On the breakwater near the giant UAE flag and Marina Mall, the Heritage Village comprises a group of traditional buildings and a small museum showing the life of the Bedouin in old black and white photographs. A replica of a traditional oasis irrigation system, or ‘falaj’, and a wind tower - the world’s first air-conditioning - are striking examples of the ingenuity of the early inhabitants of the UAE. There is also a traditional souk where you can buy traditional gifts and souvenirs.

   7. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital

Close to Abu Dhabi International Airport, this was the first institution in the world to provide comprehensive veterinary health care exclusively for falcons. Falcons have always occupied a significant place in the UAE’s history and culture. Traditionally, early Bedouin tribes trained and used them for hunting prey, and to this day falconry remains an important national sport and pastime. Visits to the hospital are an unforgettable experience of the fascinating world of falcons and falconry.
 

   8. Cultural Foundation

This modern building in the centre of Abu Dhabi and next to the Qasr Al Hosn fort contains the National Library, National Archives and the Institute of Culture and Art. It is home to several arts and culture exhibitions and fairs throughout the year, including the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Visitors will also find atmospheric black-and-white photographs of Abu Dhabi before oil was discovered and a tabletop model with palm frond ‘berasti’ houses and mud huts.

   9. Al Ain

Al Ain is the second largest city within the emirate of Abu Dhabi and is roughly an hour drive away from Abu Dhabi city. Al Ain provides visitors with the opportunity to take a break from the city to experience some of the emirate’s local outdoor scenery and wildlife.

Jebel Hafeet is a 1,200m high rocky outcrop rising from the flat desert plain outside Al Ain. The hill has prehistoric desert encampments and is home to more than 115 species of plant, 140 species of bird and 18 species of mammal including the Arabian tahr (an endangered wild goat). Hot springs gush geo-thermally heated water from the ground along Jebal Hafeet’s lower slopes, turning either side of the streams a verdant green.

Located at the foot of Jebel Hafeet, is the 400 hectare Al Ain Zoo and Aquarium, which has a remarkably large collection of local and exotic animal and bird species including the magnificent Arabian Oryx, a much-revered animal in the southern Arabian peninsula.

  10. Desert Safari

Desert safaris promote a range of Emirati cultural experiences mixed in with a slice of adventure. Drive out into the dessert for some “dune bashing” as professional drivers take you on a roller-coaster ride over steep sand dunes in specially-fitted SUVs.

In the heart of the desert, elegant tents are spread out with camel rides, shisha, henna, and a dinner buffet of local cuisine. Belly dancers and local music provide entertainment for a beautiful evening under the stars.