Abu Dhabi is an emirate of quiet confidence and cultural grandeur. It offers a more serene and considered Arabian experience, where world-class art and architectural masterpieces are surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, from pristine island beaches to the vast, silent desert.
A holiday in Abu Dhabi is a journey through art, culture, and serenity. This is a city that moves at a more graceful pace, prioritising quality and experience over spectacle.
The cultural district on Saadiyat Island is the emirate’s crown jewel. Here, you can spend a day marvelling at masterpieces in the Louvre Abu Dhabi before retreating to one of the serene Saadiyat Island beach resorts, which are among the finest five star hotels in Abu Dhabi.
The city’s respect for tradition is perfectly captured by the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a monument of intricate beauty and calm reflection. For the truly adventurous, the vast, poetic landscape of the Rub’ al Khali (the Empty Quarter) awaits, offering an experience of the desert in its purest form.
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The evening arrival into Abu Dhabi felt calm and organised. We drove to our hotel on Saadiyat Island, a protected area of natural coastline. The resort is stunning, with a contemporary Arabian design that opens out towards the sea. From our balcony, we could hear the sound of the waves on the shore, a perfect, peaceful welcome.
We visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque this morning to see it in the bright, clear light. It is an overwhelming sight, a vision of white marble, intricate floral inlays, and shimmering reflection pools. Walking through its cool, grand archways was a truly serene and moving experience. The attention to detail in every corner is simply incredible.
Today we explored the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The building itself is as much a work of art as the treasures it holds. We spent hours wandering through the galleries, which take you on a journey through human history. The highlight is standing beneath the huge, patterned dome as shafts of light, the ‘rain of light’, project onto the walls around you.
We dedicated today to relaxation and enjoying our beautiful resort. The beach on Saadiyat Island is protected, meaning the sand is pristine and the turquoise water is crystal clear. We saw a pod of dolphins swim past in the morning. It was a day of swimming, reading, and enjoying the exceptional service and peaceful atmosphere.
We took a transfer south, deep into the desert, towards the legendary Rub’ al Khali. The landscape transformed into endless, towering dunes, some of the largest in the world. Our resort, Qasr Al Sarab, appeared like a fortress palace in the middle of the dunes. Watching the sunset from the terrace, with nothing but sand and silence for company, was a profound experience.
After returning to the city, we spent the afternoon exploring two of its other grand buildings. First was Qasr Al Watan, the magnificent Presidential Palace, where we got a unique insight into the UAE’s governance and heritage. Afterwards, we visited Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest standing structure, a beautifully restored fort that tells the story of Abu Dhabi’s origins.
Our last morning was spent with a final walk along the soft white sand of Saadiyat Beach. The peacefulness of the island is the perfect antidote to a busy life. Abu Dhabi is a place that doesn’t shout for your attention; it calmly earns it with its beauty, grace, and cultural depth.
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