Okay, so Abu Dhabi, right? I always wanted to go, finally made it happen. Figured I’d share what I actually did, not just the tourist brochure stuff.
First Stop: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Listen, you gotta see this. Pictures don’t do it justice. I mean, I saw a ton of photos beforehand, but standing there… it’s something else. I booked a tour online beforehand – smart move, skipped the lines. Remember to dress appropriately – covered head, shoulders, knees. They have abayas you can borrow if you need to.
- Pro-tip: Go early! Like, as early as humanly possible. Fewer crowds, cooler temps.
Spent a good two hours just wandering around, taking it all in. The details in the architecture are insane.
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Art and Architecture
Next up, the Louvre. Now, I’m not a huge art guy, but the building itself is a masterpiece. Seriously, that dome! Booked my ticket online too, saved some time. They have a decent collection, though honestly, I was more impressed by the architecture and the way the light plays inside.
- Don’t miss: The “Rain of Light” effect under the dome. It’s worth the price of admission alone.
Spent about three hours there, grabbing a coffee at the cafe afterwards. Pretty pricey, but the view was worth it.
Desert Safari: Dune Bashing and BBQ
Okay, this was probably my favorite part. Booked a desert safari tour through my hotel. They picked me up in a 4×4, deflated the tires, and we were off! Dune bashing was a total adrenaline rush. I was screaming like a little kid, haha. Then we stopped at a desert camp, rode a camel (super awkward, btw), and had a BBQ dinner under the stars.
- Be warned: It gets cold in the desert at night, even in the summer. Bring a sweater!
- Another tip: The food’s decent, but don’t expect Michelin-star quality. It’s more about the experience.
They had some belly dancing and traditional music too. Touristy, yeah, but still fun.
Corniche Beach: Chill Time
Needed a chill day after the desert. Headed to Corniche Beach. Rented a sun lounger and just relaxed. The water was surprisingly clear. People were swimming, playing volleyball… just generally having a good time.
- Heads up: It can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Bring: Sunscreen! The sun is no joke there.
Grabbed some lunch at one of the cafes along the beach. Nothing fancy, just a quick bite. Then spent the afternoon people-watching.
Emirates Palace: Fancy a Coffee?
Okay, this place is ridiculous. Gold everywhere! Felt like I was in a James Bond movie. You can’t just wander around unless you’re a guest, but you can go for coffee or a meal. I opted for the “Emirates Palace Cappuccino,” which, yes, has actual gold flakes on top. Was it worth it? Probably not. But it was a fun experience. The place is just OTT in the best way.
- Dress code: Smart casual. They won’t let you in if you’re wearing shorts and flip-flops.
- Budget alert: Expect to pay a premium for everything here.
Snapped a few photos (because, duh) and people-watched some more. The lobby is a great place to see some serious wealth on display.
Yas Island: Theme Park Fun
Last but not least, Yas Island. I’m not a huge theme park person, but I figured I’d check it out. Went to Ferrari World. Honestly, it was okay. The roller coasters were fun, but the lines were long. Think I spent more time waiting than riding.
- Plan ahead: Buy your tickets online in advance to save time.
- Consider: Getting a fast pass if you’re really into the rides.
Overall, Abu Dhabi was a blast. It’s a weird mix of ultra-modern and traditional, but that’s part of what makes it so interesting. Definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.
