Abu Dhabi | The Best Travel Destinations

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates

The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is probably the most imposing religious and national landmark in Abu Dhabi to date. It is also arguably one of the most important architectural treasures of contemporary UAE society – and one of the most beautiful in the world – initiated no less by the late president HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is fondly thought of as the father of the UAE.

First considerations to build the Mosque began in the late 1980s and much thought was given to its location and its design over the next decade. The initial architectural design was agreed upon and the inaugural cornerstone laid in the late 1990s.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, popularly called the Grand Mosque by local residents, is seen as a construction to ‘unite the world’, using artisans and materials from countries such as Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, Turkey, Iran, China, Greece and the UAE. More than 3,000 workers and 38 renowned contracting companies took part in the construction of the Mosque.

The Mosque’s initial architectural design was Moroccan, but it evolved to include many global features, including exterior walls that are of traditional Turkish design. Natural materials were chosen for its design and construction due to their long-lasting qualities, including marble, stone, gold, semi-precious stones, crystals and ceramics.

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Capital Gate – Abu Dhabi

Capital Gate – Abu Dhabi

Capital Gate is a mixed use skyscraper in Abu Dhabi adjacent to the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre designed with a striking lean. At 160 m (520 ft) and 35 storeys, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city and features a dramatic 18 degree incline to the west. The owner and developer of Capital Gate is Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company. The tower is the focal point of the Capital Centre/ Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre master development.

In June 2010, the Guinness Book of World Records certified Capital Gate as the “World’s furthest leaning man-made tower.” The new record shows that the Capital Gate tower has been built to lean 18 degrees westwards; more than four times that of the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Investigation and evaluation, which was made by a Guinness appointed awards committee, started in January 2010, when the exterior was completed.
The gravitational pressure caused by the 18 degree incline is countered by the world’s first “pre-cambered core”; a technique that utilizes 15,000 cubic metres of concrete reinforced with 10,000 tons of steel with the core deliberately built slightly off centre. It has straightened as the building has risen, compressing the concrete and giving it strength, and moving into (vertical) position as the weight of the floors has been added. Capital Gate is also anchored to the Earth by 490 piles which are drilled over 30m deep.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ferrari World is the largest indoor theme park in the world, situated in Abu Dhabi.

The park hosts more than 20 unique rides and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests – from speed thrill rides to the world’s most advanced simulators and family-friendly attractions – in addition to a wide variety of Italian delicacies, unique shopping experiences and special festivities that include inaugural shows, dedicated entertainment and free souvenirs.

Rides & Attractions:

Formula Rossa – The world’s fastest roller coaster will be powered through the 2.07 km track at speeds up to 240 km/h; reaching 0-100 km/h in less than two seconds.

Speed of Magic – This incredibly sophisticated fantasy attraction follows the adventures of a young boy as he travels through 4-D dreamscapes in the pursuit of ‘Nello’ – a mischievous racing car driver from another world. Continue reading Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi

Emirates Palace was operated by the luxury hotel group Kempinski Hotels & Resorts. The world’s most expensive hotel was built and is owned by the Abu Dhabi government. The city, which is the United Arab Emirates’ capital makes a great impression on the Middle East corporate tourism being the biggest rival of Dubai. The 3 billion $ cost hotel was opened in 2005 and is a colossal standstone itself.

The seven star hotel shows the beauty of Arabian culture. Traditional decor is used inside mostly in silver, gold, marble and glass mosaics. The chandeliers are made of Swarovski crystal. There are 114 domes (including the Grand Atrium which is higher than the dome of St.Peter’s Basilica in Rome), 200 fountains, the luxurious and technologically advanced Conference Centre, The marvellous Blue Salon and so on. The simplest suite is called Palace Suite. Each of them contains at least three rooms and a 61″ plasma screen.

Located in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, the magnificent Emirates Palace is a national landmark and one of the most impressive hotels and conference venues ever built. Perfect for corporate and leisure travellers, Emirates Palace offers a variety of luxury services to suit every need, whether you come on vacation with your family or for a business meeting or international conference.

Emirates Palace is second to none in regards to recreational facilities. Unlimited avenues are available whether one is looking for family fun activities or to a more private time alone with ones spouse.

Emirates Palace offers palatial restaurants which bring the world’s finest cuisines. Gourmet meals for example exquisite seafood of the Sayad and magnificent view of the Gulf gives fabulous experience for the visitor. The Caviar Bar is also popular because of its world class champagne menu and caviar selections with live traditional music.

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