Abu Dhabi’s development from a pearl-fishing settlement and a crossing of Dubai Creek in a traditional abra boat show two different sides of the United Arab Emirates. The country is a federation of seven emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah. When choosing a destination and a hotel, it helps to first consider which places and themes you want to shape your stay.

Abu Dhabi: History and Architecture

At Qasr Al Hosn, the exhibitions explore Abu Dhabi’s development from a pearl-fishing settlement. The city’s history is at the heart of the site. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a different architectural point of reference: its completion took twelve years. These two themes raise different questions – how Abu Dhabi developed and how long it took to build the mosque.

The dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi also draws attention to architectural design. It is 180 metres wide and consists of 7,850 stars arranged in eight layers. Its width and layered design offer specific points of reference for considering this building alongside Abu Dhabi’s historical themes. A cultural focus therefore includes not only exhibitions and history, but also the form of a building.

Sharjah: Heritage and Archaeology

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is dedicated to Sharjah’s heritage and to the culture of the Emiratis and Sharjah’s residents over recent decades. The Sharjah Archaeology Museum has a different focus: it has an extensive collection of finds from important archaeological sites. Those interested in history can compare these different approaches – Sharjah’s culture and heritage on the one hand, and archaeological finds on the other.

Mleiha is considered an important archaeological site in Arabia, where visitors can explore the early history of the United Arab Emirates. Alongside the museum’s collection, an archaeological site also provides its own point of reference for early history. This distinction is useful when choosing a focus: at the museum, attention is on finds from several sites; at Mleiha, it is on a place connected with the early history of the emirates.

Water Experiences and Regional Orientation

At Dubai Creek, you can cross the water in a traditional abra boat. At Jubail Mangrove Park Abu Dhabi, you can travel by rowboat through the water and among the trees. Both activities involve a boat, but serve different purposes: one is a crossing, while the other is a ride through the water and trees. If you want to plan your stay around experiences on the water, these are two specific and different options.

Regional connections can also help with your decision. According to tourist information, Ras Al Khaimah is the northernmost emirate and is about two and a half hours from Abu Dhabi; travel time may vary depending on the route and conditions. According to tourist information, the Al Ain Oasis is about a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi city. This travel time may also vary depending on the route and conditions. The information refers to different starting points and destinations. When choosing a hotel, it is therefore worth matching your search area to the places you want to focus on and checking specific travel times in advance.

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