Abu Dhabi is claiming its spot as the culture destination of the Middle East, and rightfully so. The wealthy, capital city of the the United Arab Emirates is home to the recently opened Louvre Abu Dhabi, a Jean Nouvel-designed architectural gem, and in the distant future, the city will also boast the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Norman Foster’s Zayed National Museum, Zaha Hadid’s performing arts centre, and a Tadao Ando-designed Maritime Museum to showcase the region’s sea-faring heritage. The shimmering skyline of the city continues to transform as tradition weaves with modernity to welcome art lovers from around the world.
{Photo: Kai Wang}
"No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind the progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities."
HH Sheikh Zayed (1918-2004)
stay // for over-the-top Arabian palace interiors, Emirates Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi • for gorgeous views and modern luxury, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers • for chic accommodations and superior service, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi • for sophisticated elegance, Rosewood Abu Dhabi • for a desert oasis (two hours away), Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
eat // for designer interiors and elevated Cantonese cuisine, Hakkasan • for award-winning Lebanese fare, Li Beirut • for a taste of Italy, Frankie’s Italian Restaurant • for a chance of having famed chef ‘Salt Bae’ (Nusret Gokce) personally sprinkle salt on your steak, Nusr-Et • for a culinary adventure to taste Emirati specialities, Al-Fanar and Mezlai • for upscale Peruvian with influences from Chinese, Japanese, and Spanish cuisines in a buzzy setting, Coya
shop // for designer fashion and traditional goods in a chic, contemporary setting, The WTC Mall • for leading luxury fashion brands, The Galleria • for beautiful carpets, Carpet Souk of Abu Dhabi • for gold and precious stones, Madinat Zayed Gold Center • for antiques and handicrafts, Central Market
explore // to see the oldest building in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn Fort • to experience life in a traditional Emirati village setting, Emirates Heritage Village • to take a boat ride on a wooden dhow and learn more about the region’s pearling history, Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey • to experience the thrill of dune-bashing or take a camel trek, Abu Dhabi Desert Safari • to learn more about falcons and the role they have played in Emirati culture in a functioning care unit, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital • to take in the F1 racetrack views and experience the Ferrari World theme park, Yas Marina
see // the serene beauty of the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque • everything from ancients artifacts to contemporary art including many pieces on loan from the Louvre in Paris, Louvre Abu Dhabi • traditional and contemporary installations within New York University’s Abu Dhabi campus, Abu Dhabi Art Gallery • art, design and performances within a contemporary, culture space, Warehouse 421 • the annual art fair held in November which brings together international and local galleries, Abu Dhabi Art
This magnificent mosque, the largest in the country, was completed in 2007 and features 82 gleaming domes, more than a thousand columns, and chandeliers sparkling in Baccarat crystals and 24-karat gold. {Photos, Rupi Sood}
{The Louvre Abu Dhabi, photo by Juliana Malta}
Abu Dhabi translates to "Father of Gazelle" in Arabic perhaps referring to the abundance of gazelles in the area. Nowadays, the Emirati capital is better known for its impressive architectural projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017. {Photos, Rupi Sood}
J’AIPUR Editor-in-Chief, Rupi Sood, enjoying tea in the markets…
Who lives sees much. Who travels sees more.
Arab proverb
…taking in the breathtaking view of the vast Arabian desert.
