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Here Is Everything You'll Want To Do In Abu Dhabi

Coffee topped with 23k gold, a perfectly normal upgrade to my usual almond milk.
by AnaMaria Glavan Staff
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Link The coronavirus pandemic is still impacting travel, and destinations around the world have different COVID-19 restrictions in place. Always check and adhere to local government policies as you're planning future trips.

Abu Dhabi — a bustling city of impressive skyscrapers, crystal clear beaches, garlic naan topped with burrata, and oh yeah, the fastest roller coaster in the world.

AnaMaria Glavan /

Planning a trip? Here's a bucket list chronicling everything you'll want to do while there:

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and prepare to be left speechless. I'd say this structure is breathtaking, but even *that* would feel like a gross understatement.

AnaMaria Glavan / Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (the largest mosque in the country) is a tangible testament to the cultural diversity of Abu Dhabi, as it was intentionally built by global artisans and with materials sourced from around the globe.

Strong recommendation — arriving just before sunset because the views are, excuse my pun, night and day.

AnaMaria Glavan / The ground floor of the mosque is entirely lit up at night, adding an even more ethereal effect. Address: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street - 5th St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Test your daredevil limits by riding the world's fastest roller coast at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi! Even people who drive decades-old clown cars with terrible sound systems (me) will love the semi-scary experience that is Formula Rossa.

AnaMaria Glavan / Formula Rossa goes from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds and, if you're like me and don't understand what that speed means, let me explain in layman's terms — it is very, very fast.
Evidence of said roller coaster can be found above, and no, my hair is usually not that terrible.
Address: Yas Island - Yas Leisure Dr - Yas Island - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Enjoy a day of doggy paddling in crystal clear waters. I'm not exaggerating when I say the beaches are so blue, you'll have trouble distinguishing land from sea... Please ~sea~ below for the sandy splendor that is Saadiyat Beach.

AnaMaria Glavan / And with that I bid farewell to my past self, a girl that swam happily in the Long Island Sound. Other gorgeous beaches to visit include:-Nurai Island-Yas Beach-Al Bateen Beach-Corniche Beach

Inhale garlic naan topped with truffle burrata at Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi, an Indian restaurant tucked inside the famed Emirates Palace. Just take a look at that pull. Not even a blurry iPhone camera can ruin such beauty.

AnaMaria Glavan / Address: W Corniche Rd - Al Ras Al Akhdar - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Dedicate an afternoon to the masterfully curated Louvre Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by blue waters and designed with a perforated roof embellished with aluminum stars, the architecture itself is a work of art.

AnaMaria Glavan / Address: Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Learn about Bedouin tribes at Telal Resort Al Ain, located in the Remah Desert. This property allows you to learn about traditional dress and delicacies, experience sand dunes, sip Arabic tea and coffee, plus visit a souk in tandem with a knowledgable guide.

AnaMaria Glavan / Overnight stays and day trips are available!
Address: Rimah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

And the sunset over the sand dunes at Telal Resort = spectacular.

AnaMaria Glavan /

Indulge in a 23K gold-flaked cappuccino at Emirates Palace. Yes, you read that correctly. Caffeine infused with precious fine metals that have, for some reason, not been present in your diet until now.

AnaMaria Glavan / You can also order ice cream topped with 23k gold *or* a camel-ccino made with camel milk. The price of the cappuccino? Roughly $20.50 USD.

Please observe the swirl. This one cup contains more value than my entire jewelry box at home.

AnaMaria Glavan /

Venture to the tippy top of the Etihad Towers for high tea at The Jumeirah or inventive cocktails at Ray's Bar, the latter of which I was served a ~bathtub gin~ drink in a literal miniature bathtub.

AnaMaria Glavan / Have I mentioned that The Etihad Towers are the tallest structures in Abu Dhabi? Well, they are.

Oh, and be sure to revisit said Etihad Towers after sunset! You'll get unparalleled views of the brightly-lit city, as evident by this photo proof from the 62nd floor (aka Ray's Bar).

AnaMaria Glavan / Times Square, who?

Read my lips: Luqamaat. There is no better dessert than this specialty: deep-fried dough balls smothered in date syrup and sesame seeds. Be prepared to crave it at least once a week for the rest of your life (I'm speaking from experience here).

AnaMaria Glavan / I ate the above at Telal Resort Al Ain, but I saw it pretty regularly on restaurant menus throughout Abu Dhabi.

Plan a day excursion to Dubai, which is located only an hour and a half away. Spend the morning exploring souks in Old Town Dubai, then schedule time for the observation deck atop the Burj Khalifa.

AnaMaria Glavan / Editor note: I've noticed that most travelers envision Dubai as the UAE destination, but that is definitely not the case in my opinion! I felt that there was more to explore in Abu Dhabi.
You can book a day tour (roundtrip transportation included) starting at $80.

Opt for a luxury sleep at The Abu Dhabi Edition, a hotel that feels like a carefully curated dream. The urge to stay inside for the duration of your trip will be strong thanks to a swanky pool area, great on-site restaurants, and a work of art masquerading as a lobby.

AnaMaria Glavan / Address: Marina - Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Feast on light bites and clever drinks at Annex, a rooftop the cool kids would refer to as a vibe — expect great music delivered by a great DJ, unparalleled views of Al Bateen Marina, and bacon-wrapped dates for the soul.

AnaMaria Glavan / Address: F82P+VFM - Al Bateen - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

What's that, you say? More cocktails? But of course. Continue the night at VaKaVa for rooftop views and libations such as the R'N'G: gin, raspberry syrup, ginger syrup, and lime.

AnaMaria Glavan / Address: West Corniche Level P1 (off the beach) - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Have you been to Abu Dhabi, and if so, what was your favorite site?! Let us know in the comments below.

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