This architectural work of art is one of the world’s largest mosques, with a capacity for an astonishing 40,000 worshippers. It features 80 domes, approximately 1000 columns, 24 gold plated chandeliers and the world’s largest hand woven carpet. Unlike other mosques in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is open to all daily from 9 a.m. till 8 p.m., except on Friday mornings, which is reserved for worshippers only. Complimentary one hour guided tours start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday.

This award winning specialized hospital, the most advanced of its kind in the world, offers guided tours during which visitors can visit the luxurious wards where the birds are kept, explore the museum, and learn about the aristocratic desert sport of falconry, or try their hand at the pursuit in the hospital’s lush gardens. Open Sunday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Emirates Palace, this exhibition charts the plans for the renowned Cultural District of Saadiyat Island – a 27 square kilometer island off the coast of Abu Dhabi city, which is being transformed into a signature leisure residential and cultural destination. The exhibition traces the plans for the Zayed National Museum designed by Lord Norman Foster, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi designed by Frank Gehry, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as a performing arts centre and maritime museum.

Starting with an exciting ride up and down some of the desert’s biggest dunes, you can try sand skiing before watching the sun set kindle the desert sands aflame. After driving a short distance farther to a permanent desert camp, you are treated to a sumptuous barbeque, followed by shisha, camel rides, falconry displays and henna painting. You can choose to either stay overnight or combine your adventure with a trip journey into the mountains.

A tour of the UAE capital usually takes in everything from the rapidly evolving skyline to the sandy shores edging turquoise waters and iconic buildings. A stroll along the Corniche on the edge of the island will give you a glimpse of everyday Abu Dhabi life and the chance to savour some picturesque waterscapes. A half day tour will include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, the Saadiyat Island Cultural District Exhibition at the Emirates Palace and the Heritage Village.

A great reason to start exploring this vast region is the drive to Liwa – a historic oasis town at the entry to the Empty Quarter – the world’s largest uninterrupted sand mass. Liwa will blow you away with the epic and awe inspiring beauty of unending expanses of desert and the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara- and the journey is just as beautiful as the destination.

It’s fast and furious fun for all ages at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi – the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction park of its kind. Telling the Ferrari story with passion and excitement through more than 20 exhilarating and educational rides and attractions, interactive shopping and authentic Italian dining experiences, this park is a must see destination for fans and families.

Spread over 15 hectares and located right next to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld features a thrilling range of 43 rides, slides and attractions, more than any other waterpark in the Middle East including the largest surf-able sheet wave surf in the world. Four of the rides are the first of their kind, and unique to the waterpark. The park’s theme is based on a legend that represents local Emirati culture and heritage, the story of a young Emirati girl in search of a legendary pearl that brought prosperity to her village. Building on the legend, the park has a unique pearl diving attraction that showcases the role pearl diving played in the UAE’s rich history.

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi boasts 400 kilometres of coastline, a large part of which is composed of sheltered coastal lagoons and dense mangrove forests. These untouched mangrove forests and stunning lagoons are home to a wide variety of local marine and bird life, and can be intimately explored through kayak tours that plunge one into a world far removed from the buzzing city life of Abu Dhabi. There are several options of tours to choose from: visitors can enjoy an active kayak fishing trip, or for a more leisurely option, choose to kayak at dawn or dusk andview the serene and stunning panoramas of the sun rising or setting over the magnificent wilderness. One of the most unique and unforgettable opportunities is certainly kayaking in the mangroves during the full moon, a romantic and tranquil experience that will undoubtedly be remembered for a lifetime.

When fully opened, The Souk at Central Market will offer more than 250 shops. This traditional Arabic souk is a must visit destination for residents and tourists with an emphasis on displaying and selling traditional and regional products ranging from jewelry, carpets, antiques to traditional tailoring, fashion and diverse restaurants.

Spacious, modern and air conditioned, Abu Dhabi’s malls are a welcome escape from the summer heat and an inexhaustible of choice when it comes to shopping. In Abu Dhabi, malls are a place to catch up with friends or for a family outing – and the fun can go on until late at night. With their imaginative designs and wide range of outlets, shopping malls are perennially popular.