UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The United Arab Emirates is a place usually associated with hyper-luxury and gold-embossed everything. Arriving in Abu Dhabi for a whirlwind two nights (thanks to Etihad Air’s stopover program), I wasn’t sure how this city’s grand scale would fit my travel style. But in less than forty-eight hours, the capital surprised me by offering unexpected glimpses into its heritage and complex modern culture.
My first and most important goal was to visit the absolute stunner: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. I literally visited twice in one day— early in the morning and again after dark—just to see how the gleaming white marble transformed under different lighting. I also experienced the city’s opulent side at the Mandarin Oriental, trying camel milk ice cream and eyeing desserts draped in real gold leaf, before wandering a massive mall’s gold souq.
But the moments that stayed with me happened away from the glitz. By complete happenstance, my stay aligned with the once-annual Maritime Heritage Festival, which showcased traditional coastal customs, giving a glimpse into the country in the before-times. Another highlight was a simple, candid conversation with a local Emirati woman who shared her perspective on the country’s gender disparities and the reality of navigating life as a woman in this still-conservative, male-dominated place.
A short stay is nowhere near enough time to know a country, but this brief window proved that even in a city built on hyper-modernity, the true depth of a place is always found in its heritage and the honest conversations of its people.
Spotlight: Faces of Abu Dhabi
Behind the gleaming skyscrapers and ultra-modern skyline lies a culture deeply rooted in maritime heritage, ancient crafts, and profound pride. Explore my photo essay to get a glimpse into the people of Abu Dhabi who safeguard the soul of the Emirates.
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