By:  Bound2explore    October 30, 2016

Abu Dhabi is the largest emirate among the seven emirates in United Arab Emirates. In less than 50 years, United Arab Emirate has transformed Abu Dhabi into a new modern city. This capital city offers old and new experience for visitors. Being less popular than Dubai means Abu Dhabi can offers you a more relaxing experience. That said, there are many things to do in Abu Dhabi. So if you are short on time and  want to experience  the best of the city has to offers, you need to cover all of the highlights of Abu Dhabi. If you have been thinking of visiting this city, make sure you don’t miss anything worth to explore. Here are the highlight of Abu Dhabi that you don’t want to miss.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

So far, this is the fanciest mosque I’ve ever seen. This huge mosque can hold up to 40,000 people and named after the founder of United Arab Emirate. As you enter this huge stunning mosque, you’ll be greeted by 12 ton chandelier covered by Swarovski crystal. Not to mention shiny marble floor and hand-made Persian rug that people use to pray on. On the top of that, the windows are decorated by imported stained glasses. You can also see beautiful carvings are all over the walls. Tip: visit early in the morning if you want a quiet experience. After 10 AM, the tourists will flock the mosque. This stunning structure is definitely one of the many highlights of Abu Dhabi.

Sheik Zayed Mosque

Inside the mosque

Heritage Village

Do you want to see the old Abu Dhabi before the oil boom? Then visit the Heritage Village. This village shows you a glimpse into the past. Here you can see the Bedouin culture and how they lived back in the day. The Heritage Village was built to remind the new generation of Emirati of way of life back in the days. What caught my eyes the most was the wind tower. The wind tower was constructed in front of the house to bring the cool air into the house. It is a simple structure made of wood and a piece of fabric. It is a green energy for sure.

Heritage Village

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Manarat Al Saadiyat is a high tech cultural center with multiple galleries and a theater. It is located in the cultural district. The meaning of Manarat Al Saadiyat is the place of enlightenment. This place does live up to its name. Here, you can see the future of Abu Dhabi.  Miniature replica of future buildings of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Louvre Abu Dhabi and what the city will look like is on display. The construction of these two museums are ongoing. Click here for its cultural program.

Miniature replica of future buildings

Grand Millenium Al-Wahdah

This five stars hotel is adjacent to Al-Wahdah Mall. So you can visit the hotel and the mall at the same time. What’s so special about this hotel? You can see 360 degrees view of Abu Dhabi from the upper floor. But if you are not lucky enough to stay here, you can always make a dinner reservation at sky lounge thirty one for a beautiful view of Abu Dhabi. This restaurant is located on the 31^st floor.

The view of Abu Dhabi from Grand Millenium Al Wahdah

Dates Market

If you have time, make a stop at a traditional Dates Market. This is a perfect place to buy dates for souvenirs. You can try different flavor of dates, chocolate dates, mango dates, walnut dates or just plain dates without added flavor.

Variety of Dates at Dates Market

Al Khatim Desert

If you love adventure, this Arabian Desert will give you a memory you will never forget. From a sand dunes bashing to a camel ride to a Bedouin Camp, something you can only experience when you are in the Middle East. This Arabian desert safari adventure is one of the highlights of Abu Dhabi that you do not want to miss.  For a complete story about desert safari adventure at Al Khatim Desert, click here.

Yas Island

Fancy an adrenaline rush? Then take a ride at Ferrari World Amusement Park or Yas Waterworld on the Yas Island. Besides those two amusement parks, this man-made island also offers other attraction. Other attractions include Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Links, Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi and many international restaurants.