Barts best of: Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates
'One oh oh one night, arabian nights...' There's something magical about the Middle East, the place where (and don't be persuaded that it isn't) the sunsets are the most beautiful, with its sandy desert glow turning the entire sky orange. Golden hour at its finest (and okay, less sandy bites thin). And anyone who likes to travel to the Middle East naturally also has a stop in the United Arab Emirates thought, right? You will experience those 1.000 and 1 nights Dubai, but what many (too many) people don't know is that Abu Dhabi is just an hour and a half drive away. Abu Dhabi, where the people are even nicer and above all helpful compared to Dubai (check that you don't leave anything in the taxi, included. Handy) and where a day of culture vs. hanging out on the beach is a difficult decision. Abu Dhabi has it all.
(and if you still have doubts about that, read along :)
Oh, Abu Dhabi is bursting at the seams with the most beautiful cultural sights. A lot awaits anyone who sets foot on land in this largest emirate. In the middle of the desert the Buenos Aires of a city, gigantic skyscrapers close to the coastline and you really want to see them. While walking along the boulevard, Corniche as it is called, you get to know the 'vibrant' life of Abu Dhabi. Everything is neat and clean, clean that is, and the people there are the nicest. Once on Corniche Road, it is a breeze to reach the city beach Corniche Beach. It's nice to take a dip on days when the mercury rises above forty degrees. Don't be surprised If you just come across closed beaches, private beaches are not uncommon in Abu Dhabi. In fact, most beaches belong to a beach club, hotel or resort that you cannot 'just' enter. Corniche Beach has a number of entrances (Al Sahil) that you can do without beach fee can hang out on the beach. If you choose one of the private beaches, you will immediately get a bed, parasol, usually even a swimming pool for a change, and a beach bar. Then again, yes.
The program Qasr Al Watan (which translates to The Presidential Palace) is located at the end of Corniche Road. From 15:00 PM to 16:00 PM, when the sun hangs lower, is the time to leave the beach and visit the palace. Qasr Al Watan is the (working) presidential palace and a majestic cultural monument that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE. And although that is quite a mouthful, the palace is above all a beautiful location. Qasr Al Watan appeals to the imagination of an Arabic fairy tale and is (formerly also the president's residence) simply beautiful. From the mosaic stones under your feet, the (often star-shaped) fountains, gigantic - and undoubtedly priceless - chandeliers, to all the gold and bright white in the grand hall and all other rooms. Abu Dhabi is generally super quiet and you will soon realize that it is not that touristy here at all. Ideal and additional: dancing alone on the large square in front of the palace. Qasr Al Watan.
Just as beautiful, or perhaps even more beautiful, The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Grand Mosque is one of the largest in the world and, we were not the first to say that: only mosque where there is explicit space to celebrate cultural diversity. Everyone is welcome, as long as we behave respectfully towards each other: when visiting, choose long sleeves, no bare legs (or buy an abaya upon entry). Tip: visit the mosque around sunset. Preferably during golden hour. With the setting sun The gigantic white mosque stands out beautifully against the blue sky and when the sun gives way to night, lights come on everywhere. The Grand Mosque.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, no none knock-off version of the Paris-based museum: Abu Dhabi is the homebase of the world's second The Louvre and just like the one in Paris, this one is also 'dependance' worth a visit. Not least because of the beautiful art, it is also the very first universal museum in all of Arabia where all kinds of influences from all over the world are exhibited and that is quite special. Because, to be honest, to see influences from Buddhism, Christianity and Islam under one roof is special. The Louvre.
Not to mention the building in which all the art can be admired: The Louvre Abu Dhabi consists of several white 'blocks' that pontificate into the clear blue sea water of the Persian Gulf have been placed. The blocks are covered by a 'dome' which plays as the centerpiece of the museum. This enormous silver-colored dome, which seems to float above the museum city, creates a special play of light and shadow.
