Abu Dhabi

One of the most beautiful buildings on earth — the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, a breathtaking vision in gleaming white marble, with 82 domes, reflecting pools, thousands of inlaid floral columns, the world's largest hand-knotted carpet and colossal crystal chandeliers. Vast, serene and dazzling (especially at sunset and when floodlit at night), it's the UAE's most magnificent sight and a moving place. Dress modestly (robes provided), and allow time to wander the courtyards and prayer hall. Free to enter and utterly unmissable — the highlight of Abu Dhabi. Simply spectacular.

A masterpiece of both art and architecture — the Louvre Abu Dhabi, on Saadiyat Island, whose stunning latticed silver dome creates a magical 'rain of light' over the galleries and waterfront plazas beneath. Inside, a superb, thoughtfully curated collection tells the story of human creativity across civilisations, with masterpieces from da Vinci to Monet borrowed from France. The building alone is worth the visit; the art and the light-filled setting make it unmissable. A world-class cultural highlight and the jewel of the city's museum district. Beautiful and profound; don't miss it.

Beyond the city lies the vast, golden Arabian desert, and a safari into it is a highlight — thrilling dune-bashing over towering sand dunes in a 4x4, sandboarding, camel rides, and a magical evening at a desert camp with a barbecue, shisha, henna and starlit skies. Abu Dhabi's dunes (near the majestic Empty Quarter and the Liwa oasis) are especially spectacular. Go for the sunset dune drive and the desert camp under the stars; it's an unforgettable, quintessentially Arabian experience. A must-do adventure. Thrilling and magical.

The world's first Ferrari-branded theme park, under a vast red roof on Yas Island — Ferrari World, home to Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster, which rockets you to 240 km/h in under five seconds, plus dozens of other rides, driving experiences and Ferrari exhibits. A thrilling, adrenaline-pumping day out for petrolheads, families and thrill-seekers, and one of the UAE's most famous attractions. Brace for the world's fastest coaster and a day of high-speed fun. A must for thrill-lovers; combine it with the neighbouring parks. Exhilarating.

The city's beautiful waterfront — the Corniche, an eight-kilometre landscaped promenade running along the Gulf, with a Blue Flag city beach, cycling and walking paths, parks, playgrounds and cafés, backed by the gleaming skyline. Stroll or cycle the seafront, relax on the clean city beach, or watch the sunset over the water; it's a lovely, free and central slice of Abu Dhabi life, especially pleasant in the cooler evenings. A relaxed, scenic highlight in the heart of the city. Lovely for a walk, a swim or a sundowner.

A dazzling working presidential palace open to the public — Qasr Al Watan, a breathtaking vision of white-and-gold Arabian palatial architecture, with a colossal domed Great Hall, halls of intricate geometric design, a spectacular library and gardens, all celebrating Arab knowledge, art and governance. Wander the opulent halls and exhibits, and stay for the evening light show projected onto the palace facade. A stunning, cultured highlight that offers a window into Emirati heritage and craftsmanship. A magnificent, worthwhile visit. Opulent and impressive.

The finest natural beaches in the emirate — the pristine, soft-white sands of Saadiyat Island, lapped by clear turquoise Gulf water and backed by protected dunes where endangered hawksbill turtles nest each year. Relax on the beautiful beach (public beach or luxe resort day passes), swim in the warm sea, and enjoy the calm, unspoilt setting; it's a world away from the city bustle. A gorgeous, laid-back beach day and one of the loveliest natural spots near the city. A must for beach lovers. Idyllic and pristine.

A surprising natural gem right by the city — the Eastern Mangroves, a lush protected forest of tidal mangroves teeming with birdlife, fish and marine creatures, best explored by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, gliding silently through the green channels (some tours go at sunset or by moonlight). A peaceful, beautiful escape into nature and a lovely contrast to the glittering city; keep an eye out for herons, flamingos and darting fish. A serene, active highlight. Wonderful for nature lovers; the sunset paddles are especially magical.

A window into old Abu Dhabi before the oil boom — the Heritage Village, a reconstructed traditional Emirati settlement on the breakwater, with a fort, a mosque, Bedouin tents, a spice-and-craft souk, and demonstrations of old ways: metalwork, pottery, weaving and date-palm cultivation, plus lovely views back to the city skyline. Wander the village to glimpse the region's pearl-diving, desert and coastal heritage, and pick up handicrafts. A free, atmospheric and cultural stop that grounds the gleaming modern city in its roots. A pleasant, worthwhile hour or two.

Abu Dhabi is a superb, multicultural food city — feast on Emirati and Levantine classics like fragrant machboos (spiced rice with meat), grilled shawarma and kebabs, mountains of mezze, fresh Gulf seafood, and sweet luqaimat dumplings, then finish with dates and cardamom coffee. From humble, delicious shawarma joints and Lebanese restaurants to opulent hotel buffets and fine dining, the range is dazzling. Graze the local eateries and try authentic Emirati dishes; the flavours are rich, warm and generous. A delicious highlight. Come hungry.

The oldest and most significant building in the city — Qasr Al Hosn, a striking white fort dating from the 18th century, the original home of Abu Dhabi's ruling family and the heart of the settlement that grew into the modern capital. Beautifully restored, it now houses a museum telling the story of the city's transformation from a small fishing-and-pearling village to a global metropolis, alongside a cultural centre and Emirati craft house. A fascinating, central plunge into the city's history and heritage. A rewarding, cultured stop downtown. Historic and illuminating.

Yas Island is a cluster of world-class theme parks, and Yas Waterworld is one of the best water parks anywhere — dozens of slides, rides and a lazy river themed around an Emirati pearl-diving legend, perfect for cooling off in the heat. Nearby are Warner Bros World (an indoor park of superheroes and cartoons) and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi. A brilliant, fun-filled day out (or several) for families and thrill-seekers, ideal for escaping the summer sun. Splash the day away or pick your park; endless entertainment. Great fun for all ages.

Shopping is a way of life in the air-conditioned comfort of the malls — from the ultra-luxe boutiques of The Galleria on Al Maryah Island to the vast Yas Mall and the traditional Madinat Zayed gold souk, where you can browse glittering jewellery. Whether hunting designer labels, browsing gold, or just escaping the heat, the malls are lavish social hubs with dining and entertainment. Browse the boutiques and the gold souk, and enjoy the cool, opulent surrounds. A quintessential Gulf pastime and a comfortable, glitzy few hours. Fun even for window-shoppers.

The most opulent hotel in the city — Emirates Palace, a colossal, golden-domed palace-hotel set in vast gardens on its own beach, dripping with marble, gold leaf and chandeliers, and famous for its gold-flecked cappuccino and lavish afternoon tea. Even non-guests can visit to gawp at the sheer, over-the-top grandeur, stroll the gardens, and indulge in a gold-topped coffee or high tea in the palatial lobby. A jaw-dropping slice of Abu Dhabi extravagance and a fun, glitzy experience. Go for the spectacle, the tea and the sheer opulence. Dazzling.

Abu Dhabi's nightlife is more relaxed than Dubai's but still stylish — chic rooftop bars with skyline and Gulf views, glamorous hotel lounges (alcohol is served in licensed hotels and clubs), beach clubs, shisha cafés and lively spots on Yas Island. Sip a cocktail on a rooftop as the city lights glitter, enjoy a beach-club evening, or wind down over shisha by the water; the mood is sophisticated and unhurried. A pleasant, upscale way to spend an evening (dress smartly; drinking is in licensed venues). A relaxed, glamorous night out. Enjoyable and refined.