Abu Dhabi
DESTINATION GUIDE
The Formula 1 season finale is
always a truly spectacular affair,
taking place under the lights in
the Emirati capital of Abu Dhabi
Located on an island in the Persian Gulf, this culturally rich and progressive Arabic country always extends a warm – literally and figuratively – welcome to the visiting F1 fraternity and race fans, putting on a show that befits its standing as the last race on the calendar and ensuring that the season goes out with a pyrotechnic bang.
With its relatively short flight time from Europe, guaranteed warm winter weather coupled with an end of school term vibe, Abu Dhabi is an excellent choice for Formula 1 fans who want to see out the season in style with the added opportunity to extend their trip to make the most of the beach hotels, rich culture and an agreeable climate.
HIGHLIGHTS
There is no shortage of entertainment on Yas Island, and for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies Ferrari World is the place to get your fix. Adjacent to the F1 circuit, this world-class theme park boasts the world’s fastest roller coaster – Formula Rossa – where you will reach a top speed of 240 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
It also has the world’s highest loop ride, the tallest space frame structure ever built, and over 40 record breaking attractions. It’s the ultimate destination for non-stop, heart-racing fast fun, and a stone’s throw from the action on track making it the perfect destination between sessions.
Combining the UAE’s vision of bold cultural progression with France’s expertise in the world of museums and art, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an architectural masterpiece which brings together different cultures to shine a fresh light on common stories of humanity.
Since its opening in 2017, the museum has quickly established itself as one of the city’s biggest attractions for both residents and visitors alike. Featuring pieces by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci and Henri Matisse, to more contemporary works by Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, the impressive art collection rubs shoulders with a treasure trove of antiquities such as ancient Egyptian tombs and beautiful Middle Eastern artefacts.
If the collections inside weren’t impressive enough, the building’s magnificent architecture is worth the visit alone. Designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel – who was also responsible for the striking National Museum of Qatar – the structure is a symphony of concrete, water and reflected light, with a design inspired by the museum’s unique location at the point where the Arabian sky meets the sands of Saadiyat Island and the warm waters of the Arabian sea.
Get a unique perspective from the water by taking a kayaking tour around the outside of the museum and learn all about the cultural gems inside with options to experience the iconic architecture at sunrise and during a full moon.
With its dazzling white marble exterior, vast mosaic artwork and gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is undoubtedly the jewel in Abu Dhabi’s cultural and architectural crown – and is a must see.
This active mosque which welcomes up to 50,000 worshippers daily also has an open-door policy and welcomes visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its majestic beauty and grandeur whilst gaining a deeper understanding of Islamic culture.
Take a free guided tour along the marbled halls decorated with columns embedded with amethyst and jasper, with an experienced guide who will direct your attention to the finer details you may have missed such as the extensive gold-leaf calligraphy which encircles the hollow domes of the mosque’s remarkable 82 domes.
Open to visitors until 10pm each evening, make sure to pay a visit as the sun goes down to witness the facade light up with the warm, golden light which is then reflected in the many still pools designed for quiet contemplation.
FUN FACT
Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan al Nahyan of the UAE ruling royal family is a self-confessed petrolhead and over his lifetime has amassed a collection of rare automotive creations – housed across four museums spread across the UAE and Morocco.
Favouring supersized replicas and off-road vehicles over supercars, the Sheikh holds the world record for the largest collection of 4x4 vehicles with 718 cars, many of which are on display in the pyramid shaped Emirates National Auto Museum.
In a collection which includes the world’s biggest SUV and pick-up truck, the piece de resistance is a gigantic replica of a Word War II era Willys Jeep, which at 21 feet tall and weighing 4.4 tons was crowned the world’s largest motorised car in 2010.
And the reason for the Sheikh’s unusual 'Rainbow Sheikh' moniker? In the 1990s he famously asked Mercedes to build him an entire fleet of S-Class cars finished in every colour of the rainbow as a wedding present.
Alternatively, have some adrenaline-fuelled fun in the expansive desert landscape and go dune bashing! Traverse the golden sand valleys in a 4x4 and experience the desert with a side of thrills – or perhaps have a go at sand boarding in the beautiful dunes before combining your trip with a camel ride or falconry for the complete Arabian desert adventure.
Many tour operators offer add-ons, so there is plenty of choice when it comes to tailoring your experience to ensure you make the most of the stunning landscape.
With more palm trees than houses, the UAE’s oasis city of Al Ain is a natural wonder located approximately an hour and a half’s drive from Abu Dhabi and well worth the trip to experience a taste of authentic Emirati life. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a heady mix of historic forts, bustling souks and camel markets, whilst ancient waterways nourish this desert oasis.
WHAT TO EAT
Abu Dhabi boasts a rich mix of cultural influences when it comes to its cuisine, taking inspiration from nearby countries such as India, Jordan and Lebanon – which ensures dishes are imbued with flavourful spices and ingredients from across the Middle East and Asia.
Its position as a key coastal trading post means there’s always an abundance of fresh fish and seafood on the city’s restaurant menus. Traditional dishes to try include the popular al madrooba – a tasty sweet and savoury mix of salted fish and spices in a thick sauce, served with sweet caramelised onions and sugary saffron coloured rice.
And for a sweet end to your meal, be sure to order some luqaimat – deep fried dough balls smothered in date syrup, perfect when washed down with a cup of Arabic coffee flavoured with aromatic cardamom.
With a growing number of well-known, big name international chef offerings in many of the luxury hotels you’ll be truly spoiled for choice when it comes to eating well in the city whatever your budget.
