Abu Dhabi Escapade

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I swear, you cannot NOT go there
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
3 to 4 December 2015
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It's a pre-birthday thing: go to Abu Dhabi because I'm nearing my first year in the UAE yet I haven't actually been outside of Dubai; and, well, just because I CAN. :D

Al Ghubaiba Metro Station

Dubai, UAE

Travelling: Dubai to Abu Dhabi
If you're a tourist without a car or a friend-in-sight in Dubai, head to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (Green Line, towards Etisalat). Walk outside and around for a few minutes and you'll see the bus station. Aside for Abu Dhabi, it's also worth noting that there are also buses bound for Al Ain and Sharjah. Top up your NOL card with 25 AED and that should be enough to get you to Abu Dhabi.

Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes-- sometimes less; often times more. 

You'll reach Abu Dhabi Bus Station, right beside Al Wahda Mall. There is no train in Abu Dhabi yet, so you'll have to take a cab or a bus. Cab is preferred; minimum fare is 6 AED only (cheaper, if compared to Dubai's 12 AED minimum fare), and they are EVERYWHERE.

Buses have a specific time, and it's not really advisable for tourists to use this since it takes a bit of time before you actually get a hang of the routes that it take.

Things I saw:
Ferrari World - I haven't been there, but it's located NEAR Abu Dhabi City. It's not IN the city, so if the plan is to go there before going to Abu Dhabi, you're going to have to get off the bus ahead of others. Aside for that, I heard from a friend that once you've alighted, you'll have to take a taxi to reach Ferrari World. Don't worry, UAE taxi drivers are very courteous and respectful to both men and women.

Also, Yas Island and Yas Mall is near Ferrari World; so, you can check that out as well if you want to.

Grand Mosque - this is usually the first thing that people/tourists visit in Abu Dhabi (aside for Ferrari World, of course). Entrance is free; but you have to keep in mind that the Grand Mosque is still a holy place for Muslims, and being non-Muslim doesn't automatically give you any right to act like a fool. Respect the place because it is still, first and foremost, a place of worship.

First thing that came to mind:

"How in the world do they keep it so... so pristine?"

And, speaking of which, men can go in wearing their usual outfit but they do have an option to wear the white ones that our Muslim brothers often wear. For my sisters, however, it is an entirely different matter. You CAN'T go in without the standard abaya. You don't have to cover your entire face, but you would HAVE to cover your hair and any exposed skin (arms and legs). They are very strict with regards to that. The mosque will provide you with an Abaya. Head to the basement and you'll see a queue; at the counter, present your national ID (note for expats/residents: they do NOT accept Emirates ID. It must be from your country of origin). They'll let you borrow a robe. Wear it and then head up to the farthest right side-- you can't miss it because there are mosque personnel around the area with directional signs. 

The long stretch.

Panoramic shot. Yes, I suck at taking panoramas.

You are entering a Holy Place

The Entrance. You have to cover your hair.

The abayas they provided will remind you of Harry Potter though. Haha.

I think the mosque only allows visitors until 11pm. I forgot already, but it's not a cause for concern since you'll finish in about 30 minutes. The place is very pretty and solemn though.

No filter required.

Right beside the entrance, just before the sun sets.

I suggest visiting this place at around 5-6pm, when the sun is just about to set. Watch the sun paint its colors over the entire structure; and then, as the lights go up on sun-down, fall in love with the details. Don't forget to bring your camera though! 

You'll see a pool-like facade to your right once you enter the place. Walk straight and follow the crowd. There are water fountains for drinking up on the wall, so you don't need to worry about getting thirsty. Turn right, and you'll see this:

Quite a sight, huh?

It's quite unbelievable, but the actual place looks better in real life. The colours of the dome will sync in perfect contrast with the sky above, and it's kind of frustrating because I cannot give it justice. Argh.

Anyway, once you've drowned your eyes with this very majestic sight, move along the stretch and enter the mosque. Remove your shoes: there are shoe racks by the entrance, so no problem there. Also, I think it's worth mentioning here that while cameras/picture taking is allowed, you'll have to follow certain guidelines: no flash, no wacky poses, and definitely NO hand gestures of any sort (peace sign, rock-on sign, thumbs-up, etc). Only serious pictures should be taken, with your body stiff and a simple smile. I think we can all live with that.

This thing will welcome you upon entering.

It's not the equivalent of a statue in other faiths-- it's just a chandelier.

A very expensive one at that-- made of pure gold. 

Mind your language and tone of voice as you go around the mosque. Take everything in slowly. There's not much to see, but the architectural details of the place is a sight to behold.

I wonder how much this will cost when sold? Hehe.

Once you're through, gather your shoes and leave the place as respectfully and quietly as when you came in. Go back to the basement and get your ID, and then return your abaya/throbe in the wardrobe bin. :)

Another place to visit in Abu Dhabi is the Corniche Beach. It's similar to Dubai's The Walk, but I like this place better to be honest. It's less crowded, although if you're after a bit of life and more people, you'll love The Walk more. 

We went there December-- it's winter, so the temperature is colder than usual. Around... maybe 18 degrees in broad daylight.

We stayed at Seattle's Best coffee shop for a bit. We weren't really hungry so, we didn't bother ordering food. Just drinks, and a good conversation between friends.

What else? Malls. Lots and lots of malls. Bring cash to burn if you want to shop.

I'm pretty sure there are more things in Abu Dhabi, but I was there only for two days so my time is sort of limited. I'll tell you guys more if and when I return. :)

Returning: Abu Dhabi to Dubai

Wherever you are, just hail a cab and tell the driver to take you to the bus station near Al Wahda mall. He'll know what you're talking about.

Once there, your NOL card is useless. Inside the building, fall in line to buy a ticket bound for Dubai; get out once you get a hold of it, and look for a bus that says "DUBAI". 

In less than two hours or so, you'll be back in Dubai. :)

Toodles!