The second largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai is Abu Dhabi, which serves as its capital. There are 7 Emirates in the UAE: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al-Quwain, and Fujairah, while the seventh emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, the latter the last to join in the early seventies. Abu Dhabi is situated on an island in the Persian Gulf, off the Central West Coast of the UAE.

The spring season is beautiful, with highs of about 33 °C. If you prefer milder weather, travel in the winter for temperatures averaging 18°C and highs of 24°C (November to March). If you prefer the heat, the best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between July and August, when there is plenty of sunshine. The daytime high is 42°C, while the evening low is a more bearable 28°C. Swimming during this period is perfect in the beautiful Persian Gulf.

Spices and ingredients from all around Asia and the Middle East are featured in Emirati cuisine, these include dried fruit, nuts, citrus fruits, saffron, turmeric, and cinnamon. Some of its most loved dishes include, Al Harees, which is meat and wheat slow cooked in a clay oven or pot and eaten with ghee (clarified butter), and Al Majboos, which is boiled meat in spiced water with dried limes. As a coastal city, fish is the main ingredient in many regional meals. One of the most well-known is Al Madrooba, a combination of salted fish, herbs, and thick sauce. Rice accompanies most meals and is served with saffron, almonds, and spices.

With numerous mosques dispersed around the city amid modern buildings, the emirate’s culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions. Although foreign influences have significantly altered the city over the past 40 years, the people nonetheless have upheld long-standing beliefs and are not shy to share their culture and heritage with visitors.

Archaeological discoveries suggest that people have been residing in Abu Dhabi for more than 100,000 years. The Bani Yas tribe was claimed to have found drinking water and hunted for pearls on a distant island that is now known as Abu Dhabi around 1761.

The Bani Yas tribe gave way to the ruling Al Nahyan dynasty, originally from the Liwa oasis and moved to Abu Dhabi in 1793, where they spent almost two centuries living in Qasr Al Hosn. The first oil find was made in the Gulf in 1958 under an ancient pearling bed, and the first crude oil shipment was exported in 1962.

In 1971, the United Arab Emirates was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who had been named ruler of Abu Dhabi four years earlier. As an intelligent leader, he has used his insight to build a great country and robust economy.

There are some great places to visit with the family in Abu Dhabi, away from your hotel and the beach. You could go on a family trip to:

Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
At Warner Bros. WorldTM Abu Dhabi, step inside a colourful world of boundless excitement. It’s simple to spend the entire day at the enormous 1.65 million square foot park because there are 29 incredible rides to choose from. The kids will enjoy the interactive family attractions and live entertainment, and following this there is great shopping on site and restaurants.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, take pleasure in experiencing Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world. Experience the thrill as you soar 52 metres in the air while accelerating from 0 to 240 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Every member of the family may participate in the fun ride. More than 20 world-record-breaking attractions, including the tallest loop ride, can be found at the Ferrari-branded theme park on Yas Island.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi
A fantastic day awaits you by soaking up the Abu Dhabi sun, whizzing down water slides, and getting a fab tan. Take the whole family for a swim at Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, one of the most amazing sights in the city. This massive waterpark has an Emirati motif and is situated on Yas Island, about 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi and is larger than 15 football fields.