In the capital’s new Central Business District on Al Marayah Island, with spectacular waterfront and cityscape, The Galleria has over 130 of the world’s most renowned brand outlets - including 50 Abu Dhabi ‘firsts’. Designer labels and high-end brands now with their first store in the emirate are: Aspinal of London, Berluti, Boucheron, Celine, Diane von Furstenberg, Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Paul Smith, Tory Burch, Alexander McQueen, Moschino, Thomas Pink, Pucci, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, Pomellato, Emporio Armani Caffe, Almaz by Momo and Magnolia Bakery. There’s also features a tempting range of restaurants and cafes, including Almaz by Momo and Emporio Armani Caffé - and more gourmet outlets to come - Zuma, Biryani Pot, Bentley Bistro & Bar, Burger Fuel, Café Bateel, Caffé Nero, Carluccio’s, Magnolia Bakery, Lemongrass, Nolu’s Downtown, and Taqado. The Galleria is connected with the uber-luxurious Rosewood Abu Dhabi - through a unique network of climate-controlled corridors.

An iconic Abu Dhabi landmark, this beautiful hotel blends Arabian splendour with the latest luxuries to create a magical and memorable experience. During daytime, the hotel’s golden-sandy colour contrasts with its fresh green gardens, silvery water fountains and the blue sky. At night, the hotel’s lighting changes subtly, featuring a majestic rainbow-changing effect over the main dome.The main Palace building stretches over a kilometre from wing to wing, and its gardens and surroundings spread across 100 hectares. The hotel features 114 domes, with the central dome at an imposing 72.6 metres above ground. Gold, mother of pearl and crystals dominate the interior. The Palace has 1,002 chandeliers, the largest weighing 2.5 tonnes. Another memorable Palace feature is its two handmade wall display carpets, portraying the palace itself and each weighing a tonne. Guests and visitors can wander through the majestic halls and corridors – a showcase of Arabian design, with grand central passageways and arched ceilings – and choose from over 200 rooms, all decorated in a comfortable yet chic style and boasting lavish cultural touches. Culinary highlights include modern Chinese cuisine at Hakkasan, fine French fare at Le Vendome and award-winning local dishes at Mezlai Emirati Restaurant.

On the 74th floor of Tower 2 at the Etihad Towers complex, the Observation Deck at 300 offers unbeatable views of Abu Dhabi’s cityscape and surrounding islands. What’s more, guests visiting the capital’s highest vantage point - the ‘300’ stands for ‘metres in the air’ - can take in the sights while enjoying delicious refreshments, light snacks or scrumptious High Tea.

Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past.Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum. There are workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills, such as metal work and pottery, while women sit weaving and spinning. The craftsmen are happy to share their skills, and may occasionally give you the chance to try them out.The little spice shop is a treat – you can get a range of dried herbs, handmade soap and plenty of chatter.