Book a Flight to Abu Dhabi from €134

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: The third largest mosque in the world, was named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder and first President of the United Arab Emirates, who was buried there. The whitewashed mosque covers a large area between Mussafah bridge and Maqta bridge. After its full renovation it can accommodate up to 40,000 people. It has 80 domes, 1,000 columns, chandeliers gilded with 24 carat gold and the largest woven carpet in the world. Unlike other mosques in Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque can be visited by non-Muslims too. 
Address: 2nd Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, www.szgmc.ae

Al Maqtaa Fort: 200 years old, the fort stands alone at the city entrance. It was built to keep off bandits and raiders in the past and today it plays key role to the amazing architectural contrast against the ultra-modern bridge standing next to it. A special attraction, as it is part of Abu Dhabi's history, it has a small museum with hand-crafted objects in its interior. 

Traditional Heritage Village: A “live museum” offering a glimpse to the past of the country. It is located in Abu Dhabi's centre and presents a replica of a traditional village on an oasis, with houses build of mud, tents for camping in the desert, irrigation systems, traditional crafts workshops, traditional mosque and roofed market. In the workshops, craftsmen will give you information on traditional skills by the craftsmen, such as skills for the art of metal and pottery or the art of textiles. There are shops where you can buy folk art objects and spices, dried herbs and handmade soap. 
Information: Nr Marina Mall, Breakwater, tel. +971 2681 4455
Bateen Shipyard: A very interesting place where you will learn how local craftsmen create the traditional dhow vessels, that have been used in trading and transportation in the Middle East for ages.

Khalifa Park Museum: With many artefacts and information on the history and civilisation of Abu Dhabi, the museum attempts a historical overview from prehistory to this day. Do not miss the Time Tunnel, the most important sight of the museum: a train travels you in living history, with all sights, sounds and smells of the past. 

The Corniche: The most picturesque area of the city is famous for its fountains and the seaside boulevard that is surrounded by parks. It frames the city against a backdrop of modern buildings overlooking the sea. See the blooming gardens, enjoy a ride on a traditional wooden dhow, indulging the view of the various aspects of the horizon. Corniche Park is located on the east side of Abu Dhabi island and is ideal for fishing and bird watching. 

Qasr al-Hosn Fort: Also known as the White Fort or Old Fort, this palace is the oldest historical building in Abu Dhabi, dating back to 1793. Up to 1966 it was the royal palace and headquarters of the government. Within its grounds it houses the Cultural Foundation, a popular venue for art, music and cinema events. 

Yas Island: also known as Ferrari Island. This artificial island on the east coast of Abu Dhabi, is home to hotels, villas, golf courts and marinas, a cinema theme park by Warner Bros. and the famous Ferrari World. Do visit the extravagant hotel Emirates Palace, the most expensive hotel in the United Arab Emirates and one of the 7-starred hotels in the world.

Saadiyat Island: It translates as “the island of happiness” and investors hope that this happiness will be achieved upon completion of the projects, approximately in 2018. It is located 500 metres from Abu Dhabi's coast. The investment plan of 27 billion dollars, which is in full progress at the moment, will allow the island to become the top cultural centre for the Emirates. The island will be home to the largest Guggenheim museum, covering 30,000 sq.m. as well as the Louvre Museum, which will be inaugurated in 2015. 

Al Ain Town: Also known as the “Town of Gardens” this unexpected verdant oasis is only 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi. The name of the town, which means “spring”, shows that it has the blessing of significant underground water springs supply. Al Αin, the second largest city of the Emirate, is a fertile area, with many fields, public parks and important archaeological sites. While there, you can visit the Al Ain zoo, the Al Ain museum and the Hili public parks. Al Ain is 90 minutes away from Abu Dhabi, by car.

Abu Dhabi is internationally acclaimed for the variety of its markets, the luxurious shopping centres and incredible variety of its goods. Apart from the abundance of designer and non designer clothes and accessories that await you in glamorous shops, you can find excellent jewellery, since gold is one of Abu Dhabi's most important products, as well as traditional perfumes, knick knacks, spices, antiques and carpets in very good prices. Local textile products, scarves, fabrics and embroideries are also of excellent quality. Your shopping cannot afford to miss eastern style sweets, dates, sweets made of camel milk as well as Iranian caviare, which you will find in good prices. The most famous malls are Abu Dhabi Mall, with 200 shops and 25,000 visitors per day, the Al Raha Mall, the Al Wahda Mall, the Fotouh Al Khair Centre with the most famous international fashion brands, and the Marina Mall with the 100 m. high tower and an amazing view. Do not miss a visit to the traditional souks for an authentic experience of the Arabic bazaar, where the abundance of goods is beyond imagination.

AThe cosmopolitan air of Abu Dhabi is proportionate to the food and entertainment sector of the city. In the Emirate you will find anything you can imagine: from gourmet restaurants with international cuisines to traditional hangouts with Arabian flavours and waterpipes. Most restaurants and cafés are in large city hotels, while you can also find many of them along the seaside Corniche Road. Nightlife in Abu Dhabi has changed a lot in the last few years, with a huge number of bars and clubs attracting young crowds partying to the latest dancing hits. A visit to an Arabic nightclub where you can see belly dancing is a good idea. Most clubs and bars operate in hotels.

• Abu Dhabi Festival: the most important cultural event in the Arab Emirates is held every March in the Music and Arts Institution of Abu Dhabi attracting important artists of classical music, jazz and opera from around the world. 
• International Book Fair: one of the most interesting cultural events in the Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Book Fair every spring promotes publishing activity in the Middle East, writers and new editions while it also presents interesting proposals by new literature markets. 
• Film Festival: Since the Emirates aspire to being the ...Riviera of the Persian Gulf it could not but host a glamorous film event in the area. The festival, held in autumn, presents the greatest international productions as well as interesting films by national producers. 
• International Photography Competition and Exhibition: with thousands of participants from around the world the Abu Dhabi International Photography Competition is aiming at promoting new and creating means of expression in the field of photography. The festival is held in August and attracts great names of artistic and journalistic photography.
• Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: the greatest international sports event in the Middle East is held every year on the track on Yas Island and attracts the crème-de-la-crème of international jet setters in Abu Dhabi. 

Transport from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands on the International Airport of Abu Dhabi. One of the fastest growing airports in the world, with many shops, high-class restaurants and cafés. For your convenience you will also find banks, foreign exchange offices and a post office. Furthermore, in the airport you will find a spa, sleeping cabins and bathrooms with shower. Wi-Fi is free. The airport is located 30 km from the city centre. You can take bus line A1 that connects the airport to several points in the city. If you opt for a taxi, please note that the vehicles are luxurious and available at relevantly low prices, while they do receive other currencies except local dirhams.