Business Traveller (Middle East)
24 HOURS... IN ABU DHABI
A diverse destination awaits, with the UAE capital offering everything from culture and nature to theme parks and desert fun
From culture and nature to adventure, the emirate has it all
For the modern-day traveller visiting a destination for either business or leisure, diversity of attractions, venues, hotels, restaurants and landscapes, is hugely appealing. With three distinct ‘destinations’ in just one emirate, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offers experiential diversity in abundance. Whether you want to explore a treasure trove of culture and heritage, embark on a journey of gastronomical indulgence, or simply get away from the hustle and bustle at a luxury beachside resort – or in the vast desert – the emirate, the largest in the UAE, fits the bill perfectly.
If you’re dropping by for just 24 hours, either alone, with colleagues, or with your family, you are spoiled for choice with
Abu Dhabi offering world-class hotels, immaculate beaches, delicious and authentic dining options, rich history and culture and thrilling entertainment activities and cultural attractions galore. Here are a few themed itineraries to help you make the most of a quick trip to Abu Dhabi.
For culture enthusiasts
Abu Dhabi’s symbolic birthplace, Qasr al Hosn ( qasralhosn.ae), is Abu Dhabi’s first permanent structure, once home to the emirate’s ruling Al Nahyan family. A permanent exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the city’s oldest building.
Open since November 2017, Louvre
Abu Dhabi was born by an agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France. The museum, designed by Jean Nouvel and inspired by the UAE’s palm groves, displays art, manuscripts, and objects of historical, cultural, and sociological significance. Spanning millennia, the items on display originate from societies and cultures all over the world, but universal themes and common influences are highlighted to illustrate similarities arising from shared human experiences transcending geography, nationality and history.
One of the world’s largest mosques,
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque captures unique interactions between Islam and world cultures. Sheikh Zayed’s vision for the Grand Mosque was to incorporate architectural styles from different Muslim civilisations and celebrate cultural diversity by creating a haven that is truly diverse and inspirational.
For thrill seekers and families
Packed with some of the most famous and iconic characters in the world, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi ( wbworldabudhabi.com) features six immersive lands including DC’s Metropolis and Gotham City, as well as Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza. The sprawling theme park boasts 29 state-of-the-art thrill rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, and unique live entertainment, as well as a variety of dining and shopping outlets. It’s guaranteed fun for fans of Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote, the Flintstones and Scooby-Doo.
There’s fast and furious fun for all ages at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
( ferrariworldabudhabi.com) on Yas Island. The expansive indoor theme park is home to more than 20 exhilarating rides and attractions, including Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller-coaster, which reaches speeds of up to 240kmph.
Splash down in Abu Dhabi with a trip to Yas Waterworld ( yaswaterworld.com), a water park with 45 rides, slides, and attractions – ideal for children, and big kids, of all ages. Surf the world’s largest sheet wave, Bubble’s Barrel, drop through a 20-metrehigh funnel in a six-person raft on Dawama, or soak up Arabia’s longest suspended rollercoaster, the Bandit Bomber.