Abu Dhabi holidays in the largest of the United Arab Emirates boast miles of untouched sandy coastline. This sleek, modern metropolis gleams with impressive skyscrapers and mirror glass towers separated by green parks and long boulevards. There are numerous luxury Abu Dhabi hotels and top class resorts dotted along the Gulf coast which provide a great base to explore these surroundings. Alternatively, why not try an Abu Dhabi holiday in the desert away from the hustle and bustle of the city, where you’ll encounter some stunning nature including the indigenous giraffe, beisa horned oryx and Barbary sheep.

Abu Dhabi Destination Guide
Comparisons between Abu Dhabi and Dubai will always be made due their proximity to each other, but in truth Abu Dhabi currently offers a quieter and less cosmopolitan experience than its commercially advanced neighbour. The two emirates are connected together by the Sheikh Zayed Road – itself a completely transformed road system to cater for the boom in tourism over the past 15 years. Essentially if you’re coming to Dubai you’ll be either in the city close to the Corniche, or near the marina. In addition to hotels in the main city of Abu Dhabi, the emirate also boasts two stunning destination desert retreats where guests can experience roaming wildlife, desert safaris and a luxurious feeling of castaway adventure.  

Abu Dhabi Attractions
The main tourist district of Abu Dhabi is possibly the Corniche, a 4 mile road featuring fountain strewn gardens, beaches with swimming areas, picnic spots, cycling tracks and children’s playgrounds. The Emirates Palace is Abu Dhabi’s pride and joy, and a trip here is strongly recommended even if it’s just for lunch. You’ll be blown away by the design of this incredible, fully functioning palace, not to mention the fantastic food at their venues like Le Vendome Brasserie. The Abu Dhabi Mall offers an air conditioned environment for shopaholics with a host of boutique and more mainstream stores to satisfy those retail cravings.   

Abu Dhabi Excursions
Excursions are very much on the increase in Abu Dhabi. You can currently enjoy:

Camel Safari
Hold on tight – this experience is recommended to the adventurous traveller – and make sure you bring a camera.

Ferrari World & Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Ferrari World is the incredible new theme park that everyone is talking about! The park opened on 27 October 2010 with the world's fastest rollercoaster, a G-Force drop experience ride, state of the art racing simulators, driving and race schools for younger guests and even a mini Italy to explore on foot or via a mini ferrari 250 California! Ferrari World features full shopping and dining facilities to make this a brilliant family day out. Crank up the tension further and buy yourself some tickets for the F1 and visit this sensational purpose built track located on Yas Island next door to the theme park.

Desert Island Resort & Spa
You can’t just pop here for the day, but for an excursion led break you should definitely consider a short stay here where 2 excursions are included as part of their 3 night package. Take a morning desert safari to see cheetah, Arabian Oryx, hyena and giraffe amongst many others. Then try your hand at a bit of snorkelling, archery or mountain biking.    

Abu Dhabi Shopping

Shopping in this balmy emirate can be as modern or as authentic as you choose. Barter for the best prices for gold, antiques and electronic gadgets at the Old Souk or choose the comforts of the expansive Abu Dhabi Mall. The best time to shop is during the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival which is held on an annual basis every year in early March where you can also win prizes from all the main malls. Antiques are aplenty here too; take home a traditional Arabian coffee pot or some Bedouin jewellery for your loved one. Don’t forget to call in for some duty free shopping at the Abu Dhabi International Airport where there are over 30 stores for you to browse, with no aggressive sales people to worry about.

Abu Dhabi Restaurants
There are so many great restaurants to choose from in Abu Dhabi, and our best recommended ones are naturally located in hotels, where we’ve had the most chance to experience the food.

Elements at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: Fantastic curry selections here, spicy authentic Indian dishes like Moglai chicken and Lamb Rogan Josh, supple naan breads, crisp poppadoms, fragrant rice, chutneys and pickles. Destinology visit May 2010.

Anantara Qasr al Sarab: Lobster Thermidore in the all day dining restaurant, along with other great seafood like crab claws and king prawns. Great German breakfasts here too. Destinology visit May 2010.

Intercontinental Hotel:  Reliable buffet restaurant at this Corniche hotel offering a large salad bar, great range of hot dishes and some tantalising hand made desserts.  Destinology visit May 2009.

Abu Dhabi Bars & Nightlife
In a similar way to Dubai, bars and nightlife in Abu Dhabi tend to hotel based – so this is probably not the place to come to if you are in search of a raucous nightclub or drinking hot spot, there are bars with music and sports and you can have great nights here, but don’t expect an Ibiza type atmosphere! Our favourite night spots include the award winning Hemingways at the Hilton Abu Dhabi - this cavern style bar offers hand pulled ales, a pool table and a large screen for sporting events.  Go more upmarket at Etoiles at the Emirates Palace where a DJ spins records until around 3am with views over the Arabian Gulf.  Enjoy a complete cultural shift with a cocktail on the Rooftop Bar and Grill at the Anantara Qasr Al Sarab, surrounded by 360 degree views of nothing but cascading sand dunes.

Abu Dhabi Family Attractions
You’ll find a private beach at both Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers and Emirates Palace, with warm waters for swimming and playing with your children. Younger guests will like the playgrounds located just off the Corniche if you are staying in the centre of Abu Dhabi. The desert resorts offer a whole host of wildlife experiences to wow the little ones, and many of the Abu Dhabi hotels feature children’s clubs for when your children want to spend time with other like minded youngsters.  

Other Abu Dhabi Travel Information
Currency: United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED)
Language: National language is Arabic
Flight time: Manchester – Abu Dhabi: 8hrs
Time Difference:+3 from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Voltage: 220. Most plug sockets are 3 pin, adapters are available for two pin in many hotels