A city where gold dunes, sacred silence, and modern wonders blend into unforgettable travel poetry
A destination where tradition, modernity, and multicultural warmth intertwine, a trip to Abu Dhabi leaves you with a soul enriched with unforgettable stories. It was evening when my flight landed at Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi. I was part of a travelling group to the Emirate. Since it was dinner time, we first headed to Pura Restaurant, nestled under a blanket of stars to ward off our hunger pangs. The setting was picturesque, and though we wished we had arrived a bit earlier, the ambience instantly set the tone for the rest of the soulful Emirati journey ahead. The following day unfolded with our first stop at Al Ain Zoo. Sprawling across 400 hectares at the foothills of Jebel Hafeet, the zoo is home to Arabian antelopes, gazelles, and majestic giraffes.
Feeding a giraffe by hand was a moment of pure joy - thrilling, humbling, and unforgettable.
Next, we stepped into the cool, shaded pathways of Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The scorching 40-degree temperature outside melted away as we wandered under the dense canopy of over 147,000 date palms. Over 4,000 years old, the oasis still pulsates with life and history. Post-lunch, we explored Qasr Al Muwaiji and Al Jahili Fort, both standing tall as enduring symbols of Emirati resilience and leadership. Built in the late 19th century, Qasr Al Muwaiji was once home to the ruling Al Nahyan family. The evening brought us to Telal Resort, nestled amidst golden dunes.
The next day we visited the bustling Date Market. This market offered an incredible variety of dates from different regions. From stuffed dates to chocolate-covered ones and delicate date-filled kunafas, every item told a story of craftsmanship. Our next destination was the architectural marvel of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The mosque’s pristine white domes, intricate floral inlays, and exquisite chandeliers left us in awe.
Accommodating over 40,000 worshippers, it is not only one of the world’s largest mosques but also one of the most beautiful. Inside, chandeliers glisten with Swarovski crystals, some weighing over 11 tonnes and adorned with 24-karat gold. The world’s largest loomed carpet, with over 2.26 billion hand-tied knots, spreads across the prayer hall. From there, we moved to Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest stone building. The fort houses exhibitions and artefacts, offering a profound insight into the Emirate’s development. We took a break from exploration to indulge our creativity at a calligraphy workshop.
Drenched in blue and red ink, laughing like children, we rediscovered the joy of art. It was refreshing to let go and simply be playful. Next came a visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island. This magnificent museum brings together the best of East and West, housing priceless works from Musée du Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou. With 9,200 square metres of displays, it is a journey through global civilisations, highlighting our shared heritage beyond borders. The evening concluded with a boat tour of Abu Dhabi’s waterfront. As the sun set behind the skyline, blending the old and the new, we dined at the elegant Butcher & Still, reflecting on a day that had been nothing short of magical. The final day of my sojourn to Abu Dhabi started on a thrilling note at Yas Marina Circuit. Donning professional racing suits, we were briefed like pros before taking to the track for an exhilarating karting experience. The competitive spirit was high and while I may have been last in the race, the joy and adrenaline rush made me feel like a champion. From racing to reflection, our next stop was the Abrahamic Family House, home to a mosque, a church, and a synagogue.
More than just an architectural marvel, it is a deeply symbolic gesture of coexistence and interfaith harmony. Then came the most transformative part of our trip, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. This immersive digital art space blurred the lines between imagination and reality. The installations, shaped by natural forces and visitor interaction, constantly evolve, offering a new experience every time. In the Dry Area, I was captivated by “Morphing Continuum” and “Biocosmos.” The former explores time and space through abstract visual poetry, while the latter transports visitors into a living digital ecosystem. Walking through a 360-degree mesh net surrounded by blooming flowers, flying birds, and glowing coral was both grounding and ethereal. As our trip came to an end, I found myself reflecting not just on the places we had seen but on the feelings they evoked.
