One day in Abu Dhabi: some tips
In a previous article I told you about the most famous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai. About one hour from the futuristic metropolis of Dubai, the state capital Abu Dhabi rises. Fascinating city with futuristic architecture, full of attractions, the capital of the Emirates definitely deserves a tour, even a single day if you are nearby
Here are my tips for spending a pleasant day in Abu Dhabi, savoring the most authentic features.
Practical tips
If you arrive in Abu Dhabi from Dubai, the transportation options available are numerous. The two cities are around 140 km away, which translates in almost an hour and a half journey. The high-flow road opens in the middle of desert landscapes and, depending on the time, it can be quite congested despite the high number of lanes. The possibilities offered are car rental, taxi or bus. The short distance between the two cities does not include internal air flights, of course! If you opt for an organized tour, your hotel or tour operator will advise you on the package that best suits your needs and in general transport to the capital will be included. The cheapest option is undoubtedly the bus. The bus station is located in Al Ghubaiba, close to the metro station of the same name. The cost of the ticket, to be purchased before boarding the border in the ticket office, is 25 dirhams (about 6 euros in the current currency), much less expensive than the taxi (round trip about 500-600 dirhams). The bus number is E102, easily identifiable. The bus is comfortable, frequent trips (about every 20 minutes). Be careful not to sit in the front rows if you are men as they are reserved for women (as everywhere in Dubai’s public transport).
If you prefer the freedom of a car rental or a taxi, the costs go up a lot, but you will have the advantage of greater autonomy and speed of travel, especially if you plan to visit more attractions on the same day.
Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also not a city suitable for pedestrians. The spaces are immense and the attractions very distant from each other. The high temperatures also make it difficult to venture on long walks. My advice, therefore, is to move around the city by taxi or Uber. If you are lucky, you can also come across some nice taxi driver who will offer you attractive rates also for the possible return to Dubai.
What to see
The first must in my opinion is a walk along the Corniche, a seaside promenade that stretches for over eight kilometers. This road, equipped with cycle areas, cafes and restaurants, is the best observation point of the city skyline with the famous Etihad Towers, the capital Gate, the dune-shaped bridge and other modern buildings. From the Corniche you arrive at the foot of the most luxurious hotel in the world (7 stars), the Emirates Palace. With an arabesque style, dominated by domes, gardens with palm trees and crystals of all kinds inside, this hotel also allows guests outside the hotel to enter to visit the gardens, the lobby, the lobby. If you decide to pamper yourself with a break with a coffee or a drink, you can refresh yourself waiting to resume your visit of the city.
For lovers of the car world, an essential stop is Ferrari World, the theme park of the house of Maranello, unique in the world. Opened in 2010 on the artificial island of Yas, the park has 19 attractions including two roller coasters and an aquatic attraction. Ideal for children or to buy gadgets and products signed by the house of the prancing horse.
For those who prefer art, the Abu Dhabi Louvre will do it for you. The structure, the work of the architect Jean Nouvel, is in itself a unique work of art. The collection, organized in chronological order, counts among the many works, paintings by Leonardo, Manet and Magritte.
To end the day in Abu Dhabi, the ideal is to be the last, especially to enjoy the sunset view, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Impressive thousand and one night structure, of a blinding white, imposing and unique, the Grand Mosque in itself justifies the only trip to Abu Dhabi. At sunset the show is unique, as well as at dusk when the structure lights up with an intense blue making it even more fascinating. The construction of this imposing structure, which can accommodate over 40,000 faithful, was completed in 2007. Despite the high influx of tourists, since it is a religious building, it is appropriate to respect the rules of behavior and clothing that will be illustrated to you at the entrance to the site. (which may also require the purchase of scarves, togas or other if the clothing is not considered appropriate).
The capital of the United Arab Emirates offers many other attractions that could also justify stopping for several nights in the rich Arab metropolis. My advice is, if you arrive passing from a trip to Dubai, concentrate on what you prefer to visit for your personal taste and put off the rest for a future trip. Like Dubai, Abu Dhabi is also a city in full development and change. Just wait a year to find it completely renewed and ready to fascinate you again.