Indagare Tours: Abu Dhabi

If you have time, a day trip to Abu Dhabi is highly recommended, a one-and-a-half hour drive from Dubai. On the way, stop at the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque, a sumptuously designed, modern monument which boasts white domes that are reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. In fact, the foyer’s white marble walls inlaid with gorgeous floral patterns were designed by descendants of the Taj’s original artisans. The world’s largest rug, handmade over two years by a group of Iranian women, decorates the prayer hall, where the high ceilings are bedecked with enormous Swarovski crystal chandeliers. Clearly, no expense was spared in the building of this mosque, and it is worth a visit just to see the monument’s craftsmanship.

Central Abu Dhabi is actually composed of several islands. Drive through the UAE’s capital city, the seat of power and the country’s oil wealth, and gawk at the highly conceptual and cutting-edge architecture, including a slim glass building in the shape of a perfect circle, a leaning tower that puts the Tower of Pisa to shame, and twin towers that look like Transformers, mid-transformation. Stop for lunch at the Emirates Palace, perhaps the most gilded hotel there ever was – it even has a gold ATM in the lobby.

Continue on to Saadiyat Island, the UAE’s planned culture capital. The Louvre and Guggenheim are set to open here in coming years, and some of the most expensive condos, villas and homes are being built here, along with a large marina for the inevitable arrival of yachts from around the world. At the moment, there isn’t much to see or do here, but the Saadiyat Island Exhibition Center has a very cool, interactive exhibit on this city of the future.

If traveling with young kids, consider Ferrari World, the world’s largest indoor theme park on Yas Island.