The Wondrous World of Abu Dhabi

In the autumn of 2025, I travelled to the modern and multifaceted Abu Dhabi on behalf of Avila. This emirate is one of the seven emirates that together form the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate, and the city of Abu Dhabi is also the capital of the UAE.

On a direct flight with Etihad Airlines, I landed at Abu Dhabi Airport early in the morning. As we descended, I had a clear view of Ferrari World, with its iconic shape and bright red roof. We paid a visit there straight away on our first day. This indoor theme park is situated on Yas Island. This part of the city focuses on family entertainment and is home not only to various indoor theme parks but also to the Yas Marina Circuit, where the Formula 1 race is held annually. Ferrari World takes you into the world of Ferrari. There are various cars on display and attractions to suit all ages. There are even two full-scale roller coasters, one of which is the fastest in the world.

The next stop was Warner Bros Movie World. As you enter, you find yourself in the central square where the ‘sky’ creates the illusion that the sun is just setting. And all this whilst you know that outside it’s just after lunchtime and the temperature is around 35 degrees. This park is suitable for all ages, and the attractions take you from the Flintstones to the Looney Tunes, and the ‘shady’ streets of Gotham City.

Sea World is a different kind of theme park. As you’d expect from a Sea World, there are plenty of aquariums, but the park also aims to educate visitors. Staff are on hand to answer any questions you may have, and in many areas you can learn about the animal species and their habitats in an interactive way.

After this day out at the theme parks, it was time for one of Abu Dhabi’s cultural highlights: a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, also known as the ‘White Mosque’. This is one of the few places where strict dress codes apply, for both men and women. Inside the mosque, women cover their heads and everyone wears loose-fitting, non-transparent clothing.

The entrance is something special. You enter via an underground shopping centre and a long tunnel. When you emerge back above ground, you find yourself almost immediately in front of the main entrance to this impressive building. The design is relatively simple, with many references to nature. During the day, the building lives up to its name as the white marble reflects the sunlight.

I was there in the evening, and the lighting creates a completely different experience. Its sheer size and the wealth of detail make this one of the most beautiful mosques I have ever had the pleasure of seeing. The architecture makes the building very photogenic and ‘Instagrammable’, as they say these days.

Day two promised to be another day full of contrasts. We began with a visit to Qasr Al Hosn, an ancient fort situated amongst the skyscrapers. The fort offers a glimpse into the history of the city of Abu Dhabi and the sultans who embraced its development. Next to the fort is an ‘arts centre’ where traditional crafts are on display.

After visiting the fort, we paid a visit to Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace. The grounds are so vast that you’re driven by coach to the main entrance of the building. From the outside, this white building is imposing and impressive, and as soon as you step inside, you’re overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the building. The halls are enormous, and the walls are decorated with marble and the geometric patterns so closely associated with the Middle East. Several rooms are furnished as if a state banquet were being held, whilst others display some of the many gifts received during various state visits. The building is still used for special occasions and for hosting heads of state.

In the afternoon, we visited Saadiyat Island, situated on the other side of the city. This is where the city’s cultural centre is located, home to various national and international museums. Here you’ll find the Louvre and the National History Museum. The Abrahamic Family House explores different religions, and they are expecting to open the Guggenheim here by the end of this year.

Our first stop here was ‘TeamLab Phenomena’. This museum is hard to describe – you simply have to experience it. The museum consists of digital installations that stimulate your senses. Colourful projections that react to touch alternate with rooms filled with sound and 3D projections. Passing through a room full of silver balloons, you eventually end up in a space where you’re standing in water up to your calves whilst large, luminous ‘bubbles’ float on the surface.

We also paid a brief visit to the Louvre. This minimalist building shifts the focus to the vast collection of art from different eras. It is only when you step outside that the architecture really comes into its own. The domed roof filters the harsh sunlight and creates a serene atmosphere. There are staircases that end in the water, and walkways that stretch across the water like a ‘catwalk’. The sleek white walls are used as a canvas for changing projections of geometric shapes and Emirati architectural styles. You can also have lunch or dinner here, whilst enjoying views of part of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

The day ended with a brief visit to the fish market. Originally, the city thrived on fishing before large-scale development began. It is therefore no surprise that there is such an abundance of fresh fish available. This was followed by dinner at one of the many small restaurants bordering the market.

During this short trip, we also visited the historic city of Al-Ain. A motorway connects the two cities, and it takes just under two hours to drive to this city in the east of the Emirate. Al-Ain is situated close to the border with Oman and is therefore one of the few places where you can cross the border.

Al-Ain is also the birthplace of Sheikh Zayed. Here, we visited Qasr Al Muwaiji. The former sheikh grew up in this fort. It is simple in design and showcases the history of the royal family and their way of life.

The region is known for its many plantations. In “The Oasis”, they explain what makes the region so unique and how the 3,000-year-old falaj systems work. These irrigation systems still supply water to the plantations and ensure that the area remains so lush and green.