The capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the eponymous emirate is most surprising facts about Abu Dhabi. The country’s highest oil council and the official house are located there. White-sand beaches, chic hotels, fascinating museums, and incredibly varied architecture are just a few of Abu Dhabi’s attractions. While a massive shopping mall may provide welcome relief from the heat, visiting one of the theme parks offers more than enough excitement. Here is the evidence that Abu Dhabi understands just what to do to wow its guests.
The story starts with a gazelle.
“The father of a gazelle” is the literal translation of the Arabic name of the emirate Abu Dhabi and the first surprising fact. According to popular belief, the name comes from an old tale in which hunters from the Bateen Liwa oasis spent much time pursuing a gazelle. The hunter-trailing beast darted zigzag over the desert until it reached the Persian Gulf shore. It dove headfirst into the sea and waded to a magical island. The hunters who pursued the gazelle reached a source of fresh water. The nomadic nomads called their new community Abu Dhabi (“the father of a gazelle”) after the spring and the animal they released as a token of their appreciation.
A chandelier that doubles as a chamber is a genuine thing
Impressive luxury awaits you in the presidential mansion of Qasr Al Watan, adorned with eleven tons of gold. The palace is open to the public even though it is reserved for state receptions, and it is one of the surprising facts about Abu Dhabi. Upon entering, you will be astounded by its splendor as you are by its majesty. The palace’s golden furnishings, mosaics, arches, mirrors, and patterns make it seem like something out of a fairy tale. A library with fifty thousand volumes is in one of the lobby areas. Anyone outside of the Emirates is only permitted to glance at them; only inhabitants of the Emirates are allowed to borrow them and read them.
The conference room is one of the most spectacular rooms in the palace. It is adorned with a 12-ton chandelier and has a dedicated area for workers to polish the crystal. Dusting off the chandelier takes two whole days.
Feel free to stop by the Louvre.
The Louvre is Located in an area of 9,200 square meters (about the location of a Manhattan city block). The surprising facts about Abu Dhabi Museum has become a global magnet for history, architecture, and art enthusiasts. In comparison, the Louvre in Paris has an area of 160,106 square meters (about twice the area of Chicago’s Millennium Park). Everything from antique silverware and jewelry to modern masterpieces by some of the world’s most acclaimed artists is on display in this priceless collection. Both the collection and the structure in which it is housed deserve attention. Among the many characteristics of the museum designed by Jean Nouvel are its open terrace that looks out over the ocean and the 7,850 stars etched into the dome that let light and air into the building. Despite the structure’s seeming lightness, the dome weighs over 7,500 tons—almost as much as the Eiffel Tower.
If you want to see some strange shadow dancing on the white walls and floor, you should come here just before sunset. Sit on the stairs that go straight into the sea, have a coffee at the museum’s café, and watch the city get dark.
The largest carpet in the world is located here.
Among facts about Abu Dhabi city tour most recognizable monuments is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Photos of this breathtaking emirate’s splendor are likely to have caught your eye even if you’ve never been there. No photograph could do justice to its astounding ostentation: The mosque’s 82 domes made of snow-white marble, 1,096 pillars adorned with amethyst and jade, an interior courtyard adorned with a lovely mosaic, and a massive chandelier glistening with Swarovski crystals will make an impact on even the most cynical of people.
Therein lies the world’s most giant hand-woven carpet, certified by Guinness World Records. Mosques welcome worshippers of all faiths, although they have a rigid dress code: women must cover their wrists, ankles, and heads with a headscarf. Men are kindly asked to refrain from wearing shorts or t-shirts inside. There is no cost to enter the mosque. However, you must reserve a time to visit their website in advance. An afternoon visit is ideal for seeing the mosque day and night when the lights illuminate it.
Additionally, it has the largest aquarium in the area.
The term “biggest in the world” is often used to describe facts about Abu Dhabi because of the city’s penchant for setting world records. One notable attraction and another surprising fact in this emirate is the National Aquarium Abu Dhabi, the largest aquarium in the Persian Gulf area. It only opened its doors not long ago. Diverse aquatic animals, including nimble sharks, “smiley” stingrays, unique fish, and enormous turtles swim by in awe. One aquarium, for instance, is contained inside an automobile, which is an imaginative design. Guests may take their sick or wounded marine creatures to a dedicated vet clinic on the property. Many turtles seek medical attention from physicians after losing flippers because of plastic pollution or accidents involving motorboats. The chic Al Qanna promenade, where the aquarium is situated, has restaurants, movie theaters, and a gaming center to cater to every taste.
The going rate for a bird is $100,000
One of the most beloved (and costly) activities for Arabian males throughout history has been falconry. It’s a unique sport: exciting and full of competition. A Falcon in the Emirates might reach $100,000 or more. Therefore, it should be no surprise that owners pay lavish attention to their feathery friends. When birds need medical attention, they may be sent to a specialized falcon hospital in Abu Dhabi. The animals patiently wait their turn, their eyes covered by protective hoods.
When birds see the vet, they have their general well-being checked, their claws trimmed (since they may become very long), and any damaged feathers repaired if needed. There is a complex at the hospital where the birds may spend the night. Visitors to the birds of prey facility may learn about falconry and even accompany the birds for a checkup. Of course, kids may also pose for photos while clutching one of these pricey gemstones.
Seize the opportunity to reach a speed of 240 km/h in only 4.9 seconds!
At Ferrari World facts about Abu Dhabi on Yas Island, you may ride the world-famous Formula Rossa roller coaster at speeds up to this limit. Feel the adrenaline pumping through your body as you soar to a dizzying 52 meters in the air. The world’s tallest loop roller coaster, the Flying Aces, awaits you as you continue your journey. Feel free to visit another attraction, Bell ‘Italia, if you’re not up for anything so intense. Surprisingly, riding a vintage Ferrari 250 California around a scaled-down version of Italy is possible.
On the other hand, Yas Island is home to more than just Ferrari World. Warner Bros. Travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, another large park, lies just next to it. It offers attractions from the studio’s well-known brands. Stop by Dynamite Gulch, see Tom and Jerry, and explore shabby Gotham City—all from this location. Over 150,000 square meters (about half the area of a large shopping mall), visitors may enjoy 29 state-of-the-art roller coasters, interactive activities, and a wide variety of shops, cafés, and restaurants. The lovable Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, and others are there to make it a good time.
Marvel at the largest indoor skydiving chamber on the planet
Are the records already missing? Now, I’ll give you another one: facts about Abu Dhabi is home to the largest indoor skydiving facility in the world. You may find it at CLYMB, conveniently located near Ferrari World. Here, you may fulfill your inner child’s fantasy of soaring through the air by harnessing the force of a strong airstream (don’t worry, a certified teacher will be there to help you). Reasonable body control requires training, but you can still enjoy it from your first flight forward.
BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi
The seven spires of the temple stand for the seven emirates of the United Arab Emirates, and their combined symbolism is meant to reflect unity and cooperation. As soon as one steps foot within the temple grounds, they will observe two streams of water, representing the Hindu rivers Yamuna and Ganga, the holiest of the holiest rivers. Saraswati, the third river, is a light beam at the temple’s foundation; it is dedicated to the goddess of music and wisdom.
The Divine Eye facts about Abu Dhabi, a whirlpool-like artwork created by the innovative Indian studio Apical Reform, also features the rivers. The ancient idea of the third eye as a spiritual window inspired its design, which frames the temple inside a vacuum and reflects humanity’s boundless potential. This is the last and the most attractive and surprising fact.