There are some attractions that you simply must see during your time in Abu Dhabi to get the whole experience.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This iconic architectural masterpiece is a must-see for anybody living in or visiting Abu Dhabi. You’ll be welcomed by the mosque’s ethereal magnificence each time you cross the bridge onto Abu Dhabi Island, but be sure to head inside for a tour to fully appreciate the intricate detail and sheer size.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Beneath that red roof are a host of rides, attractions and, importantly, Ferraris to explore. But you can’t leave Abu Dhabi without hopping on the Formula Rossa rollercoaster – the fastest in the world and possibly the country’s biggest adrenaline hit.

Abu Dhabi Corniche
The city’s heart resides in this stretch of coastline, with glittering skyscrapers towering to one side and the Arabian Gulf stretching out to the other. It’s a bustling hub lined with cafes, parks and gorgeous beaches – for a slice of city action, head here.

Desert safari
Abu Dhabi’s biggest playground is waiting to be explored, whether you go bashing through the dunes in a 4WD or rampaging through the sands on a dune buggy. End the day with shisha and Arabic entertainment as the sun sets and the rolling dunes take on a lustrous orange hue.

Yas Marina Circuit
Whether you race around it on one of their driving experiences, run around it with TrainYAS or watch the F1 drivers hammer around it, the circuit is one of the best in the world. The impressive Yas Viceroy hotel and Yas Marina form part of the complex, adding some high life to the unmissable top speed thrills.

Emirates Palace
It may be one of the most expensive hotels in the world – you can even buy gold from their vending machine – but mere mortals can take a peek round this extraordinary building and enjoy the numerous culinary delights on offer, including the renowned afternoon tea. Be sure to check out the art collection at the Barakat Gallery.

Cultural island
The future home of some of the world’s most prestigious art establishments, there’s already plenty to see on Saadiyat Island. From the St. Regis or Park Hyatt hotels, the Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Beach and Saadiyat Golf Club to the Manarat Al Saadiyat museum, it’s one of the coolest places to visit in Abu Dhabi. If you like relaxing in the lap of luxury next to turquoise seas, all wrapped up in an air of high culture, this is the place to go.

A round of golf
There’s an impressive number of championship golf courses in the UAE, so take your pick – whether you want to watch the pros in action or tee off on a world-class green. The 27 hole Abu Dhabi Golf Course is home to the PGA European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and designed by Peter Harrandine.

On the water
Abu Dhabi’s unique geography as an archipelago of islands make it a fantastic place to explore by water. Take a boat trip to one of the desert islands and see if you can spot some dolphins, kayak through the mangroves or try out some adrenaline-fuelled wakeboarding with a glamorous backdrop. The possibilities are endless.

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
It may seem like an unusual attraction, but you’re unlikely to get such an in-depth insight into this fascinating bird of prey anywhere else. Learn about the special place falcons occupy in traditional Emirati culture, get up close to the birds themselves and watch as the specialist vets perform minor surgery on them. If you’re good, they might even let you hold one of the prized falcons.

Masdar City
The still-expanding Masdar City is a glimpse into the future. While the financial crisis put the brakes on things a bit, the city is now back on track and working towards a more holistic approach to creating the world’s most sustainable city. Worth a visit to witness the smart, green thinking that cities across the world will likely adopt one day. Plus you get to ride in fully automated driverless cars for free.