Ranveer Singh's Guide to Abu Dhabi

<p>Step inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab World, translating and fostering the spirit of openness between cultures. As one of the premier cultural institutions in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on <a href="https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/where-to-go/islands/saadiyat-island" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Saadiyat Island</a>, this art lovers’ dream displays works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient times to the contemporary era.</p>
<p>From the moment this iconic museum opened its doors in Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi art scene elevated to a global scale, implanting a strong sense of pride in locals and residents alike.</p>

Sun-kissed days of laying by the beach with brochure-blue waters may seem like a dream, but at Nurai Island Abu Dhabi, it is a reality. In just a scenic 15-minute boat ride from Abu Dhabi and a 60-minute journey from Downtown Dubai, you will arrive in this pocket of paradise.

Derived from the Arabic word ‘Nur’ (meaning ‘light’), you may have to rub your eyes a couple of times to really take in the magnificent sights: the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, powder-white soft sand beaches and beautiful architecture immersed in nature. A place to retreat where you can unwind solo, a destination to spend time with family or an epic vacation to cherish with friends - this island is an answer to all that and more!

Welcome to where the action happens. Yas Marina Circuit is the UAE's most epic motorsports venue and host of the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Adrenaline runs high around these super-fast straights and swooping corners that wind their way around the beautiful Yas Marina. Each year, thousands descend on the circuit for action-packed events that involve circuit racing, drag racing and even karting at the Yas Kartzone.

Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. It's known worldwide for being a great track for racing action and an even better track to be a spectator. Fans can get incredible views of on-track dramas and overtakes from five main stands. Abu Dhabi Hill, opposite the North Grandstand, also offers fans open grass banks to sit and watch the race.

You can channel your inner Lewis Hamilton and get into a supercar yourself. Yas Marina Circuit offers many packages that allow you to take the wheel and experience the thrill of high speed yourself. Take to the track in powerful vehicles like the Aston Martin GT4 and the Caterham Seven, or how about drifting in Chevrolet Camaro? Check out all the experiences on offer at Yas Marina Circuit.

The Galleria Al Maryah Island is Abu Dhabi's premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination. Located in the heart of Al Maryah Island, the city's thriving financial district, this luxurious mall offers an unparalleled experience. The Galleria mall is the perfect place to spend your day, with over 400 stores showcasing global fashion brands, a diverse culinary scene boasting 100+ dining options, and exciting entertainment for all ages.

Qasr Al Watan is a working Presidential palace and a majestic cultural landmark that invites the world to discover the rich legacy of knowledge and tradition that has shaped the UAE's journey. Boosting cultural understanding of the nation and emphasising its incredible history, this is more than just a traditional palace. Qasr Al Watan is an exquisitely crafted tribute to Arabian heritage and artistry, with its architecture and design echoing the significance and function of the impressive exhibits and iconic rooms housed within its halls.

One of the palace's most impressive and unmissable attractions is the family-friendly Palace In Motion event, a spectacular light and sound show that celebrates the UAE's journey in three breathtaking acts that unfold in front of the main palace every 30 minutes after sundown, with the final entry taken 30 minutes before showtime. Timings are subject to change.

Aside from this magnificent show, the palace places a strong emphasis on learning and knowledge sharing. Here, visitors can expect to learn about the formation of the UAE, as well as the country's governing traditions and values, with this unique palace highlighting Arab contributions to various fields of knowledge and giving guests access to halls typically reserved for official summits.

The palace houses the Qasr Al Watan Library and House of Knowledge where history and culture buffs, as well as scholars, can explore a vast collection of books, manuscripts and other resources about the UAE, and learn about the nation's progressive journey. Other zones within the palace include A Memory of the Palace, where you can capture a commemorative photo in the palace's media room, as well as The Great Hall, an exquisitely crafted photo-worthy space boasting a central dome, archways, mosaic patterns and mirrored cubes. The Spirit of Collaboration area, meanwhile, sees entities such as the Federal Supreme Council, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council coming together to express ambitions, set agendas, and map the way forward. Visitors can learn about diplomacy and protocol as they admire the room's iconic chandelier and circular layout, which symbolises the UAE's commitment to illumination and equality.

The Presidential Banquet, meanwhile, reveals how UAE hosts the world, with this immaculately set banqueting hall welcoming VIP officials from around the globe and treating them to warm Emirati hospitality. Visitors to The Presidential Banquet enjoy an in-depth introduction to the customs, protocols and cuisine served here, as well as insights into the unique collections of silver, crystal and chinaware.

The palace also celebrates Abu Dhabi's achievements. On December 15th 2018, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, declared 2019 as the Year of Tolerance. A Celebration of Acceptance, a theme touched upon throughout the palace, highlights the UAE as a bridge of communication between cultures and a nation that expands opportunities for dialogue, while also showing the positive impact of tolerance on society.

If you are coming to the palace by car, go to the Visitor Centre to find the Visitor Centre car park. There is ample parking space available and there is no charge to park there. Valet parking is available at the Visitor Centre car park at a charge ofAED 80. Parking is openfrom 9:30am to 9:30pm, seven days a week.