Surprisingly, Abu Dhabi possesses a character which is cosmopolitan while being at the same time reserved. The comparison with Dubai is unavoidable: they have both many traits in common and just as many distinguishing features. In effect, the capital offers a greater dimension of liveableness, thanks also to the fact that the number of its inhabitant amounts to around a third of those in Dubai, at about half a million. Yet it is certainly not just a question of number, rather, it is probably one of the sensibly vaster territory over which the Emirate stretches, along with a cultural propensity for less frenetic rhythms in lifestyle.
Thanks to its extraordinary past and a present which is rich in vitality and dynamism – not only thanks to the oil, but rather also to the tourist and property industries, to the tertiary sector and also the financial sector – Abu Dhabi offers its visitors an infinite panorama of places to be discovered, events to be experienced, culture to know, entertainments to be enjoyed and natural attractions to admire.
Among these last, the sea and its beaches are a strength not to be renounced, capable of attracting all visitors from the capital, whether they be business travelers or purely leisure tourists. Whiter than white stretches of sand, lapped by the crystalline waters of the Arabian Gulf – these are both primary elements of the place’s natural heritage, protected in an ever more decisive manner by the Emirates authorities. Genuinely endless, the Abu Dhabi seafront, known as the Corniche extends for several kilometers in a more or less straight line, thus creating images with a strong aesthetic impact, thanks also to the opportunity it gives of following its outline as far as the eye can see. For its entire length, framed by luxuriant palms, extremely well cared for hedgerows and multi-colored flowerbeds, it is dotted with public gardens, restaurants with breathtaking sea views, cafes with open air terraces, charming fountains of great artistic value and luxurious hotels with access to the sea, among which rises up, icon among icons, the Emirates Palace.
It would be reductive to define it as a hotel, or even as a Grand Hotel. The Emirates Palace is the emblem of Abu Dhabi’s luxury and hospitality, with its sumptuous buildings, its immense and luxuriant park, its evocative long beach and charming pools with waterfalls and fountains, its exclusive restaurants, its thermal spas like something out of a dream, its simply unique rooms and suites, its excellent facilities and a precious essence which make it one of the places most symbolic of the Arab Emirates and of the whole world. It is impossible not to be ravished by it, even simply admiring it from the Corniche, majestic and unmistakable in the presence of the sea and of the city.
Not just on account of the vast extent of its territory, but also for the expanse of water that washes its shores, Abu Dhabi offers spectacular destinations: there are over 200 islands (both natural and artificial) which stretch out from its coastline: among the natural ones, Futaisi Island is probably the richest in history, apart from being a great tourist attraction thanks to its natural beauty and the flora and fauna found there (among which there are many rare animal and plant species), and its Fort which has characteristic Arab architecture and where it is possible to organize events.
Among the artificial islands, on the other hand, Yas Island is beyond doubt the most famous, thanks to its luxurious receptive facilities which host events on a world scale such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix (Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi) which takes place at the Yas Marina Circuit, the Ferrari Theme Park, its exclusive golf courses and polo fields, its tourist ports and its highly refined restaurant and entertainment facilities. There is a remarkable range of water sports that can be practiced, thanks to excellent facilities and a climate which is favorable all the year round. Also Saadiyat Island, which, like Yas, is still being developed, is highly attractive, above all in cultural terms. It has many museums and buildings dedicated to the arts, which are either already open or in the development phase.
Thanks to a sensitivity which is now consolidated with regard to nature and the environment, there are many centres in the UAE capital which are dedicated to their care and protection, such as the Abu Dhabi Wildlife Centre, initially conceived for the protection of the cheetah in the face of extinction, but which then rapidly expanded its interests also to many other species, and in which there is also an important and valuable non-profit centre for the rehabilitation and breeding of species of animal at risk – this can be visited by making a booking. There is also the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital, particularly renowned among the international scientific community, which can be visited every day. Among its attractions, there is the Museum dedicated to the ancient desert sport of falconry and a refined resort which is perfectly integrated with the environment.
Among the historically significant places to visit at Abu Dhabi, particular pride of place goes to the Al Maqtaa Fort, dating back to 200 years ago when it was constructed in defense against bandit attacks from the sea. Today, it presents an intriguing contrast to the modernity of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation is a further focal point for culture in the Emirates capital, with its enormous expanse of territory covering all that which once belonged to the reigning family, Qasr Al Hosn.
Extraordinary architecture, luxuriant gardens and characteristic Arab style courtyards offer an environment which is both involving and relaxing. The National Archives, the Institution of Culture and Art and the National Library all have their main official buildings here and numerous shows, events and exhibitions are organized by them.
Among Islamic places of worship, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (known as the Great Mosque), a great work of art and architecture, also houses the burial place of Sheik Zayed himself, the great founder of the United Arab Emirates, to whom the country owes its enlightened and far seeing vision.