Abu Dhabi

Dominating the skyline along the Corniche, the massive Emirates Palace oozes opulence and luxury. Built as a hotel, one of the finest in the world, it is worth seeing, even if the room rates are out of budget. Look out for the Triumphant Arch under which royals pass if staying in the palace and its gardens full of fountains. The palace is famous for its gold-plated lobby, roof frescoes and crystal chandeliers.

Go back to the Stone Age with a visit to Bedrock, explore Gotham City, and Superman's Metropolis at the Warner Bros. first indoor amusement park. Spread across 38 acres and divided into six lands, this is the perfect place for you to unleash your inner child on thrilling and fun rides of your favorite cartoon characters and DC heroes.

In the outskirts of the emirate of Abu Dhabi (about a 2-hour drive from Abu Dhabi city centre), lies the Jebel Hafeet Mountain -- right on the border shared by the UAE and Oman. Attractions are ample at the foot of the mountain, including luxury hotels with hot springs and refreshing pools, a zoo containing 4,000 animals, and caves open for exploration. An unexpected highlight is the namesake road leading here, voted 'best road on the planet' by several magazines based on its driver-friendliness and drama of the surrounding scenery.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi was recently established - in 2017 - and is, with its 24,000 square metres in size, the largest art museum on the Arabian peninsula. The building itself is worth a visit just for its design, with a one-of-a-kind floating dome. The museum boasts a 8,000 square metre gallery which contains a 12-chapter history of humanity, from prehistoric artefacts to modern artwork, and four temporary exhibitions per year.

Built in 1761 as a royal residence and the city’s oldest building, this beautiful palace can be found next to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Its main entrance is decorated in true Islamic style with colourful tiles, while inside mashrabiya screens and carved wooden doors have stood for centuries.

Located inside the Etihad Towers complex, this observation deck offers some of the best views of the city and is an unmissable attraction. Entry comes with a fee, but the experience is most definitely a rewarding one.

This enormous venue is called "world" for a reason: it houses a variety of Ferrari, themed exhibits and even several fun rides. Come with a few hours to spare if you want to make the most of your visit.

If you want to experience the atmosphere of souqs, the traditional Arabian markets, then head to Al Ain, a city on the border with Oman, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and prepare yourself for a close encounter with lots of camels. Look at how camel merchants trade and enjoy taking hilarious pictures with the amusing animals.

The Corniche is an area frequented by locals and tourists alike, and the promenade is a wonderful stretch of land perfect for an evening walk. There is a beach in the area, and an evening dhow boat ride offers wonderful vistas of the shoreline.

Built to protect the city from invaders around 200 years ago, this fort stands close to the Al Maqtaa Bridge on its approach to Abu Dhabi city. Built in the traditional style of the day in soft sand coloured stone with ornately carved wooden features, and remaining almost intact, it is considered an important historical proof of the city’s past.