ABU DHABI

Halal-friendly holidays

• Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan al Nahyan Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the UAE and the eighth largest in the world. The site alone is the size of five football fields. Seven giant Swarovski chandeliers with more than one million crystals hang from the ceilings.

• The UAE Heritage Village offers a glimpse of the country’s past with models of traditional local life in coastal, desert, country and mountain locales. It displays many types of buildings made of stone, palm fronds and also tents.

• The Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel on Saadiyat Island is a metaphor for a traditional Arabic souk with small, shaded passages.

• Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is a futuristic waterpark offering over 40 thrilling rides, slides and a dash of Arabian-themed adventure.

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and the largest attraction of its kind. It tells the Ferrari story through over 20 rides and attractions. These include the world’s fastest roller coaster and an interactive display of cars from 1947 to the present

Jannah Burj Al Sarab
An alcohol-free hotel in a convenient central location near the Corniche, within easy reach of all attractions. Guests will enjoy its outdoor pool and spa and wellness centre.

• Al Khalidiya Public Park offers respite from the heat of the Corniche in summer. Also has a 20-minute jogging circuit and climbing frames and other attractions for youngsters.

• Marina Mall along with shopping there is a multiplex cinema, ice skating rink and Fun city, a huge activity centre for children that includes a roller coaster and dodgem cars

• Manarat al Saadiyat means Place of Enlightenment and is a custom built art and culture centre with multiple gallery spaces. Three major galleries host temporary and permanent art exhibitions. Displays include the interactive Camouflage Sculpture by Zeinab al Hashemi. It is fun to see children clambering over the stylised work representing shifting desert sands.

• Al Bateen Beach has dedicated ladies-only section accommodates up to 1,100 women and children in its waters. It lies 200 meters off Al Bateen Beach. Female lifeguards are on duty ensuring safety.

• Yas Beach and Yas Waterworld with over 40 thrilling rides, slides and attractions are exclusively for ladies on a Saturday.

• Al Khalidiyah Kid’s Park on Shaikh Zayed the first Street has a few fruit-shaped climbing frames. It is popular on weekends with local women and children (no boys over 10 allowed).