Abu Dhabi

Extremists will find their fill of adventure and heritage in the desert, where dunes invite one of the most adrenaline generating 4x4 terrains in the world. The open landscape allows you to gather the kind of speed other territories disallow. Drivers are free to travel great distances at pulse-racing speeds. The challenge involved in combatting the dunes offers all the thrills a midlife crisis craves. If you prefer physical sports, sand boarding and camel rides let you race across the dunes from a more intimate distance. Within two hours, you will have navigated from the capital to Dubai. An overnight stop offers the chance to be painted with Henna and mesmerized by belly dancers.   

Holidays in Abu Dhabi do not omit Dubai’s tendency to offer the biggest, tallest, richest and most dramatic structures. The capital is home to the world’s largest port, and one of the most thrilling formula one circuits in the world. In keeping with Dubai’s penchant for bling, chefs are unafraid of coating their cuisine in gold. Whilst it is possible for earthy tourists to enjoy more authentic holidays in Abu Dhabi, the city’s character cannot be experienced in its entirety without coming head to head with some of its grandiose facets. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque owns the biggest hand knotted carpet on the globe, but it is its domes and courtyards that create the most dramatic impression. The building can house 40 000 worshippers, and when it is at its fullest, the courtyards come alive with the buzz that naturally comes with grand hordes. The building's palettes of gold and ivory transform at night when the lunar lighting takes over. 

Whilst the capital doesn’t try to contend with the seven star luxury of Dubai, it does offer a five star Abu Dhabi hotel that has its own Formula 1 racing track. The Yas hotel Abu Dhabi is an attraction in itself, bringing in travelers curious to discover the thrill of its world class Grand Prix circuit, which can be observed with all the home comforts your private room offers. The track is huddled within the futuristic Yas Island, which takes you into a fantastical world worthy of your wildest dreams. The development offers 1700 hectares of amusement, entertainment and luxury. Waterworld provides you with 43 ways to get the adrenaline pumping through watery rides built according to the theme of a local legend. Spiral, plunge and coast along on slides, rides and roller coasters that cover 15 hectares of land. Yas Island attracts more than its fair share of musicians and rock stars, too. 

More than 90% of the capital is a desert biome, with populations gathering on only 30% of its land. Typical of this biome, the climate is arid and hot throughout the year.  

Between June and September humidity and heat chase inhabitants indoors to their hotels in Abu Dhabi in search of cooler temperatures. In July temperatures climb to a maximum of 48 degrees Celsius. Sandstorms whip up the desert during these months. Between November and March the winter pushes temperatures down to an average of 35 degrees, and humidity drops. 

Spring Heritage

Spring comes with temperatures tolerable enough for outdoor activities , so tourists hit the streets in search of Abu Dhabi's authentic character, which can be found in its heritage and the contemporary lifestyles of its citizens. The capital's essence is starkly demonstrated through the annual camel beauty pageant held in Madinat Zayed. A flurry of trucks, tanks and 4x4s bring the show stopping stars to the encampment. Whilst the main event takes place in December, it is the smaller contests held throughout the year that create the greatest spectacle. The ultimate camel beauty queen has straight ears, floppy lips and tall legs. With her flawless features, the top stunner wins her owner $1 million. 

Arts and Architecture

  On your summer holiday in Abu Dhabi you will be treated to magnificent examples of modern architecture striking enough to amaze even the most seasoned Dubai traveler. The capital’s economy may be oil-centred, but its local art communities are carving their own place next to the world’s most eclectic capitals, such as Paris and New York.     The Saadiyat Cultural District is the hub of Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity, representing the global arts world through exhibitions, museums and architecture which offer some welcome indoor cultural tourism opportunities for those evading midday temperatures. Air conditioned malls are a magnet for tourists and locals alike when the mercury rises. 

Autumn

  In October the weather begins to cool down, and locals congregate at the sandy beaches in the mornings. Even in winter, midday brings intense heat, which necessitates some water sports to cool down. A splash of jet skiing is the perfect midday pastime. When on an autumn holiday Abu Dhabi visitors are treated to leisurely trips through the city taken by foot and on double decker buses.     Gastronomers can find champagne and caviar at the Sayad, which serves cuisine fine enough to make committed foodies weep with joy. Those who have tasted truffles and know the meaning of joie gras feel at home with menus built on Pacific Rim and Asian flavours. Sayad is only one of Corniche road's many attractions. The eight kilometer stretch takes you past marinas, clubs and boardwalks which are traditionally traversed using pedal power. Rented bicycles cater for three passengers, and can be hired at various stations along the coast. 

Climbing the Social Ladder

  Your Abu Dhabi holiday in winter is the ideal opportunity to participate in the capital's climb to the top of the fashion calendar. Fashion week happens in March, bringing international and local designers together in a spectacular demonstration of the UAE's sophisticated design talent. This event has taken abayas onto international ramps as an iconic representation of the Middle East's couture renaissance. Families prefer booking into Abu Dhabi hotels during the winter because it allows them to get out and about without the intolerable heat the rest of the year brings.   The Formula 1 track is opened to runners and cyclists on Tuesday nights. The Zoo al Rahbah lets you approach animals up close. For a wilder experience, the Bu Tinah Nature Reserve has 4000 km of diverse biosphere to explore. Rare marine creatures such as the dunong and hawksbill turtle can be spotted in their natural habitat.