Whenever we hear of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), we always think of
Dubai. But little do we know that its neighbor Abu Dhabi, is also an awesome
place that is worth exploring. Abu Dhabi is UAE’s capital city that is just one
and a half to two hours away from Dubai.
In my previous post, I’ve written why Dubai should be your next
#travelgoals. This time, I’m gonna share why Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be an
afterthought or a second fiddle to the more popular Dubai -- because I’ve loved
this city as much as Dubai! And here are just some of the reasons why:
Louvre
Abu Dhabi
Visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris is a dream of mine, but I don’t have
the moolah yet to go to France. Good thing that there is now a Louvre Museum in
Asia!
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the biggest museum in the Arab world with
approximately 8,000 sqm of gallery space. It is located on Saadiyat Island,
which is about a 30-minute public bus ride from the downtown. It opened
November 2017.
It is said that Louvre is the first of its kind in the Arabian
Peninsula, because it is not just your usual museum, but a universal museum at
that. It’s an East-meets-West with diverse art from various cultures. It’s an
ancient-meets-modern with historical artifacts from ancient civilizations to empires
that ruled the world, and the modern art like the Fountain of Light. The
museum’s dome ceiling itself is a modern-day work of art—a latticework that
allows sunlight to pass through.
And definitely a dream come true for me as I was able to get up close
with the works of Leonardo da Vinci (La belle ferronnière, also known as
Portrait of an Unknown Woman) and Jacques-Louis David (Napoleon Crossing the
Alps). They also have pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and many more. The
experience of seeing these great works of art in my own eyes and not just
reading about them was just wow!
Allot half-a-day or a whole day for this so you can visit all the areas
of the museum, and study each work of art (also, to maximize that the hefty
admission ticket!). For more details, visit: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/
Warner Bros. World
Are you fond of theme parks? Do you love Scooby Doo, Bugs Bunny or
Superman? Well, your favorite Warner Bros. characters come to life in this latest
attraction in Yas Island. Recently opened in July 2018, this 22-acres
attraction is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world.
Having visited Universal Studios Singapore back in 2016, this place
reminded me of just that—with your fave movie characters and setting, plus,
rides. The difference is, of course, this is from a different movie studio.
Also, Warner Bros. World is enclosed and fully air-conditioned (maybe because
it is located in the middle of the hot Abu Dhabi desert?).
Enter the park and be immediately enthralled by the art deco-themed
plaza with a sensory multimedia experience and color-changing skies.
You can now proceed to Metropolis where the Justice League is, or the
dark pathways of Gotham City. Have fun with your fave character at the Cartoon
Junction, the desert landscape of Dynamite Gulch, and the stone-age caves of Bedrock.
Justice League Hall
 |
| Joker Funhouse |
 |
| Dynamite Gulch |
Each themed land has an immersive environment and exciting rides. You
can even see your favorite character walking down the street!
Ani Mayhem Ride
Museum of Mysteries
For me, it was like a trip down memory lane with cartoons and characters
that I grew up with. Indeed, it was so much fun to be young-a-heart again!
Allot half-a-day or a whole day for this so you can try all the rides! visit
For more details, visit: https://www.wbworldabudhabi.com/
ferrari World
So, after the kiddie stuff at Warner Bros. World, why not go also to
Ferrari World since it’s also located in Yas Island?
I didn’t go inside because I’m afraid of rides that has anything to do
with speed and heights. But, why not take the opportunity to take some pics at
the entrance, haha!
But, if you are not the faint of heart, then Ferrari World is for you.
Here in this park is the world’s fastest roller coaster ride—The Formula
Rossa—that can accelerate at 240km per hour at a height of 52m above
ground—just wow!
It also has “helicopter” interactive ride taking you to a virtual tour
over Venice and the story of Ferrari.
For the thrill seekers, you may check this out for more info: https://www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com/
sheikh
zayed mosque
Of course, never leave Abu Dhabi without visiting one of the world’s
most popular attractions--the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
It is the third largest mosque in the world that can accommodate up to
40,000 worshippers. The main prayer hall is spread with the world’s largest
carpet at 60,570 sq. ft. It has 82 domes, 1,000 columns and a reflective pool. The
mosque complex covers an area more than 12 hectares.
This architectural icon of Abu Dhabi has intricate details with imported
chandeliers, semi-precious stones inlays on white marble. The mosque is a
tribute to the founder Sheikh of the United Arab Emirates—Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan
Al Nahyan.
Unfortunately, we weren’t able to go inside because it was already late
when we arrived. But, the mosque is grander at night, with the white mosque
reflecting the colors of the night. Just like the photo below, and I must agree
the mosque was really gigantic and majestic!
For more information, visit this site: https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/en/
These are
just some of the reasons why Abu Dhabi should be
on your #bucketlist too. So, the next time you visit UAE, don’t limit yourself
to just visiting Dubai, go and discover this travel gem that is Abu Dhabi and
let yourself be surprised :)
