Your essential guide to Abu Dhabi

SEE

Regardless of the length of your Abu Dhabi stay, a trip to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque really should be on your agenda. The largest and most striking mosque in the country, it is so expansive that it can host 41,000 worshippers at any one time and contains a plethora of features that warrant your attention. The main prayer hall’s ornate carpet, measuring 67,570sqft and weighing in at close to 35 tonnes, is a true highlight.

SHOP

The World Trade Center Souk, which dubs itself a “contemporary interpretation of a traditional Abu Dhabi market”, is one of the Middle East’s, if not the world’s, most immersive shopping locations. Containing an array of stalls and outlets selling a range of handcrafted trinkets, traditional artefacts, spices, foods and jewellery, all set within a building that elegantly combines classic Arabian architecture with modern design, it’s the perfect place for a well-earned dose of retail therapy.

DECOMPRESS

If you’re fresh from stepping off the plane and want nothing more than a massage and a bit of pampering, The Hideaway, Emirates Palace’s award-winning on-site spa, has your name written all over it. Designed to be a serene, tranquil and indulgent refuge from modern life’s noises and worries, and with treatments that combine traditional and modern spa styles, it’s a slice of pure calm in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

DINE

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi, a Michelin-starred restaurant within Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, is, unquestionably, the ultimate destination for fans of authentic, top-tier Cantonese cuisine. Comprising a restaurant, bar, lounge, private dining rooms and a breathtaking outdoor terrace – as well as boasting an award-winning menu and matchless cocktail selection – Hakkasan is somewhere you’ll find it difficult to leave.

EAT

Routinely named Abu Dhabi’s most romantic restaurant, BBQ Al Qasr is home to some of the UAE’s most sumptuous steaks and seafood dishes. With the Persian Gulf acting as the most glorious of backdrops, this alfresco oasis delivers a thoroughly memorable experience that’ll have you counting down the days until you can return.

RELAX

Abu Dhabi and recreation go hand in hand, but some places take things to an entirely different level. Saadiyat Island, a mere 25-minute drive from the hotel, is arguably the Middle East’s premier destination for sunseekers. Amble to Saadiyat Beach, an extensive strip of golden sand on the island’s western shore, then simply lie back, close your eyes and let the sun do its thing.

SEE

The UAE is known the world over for its stunning indigenous wildlife, and there’s nowhere better to get a flavour of the region’s natural diversity than the Arabian Wildlife Park on Sir Bani Yas Island. Home to around 17,000 free-roaming creatures, including the Arabian oryx, the UAE’s national animal, the park is the perfect way for couples or families to enjoy an educational, inspiring day.

LEARN

Qasr Al Hosn, also known as the Old Fort or the White Fort, is Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building, and is an exceptional example of the region’s architectural past. Built in 1793 to be the residence of the then ruling family, as well as the official seat of government, the fort is, in many ways, far more eye-catching than the modern glass and steel skyscrapers that surround it.

DIVE

If you want to try something truly spectacular, take a 90-minute drive to Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest diving pool. The only facility on the planet that gives intrepid divers the opportunity to reach 60m depths and explore a site built to resemble an abandoned sunken city, Deep Dive Dubai is a fascinating underwater experience.

PADDLE

Love getting up close and personal with the natural world? Grab a kayak and meander through Abu Dhabi’s majestic mangroves to see the emirate from a completely different perspective. Peaceful, entrancing and full of biodiversity – more than 60 species of bird call the mangroves home – this hub of life provides, in every sense, a genuine breath of fresh air.

GAZE

Abu Dhabi is a shining, bustling metropolis, but drive just a few miles out of the city and you can escape the commotion and bright lights. Some 70 per cent of the emirate of Abu Dhabi is desert, and in this sandy wilderness there are countless sites ideal for stargazers and lovers of the night sky. An overnight stay at Liwa Oasis is perhaps the best way to enjoy astonishing, unencumbered celestial views.

TOUR

Since opening to the public in March 2019, Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace of the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as one of the Middle East’s most beloved tourist spots. Anyone with even a passing interest in architecture, culture, history or tradition will find themselves awed by the majesty of the place – be sure to dedicate at least half a day to explore all it has to offer.

Take in the breathtaking views of the Al Ras Al Akhdar peninsula from the resort's terrace, Cafe Fountain. At dusk, the sun's rays reflect off the nearby rose-gold panels, creating a kaleidoscope of amber hues. The Classic Afternoon Tea here is a true delight, featuring signature pastries and beverages that honour Emirati heritage while incorporating international flavours.

- The concierge team at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi.

When it comes to relaxation and taking things easy, the The Spa at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental has everything you could possibly need. Whether you’re seeking specialist treatments – perhaps the exclusive Royal Sahwa Ceremony, which captures the very essence of Abu Dhabi – or fancy burning some calories in a top-of-the-range fitness centre, you can be sure that your every winding down whim will be well catered.

Then, once well and truly unwound, head over to the Cascades, the Greek-inspired restaurant at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, surrounded by palms, blossoms and bursts of birdsong, to enjoy a well-deserved late lunch and a dip in the pool.