If guaranteed sunshine, clean beaches and world-class resorts sound like a successful recipe for celebrating the Festival of Lights, Abu Dhabi makes a compelling case. Diwali in the UAE capital isn’t just about sand and suntans. Abu Dhabi is a destination where you can go dune bashing in the morning before riding the world’s fastest roller coaster in the afternoon. You can kayak through mangroves, before bagging a festive bargain in the souqs, then dining in a delectable 5-star restaurant.
Golden sands and surf on Saadiyat
Settling back on a sun lounger with your favourite book while the kids play in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf is a sure-fire way to secure that serene sense of escape from the rat race. You can relax, safe in the knowledge there are plenty of lifeguards to watch over the little ones, on beaches with crystal-clear waters. Splash out on a private cabana at the stunning Saadiyat Beach Club and you’ll get to take a dip at the venue’s 650-square-metre chilled pool before booking a relaxing massage at the on-site spa.
At the more pocket-friendly Saadiyat Beach, you and your family can bask on a 400-metre beach with changing rooms, lifeguards, towels and a snack lounge.
Thrill seeking
If you’re the sort of adrenaline addict who finds travelling from 0-250kph in 4.9 seconds or careering along on the Middle East’s longest suspended rollercoaster appealing, Abu Dhabi will get your pulse racing. Yas Waterworld is a vast water park with 43 rides categorised by thrill levels, so reliable decisions can be made based on bravery. Also on Yas Island is Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It's entirely appropriate that a theme park inspired by the iconic Italian carmaker hosts Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster that reaches an eye-watering 250kph.
Dine in style
With food a central aspect of Diwali celebrations, it’s fortunate that Abu Dhabi's culinary credentials are in order. Book a table at Angar and toast the Festival of Lights with a tantalising menu of Indian classics artfully presented with modern twists. Alternatively, tuck into a sumptuous feast at Sanjeev Kapoor in Nation Towers to sample a menu conceived by the Khana Khazana star. Fancy a change from Indian food? Abu Dhabi has superb restaurants in abundance with Italian eatery Cipriani or ultra-chic Japanese concept Zuma.
Gold class shopping
As Diwali is intrinsically associated with presenting your loved ones with gifts, it’s a time when you’re likely to need to shop. Luckily, you’ll be well catered for in this respect in Abu Dhabi, particularly if you’re after gold jewellery. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre feels like a cross between a traditional Arabian souq and a shopping centre. It’s also where you’ll find 400 shops, including more than 60 jewellers. Merchants are willing to negotiate on prices, so get your haggling hat on.
For extra-special gifts, The Galleria on Al Marayah Island features more than 130 stores, including luxury jewellers such as Cartier and Swarovski, as well as chic shoe labels like Jimmy Choo.
Get active
Sweet treats and sumptuous feasts are synonymous with Diwali but they aren’t always kind to your waistline. Thankfully, Abu Dhabi offers a plethora of calorie-burning activities that are far more memorable than just hitting the treadmill in the gym. Go kayaking on Sir Bani Yas Island with the family and explore the emirate’s protected mangroves. For a more immersive experience, the excellent visibility in the Arabian Gulf makes the UAE capital ideal for scuba diving and snorkelling.
For a more sedate form of exercise, head to the city’s pedestrian-friendly Corniche for a beachside walk before treating yourself to high tea at the famous Emirates Palace Hotel. Try the Palace cappuccino, which comes served with edible gold flakes.
Hala Abu Dhabi
Whether you’re an adventure sports enthusiast or merely want to visit the emirate’s many tourist attractions, Hala Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways' destination management division, can fulfil your wishes seamlessly. Hala aims to make your visit to the UAE a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you fancy taking the wheel of an Aston Martin on the Yas Marina racetrack, Hala will make it happen. If you want to to view Dubai’s architecture from a seaplane, Hala can help. Backed by values of safety, education and enjoyment, Etihad’s multilingual experts will ensure you have an entertaining, hassle-free time in the UAE. Log on to etihad.ae or email halaabudhabi@etihad.ae
