For outdoor types
If your guest is one of those insufferable types with too much energy to burn, tire them out with these sporty activities
Speed though the waves: Fast, maneuverable and relatively cheap to hire, it’s no wonder Jet Skis are one of the most popular ways to explore the turquoise waters surrounding the capital. Empros is one of the most reputable firms out there for this job.
Empros (02 673 6600)
Play a legend’s golf course: With nine major championship victories, Gary Player is one of the golfing greats. His beachside course on Saadiyat Island is regarded as one of the best in the region, and is one any visitor who enjoys knocking dimpled balls around will want to play.
Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island (02 557 8000)
Almost drown for fun: Free diving – sort of like scuba-diving, minus the oxygen tank and flippers – is not for the faint hearted. Still, the city’s clear and deep waters are perfectly suited to aquatic thrill-seeking, so you’d be foolish (or very sensible, depending on your point of view) to miss out.
Free Diving UAE www.freedivinguae.com
Shoot your visitors: Just when your guests are getting bored of the beach and you’re kind of wishing they’d leave, take out your aggression by blasting them with paint pellets at the Armed Forces Officers Club’s paintballing centre.
Armed Forces Officers Club (02 441 5900)
Kitesurf like a pro: Take watersports to the extreme and try your hand at kite surfing. What could be more fun than letting the wind pull you along the Gulf’s glittering waters at high speed while your feet are strapped to a small surfboard?
Abu Dhabi Public Beach (050 562 6383)
Paddle through a jungle: The mangrove swamps that surround the city are a tranquil paradise that’s best explored by kayak, so book a tour and you’ll be transported to a peaceful world that feels a million miles away from the hectic, traffic-laden melee that is downtown
Abu Dhabi. Noukhada Adventure Company (050 721 8928)
For youngsters
Your friends have arrived with their little angels in tow. To stop them driving you up the wall, try these suggestions to keep them amused
See some cute animals: The country’s biggest zoo is also the best. It’s home to plenty of exotic animals, including a pair of rare white lions and a colony of meerkats.
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, www.awpr.ae (03 782 8188)
Take a trip through time: Quite why it’s known as the Maritime Museum, we don’t know, but one of Khalifa Park’s biggest draws is the time tunnel train ride, where you sit on a monorail and glide by a procession of waxworks detailing the 7,000-year history of Abu Dhabi. Best of all, the experience will only cost adults Dhs3, while children go for free.
Maritime Museum, Khalifa Park
Visit a chocolate factory: Okay, so it’s not strictly the kind of place Willie Wonka would control, but this fancy café makes its own chocolate and if you have kids in tow it will keep them entertained while you sip on a latte.
Chocolate Gallery, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3238)
Take a magical Ride: Another great one for families, Abra Ride starts at the Shangri-La and sails all the way up to the playground at Traders Hotel. Factor in half an hour on the swings, and the whole experience can take up a kid-friendly hour and a half – perfect for a lazy winter’s evening. It’s free, too, though the drivers appreciate a tip.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Play war games: At the back of Wanasa Land, Strike Zone looks like the barren, industrialised set of a Robocop movie, and is like Laser Quest and paintball combined. Armed with touch-sensitive chest shields, headgear, and a gun that shoots rubber pellets, your aim is to be the last player standing in a close-range fight to the death.
Al Wadha Mall (02 443 7654)
For food lovers
If your overseas friend just wants to stuff their face, these dining locations won’t fail to impress them
Sample the best curries outside India: Abu Dhabi’s massive sub-continental population means Indian fare is one of the shining lights of the city’s dining scene. One of our favourites, Ruchi, is a great stop for a tasty meal at a bargain price.
Ruchi, behind Hamdan Street, Tourist Club Area (02 679 5679)
Taste the city’s best food: Having been crowned Restaurant of the Year at TOAD’s 2010 Restaurant Awards, French eatery Bord Eau is a must-visit for those with an appetite for the finer things in life. The menu is ever-changing, but keep your selections animal-based and you’ll leave pleased.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (509 8888)
Have a classy barbecue: Barbecue Al Qasr is a high-end beachside restaurant that serves up the finest grilled meats in town. It can’t be beaten if you want to give your guests a fantastical Arabia-like-it-is-in-the-movies experience. Barbecue
Al Qasr, Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999)
Have a camel coffee: Your guests will be suitably impressed by the opulent surrounds of Emirates Palace – a must-visit. And what better way to wash down a decadent gold-topped cake than with a camel milk cappuccino? Open daily 6.30pm-1am.
