National Geographic Traveler USA - 04.2019 - 05.2019

(Nancy Kaufman) #1

Travelers Tips


HOW TO FLY
Abu Dhabi is a major global transit
hub, with direct fl ights from Europe
and Asia, and direct services from
the United States via Etihad
Airways. Just changing planes? A
48-hour stopover is a good way
to sample the city's off erings. U.S.
citizens can visit visa-free for stays
of up to one month.

WHEN TO VISIT
The United Arab Emirates enjoy
an arid climate, with warm tem-
peratures year-round and mostly
sunny skies. October through
May are the best time to visit,
with infrequent rain and milder
temperatures. The holy month of
Ramadan falls at a diff erent time
each year. Visitors should be
particularly mindful of local
customs during this period.

WHAT TO WEAR
The UAE capital is a sophisticated
city where men and women wear
a mix of Western and traditional
fashion. Lightweight, smart casual
attire is always a good choice. A
light sweater or shawl is advisable
for alfresco dining during the
winter. Avoid tight or revealing
outfi ts, which may off end. Q

EARLY AFTERNOON
Gaze in Wonder at Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque

All the facets of modern Abu
Dhabi come together at Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque, where
architectural splendor, religious
devotion, and cultural identity
are embodied in one of the most
extraordinary buildings on Earth.
Four soaring minarets and 82

gold-tipped domes crown the
edifi ce. The vast structure is built
around a sprawling courtyard
fl anked with palm-topped columns
and shimmering pools.

AFTERNOON
Listen to the Sounds
of Abu Dhabi

The soundtrack to any Arabian
journey emanates from the oud, a

stringed instrument that has lulled
listeners with its hypnotic melody
for at least a thousand years. Equal
parts museum, music academy, and
performance center, Bait Al Oud
preserves the ancient art among
a new generation of Emiratis.

LATE AFTERNOON
Search for Treasure
in a Shopping Mall

Nowhere does the warm glow of
wealth glitter brighter than in this
opulent corner of the Madinat
Zayed Shopping Centre, an
Aladdin’s cave of gold, diamonds,
and gems. Rows of jewelry shops
with radiant window displays make
for a compelling visit, even if you
don’t plan to buy. Wares are priced
by the gram and literally worth
their weight in gold.

EVENING
Dine Fine at the
Emirates Palace

Acres of marble cover the
interiors of Emirates Palace, a
regal 394-room hotel that counts
royalty and heads of state among
its regular guests. Dining here
means choosing between 12
venues. Try Le Café for indulgent
fare such as a cappuccino sprin-
kled with 24-carat gold fl akes or
a camel burger delivered on a
gold-dusted bun.

Lacey light stipples
the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Over one million people
visited the museum since
its 2017 opening.

MAP DATA: © OPENSTREETMAP CONTRIBUTORS, AVAILABLE UNDER OPEN DATABASE LICENSE:OPENSTREETMAP.ORG/COPYRIGHT

E12

E10

E10
E22

E20

2 mi
2 km

MAN R VE
TIONAL RK

Al Hudayriat
Island

Saadiyat Island

lLulu
Island

30TH ST.

19TH

ST.

CO
RN
ICH

ER

D.

SU
LTA
NB
IN
ZA
YE
DT
HEF
IRSTST.

SHEIKH
HA

ZZ
AB

IN
ZAY

ED
ST.

RA
SH
IDB
INS
AEEDST
.

SH

EIK

HKH

ALI
FABINZAYE
DH
W
Y.

Qasr al Hosn
Bait al Oud

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Mina Markets

Emirates
Palace
Abu Dhabi

Madinat Zayed Shopping
Centre and Gold Centre

ABU
DHABI

Travelers Tips


HOW TO FLY
Abu Dhabi is a major global transit
hub, with direct fl ights from Europe
and Asia, and direct services from
the United States via Etihad
Airways. Just changing planes? A
48-hour stopover is a good way
to sample the city's off erings. U.S.
citizens can visit visa-free for stays
of up to one month.

WHEN TO VISIT
The United Arab Emirates enjoy
an arid climate, with warm tem-
peratures year-round and mostly
sunny skies. October through
May are the best time to visit,
with infrequent rain and milder
temperatures. The holy month of
Ramadan falls at a diff erent time
each year. Visitors should be
particularly mindful of local
customs during this period.

WHAT TO WEAR
The UAE capital is a sophisticated
city where men and women wear
a mix of Western and traditional
fashion. Lightweight, smart casual
attire is always a good choice. A
light sweater or shawl is advisable
for alfresco dining during the
winter. Avoid tight or revealing
outfi ts, which may off end. Q

EARLY AFTERNOON
Gaze in Wonder at Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque

All the facets of modern Abu
Dhabi come together at Sheikh
Zayed Grand Mosque, where
architectural splendor, religious
devotion, and cultural identity
are embodied in one of the most
extraordinary buildings on Earth.
Four soaring minarets and 82

gold-tipped domes crown the
edifi ce. The vast structure is built
around a sprawling courtyard
fl anked with palm-topped columns
and shimmering pools.

AFTERNOON
Listen to the Sounds
of Abu Dhabi

The soundtrack to any Arabian
journey emanates from the oud, a

stringed instrument that has lulled
listeners with its hypnotic melody
for at least a thousand years. Equal
parts museum, music academy, and
performance center, Bait Al Oud
preserves the ancient art among
a new generation of Emiratis.

LATE AFTERNOON
Search for Treasure
in a Shopping Mall

Nowhere does the warm glow of
wealth glitter brighter than in this
opulent corner of the Madinat
Zayed Shopping Centre, an
Aladdin’s cave of gold, diamonds,
and gems. Rows of jewelry shops
with radiant window displays make
for a compelling visit, even if you
don’t plan to buy. Wares are priced
by the gram and literally worth
their weight in gold.

EVENING
Dine Fine at the
Emirates Palace

Acres of marble cover the
interiors of Emirates Palace, a
regal 394-room hotel that counts
royalty and heads of state among
its regular guests. Dining here
means choosing between 12
venues. Try Le Café for indulgent
fare such as a cappuccino sprin-
kled with 24-carat gold fl akes or
a camel burger delivered on a
gold-dusted bun.

Lacey light stipples
the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Over one million people
visited the museum since
its 2017 opening.


MAP DATA: © OPENSTREETMAP CONTRIBUTORS, AVAILABLE UNDER OPEN DATABASE LICENSE:OPENSTREETMAP.ORG/COPYRIGHT

E12

E10

E10
E22

E20

2 mi
2 km

MAN R VE
TIONAL RK

Al Hudayriat
Island

Saadiyat Island

lLulu
Island

30TH ST.

19TH

ST.

CO
RN
ICH

ER

D.

SU
LTA
NB
IN
ZA
YE
DT
HEF
IRSTST.

SHEIKH
HA

ZZ
AB

IN
ZAY

ED
ST.

RA
SH
IDB
INS
AEEDST
.

SH

EIK

HKH

ALI
FABINZAYE
DH
W
Y.

Qasr al Hosn
Bait al Oud

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Mina Markets

Emirates
Palace
Abu Dhabi

Madinat Zayed Shopping
Centre and Gold Centre

ABU
DHABI
Free download pdf