Discovering Abu Dhabi's modest beginnings is challenging. Now that oil prices are high, the city has become a tourist destination for the Gulf's elite. Despite the domino effect of luxury hotels, the city's original allure and the wealth of souqs, dhows, date palm groves, and the occasional parched camel remain.

What Do Abu Dhabi Residents Do For Fun?

Off-roading in the desert, boating along the coast, or rugging up beneath the Gulf's burnishing stars are all possible depending on the season and time of day. Remember that freezing nights, sandstorms, and summer temperatures of 48°C (118°F) are not unusual here.

Travel Through Al Bateen's Maritime Past.

Following the lead of Abu Dhabi's natives is the surest way to feel at home there. After waking up to the smell of Pahwa brewing in your room, you may make your way to the city's historic Al Bateen Shipyard.

Learn about the city's dhow sailing vessels, offshore pearl harvesting, and fishing in the presence of grizzled Sinbad the Sailor seadogs. If you need to escape to the sea, you may hire a private boat and cruise around the coast in elegance.

Discover The City And Country's Origins In Qasr Al Hosn.

The fascinating and ancient Qasr Al Hosn fort, the oldest stone building on Abu Dhabi Island, is located in the heart of Khalidiya. The defense, constructed in 1760 as a watchtower and the only stone building for kilometers, is now dwarfed by the surrounding contemporary buildings.

Qasr Al Hosn was originally a small settlement, but it was later built into a fort and became the seat of government for the United Arab Emirates.

The free museum on-site tells the city's history through artifacts and photos depicting the simple lifestyles and everyday struggles suffered and defensive walls presently undergoing reconstruction.

Explore Al Ain's Unesco Cultural Sites

Al Ain, one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the world and a Unesco World Heritage Site, may be reached in about an hour by car by heading south into the desert.

Get away from the heat of the day by exploring one of the six oases that make up one of Al Ain's many Unesco World Heritage Sites.

A visit to the Al Ain Camel Market is also a fascinating and eye-opening event as frenetic breeders and buyers negotiate over valued camels.

Take The Wheel of A Golf Cart Or Go-Kart

On one of Abu Dhabi's secluded islands, you could discover the inhabitants engaging in cutting-edge activities this winter.

Gary Player, a legendary athlete, has developed a trademark golf course on Saadiyat Island. In contrast, the introduction of the Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit on neighboring Yas Island has introduced go-kart racing and a motorsports schedule to the city.

Shop, Haggle, And People-Watch

Abu Dhabi's central souqs become hectic, swarming beehives just before the sun falls below the horizon like a ripe orange, making them the ideal location to pick up a pearl necklace, a scented pinch of frankincense, or kitsch mosque alarm clock.

Perfect your bargaining skills by picking up a pair of Persian shoes for your obstinate aunt. Though tragically, many of the historic souqs of the city have been destroyed via redevelopment or have burnt down, contemporary souqs reinvented in a traditional yet modern form have replaced these.

The World Trade Center Souk and the Souk Qaryat Al Beri are two of the best places to shop for unique souvenirs that can't be found at the malls. Though both lack authenticity, they make for a pleasant visit and some people watching.

Embrace The Sand On A Desert Safari

Abu Dhabi was established on the sands of the Rub Al Khali, one of the world's foremost desert seas, making it an ideal location for four-wheel-drive excursions.

Once more acclimated to Lawrence of Arabia and famous British explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the sweeping carpet of sand is suitable for all kinds of family outings. Emiratis, ever the entrepreneurs, will let you try your hand at sandboarding, falconry, or camel riding.

Spend The Evening Like A Local

Hookah nights at any of the UAE's many hotel bars or shisha cafés are ideal for meeting the country's young natives and ex-pats. The Hookah which has stunning views of the city skyline from out on the water, is a favorite hangout.

While the Hookah Lounge serves food, I recommend the little if you're looking for a more genuine Middle Eastern experience.

Still, formidable Lebanon Mill on Fatima Bint Mubarak St., You'll get friendly service and fresh, excellent cuisine. Eat your fill of Middle Eastern cuisine, such as hummus, mountable, and fattoush.