, which is a one of a kind five-star property with modern Arabic architecture and a regal presence, this award winning resort is an experience in itself. Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Island, the resort’s location boasts a haven of abundant natural beachfront beauty and wildlife, whilst only a convenient 15-minute drive from the city.
Abu Dhabi is an eventful capital with an action-packed calendar, including a Grand Prix, the World Cup of Sailing, a PGA golf championship, international art, music, sport, gourmet, heritage and cultural festivals, high profile business conferences and vibrant trade fairs.
We feature some of the top spots on our visit to Abu Dhabi that left us seeking to come back for more. As Abu Dhabi boasts of some amazing shopping experiences and also out door fun. There is simply no bar to the age segment as it encompasses an unbelievable range of activites for every age group.
Sheikh Zayed Grand mosque still the star attraction
It’s Abu Dhabi’s star attraction, attracting millions each year, yet despite the footfall, there’s a wonderful air of calm that surrounds the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The UAE’s largest and most ornate place of worship doesn’t disappoint and with visitors traveling from around the globe to bask in the opulence, it’s no surprise a staggering 3.4 million tourists came to experience it in 2017.
In the same year, it was ranked as the world’s second-favorite landmark according to TripAdvisor — surpassing other world stunners such as St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City and the Taj Mahal in India — with Angkor Wat in Cambodia beating it to the top spot.
The spectacular monument was designed by Syrian architect Yousef Abdelky. Inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish architecture, it was a truly international collaboration of more than 3,000 artisans from 38 global construction companies.
The mosque is always busy but as it’s so vast it never feels overcrowded. An insider tip would be to avoid the searing midday heat by heading there first thing in the morning or late afternoon.
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to the Louvre
Ferrari World that can take your breath away
Simply unforgettable and relieving the past with a blast
Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Abu Dhabi
Pearl Rotana’s 315 rooms and suites have been designed to suit the needs of business, leisure travellers and families alike. Featuring one and two-bedroom suite options, Club Rotana rooms and suites offer added benefits including complimentary access to the Club Rotana lounge.
To keep fit, go for a dip or just take time out and relax at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club featuring a well-equipped gymnasium, rooftop pool, sauna, steam and massage rooms.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Nestled in the heart of Saadiyat Island, the resort’s location boasts a haven of abundant natural beachfront beauty and wildlife, whilst only a convenient 15-minute drive from the city. Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas presents leisure facilities including a large outdoor swimming pool, two tennis courts, Bodylines Fitness Club with a private entrance and a mini golf course. There are array of event and meeting space options, including an elegant ballroom and The Lawn, a spectacular outdoor event venue designed with memorable weddings and events in mind.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas features Zen the spa, offering 10 luxuriously appointed treatment rooms, traditional Turkish and Moroccan hammam, as well as the ultimate clubhouse for youngsters, Aladdin’s Cave; an active and engaging experience where kids and teens can enjoy various water features, a cinema zone and much more.
Haute Gandeur Global Excellence Awards 2018 – Best New Resort