THE marble domes of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque glisten in the sun.
This architectural marvel — built over 13 years and covering a 30-acre site — features gold chandeliers, millions of Swarovski crystals and has room for 40,000 worshippers.
Yet all this opulence comes at a no cost — entry to enjoy its wonders is free.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, and offers a far more laidback and atmospheric experience than its neighbour, Dubai.
From the awe-inspiring Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the adrenalin-filled delights of Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi has more to entertain than you might think and doesn’t have to break the bank.
Journey 20 minutes up the road from the Grand Mosque and you’ll find yourself at Abu Dhabi’s most opulent hotel, The Emirates Palace.
While a stay here will cost you from £250 a night, you can admire its beauty and beachside location for free.
After touring the grounds, you can also splash out and live the high life at Le Cafe where cappuccino sprinkled with 24ct gold will set you back £15.
The country is rightly proud of the cultural highlight that is the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The architectural wonder is surrounded by the tranquil backdrop of the Arabian Gulf.
Entry price is around £20 for adults.
While we’re talking entry fees — a free family-friendly day out at the Heritage Village, The Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and exploration of the botanical gardens at Umm Al Emarat Park are all free.
Taxis are readily available and will generally cost £10-£15 to travel between most attractions.
A cheaper alternative, however, would be to board the Visit Abu Dhabi shuttle bus service, which is free to tourists and calls at many of the top hotels and attractions.
And it’s got air-conditioning and wi-fi.
Ok, ready to raise the stakes?
Look no further than Yas Island.
It’s a playground, an 25km entertainment hub and an F1 race track all in one.
After theme parks and links golf courses?
Find them all right here on Yas Island, a venue that hosts world-famous artists and sports.
As you can imagine entry here is not free, but some of these activities border once-in-a-lifetime territory and indoor skydiving at CLYMB is definitely in that category.
I was more than a little hesitant as I plodded into the clear cylindrical chamber around halfway up for the zero-gravity flying experience.
But given a group of four-year-old toddlers had breezed through it seconds before me, I took the instructor’s hand and flew into the great beyond.
Graceful?
Nope.
But that didn’t matter.
Forget skydiving, it was flying for £53.
A short hop and you’ve reached Yas Island Marina Circuit.
It’s a must if you’re a petrolhead, but equally exhilarating if you’re partial to go-karting around the circuit.
One 15-minute session will set you back £18 for kids and £27 for adults, which includes all your racing gear and access to the changing rooms.
Sticking with cars, make sure you pencil in Ferrari World one afternoon.
It’s the largest indoor theme park on the planet with over 40 rides, attractions, restaurants and exhibitions.
It’s also home to the fastest roller coaster on the planet and, you’ll be thrilled to hear, completely air-conditioned.
You’ll rarely have to queue for any ride longer than ten minutes, which was a bonus in that I had less time to question my life decisions before boarding the 149mph Formula Rossa roller coaster.
As with any holiday, picking the right hotel is essential.
It can feel daunting choosing accommodation in Abu Dhabi — one look at the skyline and you’ll feel like your money is ready to evaporate.
That’s not necessarily the case.
Yes, there’s some higher-priced options like the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel And Villas, which is unquestionably one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in for £285 per night.
But whereas £100 in the UK will generally get you a Premier Inn — £100 in Abu Dhabi will get you a 5H hotel equipped with all the thrills and a rooftop pool.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche is one of those that can be booked for £87 per night, and includes four restaurants, two bars and an outdoor pool, along with a fitness centre.
Abu Dhabi may resemble the ultimate millionaire’s playground but you can still enjoy its delights on less extravagant budgets.
GETTING THERE: Etihad Airways flies from Heathrow to Abu Dhabi with fares from £600 return.
See etihad.com
STAYING THERE: Rooms at the Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche are from £87 per night.
See sofitelabudhabicorniche.com
MORE INFO: Plan your trip at visitabudhabi.ae.
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