Thrilling theme parks, pristine beaches, marvellous museums, world-class hotels, and under eight hours’ flying time, there’s much to like about Abu Dhabi.
With less bling than neighbouring Dubai, this forward-looking fun city is always on the go with spectacular architecture shaping the horizon and it’s a cultural feast for visitors.
I was not surprised to find our hotel, the outstanding WB (Warner Brothers), full of multi-generational families – is the ideal destination for such groups.
My hotel stay included a vast buffet breakfast and Warner Brothers characters mingling with delighted children. Each room has a superhero theme – mine was Superman – with a small merchandise shop in the lobby if you need more superhero kit. The rooftop bar and pool (child-free zone) is a glam way to polish off an evening, while on a lower level the large adults-only pool with its own bar was a haven of tranquillity. I spent a happy afternoon there chilling and sampling smoothies.
On the ground floor the in-house Steakhouse was ideal for a special night out, while my massage with therapist Rosine in the spa was just the thing to banish jet lag.
Although not located on a beach, a short taxi ride (about £3) drops you at the hotel’s private beach club where you can relax on fine sand before dipping a toe into turquoise waters fringed by mangroves. Both beach and water are pristine and there’s a couple of cafes, a bar, boutiques and sunloungers aplenty. You can even hire a jet ski if you want to whizz around.
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out… Yas Marina waterfront is home to many restaurants where you can sit inside or out overlooking the water. I particularly enjoyed Asia Asia, with scrumptious Chinese food, while Bushra has delicious Arabic fare and a talented belly dancer.
WARNER BROS. WORLD: A mere hop, skip and a jump from the WB hotel, this entire theme park is built under cover, as if on a series of giant sound stages, so the outside weather (by that I mean the heat and dust!) don’t affect your day. What a brilliant idea…
The park is ideal for all ages with plenty of milder rides and attractions for little ones, but a few thrillers for coaster aficionados.
Superman and Lois Lane stopped by to chat while we were having lunch, Batman flexed his muscles in the plaza with a long queue of fans waiting for a chance to pose with the Caped Crusader, while Joker tried to lure guests into his fun-house attraction. We enjoyed our lively encounter with Scooby-Doo and friends, who encouraged us on to the Museum Of Mysteries ride to help them solve a mystery.
In Gotham City, The Riddler Revolution had passengers seated on the edge of a round coaster that spun and rolled its way along a steep track. It’s the most unusual coaster I’ve ever seen and tremendous fun. There’s a log flume ride for all ages in Bedrock, where the Flintstones take you on a watery jaunt while in Cartoon Junction the seemingly mild Tom & Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin ride was more exciting than we’d anticipated. wbworldabudhabi.com
FERRARI WORLD: Abu Dhabi is not just home to a Formula One racetrack but also Ferrari World, a theme park dedicated to all things Ferrari. Here you’ll find the world’s fastest rollercoaster, with a terrifying 149mph acceleration in just 4.9seconds.
Formula Rossa is so fast you have to wear goggles, like a proper racing driver! Test your nerve at that very thing at the e-sports arena where you can drive an F1 simulator.
There’s probably more here for children to do – but adults who feel the need for speed will love the two big coasters. This theme park also boasts the biggest Ferrari merchandise shopping the world, although there were no price tags on any of the actual Ferraris that were enticingly parked here and there. ferrariworldabudhabi.com
YAS KARTING: Held at the actual Yas Marina Formula One circuit, speed freaks of all ages will enjoy a full throttle belt around a smaller racetrack. After a full safety briefing, get changed into your driving suit and goggles and its out on the track for 15 minutes of action. On selected evenings, visitors and locals can come along and borrow a bike and ride the actual Formula One circuit. yasmarinacircuit.com
CLYMB YAS ISLAND: Who doesn’t fancy a go at indoor skydiving? Especially in the world’s biggest indoor chamber… and even more so after watching a synchronised Swedish team practise their professional moves before our turn – they made it look so easy!
Again, there’s a safety briefing before donning a flight suit and goggles, then you step through the door into what is basically a giant wind tunnel. There’s an instructor there to help you balance and steer before taking you up to the heights then gently back down to earth. There’s also a terrifyingly steep climbing wall and a less torturous one for younger adventurers. clymbabudhabi.com
THE LOUVRE: Saadiyat Island, known as the cultural hub of Abu Dhabi, is home to museums aplenty with a Guggenheim set to open in a couple of years. The Louvre launched in spectacular style in 2017, and hosts a smallish collection of fine art from its Paris namesake and even a children’s gallery.
But it’s the building itself that’s the main attraction, with a stunning eight-layered metal fretwork ceiling floating above the sea, allowing sunlight to filter through the dome mimicking light through trees.
There’s a platform stretching out across the water where visitors can strut their stuff (many had come prepared, changing into spectacular outfits for their own catwalk show). And turtles! In partnership with the National Aquarium there’s a rehabilitation lagoon, home to green turtles that are released into the open sea from the protected waters surrounding the museum.
Aim to visit before sunset so you can enjoy a cocktail at the rooftop bar and watch the sun set over the gulf. louvreabudhabi.ae
THE GRAND MOSQUE: To give it its full name, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands majestically on a hill on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city. You can see its towering gold-topped minarets and 82 pure marble domes from miles away. Covering an area of around 30 acres, I’d advise at least a couple of hours here.
Take the free guided tour (about 45minutes) that allows you inside the spectacular main prayer room. The room can hold 7,800 worshippers (men and boys, there’s a separate prayer space for females). Amazing inlays of mother-of-pearl and other semi-precious stones decorate the marble columns and walls while the world’s largest chandelier, inspired by the date palm tree, is adorned with dazzling Swarovski crystals and weighs a mighty 12 tons.
Symmetry is a key theme of Islamic architecture and it’s evident here with aligned rows of marble pillars, water features and open spaces. Wander among the colonnades and enjoy the beauty of 10 reflective pools that surround the main buildings. It’s serene despite the number of visitors. Check the website before you visit for a helpful guide to “mosque manners” and dress requirements.
There’s a little shopping mall underneath the entrance where you can hire garments if you’ve not brought anything appropriate. And there’s a “visitors’ happiness” desk to assist with any questions. Although entry is free, pre-booking is essential and I’d advise going early before the coach tours turn up. szgmc.gov.ae
THE ABRAHAMIC FAMILY HOUSE: On a hillside not far from the city centre, three temples, each dedicated to a different faith (Islam, Christianity, Judaism), are designed to “celebrate diversity in faith yet commonality in humanity”.
Each structure is of equal size and stature but architecturally different. A rooftop Garden Of Eden is a peaceful oasis to sit and reflect on what peace means, and is a welcoming space for those of all faiths to come together. A free one-hour tour with a “storyteller” guide gives a greater understanding of the origin and meaning of this striking space. Like the mosque, dress accordingly, and entry is free but must be booked in advance. abrahamic familyhouse.ae
Travel Republic offers four nights on B&B at the WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection By Hilton hotel, flying with Qatar Airways from Heathrow on September 9, starting at £975pp, saving £48pp. Includes complimentary daily single entry to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi (one park per day). travelrepublic.co.uk. More info at visitabudhabi.ae
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