Best Time To Visit: April to October are the best times to visit, though events throughout the winter such as the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix make it an interesting destination year round.

Key Cruising Areas: A charter in the Arabian Gulf offers cruising options around all the seven emirates, with beautiful and varied cruising grounds to enjoy.

Don’t Miss: You can’t leave Abu Dhabi without indulging in some shopping. Pick up the latest designer offerings at one of the luxurious malls (Abu Dhabi Mall in the centre has over 200 designer boutiques), or a for a real experience visit the souks. Souk Quaryat Al Beri is a buzzing spot, spread along a network of canals and filled with restaurants, shops and bars.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: Abu Dhabi is full of decadent restaurants and one of the best spots for dining has to be the Emirate Palace Hotel. In a setting that is as opulent as the name would suggest, 14 restaurants offer choices to suit any mood. Start in the champagne bar before sampling award-winning Italian food in Mezzaluna – try the paccheri pasta with langoustines – or traditional Emirati fare at Mezlai.

Best Local Dish: Traditional Emirati dishes are based on fresh fish and delicate spices of saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and rose water. At Al Fanar on Yas Island you will find traditional favorites including fresh salads and seafood, and indulgent desserts that are a staple of the cuisine. Try the aromatic grilled shrimp for all the flavors of Abu Dhabi.

Local Culture: The strong heritage of the emirate makes Abu Dhabi a fascinating place of ancient history side by side with ultra-modern culture. The Heritage Village is an interesting glimpse into traditional desert life, and the spice shop is a great place to pick up some beautiful dried herbs to take home.

Best Beach:  The sands of Beach Rotana offer everything you expect of Abu Dhabi – sparkling blue water and a pristine beach backed by glinting skyscrapers, with an incredibly luxurious beach club. Relax under the Arabian sun before visiting the spa.

IYC recommends: For an experience that can’t be found anywhere else, spend a night in the desert. Take a thrilling drive across the dunes stopping at a camel-breeding farm to try your hand at riding. When you reach the Bedouin style campsite, enjoy a BBQ dinner watching traditional belly dancing as the sun sets behind the Arabian sands.