How to Spend a Weekend in Abu Dhabi – Two Days of Bliss

 Abu Dhabi deserves much more than a weekend's attention. However, if that’s all you’ve got, there is plenty to do in the contemporary yet, quintessentially vintage nation. Fill your two days with eating like a local to time at the beach, desert safaris, exploring heritage sites, and even visiting the UAE’s largest mosque. Ready to plan a whirlwind getaway? Here’s how to spend a weekend in Abu Dhabi.

Image by atimedia from Pixabay 

 1.   Day One – Hit the Beach, Visit the Souks and Sightsee

 So, are you off to Abu Dhabi on a quick business tour? Or are you on a transit break? First things first, get yourself well located at a central hotel; popular options like Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, are perfect for enjoying Bedouin life in luxury, even for a weekend. Oh, and business guests will find these resorts are quite popular for more than perfect Abu Dhabi meeting venues. Once settled into your hotel plan your day and sightseeing schedule. Even a busy corporate visitor will be able to manage that weekend off for sightseeing, beach time, and shopping. Here’s the plan.

 2. Start with a Visit to the Most Famous Mosque in Abu Dhabi

 One of the most iconic attractions in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the only one allowing non-Muslims to enter. And the place certainly is worth a visit. The façade is beyond luxurious boasting a white Italian marble floor that stretches like an endless sea of milk. One will be mesmerised by the elegant pillars with intricately carved filigree designs and a chandelier large enough to host a small crowd that twinkles with 24-carat gold and Swarovski crystal trimmings. The mosque is open from nine in the morning until ten in the night, Saturday to Thursday, with access on Friday (which is free) from half past four in the evening to 10 pm.

 3. Next Stop – the Souk

 The Central Market Souk is certainly built to follow in the lines of a traditional Arabian bazaar. The place is a modern complex selling a range of antiques, spices, leather goods, jewellery, and yes, even those cute Aladdin slippers. You will of course lose track of time wandering around the souk but do make a pit stop at the food court for a coffee and local bites.

 4.  As the Sun Begins to Set, and the Day Gets Cooler, Hit the Beach

 The Corniche is a great place to explore for a dose of local culture and people-watching adventure. The sandy stretch of beach is hard to resist, and you will be walking barefoot, ice cream in hand in next to no time. Oh, this is the best time to let you know that you should grab a tote bag, stuffed with a towel, hat, and sunscreen before you head out for the day from your fashionable Abu Dhabi resort. Lay the towel on the soft sand and enjoy relaxing to sights of the Abu Dhabi skyline. You could hang around for sunset but if you are booked into a desert resort, there is no better place to enjoy evening cocktails and a fiery sunset over the shifting sands of the Rub’ al Khali than your resort in the Empty Quarter, Abu Dhabi. Dinner should be at one of the themed restaurants.

 5. Day Two is All About Shopping and Theme Parks

 Get an early start and hit the best mall in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Mall, of course. The classy complex is perfect for some holiday splurging and revamping your wardrobe with designer wear. Once you’ve exhausted your credit cards, it’s time for some fun. Visit Ferrari World for a chance to drive a fast car on one of the circuits, visit the museum of vintage race cars and savour a nail-biting, hair-splitting ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster Formula Rosa. If you’ve got time to spare, head over to Yas Water World for splashing fun at any one of the over 40 pools, rides, and slides! End your last day in Abu Dhabi with drinks on the terrace of your desert resort, serenading the exotic sandy oasis while making plans for your next visit to Abu Dhabi!