If we told you that Abu Dhabi’s first paved road only dates back to the 1960s, you probably wouldn’t believe it. And how can you blame yourself: arriving today in this pearl of the Emirates literally means taking a leap into the future. Soaring skyscrapers, shopping malls, glass and steel that dominate, at least in the Downtown. And yet, there is something that reminds you that you are not in yet another western metropolis. It will be for the souq, for the mosque, or perhaps for nature. Not far from the skyscrapers, you can dive into the sandy sea of the islet of Saadiyat, a brand new cultural district that is both residential and touristic, or cool off in the modern water parks. And still end your personalized journey in the silence of the Rub Al Khali nature, at the gates of the desert, almost on the border with Oman.

Abu Dhabi Downtown
This is the beating heart of the city, crossed by the two main roads, Hamdan Street and Khalifa Street, teeming with life especially in the evening. Staying here means being in the center of everything, in the soul of the capital. Shops, restaurants and soaring buildings abound here, and at the Hamdan Street end stands the World Trade Center with the new Norman Foster-designed Central Market, where you’ll find everything from souvenirs to quality handicrafts to take home as keepsakes of this fantastic tailor-made Trip.

Saadiyat Island
A few minutes from downtown is the beach of Saadiyat Island, one of the most suggestive in the country thanks to its fine white sand, where you will continue your personalized journey. It is a supervised area equipped with services but at the same time it is home to natural oases where it is possible to spot dolphins and where sea turtles go to lay their eggs. Saadiyat is also the cultural district of Abu Dhabi and here towards the end of 2017 the second exhibition center of the Louvre was opened, which exhibits masterpieces of both Eastern and Western art, to symbolize the union between peoples and cultures.

Ruby Al-Khali Desert
Located at the end of the sandy desert of Rub Al Khali, Tilal Al Liwa is the oasis where Qasr Al Sarab is located, the luxury resort that will host you. Liwa is one of the largest oases in the Middle East, boasts the largest and most beautiful sand dunes in the world and is the homeland of the Bedu people. From here you will have the opportunity to enjoy morning walks in the dunes, camel and 4WD rides, desert barbecues and many other activities.

Also see The Perfect Weekend Trip in Dubai

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