"AbuDhabiأبوظبي" Top 5 Page for this destination Abu Dhabi by MM212
Abu Dhabi Travel Guide: 385 reviews and 1,154 photos
Built on an island off the main coast of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a compact, modern, orderly, and civilised city. I first travelled to Abu Dhabi on business in November 2005 and have since returned on many other occasions. The capital city of the UAE would strike you as more conservative than Dubai, though the hotels offer a very liberal haven for locals and westerners alike. All of this is quite a contrast from Dubai which is more flashy, super liberal (in its own way) and quite spread out.
The former ruler of Abu Dhabi is rumoured to have dictated that not a single particle of desert sand remain in the city. Abu Dhabi has since been planted with beautiful gardens and completely built up. In recent years, the government provided low interest (or no interest?) loans to landowners to destroy the ugly old buildings from the '70s/'80s and to replace them with nicer modern towers. The result has been this rather pretty and uniform city (despite some of the modern structures still lacking in aesthetics).
Since around 2006, the city has proceeded to reinvent itself with ambitious mega projects to become a more sophisticated alternative to Dubai. Several of the islands adjacent to the main island-city are in the process of being developed into residential and business centres to attract international businesses and tourists alike. In particular, Saâdiyat Island is intended to host branches of reputable international museums, such as the Louvre and the Guggenheim, in avant-garde architectural structures, while promoting more ecologically friendly construction.
Most recent visits to Abu Dhabi:
Jun 2008
Oct 2008
Nov 2011
May 2012
Nov 2012
Feb 2013
- Pros:Scenic and very calm city, nice beaches
- Cons:Not much to do, though slowly developing
- In a nutshell:Better quality of life than Dubai, but less fun
Reviews (33)
Capital Plaza Towers
Things to Do
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This multi-skyscraper complex is located on the Corniche just opposite the old Sheraton Hotel. It is called Capital... more travel advice
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
Things to Do
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Completed in 2010, this sleek arched bridge was designed by the renowned Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. It is 842 metres... more travel advice
Rocco Forte has arrived in Abu Dhabi
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One of Abu Dhabi's newest hotels (and there are many), the Rocco Forte Hotel is housed in a sleek new glass structure... more travel advice
Abu Dhabi Travel Guide
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- "Abu Dhabi the Beautiful – safe – luxurious city"
- "Abu Dhabi - Experience the Magic"
- "AbuDhabiأبوظبي"
- "Abu Dhabi Trip"
- "Faiza & Ifrah's Abu Dhabi off the beaten path"
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- "the capital of UAE"
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- 33 Reviews
- 130 Photos
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- 2 Comments
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Friends
See All Friends (49)Latest Abu Dhabi hotel reviews
- Novotel Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi
- 192 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013 - Mirfa Hotel
- 28 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 18, 2013 - Emirates Palace
- 613 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013 - Al Diar Dana Hotel
- 19 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 25, 2013 - Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi
- 431 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013 - Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna
- 142 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 30, 2013 - Beach Rotana Hotel And Towers
- 680 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013 - Intercontinental Abu Dhabi
- 365 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 19, 2013 - Best Western Al Hamra Plaza Residence
- 1 Review & Opinion
Latest: Sep 14, 2005 - Sheraton Khalidiya Hotel Abu Dhabi
- 85 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Feb 24, 2013 - Hilton Baynunah Abu Dhabi
- 55 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Mar 18, 2013 - Ramee Guestline Hotel Apartments I
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 20, 2013 - Intercontinental Resort Al Ain
- 140 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 20, 2013 - Kingsgate Hotel
- 27 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 3, 2013 - Abu Dhabi Hilton
- 487 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 17, 2013

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Comments (3)
Great page and photos. I think Abu Dhabi is too "new" for my taste. I loved the old section of Dubai. This looks a little sterile.
I agree, it lacks the history and culture of other parts of the Middle East, but they are building amazing modern structures. If you happen to be in the region, it's worth seeing.
My husband's best friend works in Abu Dhabi so I'm sure we'll be visiting.
Beautiful page on AD. I look forward to see how much it changed over the last years. I'm moving there as of July 22, living next to the Shagrila you mentionned on your page :)
Good page- I think that I would prefer this city to the very ostentatious Dubai. The Grand Mosque is magnificent.