Port guide: Abu Dhabi, UAE

It might be the conservative cousin of Dubai, but wealthier Abu Dhabi has rolled out ambitious tourism and cultural projects, and is a sight to behold.

Who goes there

Cruise lines may pass through Abu Dhabi as they relocate seasonally from the Mediterranean and Africa to Asia, though Dubai steals the limelight. An increasing number also offer Middle East itineraries, among them Celestyal, Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Ponant and Royal Caribbean. The season once ran October to May, but ships now arrive year-round.

Sail on in

Take in Abu Dhabi’s futuristic architecture as you sail into Zayed Port.Credit: iStock

You’ll see the city’s skyscrapers from a distance as you approach the coast, providing desert dust doesn’t obscure the view, but the sail into Zayed Port is rather brief. The most striking sight, on the port side, is the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the flying saucer of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Berth rites

Elegant Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal has attractive, contemporary Arab architecture and presents local culture with the likes of henna painting and falconry demonstrations. If disembarking, you can check in at Etihad Airways counters.

Before and after

Stay at the beautiful Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, which has a private beach and terrific views across the water to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Its French restaurant Bord Eau has five-course tasting menus infused with fusion flavours from Mexico to Vietnam and Lebanon. Beyond the city, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara has a spectacular oasis setting and sumptuous spa.

Going ashore

Extraordinary design… The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.Credit: Getty Images

Saadiyat Island is home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and, opening next year, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The Corniche is the place to get a view of the ever-changing skyline; at one end, the fish and date markets are a throwback to a more traditional age. Elsewhere, other sights include Heritage Village, which showcases handicrafts, and the magnificent marble-and-gold pile of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Abu Dhabi’s most fascinating experience is a tour of the Falcon Hospital to learn about falconry and falcon care.

Don’t miss

Yas Island has been developed with fun in mind. Splash down the rides at Yas Waterworld, plunder Yas Mall, which has a family entertainment zone and multiple cinemas, and brace yourself on the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World. The Formula Rossa accelerates from zero to 240km/h in five seconds with nearly 4.8G of force. You’ll also find a huge aquarium, golf course and a Formula 1 racing track where you can take a supercar for a spin.

Get active

For energetic pastimes with a difference, get out to the desert. The prime pastime is dune bashing in a 4WD. You can also try sand boarding and quad biking. Otherwise, Al Forsan International Sports Resort has activities for all ages, such as paintball, shooting, go-karting, wakeboarding, water skiing and horse riding. The city’s islands (many artificial) allow for jet skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling.

Retail therapy

You won’t have to look hard in Abu Dhabi to find shopping malls, but more interesting is the jewellery at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre’s Gold Centre, and Middle Eastern and Asian carpets at the Carpet Souk. Visit the Women’s Handicraft Centre for traditional woven cloth, coffeepots, incense, baskets and rugs; prices are fixed, which relieves you of the need to bargain. Local women work here, so you might see weaving in progress.

Further afield

Abu Dhabi isn’t easy to get around by public transport, and most shore excursions stick to the city, Yas Island and nearby desert. The best option is a day-long visit to Al-Ain, a laid-back and lush oasis town with a 4000-year history, good zoo, camel market and more local culture and architecture than you’ll find amid Abu Dhabi’s skyscrapers.