ABU DHABI  IS A new city, as International cities go. It is only approximately fifty years old. Do not venture there expecting "middle eastern atmosphere!"

It is a city of ever changing architecture. ..30 year old buildings are already being torn down to make way for "the new."

It is hot...very hot.. short visits and to "just see the sights " are probably the best seen from a tourist coach. To explore you need to walk.

To save time, grab a taxi. They are very cheap. (Watch the metre, though, as you can get ripped off !!)

The closest you will get to anything "traditional " is a visit to Al Bateen Dhow Yard (where they are still building the traditional Arab Dhow sailing boats. GET A TAXI as it is away from the centre of the city. The boatbuilders are still living in sub standard shacks and there are clotheslines strung up among the partially completed Dhows. These boats have wonderful sleek design and are still made fully from timber .

Nearby is a small harbour and on the shore you will find Dhows of all shapes and sizes with a backdrop of a very new ultra modern bank building. This is away from anything else so you will have to walk back to the main road to hail a taxi

From here go to The Old Fort which now is occupied by the Cultural Centre. The buildings are traditional (all painted white ) and there is a nice mosque and a courtyard with date palms.

The other traditional buildings are the Mosques. They all seem to be clustered together in one part of the city. The provide a great contrast-in architecture of "traditional against Contemporary " and consequently provide good photo opportunities.

There is a Heritage Village" showing how the local Arabs lived traditionally. Check opening time before you go!

Don' t forget the numerous huge shopping malls. It is difficult-to find good traditional things to buy. Everyone is into western designer things except of course, the traditional clothing that they have to wear because of their religion. If you want those to take home, you will find them in the big Department stores and very cheap!

The other "must see" is THE PALACE HOTEL...seven star !

ENJOY!