MIDDLE EAST ABU DHABI DESTINATIONS A


bu Dhabi is quickly shaping up to be the cultural heart of the Middle East, and a host of luxury hotel openings is helping seal its reputation as a fantastic sun-soaked destination with something for all types of traveller.


ABU DHABI


Tamara Hinson explores


an emirate on the up


 DAY ONE 09.00: Start your day with a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (pictured). The stats are mind-blowing – there are 82 domes, 96 marble pillars, a 17,400sq m courtyard and the largest mosaic in the world. Inside, you’ll also find the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet –


a 5,400sq m rug that weighs 45 tons and took 1,200 people more than 18 months to make. There are strict dress codes – men need to wear trousers and long sleeves, while women must cover their arms, legs and hair. Entry is free to the mosque, which opens between 9am and 10pm, and you can opt for a solo exploration or join one of the guided tours.


11.00: Blow away those jet lag- induced cobwebs with a visit to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. This indoor theme park, which opened last summer, is divided into six themed lands, including Bedrock (home to the Flintstones), Gotham City and Cartoon Junction, where you’ll


find much-loved characters such as Tom and Jerry. The theming is fantastic, and there’s an army of character actors to pose with. wbworldabudhabi.com


13.00: Help bust the image that the emirate is all about boozy brunches by heading to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and having lunch in the cafe. You’ll never look at a museum cafe in the same way again, as there’s a spectacular range of starters, mains and desserts on offer, with everything from watermelon salad and pan-seared salmon to surprisingly tasty camel burgers.


14.00: Time for your culture fix. The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s


14 February 2019travelweekly.co.uk57


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