For most of us, the United Arab Emirates is associated with a 50-degree heat, a giant shopping mall in Dubai and the wealth of oil sheiks. However, it’s just only a delusion, because each country doesn’t show its real ‘face’ immediately. And in order to understand it, there is nothing better than the advice of the local people. So, check out 5 Greatest Spots for Visiting in Dubai and Abu Dhabi according to the opinion of the locals…
Ferrari World
Formula 1 racing takes place only once a year in Abu Dhabi and at other times Ferrari World offers a lot of attractions for adults and small fans of fast driving. Situated on the Yas Island, Ferrari World is the whole motorsport-themed complex dedicated to the iconic Italian sports cars. You can spend the whole day day in the amusement park covered with a giant awning in the form of a scarlet sea star and not get tired.
For children, Ferrari World offers the Karting Academy, circus and different shows as well as Bell’Italia – a specially designed track for children based on the legendary Italian racing tracks and classic Ferrari sports cars. The major attractions of the park are the Flying Aces – a 63-meters-high roller-coaster with a dizzying slope of rails of 51 ° and a ‘flight speed’ of 120 km/h, and Formula Rossa – the world’s fastest hydraulic roller-coaster with the height of 52 meters and the maximum speed of 240 km/h.
Ferrari World has everything for children and adults: racing tracks of varying complexity, six restaurants and two shopping centers.
Address: Yas Island 128717 – Abu Dhabi
Hours: daily 11am-8pm
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s greatest architectural constructions and the most beautiful mosque among the existing ones. Stone, luxurious materials and incredible design: all these things give absolutely new sensations.
Unlike other religious buildings of Muslims, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is open to all people and you can visit it for free. At the entrance, women should wear special cape with a hood, and it’s important not to wear shoes with heels. Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the largest Muslim temples in the world, so it will amaze, first of all, with its size – over 40 thousand people can be there at once! Its domes and interior are decorated with marble, and the chandeliers are decorated with gold leaf and millions of Swarovski crystals. The size of the carpet on the floor is 5000 sq. meters and its weight is over 47 tons!
In short, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is one of the most iconic and amazing spots of the UAE!
Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street 5th St – Abu Dhabi
Hours: daily 10am-6pm
Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is the tallest engineering construction in Dubai and the tallest skyscraper on the Earth. By shape, the building resembles a stalagmite that rises up to the height of 828 meters, which is 3.5 times higher than the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris. On 163 floors of the building there are 9 hotels and a unique fountain system.
Also, Burj Khalifa features offices, private apartments, hotel Armani, as well as a lot of the amazing attractions for all visitors. The 124th floor offers an observation platform which provides fascinating panoramas of the entire country on a clear day. On the 148th floor of the tower there is ‘At the Top Sky Lounge’ – the highest observatory in the UAE and on the 122nd floor is the ‘Atmosphere’ restaurant, where you can dine almost among the clouds.
Address: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Dubai
Hours: daily 9.30am-7pm
Emirates Palace Hotel
Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi is the embodiment of Middle Eastern luxury, Arab culture and hospitality. According to the international classification, this is the 5-star hotel. However, with its incredible luxury it can beat any record – only for the decoration of the building about two tons of gold were used. On the area of 85 hectares you’ll find beautiful gardens and lawns, own bay with a dock, and the entire residences decorated with marble and gold. Also, Emirates Palace offers 9 restaurants, 42 conference halls, which are crowned by a large concert opera hall. On New Year’s Eve and Christmas, the hotel organizes special festive programs, and if you consider that Christina Aguilera sang there, then Emirates Palace Hotel has a lot of very pleasant surprises for you.
Address: West Corniche Road – Abu Dhabi
Dubai Gold Souq
Gold Souk is a large fashionable market situated in the center of Dubai, where over 400 stores sell gold jewelry. Visitors of the market can see there both goods of the world famous jewelry companies, as well as traditional oriental jewelry and gold bullion. In addition, the market offers a wide range of pearls and precious stones. It’s worth noting that the choice of jewelry available at Dubai Gold Souq exceeds all the gold markets in the world, despite the fact that this market is the oldest in the UAE. However, the prices for goods are not very democratic, but according to the tradition, you can bargain there, reducing the cost by 30-35 percent. Gold Souk is not only a commercial object, but also is a kind of historical sight showing the luxury of the modern East in all its glory.
Address: 54 Al Khor St – Dubai
Hours: Saturday-Thursday 4pm-10pm
UAE is an amazing country, but Abu Dhabi and Dubai are its luxurious pearls, which offer great sights and attractions for all the visitors. Want to discover these unique spots as quickly as possible? Then rent a car in Abu Dhabi and start your journey immediately!