Abu Dhabi, literally translated as 'Father of Gazelle', is the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Although it's only the second largest city in the UAE, this bling capital has a stately ambience. Located on the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf, this island is only a stone's throw (250 meters) from the mainland and is connected by both the Maqtaa and Mussafah Bridges.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is the bustling hub of this thriving city and there are various ways you can grab hold of cheap flights to Abu Dhabi . As always with cheap flights, the best thing to do is have a quick browse yourself. Direct flights start at around £600 and indirect £400 so if you're looking to fly for less, then it's worth grabbing an indirect flight to save the much needed cash to spend on your trip.
If you're looking for entertaining attractions then The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should be your first stop. The Mosque, resting on the bank of Maqtaa Creek is architecturally impressive and is the proud home to the largest Persian carpet and largest chandelier in the world.
This sunny paradise has a range of activities suited to every holiday goer. The seafront is the perfect place to indulge in a morning jog if that's your thing and if you want to cool off then Abu Dhabi Ice Rink could be worth a skate. Or if you prefer to explore the shops then the local malls and souks have a wide selection of craftwork and places such as the Iranian Souk are perfect for souvenirs. For a more glossy experience, The Marina Mall boasts a shark inhabited aquarium at its heart.
If you're more interested in arts and culture then there are some great galleries to peruse, such as Gallery One, Manarat Al Saadiyat or SalwaZeidan, the home of up and coming artists. The cuisine here bears a resemblance to Lebanese and if it's relaxing and eating you're looking for then the Dhow Dinner Cruise is the ideal place to get a taste of the culture.
If cars get your engine revving then Emirates National Auto Museum could be just the thing, or maybe even Ferrari World, the world's biggest theme park, which houses the world's fastest rollercoaster; a fitting attraction for a city that holds the F1 Grand Prix. In nearby Dubai there is the Meydan, the world's most expensive racetrack and BuriKhalifa, the world's tallest building, perfect for when you get the itch to move further afield.
If you have a soft spot for golf then Yas Links Abu Dhabi was the first Links golf course in the Middle East and was designed by Kyle Phillips. This course is the perfect way to spend a day recuperating from sightseeing and is both challenging and visually stunning. If you're an outdoorsy type then wonder around The Corniche or stop by Caracal Shooting Club to get your fix.
Abu Dhabi , with its year long sunshine, endless beaches and compelling attractions is an ideal place to vacation. If you want to indulge in this majestic location then make sure you get a strong dose of Emirati by passing by Emirates Palace Hotel and checking out the vending machine in their foyer which in exchange for a chunk of cash will hand over real hunk of gold.
