We bring you seven things that cover sights and sounds and tingle your taste buds. Do these things with a friend, by yourself or if someone's in the capital for just 24 hours (not including arrival time) then this is the challenge for you, my friend. Your pit stops will feel more like another destination along the way.
9:00 am For the Breakfast of Champions
Gunaydin Gourmet
Start your day with a lavish spread in this charming colourful Turkish café in Al Mina. At AED 80, order the Gunaydin breakfast for one with its vast selection of cheeses, cold dips and bread. You can throw in an additional omelette with Turkish Soujouk (Sausage) to make this a filling breakfast for 2. The honey with kaymak (clotted cream) and the well-prepared hot pot of Turkish tea is a favourite making this a decadent start.
10:00 am Step into the awe-inspiring Presidential Palace
It's time to get on the road to discover Qasr Al Watan, named in English as the ‘Palace of the Nation’ and experience UAE’s tribute to art, architecture and culture. Don’t miss the gold installation entitled 'Power of words' by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej and over 5,000 mosaic styles reflecting Arabesque designs.
11:30 am Lose yourself at the Grand Mosque
If you're in Abu Dhabi you must visit one of the grandest mosques in the world, built by the founding father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as a symbol of peace, tolerance and diversity. Meditate in the tranquil courtyard with picturesque water fountains at the heart of the mosque. With its 24-carat-gold chandeliers and home to the largest hand-woven carpet – the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a work of art.
12:30 pm Small pit-stop to Wahat al Kamara
Just opposite you will find an immense monument consisting of 31 massive tablets leaning against each other and inscribed with poems and quotes from the nation’s great leaders to commemorate Emirati soldiers for the UAE. Wahat Al Karama, translates to ‘Oasis of Dignity' and it is so gorgeous offering stunning views of both the grand mosque and the memorial.
1:00 pm Stop for some seafood fiesta!
Time to head to Mina port to dine on some fresh seafood for lunch. This is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest ports where you can head to the fish market to see a fresh array of fish. The best thing is to buy your own and give it to any shop to grill so you can sit by the dhow (located behind the market and not recommended in summer, also ask how long it will take), sit in the restaurant that cooks it for an additional AED 20 or simply pre-order from the menu. Wash it down with cool coconut water (ask for the cold one) from the vegetable shop.
2:30 pm Ferrari World or Warner Bros AD
Choose from the thrill of a lifetime at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and experience a hair-raising ride on the world’s fastest rollercoaster, the Formula Rossa, with a speed of 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds or be captivated by a truly top-notch theme park with six unique worlds at Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi with your favourite characters and exciting rides.
6:00 pm Sundowners at Yas Bay
Head over to Yas Bay for the perfect sundowners at Daikan. With its trendy and chill vibe that comes alive during sunset, this is the perfect place to lounge while you settle in for the evening with some drinks and grub while the sun sets on the horizon.
