Abu Dhabi

Trips to Abu Dhabi are made up of things old and new about the United Arab Emirates: luxury hotels and skyscrapers compete with mosques, old-fashioned fortresses and desert day trips.

Abu Dhabi is more of a half brother than an identical twin of Dubai. Skyscrapers like the Capital Gate and the Etihad Towers are made of a similar cloth to those in Dubai, and the Abu Dhabi Mall mimics the upscale shopping scene. But unlike Dubai, this place is full of authentic Emirati culture, so it's easy to mix modern sights with a dose of history.

Race fans flock to the city's Yas Marina Circuit for the roar of F1 cars. And Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, is a fixture for adrenaline junkies - it's home to the world's fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tops most agendas - this white marble structure is the largest of its kind in the UAE, attracting over five million visitors each year. Elsewhere, the ultra-modern Louvre museum has loaned works by Matisse, Da Vinci and Van Gogh from its French namesake. And beyond the city limits, dune buggies race through the desert and traditional dhow boats take in the coastal scenery.
Or take a stroll along the Corniche, a beautiful boulevard framed by sandy beaches, gleaming skyscrapers and the modern Marina Mall.