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Abu Dhabi A lush green oasis in the desert - world-class sporting facilities and the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf are a huge draw-card for this wealthy and modern garden city.

Good to know:

  • Time difference: UTC/GMT +4 hours
  • Capital: Abu Dhabi
  • Currency: Emirati Dirhams (AED)
  • Language: Arabic
  • Voltage: 220-240 volts

The warm lapping waters and golden-sand beaches of the Arabian Gulf are a huge drawcard for Abu Dhabi. The richest city in the world; less than 50 years ago Abu Dhabi was nothing more than a modest village with huts made from palm fronds. Having earned its fortune from oil which was first discovered in the area in 1958, it’s not resting on its laurels, investing billions of dollars over the next decade to develop a city that will attract more tourists.

Like a lush green oasis, this beautiful, modern garden city offers world-class facilities for sports enthusiasts and in the future will become home to not one but two world-famous museums – The Louvre and The Guggenheim. Visit the eighth largest mosque in the world, the exquisite Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque featuring Moorish, Mughal and classic Arabic architecture. It also houses the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet, at 5,700 square metres, and a spectacular 12-tonne chandelier studded with Swarovski crystals.

Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmark is the resplendent Emirates Palace – the majestic building’s sand-coloured exterior contrasting beautifully with its verdant landscaped gardens and the clear blue ocean it faces. Seek respite from the heat in the Al Ain Oasis. Spread over 3,000 acres, it’s the 147,000 date palms that provide a cool and shady haven, offering blissful tranquillity in the middle of a hot and noisy city. The Al Ain region is rich with natural springs which make the area so green and fertile.

Occupying 85% of the UAE, Abu Dhabi features impressive desert landscapes with dunes over 100 metres high and 200 natural islands. One of these islands is Yas Island; home to Ferrari World - the world’s largest indoor theme park. With more than 20 rides and attractions, it includes the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of up to 240 kilometres per hour, and the largest Ferrari gallery outside of Maranello.