Abu Dhabi

Located on an island in the Persian Gulf, it is the capital of the UAE and generally makes most of its money from oil exports and commerce. It, like its neighbour Dubai, has used its fantastic wealth to invest in infrastructure and impressive buildings, including the huge Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the impressive Emirates Royal Palace. In terms of population, it is medium-sized with just over one million inhabitants.

Abu Dhabi has a desert climate, making it sunny and hot year-round. It only gets around 12 centimetres of rain per year, meaning that you won’t have to worry about getting wet during your holiday. The best time to visit is Spring and Autumn, when temperatures are around 25 degrees, and it is not outrageously hot. In the summer, they can scale 42 degrees, making it difficult to explore all the wonders that the city has to offer.

Initially settled by the Bedouin of the Bani Yas tribe in 1761, it quickly became an essential part of the pearl trade in the late 19th century and was a British protectorate. This marked the zenith of its importance, and it rapidly declined as people became less interested in pearls. However, it struck oil in 1958 and has since become one of the wealthiest cities in the world.

No trip there would be complete without some time spent on their golden sands, which can be easily accessed from the Corniche. Ferrari World is also an excellent choice for thrill-loving kids, with a museum devoted to the cars and the world’s fastest roller coaster. The Al Ain Zoo has a plethora of animals that nature lovers are sure to enjoy, and the various malls have plenty of attractions to keep younger visitors busy, such as ice rinks and cinemas.

If you’re looking to explore Abu Dhabi’s attractions, make sure you take a tour of some of the city’s most interesting islands, including Delma Island, Reem Island, Nurai Island and Yas Island. Not only can you enjoy Abu Dhabi’s many private and public beaches, but the coastal location also means that you can enjoy fishing tours or luxury cruises. There are also many UNESCO World Heritage Sites not to be missed, such as Al Ain Garden City. The city’s spectacular architecture is something all visitors should pause to appreciate, with the luxury Emirates Palace and the large Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, both excellent examples. Visitors should also take a trip to the top of one of the many skyscrapers and enjoy the panoramic view, including Etihad Towers and its 300 Observation Deck, which is probably the best. Adventure seekers should head to the thrilling desert area outside of the city, where you can dune-buggy, ride a hot air balloon or go for a traditional camel ride. The area around Jebel Hafeet plays host to one of the best roads in the world.

Abu Dhabi doesn’t quite exude the glamorous party lifestyle of Dubai, but it does offer many chic bars and nightclubs for those who like to indulge in after-hours drinking and dancing. Generally, the nightlife vibe in Abu Dhabi is much more relaxed and laid-back than in Dubai, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in style or choice. If you love to grab a few drinks after dinner but prefer a slightly more serene pace of partying, Abu Dhabi is the place to be. The city’s ‘Ladies Nights’ offer half price drinking for women, and you’ll find the expat community hanging out at the city’s many hotel bars and shisha bars. Some top bars and nightclubs include Jazz Bat, O1NE Bar, Level Lounge, Abu Dhabi Sports Bar and Eight Nightclub.

It is the absolute shopper’s paradise, with a multitude of excellent malls selling international and local goods. The largest mall is Marina Mall, which hosts more than 400 stores featuring brands from around the world. However, the Yas Mall and the Abu Dhabi Mall are also excellent. This, combined with the more traditional souks that offer jewellery and handcrafted goods, ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.