Up Close And Personal With Abu Dhabi

Sitting snug amid the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Bayar Jain curates the best experiences in Abu Dhabi to make every bit of your week-long trip memorable.

- Bayar Jain

ABU DHABI IS MANY THINGS – the capital of the United Arab Emirates, largest emirate of the country, and a major cultural and commercial centre. However, over and above these factual descriptions sits a land brimming with unexplored gems; cocooned by the gentle Arabian Gulf waters on one end, and Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai on the other. A look beyond the usual perceptions of Abu Dhabi unearths a bevy of culturally rich and captivating experiences for all kinds of travellers, including a solo woman traveller like myself.

ROYAL WELCOME

It is said that Abu Dhabi is a land of luxuries. This moniker is brought to life in more ways than one. To kickstart my trip, I check into Emirates Palace, an opulent abode that often finds a spot on every indulgent traveller’s itinerary. A walk through the hotel’s palatial corridors instantly dissipates my long-haul travel woes; and the 24-carat gold-flaked Palace Cappuccino served at Le Café is an apt way to commence my exploration of this city’s many regalities.

ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL

Talking of regal ambience, no trip to Abu Dhabi is complete without a halt at the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Irrespective of your religious preference, this stunning mosque is a must-visit. And thus, also my first stop. Created as a testament to the vision of its founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the white architectural marvel draws my attention from afar.