Abu Dhabi's most iconic structure is an elegant triumph of architecture. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque features 80 immaculate domes supported by 1,000 marble columns. The entire complex can accommodate upwards of 40,000 worshippers, and the main prayer hall features one of the world’s largest chandeliers. A spectacular sight at any time of day, it is truly magical when darkness falls. The mosque’s striking white and gold exterior is transformed by a unique lightning system that reflects the phases of the moon. Talk to our concierge to arrange a free guided tour.

As with its Parisian counterpart, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a celebration of human art and civilisation. The building that houses this stunning collection is an inspiring artistic creation in and of itself. The roof is an enormous dome of overlapping geometric lattices, allowing filtering sunlight in. The result is a natural light show that changes throughout the day and from one season to the next. A collection of 23 galleries contain a millennia-spanning selection of artefacts and works of art – some two-thirds of which are sourced directly the repositories of the Louvre in Paris. Louvre Abu Dhabi is open from 10am-8pm every day except Monday.

With state-of-the-art rides, games and simulators, the world’s first Ferrari theme park is not only for car enthusiasts. There's something here for everyone – starting with the Flying Aces, which features the world’s highest rollercoaster loop. Formula Rossa is another popular ride. This is the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and it sends passengers careening to 250 kph in a mere 4.9 seconds.

Apart from rides, Ferrari World also features live shows, electric go-karts, state-of-the-art car simulators, a huge Ferrari store and a great range of authentic Italian cafes and restaurants. It’s appropriately located near the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track on Yas Island and is open every day of the year.

Sprawling to cover 15 hectares on Yas Island, Water World Abu Dhabi is an award-winning waterpark with 43 rides, slides and other water-based attractions. Highlights include the world’s longest and fastest tornado waterslide, along with an interactive roller coaster complete with laser guns that activate water features along the way. Meanwhile, the PearlMasters Treasure Hunt game sends players on fantastical, Emirati-related quests to find lost treasures, interact with magical creatures and solve ancient puzzles.

Abu Dhabi is vibrant shopper’s paradise. The enormous, ultra-modern malls are impressive, but there’s so much more to the local retail scene, not least the traditional souks dealing in everything from Afghan carpets to epicurean treats. Most of these are aptly named after the type of merchandise they feature – Gold Souk, Date Alley, Carpet Souk and Camel Souk, to name a few. A penchant for light bargaining pays off in some of these more traditional marketplaces. Let us know if you’d like assistance arranging a shopping tour of Abu Dhabi.