Attractions New & Old in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi represents an exciting and surprising destination blessed with gorgeous weather and a wide range of activities.
Whether you are looking for sporting, cultural or entertaining things to do there is plenty to keep you busy in the desert.
Abu Dhabi is a city of contrasts; on one hand you have many traditional buildings constructed using Arabic styles such as the Grand Mosque and the other is the modern, futuristic Abu Dhabi.
Its foreshore, the Corniche runs for 6 km along the city's coast and is populated with plenty of green parklands, fountains and outdoor cafés where people take a rest from the desert heat and enjoy the views.
This is a popular area and houses a replica desert oasis, the heritage village and modern air-conditioned Marina Mall, shopping centre.
There is also the rambling expanse of the beach, which for a small entrance fee you can gain access to the shaded umbrellas and soft warm sand.
Ferrari World - Ferrari Rossa Roller Coaster One of the newest attractions in Abu Dhabi has been built on the excitement generated by hosting the Etihad Airways 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Ferrari World experience "Formula Rossa" is the fastest roller coaster ride on the planet and you reach 240 km per hour at some points.
There are a number of 3D and virtual rides as well where you get to try out driving with the stars and taking a virtual trip around Italy.
The Ferrari World site also possesses the largest collection of Ferraris outside the company's home at Maranello.
There are a number of tour operators and you can sample the fun of taking a desert safari in a 4x4 and have a go at dune skiing.
You can enjoy yourself on a canoeing trip around the nearby mangrove swamps or take a helicopter or light aircraft flights across the breathtaking landscape.
Why not try exploring the areas waterways, coastline and islands in a speedboat, or a luxury sea cruiser, while the big bus offer tours around the city.
Around Abu Dhabi you will also find many examples of local traditions, craft and cultural expression.
There are many curios shops and galleries brimming with locally produced embroidery work, pottery, woven shawls and handmade baskets.
Competitions and exhibitions are a regular feature to show off the traditional skills and ancestral arts that have been passed down through the centuries.
Gallery One and the Folklore Gallery are two excellent places to visit and see the diversity and skills the people of the United Arab Emirates have.
The Barakat Gallery specialises in art from around the world and in its collection has pieces from China, Africa, Greece and Rome.
It also includes many different items such as coins, sculptures, jewellery and ancient pottery.
One of the greatest collections can be found at the Al Ain National Museum, this is part of the fort of Sultan Bin Zayed at the oasis of Al Ain.
Here you can see many items found in the Hili Gardens nearby, along with collections of daggers, swords and a golden palm.
This is also the location for the Al Ain Palace Museum, which holds the vast collection of artefacts and treasures collected by the ruling family over many years.