As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi has a lot to offer travelers of all ages and backgrounds. From grand mosques to fun beach clubs, traditional meals to contemporary dining experiences, this is a place you will want to return to again and again.
If you are planning a trip to this part of the world, read on for four tips for having an epic time with friends in Abu Dhabi.
1. Communicate thoroughly with your travel companions.
No matter where in the world you are traveling, in order to have a fantastic trip with friends, you need to ensure that you are going on a trip with the right people. Therefore, your first step is to choose your travel companions carefully.
Are they interested in experiencing Abu Dhabi in the same manner that you are? Do you have wildly different expectations of a budget? Are you able to handle a wide variety of unpredictable situations together?
All of these are significant questions that need to be answered, and frequently, you will find that not all of your friends are necessarily your perfect travel companions. That is normal, and if it is the case, save your fun times together for when you are home.
2. Get the basics sorted.
Now that you know with whom you are heading to Abu Dhabi, it is time to get the rest of the basics organized.
The best time to visit Abu Dhabi is between October and May as the rest of the year is often swelteringly hot. During this time, there will be more tourists and hotel prices usually rise, but it is also the most comfortable period to be in the area.
When traveling around Abu Dhabi, it is best to dress comfortably and conservatively in long and loose clothing that covers your midriff, thighs, upper arms and cleavage; otherwise, your wardrobe will be seen as offensive.
Keep in mind that Abu Dhabi is one of the safest cities in the world and it is far safer than most European or US cities.
3. Plan your delicious meals.
One of the best things for you and your friends to indulge in is a mouth-watering meal, and luckily, there is no shortage of exciting places to dine in Abu Dhabi. In fact, there is no disputing that Abu Dhabi is an up-and-coming foodie destination.
If you are looking for something traditional, Al Harees is a simple yet elegant dish that consists of meat and wheat. Additionally, shawarma (shredded meat, garlic cream and a spicy sauce wrapped up in a soft pita bread) is a local speciality which all ages (with all budgets) will enjoy.
For those with a sweet tooth, Luqaimat and Khabeesa are two traditional desserts that should undoubtedly be on your radar. Luqaimat are small fried dough balls that are topped with sesame seeds and date syrup, while Khabeesa is made up of roasted flour breadcrumbs blended with sugar, rose water, cardamom, saffron, ghee, and crushed dates.
For a more contemporary foodie experience, make a reservation for a Friday brunch in Saadiyat where you can sit on the sun-shaded terrace and enjoy mouth-watering BBQ, live cooking, Asian cuisine, a seafood spread, and a cheese bar. When you and your friends are ready to dine in style, this is the place to visit.
4. Take advantage of the fun that is on offer.
For sightseeing spots in Abu Dhabi, make sure you check out the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World, Yas Viceroy, Emirates Palace and the Souk Central Market.
In addition to the sightseeing activities that are essential to any traveler’s time in Abu Dhabi, you and your companions also should make time to experience another side of the Emirate. For the best pool party in Abu Dhabi and other fun events, head to Saadiyat Beach Club as this is where the good times never end.
Have you ever traveled with friends? How do you ensure you all have a great trip? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments below!
AUTHOR BIO
Soraya Abdul Azis is the Social Media and Design Manager for Saadiyat Beach Club in the UAE, the very first beach club on Saadiyat where guests can enjoy and celebrate a world of fine living, health and well-being. Soraya has worked in Design, Advertising and PR in Dubai and Beirut for the past 4 years.
