Abu Dhabi: I do!

I recently returned from a trip to Abu Dhabi that left me feeling inspired, relaxed, and completely surprised. Staying at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort, I was immediately struck by its modern, spacious design and artistic flair. The rooms were vast and beautifully styled, and the beach with its soft sand and warm waters was simply stunning.

Culture & Wonder

One of the highlights was visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s hard to describe the sheer beauty of this place; the intricate architecture, the bright white marble, and the world’s largest carpet all come together to create a space that’s both spiritual and photogenic. It’s a must-see, especially at sunset when the light dances across the domes.

Another standout was TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive art experience that blends technology, creativity, and emotion. It was unlike anything I’ve seen or been to before. It’s interactive, thought-provoking, and perfect for all ages.

The theme parks are indoors, which is perfect for summer visits when the heat is rising outside. I was lucky enough to visit Warner Bros, enjoy the thrill of the ride and even meet Superman and Supergirl…. This was the most impressive part of my trip, according to my niece and nephew! You can also push that adrenaline a little further at Ferrari World and enjoy the F1 finale at the day-to-night race.

Dining Delights

Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene was a joy to explore, especially as a vegetarian. I was treated to so many delicious salads! We dined at the Ritz-Carlton, where I tried a local speciality dessert which reminded me of rice pudding and was topped with flaked almonds but with much more flavour.

Other memorable meals included:

• Rixos Marina – stylish and vibrant, with a great atmosphere.

• Emirates Palace – where we were treated to a cultural dance performance alongside a spectacular gala dinner.

• Hilton’s Irish Bar – I don’t think I left the dance floor; the live music was brilliant, and the atmosphere was electric.

• Rixos Saadiyat Island – this was a showstopper: a live violinist, house-blended cocktails, a fantastic band, and beautifully presented sharing plates that brought everyone together.

A Glimpse of Al Ain

We ended the trip with a couple of nights in Al Ain, exploring the oasis, local handwoven crafts, and the zoo, a total contrast to the rest of the Emirates and a good excuse to try a selection of dates!

Why Abu Dhabi?

It was my first time leaving an airport in the Middle East to stay rather than transit. I wasn’t sure what I’d make of it, but I loved Abu Dhabi. What struck me most was how quiet and spacious Abu Dhabi felt compared to what I‘d seen of Dubai. It makes up 87% of the Emirates, Dubai sits at 5%, so it retains a calm, refined energy – no traffic jams or stress! The service was impeccable, the food consistently excellent, and the overall balance, relaxed luxury with a cultural twist, makes for an amazing holiday.