Abu Dhabi holidays

What Abu Dhabi lacks in the way of historic landmarks, it more than makes up for in knock-out modern architecture.

The two real must-see buildings on any Abu Dhabi holiday are the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the unbelievably luxurious Emirates Palace Hotel - stay here on an affordable Abu Dhabi package deal to enjoy the yoga classes, champagne bar and caviar-based spa treatments.

Other feats of 21st-century engineering include the Capital Gate Building, which leans four times more than the Tower of Pisa, and pioneering zero-carbon development Masdar City.

History and heritage

Behind Abu Dhabi's high-rise facade is a traditional culture that's still very much alive. One essential stop on your Abu Dhabi holiday is the Heritage Village, a reconstructed oasis village where craftsmen labour in traditional workshops and people trade goats for dates in the reconstructed souk.

For a more authentic experience, lose yourself in the Mina Zayed Fish Souk near the main port and watch fishermen haggling over their catch, or take your pick of the freshest and cheapest Abu Dhabi produce at the nearby Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk.

Sunlit sands

Those endless butterscotch beaches are the highlights of any Abu Dhabi holiday. A marine promenade called the Corniche stretches for six kilometres along the coast, linking some of the more central beaches and all-inclusive Abu Dhabi hotels.

Off the coast you'll find a smattering of sand-fringed islands - Nurai, Lulu and Al Maya are all secluded spots worth checking out, while Saadiyat combines beautiful beaches with a brand-new booming Cultural District. For a sand-themed adrenaline shot, take a 4x4 trip into the rolling desert dunes that surround Abu Dhabi.