Abu Dhabi One-Day Tour: Discover Exotic Luxury
The Most Beautiful in the UAE: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This is the largest mosque in the Middle East, costing 600 million AED to construct. It’s a must-see to admire its grandeur. The mosque features 46 tons of gold and can accommodate up to 40,000 worshippers at once, with a prayer hall that holds 9,000 people. It’s also the third-largest mosque in the world after those in Mecca and Medina. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the only mosque in the UAE open to non-Muslims and uniquely allows women to enter through the main gate.
Although simple in design, the mosque is exquisitely detailed. While it doesn’t boast the grandiosity of European cathedrals or the flamboyance of Thai temples, it exudes a serenity that calms the soul. Visitors must remove their shoes before entering the prayer hall, where the floor is covered with plush Arabian carpets.
Tips:
• Women are provided with abayas (traditional black robes) at the mosque, and hair must be covered.
• Men should wear short-sleeve shirts and trousers; flip-flops are not allowed.
Getting There:
• There are no public buses nearby. You can either join a day tour that includes the mosque or take a taxi.
• Taxi fares start at 3.5 AED, with silver taxis being slightly more expensive. It’s advisable to have the driver wait at the mosque entrance.
Extravagance Redefined: Ferrari World & Yas Waterworld
For theme park enthusiasts and car racing fans, these are unmissable attractions. While other countries build traditional amusement parks, the UAE ups the ante with a Ferrari-themed park. The Formula Rossa roller coaster, inspired by F1 cars, uses a jet propulsion system for breathtaking speed. The park also offers cinemas and showcases Ferrari’s engineering marvels.
Getting There:
• Located in Abu Dhabi, about a 1.5-hour drive from Dubai.
• You can self-drive (tickets are cheaper online) or book a day tour from a local travel agency.
• Combo tickets for Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld are recommended. They include transport, lunch, and a shuttle between the two parks.
A Must-See: Emirates Palace Hotel (8-Star Luxury)
This is the world’s only 8-star hotel, designed to host global leaders. Its exterior is far more impressive than the iconic Burj Al Arab. Inside, everything is adorned with gold, covering an area of one million square meters. Some rooms are so vast that staff members reportedly get lost! While it’s the most luxurious and expensive hotel in the UAE, a visit is enough—you don’t need to stay overnight.
Room Rates:
• Standard rooms: $500/night
• Sea-view rooms: $700/night
• Luxury suites: $2,000/night
• The most expensive suite: $50,000/night
Can You Visit Without Staying?
Yes, but only by booking a buffet lunch, which costs $100 per person. However, many visitors find the lunch underwhelming for the price. Unless you’re a luxury enthusiast, it’s better to admire the hotel’s exterior.