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Overview
Why Visit Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE and, in many ways, the more considered sibling to Dubai. Where Dubai announces itself with record-breaking architecture, Abu Dhabi applies its oil wealth more quietly -- to world-class museums, a Formula 1 circuit, and one of the most magnificent mosques ever built. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque alone justifies the journey. And the Rub al Khali -- the Empty Quarter, the world's largest continuous sand desert -- begins at the city's southern edge.
Abu Dhabi is the political and cultural capital of the UAE -- home to the ruling Al Nahyan family and the seat of federal government. The culture is more conservative and more Emirati than Dubai. The extraordinary Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, has established the city as a serious cultural destination. The Heritage Village on the Corniche recreates traditional Emirati life for visitors.
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Top Experiences in Abu Dhabi
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Abu Dhabi City Tour & Evening Desert Safari with BBQ Dinner
10-11 hrs
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Private Abu Dhabi Full Day Tour with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
10-11 hrs
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Private Abu Dhabi 6 Hours Layover Tour
5-6 hrs
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Private Abu Dhabi City Tour : Sheikh Zayed Mosque & Heritage Village
4 hrs
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Abu Dhabi City Tour Grand Mosque Emirates Palace Entrance
5 hrs
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Abu Dhabi Golden Hour Gems Qasr Al Watan and Mosque Sunset Tour
4 hrs
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Half Day Abu Dhabi Morning Grand Mosque and City Highlights Tour
4 hrs
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Abu Dhabi City Tour and Desert Safari
9-10 hrs
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Food and Drink
What to Eat in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's food scene is serious and growing. The Emirati cuisine is more accessible here than in Dubai -- machboos rice dishes, harees slow porridge, and the extraordinary breakfast culture of luqaimat and balaleet (vermicelli with eggs and cardamom). The fish market on the Corniche is one of the best in the region. And the date market in the central souk is essential.
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Harees
Wheat and meat slow-cooked overnight to a smooth porridge -- the oldest dish in Emirati cuisine, eaten at Ramadan and at celebrations. The bespoke version in traditional Emirati restaurants, topped with ghee and slow-cooked lamb, is remarkable.
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Balaleet
The great Emirati breakfast contradiction -- sweet, saffron-perfumed vermicelli noodles topped with a savoury fried egg. The sweetness and savoury together make no logical sense and taste entirely right.
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Machboos
Spiced rice with slow-cooked lamb or chicken, dried limes and loomi -- the national dish, best eaten communally in an Emirati home restaurant or at the Heritage Village restaurants on the Corniche.
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Fresh Fish
Abu Dhabi sits on the Gulf and the fish market off the Corniche -- hammour, king fish, pomfret -- is some of the best in the region. Grilled simply at a harbourside restaurant with rice and lime, it is exceptional.
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Dates
The Abu Dhabi date market sells over 200 varieties of locally grown dates -- Medjool, Khlas, Barhi. Fresh dates in season (August to October) bear no resemblance to the dried versions exported globally.
Must-See
Highlights of Abu Dhabi
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
One of the most extraordinary buildings of the 21st century -- the Grand Mosque holds 41,000 worshippers, has 82 white marble domes, and contains the world's largest hand-knotted carpet. Entry is free. Dress code is strict and abaya rental is available at the gate.
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Louvre Abu Dhabi
Jean Nouvel's extraordinary rain of light museum -- a perforated dome filtering dappled light onto a collection that tells the story of humanity across cultures and civilisations. The universal museum concept is genuinely moving and the permanent collection is world-class.
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Yas Island
The Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit, Ferrari World (home of the world's fastest roller coaster), Warner Bros World and the extraordinary Yas Viceroy hotel astride the circuit -- Yas Island is engineered entertainment at its most extravagant.
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Corniche and Heritage Village
The Abu Dhabi Corniche -- 8km of palm-lined waterfront promenade -- is where the city breathes. The Heritage Village at the end recreates traditional Emirati life: a souk, a falconry display, traditional crafts, and the smell of frankincense over coffee.
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Insider Tips
Travel Tips for Abu Dhabi
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The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is free to enter but dress code is strictly enforced -- abayas and kanduras are available at the gate.
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Book the Louvre Abu Dhabi in advance online -- timed entry is managed and the experience is worth protecting.
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Abu Dhabi is 130km from Dubai -- day trips between the two are easy and common. The highway is excellent.
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Ramadan transforms the city -- many restaurants are closed during daylight hours and public eating is restricted.
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