ABU DHABI : WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS LUXURY

ABU DHABI : TRAVELLER'S WELCOME !

I had read a beautiful quote of Jawaharlal Nehru which stated : We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. Abu Dhabi has always been in my list to visit because it has a mix of modern lifestyle with cultural traditions being followed. It takes generations to build a nation's culture and the culture of Abu Dhabi has developed through centuries of tribal living, more than a thousand years of living by Islamic values and in recent decades, the assimilation of cultures from around the world resulting in a multicultural, moderately liberal society. Abu Dhabi maintains strong ties to its valuable past and has been preserving its rich traditions of poetry, falconry, horse breeding and sailing. While they also have well-maintained museums across the country to display the cultural mores and the lifestyle of the past along with some marvelous modern day infrastructure to promote tourism and overall development of the city. Traditional values are very much alive in the daily life of the Emirati even to this day and hence Abu Dhabi comes on top of my list when it comes to experiencing cultural traditions with amazing modern day adventurous activities.

Coming back to the List of Experiences I would love to do while in Abu Dhabi are mentioned below :

1. Spiritual Visit To Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi : Would be starting my journey with a spiritual visit to the worlds largest mosque : Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Have been to mosques in India but want to see this real beauty first before I continue my tour of Abu Dhabi. This architectural work of art is one of the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 82 domes, over a 1,000 columns, 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet. Also the main prayer hall is dominated by one of the world’s largest chandeliers which is 10 metres in diameter, 15 metres in height and weighing twelve tonnes. Also the reflective pools surround the mosque, amplifying its beauty. The striking white and gold colours shining in the sun are transformed at night by a unique lightning system which  reflects the phases of the moon. It is a picture perfect place for every traveller.

Pic Credentials : www.flickr.com

2. One Night Stay At Luxurious Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi : As Indians we love palaces. We have a lot of iconic palaces to stay in Rajasthan but staying at Emirates Palace has always been in my list. Being a real iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, this luxurious hotel blends Arabian splendour with the latest technology to create a magical and memorable experience. Would like to explore the hotel during daytime when the hotel’s golden-sandy colour contrasts with its fresh green gardens, silvery water fountains and the blue sky. Oh its from the books of heaven. While at night, the hotel’s lighting changes subtly, featuring a majestic rainbow-changing effect over the main dome, a real treat to our eyes. The main Palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, and its gardens and surroundings spread across 100 hectares. The hotel features 114 domes, with the central dome at an imposing 72.6 metres above ground. Gold, mother of pearl and crystals dominate the interior. The Palace has 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Another memorable Palace feature is its two handmade wall display carpets.

Pic Credentials : www.kempinski.com/AbuDhabi

3. Self Drive Across Sheikh Zayed Bridge, Abu Dhabi : I always love to self drive during major of my international trips and driving across the Sheikh Zayed Bridge has always been in my list. This amazing bridge is designed by Zaha Hadid and is 842 metre-long, 64 metre-high and which is said to be the most complex bridge ever built. It has a curved arches evoke undulating sand dunes and it features a dynamic lighting design, with subtle colours that flow across its spine. Its road decks are suspended from symmetrical steel arches, forming a waveform with a fluid silhouette which makes the ride amazing. 

Pic Credentials : www.zaha-hadid.com

4. Yas Marina Circuit Tour, Abu Dhabi : Being an avid Formula One Racing Fan and a keen supporter of Team Ferrari giving a visit to Yas Marina Circuit is on my list. A behind the scenes tour at the Yas Marina Circuit to see highlights of one of the world’s most advanced Formula 1 racetracks. I have already been to Buddh International Circuit in India and have been lucky to witness the Indian Grand Prix in the year 2013 when Sebastian Vettel from Team Ferrari won it. I am really excited to give a special visit to the race control room, the pit, the media center, and the exclusive Paddock Club at the Yas Marina Circuit. Next I would Cruise around the track and stop to take selfies at the North Grandstand, Yas Marina, Shams Tower, and Yas Drag Racing strip which is a must to do for travellers visiting the circuit. An experience of lifetime. Time to go Vroom Vroom ! If I am lucky I would love to visit during the ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX which would be an icing on the cake.What's best then to catch the action LIVE !

 

Pic Credentials : www.flickr.com

                                      

5. Adventurous Trip To Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi : An essential dose of adventure at the Ferrari-themed park to enjoy the thrills and spills of Ferrari World. Ferrari World attraction is the world’s largest indoor theme park to enjoy superfast rides and entertainments at leisure. Starting with FORMULA ROSSA, the Formula One-themed coaster that’s one of the park’s best-known attractions where we sit in a capsule and feel the G-Force as we rocket up to 170 feet (52 meters) at almost 150 mph (240 kmph) before plunging around the hair-raising chicanes and steep drops. It is the planet’s fastest coaster and it is indeed the most adventurous ride which will give me a serious adrenaline rush! I would also like to take the SCUDERIA CHALLENGE where I will put my racing skills to the test with this state of the art simulator and try to top the best lap times. Next would browse the stores to pick up some amazing Ferrari-branded gifts as mementos.

Pic Credentials : www.pinterest.com

6. Evening Desert Safari & Dinner Under The Stars : Abu Dhabi has a vast desert area & taking a safari-style adventure ride is next on my list. Riding across the traversing undulating sand hills is a task and I am really excited to go on this bumpy ride. Also I would love to take a short camel ride across the desert and experience the desert mode of commuting. Next I would go for a adrenaline rushing experience which is must to while in Abu Dhabi is the SANDBOARDING. I haven't tried sandboarding before but will give my best to balance while I go down the dunes and if I cannot balance then will be ready to take a free fall on the sands because it wont hurt :) After this adventure activities as the dusk falls,I would relax at the campsite and watch the excellent traditional folk dance performance called TANOURA while feasting on a delicious barbecue dinner with soft drinks under the stars. Last would be the evening’s lovely grand finale with a live belly-dancing performance around the campfir and end this lovely safari tour for the day.

Pic Credentials : www.pinterest.com

7. Dhow Cruise Tour Across The Marina : Cruise experiences are always memorable and boarding a traditional, double decker Arabian dhow while we glide down the Abu Dhabi coastline is next on the list. Enjoy the stunning views of the capital's skyline, palaces, an island and the Marina Creek. Once the dhow slips away from dock and sets sail onto the calm marina waters we soak in the pleasant sea breezes and take in the views of the Marina Mall shopping complex and Marina Eye Ferris Wheel and enjoy the gentle Arabic music being played in the background. Gazing the vast Emirates Palace hotel and admire the widescreen views of the Corniche beach and glass towers and skyscrapers rising up from behind the sands & also sail by the beaches, dunes and palm groves of Lulu Island an artificial island off the Corniche. Just amazing sights to capture while we sail across the sea and an experience to remember for lifetime.. 

Pic Credentials : www.flickr.com

8. Experiencing Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi : The Abu Dhabi Country Club has the only indoor skydiving facility in Abu Dhabi and its called SPACEWALK. It’s an opportunity to experience the pure exhilaration of a freefall and skydiving without jumping out of an airplane or using a parachute keeping the fear of heights out of context.The thrill of skydiving and free-fall doesn’t get easier than this indoor skydive activity so its time to mark off things from the bucket list while I visit Abu Dhabi.

Pic Credentials : www.flickr.com

While I have shared the experiences I would like to tick off from my next Abu Dhabi trip, you can find some best packages with TUI India at https://www.tui.in/package/tuiristic-yas They have got some amazing deals for Abu Dhabi which really matches my list of #AbuDhabiBucketList
 
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