Abu Dhabi, the majestic capital of the United Arab Emirates, offers experiences like no other. Situated in the Arabian Peninsula, its superior infrastructure coupled with unspoiled cultural heritage make it one of the most-visited cities in the Middle East. With the ongoing pandemic that has brought travel to a halt, travellers around the world have been waiting to soak up the sun at one of Abu Dhabi’s extraordinary hotels, explore its untouched beaches, check out an exhibition at the Louvre Abu Dhabi or enjoy family fun at one of its award-winning theme parks. Now the wait is finally over!
As the world gears up to end the long raging war against COVID-19, Abu Dhabi - the land of eternal sunshine - is welcoming fully vaccinated travellers with open arms! Yes, you read that right - if you’ve been fully vaccinated, Abu Dhabi is here to offer you a most remarkable post-pandemic international trip. That too without the need to quarantine!
So, what are you waiting for? The time is now to visit Abu Dhabi!
Why is now the perfect time to visit Abu Dhabi?
With a skyline that boasts sky-piercing skyscrapers, architectural marvels, historic landmarks and exciting entertainment hubs, Abu Dhabi is truly a treasure trove for all kinds of travellers, from tranquility seekers to nightlife aficionados, adventure enthusiasts to solo travellers, and even families looking to enjoy their ideal getaway.
Put your worries aside - Abu Dhabi is offering safe and seamless travel!
As the new era of travelling continues to evolve, Abu Dhabi is keeping up with the times and is committed to a safe travel experience for its guests from across the globe.
To ensure the best safety standards, the Emirate has taken world-class initiatives into account, such as issuing Go Safe certificates to hotels, restaurants, malls, museums and theme parks that meet a rigorous standard of hygiene. You will be glad to know that Abu Dhabi has also implemented accelerated vaccination for its citizens, which has led to a 90% vaccination rate there.
Now that you know all about the safety protocols that are being followed in Abu Dhabi, let’s look at six reasons Abu Dhabi is the ideal vacation destination!
1. Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy the island life.
Abu Dhabi has evolved over the last half-century from being a simple fishing village to a luxurious metropolis dotted with glittering architecture, hotels, high-end restaurants and enormous shopping malls. If you’d rather be outdoors, you’re going to love the beaches! Made up of over 200 islands, Abu Dhabi has plenty of water activities available, making it the perfect destination for water-babies looking to get a slice of the island life.
2. Abu Dhabi guarantees sunshine all year round!
As a chunk of the world prepares to brace harsh winters, Abu Dhabi offers a warm sanctuary to escape the cold, with comfortable temperatures that range from 24°C in the day to 13°C at night. A visit to the pristine Abu Dhabi Corniche, situated in the heart of the city, or Saadiyat Island’s nine-kilometre-long natural shore, are both fantastic options. You’ll be glad to know that Saadiyat Island’s beaches are protected from development, preventing damage to the delicate sand dunes and threatened hawksbill turtles that nest nearby. Don’t forget your phone because the views are magical!
3. Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to learn about Emirati culture.
Abu Dhabi is home to many historical landmarks and is the ideal place for history buffs to learn more about Emirati culture, with a generous side of contemporary global culture thrown into the mix.
For art and history lovers, Saadiyat Island lets you immerse yourself in local and global culture at Louvre Abu Dhabi. The architecture is breathtaking and there’s even an opportunity to kayak beneath the beautiful dome.
Known for its awe-inspiring marble structure and stunning domes, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the biggest mosque in the country, with several record-breaking features, from enormous chandeliers to the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet. The mosque will give you a better understanding of Emirati values, boasting an open door policy that welcomes faiths from all over the world.
Qasr Al Hosn is another location that is soaked in history. It is the oldest standing structure in Abu Dhabi and represents a living memorial to Abu Dhabi’s rich history.
To discover the legacy of knowledge and traditions that built Abu Dhabi, you can visit the breathtaking Qasr Al Watan, the Emirate’s working presidential palace.
A one-and-a-half hour drive outside the city brings you to Al Ain, where you can explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and experience authentic Arabic culture. Al Ain has seen human settlement for thousands of years, with multiple oases and ancient historical sights in the area.
4. Abu Dhabi is a true oasis in a desert!
In just over 50 years, Abu Dhabi has evolved from a desert inhabited by nomadic tribes to a thriving 21st-century city. Along with architectural marvels, there are also incredible nature viewing opportunities.
The Mangrove National Park is a biodiversity hotspot making up 75% of the total mangrove coverage of Abu Dhabi. Head to the luxury Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi hotel for a range of mangrove-focused activities, including kayaking, tours and boat cruises. Here you can fully appreciate the flora and fauna found in the park’s salt marshes, mudflats and algal communities.
The warm waters of Abu Dhabi also allow you to snorkel or dive throughout the year. A wide array of marine life and coral reefs live in the deep blue Arabian sea. Think spotted eagle rays, stingrays and more.
While you’re getting around Abu Dhabi, don’t forget to keep an eye out for the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Bridge, designed by renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid.
5. Abu Dhabi is the ideal place for adventure.
Abu Dhabi is filled with locations that promise a fun-filled day of adventure with family and friends.
If speed is what you’re after, visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Open 365 days a year, the world’s first Ferrari-branded theme park is ideal for people of all ages – whether they’re Ferrari fans or not! It is also home to the Formula Rossa – the worlds’ fastest roller-coaster. Get ready to go from 0 to 240 km/hr in 4.9 seconds!
But don’t stop there. You can also visit the largest air-conditioned indoor theme park, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. It promises to entertain the little ones all day long, bringing all the legendary characters from this famous studio to life.
If you’re heading to Al Ain, about an hour and a half away from the city, make sure to stop at the Jebel Hafit Desert Park. Located on the foothills of the mighty Jebel Hafit Mountains in Al Ain, the park sits close to the Jebel Hafit Tombs – one of the several UNESCO Heritage sites in the UAE. Because of its location, the Jebel Hafit Desert Park offers a wonderful combination of culture, history and adventure.
6. Abu Dhabi offers cuisine from all around the world!
Thanks to its global connections, Abu Dhabi has a vast array of international cuisine on offer, as well as a variety of food with strong Islamic and Middle Eastern roots. Foodies will be delighted to know that the Emirate’s annual six-week celebration of food will return from 18 October to 9 December. That’s just another reason why the time is now to visit Abu Dhabi!
Ready to create new memories in a destination where every possibility awaits you? If you have been craving an international getaway where you can treat yourself while staying stay safe at the same time, there could not be a better destination than Abu Dhabi to finally take the leap!
In association with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
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