Abu Dhabi - Arabian Splendor

Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE (United Arab Emirates), a country based in the Persian Gulf that is a union of 7 Emirates - Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, Ajman and Fujairah. Each Emirate has its own ruler called as "Emir". UAE is a federal monarchy, where the Emir of Abu Dhabi is President and the Emir of Dubai is Prime Minister of the country. 

Most Tourists travel to UAE to visit Dubai - a popular tourist spot and shopping paradise. However, Abu Dhabi, which is just a 1.5 Hour drive (140 KM) from Dubai, has its own identity in the Middle East, where Arabian culture meets Western Lifestyle and Infrastructure just like other countries in the Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi was formerly a traditional fishing village and trading port. In a few decades, it has drastically transformed into a world-class city offering a high-quality lifestyle to its citizens and expatriates living in the UAE. Many expatriates work or have setup businesses in Abu Dhabi. Most of them are from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines etc. 

Glitzy Skyline of Abu Dhabi,  UAE

UAE, like most countries in the Middle East, is an Islamic state with Islam as its state religion. Following the same, Abu Dhabi is home to Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The Mosque (i.e. Islamic place of worship) was built in the honour of Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan, former president of UAE who is known to transform the UAE into a developed country in present day. The Mosque is entirely white in colour with lots of calligraphy and paintings based on Islam and its principles. Both Muslims and Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the Mosque except on Fridays, as it is considered a Holy Day in Islam when Mass Prayers (i.e. Namaaz) are held for Muslims. Women are supposed to cover themselves from head to toe before entering the mosque. Abayas and Hijabs (Islamic attire) are available on rent for women to wear before they visit the mosque. 

Sheikh Zayed Mosque,  Abu Dhabi,  UAE  (Left - Main Entrance,  Right - Arabic Calligraphy)

Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi is a popular tourist attraction, built in a fashion similar to its European counterpart in Paris, France. Louvre Museum has several artifacts for exhibition collected from different parts of the world. The Museum is divided into many sections, based on time period and regions of the world. It is a must-watch, in case you are visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time.  

Louvre Museum,  Abu Dhabi,  UAE  (Left - an Ancient Artifact,  Right - Outer Premises)

Other famous Tourist Atrractions in Abu Dhabi are Emirates Palace Hotel and Ferrari World. The Emirates Palace Hotel is a high-end Luxury Hotel offering Food and Accomodation that is affordable only by the affluent elite (millionaires and above that). Ferrari World is an amusement theme park based on Ferrari, a popular Italian brand of Luxury Sports Cars. The park offers various rides like high-speed roller coaster and virtual games that will attract those having a passion for adventure.  

Emirates Palace Hotel,  Abu Dhabi,  UAE

Ferrari Car Model,  Ferrari World,  Abu Dhabi,  UAE

Indians need a Visa prior to visiting the UAE. However, the Visa can be booked online with a few airlines while booking Air Tickets. Else, it can be arranged through a local travel agent. Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of Abu Dhabi, offers direct connections to Abu Dhabi from many Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai etc. Other Airlines like Air India, Indigo and Vistara also have flights to and from Abu Dhabi. 

Busy Downtown of Abu Dhabi,  UAE