48 Hours in Abu Dhabi

I’ve always been a true believer of the power of manifestation. I can’t tell you how many inexplicable things have happened to me since I started practicing manifestation. It’s like I’ll have my heart set on something, and somehow, through nothing of my own doing, it’ll fall into my lap. How’s this relevant to a travel guide, you ask? Well, allow me to take you back a little bit.

At the beginning of every year, I write down a list of goals. This ranges from business goals, what I want to achieve personally, destinations I’d like to visit… you get the drift. Well, at the top of my destination list? Dubai. And a little way down? Abu Dhabi. I don’t know why, but all year, I’d been desperate to return to the UAE. The last time I’d visited both places was far too long ago to remember, and I wanted to explore both Dubai and Abu Dhabi properly. And though my travel schedule had been packed every month, and I’d made no plans of my own to visit the UAE, I just had a feeling that in 2018, I was going to go.

Fast forward to August, I get an email from Grifco, which I cannot actually believe. A request to go on a press trip to the UAE. HELL YES, I practically respond. But I don’t, because you know, I don’t want them to think I was insane. Anyway, long story short, that’s how I ended up in the UAE at the end of September.

The first stop on our trip was Abu Dhabi. The last time I was in Abu Dhabi was circa 2006, when Zidane head-butted Materazzi, to be precise. Yep, I watched the World Cup in Abu Dhabi. But it’s safe to say that the city has changed A LOT since then. Not to mention, I’m no longer 14, and could actually enjoy everything that the city had to offer. We essentially spent 48 hours in Abu Dhabi, so I was able to come up with an amazing guide for you. So let’s get right into it:

What to know before going

• the UAE is quite modern, but still a Muslim country, feel free to wear shorts and mini dresses, but not everywhere. Take a few options which are a little more covered up – personally, I wore midi or maxi dresses for the duration of the trip
• Abu Dhabi doesn’t have Uber, so download Careem, it’s their equivalent of Uber, and it’s very UAE – I was picked up by a Mercedes, several Lexuses and Renaults. They come stocked with mints, water bottles, and phone chargers, putting Uber to shame, if I’m being honest
• Whatsapp and FaceTime calling don’t work in Abu Dhabi – Skype is the way to go
• Renting a car is a good option if you don’t feel like taking an Uber. The UAE in general is not walking-friendly
• Take LOTS of sunscreen, it is scorching
• I bought a local SIM card, and the best place to do this is at the airport

How to get there
Etihad has a direct flight to Abu Dhabi from London and most other major cities. If you’re flying out from London, like I did, it’s a short 5-6 hours away. If you can, I recommend booking an extra legroom seat. I didn’t need a visa as a Canadian, but note that if your passport is expiring within 6 months, you can’t travel there.

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Yas Island
We stayed in Radisson Blu Yas Island, a massive property located about a 20 minute drive from central Abu Dhabi. Yas Island is basically entertainment central, with a huge mall, theme parks, a beach, and a Formula 1 racetrack. My stay at Radisson Blu Yas Island, was blissful. The staff are extremely accommodating, they fulfilled every tiny request I had. For example, I’d casually mentioned that I prefer to eat gluten-free, and they made sure that every single meal I had included tons of gluten-free options. A small gesture which I appreciated so much!

The rooms at Radisson Blu Yas Island are massive. I had one with a balcony which offered a view over the vast golf course. A great place to sit and enjoy morning coffee. There is also no shortage of amenities. The hotels has a pool, a gym, a spa, along with 3 in-house restaurants. The breakfast buffet is absolutely massive and has a lot of options for people with dietary restrictions, which I always appreciate.

Where to eat
My biggest regret is not spending more time in Abu Dhabi to properly experience its culinary scene. 2 days was hardly enough, especially considering how exhausted I was on the first dayafter my flight!

Filini Garden
The food here is phenomenal. I recommend going here for dinner and grabbing a seat outside. The risotto is a showstopper, as is the steak.

Tawa Bakery
The menu here offers a ton of gluten-free options and a great coconut milk latte. It’s also right by the beach!

Blacksmith Coffee
This was probably one of my favourite cafes. The decor is super sleek and the staff are warm. And don’t even get me started on the coffee. And fast wifi. Basically, it ticked all the boxes.

% Arabica
A must-visit. Located in Corniche, % Arabica has got the minimal aesthetic thing nailed down to a tee. In fact, I was a little overwhelmed by how beautiful it was. The coffee is excellent. While I got a latte with almond milk, their Spanish latte is the most popular thing with the menu. It’s made with condensed milk, and is apparently 100% worth the indulgence.

Amerigos
While I didn’t take pictures here, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised by Amerigos. Never in a million years did I think I’d find decent, let alone extraordinary Mexican food in Abu Dhabi, but clearly I was wrong, as evidenced by the bowl of guacamole I I practically licked clean. Every single thing I had here was incredible, it’s impossible to pick a favourite. I recommend going with a group of friends and ordering everything on the menu.

What to do

• A trip to the Abu Dhabi Louvre is a must
• Check out Sheikh Zayed Mosque at sunset, it’s a surreal experience

• For a peek into Abu Dhabi as it was before it discovered its wealth, plan a visit to the Heritage Village. We did a tour with Hala Group which was fascinating
• Make sure you head to the Corniche area if you want to admire Abu Dhabi’s beautiful skyline – the area is super posh and absolutely stunning

Liked this travel guide? Make sure you check out my guide to Bath and Santorini