Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Dubai often overshadows the other parts of UAE, especially Abu Dhabi, the capital city. The main agenda items on this trip was to check out Abu Dhabi and eventually make my way to the famous Empty Quarters Arabian sand dunes. Taking a coach bus from Dubai to Abu Dhabi took just under two hours, extremely convenient, as there were many departures throughout the day. The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the main tourist attraction of the city and it didn’t disappoint. The relatively newly built mosque was impeccable to every single detail, no question. Going to visit right before sunset and into the early evening hours provided some amazing views of the mosque from outside and equally as stunning on the inside. The prayer hall of the mosque contained the worlds largest hand knotted carpet, stunning design and quality as you get to walk on it, sans footwear per customs of mosque etiquette. Amongst the many stunning chandeliers inside includes the world’s largest Swarovski chandelier. Safe to say this visit has to be on the list for anyone visiting Abu Dhabi.
Before driving 3 hours to the Liwa Oasis in the afternoon, I decided to check out the opulent Emirates Palace in the morning. The Palace is a 5 star hotel that just screams luxury. You can’t even visit the hotel nor the hotel grounds unless you have a reservation so I asked my Holiday Inn concierge to make me a morning tea reservation as my entrance ticket. Having tea and pastries at the Emirates Palace provided a glimpse of the luxury lifestyle. They are known for their signature drink: the Palace Cappuccino, topped with real 24-carat gold flakes. For a glimpse of the Gold Cappuccino, check out this blogger’s review HERE. Given my lactose intolerance these days, it was tough to pass that up but my pot of tea and accompanying pastries weren’t too shabby either. Getting a chance to walk around the hotel afterwards really provided some close ups of just how extravagant the place was, from the furniture décor to the artwork on the walls, more gold than one needs. In addition to the hotel rooms that anyone can book, the penthouse level has six Ruler’s Suites, reserved solely for the royal family’s use at any time.
Abu Dhabi Photos
