Visit Abu Dhabi's video: See one of the most beautiful places in the world Visit Abu Dhabi

Beautiful Destinations discovers the wonders of Abu Dhabi, from the desert to the city and beyond. Read more below, but in the meantime, SUBSCRIBE for top travel tips and insider info on the Visit Abu Dhabi channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m8-P5KTTN3q6Fzm4Hg-Jg Abu Dhabi is an incredible city. Boasting some of the world's most beautiful landscapes, Abu Dhabi is made up of three main regions – the UAE capital city and its surrounds, Al Ain (Eastern Region) and Al Dhafra (Western Region). Thanks to its geographically diverse scenery and rich culture and history, you’ll never run out of things to do in Abu Dhabi. Enjoy exquisite desert sunsets in the Empty Quarter, kayak through mangrove forests, marvel at ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites, visit awe-inspiring architectural landmarks, museums and galleries, wander beneath palm trees in centuries-old oases, go wild at adventure and theme parks, relax at luxury resorts and shop in some of the world's best shopping malls. The name Abu Dhabi means 'Land of the Gazelle' in Arabic. The story goes that the emirate was founded when a young antelope led a wandering tribe to fresh water on an island with no more than 300 Barasti (palm frond) huts, a few coral buildings and the Ruler's fort. That modest island settlement has since been transformed into the modern, cosmopolitan, high-rise capital of the United Arab Emirates. To learn more about Abu Dhabi’s traditions and religion, a visit to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a must. This architectural marvel can house up to 55,000 worshippers and visitors every day and welcomes people of all beliefs. While in the emirate, don’t forget to take a dip in the Arabian Gulf's beautiful turquoise water. Abu Dhabi is actually an archipelago made up of over 200 islands, so there are endless watersports activities and beaches to enjoy. For epic family adventures, head to Yas Island. Enjoy a luxe stay at W Abu Dhabi, ride the world's fastest rollercoaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, take a swing at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, and soak up the sun at Yas Beach. Just a 90-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain is the capital's garden city, one of the world's oldest permanently inhabited settlements and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This green region is filled with visual gems and characterful sights. Al Ain Oasis is one of the garden city’s most stunning sights. With its still-operational traditional falaj (ancient irrigation system) and pathways shaded by 147,000 date palms and fruit trees, it’s the perfect place to see what this region’s agriculture has looked like for millennia. Families will love Al Ain Zoo, home to over 4,000 animals. Enjoy giraffe feeding, camel riding and an inviting petting zoo. The Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre shares knowledge about the UAE's natural environment, while the impressive Al Ain Safari showcases African animals. Get a taste of the UAE’s most adventurous off-road driving experiences and see some of the country’s most dramatic scenery – including the biggest dunes this side of the Sahara – in Al Dhafra, the emirate’s western region. ‘Where the desert meets the sea’, Al Dhafra makes up over two-thirds of Abu Dhabi. Along its hundreds of kilometres of coastline, you will find stunning beaches and islands and myriad ancient forts set against dramatic landscapes. One of the best reasons to visit Al Dhafra is Sir Bani Yas Island, a nature-based destination home to 17,000 free-roaming animals, five-star boutique hotels, stables and historical sites. Guests can enjoy 4x4 nature and wildlife safaris in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert guides. For a plush desert stay head to Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, in the Empty Quarter. Discover the Rub’ al Khali by camel, fat-tyre bike, sandboard or mountain bike before indulging in sumptuous food and luxe spa treatments. If you’re planning a Dubai trip, visit Abu Dhabi before or after your holiday there. We’re only an hour away from Dubai by car, so once you’ve seen Dubai tourist attractions and done all the things to do in Dubai on your Dubai vacation, head to Abu Dhabi! RELATED VIDEOS Dune bashing in the Abu Dhabi desert is sure to get your heart racing! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHcgGV9kj-0 Abu Dhabi is waiting for you – a place rich in heritage, history and culture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxNt-cpxdI Get a 360 experience of Abu Dhabi, from Emirates Palace to Qasr Al Muwaiji https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzAyYF3V0RE CONNECT WITH US Plan the vacation of a lifetime with Visit Abu Dhabi https://visitabudhabi.ae Connect with Visit Abu Dhabi on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/visitabudhabi/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/visitabudhabi/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/VisitAbuDhabi Get top travel tips and insider info when you subscribe to the Visit Abu Dhabi channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8m8-P5KTTN3q6Fzm4Hg-Jg