Le Café, Emirates Palace (02 690 9000)
Drink from a chocolate fountain: Feast on a colossal array of culinary delights at Sofra BLD’s brunch – officially the best in the capital after winning the coveted Time Out Abu Dhabi Best Brunch 2010 award.
Sofra BLD, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Chow down on a metre of pizza: You can actually order a 100cm long pizza without raising eyebrows here. Whether you eat it all yourself or not is up to you.
Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi (02 621 0000)
Try Emirati food: Mezlai, the recently opened fine- dining eatery at Emirates Palace, is one of the only places serving Emirati food in the capital. Whether the dishes are to your taste or not, it’s worth visiting should your guest want to see what local food is all about.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 7999)
Spin for your supper: Abu Dhabi boasts two revolving restaurants, one of which is decidedly poor. Al Fanar is the one that isn’t, and is best visited for Friday brunch, where Dhs220 gets you a fantastic buffet, free-flowing bubbly and one of the very best views in the whole city. Al Fanar,
Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020)
Scoff celebrity-endorsed meat: If you’re the sort who wouldn’t dream of touching food that’s not been rubber-stamped by someone who’s been on TV for at least five minutes, get yourself down to Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, which is owned by the volatile British chef himself.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (02 654 3333)
Eat at a legendary restaurant: The city is littered with decent Middle Eastern restaurants, but few are as well loved as Lebanese Flower. Get there in the early evening and grab a table outside. Fill said table until the legs buckle – the only shock will be the great quality and dirt-cheap prices.
Lebanese Flower, Defense Road (02 645 6338)
For thrill-seekers
Should they want to get their adrenaline levels up while holidaying in Abu Dhabi, look no further than this list
Scale a giant dune: Tel Moreeb means scary mountain in Arabic, and, rising 120m at a 50 degree angle, it’s an intimidating sight.
The dune, located near Liwa Oasis, is the highest in the UAE and will definitely impress visitors.
Experience face-warping G-force: Formula Rossa – the star attraction at Yas Island’s recently opened Ferrari World – is the fastest roller coaster on the planet. You’ll scream like a banshee as it rattles to a halt, but forget social awkwardness – this is one white-knuckle ride that’s worth every single second of expletive-ridden terror.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 496 8001)
Drive up a mountain: The giant mountain near Al Ain is not the highest in the country, but is one of the most impressive. There’s a winding road right up to the top, which is a perfect spot to watch the sun set over the surrounding flat deserts.
Go karting: Inevitably, Yas Marina Circuit now has a mini track for budding Lewis Hamiltons. Go karting is not as easy as it looks, with plenty depending on your height and weight, as well as your driving skills. The bulkier you are, the more the engine has to work to keep you on track – that’s why you never saw the late Barry White on the podium.
Yas Marina Circuit (02 410 0888)
Bash some dunes: We’re not sure that bellydancing was ever an Emirati pastime, but what the heck – a Bedu tent under the desert sky with shisha and a dancing maiden seems to be what the tourists book in for. The highlight of the trip for thrill-seekers, though, will be the white-knuckle 4×4 ride though the dunes.
Arabian Adventures (02 691 1711)
Drive like Lewis Hamilton: When the F1 circus isn’t in town, Yas Marina Circuit opens its doors to those looking for an authentic adrenaline fix. Either borrow one of the circuit’s cars – the Aston Martin GT4s look particularly tempting – or bring your own wheels.
Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island www.yasmarinacircuit.com
Pretend you’re a pilot: Few of us possess the steely nerve and reassuring voice to make it as a genuine airline pilot, but that needn’t mean you can’t enjoy the super high-tech Muthaida flight simulator at Al Bateen Airport, where the fully operational cockpit of a Boeing 747-400 is yours to play with.
Mutahida Airways, Al Bateen Airport (02 412 2222)
Float like a leaf in a breeze: What with this being the twenty-first century, a fear of heights needn’t get in the way of the mind-blowing, euphoric experience of skydiving. Thanks to some truly world-class facilities (essentially, a big fan in a tube) you can enjoy all the adrenaline with none of the altitude, right here in the capital.
