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Postcards from Abu Dhabi

In a very strange way, Abu Dhabi has stolen my heart. To be honest, I can’t tell you why, but after my 3rd trip to the Emirate state, I am more sure than ever and in my mind, I am already planning round 4. To me, Abu Dhabi is extremely interesting. The whole concept of a royal family, the Sheikh as the ruler (chosen by blood rather than the people) and the culture is so intriguing. I sometimes find myself googeling things like the reason behind the license plate auctions – the lower the number, the more expensive the plate – or if the abaya found it’s origin in religion, to keep the eyes off of the women, or in the geographic setting, to protect the locals from sand storms. I love the Emirati food (hello hummus) and the Great Mosque never seizes to amaze me. The endless sand dunes in the desert are calming, while the skyline is constantly changing at a fast pace. It is not for everyone, but I love traveling to Abu Dhabi!

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

The most recent trip to the largest of the 7 Emirate states was short but sweet. Together with FlyNiki and Madonna, Kathi and I left Vienna on Monday morning for 2 days of fund in the sun. At first, I was unsure about the super short length of the trip, but with the easy breezy direct flight from Vienna (thank goodness for wifi on the plane!), only a slight time change of 3hrs and good planning, we had an amazing time – even if it was barely 48 hours.

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

In February, Mike and I stayed at the Shangri-La directly across the canal from the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, which is where we stayed this time. A huge hotel with over 500 rooms, but absolutely stunning!

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

During my past visits, I never made it to the famous Emirates Palace – this time we got a private tour. It is definitely one of the most impressive hotels I have ever been in and it stretches about 1km along the beach, but personally, I prefer smaller hotels. It does, however, also have perks like the 14 restaurants. We tried the local Emirati cuisine at Mezlai and I can highly recommend it – a place I would for sure plan to visit again in the future!

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

Of course, traveling to Abu Dhabi would not be complete without a visit to the desert. No matter if you book a safari or take a tour with quads – you’ll have fun!

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

They say 3 times is a charm, but I could easily go for a 4th when it comes to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It will leave you speechless and feeling humble with it’s giant white structure against the clear blue sky. It is most popular for it’s Friday gatherings and during Eid prayers it can reach up to 40.000 visitors – all of which can fit inside … Every time I visit the mosque, I learn something new. For example, the chandelier below was created by Faustig in Munich and incorporates millions of Swarovski crystals.

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

Last, but definitely not least, we stopped by the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island for lunch at the Beach House. Two words: Hotel goals! Even though we only had a look around the hotel and ate lunch, I am so in love with the place, that it is definitely where I want to stay during my next trip to Abu Dhabi. The white sandy beach and perfectly turquoise water doesn’t hurt either … ♥ Plus, the Saadiyat Beach Club is right down the beach!

Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports Traveling to Abu Dhabi | Bikinis & Passports

Want to know more about Abu Dhabi?
Be sure to check out my post with “10 things to do in Abu Dhabi“!

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15 Comments

  • 8 years ago

    Wow – das sind so wundervolle Bilder von Abu Dhabi und vor allem die Wüsten Eindrücke sind wirklich toll. Ich glaube ich muss auch mal wieder dorthin 🙂
    LG
    Brini
    BrinisFashionBook

  • 8 years ago

    Die Bilder sehen so bezaubernd schön aus und Abu Dhabi rückt immer höher auf meiner Travel Bucket List <3

    Liebe Grüße
    Luise | http://www.just-myself.com

  • Hey,
    wo ist denn deine tolle weite Hose her? 🙂
    Ich fliege im Januar nach Marrakech und bin auf der Suche nach genau so einer!

    Liebe Grüße

    Julia

  • 8 years ago

    Looks so nice! I must give it a visit! And you should defintely try the lebanese Hummus, it’s best one 😉
    Much love!

  • 8 years ago

    Ein unglaublich schöner Post!! Ich war leider noch nie dort, aber habe schon so viele tolle Reiseberichte gelesen und glaube wir würde es dort echt gut gefallen!

  • 8 years ago

    Abu Dhabi ist so wunderschön. Wenn ich deine Bilder so sehe, dann bekomme ich direkt wieder Fernweh. Ich muss unbedingt auch ganz bald wieder in die Emirate <3 So schöne Bilder!
    Liebe Grüße, Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com

  • 8 years ago

    Wunderschöne Fotos liebe Vicky. Ich liebe deine Reiseberichte einfach und wie es der Zufall will geht es für mich und meinen liebsten nächste Woche nach Abu Dhabi ins Park Hyatt.
    Doe Vorfreude ist ohnehin schon unfassbar riesig aber dank deiner Fotos und Worte bin ich noch viel hibbeliger.

    Liebe Grüße

    Nina von http://www.letssweat.de/blog/

    • vicky
      8 years ago

      Du Glückliche!!!

      Das Park Hyatt ist der absolute Traum … wenn ich das nächste Mal in Abu Dhabi bin, dann möchte ich dort UNBEDINGT wohnen.

      Euch eine tolle Zeit und genießt es 🙂

      xox Vicky

      • 8 years ago

        Danke liebe Vicky, das werden wir bestimmt!
        Es war so ein Zufall. Morgens hatten wir gebucht und nachmittags sah ich deinen Post bei Instagram. Perfektes Timing! Danke, dass du so viele Eindrücke mit uns teilst 🙂

        Nina

  • 8 years ago

    Wow, das sind wirklich traumhaft schöne Bilder!

    xx Sarah

    http://www.sarahvonh.com

  • 8 years ago

    wunderschöne Fotos

  • 8 years ago

    Wunderschöne Fotos! Ich mag es total, wie du über Abu Dhabi schreibst, das Reisen ist meiner Meinung nach immer noch die schönste Bildung und es ist toll, wenn man so viel über andere Kulturen lernen darf!

    Liebe Grüße,
    Sonja von http://www.jointhesunnyside.de

  • 8 years ago

    Woooow, so schöne Fotos!!! 🙂
    xx Carina von the golden avenue

  • […] cashmere sweater layered over my striped blouse, it is hard to believe that not even 2 weeks ago, I was in Abu Dhabi wearing palazzo pants and short sleeves. A trip to the desert is definitely one of the must-dos […]

  • […] Dhabi, it was the only place that I got to visit twice this year. And I am still not sick of it. The second time around was short but sweet and for the first time ever I made it inside the stunning Grand Mosque. Too […]

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