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How to Explore Abu Dhabi's Rich Culture and History – The Timeless Allure of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is known for its towering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and pristine beaches. But beyond the glitz and glamour lies a rich cultural and historical heritage waiting to be explored. Here's how you can explore Abu Dhabi’s rich culture and history.


Image by olgazeren from Pixabay

Architecture

Abu Dhabi boasts an impressive range of architectural styles, from traditional Emirati designs to modern structures. One of the most iconic landmarks in the city is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which features intricate designs, chandeliers, and marble floors. Other noteworthy examples of modern architecture include:
  • Etihad Towers: a complex of five skyscrapers that offers stunning views of the city skyline.
  • The Capital Gate: a skyscraper that leans at an angle of 18 degrees, earning it the nickname ‘The Leaning Tower of Abu Dhabi’.
  • Qasr Al Watan: a palace that showcases traditional Emirati design, with intricate mosaics and calligraphy.

Festivals

Abu Dhabi hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year that celebrates the culture and heritage of the region. Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is one of the most popular festivals; it features book signings and discussions. Other festivals you should look for include:
  • Eid Al-Fitr: a three-day celebration marking the end of Ramadan, featuring traditional food, music, and dance.
  • Al Dhafra Festival: a cultural festival showcasing traditional Emirati sports like camel racing and falconry.
  • Abu Dhabi Art: an art fair featuring the work of local and international artists, talks and workshops.
Keep in mind during these festivals, hotels and resorts go high up in demand, which is reflected in prices. If you want to stay at a place like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, one of the 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, you should make your booking early on. Also, there are plenty of hotel packages and offers you can benefit from if you make an early booking.

Cuisine

The local cuisine in Abu Dhabi is a fusion of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian flavours. A dish you absolutely must try is the Machboos, a spicy rice dish served with chicken, lamb, or fish. Also, make sure to add these to your must-try list:
  • Shawarma: a wrap filled with meat, vegetables, and sauces.
  • Harees: a porridge-like dish made with wheat and meat.
  • Luqaimat: sweet dumplings drizzled with date syrup.
  • Biryani: a fragrant rice dish typically made with lamb or chicken, cooked with a variety of spices and sometimes served with a side of raita.
  • Thareed: a hearty stew made with vegetables, meat, and chunks of bread, often eaten during Ramadan.

Dance and Music

Traditional Emirati dance and music are an essential part of the culture in Abu Dhabi. Ayala, for example, is one of the most popular dances; this is a dance performed by men using sticks and swords. The music is often accompanied by the oud, a traditional stringed instrument. You can witness these performances at cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
More examples of traditional Emirati dance and music include:
  • Al-Razfa: a dance performed during celebrations and weddings, where men chant and dance in a circle.
  • Liwa: a traditional dance performed by women during special occasions, such as weddings and Eid.

Art and Craft

The UAE’s capital is home to several art galleries and museums that showcase the work of local and international artists. One of the most popular is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which features a collection of art from around the world.
Also, if you visit the Qasr Al Hosn Cultural District. You can also explore the traditional crafts of the region, like weaving, pottery, and metalwork.
Here are some types of arts and crafts you are likely to find in Abu Dhabi:
  • Al-Sadu: a form of weaving using wool and camel hair.
  • Al-Saffah: a type of pottery made with clay and decorated with intricate designs.
  • Al-Khous: a form of metalwork using silver and gold, often used to create jewellery and other decorative items.

Posted on April 21st, 2023

How to Organise Your Trip to Abu Dhabi - Tips for Planning a Holiday in Abu Dhabi

As the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi is a dream destination that's on everyone's bucket list. Revered for its recreational and retail highlights, Abu Dhabi is also a cultural epicentre that's home to some of the Middle East's finest museums and art galleries. Whether you are heading to Abu Dhabi for a weekend getaway or planning to spend a few weeks in the city, here are some tips to help you organise your holiday in the desert capital.

