On a layover in Abu Dhabi and not sure what to do? Lucky for you Lou Lou, the multi-island cultural jewel of the UAE is a one-stop p-leisure zone. Better still, the cooler winter season has arrived and its top sights, shops and dinner spots can easily be ticked off in a day. Here’s a rundown of how to make the most of a 12-hour stopover in this awe-inspiring, five-star desti.
9am: Marvel at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Yes, the glitzy hotels and mega malls may well beckon, but it would be remiss to visit Abu Dhabi without taking in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. This spectacular, dazzling-white icon of epic proportions (and the largest mosque outside Mecca) is chokka with marble vestibules, sumptuous carpets and one of the world’s largest chandeliers – it’s quite simply, astounding. If you’ve been savvy, you’ll have booked one of the superb private Emirati guides in advance, failing that there are free one-hour tours daily. A strict dress code applies, but abayas are provided. Nr Al Maqtaa Bridge, szgmc.ae
10.30am: Kayak or cruise the city’s waterways
Abu Dhabi’s mighty natural waterways are a wonder to behold, so hop in a cab to Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan St, where you can either stick your oar right in with a two-hour guided kayak tour by Noukhada Adventure Company, or opt for a more genteel one-hour cruise on Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey’s traddy dhow. Taking pearls home with you is optional.
1pm: Lunch at Art House Café
Phew, you must be famished! It’s a 30-min drive to Al Bateen Harbour where boho-chic Art House Café is located next to big sib Etihad Modern Art. This multi-coloured, eclectic neighbourhood hang serves killer joe, salads and sarnies with a side of contempo art by Emirati and International talent. Al Huwelat St, Al Bateen, +971 2 666 0175.
2.30pm: Get perfectly pampered at Talise Spa
Post-lunch, push on to the pristine, beachside Corniche, for much-needed respite at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers’ Talise Spa. This opulent oasis offers an array of treatments befitting a sheika, including Swedish, Thai and Balinese massage, prenatal therapies and treatments that focus on the head, hands or feet – plus there’s a hammam. Book in for 90 minutes, minimum. Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, jumeirah.com
5pm: Shop at Souk Central Market
Rejuvenated, zoom up the Corniche and dive into Souk Central Market, a veritable trove of Arabesque furny, ethnic droolery, fun, vibrant fabrics, luxuriant carpets and all manner of kitsch – in the blissful air-con confines of the World Trade Center. While there, fashion-forward gals (and guys) should take a peek at The Luxury Arcade, Lina Mustafa’s funky concept store, which shelves avant-garde, upcoming designers and global brands such as T by Alexander Wang and Marios Schwab. Shopped too much for your carry-on? They ship internationally too. World Trade Center, Al Makaziyah, wtcad.ae
8pm: Eat alfresco at Ushna
As the day draws to a close, there’s time for one last pitstop, at Ushna, a modish, vibrant, Indian restaurant with breezy patio offering super-dooper views of the Grand Mosque. The bang-for-buck menu includes all the classics; try the black lentils and thank us later. Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Al Maqtaa, +971 2 558 1769, book ahead.
LUXE has partnered with Etihad Airways to produce a series of destination-inspired Business Class amenity kits, each complete with its very own LUXE City Guide. Collect all six, next time you fly Etihad Airways.
– Published 3 November 2016.
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