Abu Dhabi is a beautiful city and the actual capital of the UAE. It is also the wealthiest emirate and comprises of a small island city off the coast and the emirate that surrounds it. The city has transformed remarkably from a small town to an international metropolis.
Here is an outline of places to visit if you are spending a weekend in Abu Dhabi.
After Fajr: Early Morning to Mid- Day Destinations
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A spectacular masjid with Italian mosaic and Persian carpets. Explore the complex comfortably. Takes about 2 hours.
Mushrif Khalifa Gardens: Lush and wonderful garden with several species of birds. Takes about 1-2 hours.
Afternoon: Afternoon to Evening Destinations
Abu Dhabi Mall: Has several luxury shops and department stores. The mall has several halal food shops and cafes. Takes about 3-4 hours.
Observation Deck,
Etihad Towers: On the 74th storey there is an observation deck from where you can get complete views of the city. Spend about an hour here.
Mosques: Hazza Bin Zayed Mosque, Indo-Islamic Centre, Gold Souk Mosque.
Evening: Evening Destinations.
Abu Dhabi Heritage Village: Features a number of stone buildings and a museum that depicts Bedouin culture. Takes about 2 hours.
Corniche: Take a walk along the Corniche which spans for approximately 3Km. Observe the skyscrapers and the sandy beaches. Takes about 2 hours.
Mosques: Al Bateen Mosque, Sheikh Khalifa Mosque.
After Fajr: Early Morning to Mid- Day Destinations
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the sand dunes. Takes about 1-2 hours.
Corniche Beach: Visit the beach and enjoy some fun time with everyone. Takes about 2-3 hours.
Mosques: Al Bateen Mosque, Sheikh Khalifa Mosque.
Afternoon: Afternoon to Evening Destinations.
Gold Souk: Shop at the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk or along Hamdan Street. Beautiful jewellery designs. Takes about 2-3 hours.
Yas Island: Visit the F1 Grand Prix race track and then head to the Ferrari World.
Mosques: Al Wahda Mall Mosque, Gold Souk Mosque, Hazza Bin Zayed Mosque.
Evening: Evening Destinations.
Emirates National Auto Museum: Features a collection of over 200 cars belonging to HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. Takes about 2 hours.
Khalifa Complex: Good for souvenir shopping. Takes about 2-3 hours.
Mosques: Indo Islamic Centre, Gold Souk Mosque.
There are many halal restaurants in the area, so finding a place to dine will not be difficult.
If you are in Abu Dhabi a day early, then it is best to enjoy some sand surfing and sand bashing. It takes almost half a day to enjoy this activity completely.
Restaurants: Burlington Grill, Emirates Palace, Layali Zamaan, Benihana, etc. All the food in Abu Dhabi is halal.
Souvenirs: The best souvenirs to buy in the city include woodcarvings, jewellery, headscarves, Arabian coffee/tea sets, etc.
Transportation: The best and most preferred way of getting around Abu Dhabi is by hiring a taxi.
