From Dubai, you travel past the world’s largest man-made port at Jebel Ali and onward for a two-hour drive through coastal desert scenery, studded with acacia trees. Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and many of its striking examples of modern architecture show intriguing interpretations of Islamic themes captured in today’s materials. A new addition to the shimmering skyscrapers, villas and palaces that line our route along the Rivera-style cornice is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque, named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the United Arab Emirates. We stop here for a photo opportunity of the Islamic architecture of this third-largest mosque in the world. In this city of dramatic contrasts, we visit the heritage village which has been recreated to show traditional life in Abu Dhabi before oil revenues altered the landscape. Here you will find old fishing villages and traditional souks, as well as reconstructions of bedouin tents, palm and other houses.
After this we visit the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation before stopping for another photo opportunity of the magnificent Emirates Palace Hotel, an enchanting landmark of the city. We then drive past the charming Batinah harbour and the Sports city – the biggest soccer stadium in the Middle East.