Abu Dhabi may not be as glamorous as Dubai but it does receive a fair share of tourist traffic each year. The city, which is a sprawling metropolis situated right in the desert, has quite a few surprises for the first time visitor (one is the profusion of greenery, with plenty of parks and gardens the emirate is hardly just a dusty, dried up city). For all those who want to experience Arab culture, cuisine and hospitality, this is the place to be.
The Al Maqtaa Fort is located near the Al Maqtaa Bridge and is visible as one heads towards Abu Dhabi Island. The historic fort side by side with the modern bridge brings up a striking contrast, but it somehow works. The fort is around two hundred years old and has served as a watchtower and was used to defend against invading marauders of the time. The fort also houses an Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority Visitor’s Centre which can provide tourists with a lot of interesting information about the fort and the surrounding region. The Al Maqtaa Fort is an enduring piece of the emirate’s history and is remarkably well preserved. The tourist landmark should not be missed.
The fort is just one of many tourist attractions found in the emirate. Foreigners will also enjoy visiting the Heritage Village. Located in the heart of the city, the Heritage Village provides revelatory insights into the lifestyles and cultures of the Bedouins and other natives. Here one can enjoy traditional sports such as falconry and camel racing. Another place one might enjoy is the Liwa Oasis. Situated on the fringes of Rab Al Khali Desert, the oasis boasts some of the world’s tallest sand dunes. Incidentally, dune bashing is a popular activity here.
As a top tourist destination one will not have trouble finding Abu Dhabi hotels close to all the action. A good place to try is the Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi city hotel is located along the famed Corniche stretch, providing guests with stunning panoramic views of the Capital Garden’s and the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf.