The Amazing Abu Dhabi
As you cross into Abu Dhabi from neighbouring Dubai, the first thing you notice are the trees. In the median, on the sides of the roads, in orchards as far as the eye can see, all along the route from Ghantout on the border to the Corniche in downtown Abu Dhabi. This is an appetizer of what Abu Dhabi is. Dubai may welcome you with soaring skyscrapers and overwhelm you with spaghetti junctions, Abu Dhabi eases you into a lush escape from the sea of sand; and an oasis if I’ve ever seen one.
This isn't to say Abu Dhabi is not just as much a lively, modern metropolis. It is, and so much more. Abu Dhabi has charm, has character. has soul. In a nutshell, this city is beautiful. No patch of soil is left barren, rather sown with petunias, lush green lawns and rows of majestic palm trees. The sea pokes through the buildings in almost every direction, reminding you that Abu Dhabi is actually an island. As you approach, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge is your red carpet into the city. Its curving and flowing structures tell tale signs of its designer, famed British architect Zaha Hadid. Soon, the majestic domes of Sheikh Zayed Mosque come into view. No visit to Abu Dhabi would be complete without a tour of this masterpiece of marble, gold and spirituality; featuring the largest hand-knit rug in the world, gold-plated decorations, magnificent chandeliers and awe-inspiring courtyards, minarets and fountains.
Having travelled extensively, I've grown accustomed to certain things coming in pairs in major metropolises. With the modernity and skyscrapers of New York, comes the homelessness and crime. Amman is quaint and pleasant, but has a certain third-world quality about it, reflected in the broken roads and stray cats. London is both charming and modern, classic and relatively clean, yet increasingly dangerous. Abu Dhabi on the other hand, checks all the boxes. its modern, with stunning architecture to feast your eyes on; the roads are literally spotless and pothole-less, featuring wide with lush landscaping and hardscaping everywhere. No median is poor for the perfectly aligned palm trees, brush and flower beds. Roundabouts often feature magnificent sculptures or water features. All this is achieved without stripping the city of its character. There is a definite certain Abu-Dhabiness about Abu Dhabi.
Of Course, it’s not just fancy urban planning and architecture. Oh, is there so much to do. Fancy a world-class museum? head over to the Louvre on Saadiyat Island's cultural district, which eventually will be host to an array of world-class museums including a branch of Guggenheim. Formula 1 fans can get close to the action at the annual race on Yas Island, which always features world class performers including Metallica, Beyonce, Eminem, Guns n' Roses, Prince, Aerosmith and Paul McCartney in recent years (to name a few). Jealous of the F1 drivers, and want a piece of the action, why not ride the fastest, most terrifying roller coasters on earth, head over to Ferrari World on Yas Island. Not a car enthusiast? well Warner Brothers world is right next door, a theme park guaranteeing fun for the whole family. Yas Waterworld, an amazing world-class aqua park, is also nearby.
Feeling lazy, and just want to kick back on the beach? Take your pick, from Hudayriat to Bateen to Corniche to Saadiyat, you are unlikely to find water more turquoise, more inviting. Better yet, all beaches have amazing, clean facilities which are often free of charge. If you want to splurge a bit, major hotel chains have opulent resorts lining Abu Dhabi's endless beaches. For the more adventurous Zaya Nurai and Maya islands are opulent tropical paradises just a skip and hop away from the mainland, both resorts conveniently offering free speedboat shuttle services to patrons. For those feeling the need to be pampered like a royal, spend the night at the 7-stars Emirates Palace Hotel (they even have a fleet of Rolls Royce's at your service!). Indulge the environmentalist within you and make your way to the magnificent Mangrove Walk on Jubail Island, where you can stroll through the mangrove forest, bask in the beauty of nature and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. All this has made you hungry? Well rejoice, you're in foodie heaven, every cuisine on earth can be sampled to the highest quality in Abu Dhabi. The best part is, Abu Dhabi is incredibly safe. For the past few years, it has actually been ranked the safest city on Earth. So, what are you waiting for? If the holiday of a lifetime is what you’re after, look no further than this magical, beautiful city. Anyone is bound to fall in love with the city I call home, and I am sure by the end of your visit, you will too.