Spacewalk Indoor Skydiving, Abu Dhabi Country Club (02 657 7777)
For wannabe high-rollers
They’ve fallen for the hype and think everyone in the UAE lives like a Sheikh. Don’t destroy your visitors’ illusion, treat them to these costly activities
Withdraw gold: An ATM machine that dispenses bars of gold? Yeah, we thought Emirates Palace was pulling our leg when they announced this. But it’s real, and is sure fire way to impress visitors from overseas with the level of luxuriousness that exists in Abu Dhabi.
Try out an aristocratic sport: Just because you don’t own several castles or a ridiculous miniature dog needn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good game of polo. In the cooler months especially, this horseback pursuit makes for an excellent day out, so sling a V-neck jumper over your shoulders and get watching.
Ghantoot Racing & Polo Club (02 562 9050)
Enjoy some seven-star luxury: You’ll have to dig deep for a night at Emirates Palace, with the cheapest rooms costing Dhs1,600 a night. To stay in a luxury suite, add a zero to this price, but you do get your own personal butler.
Emirates Palace, Ras Al Akhdar (02 690 9000)
Pretend you’re an A-lister: Nothing says luxury like an inifinity pool, and Poolbar at the Shangri-La is the prettiest in the city. Just don’t drop your lemonade in the water while you admire the sights.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (02 509 8888)
Get a bird’s eye view: Having your own helicopter is a sign of being truly rich, but if you don’t have this kind of credit rating, hop on one of Falcon Aviation’s tours of the city. Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are particularly awe-inspiring when viewed from above.
Falcon Aviation (02 444 8866)
For party people
If your guests are here to let loose, these places will quench their indulgent spirit
Drink in Dhabi’s coolest bar: If you’ve only got time to visit one bar, make sure it’s this one. The sofa-stuffed upstairs terrace is a superbly chilled place to relax in by day, but once the sun sets, it’s one of the hottest party spots in the capital.
Pearls & Caviar, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Bain Al Jessrain (02 509 8888)
Watch some bobbing boats: After a hectic day’s sight-seeing, we recommend stopping off at the InterCon’s Yacht Club for a refreshing pick-me-up. Sipping on a fruit mixer while watching the boats bob away in the marina recreates a perfect holiday vibe.
Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen (02 666 6888)
Soak up some views: When it comes to sipping a drink while taking in some spectacular panoramas, Relax@12 can’t be surpassed. The rooftop bar has commanding views over the whole of Abu Dhabi island, making it a must-visit spot for holidaymakers.
Relax@12, Aloft Hotel, Adnec (02 654 5000
Party on a desert island: Those in town for a week or more might want to consider spending a weekend on Al Maya Island, home to BPM’s infamously raucous beach and pool parties. Not only is there no dress code to worry about, but with top DJs laying on funky tunes, you might never want to return to the mainland.
Abu Dhabi Country Club www.adhfc.com (02 657 7777)
Shimmy at a superclub: Dance the night away at Allure. Owned and operated by world-famous brand Cipriani, this is one of Abu Dhabi’s classiest new spots.
Allure, Yas Island Yacht Club (050 596 9543)
For heritage seekers
If your guests are after a true taste of Arabia, we recommend these cultural options
Check out a giant fort: Built in 1898 as Sheikh Zayed the First, this giant fort has recently undergone a major refurbishment, and is now restored to its former glory. As well as being one of the most stunning examples of Arabian architecture, it also has a permanent exhibition to the renowned explorer Wilfred Thesiger.
Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain (03 754 3996)
Cheer on a camel: Head out on the Al Ain Road, and just as you get past Al Wahbta you should see a giant metallic structure. On the weekends, in the early morning, hundreds of locals gather to watch camels ridden by small robots (they outlawed child riders a few years back) race for glory on the dusty track.
Thurs-Sat, 6.30am-8.30am, Al Wahbta
See some ancient history: Hili is a suburb of Al Ain, about 10km outside the city. As well as boasting some amazingly preened gardens, it also has a number of Iron Age forts and tombs. One of these, which dates back to 300 BC, has been painstakingly rebuilt, making for a fascinating insight into prehistoric times.
Learn about heritage: Let your guests soak up the history of the area they’re visiting and do a spot of shopping for traditional crafts. All sound a bit too educational for a holiday? Don’t worry, there’s also a camel, so you can complete the experience with a bit of clichéd posing.
Heritage Village, Breakwater (02 681 4455)
Strum some local strings: Put simply, the oud is to Arabic music what the Gibson Flying V is to metal, only without the need to deck yourself out in leather trousers. Have a couple of lessons during your visit, then wow the folks back home with your newfound skills.
