Page 101 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Beyond the Centre of Abu Dhabi ❮❮ 99

almost entirely using petrodollars. A DAY AROUND ABU DHABI
Billing itself as the “world’s largest
indoor theme park” this vast red Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Public Beach
extravaganza boasts an amazing Louvre
range of rides. Highlights include TAXI
a Formula 1 simulator, the world’s Manarat al
fastest rollercoaster and the Saadiyat Yas Waterworld
vertiginous Tower of Speed ride. Yas Marina
Al Maqtaa Aldar HQ
Fort
Aldar HQ
9 Sheikh Zayed Bain al Jessrain
TAXI
Mosque
MAP W4 • Al Raha, next to
the Dubai–Abu Dhabi highway Qaryat al Beri Shangri La Hotel
The Aldar HQ is another strong
contender for the title of Abu Dhabi’s MORNING
most unusual building, clearly visible
from the main highway as you Spend the morning exploring
approach from Dubai. Claimed to be the myriad treasures of the Abu
the world’s first circular skyscraper, Dhabi Louvre (see p97), including a
the structure looks a lot like a huge large selection of Middle Eastern
and Islamic art. Afterwards, pop
magnifying glass, supported by into the nearby Manarat al
a diagonal grid of steel girders. Saadiyat exhibition to see what
Casual visitors are welcome to go the future of Abu Dhabi looks like.
inside for a look at the airy atrium. If museums aren’t your thing,
spend some time on the sands
Capital Gate
0 at Saadiyat Public Beach or brave
the looping rides and slides of Yas
MAP U3 • Al Khaleej al Arabi St
The so-called “Leaning Tower Waterworld. Pick up some lunch
either in the museum or at one
of Abu Dhabi”, Capital Gate is one of the numerous places to eat
of the most remarkable of Abu around the Yas Marina.
Dhabi’s many strange modern
buildings. Officially recognized by AFTERNOON
Guinness World Records as the Next, head back to the mainland.
world’s most tilted tower, this If you have time, make a short
enormous skyscraper looks detour to see the innovative Aldar
as if it’s on the point of HQ building en route. Spend the
toppling headfirst into rest of the afternoon visiting the
the sea, with four iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque and
times more lean than admiring its incredibly ornate
even the famously courtyard and interior.
wonky Leaning As evening approaches, catch a
Tower of Pisa. cab for the short drive over to
Bain al Jessrain. Look out for
The tilting the 200-year-old Al Maqtaa Fort
Capital Gate and then dive into Qaryat al Beri
souk to explore the boutiques
and eateries there. Watch the
sun go down over the historic
Maqtaa Creek whilst sipping a
cocktail at the kitsch Left Bank
(see p100). Afterwards, head
to one of the many excellent
restaurants in the area. Bord Eau
(see p101) at the Shangri La Hotel
is an especially memorable place
for a romantic evening meal,
boasting sweeping views across
the creek from the terrace.
See map on pp96–7
096-099_Top_10_Dubai.indd 99 17/05/2017 12:55