PEAKLIFE

Got a few extra hours on your transit flight via Abu Dhabi? Well, stop by and hop on a cab to explore this city that gets more splendid as the day goes by!

The stars have aligned for all you adventurists who are happily jumping on flights to travel across the world; and if your pit-stop is Abu Dhabi, you’re certainly in for a treat, as The United Arab Emirates government recently announced a free 48-hour visa for all the transit passengers. The date of implementation however it yet to be announced, but that only leaves you a few months to plan your adventure; so, wait no more and get scheduling as PEAKLIFE brings you a “travellers escapade guide” to the most perplexing 48 hours of your life, in Abu Dhabi!

Hakkasan, for Fine Dining Bliss:

Located roughly 40 minutes from the Abu Dhabi international airport, you can make the easiest first step to this Michelin star restaurant that is part of the ever so stunning Emirates Palace. Clearly being one of the main highlights of a five-star luxury hotel, you can expect superior quality delicacies for your palate to savour. Comprising of a restaurant, bar and lounge area as well as four private dining rooms, the 16000 square feet of a pure royal setting is separated by carved wooden screens that reflect the rich interiors of a London flagship restaurant. If looks are not enough to capture your heart, the top quality dishes that are made from hand-picked ingredients and prepared with utmost tenderness by the award-winning chefs will make your trip already worth it.

Louvre Abu Dhabi – A Cultural Awakening:

“A new cultural beacon, bringing different cultures together to shine fresh light on the shared stories of humanity”, Louvre is essentially an art and civilization museum that is only 30 minutes away from the airport, so it can without any hassle be a part of your “places to visit under 48 hours” checklist. Even if art and history is not your favourite genre to explore, you don’t want to miss out on the wonders that Louvre offers! With 23 galleries showcasing 12 historical eras with more than 600 artefacts and artworks, this one-stop will give you the true essence of Abu Dhabi in under an hour. Representing the dynamic nature of the existing Arab world while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage, this museum is a pioneer cultural project you surely need to witness.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a Quick Essence of Abu Dhabi:

Standing only 15 minutes away from the airport, Sheikh Zayed Mosque is architecturally one of the finest mosques in the entire UAE. Built from delicate white marble, this striking structure features 82 domes, approx. 1000 columns and 4 minarets, 24-carat gold plated chandeliers along with the world’s largest knotted carpet. Islamic history related to this place makes it one of the main reasons why people fly into Abu Dhabi to get a glance at this fine piece of architectural and cultural finesse.

Ferrari World for a Quick Dose Of Adrenaline:

You can’t mistake this amusement park for any usual kid’s theme park. Home to one of the fastest roller coasters in the world –the Formula Rossa, Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is the first Ferrari branded theme park that is also only 15 minutes away from the airport! With more than 25 enlivening rides for both children and adults, including the Flying Aces ride that is inspired by Count Francesco Baracca, the “ace of the aces” aviator; the plane themed roller coaster hits speeds of up to 120 km per hour and features the highest inverted roller coaster loop! So, a day spent at Ferrari world is a day well spent indeed.

Eastern Mangrove Hotel and Spa by Anantara for a Relaxing Retreat:

After all the travelling and quick stops at various sites-to-see before your 48 hours are up, the last thing you’d need is a pampering retreat at a spa that will get you ready and energized for your next flight. For that, Anantara’sEastern Mangrove Hotel and Spa is just what you need to add to the “travel” list. The beliefs expressed in perfect harmony with Abu Dhabi’s rich cultural traditions and natural beauty of the precious mangroves have been carefully conserved, thanks to modern marine technology to provide a lush scenic backdrop! With options like Ancient wisdom massage, aromatherapy, body scrubs, herbal detoxification, Swedish massages, Thai massages, and what not, this time at Anantara’sspa would be just what you need at the end of a fulfilling day.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club for Golfing Under the Stars:

Before you decide to call it a night and escape into a sweet slumber, be sure to visit the Abu Dhabi Golf Course that shines bright when the sun sets down! With tee times stretching up to 9 pm and floodlights illuminating the scenery, the beauty of this golf course is best experienced after dark. Being one of the most luxurious golf courses in the world, it comes with its own fine dining options and a pool bar that will make your heart settle in Abu Dhabi!