Once a typical village, Abu Dhabi has now been transformed into a top class international resort with remarkable skyline, state of the art infrastructure, upscale hotels, splendid villas, and high-end shopping complexes, since its founding of the large amount of revenues from oil, about 50 years ago.
The capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the center of administration, commerce, and trade in the nation, and is perhaps the world's richest city. Located in the heart of the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is not only one of the world's most prominent tourist destinations but also it is home to people from several nations. Al though a modern settlement, Abu Dhabi is much favored for its traditional desert ambience as well as unique culture.
Attractions in Abu Dhabi range from elegant forts and stunning mosques with domes and minarets to cultural villages and interesting museums and zoo. Perhaps the most popular among the landmarks in Abu Dhabi is the Al Hosn Palace, popularly known as the White Fort. Erected during the 18th century as the ruling family's residence, the palace stands out for its stunning courtyard and stupendous tile works found on the main gate.
Housed within the palace is a museum, with several sections such as natural history area with exhibits that are related to desert animals and historical section featuring displays dating back to historic period, apart from several other artifacts including pottery. Displayed on the tower of the palace are weapons used during the past times. Adjacent to the palace is a modern complex designed and built in traditional style, namely, Cultural Foundation - the center of cultural life in Abu Dhabi. It is also home to the Center for Documentation and Research, under the control of the Cultural Foundation. The center, in turn, has on display an array of documents that throw light on the rich history and heritage.
Situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi on the Breakwater is the Heritage Village, which provides a deep insight into the tradition as well as lifestyle of Bedouin. In other words, taking a visit to the village is a great way to have an idea on how people lived here prior to the discovery of the oil reserves.
Among the specialties of this attraction are ancient type courtyard houses built with brick, traditional mosques, wind towers, ancient irrigation system, and shopping in traditional style market. Even opportunities are made available for a camel ride. A museum can also be seen here, where a selection of items collected from bygone era such as Holy Quran, coins, jewelry, and weapons are displayed.
One can also see here people engaged in different types of traditional skills. Another great attraction in Abu Dhabi is the Corniche, a well-maintained area which is considered the most pictorial sites in the destination. Apart from these, tree-lined boulevards, serene parks, and well-manicured roundabouts, also form part of the city's attractions.
Abu Dhabi is also within easy reach of such landmarks in the country as Liwa Oasis, which is one of the largest of its kind in Arabia and consisting of date plantations as well as refreshing water pools; Jabel Hafit, a rocky mountain much famed for its rare flora and fauna, interesting caves, archeological sites, and above all, the health resort of Ain Al Fayda; Al Ain Museum, the largest museum in the country, with exhibits such as Bedouin items, ancient stone instruments, and relics revealed from Fossil Valley; Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, a must-see attraction for wild life lovers, since it has animals collected from all over the world; and Qattarah Oasis, a tranquil area noted for its fruit orchards and date palms.
Above all, the activities that can be enjoyed in Abu Dhabi are endless, from shopping in the chic shopping malls to quibbling in the traditional market, roaming in a luxurious limo to riding in a camel in the desert, and dining in first class restaurants serving multi cuisines to sampling authentic as well as sumptuous Arabic cuisine.
It is no wonder why people from every nook and corner of the world visit here year round. Hence, Abu Dhabi has accommodation options to cater to every taste and budget. No matter it is for business or conference needs, honeymoon, or for leisurely purposes, the city has superb choices.
Dubai is a country that dreams are made of and a place you can't actually believe exists in reality. Luxurious, spectacular, magnificent and divine are all words you would use to describe this tropical paradise. With so much to do and with such picturesque surroundings, a holiday in Dubai is something you will long for year after year.
Trips to the Arabic deserts are a popular activity and are normally done in groups. You can participate in wadi-driving, dune driving and sand-skiing. All are thrilling and exciting activities which are very popular amongst both residents and tourists. To make your trip even more memorable, you can take part in a Desert Feast. This will see you ending your day with spectacular sunset views and a traditional Arab barbecue. You will also enjoy enchanting Arabic music, belly dancing and the smoking of hubble-bubble pipes if you wish.
Something that you definitely won't find in the UK is camel racing. Even though enthusiasm for the sport died out years ago, it is quickly becoming ever-more popular once again. This is a unique opportunity to experience something you won't find in many other parts of the world and to observe traditionally dressed local people in their surroundings. The best time to go on holiday to Dubai if you're interested in camel racing is in October when the season starts.
A fascinating way of seeing the new and old Dubai side is to take part in a creek tour. These boat trips are in traditional wooden dhow or Abras (water taxis) and are a relaxing and peaceful way to see many spectacular sights. It is quite a shock to see the stark contrast between the modern and ancient sides, especially within such close proximity to each other. From contemporary high-rise buildings to old-world Souks, there is plenty to see on these magnificent creek tours.
For something truly magnificent and unforgettable you will not experience anywhere else in the world is The World in Dubai. This is a collection of man-made islands located in the Arabian Gulf and are shaped to look like the world. These islands have been described as an engineering odyssey that combines a paradise of sea, sand and sky. Each of the islands are accessible from the mainland within 15 minutes. The islands consist of residential properties, hotels and resorts, shops, restaurants and other facilities. The World exists harmoniously with the diverse, surrounding marine life that inhabits its waters so those concerned about the environment have nothing to worry about.
No holiday in Dubai is complete without a trip to the 'big red'; a sand dune over 300 feet high which produces a red glow due to the iron oxide in the sand. Some have described the dune as eerie and others as delightful so the best method is to take a trip to the dunes and decide for yourself. Once there, you can participate in sand-boarding, quad biking and can rent 4 x 4s to explore and climb the sand dunes. It is strongly advisable that you go out with at least one other 4 x 4 so if you get stuck you have someone to pull you out.
Renound for being the best place to shop in the Middle East, Dubai has plenty of shopping malls on offer with unbeatable prices. There are beaches aplenty to soak up the sun, golf courses, horse riding and much, much more. Whether you are after a beach holiday in Dubai or a combination of everything, it is certain you will find what you are looking for. However, here is one problem with going on holiday to Dubai; you are definitely going to struggle to find time to do everything you planned.
Both Wolfgang Jaegel & Derek Both are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Wolfgang Jaegel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Health, Family Travel and Hybrid Cars. Hong Kong-based currently owns and manages 54 hotels under Shangri-La and Traders brands with a rooms inventory of over 27,000. Shangri-La ho. Wolfgang Jaegel's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.