Newsletter

World Tourism Day | World Tourism Day: Six places that evoke Abu Dhabi’s cultural uniqueness

Abu Dhabi is a great option if you are looking for unique cultural places to spend your holidays. Beyond the malls and shopping, the capital of the United Arab Emirates has another world of sights. Many cultural and artistic centers here are attractive to anyone. From the tranquility of Al Ain to the wonder of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, this World Tourism Day, let’s take a look at some of the best holiday destinations.

Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first international museum in the Arab world. The scenes in this museum reinforce the connections and openness between cultures. This cultural institution on Saadiyat Island showcases cultural, historical and social issues from ancient times to the present day.

The museum has a 9200 square meter gallery. There is a permanent gallery and a temporary gallery. The temporary gallery includes objects from famous French museums such as the Musée du Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay and the Center Pompidou.

A museum can be said to be a masterpiece of architectural art. The building was designed by Pritzker Prize winner Jean Nouvel. The water and the proximity of the reflected light make it even more beautiful. The design is inspired by the cultural diversity of the area and the unique location of the building. This is where Saadiyat Island meets the Arabian Strait.

Qasr Al Hosn
In an ever-evolving city like Abu Dhabi, there are some places that remain largely unchanged. Qasr Al Hosn is one such place. Among the glittering skyscrapers of Abu Dhabi, the city’s oldest building still stands. This building is a sign of Dubai’s history where the old meets the new.

Built in 1790, this building was originally the home of the governors. The building was converted into a museum in 2018 after almost a decade of conservation and strengthening.

As soon as you enter the building, you can see the inner fort built in 1795 and the outer fort built between 1939 and 1945. At the top, the old observatory still stands tall . Every moment spent here will make us immerse ourselves in these scenes. Artefacts dating back over 6,000 years are on display here, shedding light on the history of the UAE. For children, this will be a world experience with a bit of adventure. Use this as an opportunity to tell them historical stories.

Heritage Village
The Abu Dhabi Heritage Village is a place where you can get a closer look at the traditional way of life in the desert. It works well for family visitors. It is home to an old market, a mosque and a camp reminiscent of rural life in the area before the modern UAE came into being.

Located on Marina Mall Island, close to the city centre, the village is a mirror thrown back into Abu Dhabi’s past. Here you can shop and buy handicrafts.

It also has a heritage club which provides training in traditional crafts. There is also an exhibition of traditional crafts such as metalwork, pottery, weaving and spinning. You can also have a closer look at the old trade. Tourists should not forget to visit this spice shop. A variety of dry spices, handmade soaps and souvenirs to give to friends and relatives can be found here.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world, it is witness to the connection between Islam and other cultures. The welcoming policy of the mosque attracts travelers from all over the world to enjoy its beauty while introducing them to the cultural beliefs of the Emirate, encouraging open discussion.

The mosque can welcome around 55000 worshipers every day. 1096 pillars encrusted with crystals and stones, 82 minarets in white marble, a reflecting pool, gold-plated Swarovski chandeliers, a beautiful prayer hall and courtyard are all sights to behold. This is a great place for sightseeing and photography.

Al Ain Oasis
This lush green oasis of Al Ain is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is about an hour and a half by car from the capital. Spread over approximately 1,200 hectares, this oasis sheds light on the life of early humans in the region, who settled in the desert 4,000 years ago.

Al Ain Oasis is the perfect place for those who love to enjoy the beauty of nature. There are trees that shade the wide paths. Fruits such as mangos, oranges and bananas are also abundant. Riding through the oasis on bikes will offer a special experience.

Those interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the region can visit the Echo Center here. This interactive exhibit shows how the Falaj system works in the Al Ain Oasis and how the local eco system is preserved. Entry to the Echo Center is free so there’s no need to worry about the price of the ticket.

Al Atba Fossil Dunes
Al Atba, located about 45 km east of Abu Dhabi, has about 17,000 fossil sand dunes spread over 7 square km. A protected area, it is also home to one of the largest fossil centers in the emirate.

Geologists estimate that these fossils were formed around 4 million years ago. The sights of this area can be seen by walking along the 3 km long walking path. There are shaded areas and benches for relaxing.

You can also enjoy the music and light show that takes place throughout the opening hours. For this, the amphitheater has room for 200 people to sit.

Read the most reliable news, live information, world, national, Bollywood, sports, business, health and lifestyle on News18 Malayalam website.