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Abu Dhabi; Having its moment

120 images Created 9 Feb 2021

A visual journey through Abu Dhabi.

The geography of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi—spread between Arabian Gulf beaches and one of the world’s most iconic deserts—means all roads lead to sand. For explorers, that’s a good thing.

Activities: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/branded-content-abu-dhabi-adventure-activities
City Guide: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/abu-dhabi-city-guide
Architecture: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/architecture-abu-dhabi-photo-gallery
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  • View towards Abu Dhabi skyline from the Mangrove National Park, one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_0839.jpg
  • Intimate view through curtain, from a hotel room looking over the futuristic Etihad Towers.
    BC0007_171202_0086.jpg
  • Deers roam freely at the Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_1910.jpg
  • View of the Arabian sea at sunset on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2056.jpg
  • Tourists go on a camel ride in the Liwa desert, at the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab resort. Set in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is isolated from the outside world, but only 200km away from Abu Dhabi.
    BC0007_171206_2229.jpg
  • Portrait of a saluki dog. In 1996, The Guinness Book of Records listed a Saluki as the fastest dog in the world, capable of reaching a speed of 68.8 kilometres or 42.8 miles an hour per hour. Due to its heavily padded feet being able to absorb the impact on its body, the Saluki has remarkable stamina when running. Historically, Salukis were used for hunting by nomadic tribes.
    BC0007_171206_2422.jpg
  • A man walks through fog in the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1291.jpg
  • View over the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world.
    BC0007_171206_2252.jpg
  • A camel herder camps out in the sand under a starry sky in the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world.
    BC0007_171206_2475.jpg
  • Touching each others nose is the traditional greeting between men in the Emirates.
    BC0007_171204_1310.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1337.jpg
  • Colorful vegetation at the Anantara Al Yamm Villa Resort in the Sir Bani Yas Island.
    BC0007_171205_1903.jpg
  • Tourists go on a camel ride in the Liwa desert, at the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab resort. Set in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is isolated from the outside world, but only 200km away from Abu Dhabi.
    BC0007_171206_2245.jpg
  • A falcon show at the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab resort, in the Liwa Desert. Set in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is isolated from the outside world, but only 200km away from Abu Dhabi.
    BC0007_171206_2360.jpg
  • A falcon show at the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab resort, in the Liwa Desert. Set in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is isolated from the outside world, but only 200km away from Abu Dhabi.
    BC0007_171206_2259.jpg
  • View over the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world.
    BC0007_171206_2444.jpg
  • Mountain Biking on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2027.jpg
  • View over the desert from the top of Jebel Hafeet. Rising 1,240 metres, it is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second. This towering rocky height, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.
    BC0007_171204_1619.jpg
  • The luxurious Qasr Al Sarab resort, in the Liwa Desert. Set in the middle of the Rub’ al Khali or Empty Quarter, the largest uninterrupted sand mass in the world, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara is isolated from the outside world, but only 200km away from Abu Dhabi.
    BC0007_171206_2463.jpg
  • Full moon rising over the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0541.jpg
  • A woman wearing traditional Hijab walks along the water next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum designed by famous architect Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171207_2727.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0780.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0777.jpg
  • A motor boat on the water the Abu Dhabi marina bay, as viewed from the Four Seasons Hotel.
    BC0007_171207_2780.jpg
  • The presidential residence as viewed  from the beach of the luxurious Emirates Palace hotel.
    BC0007_171202_0028.jpg
  • View of the top of the buildings of the futuristic Etihad Towers.
    BC0007_171202_0122.jpg
  • Architectural reflection on the Etihad Towers.
    BC0007_171202_0182.jpg
  • The round shaped Aldar Headquarters Building, another example of futuristic architecture.
    BC0007_171202_0221.jpg
  • The leaning tower of Capital Gate are another example of daring and futuristic architecture.
    BC0007_171202_0247.jpg
  • The leaning tower of Capital Gate are another example of daring and futuristic architecture.
    BC0007_171202_0287.jpg
  • Al Bahr towers. The distinguishing feature of the towers is their protective skin of 2,000 umbrella-like glass elements that automatically open and close depending on the intensity of sunlight.
    BC0007_171203_1084.jpg
  • The unsual design of Yas Island Viceroy Hotel.
    BC0007_171203_1086.jpg
  • A motor boat passes below the famous Sheikh Zayed Bridge.
    BC0007_171207_2563.jpg
  • Aerial view of the futuristic Etihad Towers.
    BC0007_171202_0078.jpg
  • View inside the main mall of the Etihad towers with restaurant and inner pool.
    BC0007_171202_0193.jpg
  • The leaning tower of Capital Gate are another example of daring and futuristic architecture. Building is seen through blades of grass.
    BC0007_171202_0303.jpg
  • The leaning tower of Capital Gate are another example of daring and futuristic architecture.
    BC0007_171202_0338.jpg
  • Made of bright white marble, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0408.jpg
  • Made of bright white marble, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0412.jpg
  • A man stands guard at the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0436.jpg
  • Made of bright white marble, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0458.jpg
  • Made of bright white marble, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0470.jpg
  • Made of bright white marble, the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0474.jpg
  • Views through golden archways of the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0490.jpg
  • Views through golden archways of the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0498.jpg
  • A passenger plane lands near the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque at sunset.
    BC0007_171202_0499.jpg
  • Full moon rising over the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0502.jpg
  • Early evening light at the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0533.jpg
  • Early evening light at the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0557.jpg
  • Early evening light at the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0572.jpg
  • Early evening light at the famous Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
    BC0007_171202_0588.jpg
