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    Tourist Attractions in Abu Dhabi

    The most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi. Photos and a brief description.

    Abu Dhabi
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    About Abu Dhabi

    The luxurious capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, has grown up in the midst of a barren desert in just a few decades. At the end of the 1960s of the last century, in its place was an unremarkable settlement of fishermen and pearl fishermen. After the discovery of generous oil reserves, a “golden rain” fell on the city, in just 40-50 years it turned into one of the most expensive, technological and pretentious megacities in the world.

    During the construction of Abu Dhabi skyscrapers, the latest technologies were used and the most daring architectural solutions of the future were realized. That is why the city looks like a figment of the imagination of a science fiction writer. Striving to surpass each other in brilliance and wealth, Arab sheikhs are constantly investing money in the construction of grand mosques, magnificent hotels and shopping centers of incredible size.

    Top Tourist Attractions in Abu Dhabi

    Sheikh Zayed Mosque

    The mosque was erected in 2007 and named after the founder of the UAE – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al-Nahyan. Architecturally, the structure is a mixture of Moorish, Arabic and Persian styles. The floor of the mosque is covered with the largest carpet in the world with an area of more than 5.6 thousand m2. The hall is decorated with seven huge chandeliers decorated with Swarovski crystals. The building can accommodate up to 40 thousand believers.

    Sheikh Zayed Mosque
    Etihad Towers

    Etihad Towers

    A modern architectural ensemble consisting of five skyscrapers. It is located in the western part of Abu Dhabi on the Persian Gulf waterfront. The tallest structure reaches 300 meters. On the territory of the complex there are residential apartments, shops, offices, conference halls, restaurants and a luxury hotel. In one of the towers on the 74th floor there is an observation deck with a panoramic view.

    Al-Bahar Towers

    Twin skyscrapers erected in 2012 in the eastern part of Abu Dhabi. The facade project was developed in partnership with the British company "Arup Engineers". The architects brought to life the idea of a harmonious combination of traditional features of Arab architecture and ultramodern design, which gave the towers an unusual futuristic look. The exterior walls of buildings consist of sliding panels that move under the influence of sunlight.

    Al-Bahar Towers
    Skyscraper

    Skyscraper "Capital Gate"

    The skyscraper is built in the form of a "falling tower". Its exterior facade consists of a reinforcing mesh on which diamond-shaped glass panels are fixed. The structure was built in the period from 2007 to 2011. During the implementation of the project, the latest developments in the field of ecological construction and energy-saving technologies were used. The building houses commercial offices and a five-star hotel.

    Skyscraper "Aldar HQ"

    A unique skyscraper repeating the shape of a seashell. The walls of the building are symmetrically curved surfaces made of concrete, steel and glass. The structure reaches a height of 110 meters, it has innovative automatic life support systems. The office of the company "Aldar" is located inside. The building is a recognized masterpiece of modern high-tech architecture.

    Skyscraper
    Corniche Embankment

    Corniche Embankment

    A well-maintained coastal strip stretching along the coast of the Persian Gulf for 10 km. Numerous parks, gardens, fountains, hotels, clubs and restaurants are located on the embankment. The place is perfectly adapted for walking, jogging and cycling. The best time to visit the Corniche is considered to be the evening hours, when the magnificent lighting turns on.

    Marina Mall

    One of the largest and most visited shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, which is located near the Emirates Palace Hotel. For visitors, there is a real ice rink, a cinema, a bowling alley, children's playgrounds, numerous restaurants and shops located on several shopping levels. The Marina Mall even has its own observation deck located at the top of the tower.

    Marina Mall
    Shopping Center

    Shopping Center "Ferrari World" Theme Park

    Entertainment park, opened in 2012. The theme of the place is connected with the history of the famous automobile brand "Ferrari". Inside there are very unusual attractions, such as a carousel of prototype cars, a 3D show about the work of Ferrari engineers, ultra-fast roller coasters. Also in the park there is an exhibition gallery of cars, an interactive theater, a children's racing school and much more.

    Race track "Yas Marina"

    The track adapted for the Formula 1 competition, which is located on the artificial island of Yas near the marina, the Yas Mall shopping center and the Ferrari World Park. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been held here since 2009. The length of the route is 5.5 km. The maximum speed that the car can develop while driving is 317 km/h. The stands are designed for 50 thousand people.