Image via Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara

1. Timing is Everything

While most holiday destinations are conducive to holidaymakers even during the low season, it is simply not the case when it comes to cities in the Middle East such as Abu Dhabi. With summer temperatures and humidity reaching unbearable levels, the only time tourists can visit Abu Dhabi is during the winter months. This is when temperatures are low enough for spending time outdoors and when even the locals step out in great numbers to experience life outside of their air-conditioned abodes. That's why your trip to Abu Dhabi must take place between December and March. Although the peak tourist season, which coincides with the winter months, does mean costs will be high, it is a non-negotiable aspect of holidaying in Abu Dhabi due to the weather patterns.

2. Find a Strategic Base

Although Abu Dhabi is well-connected in terms of public transport networks, those who are vacationing in the city would benefit from a convenient base. Whether you choose to stay at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara or any city hotel that doubles as popular wedding venues in Abu Dhabi, it is crucial to consider the location of the property. Make sure the hotel you select is within close range of the attractions and activities you hope to enjoy during the stay, as a culture buff should ideally stay close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi while someone enticed by desert safaris should find a glamping site on the outskirts of the city.

3. Create a Sightseeing Plan

Depending on how much time you have at your disposal, it is crucial to create a daily sightseeing plan for each day of your stay. Highlights that every visitor should explore during a trip to Abu Dhabi include Qasr Al Hosn, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is the only instalment of the Paris Louvre Museum outside of Europe. Qasr Al Watan, the Al Ain Palace Museum, Wahat AlKarama and the Al Ain Oasis are also worth including in your travel itinerary as there's more to Abu Dhabi than skyscrapers and massive malls.

4. Sign up for Activities

When it comes to some of the most rewarding things to do in Abu Dhabi, kayaking and windsurfing on Saadiyat Island should be a top priority. Dune bashing and desert tours are also available through local resorts and private tour operators while spending a day or two on Yas Island with its impressive theme parks and splash centres are also musts. Ferrari World offers motorsports fans an array of adrenaline-pumping experiences while kayaking around the Eastern Mangroves can be a magical excursion for nature lovers.

5. Enjoy a Shopping Spree

Counted among the region's top retail hotspots, a shopping spree is a veritable rite of passage for first-time visitors vacationing in Abu Dhabi. While it may be impossible to hit all the major department stores and shopping complexes in the city, tourists should aim to visit at least the big 5 including the Marina Mall, Al Wahda Mall and the Abu Dhabi Mall. The souqs in Abu Dhabi such as Souq Al Zafarana and the Al Mina Souq are alternative retail landscapes where tourists can lose themselves in a traditional Arabian bazaar where stalls selling everything from frankincense and perfumes to Persian rugs and gold jewellery can be found.

Posted on February 21st, 2023

How to plan your vacation in Abu Dhabi - Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists

Abu Dhabi could be unfamiliar territory to someone from a different culture. However, you only need to understand a few generic cultural norms to be able to blend in with the expat community and enjoy a rich vacation. Below the gold flakes in coffee and sky-high buildings, Abu Dhabi hides a lovely culture worth exploring.

How to dress the part in Abu Dhabi?

You don’t have to cover yourself with an Abaya in Abu Dhabi, but you should cover up to your knees and shoulders when in public. You can wear spaghetti straps and shorts at your resort like the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Covering yourself well in Abu Dhabi is necessary as immodest clothing can get you in trouble with the police. You can sport western attire as long as it is respectful and helps you stay safe from the elements. Wherever you go in the country, be it glamorous wedding venues in Abu Dhabi or visiting an old souk, simply wear something on the conservative side.

How to drink alcohol (and water) in Abu Dhabi?

Contrary to popular belief, it is legal to drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi as long as you do it at licensed premises. You can drink at bars and restaurants attached to resorts and hotels. It is best to drink in moderation and never drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. Do drink plenty of water to stay healthy. You can’t drink tap water in Abu Dhabi, but you can opt for filtered water bottles to save money on bottled water.

How to manage travel in hot weather?

Like we said, drink plenty of water. Avoid walking along the hot streets and use taxis. They do have public transport, but it is not ideal for short stops. When you travel, daytime outdoor weather can reach well into 50 Celsius, and air-conditioned indoors tends to feel like the arctic. Always carry a light jacket to wear indoors.

How to enjoy the sand in Abu Dhabi?

