In the United Arab Emirates, it is usually Dubai that gets all the attention thanks to its countless new attractions and entertainment spots. But its nearby neighbor Abu Dhabi (which is also the capital) is quickly catching up!
I lived in Abu Dhabi from 2005 till 2008 and let’s just say that I struggled to find fun things to do and couldn’t wait to go to Dubai. But that was then! Now, the capital has a lot more to offer for both residents and tourists, such as beautiful hotels on isolated islands, iconic landmarks such as Sheikh Zayed Mosque and entertainment centers like Yas Island and Ferrari world.
Seeing these beautiful photos of Abu Dhabi made me rethink my views on the capital and encouraged me to plan more frequent visits there. So, in case you need a little push – like me – to fall in love with Abu Dhabi again, have a look at these amazing photos taken in different parts of the emirate:
1. This amazing sunset at Lake Zakher
Here’s a cool fact: Lake Zakher is a manmade lake, near the border with Oman, created from treated waste water!
2. These giraffes in Al Ain Zoo, which remind us that we can always connect with nature in Abu Dhabi
3. This shot of the magnificent hills and valleys of Jebel Hafeet
In case you didn’t already know, Jebel Hafeet is the highest peak in the UAE at 1,249 meters.
4. This fantastic aerial shot of Liwa desert
Which gives us an idea on the types of adventures we can experience in Abu Dhabi...
5. This starry night sky in the Abu Dhabi desert
6. This cool photo of Masdar City
Masdar City is the first and only sustainable eco-city in the Middle East.
7. This artistic shot of Sheikh Zayed Mosque
A fun fact about this iconic landmark in the capital: it has 82 white marble domes of Moroccan design, more than 1,000 columns in the outer areas, and showcases the world’s largest chandelier, made in Germany from thousands of Swarovski crystals.
8. This photo in the Eastern Mangroves
Which looks like it was taken in the Amazonian jungle, but it’s actually in Abu Dhabi!
9. This wonderful snap of flamingos in Al Wathba reserve
Did you know that this wetland reserve is home to more than 4,000 flamingos and around 250 species of birds?
10. This photo of the magnificent Abu Dhabi skyline
Which is as breathtaking and wonderful as that of New York or Sydney or Hong Kong!