Abu Dhabi City Travel Guide
Metropolis Born of the Desert
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Oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi in 1958, heralding the transformation of this desert kingdom into today’s 21st century metropolis. Today it attracts discerning travellers seeking luxury and a spot of adventure with 4WD desert safaris, diving and fishing expeditions all on the activity menu.
The revenue from the oil found in 1958 has been put to good use with the transformation of the emirate’s capital into modern super-city and yet the traditions of old sit comfortably with the new. The people of Abu Dhabi are proud of their desert heritage and much importance is placed on preserving traditional values, with great effort devoted to rediscovering the past through archaeology, building restoration and museums where the artefacts of pearl divers and dhow builders are preserved.
Attractions in Abu Dhabi City
The city’s showpiece is the Corniche where you’ll find paved walkways and lush greenery. At the Breakwater, an area of reclaimed land, is a luxury shopping mall, water sports club, Heritage Village and Arab-style cafes and restaurants.
There are parks and gardens to discover and spectacular mosques only add the sense of the exotic whilst down by the east end of the Corniche are the Al Meena Souk and the Iranian and Afghan souks; the fish market is especially interesting to visit.
The dhow harbour is a working port and these traditional vessels still ply ancient trade routes and provide yet another taste of Abu Dhabi’s heritage, juxtaposed against the city’s skyscrapers.
Activities in Abu Dhabi City
Organised city tours are a great way of getting to grips with the city and its sights, especially if one is short of time. There are over 20 parks to relax in, many beach parks where the warm clear waters of the Persian Gulf can be enjoyed.
Take a traditional dhow cruise to see another side of the city or explore beneath the waves on a scuba diving trip. Staying on the water sport fishermen will enjoy the challenge of landing some of the Gulf’s big fish, such as queenfish, shari, dorado and hammour.
Those who want to explore beyond the city will find a range of desert excursions on offer, with dune bashing by 4WD and Bedouin visits especially popular.
Relaxing
An evening walk along the Corniche is the activity in Abu Dhabi. Perhaps finish off with a strong Turkish coffee at one of the traditional cafes?
Getting Around
Taxis are plentiful and cheap and can be hailed from the roadside. Abu Dhabi Municipality operates a comprehensive and cheap network of buses with a regular 24hr service linking the airport. Car hire is possible as is the charter of luxury cars and limousines for those in search of something special.
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