Formula One racing fans, its time to start planning your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix travel! This unique race is held each November since 2009. It was one of Formula One’s first ever day-night races. If you’re ready for the racing experience of a lifetime, read on for our luxury travel guide for planning your trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Abu Dhabi Travel Basics
Abu Dhabi is generally considered to be one of the safest cities in all the world. The country is Muslim and uses Sharia Law but has a very high expatriate population and is tolerant of outside religions as long as they don’t interfere with Islam. You will hear the call to prayer five times a day while in Abu Dhabi. The many beautiful mosques in the city will sound the call to prayer on loudspeakers and their minarets. This city is very conservative so be sure to dress appropriately and refrain from excess affection in public. Drinking in public is also strictly forbidden and permitted only in licensed restaurants and bars, usually affiliated with a hotel.
Emirates Palace
Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s most wealthy cities per capita and you can see this luxury in the many luxurious hotel options in the city. Without a doubt, the most famous hotel in Abu Dhabi is the Emirates Palace. Noted as the third most expensive hotel built in the world, it’s easy to see why it cost a whopping 3 billion dollars to build. The hotel opened in 2005 after three years of construction by 20,000 workers. Much of the building is constructed of pure gold and marble.
Located on the shores of the Arabian Gulf and overlooking its own private natural bay, Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi is one of the most iconic landmarks of Abu Dhabi. Surrounded by lush landscaped gardens, the palace boasts 302 superior rooms and 92 magnificent suites, each of which combines ultimate luxury with views of either the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf or Abu Dhabi’s modern skyline. Each room comes with personal butler service, allowing guests to experience the level of service one would expect from a stay at a palace.
The hotel has over 400 opulent rooms, with some reserved only for royalty and dignitaries. It also boasts 14 restaurants to keep you well-fed during your Abu Dhabi Grand Prix travel.
The Galleria
For luxury shopping while in Abu Dhabi, visit The Galleria. This luxury high-end shopping area is located on Al Maryah Island, locally known as the Manhattan of Abu Dhabi. The Galleria is home to over 130 shops and boutiques under a unique glass dome. It is the perfect place to shop for designer fashion, jewelry, and watches. It also has fine dining restaurants and gourmet cafes. Be sure to enjoy the sweeping Abu Dhabi skyline views in between visiting the shops!
Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque is the most popular attraction in Abu Dhabi without a doubt. This stunning mosque is well worth a visit when visiting for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Eighty-two white domes and minarets comprise the building. It can accommodate more than 40,000 worshipers at a time. Be sure to see the stunning Swarovski crystal chandelier and the largest hand-sewn Iranian prayer rug in the world. The mosque is available for tours Saturday through Thursday, as Friday is the holy day. A private booking is recommended to best navigate the crowds. Traditional headscarves are available at the door for women but don’t forget to dress appropriately.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix travel is a wonderful excuse to take a luxury vacation in one of the world’s most wealthy cities. For more Formula One travel, explore Planning a Trip to the Italian Grand Prix.
