It’s difficult to imagine Abu Dhabi before oil was discovered in the 1960s. Once a small community known for fishing and pearl diving, Abu Dhabi now sprouts from the deserts and stretches to the sky with heights previously unrecorded by humans. The extreme wealth of this city has also brought luxury beyond the standard. Let’s dive into Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and UNESCO City of Music.
Spice & Gold Souk
Though Abu Dhabi seems to be sprinting toward the future of technology, Arabian traditions intertwine with daily life. An example of this is the Spice & Gold Souk, where travelers will be surrounded by the smell of spices that are not only pleasant to experience but carry deep cultural significance. With the vibrant hum of life and explosion of colors, this market is also the perfect place to grab a souvenir.
Marina Dhow
For a different view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline, the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf are the perfect place to see the drastic site of a glass and steel rising from the desert. At Marina Dhow, the waterways along Abu Dhabi’s coast, sightseeing tours set out from the western curve around the city. These tours often take the traveler for a slow view of iconic structures like Emirates Palace, Etihad Towers, and Lulu Island. Cruises are typically on traditional boats and can feature music or dances from Arabian culture. Lasting a few hours, the Marina Dhow in Abu Dhabi can be a relaxing affair for the traveler, or the perfect way to catch amazing photos.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
It’s no surprise that a mosque in Abu Dhabi remains one of the most popular sites of the region. The 82 white domes of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque shine bright during the day, a beacon for Muslims and non-Muslims (who are allowed in the mosque but must dress modestly per tradition). These domes look over a courtyard adorned with floral designs, while up to 40,000 worshippers can be present on its 30 acres at once. Inside this wonder of white marble, chandeliers glitter with millions of Swarovski crystals. Guided tours are also available for the traveler to learn more in-depth about the history and faith behind this marvel.
Nearby Dubai
Then there’s the nearby city of Dubai, a 1.5-hour drive from Abu Dhabi. Dubai is home to the Burj Khalifa, standing at an impressive 828 meters, the tallest building in the world and a global icon of futuristic architecture, offering a panoramic view of Dubai from its observation deck. Designed by the architect Adrian Smith at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, it exemplifies cutting-edge engineering and design. Complementing the marvel of the Burj Khalifa is the Palm Jumeirah, a unique, man-made archipelago shaped like a palm tree. The Palm Jumeirah is renowned for its luxury hotels, upscale shopping, and world-class dining experiences, providing visitors with a lavish lifestyle experience set against the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf. Both landmarks are a testament to Dubai’s vision for groundbreaking urban development and decadence.
Abu Dahbi’s roots show in the markets and local cruises, while traditional music is plentiful and luxury is forefront. Combine this with nearby Dubai for a full spectrum of the UAE’s top destinations and cultural experiences, and this region is perfect for those looking to relax in luxury or find a whole new world awaiting.
And Elite Voyages has a FAM Tour of Abu Dhabi and Dubai coming up in 2025, covering what we dove into earlier and more. Make sure to check out their South Korea and Japan FAM as well. See both below.
Dubai & Abu Dhabi FAM Tour
Mar 17 / Apr 30
9 Days/ 7 Nights
Embark on a captivating tour featuring Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s iconic landmarks: explore the vibrant Spice & Gold Souk, enjoy a serene Marina Dhow Cruise, marvel at the grandeur of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ascend the Burj Khalifa, and relax on Palm Jumeirah. An unforgettable journey through modern wonders and rich traditions awaits!
Elite Voyages
Embrace boundless luxury with our innovative, youthful travel company. Our diverse team’s passion transforms journeys into unique experiences, constantly exploring creativity in a competitive world. We craft unforgettable adventures that delight clients and partners, driven by a shared love for travel and storytelling. Discover boundless destinations with us.
S. Korea & Japan FAM 2025
Apr 17 / May 8 / Jun 5, 2025
9 Days/ 7 Nights
Toby Experience the essence of South Korea and Japan. Discover Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village, enjoy the serenity of Nami Island and The Garden of Morning Calm, explore Akihabara’s vibrant energy, admire Mt. Fuji, cruise Kawaguchiko, and savor local cuisines. An extraordinary journey across iconic sites and cultural delights awaits!
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