The opulent capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, has grown amid a barren desert in just a few decades. In the late 1960s. last century in its place was an unremarkable settlement of fishermen and pearl divers. After the discovery of its generous reserves of oil, the city received a golden rain, and in just 40-50 years it turned into one of the most expensive, technologically advanced and pretentious megacities in the world.
During the construction of skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, the latest technologies were used and the most daring architectural solutions of the future were implemented. That is why the city looks like a figment of the imagination of a science fiction writer. Seeking to surpass each other in splendor and wealth, Arab sheikhs are constantly investing in the construction of grand mosques, lavish hotels and shopping centers of incredible size.
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What to see and where to go in Abu Dhabi?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The mosque was erected in 2007 and named after the founder of the UAE - Sheikh Zayed ibn Sultan al-Nahyan. Architecturally, the building is a mixture of Moorish, Arabic and Persian styles. The floor of the mosque is covered with the largest carpet in the world with an area of more than 5.6 thousand square meters. The hall is decorated with seven huge chandeliers decorated with Swarovski crystals. The building can accommodate up to 40 thousand believers.
Etihad Towers
A modern architectural ensemble consisting of five skyscrapers. It is located in the western part of Abu Dhabi on the embankment of the Persian Gulf. The tallest structure reaches 300 meters. The complex includes residential apartments, shops, offices, conference rooms, restaurants and a luxury hotel. One of the towers on the 74th floor has an observation deck with a panoramic view.
Al-Bahar Towers
Twin skyscrapers, erected in 2012 in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi. The facade project was developed in partnership with the British company Arup Engineers. The architects brought to life the idea of a harmonious combination of traditional features of Arab architecture and ultra-modern design, which gave the towers an unusual futuristic look. The exterior walls of buildings are made up of sliding panels that move when exposed to sunlight.
Skyscraper "Capital Gate"
The skyscraper is built in the form of a "falling tower". Its outer façade consists of a reinforcement mesh on which diamond-shaped glass panels are fixed. The structure was built in the period from 2007 to 2011. During the implementation of the project, the latest developments in the field of ecological construction and energy-saving technologies were used. The building houses commercial offices and a five-star hotel.
Skyscraper "Aldar HQ"
A unique skyscraper that follows the shape of a seashell. The walls of the building are symmetrically curved surfaces of concrete, steel and glass. The structure is 110 meters high and has innovative automatic life support systems. Inside is the office of the Aldar company. The building is recognized as a masterpiece of modern high-tech architecture.
Corniche promenade
A well-maintained coastal strip stretching along the coast of the Persian Gulf for 10 km. The embankment is home to numerous parks, gardens, fountains, hotels, clubs and restaurants. The place is perfect for walking, jogging and cycling. The best time to visit the Corniche is considered to be in the evening, when the magnificent lights turn on.
SEC "Marina Mall"
One of the largest and most visited shopping centers in Abu Dhabi, which is located near the hotel "Emirates Palace". For visitors there is a real skating rink, a cinema, a bowling alley, children's playgrounds, numerous restaurants and shops located on several trading levels. Marina Mall even has its own observation deck at the top of the tower.
Ferrari World Theme Park
An amusement park, opened in 2012. The theme of the place is connected with the history of the famous automobile brand "Ferrari". Inside there are very unusual attractions such as a carousel of prototype cars, a 3D show about the work of Ferrari engineers, an ultra-fast roller coaster. The park also has an exhibition gallery of cars, an interactive theater, a children's racing school and much more.
Yas Marina Race Track
The track adapted for the Formula 1 competition is located on the artificial Yas Island next to the yacht harbor, Yas Mall and Ferrari World. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been held here since 2009. The length of the track is 5.5 km. The maximum speed that the car can reach while driving is 317 km / h. The stands are designed for 50 thousand people.
Water park "Yas Waterworld"
The water park is located on Yas Island, which is a popular tourism destination in Abu Dhabi. YasWaterworld covers an area of 15 hectares. There are more than 40 attractions on its territory, some of them are unique. In the design of the water park, the main role is played by the "pearl" theme, since in the past the inhabitants of the emirate hunted mainly by catching pearls on the shores of the bay.
Historical and ethnographic village
Ethnographic complex of traditional Bedouin dwellings. The Open Air Museum was established in 1997 to preserve the historical heritage of Abu Dhabi. In the village, you can learn a lot about the traditional crafts of the inhabitants of the emirate, look at the way of life that was typical for this area before the oil era. Several five-star hotels are located around the historic complex.
Falcon Hospital Abu Dhabi
The clinic specializes in providing veterinary care for falcons. This bird is one of the national symbols of Abu Dhabi due to the special love of the sheikhs for falconry. Since 2006, the clinic has begun to treat other species of birds, since 2008 - domestic animals. Tourists can go to the territory of the medical institution on specially designated days, visit the local museum and watch birds in special enclosures.
National Automobile Museum
Private collection of cars of Sheikh Abu Dhabi Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, which can be visited by everyone. Interesting exhibits include a rare Rolls-Royce that once belonged to the British royal family, a 5-meter-high Dodge, a huge mobile home created according to the owner's preferences, and many other exotic models.
Fort "Al-Husn"
The creation of the fortress dates back to the early 18th century, making it one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi. The structure was erected on the site of a freshwater spring and gradually turned into the center of a growing settlement - the future city of Abu Dhabi. Until 1966, the residence of the sheikh was located on the territory of the fort. Since 2007, tourists have been given full access to the fortress. It quickly became a popular tourist attraction.
Corniche beach
Abu Dhabi public beach, divided into family, women and free public areas. The place is marked with the international "blue flag", which confirms its cleanliness, safety and well-developed infrastructure. The beach stretches for 4 km along the Persian Gulf. In high season and during weekends, it is quite crowded here. Near the beach there is a cozy park and a large parking lot.
Saadiyat beach
A strip of dazzling white sand stretching for several kilometers along the bay, which is located on Saadiyat Island, one of the tourist centers of Abu Dhabi.For visitors, there is everything you need for a comfortable stay: changing rooms, showers, sun loungers with umbrellas, cells for storing valuables and other infrastructure elements. There are several 5 * hotels near the beach.
Abu Dhabi Zoo
The zoo was founded in 1968. Major reconstruction was carried out in 2006. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest menageries in the Middle East. It is home to lions, tigers, gazelles, monkeys, kangaroos, snakes and other species of animals imported from Africa, India, Australia and the regions neighboring the UAE. In a separate zone, the inhabitants of the Arabian desert live, who lead a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.
Abu Dhabi Mangrove Sanctuary
A green oasis in the endless desert, where you can enjoy the freshness and coolness. The ecosystem of the reserve is under strict state protection, so all vehicles with an internal combustion engine are prohibited here. Tourists are offered mini-trips on electric boats and kayaks. The reserve is inhabited by flamingos, turtles, crabs, black herons and other representatives of the fauna.
Hotel "Emirates Palace"
The most luxurious hotel complex in Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of the fabulous palace of the sheikh. For tourists who are not its guests, the entrance is possible only with a guide. You can walk freely in the vast park area that surrounds the building. In the lobby of the Emirates Palace, a detailed model of the city is placed, which shows the stages of development of Abu Dhabi, starting in the 60s. XX century.
Observation Deck at 300
The site is located on the 74th floor of a skyscraper (300 meters above sea level), which is part of the Etihad Towers complex. This is the highest point from which you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city. It overlooks the Persian Gulf, skyscrapers, islands and the Emirates Palace hotel. The Observation Deck at 300 has a small restaurant serving a variety of drinks, desserts and light snacks.