    Race track
    Water Park

    Water Park "Yas Waterworld"

    The water park is located on Yas Island, which is a popular center of tourism in Abu Dhabi. "YasWaterworld" occupies an area of 15 hectares. There are more than 40 attractions on its territory, some of them are unique. In the design of the water park, the main role is played by the "pearl" theme, since in the past the inhabitants of the emirate were mainly engaged in pearl mining on the shores of the gulf.

    Historical and ethnographic village

    An ethnographic complex consisting of traditional Bedouin dwellings. The open-air Museum was established in 1997 for the purpose of preserving the historical heritage of Abu Dhabi. In the village, you can learn a lot about the traditional crafts of the inhabitants of the emirate, look at the way of life that was characteristic of this area before the advent of the oil era. There are several five-star hotels around the historic complex.

    Historical and ethnographic village
    Falconry Hospital Abu Dhabi

    Falconry Hospital Abu Dhabi

    The clinic specializes in providing veterinary care to falcons. This bird is one of the national symbols of Abu Dhabi due to the special love of the sheikhs for falconry. Since 2006, the clinic has been treating other types of birds, since 2008 – pets. Tourists can enter the territory of the medical institution on specially designated days, visit the local museum and watch birds in special aviaries.

    National Automobile Museum

    The private collection of cars of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, which can be visited by everyone. Among the interesting specimens of the exhibition is a rare Rolls-Royce, once owned by the British royal family, a five-meter-high Dodge, a huge "house on wheels" created in accordance with the preferences of the owner, and many other exotic models.

    National Automobile Museum
    Fort

    Fort "Al-Husn"

    The creation of the fortress dates back to the beginning of the XVIII century, which makes it one of the oldest buildings in Abu Dhabi. The structure was erected on the site of a fresh spring and gradually turned into the center of a growing settlement – the future city of Abu Dhabi. Until 1966, the sheikh's residence was located on the territory of the fort. Since 2007, full access to the fortress has been open to tourists. Very quickly it turned into a popular attraction.

    Cornish Beach

    Abu Dhabi Public beach, divided into family, women's and free public areas. The place is marked with an international "blue flag", which confirms its cleanliness, safety and well-developed infrastructure. The beach stretches for 4 km along the Persian Gulf. In high season and during weekends, it is quite crowded here. Near the beach there is a cozy park and a large Parking lot.

    Cornish Beach
    Saadiyat Beach

    Saadiyat Beach

    A strip of dazzling white sand stretching for several kilometers along the bay, which is located on the island of Saadiyat – one of the tourist centers of Abu Dhabi. For visitors, there is everything necessary for a comfortable stay: changing rooms, showers, sun loungers with umbrellas, storage cells for valuables and other infrastructure elements. There are several 5* hotels located near the beach.

    Abu Dhabi Zoo

    The zoo was founded in 1968. Major reconstruction was carried out in 2006. Since then, it has become one of the largest menageries in the Middle East. Lions, tigers, gazelles, monkeys, kangaroos, snakes and other species of animals imported from Africa, India, Australia and neighboring regions of the UAE live here. In a separate zone, the inhabitants of the Arabian desert live, who lead a predominantly nocturnal lifestyle.

    Abu Dhabi Zoo
    Mangrove Reserve Abu Dhabi

    Mangrove Reserve Abu Dhabi

    A green oasis among the endless desert, where you can enjoy the freshness and coolness. The ecosystem of the reserve is under strict state protection, so all vehicles with an internal combustion engine are prohibited here. Tourists are offered mini-trips on boats with electric motors and kayaks. Flamingos, turtles, crabs, black herons and other representatives of fauna live on the territory of the reserve.

    Emirates Palace Hotel

    The most luxurious hotel complex in Abu Dhabi, reminiscent of the fabulous Sheikh's palace. For tourists who are not its guests, entrance is possible only with a guide. You can walk freely in the vast park area that surrounds the building. In the lobby of the Emirates Palace there is a detailed layout of the city, which demonstrates the stages of development of Abu Dhabi, starting from the 60s of the XX century.

    Emirates Palace Hotel
    Observation Deck at 300

    Observation Deck at 300

    The site is located on the 74th floor of a skyscraper (300 meters above sea level), part of the Etihad Towers complex. This is the highest point from which you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city. It offers views of the Persian Gulf, skyscrapers, islands and the Emirates Palace Hotel. On the territory of "Observation Deck at 300" there is a small restaurant with various drinks, desserts and light snacks.