Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, both the name of an island city and the emirate surrounding it, is the capital and center of government for the United Arab Emirates. As home to just less than 1.5 million people, the emirate’s oil wealth helped rapidly transform Abu Dhabi into the modern, leading and cosmopolitan metropolis it is today.

GETTING THERE & AROUND

Award-winning Abu Dhabi International Airport serves the emirate with direct flights to a number of destinations on a variety of airlines. Etihad, the flag carrier, offers first- and business-class passengers free Etihad Chauffeur Service to and from the airport. Air-conditioned, reliable and affordable bus service is available from all three terminals, making all stops into the city. A 45-minute, one-way trip costs about $1.15. Rental cars, rideshares and taxis are also on offer. Get around the emirate easily with those same options: car, rideshare, taxis and buses.

LODGING

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island

This Turkish brand offers “all-inclusive, all-exclusive” luxury resort accommodations on the white sands of Saadiyat Island, in convenient proximity to the island’s cultural highlights, including Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Al Sa’Diyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 492 2222 rixos.com

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Inspired by the nearby Arabian Gulf, Rosewood Abu Dhabi boasts 189 guestrooms and suites alongside the signature Sense, a Rosewood Spa. Each of its eight dining concepts features its own distinct character and ambience.

Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 813 5550 rosewoodhotels.com

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche

Arabian hospitality meets 100 years of the hallmark St. Regis tradition at this luxury hotel, with access to the private Nation Riviera Beach Club and located near Nation Galleria Mall, other attractions and a number of embassies.

Nation Tower, Corniche Road, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 694 4444 marriott.com

Divine Beauty:

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

PHOTO: © PATRYK KOSMIDER | DREAMSTIME.COM

DINING

Oak Room

Dubbed “quintessential, considered and modern,” Oak Room also boasts British rock ‘n’ roll flavor alongside excellent produce and “the best beef in the world.” Prepare for an elevated dining experience, indeed.

The Abu Dhabi Edition, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 208 0000 oakroomabudhabi.com

Sontaya

Sontaya, meaning “sunset” in Thai, exudes romance with its alfresco location among floating pavilions overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. And the Southeast Asian cuisine shines alongside the ambience.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 498 8088 sontayaabudhabi.com

Tean

For a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, try the grilled, spiced meats and seafood prepared in the traditional Levantine way at Tean. Open-air dining complements menu items like Greek seabass and dajaj kabsa.

Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort, Al Sa’Diyat, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 811 4444 jumeirah.com ATTRACTIONS

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Get an intimate look at the culture of falconry in Abu Dhabi with the hospital’s Falcon World Tour. The guided experience includes visits to the falconry museum, an exam room, the free-flight aviary and more. Snap a photo with a majestic falcon perched on your arm.

Sweihan Road, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 575 5155 falconhospital.com

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Get your motor running with Ferrari-fueled fun at the mostly indoor amusement park with 40 rides and experiences. Among them: the world’s fastest roller coaster, the world’s highest non-inverted loop and a zero-gravity fall.

Yas Island, Yas Leisure Drive, Yas West, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 60 051 1115 ferrari worldabudhabi.com

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Take a complimentary cultural tour of the country’s largest mosque, built 1996–2007 with the ability to house 40,000 worshippers. Visitors will marvel at the exquisite design, which includes — among many highlights — marble mosaics, the largest carpet in the world and seven imported chandeliers.

Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street and Fifth Street, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, tel 971 2 419 1919 szgmc.gov.ae