Abu Dhabi is the capital of United Arab Emirates. The city is one of the seven Emirates, which make up the federation. For years, the city was overshadowed by the more glamorous neighboring emirate of Dubai. However, the city is slowly making a mark for itself on the world tourist map in the last few years. It is known for its gardens, parks, seaside promenades, high-rise buildings and shopping malls.

Many international airlines have flights to Abu Dhabi. So reaching the city is never an issue. The city is seeing major infrastructural development in the past few years. It has world-class infrastructure already in place by way of good roads and buildings. It is a desert nation, so the heat of the sun can play spoilt sport during the summer months. Winters, or rather the cooler months, are just between late November and February. The city can be best explored by the different modes of transport, namely buses, taxis or cars. There are a number of rent-a-car options available, but are not that popular with visitors. The roads, though world class, can put off any new person to the city because of the high speeds.

All major airlines, like British Airways, Air Canada and US Airways, have flights to the city. In addition to this, there are some cheap flights to Abu Dhabi on many budget airlines. Though there is not much history or cultural significance associated with the city, it is making a major effort to attract tourist. It will be home to Louvre and Guggenheim artifacts from 2013. The city has some world-class sporting arenas. It has a Formula 1 circuit and a Ferrari World, with a roller coaster; one of a kind in this region on the newly developed Yas Island. The Sadiyat Island is being developed as a cultural haven.

The city is seeing a construction boom in the last few years and as a result for the expatriate laborers, there are many cheap airline flights operating. So if people scout hard enough, they will find affordable tickets to visit this oasis in the desert.

The city has the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the sixth largest mosque in the world. Non-Muslims are allowed to take a tour of the place during specific non-prayer hours of the day. The city boasts of a spectacular waterfront, popularly known as the Corniche with the locals. There are beautiful walkways and many of the city’s shopping malls are located in this area. It adds to the character of the city. Traditional camel races are held over the weekends in specific racecourses. Another attraction with the tourists is the Desert Safari. It includes a 4×4 drive into the desert with dune bashing and a typically Arabian dinner to finish off the excitement. It is well worth going for the safari and understanding how Bedouins live even today here.

The city is famous for its glamorous shopping malls. So book those cheap tickets to Abu Dhabi and spend the money saved in these massive malls. It is indeed a shopper’s paradise.