24hrs in Abu Dhabi

Marhaba!

I’m not sure if you’ve noticed my theme here lately, but, in honoring Ramadan, I’m continuing with travel posts that highlight Gulf countries (Bahrain, Oman, and United Arab Emirates). 

Today, we’re going back to Abu Dhabi.  Chris and I visited the capital of the United Arab Emirates in 2015 during our first year living in Bahrain. We actually went during the American Independence Day weekend, which happened to be during the Holy Month of Ramadan, our first time experiencing that holiday. We only stayed for two days.

So, this review is “short and sweet” as we didn’t do much.  It was pretty hot out, most things were closed in the day, and our purpose for visiting was so that Chris could take an exam only offered in that country.  

That said, here’s our little Abu Dhabi highlight Reel. 

VIBE

Ok, I’m posting this out of order, because we went to Dubai before Abu Dhabi. But, I can easily say that Abu Dhabi reminds me of Dubai’s older, less flashy but still fly cousin or sibling.

Again, we were there during Ramadan. If and when we return, we might have a totally different perspective, but as of this post, I felt like Abu Dhabi didn’t need to prove itself to anyone, nor did it feel like showing off to attract friends and favor. 

WHERE TO STAY

We stayed at the Rotana Beach Abu Dhabi. It’s a nice hotel with a view of the island area and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.  It’s also co-located in a mall, which allows for shopping during your stay and the bonus protection of not having to be outside for too long if you decide to walk to the mall from your hotel. 

We also enjoyed waterfront views and a pool area. I spent most of my day outside reading a book (I believe it was “1984”) and working on my tan. 

WHERE TO EAT

The hotel itself had a restaurant, though it was shrouded in black cloth. It almost felt like going into a tent, but I was super hungry and nothing else was open. I enjoyed a salad and a slice of pecan pie since the kitchen and staff weren’t at work to cook anything off the menu. 

We experienced our first Ramadan Iftar dinner at Le Meridien. It was sensational with a lot going on, including busy and bouncy kids. But it was an experience nonetheless. I dressed up in a green kaftan, but felt overdressed when we arrived because everyone else was chill and comfortable in their clothes. 

The area mall also has a food court with a lot of dining  options. 

THINGS TO DO

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.  This mosque is breathtaking. It’s massive, blindingly white and contains the world’s largest handwoven rug and one of the largest chandelier. It’s also heavenly in appearance as it reminds me of a lot of white, billowy clouds. Some could even compare it to the Taj Mahal and the sultan’s palace in the Disney Movie Aladdin. Though the Taj Mahal is a tomb and the city of Agrabah is fictional. 

Either way, it’s magical and ornate.  We went during Ramadan and were lucky to have access. As with all mosques that I’d been in at that point, women and men were required to go through separate entrances, where women entered a space to get an abaya and hijab to cover up while on site. 

It wasn’t too crowded during our visit, which was mid-day and we did take a cab to get there. I will say that it was very hot out AND that made wearing the covering a little uncomfortable at times. BUT we’d be sweating without it. 

You also have to remember that this is a mosque and a holy site, so public displays of affection and specifically selfies with kissing were prohibited. 

There’s this interesting spot called the World Trade Center Mall and indoor souq. We ventured out that way for a few hours on our last day. It was nice and to be honest a great relief from the heat. A few of the shops were open and we walked around, window shopping until hailing a cab back to the hotel and eventually to the airport to catch our flight. 

On our first full night, we walked the Corniche area at the waterfront near our hotel. This was peaceful, somewhat romantic, but definitely a chance to get air and see the city in its stillness. 

One thing I wish we had done, but didn’t have the time to explore, was visit the Emirates Palace.  It’ll have to be on our future, extended trip. 

I will say, one of my highlights on this trip was breaking the Ramadan fast on our flight with a special Iftar inspired dinner and the call to prayer played over the loudspeakers. It was not only a first, but a treat. 

So have you been to Abu Dhabi? If so, let me know your favorite memories about your trip in the comments below.