When talking about the United Arab Emirates, it is often Dubai that steals the spotlight, but the capital city of Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. I graduated from LAS In 2022 and now as a third year law student at NYU Abu Dhabi, I find time to sing with my band and explore all the city has to offer. While we all love Switzerland, I will argue that a visit to Abu Dhabi might be a pleasant surprise. Let's explore Abu Dhabi, a captivating destination that promises to resonate with every traveler.

Culture

Saadiyat Island is the perfect place to discover Arabic culture, traditions, religion, and history. Stay at the St. Regis Hotel, with its infinite beaches, fine dining, and golf course, and find yourself in a peaceful neighborhood just steps from the cultural district. You might even spot an Arabian sand gazelle!

Within walking distance is Manarat Al Saadiyat, an exhibition center that hosts cultural events, music shows, workshops, and exhibitions. In December (the best time to visit the UAE), Manarat presents the Arabian Days Festival, where you can explore Arabic culture through art installations, film screenings, and performances.

Next to Manarat is the Berklee Abu Dhabi campus, which offers a range of workshops, concerts, and open mics—anyone can join in the fun! I find music to be a great way to discover a new culture, share traditions, and make friends—I even met my now bandmates at an open mic event!

Another university campus that serves the wider community is New York University Abu Dhabi. The NYUAD Arts Center is open to the public and hosts dance, music, and theater performances. Each year, the Arts Center hosts Hekayah, an event which showcases music and art from the region. 

A do-not-miss experience is the Louvre Abu Dhabi with its beautiful waterfront setting and stunning architecture (including a latticework dome inspired by traditional Islamic design). In a departure from traditional museums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi does not focus on a single culture or region but instead takes a universal approach to art, with a collection spanning thousands of years that showcases human creativity from cultures across the globe. The thoughtfully curated galleries are organized around concepts like humanity, power, and spirituality, and interactive workshops, guided tours, and programming for families encourages an immersive cultural experience. 

Also on Saadiyat Island, you will find Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center (an iconic cultural landmark), and the Abrahamic Family House. With a mosque, church, and synagogue, the Abrahamic Family House welcomes people from all walks of life to exchange knowledge and practice faith—a representation of the UAE’s dedication to tolerance, open-mindedness, and understanding.

Food

On Saadiyat Island, the seafront street Mamsha Al Saadiyat is full of restaurants offering delicious cuisines from Lebanese to American to Arabic. My favorite is Niri, a Japanese restaurant-bar for seafood lovers and exquisite cocktails. At Ting Irie you can enjoy live music and open mic performances to accompany your Jamaican meal.

A drive into the city will bring you to the Observation Deck on the 74th floor of the Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. From here, you have a 360 view of the skyline from the highest vantage point in the city and can enjoy delicious coffee or light refreshments. 

A few other spots to catch a bird’s-eye-view of Abu Dhabi are Azura Panoramic Lounge (a modern restaurant) and Stratos Revolving Lounge & Bar, located on the 25th floor of the Le Royal Méridien hotel on Khalifa Street and providing a unique dining experience with a rotating platform that allows guests to enjoy ever-changing vistas.

For an upscale dining experience, I have a few recommendations: Zuma Abu Dhabi (Japanese); Nusr-et Steakhouse; Byblos Sur Mer (Lebanese); La Petite Maison–LPM (French & Mediterranean); Penelope’s (French Riviera jazz club); and Cipriani (Italian).

But if you want to enjoy traditional local food, pop up to the Karam counter at Galleria Mall and order: karak (traditional chai drink), shish taouk (grilled chicken skewers) with cheese manakeesh. Karam at Galleria Mall is always my first stop after I land back in Abu Dhabi!

Activities

Although Abu Dhabi is technically a desert, you can escape to the Sir Bani Yas Island Nature Reserve for an incredible wildlife adventure amidst lush greenery. For a breath of fresh air, head to Jubail Mangrove Walking Park, where you can stroll through the vibrant mangroves and rejuvenate your lungs with the enriching oxygen that surrounds you. 

For adventure seekers and sport enthusiasts, visit Ferrari World and its adventure park or enjoy a visit to Yas Marina Circuit—you might even catch the annual Abu Dhabi Formula 1 race! Etihad Arena on Yas Island features not only grandiose concerts and ceremonies, but also UFC Fights and NBA League basketball games—a must visit!

To enrich your understanding of the history and development of the UAE, visit Qasr Al Watar Palace and Emirates Palace. 

Conclude your trip by relaxing at The Bridge Wellness Hub, with its gym, spa, restaurant, juice bar, nutrition corner, concept store, outdoor activities, arts and culture spaces, as well as social and learning programmes.

And finally, do not forget to visit Boomah, the Owl Café where you can have a cup of coffee while you visit with a dozen owls. As a souvenir, take home some famous Dubai chocolate (filled with kadayif and pistachio). 

Maa Al Salama! (Peace be with you/goodbye in Arabic)

 

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