Abu Dhabi has something for everyone. Whether you are a solo traveler, family jet-setter or a couple, Abu Dhabi will surely charm you with its diversity of attractions. The white marble of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is right out of fantasy books. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has the world's fastest roller-coaster to get your heartbeat racing. The wide array of museums displays the history and culture of Arabia. And the Heritage Villages introduce travelers to the Bedouin culture. There are plenty of fun experiences as well, such as driving a race car at the Formula 1 track, kayaking through the mangroves, spending time with some falcons and exploring Abu Dhabi's traditional markets.
And all of this before you move to the Oasis City of Al Ain, the heritage heartland of the emirate. Here you can drive through winding roads to experience awe-inspiring views from the summit of Jebel Hafeet. There's also the Al Ain Zoo, where you can pay a visit to the rare white lion and black leopard.
Six days will give you ample time to explore and experience the wonders of Abu Dhabi and visit Al Ain as well.
Visa
Indian citizens need a tourist visa to travel to UAE. Tourist visas can be easily obtained through the Etihad Airways, Air Arabia Airlines, or a travel agent in India. The DVPC Mobile App is an online option to apply for the visa.
NOTE: Indian nationals, with a valid US visa (minimum six months), can get a visa on arrival at the UAE Airport.
What to see and do
You can follow the itinerary given below on your own or go with a trusted travel agency to enjoy Abu Dhabi without any hassles. ezeego1 is one such agency that works as a one-stop platform to service all your travel needs. Enquire about their #YOLO Abu Dhabi package here.
From the sky, Abu Dhabi seems like an unbelievable mirage. Spectacular skyscrapers reaching for the heavens, turquoise water reflecting the skyscrapers and a vast timeless desert of golden sand. Arabia is a land of folktales. Legend has it that Abu Dhabi came about when a nomadic tribe lost its way in the vast desert. A young godsend gazelle guided them to fresh water. Elated, the tribesmen named this site Abu Dhabi, which translates to ‘Father of Gazelle’. Today, Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and by far the largest of the seven emirates that make up the country.
It is ideal to start your Abu Dhabi adventures with a visit to one of its newest additions, the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum designed by Jean Nouvel, the architect of Quai Branly in Paris, the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, and MoMA in New York. The museum's design, inspired by the local landscape and Arabian villages, emits a gracious charm.
The museum takes you on a journey back in time to the days of the Roman Empire, the Pharaohs of Egypt, Sumerian priest-kings, and of course the Arabian Peninsula of yesteryear. You can also see masterpieces by Da Vinci, Whistler, David and other notable artists. A four-tonne Diorite statue of an Egyptian king, a 15th-century world map from Iraq, Vatican's Apollo and the Chinese Fountain of Light are some of the other highly revered exhibits of the museum.
Set your pulse racing at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world's largest Ferrari-themed park. Get your fill of thrill on the world's fastest roller-coasters and other high-adrenaline rides. Later, eat to your heart's delight at one of the many authentic Italian restaurants here. Don't forget to take back memorabilia from the world's biggest Ferrari store.
After the mosque, head over to the Falcon Hospital. Falcons hold a special place in the Bedouin people's hearts. At the hospital, you can behold these majestic birds and even take a selfie with them. The visit will also give you an understanding of why falcons are so cherished by the locals.
The magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is an architectural miracle and a true oasis for the eyes. As you approach it, the white marble mosque reflects in the pools around it, giving it a mythical appearance. Its 82 white domes are works of art. As you walk through the prayer hall, you will feel a sense of calm. The prayer hall has the world's largest hand-knotted carpet with over two million knots handcrafted by 1,300 knitters over a period of two years. Make sure you see the seven imported chandeliers encrusted with Swarovski crystals. The beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque will surely leave you speechless.
The mosque is open to the public during non-prayer hours. Remember to wear full-sleeves and full pants, and cover your head as a sign of respect while entering the mosque.
The day would be incomplete without an excursion into the desert. Take a desert safari through the dunes of golden sand to arrive at the heart of the desert in Abu Dhabi. The ride through the sand dunes, also known as dune bashing, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Your special utility vehicle (SUV) will race over sand dunes to give you an unmatched thrill that you will remember for a long time to come.
Once you reach the campsite in the centre of the desert you can indulge in sandboarding, a desert adventure sport. You can also hop aboard a camel to get an elevated view of the golden sand dunes. Once you've had your fill of adventure, tantalise your taste buds with the local delicacies prepared by chefs at the campsite.
Drive your favourite racing car at the Yas Marina Circuit. Have your pick from a range of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Mercedes and hit the pedal. You can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the racing track. After the heady driving, it is ideal to take it slow. Opt for a kayak tour of the Mangrove National Park, which is a great way to see the serene beauty of the Abu Dhabi coastline. The Yellow Boat Tour is another option to experience the Abu Dhabi coastline and skyline vistas.
Now it's time to explore the oasis city of Al Ain, the traditional seat of the sheikhs. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, inhabited since 3000 BC, is set amidst craggy mountains. Visit the Al Ain National Museum to learn more about the 7,500-year-old history and culture of the United Arab Emirates. The museum exhibits 5000-year-old Mesopotamian pots, exquisite jewellery, copper weapons and Iron Age vessels. The museum also has remains of falaj, an ancient irrigation technology employed by locals to irrigate the oases of Al Ain.
Drive through the winding roads to arrive at the summit of the craggy Hafeet Mountain (1,240m), the second highest mountain in the UAE, for a panoramic view of the city and the endless desert. From the top, you can look across the horizon and see the Oman border as well. On your way back, you can soothe your feet in the hot springs situated at the foot of the mountain. These hot springs have medicinal values and make for a perfect end to the day.
Before catching your flight home, pay a visit to over 4,000 animals at the Al Ain Zoo. The zoo has indigenous animals such as the Arabian oryx, big-horned Barbary sheep, eland and gazelle among others. The zoo also has rare animals such as white lion, black leopard, jaguars, gibbons and pumas. You can also participate in interactive activities such as giraffe feeding, lemur walk, dinosaur trail and camel riding.
Getting there
By air: There are several direct flights from different metro cities of India to Abu Dhabi. New Delhi, Kochi and Mumbai are usually the cheapest airports to fly out of. A round-trip ticket from these airports to Abu Dhabi costs around ₹12,000.
What do you think about this Abu Dhabi itinerary? Do the attractions sound exciting to you? For an easy, hassle-free experience, book a holiday to Abu Dhabi with ezeego1 and rest assured of a fantastic holiday. Make an enquiry here.
In association with ezeego1