My welcome in Abu Dhabi was all about the lingering aroma of oud fragrances as soon as I entered my hotel lobby. However, what truly charmed me was a small porcelain cup of gahwa—Emirati coffee and a soft, sweet date, freshly sourced from a nearby souq. A ritual steeped in time-honoured tradition, this warm gesture of hospitality was paired with a cool, refreshing towel for a soothing dab in the desert heat.
“The strong and tangy Emirati coffee is imperative to our ethos,” a local told me, "and with evolving hospitality practices, we try to integrate our legacy into contemporary colours," he added.
Indeed, this combination of old and new wasn’t just in the coffee—it defined my experience in Abu Dhabi. My journey through the UAE capital was tailored to luxury—starting with VVIP access to the glistening white marble-crafted Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. A little later, I was zipping through Yas Kartzone on Yas Marina Circuit where they host the Formula 1® season finale. At the Four Seasons Hotel, where I stayed, the lavish ballrooms and conference rooms hosting up to 200 guests are perfect for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and splendid weddings.
As I explored the city, I couldn’t help but notice the heartfelt warmth of the people I met. At one point, when I praised a local for his graciousness, he smiled and shared how Emirati hospitality stems from Bedouin traditions. Much like India’s Atithi Devo Bhava ("Guest is God") philosophy, the old tribal belief held that guests should be hosted elaborately and generously. "Hospitality here isn’t about how much wealth you possess. It's about making guests feel at home," shared the local. And I couldn't agree more!
While Abu Dhabi’s fame as a global oil hub is well known—holding about 96 per cent of the UAE’s oil reserves—it was interesting to see how the city has evolved beyond that. A visit to Qasr Al Muwaiji and Jahili Fort revealed layers of history from the Bani Yas tribe to the transformational oil boom of the 1950s. Even today, Abu Dhabi continues to build on that legacy with top-notch infrastructure, smart city elements, and provisions for digital nomads, like relaxed visa policies. A fellow traveller from Romania told me, “I want to see Abu Dhabi beyond its tall skyscrapers.” Her wish manifested in no time when we visited the Saadiyat Cultural District, where the city’s past and future merge.
Home to attractions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abrahamic Family House and teamLab Phenomena, you can see the cultural strength of the city at Saadiyat Cultural District. This region joyfully celebrates its rich traditions while embracing the evolution of local customs in harmony with Abu Dhabi's transformation. History enthusiasts, like my wonderful tour guide, truly find a welcoming refuge here.
However, the Louvre Abu Dhabi remains my personal favourite. With over 6,000 impressive artworks by hundreds of artists from across the globe, the museum has put together an engaging display of remnants of the past. For instance, the sculptures, such as the collection of Buddha's heads from the Gupta Empire's reign in India and the Canister Tower from the Roman Empire, offer an intriguing take on the ebb and flow of human civilisations.
Another cultural component that caught my eye is the Abrahamic Family House. Home to a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, this thoughtful complex promotes intercultural harmony. As I entered its premises, I discerned how Abu Dhabi's efforts to build a space for connection while staying true to its roots were plenty in a world grappling with divisions.
Integrating a tech flair into the cultural exhibits is the teamLab Phenomenon here, a fascinating attraction that showcases the multi-faceted potential of Abu Dhabi. This massive 17,000 sq m play zone is an immersive digital art space that will awaken childlike excitement in visitors of all ages. As I walked through its 17 interactive installations, each modelled into a mix of art and technology, the brilliance of human imagination left me spellbound.
Seeking a more contemplative experience, I also participated in a calligraphy workshop where I learned to shape Arabic letters. The process was deeply meditative, and it helped me unwind amid a packed tour. Later, I headed to the desert for a dune safari followed by a dip in the infinity pool facing the golden hues of the desert.
My Abu Dhabi chronicle would be incomplete without the appetising fare and flavours. The city's food scene is increasingly emerging as a top draw for leisure and MICE travellers, particularly around festive seasons like Ramadan, when communal dining is a cultural cornerstone. Thanks to the assorted food habits inspired by over 200 nationalities living here, the government now aims to bank upon its multi-cuisines and offer guests a chance to savour everything—from traditional coffee to gooey desserts like Luqaimat (Arabic doughnut balls) at upscale restaurants.
I, too, had the opportunity to dine at high-end restaurants from Pura to Corniche, where each delicacy—from a shrimp biryani to the popular Lebanese appetiser Baba Ghanoush—symbolised a gastronomic saga.
As the trip neared its end, I indulged in some retail therapy, only to realise that the authentic fragrances came with rather steep price tags at the city's premium malls. Upscale shopping complexes like The Galleria Al Maryah Island or Marina Mall are a bit pricey. The ideal way to crack the deal is to look for alternatives like Abu Dhabi Central Market, as I did, where affordable offerings, from perfumes to spices, are found in bulk.
Interestingly, the experience offered me yet another glimpse of Abu Dhabi's signature brand of opulence that beckons travellers from high-end guests to heritage seekers, from food lovers to business nomads. So, if you come here for destination weddings or a corporate retreat, rest assured that the warmth of Arab hospitality will leave you content.
To travel from India to Abu Dhabi, consider flights offered by Etihad Airways, IndiGo, or Air India Express, which offer direct flights from various Indian cities including Mumbai, Chennai, and Delhi.
Indians require a visa to enter Abu Dhabi. If you are flying with Etihad Airways, a transit visa may be arranged for you upon request. If you have booked your trip through a travel agency, in most cases they will be able to arrange this for you.
