ABU DHABI

If you are staying in Dubai (which was the city that received the most visitors in the world in 2025), you will surely take a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

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The impression is very different. 

I felt that Abu Dhabi had integrated the sea into the city more: in Dubai, they build on the water, while in Abu Dhabi, they open the city up to the sea by bringing it into the neighborhoods, either through beaches or canals. Abu Dhabi seemed greener to me and, of course, less populated and less dense. 

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You can do quite a lot in a day and, of course, start (or finish) with a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi: an innovative museum (designed by architect Jean Nouvel) surrounded by water and housing ancient and modern works of art. The permanent exhibition traces the history of art from the dawn of humanity to the present day. 

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Both the building and its contents are absolutely magnificent.

It's worth noting that the restaurant is very good.

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Personally, I started the day after the (not too long) journey with a coffee at the brand new Mandarin Hotel. The palace is huge and sumptuous, with sparkling marble floors, giving a feeling of great luxury.

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I then spent about two hours visiting the museum before going to see the new Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which has 82 domes of different sizes. It is built entirely from natural materials. Made entirely of white marble, it also features gold, semi-precious stones, crystal, and ceramics. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest handmade carpet in the world!

After that, I hurried over to Yas Island, where there are theme parks: Ferrari World (fantastic race tracks) and Warner Bros (based on Warner characters). 

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Once that was done, I wanted to enjoy a walk along the Corniche and the Corniche beach, which is perfect for swimming.

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It is also said that Abu Dhabi has an Italian feel to it, but it is more the luxury resorts such as the Shangri-La, with their canals and boat trips, that will remind you of Venice.

 

BRAND NEW: the Zayed Museum, which was being finished during my stay but is now open, traces the history of the United Arab Emirates and is adjacent to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. 

Next time!

 

There you go! 

Get back in the car and arm yourself with patience, because it's rush hour in Dubai!