  • Men gather in front of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0641.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum designed by famous architect Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171207_2615.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum designed by famous architect Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171207_2652.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0701.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0708.jpg
  • Details of the incredibly intricate metal roof of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum designed by famous architect Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0710.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0714.jpg
  • Details of the incredibly intricate metal roof of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum designed by famous architect Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0723.jpg
  • The Louvre Abu Dhabi is an art and civilization museum. Architect is Jean Nouvel.
    BC0007_171203_0745.jpg
  • View towards Abu Dhabi skyline from the Mangrove National Park, one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_0860.jpg
  • Kayakers enjoy an evening paddle. View towards Abu Dhabi skyline from the Mangrove National Park, one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_0980.jpg
  • A heron flies over the Mangrove National Park,  one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_0990.jpg
  • The Mangrove National Park,  one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_1019.jpg
  • Sunset with a view towards Abu Dhabi skyline from the Mangrove National Park, one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_1033.jpg
  • Full moon rises over the Mangrove National Park,  one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_1040.jpg
  • Guests enjoy the swimmingpool at a hotel on the Mangrove National Park,  one of the Emirate's most important ecological asset.
    BC0007_171203_1048.jpg
  • A man walks through the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1110.jpg
  • A man walks through the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1129.jpg
  • A man looks up in prayer at the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1179.jpg
  • Detail of a palm tree and bricks. The Al Ain Oasis has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1200.jpg
  • Water runs through the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site visitor experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares (nearly 3,000 acres) and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1203.jpg
  • A man walks through the Al Ain Oasis. It has been opened as the UAE’s first curated UNESCO World Heritage site that visitor can experience. Spread over 1,200 hectares, nearly 3,000 acres, and containing more than 147,000 date palms of up to 100 different varieties, this impressive oasis is filled with palm plantations, many of which are still working farms.
    BC0007_171204_1221.jpg
  • Men gather at the camel Market in Al Ain city.
    BC0007_171204_1582.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1322.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1359.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1361.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1376.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1405.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1425.jpg
  • Men doing the Al Ayala dance. It is a traditional group dance of United Arab Emirates. The dance is accompanied with traditional music, and a separate group of male and female are represented.
    BC0007_171204_1440.jpg
  • A man walks towards the entrance of the Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves.
    BC0007_171204_1527.jpg
  • A man visits the Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves.
    BC0007_171204_1561.jpg
  • Detal of a wall in the Al Jahili Fort, one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves.
    BC0007_171204_1567.jpg
  • The Al Jahili Fort is one of the UAE’s most historic buildings. It was erected in 1891 to defend the city and protect precious palm groves.
    BC0007_171204_1579.jpg
  • Rising 1,240 metres, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second. This towering rocky height, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.
    BC0007_171204_1588.jpg
  • Qasim Zaman, a Pakistan citizen employed as a driver, does his evening prayer on the road leading up to Jebel Hafeet.  Rising 1,240 metres, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second. This towering rocky height, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.
    BC0007_171204_1641.jpg
  • Qasim Zaman, a Pakistan citizen employed as a driver, does his evening prayer on the road leading up to Jebel Hafeet.  Rising 1,240 metres, Jebel Hafeet is the emirate’s highest peak, and UAE’s second. This towering rocky height, which stands guard over Al Ain and borders Oman, is forged out of craggy limestone that has been weathered over millions of years. Significant fossil discoveries have been made in the area, which are vital pieces in the jigsaw of the city’s ancient history.
    BC0007_171204_1652.jpg
  • Flamingoes at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Nestled between Baniyas City, Musaffah, and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, the unique Al Wathba Wetland Reserve covers five square kilometres that is made up of wetlands, sabkhas (sand flats), fossilised sands and dunes.
    BC0007_171205_1727.jpg
  • Flamingoes at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Nestled between Baniyas City, Musaffah, and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, the unique Al Wathba Wetland Reserve covers five square kilometres that is made up of wetlands, sabkhas (sand flats), fossilised sands and dunes.
    BC0007_171205_1805.jpg
  • Flamingoes at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Nestled between Baniyas City, Musaffah, and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, the unique Al Wathba Wetland Reserve covers five square kilometres that is made up of wetlands, sabkhas (sand flats), fossilised sands and dunes.
    BC0007_171205_1837.jpg
  • Flamingo eggs at the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve. Nestled between Baniyas City, Musaffah, and the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Truck Road, the unique Al Wathba Wetland Reserve covers five square kilometres that is made up of wetlands, sabkhas (sand flats), fossilised sands and dunes.
    BC0007_171205_1882.jpg
  • Deers roam freely at the Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_1919.jpg
  • Mountain Biking on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_1925.jpg
  • Trekking on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_1990.jpg
  • Arabian Oryx are EAU's National animal . They roam freely on Sir Bani Yas,  the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2000.jpg
  • Arabian Oryx are EAU's National animal . They roam freely on Sir Bani Yas,  the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2010.jpg
  • View of the Arabian sea at sunset on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2048.jpg
  • View of the Arabian sea at sunset on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2058.jpg
  • View of the Arabian sea at sunset on Sir Bani Yas, the largest natural island in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to decades of conservation work and ecological investment, the island is now home to thousands of large free-roaming animals and several million trees and plants. A bird sanctuary as well as a wildlife reserve, Sir Bani Yas showcases nature through activities such as adventure safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
    BC0007_171205_2063.jpg
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View: 100 | All