Corniche Beach (be sure to read back to the beginning) is Abu Dhabi's city beach and is frequently visited by families with children. It's all bad child friendly and this is partly due to the slowly sloping sea. Also good to know, but always use your own eyes - even in your back - on most beaches in Abu Dhabi there are several lifeguards present and even at the swimming pools there is almost always a swimming guard.
Yas Beach is one of the big favorite private beaches and is located on Yas Island. It is generally wonderfully quiet here, the sand is almost white and the sea is colorful lagoon blue. Upon entering you walk past some brightly painted huts (with beach shop) and once on your bed you can reserve treats all day long in the shade of swaying palms, from the local beach bar. You can also stay overnight in one of the cabanas directly on the beach.
As said, Abu Dhabi means visiting beaches and experiencing culture. We are happy to reveal the most beautiful, best beaches in the emirate. The beaches are great kid proof. The one at Corniche Beach in particular is often visited by families.
Overall Abu Dhabi is awesome kid proof by the way (not even talking about the water parks and amusement parks). There is plenty to do and see, the people are incredibly helpful (which is nice with a runaway) and even the fanciest hotels generally have an entertainment team (but then done very right).
Saadiyjat Beach (also called Soul Beach) on Saadiyat Island is, in our humble opinion, the most beautiful beach. Here is hThe pristine white sand between your toes, and crystal clear water in sight and deliciously exotic (we're talking lots of palm trees, peace and quiet everywhere and even spotting turtles is not excluded). There is a fee to visit this beach, but then you are in the right place. Saadiyjat Beach has its own beach bar (Saadiyat Beach Club) with good food, a nice swimming pool and enough activities to keep you entertained (windsurfing and sailing, it's all possible there).
And then into the desert. Because whatever your plan for a visit to Abu Dhabi, the... desert to skip not an option. Numerous are sent from Abu Dhabi 'desert safaris' organized and that is (after all, so is getting lost not an option) the best way to this big sandbox – here it is called the desert Al Ain – to discover. And discovering the desert goes like this: dune bashing during sunset with a jeep, sandboarding, camel rides, dining (on your knees of course) on a Persian carpet in a remote 'nomad village' and finally rigid gauzes, because the stars are at their brightest here. Be aware that it is cold at night and quite hot during the day, so brave the desert, but come prepared.
Okay, dream big, and go for the Sex and The City experience. You then, of course, sleep in it Emirates Palace. A gigantic hotel which is almost as beautiful as the Qasr Al Watan (fun fact: these two locations are located next to each other and if you are a guest of Emirates Palace, the Presidential Palace is your neighbor). Make sure you save a lot, the rooms are certainly not the cheapest (enough said when we tell you that the tea including floating leaves is gold). Anyway, just having a coffee at Emirates Palace is still an option.
Slightly less decadent, but still impressive W Abu Dhabi Hotel. This branch of the W-group is literally on the Formula 1 circuit and that is already one experience in itself. The outside is sleek and inside it is, as we would expect from W Abu Dhabi, quite artistic. On the top floor you end up on the Wet Deck for a splash in the pool and a good party is also held here regularly. Good to know that delicious food is served here from the various kitchens in the hotel.
There are also countless favorite places to sleep in (or just outside) Abu Dhabi:
Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island is located on Saadiyat Island and is one of the most beautiful hotels, if you ask us. This hotel has an amazing garden and you can go to all seven (!) restaurants.
Glamping on an island bordering Abu Dhabi? Yes, that is possible: Bab Al Nojoum is the name of the resort. Bab Al Nojoum is a holiday resort on a private island with all kinds of 'huts' spread across the circular island.
And another island further from the 'mainland' is the place where you can sleep Zaya Nurai Island. It is somewhat reminiscent of a holiday island such as the one in the Maldives: there are swings in the sea and the sleeping quarters – whitewashed buildings with green roofs – seem to blend in with the nature of the island.
And many Beach Clubs in Abu Dhabi also have some pretty nice sleeping quarters. Like the houses Yas Beach (the chalets can be reserved) and also Saadiyat Beach Club is a disguised holiday resort with beautiful sleeping quarters at the hotel.
