Abu Dhabi
Dream destination in the Arabian Gulf
Categories: Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the emirate of the same name and of the United Arab Emirates, an association of seven emirates. The city is located in the Persian Gulf on a 70-square-kilometer island connected to the mainland by three bridges. The rapid growth of Abu Dhabi has resulted in the metropolis becoming one of the most modern cities in the world. A skyline of futuristic-looking buildings with Arabic style elements characterizes the cityscape. The streets are generously built. Every location offers a sea view. 
© Patryk Kosmider / Fotolia
The east of Abu Dhabi is bordered by a 7.7 kilometer long coastal road, the Corniche. It is considered a promenade with restaurants and green spaces. 20 parks have been created around the city center. The most important building in Abu Dhabi is the impressive Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Emirates Palace is considered the most famous luxury hotel.
The International Airport is located on the mainland, about 30 kilometers from Abu Dhabi. It is the home base of Etihad Airways. Adults and children need a passport to enter the country. The identity card is not valid.
Upon arrival at the airport, a free tourist visa is issued for a period of 30 days. In recent years, Abu Dhabi has invested a lot of money in public transport such as buses, metros and trams, as the region suffers from high traffic volumes. Since 2009, the Yas Island race track has been one of the venues for the Formula 1 World Championship. At the Ferrari World amusement park, the world's fastest roller coaster with a speed of 240 kilometers per hour invites you to take a ride. The Yas Waterworld water park in Abu Dhabi also offers world-class attractions. Al Raha is very popular among tourists as an amusement island.
A Mecca for art and architecture lovers is being created on Saadiyat Island. Museums, exhibitions, concerts, opera and theatre performances are intended to attract a culturally interested public to Abu Dhabi. Well-known museums such as New York's Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum or the Louvre in Paris will be showing their exhibits here in the future. In the Museum Heritage Village, vacationers can experience a piece of Abu Dhabi's past, visit a Bedouin tent or watch traditional craftsmen at work. One of the special experiences is a jeep safari.
The highlight for shopping enthusiasts is the Marina Mall with its observation tower, one of Abu Dhabi's landmarks. The view of the Arabian Gulf and Lulu Island is unique. The 74th floor of the Etihad Tower offers even more spectacular views. Bathers can enjoy dream beaches such as Saadiyat, Corniche, Yas Island or Al Bateen Beach. Abu Dhabi can be reached by direct flight after 6 hours. A flight arriving shortly before midnight is recommended. The time difference in winter is plus 3 hours. In summer, one hour less is added. The best time to travel is October to April. 
© Patryk Kosmider / Fotolia
During the summer months, temperatures in Abu Dhabi reach more than 40 degrees Celsius. The United Arab Emirates are among the safest countries in the Middle East. It is forbidden to import medicines. Therefore, when bringing painkillers to Abu Dhabi, those affected must have a medical certificate. The medical and pharmaceutical care is up to European standards. Laws, customs and values correspond to Islam. There is a ban on alcohol in public in Abu Dhabi. Travelers should dress and behave according to the customs of the destination.
