Abu Dhabi – the Invigorating Oasis

Capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a refreshing oasis in the Arabian Desert. Proud owner of multitudes of parks scattered around the city, it is much greener than the touristy Dubai.

Covering more than 80% of the total territory of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is the largest of the seven emirates. The Islamic country owes its outstripping growth to the abundant oil and gas reserves that are pumped in the vicinity of the city.

But the capital of the Emirates is much more than oil and sand. In fact, should you desire a break from Dubai’s craze, Abu Dhabi is an amazing location to chill out and visit some remarkable sights only found there.

The Grand Mosque of Abu Dhabi – Middle East Resplendence

The lavish Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, named after the late President of the Emirates, would be the first one. It is the principal mosque in the United Arab Emirates and its beauty, splendour, and grandeur require a few hours to marvel at.

Emirates Palace – Jumping Beyond Luxury

Emirates Palace is one of the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi should you find yourself trotting the capital. The palace is, in fact, a hotel with an exquisite design and eye-watering opulence.

Its website humbly describes it as “going beyond 5-star luxury”. Well, the coffee with golden flakes definitely matches that description.

Heritage Village – Meet the Roots of the U.A.E.

The Heritage Village of Abu Dhabi provides an interesting foretaste of UAE’s past by walking around a traditional oasis village.

Nothing too impressive there, with the exception of a small museum showcasing the history of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the other five emirates.

Ferrari World – a Nerve-racking Rollercoaster Park

If you are voraciously seeking adrenaline and you would like to quench that specific thirst of yours, Ferrari World is the place to do that.

The largest in-door theme park prides itself with the fastest rollercoaster in the world – Formula Rossa.

It reaches a whopping 240 km/h (150mp/h) in less than 5 seconds, and its acceleration of gravity goes up to a mind-boggling 4,8 G.

Formula Rossa took the position of Kingda Ka as the world’s quickest rollercoaster in November 2010. Safety goggles are provided to those who are audacious enough to ride it. The speed is so powerful you find it difficult even to scream.

Next to Formula Rossa, there are other coasters most of which are much less intensive. In addition, a small army of Ferraris is on display there.

I found the gift shop, which offered souvenirs ranging from perfumes through mugs and clothes to keyrings, way too overpriced.

Helpful tips for the park:

A great way to save a substantial amount of money is to purchase an Entertainer (50 AED) from the Géant supermarket or Hallmark shop both found in Yas Mall which is adjacent to Ferrari World. The Entertainer can be used to cut the ticket price in half.

If you feel like this article is helpful, you can download a GPS version of it, which will guide you around the Arab capital.

United Arab Emirates – where the highways are generously lit and every plant is irrigated. An absolute heaven for architects, urban planners, and civil engineers.

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Have you been there? What was your impression?