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Abu Dhabi is full of rich Eastern exotics. Along with Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country.

In Abu Dhabi, Eastern exotics and ancient traditions meet state-of-the-art today with its skyscrapers and shopping malls. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has a total population of about 2.7 million and is expected to grow in the coming years. The fast-growing region plans to challenge Dubai as the country’s number one destination.

Looking to the future

In the oil-rich UAE, we are moving forward at a rapid pace: Abu Dhabi will not be overshadowed by luxurious Dubai for long. Numerous large-scale projects are underway in the city, the most ambitious of which is Saadiyat Island on the shores of the Gulf. The aim is to create a world-class leisure center spiced with culture and business. Art lovers will be pampered in Abu Dhabi – the city has its own Louvre as well as the Guggenheim Museum.

For the time being, Abu Dhabi offers a more peaceful holiday experience than the hustle and bustle of Dubai , which pleases many tourists. On the other hand, Abu Dhabi also hosts a wealth of internationally interesting events such as Formula 1 races, film festivals and golf tournaments.

Abu Dhabi is located about 150 kilometers from Dubai, so the trip can be easily connected to two cities. The destination is best suited for travelers who love warmth and cities, who do not miss its holiday with its strange activities but are satisfied with a peaceful way of life. Holidays in Abu Dhabi are spent in shopping malls, watching the city’s skyscrapers and soaking up the hotel’s swimming pool.

Many of you in Abu Dhabi are named after the rulers.

Abu Dhabi is a hot destination all year round

The heat is Abu Dhabi’s strength, as the city, built in the middle of the desert, is warm all year round. The coldest time is at the turn of the year, when the temperatures are quite ideal for Finnish tourists: the average daily temperature in December and January is about 21 degrees. The hottest is in June, when the average temperature can rise up to 35 degrees.

There is no fear of rain in Abu Dhabi, as the city almost never rains.

Shopping in the UAE

In Abu Dhabi, there is plenty to choose from for the greedy shopper – the city is known for its luxury shopping malls. There are numerous shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, the most glorious of which are Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall. There are hardly any traditional bazaars in Abu Dhabi that are typical of the Arab countries , and after the real market atmosphere , Arabian carpets and delicious spice bazaars, tourists should head to Dubai, which is about a couple of hours drive away.

Gold jewelery in particular is a popular gift from Abu Dhabi , and the best place to find gold souvenirs is at the Gold Center, located next to Madinat Zayed Shopping Mall in the heart of the city. Traditional Abu Dhabi gifts include colorful brass bowls, chamomile milk chocolate and local dates. If there is room in the suitcase, a nice Arabic souvenir is also a hookah.

After shopping, you can taste Lebanese-influenced food. Typical delicacies include various meat skewers and the chickpea paste hummus offered with pita bread . Rice, grape leaf rolls and meatballs are also common with meals.

Beach life and sand dunes

Abu Dhabi’s Corniche waterfront boulevard offers a comfortable walking route close to the city center. While bathing in Cornichella, you can also go swimming or soaking up the sun, as Abu Dhabi’s beach is located along the street. However, it is worth noting that when the temperature rises closer to 40 degrees for a walk, you should be prepared with adequate sun protection and a large amount of water.

In addition to sun worship, you can play volleyball or try water boarding at the Beginners Park wakeboarding center on the full-service beach. The seafront boulevard is surrounded by beautiful gardens, which are nice to visit even for a picnic.

Abu Dhabi is therefore suitable for the city traveler who also longs for sunny beaches and a touch of exoticism. Golfers, on the other hand, enjoy the area’s high-quality greens.

Invest in experiences

In a city built in the middle of the desert, it is worth investing in experiences. Abu Dhabi is surrounded by open sand dunes, and a desert ride in a SUV by a skilled driver along the ridges of the dunes is an experience that makes even the most critical vacationer scream with joy. There are several desert rides from the city, and in addition to driving, the trip may include, for example, a visit to a camera farm and a traditional Abu Dhabi dinner in the middle of the desert.

Abu Dhabi is home to Ferrari World theme park, a favorite destination for every formula fan. Located on the same island as the Formula 1 track, the theme park offers visitors the world’s fastest roller coaster, the opportunity to go karting on just the right Ferrari, and countless cars to watch.

An absolute destination for the cultural tourist is the huge Sheikh Zayed Mosque , which is also massive in Abu Dhabi style: the huge mosque can accommodate up to 40,000 worshipers at a time.

Abu Dhabi is not directly a budget item, as the city’s prices are largely at the same level as in Finland. However, you can also spend a budget holiday in the city .

Good to know about local customs

Abu Dhabi, which is accustomed to tourists, does not actually have a strict dress code, but it is nevertheless worth considering Islamic customs and respecting local traditions. It is also appropriate for tourists to cover their knees and shoulders when traveling outside the hotel area. Women don’t have to cover their hair outside of the mosque, but because of the hot aurigo, wearing a hat or scarf is recommended.

Arab culture should also be kept in mind with regard to public displays of affection, and hugging and other displays of affection, for example, are prohibited in Abu Dhabi. Presence under the influence of alcohol should also be avoided. Homosexuality is a crime in the United Arab Emirates that can even result in the death penalty.

Ramadan is usually celebrated in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar for 30 days. Tourists get to Abu Dhabi to eat also during Ramadan.