Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s history is one of a life on the sea. Fishing for pearls, living off fresh seafood and making the most of great costal settlements, while the glittering skyscrapers, five-star hotels and attractions may draw the eye now, it hasn’t always been that way. Look to the waters and the dhow boats that leave the shore every morning and you’ll get a clearer understanding of how the UAE came to be.
Head to Marina breakwater and you can see a glimpse of the new and old, at its heart it’s a dock for vessels bound for the ocean, interspersed with a modern shopping malls, restaurants, residential areas and places to enjoy a picturesque stroll and photo opportunities of the ocean and city skyline.
If you want to get out on the water, there are loads of boats available to rent or to take you out into the sea to catch some fresh seafood. You’ll also be able to get it prepared, cooked and enjoyed while out on the water.
At the heart of the island is Marina Mall, home to a large number of stores, VOX cinemas, BOUNCE Abu Dhabi, the city’s only Five Guys and a huge Carrefour supermarket.
There’s also the Marina Eye, a huge ferris wheel that you can take a ride on if you care to see the city skyline, or the ocean, from a different perspective.
Along the breakwater, past restaurants including Bill’s Farm and Simitch, you’ll find Abu Dhabi Theatre which hosts regular shows for the public and schoolchildren, as well as a huge UAE flag that’s been part of thousands of images captured of the capital by residents and tourists alike.
Next door, The Heritage Village offers you a snapshot of life before Abu Dhabi became a modern, international city, when people lived humbly off the land and sea. You can learn about Emirati heritage, culture and history, to gain a new appreciation for the country and its impressive journey.
Here are some of our favourite things in the area.
Marina Mall
This large shopping centre opened in 2001 and hosts loads of stores from Marks and Spencer and H&M to restaurants including Bareburger and Five Guys. There’s also a VOX Cinemas and Bounce, where people of all ages can go trampolining, zip-lining and play games including basketball and dodgeball as well as other activities.
Daily 10am-10pm, www.marinamall.ae.
The Heritage Village
There’s lots to love about The Heritage Village and if you want to get an understanding of what life was like in the UAE before it became a modern international city it’s the place to be. You can learn about traditional handicrafts and loads more.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 3.30pm-9pm, near Marina Mall (02 681 4455).
The Marina
Whether you’re looking to moor your boat, go on a sailing trip or even try deep-sea fishing, there are a host of companies here to get you out on the ocean. Each offer different packages and pricing so, as ever, it pays to shop around. If you are heading out onto the water, remember to be prepared with water and suncream. Most companies will have some, though.
Simitch
This Lebanese seafood restaurant makes a mean moutabal but its the fresh fish dishes that we love the most. Travelling the short distance from sea to plate you can enjoy a range of freshly grilled fish here while taking in the views of the city skyline over the water.
Open daily noon-midnight. Al Alam Street, Marina (02 666 1179).
Marina Eye
You’ve probably seen this large ferris wheel just outside Marina Mall and you may even have been for a ride. Buy a ticket and you can take in panoramic views of Abu Dhabi, including looking out to the Arabian Gulf as well as getting a unique view of the city skyline.
Dhs55 (Adults), Dhs30 (kids). Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Fri 10am-1am. Near Marina Mall.
