When people visit the UAE, they usually think of only one city, which is Dubai. But actually, just an hour’s journey away is Abu Dhabi, the capital of the country that is recognized far less. After a full day of walking there, I realized that the city avoided all kinds of rivalry with Dubai and offered a unique experience.
The main revelation was not any famous place or hotel, but rather an atmosphere. Even though the city has millions of residents, it feels completely calm. Cars move with no congestion, footpaths are not filled with many people, and public places are clean. In comparison to the dynamic Dubai, Abu Dhabi is a place where people are able to stop and enjoy their daily life.
Walking around the city center for one afternoon changed my perception a lot. There are modern skyscrapers next to small cafés, local restaurants, supermarkets, and markets. When being in the streets of Abu Dhabi, one doesn’t feel anything touristy—it gives a chance to explore UAE and observe lives of ordinary people there.
One of the highlights of the trip was the modern souk loaded with perfume shops. As Arabic perfumes are known all over the world, the ability to experiment with several uniquely designed scents was a fascinating adventure. The shop shelves were lined with perfumes based on fresh citruses, fruity notes, and traditional oud, while the friendly shopkeepers gave detailed explanations of the variety available. As it is common for the Middle Eastern markets, haggling was welcomed since it made the shopping more exciting and amusing.
Driven by curiosity, I tried the famous chocolate from Dubai that went viral on social media platforms. The mixture of milk chocolate, pistachios, and crunchy kunafa filling definitely lived up to its appearance, though the taste was not extremely impressive. The chocolate is worth trying but certainly should not be hunted all over Dubai.
A pleasant surprise was a small bubble tea shop opened by the Filipinos. What started as a short refreshment turned into a lengthy talk about life in Abu Dhabi. The friendliness of the shop workers proved to be the recurrent theme of the day, as the city’s multicultural character became evident.
It would be impossible to say that any trip was completed before visiting the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Although video restrictions limited filming opportunities to a mere walk through the beautiful white marble walkways, no word can describe how memorable this visit was. Huge domes, beautiful construction, and peaceful environment make this remarkable example of religious architecture one of the greatest in the world.
Another highlight of the visit was the food. Instead of opting for a well-known international cuisine, traditional Emirati dishes helped to understand local flavors better. Juicy grilled meat, aromatic rice, refreshing mint beverages, and delicious sauces were perfect for the meal that does not require any complexity. It is sometimes the simplest food which makes the biggest impression.
As the afternoon turned into the evening, the Corniche became the best place to feel the city. Families enjoyed the parks, joggers were on the edges of the water, kids were playing by the beach, and the skyscrapers were turning on their lights. The sunset on the Arabian Gulf contributed to the peaceful atmosphere of this place.
Safety was an important part of the visit. Families filled the parks until nightfall, the public places stood out for their cleanliness, and after talking to the locals and the long-term expatriates it became clear that Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the region. Thanks to that feeling of safety, the tourists could enjoy their exploration of the city without worrying about anything.
Surprisingly, Abu Dhabi does not attract tourists by spectacular sights. On the contrary, its secret of success lies in the comfort and organization of the city. Despite its modernity, the atmosphere in Abu Dhabi does not shock visitors; it is luxurious, but does not appeal to wealthiness; it is cosmopolitan but keeps its uniqueness.
Those who travel beyond the standard itinerary in Dubai should pay more attention to Abu Dhabi than they have done before. Abu Dhabi is not as famous worldwide as Dubai is; however, the relaxed atmosphere of the city, its pleasant waterfront, magnificent architecture, various communities, and warm local spirit help it to become one of the most overlooked places in the region.