Sand is everywhere in Abu Dhabi, and you should enjoy its spell in the desert. Operators have mastered the art of offering modern and traditional experiences in the desert to tourists. A 4x4 safari never fails to satisfy even high expectations. You can go to the desert on your own but if you don’t have the proper tools, you will have a tough time. Enjoy henna art, desert feasts and shisha with traditional dancing around a fire. You can also look forward to hunting with falcons and sandboarding.

How to enjoy food in Abu Dhabi?

The multicultural associations of Abu Dhabi make it a delectable food scene. Modern Arabic cuisine borrows rustic inspiration from Bedouin culture and exotic influence from Lebanon, India and Egypt. Get yourself some voucher apps for five-star dining (you don’t have to pay the entire rate). Don’t forget to indulge in Friday brunch – always a lavish affair.

How to enjoy Emirati culture?

Make it a point to visit the Sheik Zayad Grand Mosque and go on a free tour of the Presidential Palace to learn more about the culture. Qasr Al Hosn provides a glimpse into the history of the nation. You will get a little taste of Bedouin culture on your desert camping tour. However, to experience the true Bedouin culture visit during November and December in time for the Al Dhafra festival in Madinat Zayed and Sheik Zayad heritage festival in Al Wathba. You’ll walk into a veritable bazaar with falconry, Saluki dancing, date (the fruit) collecting and even camel beauty parades. Feast your eyes on the festivities and your taste buds on delicious food.

Posted on January 30th, 2023

How to Prepare for Your First Camel Trek – A One of a Kind Experience in the Desert

Riding the noble ‘ship of the desert’, the camel, is sure to be a unique experience that you could enjoy if you visit a country where these creatures are found. However, if you are not accustomed to this activity, you may find that it is rather more complicated than it may seem at first. On the other hand, if you prepare thoughtfully for your camel trek, you should be able to enjoy it without any undue hassle. Provided below are some suggestions for your unforgettable camel ride in the desert.


Prepare yourself and approach confidently

There will be some precautions that you should take as you prepare for your exciting camel trek. You should take care to wear long socks and long pants to safeguard your skin. As camels move with an unusual sideways motion, this will cause considerable friction; obviously, you will not like rough camel hairs scraping your legs! Therefore, your socks ought to be as long, as possible as this motion will tend to push up your pants. Other essentials for your camel trek would include sunglasses, a hat, a scarf / bandanna and dust goggles.

You should move towards the sitting camel confidently and slowly from the side. If you are nervous, you should avoid looking the camel in the eye. You should stride up purposefully, approaching the camel diagonally. First-timers should only attempt to mount a camel if the animal is sitting. Ideally, there will be a guide present to show you what steps to take.

Mount the camel assuredly

After approaching the camel, you should swing your leg around the camel’s back and mount it swiftly. You will usually find a stirrup on which you can place your foot; you should place your foot here and swing over the other leg. You will often find a handle at the saddle’s front which you can hold as you mount the animal.

Since camels will stand with their hind legs rising first, you should lean back while holding onto the saddle as it begins to rise. Next, you should gently lean forward as the camel, in turn, raises its front legs. In this way, you can maintain your position as it gets onto its feet.

Get into a comfortable position

Although it may seem natural for you to straddle the camel as you would while riding a horse, it will be more comfortable if you raise up a leg and cross it, wrapping it across the saddle post; doing so with both legs would be even better. This will more evenly distribute your weight so that your tailbone does not experience avoidable pain.

You will find that the walk of a camel would be rather irregular and uneven, unlike the more regular movement of a horse. Rather than fighting the camel’s gait, you should allow your body to swing with it while supporting yourself by grasping the saddle post. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could undertake a camel trek would be Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara which may be regarded as one of the uniquely located Abu Dhabi 5 star hotels.

Relax and enjoy the ride

You should not attempt to control the camel during your trek. Although these creatures will respond to the commands of their master, you will usually find that attempting to direct or steer them would be futile. You should try to relax and loosen your muscles as this will in turn calm down the camel. If by some chance the camel panics or becomes agitated, you should calm it down with even steady words while gripping the reins firmly (without tugging them). You should be aware that your first camel trek is likely to be a little uncomfortable; as you might experience pain in the tailbone, you could take a pain reliever before the trek or have one handy for when the ride concludes. All in all, however, it is bound to be an unforgettable experience.

Posted on April 21st, 2022