House of Oud (02 641 5699)
Admire a seafaring legend: Used for everything from fishing to freight, the dhow – a traditional wood-hulled sea vessel – is steeped in the UAE’s cultural heritage. Their numbers may be dwindling, but you can still see a handful moored up at Mina Port.
Haggle for hours: There’s no better place to practise your bargaining skills than in the Carpet Souk, where you might end up with a beautiful traditional design for a snip.
Carpet Souk, port end of Mina Road
Mark your hands: Henna is hugely popular in the Middle East, so deck your limbs in floral Arabic designs for a fashionable look. One of the most professional places for the treatment is Al Lulu Beauty Centre.
Al Lulu Beauty Centre, Tourist Club Area (02 644 5112)
Smoke a shisha with the locals: You only need to register the number of Emirati people in Mirage to realise that it’s as authentic a shisha joint as you’ll find in the city. Fill your boots. And your lungs.
Mirage, near Marina Mall (02 681 1909)
See some poorly falcons: No animal has played such a vital role in the history of the UAE as the falcon. Head along to this hospital for a guided tour and you can see some falcons undergoing all kinds of surgery, and catch a falconry display.
Near Abu Dhabi International Airport (02 575 5155)
For souvenir hunters
If your visitors insist on taking some authentic Arabian goods home with them, take them to these spots
Buy a mosque alarm clock: There’s no way a tourist can return home without a few cheesy UAE knick-knacks in their suitcase. The Hamdan Centre mall is packed with small shops selling this kind of junk – from fluffy camels to Arabic coffee pots. Just wbe prepared to haggle hard.
Hamdan Centre, Hamdan Street (02 632 8555)
Splash out on some gold: Just behind the Madinet Zayed shopping centre is this vast complex of shops selling gold. Prices are based on the daily gold market, as well as the quality of workmanship, but, with a bit of haggling, you might come away with a beautiful keepsake at a bargain price.
Fourth Street (02 633 3311)
Snap up some craftwork: Should you fancy some authentic hand-made goods, then you won’t want to miss the Women’s Craft Centre. Within its walls, scores of ladies work in groups to create beautiful handicrafts. Their produce isn’t cheap, but will make a unique keepsake from your stay in Abu Dhabi. Women’s Craft Centre,
Airport Road, Khalifa A (02 657 6171)
For first time visitors
If your guests demand photo ops in front of the major attractions, try these places
Get one up on Pisa: Check out the world’s most leaning building, Capital Gate, which boasts a dizzying angle of 18 degrees.
Capital Gate, opposite Adnec, Khaleej Al Arabi Street
Cycle down the seafront: The Corniche seafront is one of Abu Dhabi’s treasures and the best way to traverse it at speed is by bike. Luckily, you don’t need to splash out on an expensive cycle yourself as you can rent one for Dhs20 per hour from one of the numerous hire stalls dotted along the lengthy front.
See the world’s biggest cars: The Emirates National Auto Museum, better known as the Rainbow Sheikh Car Museum, is located in a purpose-built pyramid, and home to some head-scratchingly weird vehicles, including an enormous pick-up truck, a see-through disco bus and a fleet of Mercedes painted in all the colours of the rainbow. Totally eccentric.
Near Hameen, www.enam.ae (02 667 6999)
Recharge at a desert retreat: Qasr Al Sarab is, quite simply, one of the world’s greatest hotels. Set right at the centre of the Liwa Desert, the picturesque retreat is designed to resemble an ancient Arabian fort. The rolling orange dunes are perhaps the UAE’s most stunning natural attraction.
Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa (02 886 2088)
Marvel at the Grand Mosque: The fact the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque contains the world’s largest carpet, chandelier and dome is nothing compared to the fact that it’s one of the most staggeringly beautiful buildings you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Airport Road (800 555)
Snap some animals: Sir Bani Yas Island was once the late, great Sheikh Zayed’s private collection of rare animals. The island has now been given over to tourism, and its luxury five-star hotel is the ideal base to check out the cheetahs, giraffes and other wild beast that inhabit the island.
Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Sir Bani Yas Island (02 801 5400)
Enjoy a busman’s holiday: You’re not a proper tourist until you’ve sat on the top deck of a bus and gawped at landmarks for a few hours, and the folk at Big Bus Tours are only too happy to oblige. Extra points awarded to anyone sporting a neon bumbag/third-degree sunburn.
Big Bus Tours (0800 244 287)
