April – May 2016

Abu Dhabi, Wrapped in White Marble and DESSERT Sand!

Well hello there…

There are trips you plan, and then there are trips that simply happen to you. My journey to Abu Dhabi fell beautifully into the second category. When my partner was scheduled for a business trip to the UAE’s golden capital, I immediately volunteered as the very enthusiastic plus-one.

I had already experienced Dubai’s glittering spectacle once before, but Abu Dhabi had always intrigued me on a different level. Where Dubai dazzles with skyscrapers and showmanship, Abu Dhabi whispers stories of tradition, culture, and a quieter kind of luxury. More authentic, more soulful, at least that’s what I had heard, and I was eager to find out for myself.

So off we went, trading Belgium’s spring chill for Arabian heat, ready to discover a city where shimmering skylines meet timeless tradition.

Practical Wisdom

Abu Dhabi is one of the easiest Middle Eastern cities to navigate: modern, welcoming and incredibly safe.

✈️ Getting There & Airport Transfers

We flew Qatar Airways from Brussels with a smooth connection in Doha.

  • A taxi into the city takes 25–35 minutes.

  • If you prefer an eco-friendly option, the Abu Dhabi Airport Express Bus connects the airport directly with the city centre.

🚕 Getting Around

  • Taxis remain the fastest and most convenient option.

  • Careem and Uber operate widely.

  • The city is expanding its air-conditioned pedestrian walkways, great for short distances.

  • Buses are affordable but slower.

  • On Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, complimentary shuttle services run to major attractions.

💸 Money, Tipping & Practicalities

  • Tipping is not mandatory, but 10% for good service is appreciated.

  • Restaurants often add a service charge automatically, check before tipping extra.

  • Weekends run Friday–Sunday since the UAE changed its workweek in 2022.

🍷 Alcohol Rules

You can drink alcohol in Abu Dhabi, but only in licensed hotels, bars, restaurants, beach clubs, or private homes.

  • Public drinking is illegal.

  • You no longer need a personal alcohol license as a tourist.

  • Always carry ID — some venues require you to prove you’re over 21.

🕌 Religious & Cultural Habits

Abu Dhabi is modern, but Islamic traditions guide daily life:

  • Dress modestly in mosques and traditional areas (shoulders and knees covered).

  • During prayer times, you’ll hear the beautifully melodic adhan (call to prayer).

  • During Ramadan, eating and drinking in public during daylight hours is more sensitive, though rules have relaxed in recent years — many restaurants discreetly stay open.

  • Public displays of affection should be minimal.

Respecting these customs isn’t restrictive — it’s part of what makes visiting such a culturally rich experience.

The Tourist Hotspots (with 2025 must-sees added)

In 2025, Abu Dhabi’s skyline is taller, its cultural offering richer, and its nature experiences more accessible than ever.

  • Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
    Still the city’s crown jewel. The vast white marble, the chandeliers, the reflective pools — it remains one of the most magnificent mosques in the world. Certainly the most beautiful one I ever witnessed!

  • The Palace of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
    The historic palace in Al Ain — Sheikh Zayed’s home from the 1930s to 1966, is now a museum where visitors can wander through its courtyards, family rooms, and traditional majlis. Inside, you’ll find exhibits that highlight Emirati daily life and leadership, along with cultural elements such as a Bedouin-style hospitality tent and a Land Rover reminiscent of those Sheikh Zayed used to travel among desert communities.

  • Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental
    Whether you go for a gold-flaked cappuccino or to walk through its marble corridors, this hotel is a living postcard of Arabian luxury.

  • Yas Island
    Home to Ferrari World, Warner Bros World, Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina Circuit. A must for families and thrill-seekers. The new SeaWorld Yas Island is a major hit, the region’s first marine life research and entertainment centre.