Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is not a tourist destination, but there is whole lot more to see and do here than shopping or business meetings. More good news is that many of Abu Dhabi's quality attractions free. Travelers should take note that getting around the city by foot is not much of an option due to the extreme heat and the best time of year for sightseeing in Abu Dhabi is between October and May.
Famed for its amazing shopping opportunities, many visitors might choose to scrap any sightseeing and spend their time wandering the seemingly endless amounts of shopping malls and districts, but for those who don't a good place to start is Corniche, Abu Dhabi's spectacular waterfront which stretches for miles. Stroll along the walkway, stop on of the sandy beaches or take the kids to the playgrounds or go-karting track. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and is an interesting cultural attraction for westerners to visit.
Khalifa Park is a must for travelers, especially those with kids in tow, as it features an aquarium, museum, play parks, a train and even formal gardens to enjoy some time out under the shade of a tree. Most of Abu Dhabi's hotels have their own beaches and swimming or simply lazing in the sun is a popular pastime for travelers to Abu Dhabi - but don't forget the sunscreen!
Shopping in Abu Dhabi
Shopping in Abu Dhabi is a very rewarding experience with souks, malls and the airport duty free shops offering some of the lowest prices in the world on a wide range of goods, thanks to very low import duties. Most shopping malls are open Saturday to Wednesday from 10am to 10pm, on Thursdays from 10am to 11pm, and on Fridays from 2pm until late. Independent shops close for lunch from 2pm to 4pm, and then stay open until at least 9pm.
There are a number of souks (markets) in Abu Dhabi offering a vast selection of oriental carpets, gold and antique jewelry, electronic gadgets, designer clothes, cosmetics, spices and souvenirs. The Al Nasr Street, Sheikh Hamdan, Sheikh Khalifa, Iranian and Al Meena souks are among the most popular in Abu Dhabi. Local souvenirs include items such as traditional coffee pots, Bedouin jewelry and antique chests.
There are more than 18 shopping malls and centers in Abu Dhabi offering a variety of brand-name outlets, hypermarkets, cinemas, cafés, restaurants and fast-food joints for shoppers to enjoy; two of the biggest are the Marina and Abu Dhabi malls. Some of the international outlets at these malls are IKEA, Woolworths, Body Shop, Virgin Megastores, Versace, Burberry and Gucci. The Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival is held each March in malls throughout the city and consumers can find excellent bargains and win a number of shopping prizes.
Abu Dhabi Nightlife
Abu Dhabi has a very festive nightlife, with most of the bars and clubs located in the city's upmarket hotels, which are allowed to serve alcohol under UAE law. The nightlife only really kicks off at around 11pm; many venues have a strict dress code to adhere to but an otherwise relaxed and safe atmosphere to enjoy. There are a number of English, Irish and American style bars and pubs to go to in Abu Dhabi, some of the most popular including the Harvester's Pub at Sands Hotel, the Jazz Bar at Hemingway's and the Irish pub at the Abu Dhabi Grand. Live performances, happy hour, ladies nights and quiz evenings are regular events in Abu Dhabi bars. The local nightclubs feature international and local DJs, as well as live performances from Arab singers and belly dancers. Exotic cocktails, vintage brandies and Arabic mezzes (snacks) are also offered by most venues. Popular Abu Dhabi nightclubs include Le Meridien's Gauloises Club, and the Tequilana Discotheque at the Hemingway's complex.