What can you actually not eat there? Abu Dhabi has all the world's cuisines. You will get your money's worth if you fancy Italian, Indian, Vietnamese, French and what not. A few of the triedtestedandapproved-list;
The Souk Qariyat Al Bari - this 'template' is actually just outside everything, but has everything you need, in a beautiful location (The Souk consists of several buildings with all kinds of bridges over water in between, which gives it a bit of a Venetian feel). There are shops, a supermarket, there's a beach, and a handful of good restaurants: like Ushnna for Indian cuisine and also Entrecote de Paris recommended.
Mosaic Restaurant – Lebanese cuisine is anything but unknown in Abu Dhabi. Mosaic is one of the best known anywhere locals would like to come.
Sambusek Restaurant – even more Lebanese? Sambusek, located in the Rosewood Hotel, is a bit more upscale than Mosaic. You can dine inside or outside on the balcony (make a reservation) with a view over the water (if you get there early you can catch a sunset while dining!). The menu Features a selection of seafood, meat and all kinds of Levantine flavors (all grilled to perfection). Tasty!
Espresso Lab – Granted, it's not a restaurant, but Espresso Lab is quite a nice location and settles in one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi City. The decor is sleek and feels a bit Scandinavian. Locations like this are not very common in Abu Dhabi, so if you want coffee and treats: go Espresso Lab! It's also a few doors down Cultural Foundation, the place and homebase (as they call it) of UAE culture and lots of Emirati art (and that's beautiful!).
Cove Beach Abu Dhabi at Makers District (beach club) – all day long a great location: you are on the beach (there is a swimming pool) and lord: the food! In short, they call themselves one 'lifestyle destination' and we understand why. From one early breakfast on the beach until the early hours, at Cove Beach you will be entertained all day long.
Parkers – Parkers is a green, airy space that feels like a greenhouse. Plants dangle from rafters, natural light pours in and the tables are covered with floral arrangements. The furniture is appropriate: minimalist and modern, against slate gray walls and a sky-high ceiling. But it main event is the delicious food: lots of it localfood, but also the tastiest tacos with chicken, hummus and avocado.
During our trip to Abu Dhabi we never felt unsafe at any time. Yet misfortune lurks around the corner. You never know what can happen in a far, foreign land. If you are planning a visit to Abu Dhabi, you should take a look at OOM Insurances. This one no nonsense insurance company insures where other insurers stop. You can easily insure all unusual risks with OOM Insurance. It is clear: Bart is at heart OOM. And you – if you haven't already – will soon too!
It's great fun to visit the UAE (United Arab Emirates), because the Middle East is an excellent idea for a dose of winter sun. On to Abu Dhabi!
The key to a successful holiday is really choosing the travel period. Because we would like to sit with our buttocks in the sand with the nice sun on our faces and, wow, that sun is shining on the Emirates all year round. That is why we think it is important that we go out at the right time. Who with us? Precisely. In general the months are October through April (now and for a while yet!) the best time to visit Abu Dhabi. Then it is not scorching hot and there is (sometimes) even a breeze where you can relax all day long. In the months in between it can sometimes really get too hot (50 degrees is no exception) and during your beloved vacation days the ac Being stuck is a shame.
And although Abu Dhabi is a stone's throw from Dubai and therefore a short one detour is a good idea during your trip to Dubai, the motto here is to do it the other way around. Why? Dubai is beautiful, you want to see it, but you also want to escape it (because it's not really busy, crowded and relaxing, at least not like in Abu Dhabi). Fly straight up Abu Dhabi Airport (every day Etihad Airways departs from Amsterdam to the sunny East. And flying with Etihad Airways to the Middle East is certainly a good idea. Whether you business of economy-style is in the air: flying with this company means you can relax in comfort from what is happening on the busy planet below you) and enjoy a real holiday in Abu Dhabi. There is plenty to do and even a day trip to Dubai from this Emirate is not out of the question.
What will your Abu Dhabi Experience be like? Search quickly your plane tickets and discover the wonderful world of Abu Dhabi.
